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Saga Holidays •

India: Seeing really is believing

When season three of BBC1’s award-winning show Race Across the World came onto our screens, husband and wife team Stephen and Viv were the standout heroes of the show. Why? Viewers fell in love with their natural banter, their openness to share their rollercoaster of emotions throughout their epic journey from Japan to Indonesia, as well as demonstrate that a pair of retirees were able to slum it with backpacks and give the younger contestants a run for their money.Since their trip, rather than...
Metro •

In failing MasterChef, I’ve rediscovered my love of cooking

My greatest fear as I saw John Torode and Gregg Wallace standing in front of me was that I didn’t want to be the first one out.
For the weeks leading up to this pivotal moment in my short-lived MasterChef appearance, my life had become an endless stream of cooking books, recipe testing, food research and cooking, cooking, cooking.
Food invaded every thought and every spare moment I had. I was barely sleeping, making notes, revising recipes and trying to learn techniques I’d never even heard of....
Saga Holidays •

The 50 best restaurants in the world

With food and travel such a perfect combination, we take a look at some of the incredible destinations that also have the accolade of being home to some of the world’s best restaurants.While delicious food can be eaten on street corners, in cosy trattorias, beside beach shacks or even in locals’ front rooms – there is something to be said about the fine dining experience.Those crisply pressed white tablecloths, the pristine tableware and polished glasses, attentive waiting staff and knowledgeabl...

Lanzarote with kids: the best things to do and where to stay

Semi-circular walls of volcanic rock are called zocos, which is why the Iberostar Lanzarote Park takes the shape of three zocos, that look out over the spectacular Atlantic Ocean. And with Timanfaya’s volcanic landscape just half an hour away, and the picturesque village of Yaiza close by, there are plenty of things to do with the kids.But that’s if you can tear them away from the Aquafun with a whopping eight water slides. The Star Camp is suitable for kids 4-17 and has a host of activities whi...
Time & Leisure •

Joanna Lumley is Absolutely Fabulous - Time & Leisure

“The tour was sensational and I had a wonderful time going down memory lane and interacting with the audiences – we had such warm responses,” she says. “The first half focuses on my professional career from my time as a model, to the Bond films, Dracula, Pink Panther and The Avengers all the way through to Absolutely Fabulous and my travel programmes.
“The second half is when I take questions from the audience, which we love because they’re different every night and they ask about all sorts of d...

7 Amazing hotels with indoor pools - UK

With the real possibility of experiencing four seasons in one day in the UK, lying on a sun lounger with a good book and floating in a pool isn’t as appealing when grey skies and downpours beckon. Good news: With so many superb hotels around the country with indoor facilities and spas, you’re guaranteed a poolside haven without variable weather conditions threatening to dampen your mood.Whether you’re looking for a romantic spa break for two, or a family trip with an added touch of luxury, these...

New Year’s Eve breaks for couples for the perfect midnight kiss

New Year’s Eve is a special night. A time to reflect on the past year, to cherish the good times, let go of the bad, and look forward to the dawning of a new era. Perhaps you and your loved one have bright aspirations or a newfound determination to make some changes. Whatever your goals or plans, when the clock strikes midnight, nothing can feel more romantic than sharing a kiss with your significant other and feeling excited about the future together.I remember with fondness celebrating with my...

Beach resorts in Croatia: soak in the warmth of the sun and drink in the views

The crystal clear Adriatic shimmers from every angle in Croatia. Whether you’re driving through the winding Dalmatian coastline into the city of Dubrovnik or wandering the maze of ancient stone streets in Hvar, the sea is never too far away.From buzzy beaches to serene shores, the one fact beach lovers must be aware of is that there is hardly any sand on Croatian beaches – nearly all of them have fine shingle or pebbles. But the lack of sand paves the way for gloriously clear waters and great sh...
Time & Leisure •

An Interview With Anna Jones – The Modern Cook - Time & Leisure

Anna Jones’ laugh is infectious. If you meet the food writer and vegetarian cook, you’ll be bowled over by her genuine warmth. It’s this gregarious nature that has won Anna a legion of fans all over the world after bursting onto the food scene some 10 years ago with her best-selling cookbook A Modern Way to Eat. Using a cosmopolitan and fresh approach, Anna Jones has since transformed humble vegetables and elevated them to new heights.
Not bad for the former Epsom College student who fell in lov...
Time & Leisure •

Steve Drake on Michelin starred Sorrel

The moment I stepped through the door I knew 77 South Street was perfect. I’d been looking for a site for about 18 months but nothing had been quite right. The moment I saw ‘Little Dudley House’ (as it was then known), I knew it was the one: as well as being a beautiful 300-year old building, it’s given us the flexibility to create a bespoke open kitchen as well as a new type of space and style for my cooking.
Moving to this area also felt like coming home – I won my first Michelin star when I w...
Inspiration Guide •

Plans for children - Mindfulness tips for your holidays | Iberostar

Travel is rewarding in so many ways, not least because it affords the opportunities for us to be able to be a little braver when we seek out destinations that are completely new to us, and to experience cultures, languages and situations outside of the norm. But it’s this exact element that can cause children to be worried.

Perhaps you have a child who is anxious about flying, or being in a car for long periods of time. Or maybe they’re concerned about the different food that they may have to...

Romantic hotels in the UK for a loved-up couples weekend

The last time my husband and I were lucky enough to get away for a few nights without our two little boys, we laughed…lots. We even held hands and chatted about stuff other than our children. And while there was an element of guilt associated with enjoying some much-needed alone time, those thoughts were soon pushed aside after the realisation that our mini-moon was a rare opportunity to inject some romance back into our relationship.Of course, the location of any romantic break also plays a key...
The Jewish Chronicle •

Ice ice baby - The Jewish Chronicle

And of Reykjavik’s string of whale watching companies, it’s hard to beat the responsible whale watching ethos of Elding. One of the first to offer trips in the city, Elding works closely with marine biologists and conservationists, becoming the only Earth Check Gold Certified whale watching company in the world.But with 23 different species to spot in the waters around Iceland, including humpback whales, it’s a great place to try.So, many years later, when I headed to Iceland with my family, I w...