Travel

 I remember my first visit to the Loire Valley like it was yesterday. Understandably given my left hand still carries the scars of a weekend that didn’t go quite as planned.

Few could deny the countryside outside Phuket is the exotic paradise idyll incarnate. White sands, blue waters to die for, tropical fauna and flora, and a pace of life that defines laid back. Save for the flights from Heathrow- even in business class- everything about a holiday in this corner of the Andaman Sea coast should be relaxing and luxurious.
 

Perhaps it’s the proximity to Britain, and the longitudinal position it occupies on the globe. Maybe it’s simply because the southern shores of France tend to shout so much louder when it comes to elegance, luxury and ideal destinations for beach holidays. Either way, there’s a good chance that Brittany is low on the list when it comes to finding a luxury place to stay. Look a little closer, though, and quite how much you’ve been missing quickly becomes clear. 

If you've had the chance to visit the wonderful Tutankhamun treasures on show at the Saatchi Gallery in London (until 03 May) you may well have been inspired to consider a trip to Egypt. Cairo is one of the world's most fascinating cities and the Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are popular for wintersun and diving but a cruise on the magnificent Nile river, the lifeblood of the entire country is the trump travel card. It is, without doubt, the most relaxing and efficient way to explore the wonders of Ancient Egypt.

It’s not all camel rides through the desert in the sandy vista of Oman, although they are possible! The vast expanse of land is mythical in itself, shadowed by mountains, and exotic architecture, captivating locals and ghost towns, it is easy to get carried away by an Arabic adventure.
I visited Oman when the country was still in its forty days of mourning- the much loved Sultan Qaboos bin Said had passed away, and the country was sombre. However, it didn’t affect the stunning scenery, and vistas which dominate the southeastern coast of Western Asia.

It’s 6pm. Two sleepy pairs of legs are heading to the 20th floor of a building in the centre of Reykjavík. We walk into an empty foyer surprisingly devoid of the hurry-home hussle of workers sharing the tower. I notice, happily, that Icelanders are rather good at clocking-off on time. The lift pings our arrival and we’re greeted by Anni, our warm and welcoming Tower Suites concierge who shows us to our room – one of 8 suites.

We were ready to give up. And I am oh-so-pleased we didn’t. If we had, we’d have missed one of the most spectacular sights we’d ever seen. It’s giving me goosebumps just thinking about it (and no, I’m not just talking about the cold!).

“Why wouldst thou leave calm Hartwell’s green abode...Apician table and Horatian Ode?”
Lord Byron referring to Louis XVIII’s departure from Hartwell House.
Owned by the National Trust, Hartwell House is an exceptional opportunity to stay in a magnificent and eccentrically decorated English stately home in Buckinghamshire. Set in 90 acres of verdantly landscaped garden, just 40 miles from London, it personifies a style and character unique to Jacobean (and Georgian) country houses.

If Imagination had a home, Iceland would be it.