Travel

Waking up covered completely with a fluffy, white duvet in a cosy, warm flat I groaned and pulled the cover over my face and tried to flick the alarm off with as little effort as possible. It was 7am and the phone case prevented stopping the alarm that penetrated my sleep and shot me into the waking world with little remorse. I had no excuse, I was supposed to be up to catch the best snow and enjoy whatever powder lines were still intact from the previous night’s snow.

It was a bitterly cold morning in the southern Bulgarian ski town of Bansko and the instant coffee on the balcony had chilled at an alarming pace. In the distance the vague plumes of steam could be seen coming from the figure of a muscular brown horse pulling a cart. On top of the cart was a man with a dark complexion holding the reigns loosely and bobbing up and down as the cart moved forward. The snow was thick with a slight crust on the surface as it had rained a little the previous night.

Cheltenham has a reputation of being the essence of an elegant Regency town, the immediate image that comes to mind is that it is rather genteel and sleepy, the fact is that there is masses going on in and around the town. It is generally accepted as having the role as the cultural centre of the Cotswolds; festivals are aplenty. Within the town there is plenty of interest from the museum and art gallery to water activities at the 1930s outdoor lido and the boating lake in Pittville Park.

A few years ago, we reviewed the historic Bear Hotel at Woodstock near Oxford; a characterful, pretty, ivy-clad historic coaching inn with a super-abundance of beams, open fireplaces, squeaky floorboards and a rich helping of atmosphere… Just perfect to explore the Cotswolds for both the active and the just downright lazy! You don't even have to go very far because there's much to see in and around Woodstock itself, so we were very much looking forward to revisiting such a delightful place.

Top Ten British Luxury James Bond Essentials
Here is a selection of the top ten luxury brands a British gentleman would love to own. Most of these are British and even James Bond would approve of the few that have become global brands.

Dawn was just breaking in Yerevan, Armenia and the sun was starting to filter through the high rise buildings in the centre illuminating the mish mash of streets and buildings. The only people walking the street at 5.30 am were the unlucky few. Those who have early morning shifts at the hospital, the parking conductors, the cigarette venders or those heading towards the numerous construction sites across the city. Yerevan in the early morning is much like any other city, the rich and poor, the young and old and the pace of life are all very similar to say London, Paris or Milan.

Top Luxury Travel Destinations In A Hunton Yacht
Think of James Bond’s gadgets and it does not come much bigger than a yacht. A luxury yacht is the ultimate style icon, be it from sailing a 54-foot yacht up Venice’s Grand Canal as in the movie remake of Casino Royale, to navigating through the British Virgin Islands or coasting around the Cote d’Azur. The world’s your oyster as top destinations go for sailing a coveted luxury yacht to paradise and mooring up.

With Spielberg’s BFG released on 22nd July, locations across England will be brought to life on the big screen. And, with celebrations gearing up for the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth on 13th September, there’s an abundance of scrumdiddlyumptious activities to get involved in across the country this summer.
Here VisitEngland rounds up the best Dahlicious days out for ‘human beans’ of all ages to enjoy.
Wondercrump Events:
Roald Dahl Museum and StoryCentre (Throughout 2016)

Few places offer as much to do and see, all year round, as the largest and most charming of Italy's lakes: Lake Garda.
And the place to see it at its very best is its east coast, in the Veneto region. Whether in search of family fun, activity breaks, romantic evenings, culture, relaxation or simply the peace and tranquillity of nature, this area covers it all. And, of course, there's always Italy's world-renowned wine and food to savour.

The Cotswolds represent the British countryside at its best, an idyll that is portrayed in so many films and articles.  An added bonus is that we have some of the most luxurious country house hotels where you can find all the creature comforts, together with delicious food.  You can chill out in the sanctuary of a relaxing spa, perhaps while away a few hours with chosen friends and family, or explore beautiful gardens, intimate local villages and towns.  All very decadent and sybaritic.