Travel

 
It was Sunday and I was heading to the Emerald Isle to take in some art. Two of Ireland’s finest hotels, The Merrion in Dublin and County Laois’s Ballyfin, have come together to showcase their own collections of fine Irish art in a venture titled Inspiring Irish Art Weekend. I was hoping to be spoiled.

 
William Shakespeare called England “this other Eden...this precious stone set in the silver sea”. It is certainly a country in which travelling can be every bit as enjoyable as arriving.

 
Interview
The Inside Track…
One of the most luxurious, and deeply English, ways to travel through England’s glorious countryside is on the Orient-Express British Pullman. Over the last century, Orient-Express has come to symbolise the most romantic railway experiences available, and, as the birthplace of the locomotive, there’s no better place to experience the iconic brand’s opulent hospitality than in England. Orient-Express Managing Director Gary Franklin tells us why.    
What is so quintessentially English about the Orient-Express?

 
‘British Pullman and Northern Belle, are sister trains to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express’
British Pullman: Relive the Golden Age of travel, when royalty, film stars and heads of state travelled on this vintage “palace on wheels”. Day and weekend excursions feature great destinations and sporting events. Superb on-board cuisine is a highlight of every journey.

 
‘the world’s leading provider of the finest luxury airport services, delivering a first class experience on the ground at more than 500 destinations worldwide’
DiamondAir International is the world’s leading provider of the finest luxury airport services, delivering a first class experience on the ground at more than 500 destinations worldwide, expanding into rail stations, ports and other transportation hubs.

 
Right across the country, you can be assured that a warm and very special welcome awaits you.
 

 
Interview
At your service...
Head Concierge at InterContinental London Park Lane, Simon Rose is an expert in luxury service. He’s also a member of exclusive international concierge network The Society of the Golden Keys, which prides itself on its rigorous application process. Members have their fingers firmly on the pulses of their cities, able to accommodate requests at any time of day or night.
 
How does a concierge service enhance someone’s experience?

 
‘It undoubtedly has the reputation for being one of the best hotels in England, if not Europe and according to some, even the world’
 
Chewton Glen is a country house hotel and spa set in 130 acres of Hampshire countryside, it undoubtedly has the reputation for being one of the best hotels in England, if not Europe and according to some, even the world.

 
‘No one could resist an invitation to Cliveden; from Churchill to Chaplin, Lawrence to Lennon. Fortunes have been made, plots hatched. History changed...’
Cliveden is unique... One of the world’s finest luxury hotels, this grand stately home is set in the heart of the Berkshire countryside, surrounded by 376 acres of magnificent National Trust managed Grade I listed formal gardens and parkland. Cliveden has wonderful panoramic views over the River Thames and is one of the finest luxury hotels near London and Heathrow Airport.