Travel

In 1978, the foundation stone was laid for what would become one of Salzburg's most beloved mountain resorts - Das Edelweiss. Spearheaded by Senior boss Peter Hettegger, this family-owned venture began as a small bed and breakfast with 14 rooms and a charming cafe. Over the next few decades, Das Edelweiss underwent remarkable expansions and renovations, with Peter's dedication and the support of his family shaping it into the modern holiday destination it is today.

There are many reasons to visit the Caribbean - the sea, sand, sun, and seafood along with a cosmopolitan culture influenced by France, Africa, England and East India. However, I visited Saint Lucia this time, for its infamous Jazz Festival, where the likes of pop rock legends Air Supply, Davido, Samara Joy, Jon Secada and Chloe Bailey performed.

The View Hotel in Agadir is a newly launched 5-star luxury hotel that opened in March 2024. Situated just south of Essaouira, it overlooks a pristine, expansive beach on the Atlantic coast. Guests are greeted with freshly squeezed lemon juice, Moroccan teas, desserts, and macarons as part of the traditional welcome. Located only 35 minutes from Agadir airport, the journey is convenient and quick. Check-in is seamlessly handled while guests enjoy their refreshments, taking in views of the vast, oasis-shaped pool winding around beautiful palm trees and adjacent to the beach.

What better way to test the Audi A6 plug-in hybrid than to take it 3500 miles across France and Spain visiting luxury chateaux, villas and sublime art exhibitions?

One rainy morning I set off, with the Audi A6 hybrid fully charged (39 miles range) and gassed up to the max, headed for Dover. The idea being to test the Avant over long distances for ease of use, mpg, drivability, handling, speed, space and comfort.

The Idyllic Isle of Bequia

What divine inspiration dreamt up the island of Bequia?

Pronounced ‘Bekwey’ this 7-mile stretch means ‘island of the clouds’ in ancient Arawak. It’s one of 32 islands that make up St Vincent and The Grenadines. Home originally to a small group of Caribs, the French and later the Brits then presided. Bequia developed less from sugar as from sea-island cotton and indigo, from boat building (especially schooners), whaling and merchant seamen.

Mona Lisa's ancestral abode, nestled amidst the rolling Chianti hills above Greve and a mere stone's throw from Panzano, now stands as a luxurious haven for travellers. A short forty-minute drive south of Florence unveils this gem of a hotel, once the cherished family home of the enigmatic Mona Lisa.

In 2014, the esteemed architect and garden virtuoso, 65-year-old Patrice Taravella, took ownership of the "Villa Rinascimentale" along with its sprawling grounds, embarking on a mission to revive its former splendour. 

Audi, In a stroke of creative genius that amply demonstrates their spirit of adventure, sponsored the 2023 Queens Cup Balloon Race.

Definitely one of the most exciting and thrilling races I have ever covered. Imagine a fusion of rally car driving, classic yacht racing, Georgian airships and three-dimensional chess and you have a rough idea of the Queens Cup Balloon Race. Now throw in a massive sprinkling of great British eccentricity and a dash of those magnificent men in their flying machines and you're there.

Mid-October, saw the port of Southampton welcome the first call of MSC Euribia, ready to begin her winter sailings around Northern Europe.

In a world where time is of the essence and convenience reigns supreme, private jet travel has become the ultimate symbol of luxury and efficiency. But behind the scenes of these high-flying experiences lies a group of professionals who make it all happen: private jet charter brokers. These individuals are the unsung heroes of the skies, tirelessly working to provide their clients with seamless and customised travel experiences.