Travel

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands nestled off the African coast, is renowned for its rich and captivating history.

The story of Tenerife dates back to prehistoric times when the Guanche people, believed to have arrived around 200 BC, established their presence on the island. The island derives its name from Chief Tinerfe, who divided the land into nine areas for each of his nine children, which still exist today as the municipal areas of Tenerife: Taoro, Guimar, Abona, Anaga, Tequeste, Taraconte, Icode, Daute, and Adeje.

Under the forested canopy of woodland, parkland, rural villages and hidden compounds, stretching along the south coast, the greatest amphibious assault on mainland Europe was being prepared, known to us by the names ‘Operation Overlord’ & ‘D-Day’: “Portsmouth and the greater Hampshire region is where I suggest starting your Liberation Route journey” Ben Mayne states, the UK Director of the Liberation Route Europe (LRE).

Romania can count back in millennia, when it comes to experience in wine making; in fact it has one of the world’s oldest winemaking traditions and is even one of the world’s largest producers.  

1300 years ago the Maldives was called "Dvipa Laksham" or a hundred thousand islands. It was later referred to as Treasure Island by Arab and Persian traders who came for the pearls, agate, spices, fish and coconuts. For me, these names conjure up visions of islands drifting in such clear water that they appear to float in the sky. Start with that image in your mind's eye to visualise this paradise. 

Should you be contemplating installing your own whisky and gin bar at home, you will undoubtedly undergo research to determine the design and feel. Your inspiration will be drawn from personal experience and research, perhaps looking at some of the finest whisky bars in Scotland. 

The drive from The Torridon Hotel to Murrayshall Country Estate was nothing short of spectacular, if at times happily slow, for all the right reasons. Where else is your progress in the magnificent McLaren 720s hampered by a wild Stag? Having driven the McLaren for hundreds of miles already, it was still exhilarating driving this supercar. At times blended in with the far-reaching sky in tonal colour and could easily become invisible in low-lying Scottish mist and rain.

Our final stop on the McLaren 720S International Excellence Magazine Tour was The Roseate Hotel in Edinburgh. They have free parking so we pulled the supercar around the back of the imposing detached Jacobean manor and ambled into reception.

McLaren 720S Scotland Tour.

The Torridon Hotel is set on Upper Loch Torridon with spectacular views in the northwest of Scotland opposite the Isle of Skye. Driving to the Torridon is a visual feast of soft rolling orange fern-covered hills peppered with scintillating streams and lakes. It is an area of outstanding beauty and the hotel is the ideal place from which to explore. This is one for the romantics, the perfect venue for a spring, summer or winter weekend.

From the Field of Miracles to the Gulf of Paradise

It’s a rare and special act travelling off-season especially somewhere so geared to the summer where sun loungers are arranged in busy blocks to dissuade the casual visitor. Off-season you meet only locals, you don’t queue and in time you start to feel a local. It’s all so much more immersive and rewarding.

The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links on the Isle of Islay occupies one of the most stunningly beautiful locations in the world. Rows of stark white buildings set in an emerald baize golf course threaded with sparkling streams between rolling golden hills, seven miles of sandy beaches and a turquoise sea. 

The entrance to The Machrie is mile long private road winding past fluffy white sheep and the links golf course.