Florence knows how to do Christmas. By late November the city feels alive again. Lights stretch across the piazzas, music drifts from street corners and the smell of warm panettone follows you through the narrow lanes. Walk over the Arno and the bridges sparkle with illuminations.

The vibe at Mama Shelter in Shoreditch, London, is cool and effortlessly hip without trying too hard. A mix of creative types, locals and travellers fill the open-plan bar and dining area, where people sit with their laptops, lunch, cocktails or brunch. There’s no expectation to move along or order endlessly. You can sit, work, meet or daydream for hours and no one bats an eyelid. The music’s good, the mood’s better, and everyone genuinely seems to be having a nice time.

Chewton Glen is one of Britain’s great country house hotels for good reason. Set in 130 acres on the edge of the New Forest, a short walk from the sea, it blends style and polish with real warmth. The latest chapter is a standout refurbishment by London studio Goddard Littlefair, which has reimagined some of the rooms, the bar, Dining Room and drawing rooms with an elegant, lived-in feel. Think parquet underfoot, velvet sofas, handmade wooden tables, soft lavender and green tartans and herringbones, and open fires glowing wherever you turn. It’s sophisticated and classic, and it suits Chewton Glen beautifully.

Who knew that London Marriott Park Lane was such a gem? It might be a big city hotel but it feels very much like a boutique hotel.

Boringdon Hall in Devon - a country house hotel that’s perfect for a foodie or spa break for couples, girlfriends. Michelin star restaurant Àclèaf is an absolute treat and perfect for a romantic meal à deux.

Travel Guide for Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Travel and hotel tips for your stay in the rainforest. Luxury and boutique hotels, rainforest hideaways and more.

Kura Costa Rica is a sustainable hideaway in the rainforest. Expect stunning views and just eight modern suites at this design-led boutique hotel.

High up in the rainforest in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Rancho Pacifico is a luxury jungle hideaway with excellent service, modern treehouses and great food.

Longueville Manor is the best hotel in the Channel Islands. Independently owned this traditional and luxurious hotel and spa ticks all of the boxes when it comes to location, food, wine, service, gardens and spa.

Rothes Glen, The Luxury Castle for Whisky Connoisseurs and for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Equidistant from Aberdeen and Inverness, this private castle sleeps 28 guests in over 14 rooms and suites.

Personal review of the Stress Management Retreat at Ananda in the Himalayas - sleep better, live better…

The Best 60 Hotels of all time for 2023, part 4

The best 60 hotels of all time for 2023, part 2 - Long Haul Hotels

The best 60 hotels of all time for 2023, part 2

The best 60 hotels of all time for 2023

Ten New Hotel Openings for 2023

New Don’t Worry bar opens at Hotel Le Sirenuse on the Amalfi Coast..

The Place Firenze, the first boutique hotel in Florence now begins its next chapter, a new story, a place you’ll love to call your home during your stay in Florence.

NEW HOTEL OPENING FOR 2021. Elang is a new private island playground with 6 lodges in the remote Anambas Islands, Indonesia.

Villa Stephanie in Baden Baden is one of the best medical spas in Europe. Using an innovative high-tech approach a bespoke wellness programme is formulated by a team of some of the best health professionals in the world.