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UK
A Right Royal Day Out
Blenheim Palace has announced the launch of its brand-new Palace and Play Pass, which gives visitors unlimited access to Adventure Play as well as to Blenheim Palace, Park and Gardens*.
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Hotels
It's A Dog's Life!
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Doggy dinners of the highest order!
As much as dog owners enjoy staycations the majority wouldn’t dream of leaving their faithful friend behind……..explaining why The Inn Collection Group has cottoned on to this niche aspect of the hotel stay market. The company has inns in handpicked coastal, country, town, and city locations - and in The Lake District there are 10, in the likes of Windermere, Ambleside and Bassenthwaite.
1:00 AM 6th May 2024
Hotels
Refurbished Brackenrigg Inn Reopens,
Newly renovated country pub with rooms, The Brackenrigg Inn, has opened its doors to Lake District locals, walkers and guests of Another Place, The Lake. Another Place, The Lake is tapping into local Cumbrian spirit with its latest venture – a refreshing take on a traditional country pub.
1:00 AM 4th May 2024
Asia
Going Solo In The Maldives This July
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Nova Maldives has announced a Solo Travel promotion as it seeks to capitalise on the increasing number of ‘go-it-alone’ adventurers. Throughout July, guests can immerse themselves in an array of engaging experiences designed to enrich their solo journey from art classes to meditation, yoga to snorkelling.
1:00 AM 30th April 2024
Europe
Spotlight On - Lujo Hotel
The Lujo Hotel in Turkey has just announced its 2024 season with the inauguration of seven new SunSet villas, bringing the total number of private accommodations to 56 in eight distinct levels of excellence. Nestled on the Bodrum coast the property claims to offer unparallelled luxury and comfort and meticulously crafted accommodation guaranteed to offer visitors a serene retreat.
1:00 AM 26th April 2024
Europe
'Bluebird Effect' Boosts Lake District Tourism
The pulling power of Donald Campbell’s famous jet hydroplane Bluebird has made the village of Coniston one of this year’s hottest Lake District destinations says Cumbria Tourism Visitor numbers to Coniston’s Ruskin Museum have rocketed to record levels since the iconic craft, which crashed on Coniston Water in January 1967, returned to its spiritual home.
1:00 AM 24th April 2024
Asia
Khao Lak – A Slice of Authentic Thailand
“I love this place because there aren’t too many Brits, there’s not an English breakfast in sight and it is still very much ‘authentic Thailand.’” Angela** who was holidaying with her husband and two young children, didn’t pull her punches. After all she ran a 500-student dance school in London: clearly organisation was her middle name and she knew exactly what she wanted from a vacation.
1:00 AM 20th April 2024
Asia
New Jewel In India's Well-Studded Crown
Radisson Hotel Group has announced the debut of its luxury lifestyle brand, Radisson Collection, in India with the opening of Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar.
1:00 AM 15th April 2024
Asia
Bangkok’s Hidden Gems - A Three Hotel Journey
Thailand’s capital boasts countless ‘big attractions’ but move away from the well-beaten track and you will find some hidden gems: how to extract venom from a snake for example (do not try at home!) and the story of Jim Thompson, the US millionaire who disappeared without a trace leaving behind one of the biggest brands in the world!
1:00 AM 13th April 2024
Africa
Moroccan ‘Earthquake’ Hotel Set To Re-Open
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
A North African hotel which faced partial closure following last year’s devastating Moroccan earthquake, will open six brand new Riads this July with a full re opening later this year. The Kasbah Tamadot, part of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition stable of properties, is synonymous with Berber hospitality and will reopen in full on 15th October.
12:00 AM 30th March 2024
Hotels
Blackpool's Imperial Hotel - A Mint Legacy 157 Years On
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
As you enter the lobby at Blackpool’s Imperial Hotel it is hard to deny that you are following in the footsteps of political greatness and, as you check in, you wonder whether or not you will hear the tattyfilarious tones of Ken Dodd or one of his mother-in-law jokes!
1:00 AM 23rd March 2024
Deals
Choctastic Offer At Northern Hotels
Three northern hotels are taking part in a Willy Wonka style competition in which Golden Tickets have been hidden in choclaty treats with hotel stays as prizes. INNSiDE by Meliá, part of Meliá Hotels International, is eggcitedly ushering in its special #StayCurious Easter Golden Ticket Competition, in partnership with renowned Chocolatier, Oli The Choc.
1:00 AM 17th March 2024
Hotels
Easter Football Clinics - Maldives
Former Premier soccer star, Steve Sidwell, will be running a series of football clinics at Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll, one of the Maldives’ best family resorts, this Easter.
1:00 AM 13th March 2024
Europe
Serbian First As Hotel Brand Launches In Belgrade
Radisson RED Belgrade has opened its doors as a new upscale lifestyle hotel, marking the debut of the Radisson RED brand in Southeast Europe. Located on Takovska Street near the House of the National Assembly in Serbia’s capital, Radisson RED Belgrade offers a unique blend of tradition and contemporary style, following a complete renovation and rebranding of the existing hotel building.
1:00 AM 11th March 2024
Weekend
Tallinn – Mediaeval City and Steven’s Domain!
Edinburgh boasts its Greyfriars Bobby legend – the dog that guarded its dead master’s grave for 14 years – and Japan’s equivalent is Hachiko, immortalised outside Shibuya Station, but none of them can steal a march on Tallinn’s Instagram superstar: Steven the Seagull!
1:00 AM 9th March 2024
Hotels
21st Century Makeover For 18th Century Hotel
The bedroom suites at Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort on the outskirts of Leeds, West Yorkshire, have been upgraded as part of an improvement programme. Seven suites, including the up-market Richmond Castle Suite, famed for its modern glamour, have been given a makeover.
1:00 AM 6th March 2024
Americas
Shiver Me Timbers! What A (Mexican) Deal!
HolidayPirates have got a 52% saving on a 7 night all-inclusive stay at the beautiful 5* Crown Paradise Club Cancun, Mexico with return flights from Manchester and checked bags for £878. The best-value departure date available is 18th March but other dates also available.
10:11 AM 5th March 2024
Weekend
In The Soup In Tartu
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Tartu: European City of Culture
“You might want to turn the roaming off on your phone,” said our Estonian host, Herling Mesi, as we sped across frozen Lake Peipsi at Varnja, just a short car ride from the centre of Tartu. “The Russian border’s only 15km away,” she continued, “right in the centre of the lake, and even though we are only 3km from the shore, Russian telecom may pick up your phone signal.
1:00 AM 2nd March 2024
holidays
Kids Go Free In Cornwall
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
A Cornwall hotel has introduced a ‘Children Should Be Seen (And Not Paid For) package to coincide with the Easter holidays. The St Moritz Hotel + Cowshed Spa, in Trebetherick, near Rock and Polzeath, already has a dedicated kids club with its unique Mini Moritz programme of daily activities.
1:00 AM 28th February 2024
Africa
Unique South Africa Hotel Opening
Radisson Hotel Group has opened its first Safari hotel in Africa, bringing its total number of properties in the country to 11.
1:00 AM 17th February 2024
Hotels
Cumbrian Hotel Changes Hands In £1m+ Deal
Ravenstone Lodge
Ravenstone Lodge, a nine-bedroom boutique hotel in Cumbria overlooking the Bassenthwaite Valley, has been acquired by the owners of the neighbouring Ravenstone Manor Hotel. The specialist Hotels team at commercial real estate firm Colliers sold the hotel which sits in three acres of mature gardens off a guide price of £1.245 million.
1:00 AM 16th February 2024
Weekend
Princess And The Verbier Magic Carpet!
"Are you OK?" said the Frenchman to his daughter as she skied down the nursery slope at Les Esserts in Verbier, Switzerland. "Oui," said the tiny tot moving a dummy to the side of her mouth so that she could reply. Shortly afterwards a tantrum followed as the child, rolling on the ground in the freezing snow, demanded to be carried back to the top of the slope!
1:00 AM 10th February 2024
Africa
Valentine Love In London And Beyond
London love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with a romantic getaway to the Big Smoke? We've handpicked some of the most enchanting hotels to make your Valentine's Day truly special in the nation’s capital.
1:00 AM 6th February 2024
Hotels
Lakeland Inn To Reopen After Makeover
The Brackenrigg Inn overlooking Ullswater in the Lake District will re-open on April 22nd as the first step in a three-year makeover transformation. The hostelry is just five minutes’ walk from its ‘sister’ outlet: Another Place, The Lake.
1:00 AM 2nd February 2024
Hotels
A Wee Dram On The Wild Landscapes Of Skye
A former Scottish clan shooting lodge on Skye has partnered with the island’s newest distillery to market a whisky-themed stay package. Kinloch Lodge has joined forces with Torabhaig Distillery – 10 years old this year - to introduce its new whisky-themed package, so that the duo can showcase both the hotel and distillery, which are set in the wild landscapes of of the Scottish island.
1:00 AM 24th January 2024
Africa
Michelin Man Arrives in Marrakech!
Jean Francois Piège with members of the Bennani Smires family
The Selman Marrakech in Morocco has announced a partnership with acclaimed two-star Michelin chef Jean-François Piège who will take charge of the culinary direction of the restaurants in spring 2024.
1:00 AM 22nd January 2024
Hotels
The World's Best New Luxury Hotels
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Luxury Travel Intelligence (LTI) has named the world’s top luxury hotels of 2023. LTI is a members-only organisation that provides digital reporting for affluent travellers. It said: “Extraordinarily, three of the top four new properties come from renowned jewellers and watchmakers, Bulgari and Chopard.
12:00 AM 16th January 2024
Africa
Grandma’s Wisdom And Globetrotting In 2024
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Group Travel Editor for the P.ublished.com Media Titles, Phil Hopkins, takes a brief look back at 2023 and overviews where he’ll be visiting in the first quarter of 2024. So, sit back and take some inspiration from our very own resident globetrotter!
1:00 AM 2nd January 2024
holidays
Sustainable Hotel Scheme Gets Green Light
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Jet2holidays has launched a new hotel labelling scheme, meaning customers and independent travel agents can now choose from a collection of certified sustainable hotels that meet Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Recognised standards.
10:24 PM 30th December 2023
Hotels
A Winter Spa Experience In North Yorkshire
If the guilt of Christmas over-eating becomes too much to bear after December 25th, then prepare to purge at the Coniston Hotel near Skipton in North Yorkshire! Here are some New Year / Winter deals that might help ease your mind or even (marginally) reduce your calorie intake!
12:01 AM 24th December 2023
Europe
A Winter Wonderland Italian Style
Hilton Lake Como is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The beautiful lakeside hotel is offering guests a sackful of seasonal experiences to celebrate the festive season with, giving them the chance to enjoy both the lake and the nearby atmospheric lakeside villages which transform themselves into enchanting, fairy-tale hamlets.
12:00 AM 22nd December 2023
Europe
Diamond Deal To Turkey For Adept Gamers
Jet2holidays has launched ‘Smashing Through the Snow’, a very merry online competition giving travellers the opportunity to win one of 13 festive holidays. Between now and Christmas Day customers have a daily chance and just 30 seconds, in which to smash through Santa’s presents and amass as many points as possible, avoiding point deducting ‘coal’ on the way!
12:00 AM 20th December 2023
Europe
Unspoilt Island Gets First Boutique Hotel – 2024
Launching in Q2 2024, Odera, will be the first luxury boutique hotel of its kind on the unspoilt Greek island of Tinos. Sitting in a secluded bay with a private beach amongst the island’s dramatic landscape, the hotel will comprise 77 rooms and pool suites, an expansive spa and private beach club.
12:00 AM 18th December 2023
Europe
As SYMIple As That!
Symi Island
The Greek destination of Symi has been added to Jet2’s flight roster out of Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) starting next summer. Holidaymakers will be able to access the new destination from LBA between 6th April and 31st October via Rhodes Airport. There will be up to four weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) operating during peak periods.
12:00 AM 8th December 2023
Europe
Boutique Florence Hotel Acquires West Wing!
Florence boutique hotel, Calimala The East - formerly known as Hotel Calimala- is about to get another point on the compass: Calimala The West! The acquisition of a 19th-century Gothic-style building originally built by Italian architect Pietro Maria Bardi in Florence’s Centro Storico neighbourhood, means the hotel now has an additional 65 rooms.
12:00 AM 4th December 2023
Hotels
Windermere Hotel Changes Hands In £3m Deal
Windermere’s Ryebeck Hotel in the Lake District, has been purchased by a new hospitality business focused on promoting the area as part of its offering.
1:00 AM 16th November 2023
Hotels
Dracula And Emily Bronte Back In The Limelight!
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
A ‘Readers Retreat’ will be formally launched at The Grand, York next week when top author, Joanne Harris, steps into the spotlight for a Q&A about her writing career.
1:00 AM 8th November 2023
Hotels
The Luxury Castle For Whisky Connoisseurs
The founder of iconic Whisky Magazine, Damin Riley-Smith, is throwing open the doors of his castle to……you’ve guessed it: lovers of the world’s finest single malts. Rothes Glen – ‘The Luxury Castle for Whisky Connoisseurs’ – is situated in the heart of Speyside, located in the north west of the Scottish Highlands and famed for its whisky heritage.
1:00 AM 2nd November 2023
Hotels
The Ripon Inn - A Transformation
Many decades ago, I used to return from university to earn extra cash working as a silver service waiter at Ripon’s Spa Hotel. It was always good fun, even with the scary and indefatigable general manager, Georgina Curry; there’s much to be told about how she would speak in her low, lilting Scottish accent, putting many guests firmly in their place if they ever overstepped the mark.
12:00 AM 21st October 2023
holidays
Daish’s Holidays Strengthens Scarborough Management Team
Independent family-owned coach holiday group, Daish’s Holidays has strengthened the management team at its Esplanade Hotel in Scarborough with three new appointments. The new recruits have more than 40 years’ hospitality experience between them, including global experience in Egypt, Italy and India. Joe Devassy joins as general manager and will oversee a 36-strong team at the 73-bed hotel.
12:00 AM 11th October 2023
holidays
Bon Voyage To French Bed Bugs!
As Paris continues to battle its bed bug infestation, advice is at hand to put paid to the activities of any determined critters eager to cross the Channel! The French capital is preparing to welcome visitors to the 2024 Summer Olympics, however, footage has gone viral of bugs not just on beds but on public transport, in cinemas and hospitals.
7:46 AM 3rd October 2023
Europe
Sunny Cyprus To Blow Away The Autumn Chills?
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Ever considered Cyprus as a late-summer/autumn destination? With temperatures still high enough for sunbathing and the sea still warm, it's a great short-haul destination for those who want sun and stuff to do!
1:00 AM 30th September 2023
Hotels
UAE Unveils First ChatGPT-Powered Virtual Hospitality Concierge
‘Nuha’, a pioneering virtual hospitality concierge powered by ChatGPT, has launched in Dubai, making it the first of its type in the UAE. The cutting-edge AI system, conceptualized and developed in-house, has made its grand debut at the iconic Address Downtown Hotel. The move makes Address Hotels and Resorts the UAE's first luxury Hospitality Group to leverage AI in this way.
12:20 AM 26th September 2023
Hotels
Don’t Kick The Bucket Just Yet!
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Four-star Northumberland hotel, Langley Castle, has taken inspiration from a guest who put the castle on his bucket list, using his story to add a new sparkle to its marketing.
12:20 AM 22nd September 2023
Asia
More Bang For Your Buck In Borneo
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Travellers looking for Asian luxury on a budget might want to consider Borneo’s Shangri-La Rasa Ria which has discounts on certain stays until 20th December this year. The award-winning resort is slashing 20% off rooms in its world-class Ocean Wing. Nestled in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, Shangri-La Rasa Ria is situated in an incredible, unique location where the sea meets the rainforest.
12:20 AM 20th September 2023
Europe
Crete’s Big Hotel Reveal
The Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay Hotel in Greece has unveiled its latest raft of renovations, promising “opulence and sophistication.” The property is debuting a new seaside laguna and is also introducing Crete’s largest privately owned marina with direct ocean access to the Aegean’s crystal-clear waters: an ideal destination for yacht-fanatics and sailors alike.
1:00 AM 6th September 2023
Europe
Sustainably Driven Destination Gets New Property
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has opened its first property in Greece. The luxury resort – Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navareiono, is nestled amidst a breathtaking landscape in Navarino Bay, affording unparalleled views of the historic bay and the lush Messinian countryside.
1:00 AM 31st August 2023
Asia
Asian Getaways For The Girls!
If Paris is passé and Hurghada’s history then perhaps the next girlie trip should be to the lost horizons of Shangri-La and Asia? While many might not immediately think of the Far East as their first choice for a girls getaway, this enchanting continent holds a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be explored.
1:00 AM 29th August 2023
Europe
Greece’s Take On Asian Cuisine Mykonos Style
Chic bohemian hotel, Kensho Ornos is inviting travellers to the island of Mykonos, to sample its five-star hospitality and award winning ‘chef with flair’, Ippokratis Anagnostelis.
1:00 AM 26th August 2023
Weekend
Verbier - Melting Your Heart In Summer
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
When you spot Welsh Bass baritone, Bryn Terfel queuing his way through Geneva customs en-route to one of Switzerland’s most famous ski resorts, with little more than sheet music and a robust overnight bag, questions must be asked!
1:00 AM 12th August 2023
Europe
Hilton Lake Como Promises Foodie Heaven
Gourmet Getaways have been put on the menu by the Hilton Lake Como in Italy. From candlelight concerts and a regional street food pop-up showcasing the very best of Italian cuisine to poolside gelato and a new experimental cocktail menu at signature restaurant bar Terrazza 241, the lakeside paradise is the ultimate choice for a gourmet getaway this season.
1:00 AM 26th July 2023
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