Tranquil harbour views at Grand Hotel Portovenere

Tranquil harbour views at Grand Hotel Portovenere

Who? Grand Hotel Portovenere What? Cinque Terre might be the best known sight of Liguria but Portovenere has its understated charm. At the heart of the town, with tranquil views of the harbour, is Grand Hotel Portovenere. It’s a literal stone throw from the pebbled paths of the old town, an easy journey by day. And at night, it’s the perfect place to look out onto the harbour lights. When? Open year round Where? Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 5, 19025 Portovenere SP, Italy How? For more information and to book, see www.portovenerehotel.it Ten photos from Grand Hotel Portovenere Fly via British Airways

Embrace castle life at Grand Hotel dei Castelli

Embrace castle life at Grand Hotel dei Castelli

Who? Grand Hotel dei Castelli What? We love the idea of being able to stay in a castle but we love the idea of being able to stay in one with all the mod cons even more. So when we went to Sestri Levante and stayed at Grand Hotel dei Castelli, well, we simply fell in love. The grand hotel boasts some stunning views over the Italian Riviera but offers an incredible amount of privacy too. In fact, it has its own private sea-water pool. How divine. When? Open year round Where? Via Penisola di Levante, 26 – 16039 Sestri Levante, Italy How? For more information, see www.hoteldeicastelli.it Ten photos…

Belmond La Residencia
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Bespoke photography experiences return to Belmond Hotels

Who? Belmond Hotels What? Belmond’s bespoke photography experiences returns to its properties in Italy and Mallorca as the hotels reopen for the 2015 season. This year the experiences include evening photo tour of Venice at Belmond Hotel Cipriani, underwater photography at Belmond Hotel Splendido, Florence from the sky at Belmond Villa San Michele, Naples by vintage Vespa at Belmond Hotel Caruso, ‘Cook and Camera’ at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo and Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea and bird watching at Belmond La Residencia. Prices vary. When? Available now Where? Available at various Belmond Hotels. How? For more information and to book, visit www.belmond.com Fly via British Airways

The Landmark launches five bespoke London Experiences
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The Landmark launches five bespoke London Experiences

Who? The Landmark Hotel What? The Landmark Hotel in London has recently launched five masterclasses as part of their new London Experiences. The tailored packages range from photography, chess, antiques, bespoke shoe making to vocal training and are designed to give visitors a different view of London. Prices start from £420 and includes an expert guided session for your chosen experience and either a lunch, dinner, Champagne afternoon tea or Martini flight at the luxury five-star hotel. When? Available now Where? 222 Marylebone Road, London NW1 6JQ How? Book now at www.landmarklondon.co.uk

The Syngenta Photography Award 2015: Scarcity-Waste

The Syngenta Photography Award 2015: Scarcity-Waste

Who? Syngenta Photography Award What? Head now to Somerset House to see the entries for this year’s Syngenta Photography Award, the theme of which is Scarcity-Waste. Photographers and amateurs all over the world have been invited to submit their entry to the award, which seeks to stimulate dialogue around key, global challenges. It promises to be a most stimulating exhibition. Admission is free of charge. When? Exhibition is on daily from 10am to 6pm until 10th April 2015 Where? East Wing Galleries, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA How? For more information, see www.somersethouse.org.uk

Eastern luxury at Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai

Eastern luxury at Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai

Who? Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai What? If you’ve travelled long haul to Shanghai, Mandarin Oriental Pudong offers peaceful respite on the city’s eastern bank. Its stunning river view is only topped by its proximity to the city’s financial districts, if you’re in town for business, and Pudong’s numerous touristic sights. If you’re planning to stay put however, there’s always the delightful spa and sumptuous feasting in its fine dining restaurants. When? Open year round Where? 111 Pudong Road (S), Pudong, Shanghai 200120, China How? For more information, see www.mandarinoriental.com/shanghai Ten photos from Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai