The Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe

The Victoria Falls Hotel is one of those places that you really should go out of your way to visit for a drink or a meal even if an overnight stay is beyond your budget. If you can afford to stay at the hotel then do so: it provides a sense of the Victoria Falls’ heritage. I found it a thoroughly pleasant place to stay and a hotel that’s easy to recommend to lovers of luxury.

Bandos Maldives resort in the Maldives

The island was one of the first to open as a resort, back in 1972, when the Maldives began promoting tourism. The nation’s one island, one resort policy has been a factor in the Maldives gaining a reputation as an exclusive holiday destination. As I discovered during my stay, it’s possible to participate in a range of activities and you don’t necessarily need to be planning a honeymoon to justify a trip to the Maldives.

World Travel Writers’ Conference, the Maldives

Participating in the World Travel Writers’ Conference gave me an opportunity to spend a few days getting to understand why the Maldives are such a popular holiday destination. The country consists of 1,192 islands scattered across atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-west of India’s southern tip.

Review of the Park Hyatt Hamburg hotel

The Park Hyatt Hamburg is a luxury hotel in central Hamburg. Moenckerbergerstasse, the main shopping street of Germany’s second city, runs by the front of the Levantehaus, the brickwork building that houses this hotel with 252 guestrooms and 31 apartments...Both the building and the service within the hotel impress. No wonder the Park Hyatt Hamburg counts world leaders and A-list move stars among its guests.

The Talbot Hotel, Malton

I was allocated a sizable ground floor bedroom at the back of the hotel, with a sash window that opened onto the garden. The quiet location and heavy curtains ensured that even on a summer’s night I was able to sleep well. The décor of my room was classically English in pastel colours, with framed prints on the walls. The en suite bathroom was stocked with Penhaligon’s toiletries.

Marina Mandarin Singapore hotel

I pause by the lifts and photograph down into the atrium. Its volume, subtle illumination and stylish design were sufficient to draw a murmured wow from me upon arrival last night.Even in daylight it looks remarkable. This hotel opened its doors in 1987 but there’s nothing tired about the Marina Mandarin Singapore. Refurbs have ensured John Portman’s symmetrical design continues to impress.

Berns boutique hotel in Stockholm

Berns, I learn during my two night stay close to central Stockholm’s Nybroviken Harbour, is more than just a hotel. You might think it smacks of marketing speak to describe a hotel as an institution but this place is worthy of the term.

Hotel Gotthard in Lech am Arlberg, Austria

The Hotel Gotthard, at Lech am Arlberg, has been in the hands of the Walch family since 1931 and is currently run by Clemens and Nicole, a husband and wife team. Nicole originates from South Australia and like the Gotthard’s receptionists and waitresses, wears a traditional Austrian Dirndl while working.