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.

Ulpotha sits in one of the oldest continuously inhabited regions of Sri Lanka. Its story stretches back over 5,000 years and is carried in the soil, the water and the hills that surround the village.

100 Acres was born in 2014 from a lifelong love of the countryside and a desire to bottle and share its magic. The founders’ thinking was that if they could, they would spend all of their time running naked through a hundred acres of fragrant English countryside full of lavender, roses, herbs and wildflowers.

Ever noticed how some holidays just stick with you? It’s rarely about the itinerary; it’s more about the people, the laughter, and those little shared moments that somehow turn into stories you tell for years. Luxury group getaways take that idea and turn it up a notch, giving friends and families spaces that feel like home but with a touch of indulgence. 

Thyme and Bertioli, founded by Caryn Hibbert, are part of a unique family of brands centred around the sustainable lifestyle ethos of Thyme, a luxury countryside hotel in the Cotswolds. Bertioli, the natural extension of Thyme, is Hibbert's vision of blending luxury with nature’s rhythms, offering eco-conscious fashion and homeware products inspired by the countryside.

A beloved ritual, made portable

Now available encased in a sculpted aluminium tube, this beloved Seymour Hand Cream is an alchemy of rich butters and restorative oils — Shea, Cocoa, Coconut, and Rosehip — blending seamlessly to nurture and shield your skin.

100 Acres was born in 2014 from a lifelong love of the countryside and a desire to bottle and share its magic. The founders’ thinking was that if they could, they would spend all of their time running naked through a hundred acres of fragrant English countryside full of lavender, roses, herbs and wildflowers.

Part one of a series on which hotels have the best bath and body products (I’m not a fan of the word ‘toiletries’) and what they are. Next is Commune a newly launched British self-care and lifestyle brand founded by husband-and-wife duo Rémi Paringaux and Kate Neal, both fashion industry veterans. Drawing inspiration from the magic of the English countryside, they’ve created a collection that is as eco-conscious as it is luxurious.

Part one of a series on which hotels have the best bath and body products (I’m not a fan of the word ‘toiletries’) and what they are. First up is Wildsmith and where to find them.. I think you’ll be suprised..

Amalfi coast interiors at Casa Angelina in Praiano

Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel is a little slice of heaven just 30 minutes from Brindisi airport in Puglia. Beach location, pool, spa and lovely service, it’s hard to beat.

Greenway Hotel and Spa in the Cotswolds features beautiful interiors, fantastic food (the best sticky toffee pudding ever) and brilliant spa.

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

There’s something rather wonderful about family-run hotels in Greece – they just get it. At Theos Village Hotel & Apartments in Kato Daratso, just 3.5 km from the Venetian streets of Chania, the welcome is warm, the setting peaceful, and the experience refreshingly real.

Anastasia.. exceptional healer in Costa Rica. Stay at Vayu Retreat Villas and she’ll come and treat you in your room.

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.

Vayu Retreat Villas is a gorgeous 4-room hideaway in Puntarenas, Costa Rica with delicious food.

My travel essentials for long haul travel in 2025. As Marketing Director for The Hotel Guru, I spend a lot of time in the air, hopping between hotels, scouting out the best places to stay, and writing about them. And after years of perfecting my packing routine, I’ve nailed down the travel essentials that I won’t board a flight without. It’s a bit of a mixed bag—some practical, some indulgent—but they all make long-haul travel that little bit easier.

Michelin-Starred Restaurants in London

The latest Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland has unveiled an impressive list of one-star restaurants in London, showcasing a range of exceptional dining experiences. Whether new to the Michelin family or have retained their well-deserved stars, these restaurants promise outstanding cooking, impeccable service, and a memorable gastronomic journey.