HOTEL FAVOURITES

Madeira is a lush, mountainous Portuguese island situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It has earned the title of "World's Leading Island Destination" nine consecutive times in the World Travel Awards. Each year, millions of tourists flock to the island, captivated by its stunning landscapes, extensive hiking trails that span over 2,000 kilometers along the irrigation channels (known as levadas), and its mild, pleasant climate. During summer, the island enjoys an average temperature of around 25°C. Believing that the best way to experience Madeira was from a seaside resort — of which there are many — I chose to stay at the five-star Saccharum Resort & Spa in Calheta, approximately 35 kilometers from Funchal, the capital. My goal was to escape the busy tourist spots and fully immerse myself in Madeira's diverse natural beauty. The resort is ideally located on the island’s sunny southwest coast, nestled between the sea and mountains. I eagerly anticipated da

For my exploration of the Winelands in South Africa, I wanted a peaceful accommodation close enough to Cape Town for some sightseeing. I was delighted to discover an adults-only retreat, a five-star Africa Lodge located in a residential area of Somerset West, about a 30-minute drive from Cape Town. It is in the heart of the Winelands at the foot of the majestic Helderberg Mountains. The friendly Dutch hosts who acquired the lodge in 2019 were very helpful in providing information before the trip on all the curated activities that they offer in the area. They clearly want to make sure each client will have an unforgettable experience. There are wine-tasting experiences (of course), Segway experiences, biking and hiking trails, kayaking and boat tours, and other guided excursions into the Winelands and Cape Town. I was interested in exploring Cape Town, and they kindly booked me a private full-day tour with Howzit Tours (www.howzittours.co.za ). I had an amazing and informative day with

London is one of my favourite cities in Europe, with its rich history and architecture, world-famous museums, and lively theatre scene. However, choosing a hotel can be a nightmare. There are thousands of different options for accommodation, and going through them while trying to stick to your budget can be challenging. The prices of hotel rooms have been rising since pandemic restrictions were lifted, and the demand for rooms increased. At the same time, taxes were raised. My main concern with London accommodation is that the size of a hotel room, on average, is still very small, and many properties are in desperate need of refurbishment. Finding value for money is thus more challenging than in many other European cities. But if you are willing to do the search, there are gems to be discovered! I n my search, the contemporary hotels of Inhabit stood out from the rest with their design and atmosphere. They are members of the international group of Design Hotels and are located convenie