FILSON: Deer skinning and mackerel fishing in the Cornish wilds with Channel 4 star Thom Hunt and luxury Alaskan outfitter

It was a Thursday afternoon and I was casually skinning a deer in the depths of Cornwall with a cool breeze blowing and birds crowing from the trees. I'd been invited to get a taste of 'Filson Life' by the Alaskan outfitter, which is headquartered in Seattle,...

THE DISTILLERY: Staying at the world’s first distillery hotel and blending our own gin before bed

If you're a bit of a boozehound, which admittedly I am, The Distillery on Portobello Road, Notting Hill is your hotel dream come true. You can drink, eat, drink some more, and sleep on the same spot. The quirky multi-level venue is the world's first-ever hot...

ARTIST RESIDENCE: Unearthing a slick and sexy hotel nestled in Victoria, with top cocktails and ping pong to boot

Victoria in London features a hotchpotch of bizarre hotels. I walk past one that tells me it has 'hot and cold water' - which one would hope - and another advertises the fact that there is central heating. But peel away the spread of bizarreness and you'll un...

THE ROOKERY: Butlers with breakfast, four-poster beds and 18th century charm at this discreet spot

A night at The Rookery was definitely my top London staycation experience to date. A four-poster bed, an honesty bar, a secret patio, a copper free standing bathtub... need I say more. This elegant, discreet homestay is tucked away in the historical neighbou...

CAMP WILDFIRE: Craig Charles DJing, beekeeping masterclasses and swing dance speed dating made for another surreal year of festival fun

I first experienced Camp Wildfire last year. It rained non-stop, I was covered in mud, but it didn't deter me from returning for more. This underground festival, which mixes outdoor adventuring with musical revelry, is pretty unique. On this year's menu, the...

THE DORSETT: A Chinese-inspired hotel in west London perfect for the shopping-mad

Shepherd's Bush is a little manic for my liking, busy roads intermixed with a bizarre spread of shops where you can buy sim cards and hair extensions. But on walking into the area's new four star hotel, the Dorsett, I was transported to a much calmer world. ...

THE ROYAL HORSEGUARDS: Playing at being a Bond girl for the night at this former MI6 HQ

I'd always wanted to be a spy when I was little and I would spend summers crafting code wheels and solving pretty unmysterious mysteries. So when I heard I could stay at a former MI6 headquarters in the heart of London, I jumped at the chance. The Royal Hors...

SOFITEL LUXEMBOURG EUROPE: A Slice of Luxury in a City of Class & Style

Sofitel is a brand synonymous with luxury city stays and the Sofitel Luxembourg Europe is no different. On entry to the hotel, every need is taken care of as they whisk your luggage up to your room and you’re greeted by their friendly team of hotel staff.

ST JAMES’S HOTEL & CLUB: Dita von Teese-approved smoothies and mattresses used by the royal family at this sparkling Mayfair gem

The great thing about London is after years of living in the city, there's always something new to explore. Last weekend I discovered a new hidden away hotel, which made for a pretty plush staycation. If you're looking for a slice of luxury, something discre...

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