Loughrigg Fell, Windermere

For a hike that’s low in steep ascents but high in ultra-scenic views, try Loughrigg Fell in the Central Fells, in the heart of the Lake District. Starting off in the town of Ambleside for a circular six-and-a-half-mile walk or a journey northbound to Grasmere, you’ll pass a historic man-made quarry, amble past the River Rothay and along lush forested pathways, and stop to admire the sprawling fell views from the bluebell-filled Loughrigg Terrace – making this the ideal destination to explore in May.

Scafell Pike, Southern Fells

Seasoned hikers shouldn’t pass up an opportunity to ascend Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England at an elevation of 978 metres. Located in Cumbria and forming part of the Southern Fells, it’s a daunting but rewarding option for those seeking out particularly breath-taking vantage points. The terrain is steep and hard and the weather conditions may be harsh, but don’t shy away from reaching its summit – there you’ll be met with England’s highest war memorial, as well as endless vistas of the Lake District’s sloping, wild and untamed landscape.

Old Man of Coniston, Furness Fells

Set in the Furness Fells at an elevation of 803 metres, this mountain provides a tempting alternative to the daunting heights of Scafell Pike. Stretching out at just under four miles, the two-hour circular walk from the village of Coniston will take you past zig-zagging trails, old copper mining sites. Once you’ve reached the summit, the panoramas of the Scafell mountains, the Pennines and the Isle of Man are certainly worth writing home about.

Fleetwith Pike and Buttermere, Western Fells

Ascend Fleetwith Pike in the Western Fells for astounding views across Buttermere lake and village, the latter of which you’ll make your starting point for a long but unforgettable eight-and-a-half-mile walk. The vistas from this fell are far-reaching and striking, as you make your way through the quarry workings of the Honister Slate Mine and over the highest point of Honister Crag. For something a little easier on the legs, low-level walks are also available in the vicinity.

Derwentwater, Keswick

For something a little closer to the ground, opt to take a walk around the peaceful Derwentwater, south of Keswick in the borough of Allerdale. Take in the fells of Cat Bells, Friar’s Crag and the Borrowdale valley as you enjoy an invigorating 10-mile walk through ancient woodlands and along the lakeshore – keep your eyes peeled for adorable red squirrels, and look out for sculptures and memorials giving a glimpse of the lake’s history. Should your legs be feeling weary, you’ve the option to hop on a bus along the way, or you could always embark on a leisurely, 50-minute lake cruise.

Hallin Fell, Ullswater

Surrounded on three sides by the spectacularly scenic Ullswater, Hallin Fell in Penrith offers up marvellous views of the lake, valleys and sharp, rugged edges of the Helvellyn mountain range – itself a formidable challenge for experienced hikers. The circular walk from The Parish Church of Saint Peter Martindale is short at 40 minutes – perfect if you’re looking for a low-effort way to enjoy the spectacular panoramas that the Lake District National Park has to offer.

Join Secret Escapes and save up to 60% on luxury hotels and holidays.

Discover our exceptional Lake District escapes here.

The post From Windermere to Ullswater: the most scenic walks in the Lake District appeared first on Secret Escapes.

New Orleans: best for gumbo, Creole, po’boys and beignets

Louisiana’s capital is famous for many things; jazz music, a raucous Mardi Gras parade and the historic French Quarter – but one of the real highlights of this eclectic city is its food, the likes of which you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the United States. Take the humble po’boy: just a sandwich to some, this French bread creation has been around since the 1920s and is still going strong. Parkway Bakery & Tavern and Parasol’s are heralded as the best places to get one of these bad boys, filled to the brim with fried seafood like oysters or shrimp.

Gumbo, another New Orleans classic, is one of the oldest dishes in Louisiana and a source of state-wide pride. You’ll find it cooked in many different ways, from Creole to filé to cowan, but one thing all these variations have in common is their rich, dark soup. Find stellar gumbo at Galatoire’s, which has been open and cooking up vats of delicious goodness since 1905.

If you need a sweet treat after all that savoury, there’s only one thing you can eat when in New Orleans: a beignet. What is a beignet, you ask? Well, it’s kind of like a doughnut, but not. A breakfast staple, this deep-fried choux pastry is covered in lashings of icing sugar, and perfect with a coffee to get your mornings started off with a real sugar rush. There’s only one place you should go to sample these beauties, and that’s Cafe du Monde. First opened in 1862, you could say these guys know their way around a beignet pretty well.

Portland: best for coffee, doughnuts, microbreweries and all things organic

‘Keep Portland Weird’: this is the phrase you’ll see dotted all around this slightly wacky city, on car bumpers, signs and even buildings. Oregon’s capital is well-known for its eco-friendliness, hipster vibes and counter-culture in spades. Alongside its interesting characters and plentiful green spaces, you’ll find some coffeehouses and microbreweries (hey, hipsters) that are famous country-wide, and well loved by the locals too.

One of Portland’s most famous food chains is Voodoo Doughnut, which is definitely in-keeping with the wacky vibe. You’ll spot the neon voodoo-doll-doughnut sign from down the street and should expect creative treats like the ‘Gay Bar’, with toppings in every colour of the rainbow, and the ‘Diablo’s Rex’, a chocolate cake batter doughnut with a vanilla frosting pentagram on top.

Once you’ve gorged on ingeniously-named doughnuts, wash it all down with a coffee or a refreshing beer. Though there are plenty of delicious coffeehouses and cafés in the city, one of the very best is Tōv, where Egyptian coffee dazzles time after time. What’s more, this superb coffee comes in an even better setting: a converted red double-decker bus, whose rooftop is kitted out in the style of a true Egyptian living room.

When it comes to breweries, you’re completely spoilt for choice. Baerlic Brewing Company won Brewery of the Year at the Oregon Beer Awards in 2017 and 2018, making it pretty much the best place you could go for a good pint or two. They started making beer out of a basement, and now have two Taprooms (one with 10 resident food trucks). Gigantic Brewing Company is another standout, and pack the punchy claim that they make the ‘best damn IPA in Portland’; they might just be right. Most of their flavourful beers only get brewed once, making them (and their incredible label art) something seriously special.

New York City: best for bagels, pastrami, cheesecake and some of the biggest names in food

Though New York City is home to some of the world’s best, most expensive and trendiest restaurants, its real soul-food often stems from humble beginnings. What’s more quintessentially NYC than a bagel, pastrami on rye or a huge, cheesy slice of pizza? Nothing, as most locals would tell you.

The location of the best bagel is an age-old dispute among New Yorkers, as is the argument of the best kind of bagel, and the best filling. Absolute Bagels has nabbed pretty much every accolade of bagel-worthiness in the 27 years it’s been open, while Ess-a-Bagel has been open since 1976 and still to this day draws 60-minute waits that are eagerly endured. For something a little different, head to The Bagel Store in Brooklyn for rainbow hues, pretzel bagels and even cragels (croissant-bagel hybrids).

According to many locals, the only place you should go for delicious, thinly-sliced, succulent pastrami is Katz’s Delicatessen, a veritable institution. Cured for 30 days, the meat here is the pièce de résistance, the crème de la crème of all pastrami, corned beef and brisket in the world (we’re exaggerating… maybe). Order a gigantic, hand-sliced pastrami on rye, grab yourself some mustard and kraut, and chow down.

The final, quintessential New York food is of course the humble pizza slice. Not so humble though, when it comes from a place with as much history and experience under its belt as Lombardi’s. Opened in 1906, Lombardi’s was the first pizzeria in the United States, and still serves coal-oven baked, smoky-crusted pies with fresh mozzarella and homemade tomato sauce. For a true Lombardi’s experience, order the Clam Pie, with fresh-shucked clams and fresh parsley to top it off.

Kansas City: best for barbecue, barbecue and more barbecue

Kansas City, Missouri might seem like a bit of a rogue addition to the list, but trust us, you’d struggle to find better barbecue anywhere in the USA (not that the Texans would agree). Smoky ribs, brisket, pork, chicken, turkey and more are all up for grabs – no purist barbecuers in sight here.

Arthur Bryant, otherwise known as the ‘King of Ribs’ is one of the most renowned barbecuers in history, and his restaurants have been visited by at least three US Presidents, including Barack Obama. Sticking to tradition, the store owners still mix the famous sauce in five-gallon jars, which can be seen in the restaurant’s window.

As featured on the heartwarming show Queer Eye, the Jones sisters of Jones Bar-B-Q run one of the most famous, well-loved barbecue joints in the whole of Kansas City. Their home-made, decades-old sauce recipe can be shipped countrywide, and hundreds line up daily to get their hands on some sauce-drenched ribs before they sell out – which they tend to, every single day.

Last but not least in the barbecue steaks (sorry, we couldn’t resist) is Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, an unassuming joint hidden away inside a Shamrock gas station just outside of the city. Passion goes into this award-winning spot, and you’ll find classic Southern sides like barbecue beans and potato salad alongside meat by the pound, in case you need to feed an army.

Chicago: best for deep-dish pizza, all-beef hot dogs and Italian sandwiches

Lakeside Chicago has a lot going for it, from stunning museums, to the beautiful Millennium Park (featuring the world-famous Bean) and of course, majestic Lake Michigan which stretches so far it might as well be the ocean.

Another institution to add to the list, you’ll find the original Portillo’s Hot Dogs in Villa Park, a suburb not far from the city centre. This unassuming shack serves all-beef hot dogs the Chicago way – with mustard, celery salt, fresh onions, sliced tomatoes, kosher pickles and sport peppers on a sesame bun; any other way and it’s not a Chicago dog. Another of the city’s classic eats is also best ordered from Portillo’s: the Italian beef sandwich. Slow-roasted for hours, this succulent beef is thinly sliced and served on fresh-baked bread. According to many, the correct way to order it is with a secret recipe gravy drizzled over the top, but some like their sandwich dipped in gravy instead. Also deserving of an honorable mention is their chocolate cake – an experience in itself, made with mayonnaise for that extra moistness.

Pizza pie is possibly the city’s most famous dish, and Giordano’s is the place to go for a fully-stuffed, super deep-dish pizza, with mounds and mounds of cheese crammed inside. Combine this with your choice of toppings and tomato sauce to make a truly iconic Chicagoan meal.

Los Angeles: best for Korean barbecue, California rolls and tacos

With a melting pot of cultures and communities, from South-East Asian to Mexican, and a huge array of restaurants ranging from historic diners to innovative, gourmet cuisine, you’ll find literally anything you want to eat in this vast city.

Koreatown began carving its place into the Los Angeles food scene not long after the arrival of large numbers of Korean immigrants in the 1960s. For some of the best Korean barbecue anywhere in the world, head to Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, where you’ll arrive to a table full of sides, and watch sumptuous marbled brisket, short ribs and steak be grilled to perfection right in front of you on a tabletop grill powered by charcoal logs and gas flames.

As most LA natives will tell you, Mexican food is part of the lifeblood of this city. You’ll find gourmet restaurants serving delectable dishes, and sidestreet shops dishing up fully authentic cuisine. However, most would argue that the best Mexican food, especially tacos, comes out the side of a truck. Mariscos Jalisco is a no-frills spot whose famous offering is fried shrimp tacos – a deep-fried shell filled with camarones, and topped with home-made salsa and avocado. For another Cali classic, head to Ricky’s Fish Tacos, where you’ll find soft baja fish cooked to golden brown, with chopped cabbage and a selection of sauces.

Your final must-try in Los Angeles comes in the form of an institution completely ingrained in the local culture, where some of the world’s best steaks have been served since 1922. When at Lawry’s The Prime Rib, it’d be rude to have anything other than its classic cut, served from a silver cart and accompanied by mash, creamed corn, mac and cheese or even lobster, if you want to push the boat out.

Words by Rosie Mulford

Join Secret Escapes and save up to 60% on luxury hotels and holidays.

Click here to discover our collection of gourmet getaways.

The post Six of the best foodie cities in the USA appeared first on Secret Escapes.

Alongside an enviable hilltop location, chic boutique style steals the show at this pet- and child-friendly, family-run abode, which underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2017. It offers a bright reception area and cosy residents’ lounge – the latter comes complete with a fireplace, light-filled conservatory (the perfect spot for cream tea or a cocktail), and views over the town, lake and mountainous landscape in the distance. With just 34 bedrooms, attentive staff and an intimate atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home here and filled with a sense of warmth, made even toastier by the steam room, sauna and indoor pool that make up the hotel’s leisure facilities – all-too tempting treats after a day out cruising the lake and hiking in the fells.

A true highlight to any stay at Hillthwaite is the food, served up by a small team of five chefs who rely on local produce to deliver perfectly presented, seasonally-changing menus. Settle into your seat and take in the scenic views at the elegant restaurant, before whetting your appetite with home-made bread, butter and chutneys. Order yourself a glass of wine, of which the selection is extensive and exquisite, and ready yourself to relish the myriad flavours across your starter, main course and dessert.

On our visit, the chicken liver parfait was a light and airy treat, the slow-cooked beef brisket with mashed potatoes and red wine jus offered plenty of melt-in-the-mouth indulgence, and the Sunday roast was a hearty option with which to end a weekend. As for desserts, the sticky toffee pudding was rich and pleasant, while the English Garden combined chocolate soil, chocolate and basil sorbet, lavender meringue and berries with a creative and beautiful presentation. Once you’ve had a taste of such culinary perfection, you’ll delight at the thought of a full Cumbrian the following morning, and the prospect of settling down later in the day with a colourful afternoon tea of savoury sandwiches, scones and pastries – as much a feast to the eyes as they are to the stomach.

Follow a laid-back meal up with a tipple at the Poets Bar before ascending the stairs to your room – a sumptuous affair decked out in soft pastel hues and quintessentially British decor. The Classic rooms are perfect for short stays, while the Occasion rooms make for an ideal romantic retreat, complete with more spacious living areas and sophisticated decor. Opt for the Signature room to enjoy added luxurious touches, such as a Nespresso machine, complimentary wine, a spacious en-suite with bathtub and rain shower, and scintillating lake views. Whichever room category you choose, you’ll find silence and tranquillity are guaranteed for a most comfortable and relaxing night’s sleep.

Find out more about the hotel by visiting their website, and click here to book your stay now.

Join Secret Escapes and save up to 60% on luxury hotels and holidays.

The post Hotel review: Hillthwaite, Lake District appeared first on Secret Escapes.

Climb Mount Batur in time for sunrise

As the sun rises over Mount Agung, orange glimmers peeking through the clouds, you’ll be more thankful than you could imagine that you crawled out of bed at 2am to climb the sacred Mount Batur. It’s not an easy trek through the dark jungle, but it will all be worth it when you’re sitting above the clouds, munching away on breakfast cooked on the steam of an active volcano.

Attract good Karma in the Tirta Empul Temple

Hindus believe that the water at Tirta Empul is sacred, created by the god Indra, and that it contains curative properties. For over 1,000 years Hindu worshippers have been drawn here, and to cleanse yourself with the holy water is an incredibly spiritual experience. Locals say that if you believe in Karma you should wet your head and pray at each of the water spouts, which cleanse the body, the mind and the soul.

Try your hand at white water rafting on the Ayung River

For an adrenaline-filled adventure head to the Ayung River near Ubud, where the dramatic rapids and jungle surrounds create an experience that will put you right in the middle of Tomb Raider. Along the way you’ll pass by waterfalls, incredibly intricate stone carvings, dangling vines and even monkeys, all coming together to create an unbelievable experience in nature – just make sure you don’t fall in!

Scuba dive to the underwater temple garden

A deep 30 metres underwater in Pemuteran, you’ll find a paradise for divers, and one of the world’s most unique dive sites. Though manmade, this underwater playground is a sight to behold – full of submerged statues colonised by corals and inhabited by a stunning variety of marine life. A project in marine conservation, this garden also creates job opportunities for local fishermen, who have been trained as reef gardeners and work to maintain this fascinating site.

Make the pilgrimage to Lempuyang Temple

Not for the faint-hearted, the awe-inspiring Lempuyang Temple with its iconic gates sits in a prime position, 1,700 stairs from the base of Mount Lempuyang. Locals believe that those with a heavy heart or weak will cannot make it to the top, especially if they complain along the way, so fill yourself with optimism and prepare your body for the climb. After several hours, weary pilgrims will be rewarded with jaw-dropping scenery, a peaceful place to rest and a mystical, spiritual atmosphere like no other.

Discover nature’s playground, the Aling-Aling Waterfalls

The Aling-Aling Waterfalls are a natural wonder, actually made up of seven different waterfalls, with all the thrill of a water park – courtesy of mother nature. Many herald them as Bali’s most impressive falls, and for good reason. Jump into the waters from a height of five, 10 or 15 metres, or whizz down the natural rock slide to really get your adrenaline pumping. The hike isn’t half bad either, with views of cocoa and rice plantations along your route through the jungle.

Witness a spectacular Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple

Though well known and well attended by tourists, the Kecak fire dance is no less exciting for its popularity. The best and most authentic place to see this traditional spectacle is Uluwatu Temple at sunset. With the ocean as an entrancing backdrop, dancers will descend to the stage to fill the night with chanting, traditional dancing and fire, as they tell the story of two young princes.

Words by Rosie Mulford

Join Secret Escapes and save up to 60% on luxury hotels and holidays.

Explore our Bali hotels and holidays, and browse our collection of Extraordinary Escapes now.

The post From fire dances to waterfalls: the most extraordinary experiences in Bali appeared first on Secret Escapes.

Whatever your interests, Berlin has something for you – but it wouldn’t be right to leave Germany’s capital without learning about its former state, or without immersing yourself in the arty, hip side of the city. With two full days and some comfortable walking shoes, you’ll have enough time to introduce yourself and see all the highlights, plus some quirky extras on the side. With an enviable public transport system (TfL, take note), it couldn’t be easier to get around the city, putting every sight and even places outside of the city well within your grasp.

Day One

Kick-start your day with breakfast and a stellar coffee at one of Berlin’s award-winning roasteries, before setting off to the Brandenburg Gate – a symbol of Germany’s reunification and an icon on Berlin’s landscape. From here, take a walk down to the sombre Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, which somehow manages to be poignant, beautiful, mysterious and slightly eerie all at once, immersing you in an evocative experience as you walk into its centre, with coffin-like concrete blocks towering over you. Learning about families in the museum below makes the experience even more emotive.

A reflective walk is in order next, so wander slowly down Potsdamer Straße, taking in the sights and sounds of one of Berlin’s busiest squares – you’ll find a section of the Berlin Wall here too. If you want to learn more about the city’s past, head to the Topography of Terror for a full-scale dive into history. Both parts fascinating and overwhelming, this museum ties every person, every organisation and every element into one staggering mass of information. And, if that isn’t enough, wander a little further south to find the Berlin Story Bunker, where you’ll be told the story of ‘Hitler: How Did It Happen’.

If architecture is your thing, be sure to fit in a visit the Reichstag Building, the glass-domed home of Germany’s parliament, or the Charlottenburg Palace, a 17th-century riverside castle just outside of the city. The Berlin Dom is also worth a visit, and affords panoramic views, should the weather cooperate. To round off the day, hunt down a Currywurst stand to sample a street food speciality; the rich curry sauce and crispy fries will be just what you need to refuel after a hard day’s sightseeing.

Day Two

With day one dedicated to exploring Berlin’s fascinating past, today is all about engaging with a slightly different side of the city. Hop on the S-Bahn west, headed for Grunewald Forest and its abandoned wonder – Teufelsberg. Once a listening station for the NSA in the Cold War, Teufelsberg is now deserted and chock-full of incredible street art and graffiti. This beautifully eerie spot overflows with dilapidated charm, but be prepared for quite a hike through the forest to get there. It’s worth the journey though, especially if you get there early, when you’ll have the place mostly to yourself.

After your journey back into the city centre, reward your weary muscles with a meal from one of Berlin’s famous kebab vans, a juicy burger from Burgermeister, or a pastrami on rye from a traditional Jewish deli. After fuelling up, continue your cultural journey at the East Side Gallery. This stretch of the Berlin Wall is adorned with politically-fuelled artworks by artists from all over the world. Many of the works were painted in 1989 or 1990, the same year or just a year after the Berlin Wall fell. Imagining people reunited from East and West, creating together towards a common good really makes this a special sight. If you’ve got any more exploring left in you, make your way to Museum Island and spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the Alte Nationalgalerie, home to works of art from Monet and Renoir, or marvelling at the collection of Islamic art at the Pergamonmuseum.

As a toast to your time in Berlin, spend your final evening with a few drinks in hand at one of the city’s many quirky bars. There’s Klunkerkranich, a hip car park turned rooftop spot and urban garden, or ORA, a former apothecary in the Jewish quarter of Kreuzberg. Try out Dschungel Bar (Jungle Bar), full of greenery and actual real-life frogs, or Barbie Deinhoff’s, an LGBT-friendly, pink neon-hued, graffiti-filled watering hole bursting with colourful characters.

Words by Rosie Mulford

Join Secret Escapes and save up to 60% on luxury hotels and holidays.

Discover our collection of Berlin hotels and holidays.

The post 48 hours in: Berlin appeared first on Secret Escapes.

Self-drive in Namibia

One of Africa’s best-kept secrets, Etosha National Park is home to a variety of wonderful wildlife, from elephants, lions and leopards to black rhinos, zebras and giraffes, plus hundreds of bird species. Under the African skies, marvel at mind-blowing natural scenery and watch as animals quench their thirst at the watering holes. With easy roads and friendly locals, make tracks yourself for a truly authentic experience.

Cruise the Galápagos Islands

Live out your wildest David Attenborough dreams with a visit to the ‘enchanted isles’ of the Galápagos, famed as Charles Darwin’s research ground. Cruise the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, soaking up awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes and uninhabited islands before snorkelling among magnificent reef and marine life, and scuba diving with sea lions, penguins and turtles.

Seek wildlife in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka isn’t short of stunning national parks, and with each one home to a multitude of wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, it would be rude to single out just one. Hop aboard a 4X4 and go on a thrilling search for endemic leopards at popular Yala National Park, and if elephants are high on your radar, Udawalawe is the place to spot them – if you’re travelling in September or October, visit Minneriya for the iconic ‘gathering’ of elephants.

Scour the Sahara Desert

The majestic Sahara is famed the world over for its striking and rugged natural landscapes. Experience the Moroccan part of the vast desert on a thrilling quad bike safari, speeding through the sand as you soak up the beguiling surrounding scenery, followed by a camel ride before the sun sets. And for a truly authentic sojourn, spending a night under the stars at a local Bedouin camp is a must.

Encounter big cats in Kent

You don’t need to traverse the earth to encounter endangered animals, thanks to The Big Cat Sanctuary in the heart of the Kent countryside. Get up close to some of rarest big and small cats in the world at this family-friendly spot, with over 50 different species from African lions and jaguars to snow leopards and Sumatran tigers. You can also pick your type of experience, whether it’s being a ranger for the day or learning about the charity’s conservation work.

Spot South Africa’s famous wildlife

When it comes to going in search of South Africa’s iconic beasts, world-famous Kruger National Park is the undeniable hotspot. Whether it’s dawn or dusk, set out on an exciting game drive for the chance to seek lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalo in their natural habitat. When you aren’t exploring the vast landscapes, hunker down in a safari lodge for an authentic back-to-nature stay amongst the local wildlife.

Trek the jungle in Nepal

Embrace the wild plains of Nepal’s Chitwan jungle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the richest national parks in Asia. A walking safari will have you venturing through jungle scenery and spotting endangered wildlife at every turn – think prehistoric trees, twisting vines, exotic birds, rare rhinos, and if you’re lucky, sloths. The indigenous locals make up the unique elements of the park too, so head on a village walk to get acquainted with the Tharu way of life.

Spot alluring wildlife in India

India always conjures up images of the iconic Taj Mahal, but there’s far more to it than its landmark architecture. Exotic Ranthambore National Park is one of the country’s largest reserves and the most sensational spot to watch tigers roaming around their home turf. Alongside these stunning creatures, keep your eyes peeled for ancient ruins and Padam Talao lake, which is dotted with water lilies and surrounded by a variety of flora and fauna.

Join Secret Escapes and save up to 60% on luxury hotels and holidays.

Explore our incredible collection of Extraordinary Escapes now.

The post Sensational safaris: which is the best one for you? appeared first on Secret Escapes.

An Lam Ninh Van Bay is exquisitely located on Ninh Van Bay and looks back over the mainland from its beachside situation. Perfect peace and calming quiet are the order of the day here – it’s so secluded, in fact, that you need to take one of the resort’s private boats to find it. An Lam’s coconut thatched roofs, natural wooden decks and peppering of granite boulders are all buried in the verdant forest, waiting to be discovered.

An Lam does what it does best, even better – with a dedicated spa area located way enough off the main property to command a heightened sense of serenity. Amidst the tropical flora and fauna you can succumb to total relaxation with an indulgent massage, or catch up some beauty maintenance with a manicure or pedicure.

We’re offering a stay in a Bay View Pool villa from £132 per person, per night, including breakfast, a 60-minute massage and return airport transfers.

Join Secret Escapes and save up to 60% on luxury hotels and holidays.

The post Our stay of the week – An Lam Retreats Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam appeared first on Secret Escapes.

Prepare for all weather

From watching the sunrise with streaks of candy pinks and purples against the stark white expanse, to observing sheets of ice flowing down the river, the Icelandic landscape is gorgeous at every turn. For a country that’s made up of a little over 10% ice, there is much more depth to it beneath the snow – and it’s best to be prepared for all types of terrain. A waterproof coat with a hood is a must, but be sure to pack sunnies and an umbrella to keep you dry on those snowy evenings.

A strange occurrence, and one that demonstrates the contrasts well, is taking a dip in the natural hot springs of Laugarvatn Fontana in Þingvellir National Park. While the hours away in cosy 30- to 40-degree waters, cooled down to varying temperatures by water from a naturally freezing lake, but mind not to touch your hair with wet hands – the sub-zero temperatures will ensure your hair completely freezes into blocks of ice.

What to wear

On a Northern Lights hunt, you can be outside in the pitch black for hours in -15 degrees or colder, and the blanket of stars won’t keep you warm – no matter how dazzling they look. The nighttime is significantly colder than the day (-3 seems positively balmy when you’re strolling and exploring), so you’ll want clothes that will take you from day to night: layers!

Start with a base layer of a thermal vest and tights, or longjohns, with a long-sleeved top thrown over the top. Add to this a cosy jumper and durable trousers (ski trousers are best, but jeans are fine too), and a regular pair and a thick pair of socks. In the day, pop the thick pair of socks in your bag – the coverage from the tights and regular pair of socks will be fine – but once the sun sets, you’ll relish in the warmth of the additional pair.

A bobble hat and scarf will complete your look, while gloves are an absolute must. Nab a pair that works with your phone screen, as you’ll want to snap your way throughout the trip, without the icy fingers. Your thickest winter coat is, of course, your best option, but make sure you’ve got a hood – it will provide extra coverage if the wind picks up. When it comes to shoes, invest in a pair with warm lining, especially around the toes, and good grip. Snow traction cleats are also a great, cheap investment to stop slipping and sliding.

Being savvy and getting around

Iceland has earned itself a reputation for being a little harsh on the wallet, but you needn’t spend excessively to enjoy all the country has to offer. For those who enjoy a tipple or two, it’s best to follow the example of the locals and stock up on your alcohol at the airport’s duty-free – be sure to adhere to the unit restrictions, if you’re buying before you board the plane. Supermarkets pepper the residential areas in Reykjavik – there’s a 24-hour one right by the grand, 74-metre Hallgrimskirkja church – to satisfy any snack cravings, and the main shopping street, Laugavegur, has a plethora of options, so you’ll soon find one to fit your budget.

To explore sights further afield, such as the thundering Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the tiny village of Vik with its 300 inhabitants, or the entrancing Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, renting a car or joining a tour are a must. The latter is cost-effective for packing many sights in one smooth journey, transferred between each in a warm coach as you soak up knowledge from your English-speaking guide.

For those staying in the capital city, Reykjavik Excursions’ Northern Lights tour will not only cover the science behind the phenomenon, but also the country’s fascinating myths and legends that surround the aurora borealis. Tours mostly start at the well-placed BSI bus station in the centre, but for added convenience, the company will organise a complementary people-carrier to pick you up from a pre-determined bus stop near your hotel and drop you off at the main station. Airport transfers are also organised by the same company and are a great, simple alternative to catching a cab.

If you’re staying in Reykjavik, walking is a great way to get around. The capital streets are easy to follow, the snow is powdery rather than slippery, and cars seem to give pedestrians right of way whenever you’re looking to cross (though this is down to the residents’ laid-back, friendly attitude, rather than actual laws). In the dark – which in winter is between 5pm and 11am – streets are well lit. Also, surprising for some perhaps, the 4G coverage is pretty good – even in the country’s most rural towns – so a map will never be far from reach.

Words by Tamsin Salfrais

Join Secret Escapes and save up to 60% on luxury hotels and holidays.

Explore our Iceland tours and collection of Extraordinary Escapes now.

The post A practical guide to visiting Iceland in the colder months appeared first on Secret Escapes.

Bologna, Italy

With its myriad cobblestone streets and abundance of candlelit rooftop restaurants for intimate meals, Bologna should definitely be on your romantic radar. San Luca Hill is an exquisite spot to watch the sunset (and pop open a bottle of Italian red), and be sure to visit Palazzo de Podesta’s Il Magico Voltone, an arched vault that magically transmits sound from one side of the room to the other – the perfect way to whisper sweet nothings to your paramour. Even The Two Towers of Bologna have a romantic tale behind them: some say that a penniless farmer’s son built the Asinelli Tower by hand in order to secure a woman’s hand in marriage.

Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled, perched next to an alpine lake in Slovenia’s mountains, is nothing short of idyllic. Plucked straight out of a fairy tale, this quaint town still maintains centuries-old traditions and remains picturesque and unspoilt. Nothing is more romantic than a trip to Bled Island, perched in the middle of the lake and once home to a sanctuary giving worship to the Slavic goddess of love, Ziva. Float across the serene lake in a traditional Pletna boat, with a jaw-dropping mountain backdrop, then wander hand in hand up to the island’s church. As legend has it, if you ring the bell three times, your greatest wish will come true.

Annecy, France

When planning a romantic trip to France, most travellers don’t feel the need to look any further than Paris. And though Paris is beautiful, amour is in the air all over France – particularly in the pastel-hued alpine town of Annecy. Lake Annecy is a sanctuary for couples if ever there was one, and some say that if two lovers kiss on Pont des Amours (Lover’s Bridge) then they will be together forever. After you’ve secured your future beau, wander along the canals of the River Thiou at sunset, admiring the colourful houses and canalside flowers.

Innsbruck, Austria

Full of beautiful churches, Gothic architecture and lively-coloured buildings, Innsbruck is overlooked by the picture-perfect Alps and is a fascinating amalgamation of cultures. Be sure to bring a lock with you and hunt out the pretty wooden river bridge by the River Inn, a small homage to Paris’ fallen love-lock bridge, before sitting streetside with a coffee and watching the city go by. Alternatively, take a ride on the Nordkette Cable Car for stunning vistas all the way to Italy in the south and Germany to the north.

Granada, Spain

Granada is a little- known gem, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Spain. With a pink and orange-hued, alpine sunset behind it, Granada’s hilltop fortress, The Alhambra, makes for stunning evening viewing straight out of a fairy tale. The riverside old town street of Carrera del Darro is no less picturesque, thanks to its cobblestone paving, lush vegetation and Renaissance architecture. For an authentic flamenco experience, head up to the Roma gypsy district of Sacromonte for an atmospheric and spirited evening watching the magical dancers in a traditional cave home – and maybe even giving it a go yourself.

Bergen, Norway

Famous for its breathtaking mountain views, Bergen is nature at its finest, surrounded by dramatic landscapes in every direction. Bundling up with your boo to explore the myriad alleyways of the Bryggen Wharf, or cruising to Sognefjord to marvel at the neon blue waters should definitely be on your to-do list. For the ultimate in sundowner romance, catch a cable car to the top of Ulriken, the highest of Bergen’s seven mountains, to watch an unforgettable sunset from above the city.

Tallinn, Estonia

With one of the oldest and best preserved Medieval centres in Europe, Tallinn is a hub of culture and history that makes the perfect unique city break. The Kohtuotsa viewing platform offers sweeping views of the city, while the Kadriorg Japanese garden is a beautiful setting for an arm-in-arm wander. A trip up Kissing Hill is also a necessity for any lovebirds out there, where a romantic atmosphere is aided by the overhanging trees and tweet of birds in spring and summer. To put the icing on the cake, wrap up warm and potter over to Harju Street’s ice rink – the ultimate in romantic winter fun.

Words by Rosie Mulford

Join Secret Escapes and save up to 60% on luxury hotels and holidays.

Discover our collection of romantic city breaks.

The post Seven unexpected romantic destinations across Europe appeared first on Secret Escapes.

10am: As you step off at Bruxelles-Midi, make a beeline for the local terminals. It’s very easy to get to Bruxelles-Central: there’s a four-minute train service taking you directly to the station, or you can hop on the Metro headed to De Broukeer station. Change here or emerge into the city’s streets for a 10-minute stroll towards the centre.

10.30am: With only a day to experience the city, you’ll want to take in as many of the main attractions as possible. Make like an archetypal tourist and board a sightseeing bus – you’ll be able to pack in the city’s landmarks within an hour or two, transferred easily between each one, all the while learning about the culture and history of this Art Nouveau capital. There are two bus stops for the City Sightseeing bus – one for each line, and both within a few minutes’ walk from Central station.

11.15am: Hop off the bus at the EU Parliament to wander around the nerve centre of the European Union. As well as learning about its intriguing history at the Visitor Centre, you can check out three original pieces of the Berlin Wall, which were originally displayed in Place du Luxembourg in 2009 as part of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the wall, and are now peppered around the Parliament’s grounds.

12.30pm: Jump back on the sightseeing bus and head towards the centre. There, take some time to stroll around the gorgeous, gold-gilded buildings and Town Hall in Grand Place, before stopping to refuel. Brussels’ scrumptious chocolates are renowned, but mussels are also a delicacy here – dine al fresco, so you can watch the world go by, or venture into a cosy pub with an open fireplace.

2pm: Grab a bus, taxi or metro ride a little out of the centre to the Atomium, a grand 102-metre structure of nine spheres that represent an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. You can ascend this structure for fabulous panoramic views of Brussels, before descending to the lower floors to learn a little more about the structure’s history.

3.30pm: By mid-afternoon, it is definitely time for another pit stop. The city abounds with waffle shops and chocolatiers – the sweet scent tempts from every street corner, enticing even those of the hardiest wills. Seek out a light and fluffy waffle topped with Belgian chocolate, or spend some time popping in and out of various pâtisseries, creating a bespoke sweet picnic of your favourite treats to enjoy in one of the city’s glorious parks.

In colder weather, head to one of the many beer houses that line the street. Poechenellekelder bar is kitsch and atmospherically lit, with puppets, musical instruments and mannequins hanging from the ceiling. Each beer (and there are loads!) comes with its own uniquely styled glass, and the staff offer true Belgian hospitality.

5pm: A trip to Brussels would be incomplete without a visit to the amusing Mannekin Pis statue. Adjacent to the Grand Place, the statue embodies the city’s sense of humour, with many legends surrounding the story of the urinating boy. In recent years, a girl and dog versions of the statue have even been erected in the city.

5.30pm: The city is abundant with Horta-designed buildings, which appear to have popped out of a fairy-tale book, especially at night. Take a stroll down the cobblestone roads, brought to life by their overhanging street lights, to admire the romantic and grandiose Art Nouveau buildings.

6pm: Although your stomach may still be swimming with sweet treats, take the chance to sample Brussels’ salty frites before you head home. Food truck-style windows open up on the sides of restaurants, selling takeaway cones that are great to eat while on the go, but take the time to sit down for a meal with a side of famous chips and a cold locally-brewed beer.

7.15pm: As the day draws to a close, make your way back to Bruxelles-Midi station with plenty of time to check in. There are pedal charging stations here, so you can work off all the food you’ve quaffed as you recharge your phone, before a leisurely game of table football while you wait to board your train. The last service of the day heads off around 8.20pm, so you can be back in bed before the evening is over.

Words by Tamsin Salfrais

Join Secret Escapes and save up to 60% on luxury hotels and holidays.

Click here to see our latest Brussels deals.

The post 10 hours in Brussels: how to spend a day in the Art Nouveau capital appeared first on Secret Escapes.