Author: Sam Allcock

Ellen Frazer-Jameson has released a captivating 240-page memoir detailing her transformative journey aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 Centenary World Voyage, which took place in January 2023. Over the course of three months, Ellen traversed more than thirty destinations worldwide, immersing herself in the luxury and adventure of solo travel while gaining profound emotional and spiritual insights. Guided by the philosophy of “you only live once,” Ellen embarked on this unique voyage as a solo traveller, embracing the elegance and excitement that accompanied life at sea. From the diverse cultures and landscapes of Africa and Asia to the stunning dunes of…

This summer, Paris took centre stage as the 33rd Summer Olympic Games unfolded, attracting attention from across the globe. In a nod to the international nature of the event, the French National Olympic and Sports Committee incorporated four pieces of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain art into the celebrations. The collection, which was highlighted before the Games’ opening ceremony, symbolised not only the refinement of Chinese craftsmanship but also the shared values of the Olympic spirit. As attention turned towards the relationship between China and France, the porcelain capitals of both countries—Jingdezhen in China and Limoges in France—stood out for their shared…

BWH Hotels, the global hotel group behind Best Western and WorldHotels, has announced a partnership with leading hospitality cloud provider Mews. The agreement sees Mews become the certified Property Management System (PMS) provider for BWH properties across Europe. The move signals BWH Hotels’ continued focus on technological innovation, with the aim of enhancing both operational efficiencies and guest satisfaction. Mews, known for its cloud-native platform, will provide the hotel group with advanced solutions designed to simplify property management and deliver more personalised guest experiences. Ron Pohl, President of WorldHotels and International Operations at BWH Hotels, commented on the partnership, saying:…

A tour inspired by global pop star Harry Styles and a renowned zoo are among the finalists for this year’s Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards. The awards celebrate businesses and individuals driving Cheshire and Warrington’s thriving tourism sector, which contributes £3.41 billion to the local economy and draws over 50 million visitors annually. The finalists, revealed today, represent a diverse range of attractions and experiences from across Cheshire East, Cheshire West, Chester, and Warrington. They will compete for top honours at a prestigious ceremony in Chester Cathedral on 6 March 2025, marking the second consecutive year the venue will host the…

HotelPlanner, a travel technology company known for its AI-powered booking platform, has announced a partnership with Ask a Concierge (AaC) aimed at elevating the travel experience for its Global Privileges members. The collaboration will offer travellers exclusive benefits, including access to premium airport lounges and bespoke concierge services, designed to provide seamless and luxurious journeys. Tim Hentschel, CEO of HotelPlanner, highlighted the value of this new partnership, saying: “We want our members to get the most out of Global Privileges. Through this partnership with Ask a Concierge, our members can not only save on hotels but now also enjoy additional…

Hospitality bosses are being urged to take immediate action to safeguard staff wellbeing after the government’s decision to abandon plans to introduce a ‘right to switch off’ under the Employment Rights Bill. The move comes as new data reveals high levels of stress in the industry, with nearly half of hospitality workers saying their jobs negatively impact their physical and mental health. A report published by workforce management firm Quinyx highlights the scale of the issue. The 2024 State of the Frontline Workforce study, which surveyed almost 3,000 UK employees, found that 65% of hospitality workers experience regular stress at…

A charming three-bedroom, end-of-terrace house in Hebden Bridge attracted potential buyers yesterday during an exclusive open viewing hosted by EweMove Hebden Bridge. The property, located at 17 Oak Street, is notable for its blend of historic charm and modern practicality, making it a standout in the local housing market. The open viewing, held on Sunday, 20th October, offered visitors a rare opportunity to explore a home in an area where new housing is particularly scarce. According to recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Calderdale region only adds three homes per 1,000 properties, significantly lower than the…

Lambert Fine Art in Stratford-upon-Avon is set to host its inaugural solo exhibition, “Ethereal Landscapes,” featuring the evocative works of artist Francesca Currie. The exhibition marks a significant milestone for the gallery, which opened its doors in November 2023 in the picturesque Bell Court area. To celebrate its first anniversary, Lambert Fine Art is presenting this limited-time exhibition that will run for one week only, showcasing Currie’s remarkable artistic journey. Francesca Currie, an artist based in Worcester, is known for her enchanting and dreamlike interpretations of landscapes. Her latest collection represents a playful new direction in her work, aiming to…

Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to a luxury lodge retreat in East Yorkshire as it gears up for a spectacular end-of-year series of events. Darwin Escapes’ Kilnwick Percy Resort and Golf Club, located in Pocklington, will host a variety of family-friendly activities, culminating in its much-anticipated Fireworks Spectacular on Sunday, November 3. The 180-acre resort, which was acquired by the award-winning Darwin Escapes in 2017, boasts stunning views, serene woodland trails, and 34 two-storey lodges. It also features a state-of-the-art gymnasium and The Box Health and Fitness suite, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and recreation.…

Cold plunges have become a rising wellness trend, blending invigorating immersion in chilly waters with proven health benefits. Endorsed by celebrities like Chris Hemsworth, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Lady Gaga, cold plunges are praised for improving circulation, boosting immunity, and enhancing mental clarity. Norway, with its deep-rooted sauna culture and spectacular landscapes, offers some of the world’s most unique cold plunge experiences, each designed to reconnect travellers with nature while offering a taste of traditional Scandinavian wellness. Up Norway, a leading sustainable luxury travel curator, has identified five of the country’s most unforgettable cold plunge spots. From urban harbours to remote…