SIMON CALDER'S TRAVEL WEEK |
|
|
When was the last time you treated yourself? |
|
| This week, we're embracing our decadent side and diving into some of the most luxurious breaks around the world. Looking for something new? We've rounded up the hottest hotel openings happening this year, from a 1920s-inspired pad in Kent to a Christian Louboutin-designed boutique in Portugal. If you prefer an overnight stay with a side of R&R, this collection of the UK's best spa hotels means you can indulge without having to dig out your passport. And for couples looking to kick things up a gear, here's our hand-picked selection of the most romantic hotel rooms in the world that are worth splashing out on. |
|
|
| Cuveé rents out "only the finest homes in the world's most celebrated destinations" – including Tuscany. A 10-suite villa, Amerigo, offers indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and an outdoor cinema. From €5,000 (£4,300) per night. |
|
|
| Long-haul standards for short-haul fares are feasible on some flights between the UK and Continental Europe. Iberia's daily 6.45pm departure from London Heathrow to Madrid is usually operated by a top-of-the-range Airbus A350. One-way fares start at £85. |
|
|
We like flying in business class (or, when slumming it, premium economy). But the latest Air Passenger Duty rise means we're paying up to £200 to the government just to sit on a plane. How can we avoid it? |
|
|
Air Passenger Duty (APD) is payable on almost all flights from UK airports. It is now more than twice as high for premium passengers on long-haul flights. The easiest way legally to avoid the flight tax is to begin your journey in Inverness – which, for reasons to do with air connectivity in the Scottish Highlands, has no APD on outbound flights. On 31 May, for example, the outbound World Traveller Plus fare on British Airways from Inverness to Cape Town via Heathrow is £688, while from Aberdeen – just 73 miles away – the fare is £193 higher. But northern Scotland is not convenient for every traveller. From the London area, you could travel to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam by Eurostar train and fly from one of the airports in those capitals. However, the basic fare from those cities may be significantly higher than the ultra-competitive London market. How far would you go to avoid paying hundreds of pounds in flight tax? Heading to Asia or Africa? Book business class on Turkish Airlines and break the journey for at least 24 hours in Istanbul. You avoid, perfectly legally, the full APD charge for long-haul trips and pay only the £26 tax for European journeys in anything better than economy. Accommodation is reasonably priced in Turkey's biggest city, and the money you save on flight tax will fund a luxury city break. Our new 48 hours feature on Istanbul |
|
|
| The Castello di Vicarello estate is offering 10 per cent off stays booked at least 30 days in advance |
|
|
| The deal from British Airways Holidays includes flights from London and seven nights in a hotel |
|
|
| The first four travellers to sign up for the Much Better Adventures trip will receive a discount |
|
|
✓ Full access to Premium news analysis
✓ Advert-free reading across web and app
✓ The Independent Daily Edition newspaper
✓ Puzzles, virtual event tickets and more |
| |
| From Lake Como to the Seychelles, here's our pick of the world's 10 most decadent holiday destinations. |
|
|
| It doesn't get more once-in-a-lifetime than seeing the aurora borealis first-hand. Check out these short trips and packages. |
|
|
Ditch the stereotypes of deep-fried everything and tartan twee because Scotland has elevated its visitor offerings over recent years |
|
|
| | Whether you're heading for the bustle of Edinburgh or the quiet of the Highlands, book a stay at one of these luxury hotels. |
|
|
| Nothing screams luxury like a tropical island. Get inspired with this list of the top Caribbean destinations for your next trip. |
|
|
We noticed that you might not be registered |
By registering, you will enjoy limited access to Independent Premium articles, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists |
|
|
OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE |
|
|
Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle |
| Every Saturday, 7am (UK time) Written by Hannah Twiggs |
|
|
| Every Friday, 12pm (UK time)
Written by Louise Boyle |
|
|
| Every Saturday, 7am (UK time) Written by Hannah Twiggs |
|
|
If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters. |
|
|
Join the conversation or follow us |
|
|
Download the free Independent app |
|
|
Please do not reply directly to this email
You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Travel newsletter.
Add us to your safe list of senders.
If you do not want to receive The Independent's Travel newsletter, please unsubscribe. If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent,
you can unsubscribe here. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345.
Read our privacy notice and cookie policy.
|
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment
Keep a civil tongue.