Visiting Belfast for a romantic break is probably not the first place that comes to mind. Instead, you probably picture west Belfast's segrated areas with their murals that were most affected by the Troubles. However, there is another side to Belfast, showcased in the recent Sky original series The Lovers, which visited some of Belfast's more charming spots.
The Lovers follows Janet, a bad-tempered Belfast supermarket worker, and Seamus, a handsome, self-centred political broadcaster with what seems to be the perfect London life and a celebrity girlfriend. The show features two people who, at first glance, seem ill-suited but end up inextricably drawn to each other. Wildly romantic and sexy but with humour and a darker side, watching the show will likely inspire you to see the other side of Belfast.
The most romantic spot in Belfast and the place to stay has to be The Merchant Hotel. From the imposing Italianate frontage of this 19th-century building, which was initially the headquarters of the Ulster Bank, to the rooftop hot tub, you couldn't wish for a more magical place to stop over. One of the episodes features the hotel quite heavily, where the lead character is staying in the hotel's Heaney suite, which is perfect for wooing the special someone in your life.
The imposing four poster is the focal point of the room, but the high ceilings, ornate decor and freestanding bath all add to the dramatic feel of this opulent residence. If you prefer something a little lighter or up-to-date in style, there is also a more modern part of the hotel where rooms are decorated in Art Deco style. These also come with a sitting area and a large bathtub, even in entry-level rooms.
Even if you don't stay at the Merchant, you should at least visit for a drink in the beautiful cocktail bar with its open fire and chandeliers, perfect for a special date night. The cocktails are something special, too, with a wide selection of bespoke creations named after their flavour profile. For example, the Savoury makes the perfect aperitif with its umami notes with Vodka, tomato and basil water and white balsamic vinegar. It's like a martini version of a bloody mary without the spice.
The Great Room is known as one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Belfast and is well worth a try. Bert's Jazz Bar has live music and a menu of bistro classics such as moules mariniere and chateaubriand if you fancy something more relaxed and intimate.
If you fancy heading out into Belfast, the current darling of the culinary scene is a modern bistro, Roam, which features dishes highlighting local ingredients such as Portavogie Langoustines with Lemon Butter. The stout and treacle bread is worth the trip alone and perfect for dipping into the
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
From January to December 2023, the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomed over a million visitors. The Turks and Caicos Islands received 1,432,844* visitors combined for air and cruise for January -November 2023. There were 595,503* air arrivals and cruise visitors were 836,341* for the period. The air arrivals represent a 6.35 percent increase over the corresponding period in 2022 which saw 559,941 arrivals and 54.49 percent over the same period in 2021 which saw 365,460 arrivals.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting everyone to the ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024 Vijit Arun’ celebration that will take place on New Year’s Eve at Nagaraphirom Park against the majestic backdrop of Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn, one of Thailand’s most-visited attractions on the mighty Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.
Although it has been years since I’ve traveled in mesmerizing Tokyo, my memories are as vivid as though they had been sparked yesterday—pleasures aswirl in unique flavors and noises, creativity and ingenuity. So when luxury publisher Assouline released the new book Tokyo Chic, I dove into its 312 lush-paper-stock pages, with more than 200 photographs and illustrations, which are bound in an outsize (10-by-13-inches, 6.4-pound) format—a hefty hardcover wrapped in silk. The brainchild of Andrea Fazzari, whose deft imagery and words are love letters to the inimitable capital, Tokyo Chic showcases a massively enthralling—yet strikingly intimate—city. Currently based in Tokyo, Fazzari is a James Beard Award-winning photographer, author and restaurant maven with notable backgrounds in fashion and film. Born in New York City, she has lived in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain and Thailand—and speaks four languages. What a sophisticated guide to have at your armchair traveler’s fingertips! Indeed, this coffee table tome would make a treasured holiday gift for those who have already vacationed in Japan or simply dream of doing so.
One summer, many years ago when I was 17, I met a Dutch girl in a pub who was backpacking around Ireland. She said she was staying in hostels and was off to Doolin in County Clare the next day. Somehow, I hadn’t realised it was that easy to strike out and see the world. The next morning I took the bus to Doolin and began a lifelong love of independent travel and the open road. I never saw the Dutch girl again despite a full search of every pub in the village.
The ancient Kingdom of Fife is steeped in rich history and dramatic scenery. The region is located on a sprawling peninsula on Scotland’s east coast, appreciated for its cinematic scale, ambience, and pure sense of drama. The name ‘Kingdom of Fife’ derives from its historical significance as one of the major Pictish kingdoms, once known as Fib. This four-day itinerary guides visitors through the region’s charming fishing villages, to iconic landmarks and across wild coastal paths. It's a place where visitors can escape, relax and unwind. Explore the historic home of Scotland’s ancient monarchs and tuck into world-class local produce — all within an easy drive from Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city.
Illinois is brimming with festive activities and unique experiences, promising to be the go-to destination for an unforgettable winter experience. Lean into the holiday season in December, partake in outdoor winter activities and meet the Bald Eagles of Illinois in January, and indulge in Chicago’s theatre scene and automotive heritage in February.
As a Brooklynite, I’ve got a little checklist for winter weekend getaways. The destination shouldn’t take more than several hours to get to. It should also have excellent restaurants and bars. Above all else, the place should be thoroughly relaxing and absent of crowds, traffic, and unnecessary noise.