Art tips

The first meeting of the American Society of Painters in Water Colors, later to become the American Watercolor Society, (AWS) took place in 1866 in New York City, which was much smaller geographically at that time. The northern border was where 59th Street is today. Central Park was nothing but meadows and farmland. Across the country, a cultural revolution was taking hold. Following the war, people were looking for art to help bring them joy. Watercolor painting was coming into its own and competing heavily with other media. Today, because of its beautiful and unique qualities that include transparency and layering effects, watercolor is used by scores of artists and admired by art fans throughout the world.

When you can gaze on the salt pans of Guérande, near Nantes, cycle through lavender fields in Drôme, in the south-east, and bask in the splendour of the Cirque de Gavarnie in the Pyrénees, you have to wonder how France got so lucky with its diverse landscapes. Most recently, the volcanic landscape of the Massif Central captured my heart. The chain of extinct volcanoes runs south from the highest, Le Puy de Dôme (there’s a rack railway to the top) near Clermont-Ferrand.

For decades, cheap flights, nightclubs and booze made Prague one of Europe’s stag party capitals. City officials have spoken out about tourists’ drunken behaviour, but Prague remains popular among men dressed as Smurfs drinking 50 koruna (£1.70) pints of pilsner.

‘Every day I’m here, the sky and the sea are different,” says Anastasia Kharchenko, as an incessant drizzle patters on our umbrellas. “Sometimes you can’t even see the horizon because it’s so foggy, but in certain months the colours are just breathtaking.”

No historical plaque marks the spot known as Platja des Franceses, or Frenchman's Beach, on the Spanish island of Mallorca. In fact, as I turned off a back road in the warm haze of a late summer's afternoon, there was little to distinguish it from other parts of Alcúdia Bay, a roughly eight-and-a-half-mile-long arc of soft sand and gently lapping crystal-clear waters. Like most corners of the Mediterranean in July, it was a genial hubbub of families playing, lovers smooching, and sun worshippers lazing. But I recognized the location, framed by a shady grove of pine trees with a headland in the distance, from murky black-and-white holiday photographs and a flickering Super 8 movie I'd watched on YouTube.

Compton Verney, a stately home turned art museum in Warwickshire, is set in 120 acres of Grade II listed classical parkland, designed by Lancelot “Capability” Brown, the most eminent landscape architect of the eighteenth-century. The property also houses the only Capability Brown designed chapel. In 1993, Sir Peter Moores, through the Peter Moores Foundation (PMF) bought the site, including the near-derelict mansion, and gifted it to the specially-created charitable trust Compton Verney House Trust (CVHT). Since then, Compton Verney has been welcoming visitors to its wide range of exhibitions, events and grounds, and this year it celebrates the 20th anniversary with the launch of its first ever sculpture trail and a number of ambitious exhibitions across its six galleries.

As an American territory, Puerto Rico stands out as one of the most convenient Caribbean getaways for U.S. citizens. With its close proximity and no passport requirement, it's easily accessible from many large cities — including more than 30 U.S. airports with nonstop flights.

Where can you find one of North America’s largest museum art parks, a collection of 30 Rodin sculptures and one of only two permanent Judaic art displays in the country? Raleigh, the state capital of North Carolina, offers all of this and more.

Travelers to Italy in summer often feel they have to decide between city or beach—take in the cultural riches of a major art destination or give in to the dolce far niente vibe of a stunning waterfront locale. Some places make it easy to do both—Venice has its Lido beaches and the seaside hamlet of Nervi is a suburb of Genoa, but here are five other ways you can combine urban and coastal getaways without much fuss.

The Scotland-based company Slow Adventure advocates a more mindful approach to activity holidays. Options include climbing and yoga in the Italian Alps, mountain biking in Sweden and horse riding and rambling in Iceland. On the Finnish Happiness trip, guests stay in log cabins by a lake in Lapland and activities include canoeing under the midnight sun, hiking, swimming, swamp foraging and daily saunas. On all trips, 5% of the fee goes to local conservation projects, which in Finland could mean helping protect the rare Saimaa ringed seal, preserving forests or supporting a children’s environmental charity.From £876 for five nights, slow-adventure.com

If you’re considering a visit to Dublin, Ohio, you’ll soon discover that the city has more than hills, dales, and greenery to remind one of that other Dublin in Ireland. In fact, you’ll find architecture, themed businesses, and many other delights that will remind you of the Emerald Isle.

Sleep tourism is one of the fastest growing travel trends around the globe but for Equinox Hotels, the focus on a good night’s rest is just part of the brand’s DNA.

Something of a mini-continent, the island of Sicily in Italy ticks most boxes. Adventurer, art lover, beach bum, ruin explorer: this rugged chunk of sun-spun land at the crossroads of the Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Mediterranean seas has enticed ancient and modern peoples with its charms since time immemorial. The result: one of Europe's richest and most extraordinary histories, with an unmatched booty of artistic and drop-dead-gorgeous natural treasures. The food and drink's not bad either.

From medieval re-enactments, creative workshops and events highlighting the Algarve’s nature and extraordinary culinary scene, visitors can discover traditional and modern festivals and events in this stunning region of Portugal all year round. Attending a traditional festival is a great way for visitors to the Algarve to absorb Portuguese history, culture, and local life, and many are completely free of charge. Here are the best festivals of 2024 to attend in the region:

Cultural Attractions of Australia (CAOA) is a collective that was launched in 2019 to bring together Australia’s landmark cultural attractions. The goal is to celebrate the country’s diverse cultural, historical and sporting influences. CAOA offers curated, VIP, behind-the-scenes, pre-bookable experiences—an easy and seamless way for travelers to immerse themselves in Australian culture.

Explore Tunis, Tunisia's dynamic capital in North Africa, where cultural fusion thrives. Wander through the fascinating Arab Medina, alongside European-inspired facades. And on the outskirts is the charming seaside town of Sidi Bou Said, another must visit. Tunisian contemporary culture has been in the spotlight recently with a surge in art spaces, particularly in Tunis and its surroundings. Also inspiring to see are the internationally acclaimed films by female directors, including Under the Fig Trees by Erige Sehiri and this year’s Oscar-nominated Four Daughters by Kaouther Ben Hania.

“First we have to cross the icebergs,” our guide, Herling Mesi, says, pointing to a barely visible ridge on the otherwise flat expanse of frozen lake.

American photographer Keisha Scarville is the winner of the Saltzman Prize, a new award for the best Emerging Photographer in the world. This annual prize is a $10,000 award and additional funds to support a solo exhibition of the winning photographer’s work at Photofairs New York each September. The Saltzman Prize is presented in cooperation with the Center for Photography Woodstock (CPW) and Photofairs New York. The winner will also be honored on 20 April 2024 at the CPW Vision Awards.

From the snow-dusted, ski-worthy Pyrenees to the glinting golden beaches of the south, Spain unfolds in a series of ever-changing landscapes, traditions, attractions, cuisines and even languages.

Often misunderstood as a chaotic urban jungle or a mere pit-stop before hopping the islands, Greece’s capital is having a shining moment. Driven by young Athenians who have moved back to the city following years of financial crisis, Athens is experiencing a renaissance in its arts and culture scene. While the Cyclades have made Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the Best Places to Go in 2024, for those en route to the islands, Athens and its bon vivant attitude await, and demand more than just a single night to be discovered.

Metro Manila, a bustling metropolis brimming with diverse cultures and dynamic energy, is home to some unique hotel experiences. During your next stay, try one-of-a-kind amenities ranging from immersive dining adventures to tailor-made recreational activities.