Beach tips

The French Riviera is often defined by what made it famous in the first place: Historic grande dame hotels, spectacular scenery, visions of jet setters basking in champagne-soaked glamour, and cruising the coast in vintage convertibles a la Grace Kelly. These scenes remain beyond Slim Aarons’ iconic photography, and each summer, a parade of well-heeled travelers arrive, toting the latest bags from Chanel and Dior.

If you have any preconceptions about Colombia, leave them at home. This remarkable country will take you by surprise.

Ecuador offers some of the most incredible outdoor experiences on earth, from surfing on beautiful beaches to treks through the Amazon jungle. The fourth-smallest country in South America offers experiences to rival anything in Brazil, Argentina or Chile, all packed into a small space that's easy to explore by bus, boat or plane.

One of the world’s most dazzling destinations, Brazil is packed with steamy rainforests, tropical savannas, wetlands and exciting cities. 

As the world’s major fashion weeks take place this month, we ask five boutique-brand designers to open their ‘little black books’ and reveal some of their much-loved addresses in their favourite places around the world.

Summer may be over, but beach season doesn’t have to be. In fact, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, fall is the best time to explore coastal towns where cultural sites, natural wonders, and tons of history tell memorable stories to take back home. Here are seven seaside escapes that are even better offseason.

Oahu’s North Shore is famous for its legendary surfers and its giant waves. I’ve been there several times, and it’s awe-inspiring to see all the surfers shredding in the water.

North Carolina is home to famed landscapes ranging from craggy peaks in the west – popular with advanced hikers – to coastal plains in the east – a popular destination for families. But no matter your skill level, the Tar Heel state is filled with pathways, marshes and densely packed forests to tramp.   

I've lived in Scotland my entire life, but until recently I had never visited the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides.

A string of 340 coral and volcanic islands spread against the deep blue waters of the western Pacific, Palau is a picture postcard of paradise.

Picture yourself strolling along a cobblestone street lined with centuries-old architecture and views of the sea in the distance. Only you’re not on vacation or in a dream—this is your home. (And it didn’t cost you a fortune.)

The flamingo-pink towers at Atlantis, Paradise Island Resort in The Bahamas are instantly recognisable. If you didn’t need your sunglasses to shield you from the Caribbean sun, then you definitely need them when gazing up at the pink structure, the turquoise sea a kaleidoscopic clash beyond.

We decided to ask three residents to share their top picks for holidaying within their own country.

Necker Island, Richard Branson's famed private island, is breaking with tradition this holiday season. Known for its exclusivity and hefty price tag, the island is offering unprecedentedly for the December 20-27 festive week.

Many of South America’s greatest hits can be found in Ecuador, from Andean peaks and the Amazon to tropical beaches, Inca ruins and the wonders of the Galápagos Islands. Pretty impressive for a country that's a fraction of the size of its neighbors!

From the surf beaches of the Pacific coast and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the Galapagos Islands and the humid Amazon Basin, Ecuador serves up epic travel experiences in every season and all in an area only slightly larger than Colorado.

Between Estonia and Lithuania lies the unspoilt parkland of Latvia.

While walking back from Víkurfjara beach in Vík, Iceland, during a trip there this summer, I encountered an unfortunate group of tourists whose car was slowly sinking into the black sand.

When I moved to Spain, I knew that the country’s cuisine was vast and varied by region. 

While Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve are increasingly busy—perhaps even on the verge of being loved to death—the essence of Portugal is still alive in the laid-back region between the bustling capital and the famous southerly beaches. The Alentejo is the largest region of Portugal but also the least populated, with charming villages, living traditions, excellent gastronomy (both high and low), some of the country’s best wineries and dreamy places to stay. This is the soul of Portugal, and it’s seemingly tailor-made for slow travel. Here’s an opinionated guide to the best of the best.

I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love Waikiki. Even though it’s a resort area in the middle of a bustling city, I find it luscious and exciting, with a wealth of activities nearby – not to mention gorgeous beach areas with gentle waves – and excellent people-watching! In fact, I always get a kick out of seeing barefoot surfers in their bathing suits, walking and crossing the black-topped streets, with their surfboards perched on their heads, in the middle of a highly-trafficked city filled with cars and locals in business attire. It’s a visual oxymoron – and I always get a chuckle out of it.