Intriguing, beguiling, seductive; the Andalusian provincial capital of Cordoba offers a fascinating and indulgent short break High walls, with crumbling plaster stood either side of the narrow alleyway, just wide enough to allow two people to pass; the warm light cast by the street lamps illuminated what at first appeared to be a sign, but it was in fact some cryptic graffiti, pasted in black letters on the decrepit wall. It spelt out ‘Siguiendote’ in perfectly aligned letters; ‘I’m following you’ it said. Mysterious, slightly baffling; yet with the sound of lively music spilling out from a nearby bar and

Ibiza is shaking off its clichéd image as a party island and is being rediscovered for both its ‘boho chic, and its sophistication The energy is palpable, resonating through the air as the beat builds to a crescendo. All around people are dancing and laughing, whilst some are consumed by the rhythm as if almost frenzied. Yet this isn’t a scene from one of Ibiza’s famous dance venues, with clubbers dancing to the tunes of a celebrity DJ; this is a different Balearic beat. It is Sunday night on Benirrás Beach, on the north of the island, where local and

Experience Jaén, from its Renaissance cities to its natural parks, experiencing some of the world’s best olive oil on the way With the world’s largest cultivated surface area dedicated to over 220 million olive trees, Spain is surely the undisputed king of olive oil production. Yet, like most things in life, it is not always quantity that matters, but quality. Historically Spain has failed to capitalise on its liquid gold assets, and instead exported unsold olives to other European countries that in turn pressed them, and packaged the high quality oil in designer bottles and marketing it as their own.

Granada’s Albaicin district is marking 1000 years of history; an enigmatic quarter that continues to be an inspiration to artists, writers and travellers. High up in the Alpujarras, heading towards the peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains is a pass overlooking Granada. It is called, ‘El Puerto del Suspiro del Moro’, the Pass of the Moor’s Sigh. This unusual name looks back five hundred years to the time when the Moorish Nasrid Sultan (known in Spain as Boabdil, ‘el rey chico’) was forced to surrender his beloved Emirate of Granada to the Catholic Christian Monarchs of Spain. This violent part

The Alfonso XIII Hotel in Andalucía’s capital is a world-class property, a luxurious address to call home for a few days, says Andrew Forbes There’s probably no better time to experience the unique flavour of Seville than during spring. Towards the end of March is Easter’s Holy Week, known as ‘Semana Santa’. The city takes its Easter rituals and processions very seriously, and the streets are filled with the extraordinary spectacle of ornate processions. Then a little later in April the social season starts in Seville with the ‘Feria de Abril’ or April Fair, a passionate celebration of local culture

With over 650 gleaming skyscrapers reaching for the sky, Hong Kong’s sparkling skyline is instantly recognisable; it is Asia’s world city of trade, commerce and unprecedented luxury. Hong Kong (HK) is not only one of the most vertical cities on the planet; it is also one of the world’s wealthiest, an international centre of burgeoning trade and finance. It is a city dedicated to the elite; home to the most lavish hotels, extraordinary service, extravagant dining, fabulous shopping and exclusive nightlife. HISTORY Here in one of the most advanced cities in Asia, old traditions blend with modern life. Ancient Chinese

Destination Weddings …where the wedding truly is the start of the honeymoon Considered the ultimate gesture of commitment, getting married is a genuine ‘life changing moment’. One extravagant way to create that perfect day, that unforgettable moment, is with a destination wedding. Across the world, luxury hotels, resorts and even private islands are offering unique weddings for discerning couples wishing to tie-the-knot in the ultimate dream setting. ASIA Classic Elegance Bangkok’s iconic ‘Oriental Hotel’ is rich in history and is renowned for its legendary service. This is the perfect venue for a White Wedding with a twist; classic elegance, yet

Across the world, luxury island paradises compete with increasingly exclusive luxury resorts but few places offer the warmth and hospitality of Bali The intoxicating smell of sandalwood incense fills the air as local women, dressed in exquisite sarongs and carrying intricately decorated baskets on their heads enter the peaceful temple. Each basket is filled with offerings for the gods; flowers, artisan crafts and other gifts, and is placed on a large table, which is quickly filling with baskets from other local families. Eat, Pray, Love This is a typical scene during festivals on the spice island of Bali. The island