This week’s dream
Unspoilt Crete
The charming little fishing port of Elounda has survived the explosion of tourism on Crete unscathed, says Linda Cookson in the Independent. A few luxury hotels have sprung up in nearby bays, but they don't disturb the "breathtaking" views from... [continued]
Getting the flavour of...
Constable land
The "idyllic" hamlet of Flatford is at the heart of "Constable country", the corner of Suffolk where the great painter spent much of his life, says Oliver Bennett in the Independent on Sunday. Its landscape is little changed and instantly... [continued]
Germany’s lakes district
The Mecklenburg Lakes north of Berlin are a popular focus of "Teutonic recreation", says Andrew Eames in the Observer. Explore them in a hired canal boat and you can be sure of three things: "reliable equipment, lots of unspoilt nature... [continued]
Bohemia in Appalachia
The town of Asheville in North Carolina is an "oasis of stylish liberalism" in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, says Stephen Amidon in the Sunday Times. Many of its inhabitants wouldn't seem out of place in Greenwich Village or... [continued]
Hotel of the week
Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons
The double Michelin-starred restaurant of the Manoir aux Quat' Saisons is justly famous, says Jane Knight in the Times. The guest rooms above it are less well known - and yet there is no doubt that the patron, Raymond Blanc,... [continued]
