Hotlists

With summer sun and a heatwave on the horizon, we’re spotlighting the city-centre townhouses with rooftop infinity pools and elegant country piles where you can swim in the open air and sunbathe like socialites of yesteryear. These are the best hotels with outdoor pools in the UK.

We’ve teamed up with Porter & Sail to pick out some of our all-time favourite hotels across the world – from tropical eco-reserves to less-is-more African safari camps and an art-deco bolthole at the heart of Nashville. These are the getaways we’ll be booking ahead for when lockdown restrictions lift.

Stretch out your lockdown legs among some of the UK’s most beautiful scenery. Hike across the Seven Sisters cliffs, wander along the Thames Path or escape the crowds on the routes less trodden – all of these trails are within a short train (or underground) journey from London, perfect for a day trip.

From classical Pécs (the new Budapest?) to the verdant village of Noszvaj and the bright and folksy Hollókő, we’re spotlighting our five favourite, underrated Hungarian destinations – as well as the things to do and places to stay when you visit.

We’ve scoured the bookshelves to find these slim reads perfect for stashing in your hand luggage (or reading on a lazy afternoon at home). Expect French novellas, short stories by Booker-winning authors and essays on postcolonial travel.

Staycations are summer 2020’s holiday of choice, so we’ve picked out the UK’s most unusual yet beautiful rental properties ideal for intimate weekend trips and group holidays. Say no to scrolling and search fatigue; these are some of the best stays to book on Airbnb right now.

Lisbon is gloriously hot in summer. We’ve picked out the best beaches nearby, from the famous coasts of Cascais and Estoril to lesser-trodden shores and the sands that locals would rather keep secret. They’re easily accessible from Portugal’s capital, and we’ve thrown in directions to make life simple. Find your favourite and dive in.

Whitewashed houses, unspoiled cerulean-blue sea and fresh seafood worthy of Poseidon: if you’re in search of a secluded summer escape, sidestep Mykonos and Santorini in favour of these 12 lesser-known Greek islands. We’re pretty sure you won’t have heard about them, but the ouzo is on us if you have.

Fancy taking a dip in Hampstead Heath Ponds or brunching at the art-deco Brockwell Lido? We’ve found London’s best outdoor swimming pools and for you to make a splash in the capital this summer.

This province of northern Spain home to a handful of sleepy, sun-baked villages laced with streams and world-renowned vineyards, all hemmed in by medieval walls crumblier than over-baked croquetas. Planning a summer trip to La Rioja? Make the most of the area with these five great villages and hotel recommendations.

We’ve cherry-picked the best of summer 2020’s bookshelves to bring you the must-read debut novels, newly released fiction from famous authors and thought-provoking titles that are great for reading at home or on holiday.

This understated Balearic island offers mellow respite from its Mediterranean siblings with its undulating hills, whitewashed villages, sandy bays and a penchant for siestas. These are the hotels that keep us coming back to Menorca.

You don’t have the Canary Islands on your summer hit list? Pop them on. Diverse landscapes, mid-century architecture and independent vineyards are just some of the reasons this Spanish archipelago off the African coast is one of our top travel destinations.

Curious about the perfect trip to suit your personality? We’ve consulted the characteristics of the nine Enneagram types and matched them up with summer 2020’s best destinations, including a hotel recommendation for your holiday too. Take the test and get planning.