1. Cowley Manor, Cowley, Gloucestershire, UK

Cowley Manor rates pretty highly in the style stakes with its clubby ambiance, rockstar-esque snooker room, eclectic sitting room, cowhide seats, and notorious mock hunting trophies made from papier-mâché on the bar-room wall. The list goes on. And, as every self-respecting style-hunter knows, the best way to spot new trends in the design world is to keep an eye on emerging talent.

Enter The Coutts Cowley Manor Arts Award. Until 30 September, this fabulously funky hotel will be transformed into a spectacular art venue. Hotel residents, restaurant guests and picnic-goers will be able to enjoy 27 incredible sculptures by the latest and greatest to come out of the Royal College of Art.

This is in fact a competition, and the winning installation will take up permanent residence in the 55-acre grounds of the Grade II-listed manor. If you’re looking for a little (or large) something for your own back garden, several of the sculptures will be up for sale.

Read the full review here: Cowley Manor, Cowley, Gloucestershire, UK, and check out their great offers, including a 15% exclusive discount for i-ecape guests

2. Artist Residence, Penzance, Cornwall, South West England

At this hip boutique guesthouse, housed in a Grade II-listed Georgian mansion in the port town’s historic heart, 9 artists were given rooms as blank canvases. Choose one that appeals to your inner artist – perhaps colourful Pinky Vision, mural-lined Jo Peel or butterfly-themed Ephemeral Opulence. Charlie, the affable art student-turned-manager, brings an enthusiastic young vibe to the mix. She’ll keep you up to speed on anything from the Cornish art scene to the nearest sandy beach. Charlie’s concept is to “mix hospitality with art” and the gallery, with its playful jumble of new and refurbished furniture, is a fabulous space for relaxing. Marvel at the works on the walls, read the paper, play with your laptop, drink a cuppa, or just chill out.

Read the full review here: Artist Residence, Penzance, Cornwall, South West England

3. Hotel des Academies et des Arts, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris, France

It’s not every night you fall asleep with the silhouette of a white body leaping over your head, but stay here and you’ll sample this fairly novel experience. The ‘corps blancs’ are the chef-d’oeuvre of artist Jérôme Mesnager, who has been painting them on walls around the world (including the Great Wall of China) for the last 25 years. These permanent guests appear in various poses in the 20 bedrooms, and are scattered through the communal areas – including a giant that spans 5 floors on the courtyard wall. Meanwhile, the internal spiral staircase circles miniature ladders laden with diminutive white bodies; the work of sculptor Sophie de Watrigant.

The hotel is set in the chic 6th arrondissement, just around the corner from the Jardin du Luxembourg, and it was the quartier’s artistic heritage that inspired owners Laurent and Charlotte to create such a unique environment.

Read the full review here: Hotel des Academies et des Arts, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris, France

4. Casa Angelina, Praiano, Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi coast’s first real design hotel adds slick white décor, bold artwork and delicate cuisine to those famous sea views. This ‘lifestyle hotel’ is a breath of minty-fresh air among a fusty neighbourhood of dated bathroom suites and colour-clashing tiles. Bedrooms are as white as a sunlit snowdrift, with furnishings as modern as Mies and funky as Philippe. Colour comes in splashes among the cool and airy living spaces: star-pricked ceilings, vibrant oil panels and outlandish rainbow-glass sculptures from Cuban surrealist Sosabravo. Find generous sitting rooms with LED-starred ceilings, psychadelic Murano-glass sculptures and colourful oil paintings (some of them for sale).

Read the full review here: Casa Angelina, Praiano, Amalfi Coast, Italy

5. Art Hotel Luise, Berlin, Germany

Berlin has long been at the cutting edge of wacky art, but this place takes the biscuit. You can drink spritzers under a giant horse’s head. You can sleep in a pseudo aircraft cabin on a tilting mattress as if you’re coming in to land, or clamber into an oversized bed to make you feel like a kid again. Artists of every ilk have left their mark – provocative female nudes, neon glows, comic graffiti, even an arrangement of dog bowls – on the walls of most rooms, and a portion of the cost goes to their royalties. If you don’t mind sharing a bathroom, you can get a cool room in the heart of Berlin for next to nothing (or for nothing if you donate one of your paintings).

Read the full review here: Art Hotel Luise, Berlin, Germany

6. Hotel Casa de la Real Aduana, Patzcuaro, Mexico

In 2004 Hotel Casa de la Real Aduana opened as an intimate hotel – one of the best in Mexico, thanks to its artist owners Gemma and Didier. All who stay are captivated by the art, which ranges from a funky collection of Mexican dolls to an exquisite carving of the Virgin and Child. From the lemon verbena tea brought to your room in the evening to breakfasts at the long table by the open fire, the attention to detail is enchanting and you’re made to feel at home from the moment you arrive.

Read the full review here: Hotel Casa de la Real Aduana, Patzcuaro, Mexico

7. Le Sutra, Mumbai, India

Look out for this little hotel or you might miss it altogether. However, once you’re past its unassuming frontage there’s plenty to capture your attention. Conceived as an ‘art hotel’, this suburban sanctuary is a great entry point for first-time travellers to India who want a rapid initiation into its art, philosophy and culture. Small enough to be a guesthouse but with the conveniences of a large hotel, including a spa and concierge service, Le Sutra packs quite a punch with its 14 original and immaculate themed rooms.

Read the full review here: Le Sutra, Mumbai, India

8. Casa Margot, Mendoza, Argentina

Casa Margot is found in the small town of Chacras de Coria on the eastern side of the Andes. Hidden behind tall gates, it could pass for just another large house in a desirable suburb. But when the gates open, and the majestic red-brick building comes into view, you know you’ve found somewhere special. Once home to renowned Argentine sculptor Eliana Molinelli, Casa Margot has conserved her story: original photographs hang on the walls and her emotive sculptures are dotted around the garden. But the new winemaker proprietors have added their own tasteful touch, and brought their wonderful Valle de Uco wines into the picture.

Read the full review here:  Casa Margot, Mendoza, Argentina

9. Surya Samudra, Kovalam, Kerala

If you long to luxuriate in a peaceful, exotic beachside setting then Surya Samudra is for you. Revamped and reopened in December 2009, it’s set in 20 acres of landscaped gardens. The polished dark-wood cottages, reconstituted by local craftsmen from 100-year-old traditional Keralan homes, are surrounded by coconut plantations. Set well apart, they perch on a hillside overlooking the Arabian Sea. Each has its own writing desk should you feel inspired to work on your next opus.

The 20 acres of stepped, landscaped gardens climb uphill, with many a palm tree and Ganesh sculpture. The infinity pool is hewn out of a single granite rock with magnificent underwater sculptures.

Read the full review here:  Surya Samudra, Kovalam, Kerala

10. Fazenda Catucaba, Near Sao Luis do Paraitinga, Southern Brazil – New!

A beautiful 1850s farmhouse forms the centre of this 450ha estate (2.5 hours from São Paulo), which holds mountains, lakes, stables, coffee plantations and organic vegetable gardens within its grounds, and borders a lush Unesco-listed rainforest. There’s a sculpture trail in the hills above, with 10 angular timber works by New-York-based Belarussian Pasha Ra. Fazenda Catucaba offers residence to artists from all over the world who come to create in peace. More art is displayed in the farmhouse, much of it for sale.

Read the full review here: Fazenda Catucaba, Near Sao Luis do Paraitinga, Southern Brazil – New!

Drive out of San Antoni and head up and up, around hairpin bends and through glorious pine forests. As you drive along the quiet roads, the land around you is mesmerising. Farming land is all around, and the fields are filled with meticulous rows of almond and olive trees, planted in deep red earth.  This is where the celebs snap up their holiday villas – and no wonder. You feel worlds apart from San Antoni’s clubs and crowds yet, unbelievably, you’re only 7km away.

Set back from the road and deep in this valley lies the charming Es Cucons. A carefully restored 1650s finca, the 15-room hotel is cosy and very colourful.  It’s run by two Spanish sisters (Maria and Barbara) and their respective husbands (Pasi and Jaime), and it exudes their own warmth: this is the fulfilment of a family dream. The grounds are spacious, teeming with lavender, geraniums, cacti and palm trees. Come with your partner and go hiking and cycling through the valley, then unwind with a specialist massage.

Rooms: Scattered around the grounds or up above reception, the 15 rooms are all beautifully decorated with their own specific theme. There are various categories to choose from, and all have outdoor space: a terrace, private garden or balcony. All are spacious with decadent furnishings (squashy sofas, antique wooden furniture, chandelier lights and all the mod cons). Our Junior Suite was Moroccan themed, the most quirky and charming element of the room was its claw-footed bathtub, separated from the bed by a beautiful ’40s handpainted screen. With bath oil, salts or petals to bathe in, and candles sitting on the windowsill, it was wonderfully romantic.

French doors led out to our private terrace, which was lined with pot plants, and wicker sunloungers. A table and chairs made it a perfect spot to bask in the afternoon sun.

Food: It’s a good job there’s lots of great walking in the area because the food at Es Cucons is delicious – and there’s lots of it. Meals are served in the wine-red dining room or outside on one of two pretty terraces. The food was excellent, consisting of a generous set menu that changes daily. Our buffet-style breakfast was wonderful and, as we lingered over our coffee, one of the four owners, Maria, came through and spoke to each guest about their plans for the day, taking a real interest in what they were up to and making recommendations about things to do.

The hotel also offers light lunches and afternoon tea; try the ‘Forte’ brew, served in old-fashioned steel teapots with freshly made cakes and pastries.

When to go: The most popular time to go to Ibiza is during the summer months, when it’s warm enough to spend all day at the beach or by the pool. However, there are definite advantages to visiting in the off-season months when things are quieter. In autumn the island is beautifully green and the days are often warm enough to go to the beach; in Spring, borrow a bike and explore: the valley is especially stunning when the almond trees are in blossom.

i-escape guest review:: “Lovely staff, great food and a beautiful setting. The perfect late spring getaway!” fred, United Kingdom (17.05.10)

i-escape gift:  dinner for 2 in the restaurant for stays of 4 nights or more (shorter stays receive cava)

Read our full review here

1. Spain. Specifically Catalonia, which we have just added as a new region to the site. It’s an easy flight from the UK (fly to Girona or Barcelona, then hire a car) and our selection of colourful, fun and vibrant hotels include those close to the beach and others with kids’ activities. Perfect for a memorable holiday (our reviewer’s personal favourite is Casa Migdia).

2. France is another easy pick for us and regularly a favourite haunt for British holidaymakers. We’d recommend booking a villa, like Tresbos Farmhouse, near Toulouse, where the owners have set it up perfectly for holidaying families. Their pool is lovely and it still has some availability this summer, which we can’t believe! Great if you want to holiday with your friends and their kids too – it sleeps 4-6 adults plus children.

3. Greece. We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to family-friendly properties in Greece, but on this occasion we’d like to highlight Onar, on Andros, which has recently joined i-escape and is a cottage retreat on one of our favourite islands. Walk down a woodland valley to the sea and eat a communal lunch under plane trees in the evening. It’s simple and well set up for family adventures.

4. Italy. We are pleased to welcome Borgo Egnazia to our site this season, a huge hotel complex with townhouses, villas and hotel rooms as well as private beaches, tennis courts and every service you could imagine. We are out reviewing it this spring, so consider this an insider tip-off.

5. UK. If you’ve been to Cornwall and Devon and want something a little more exotic, we’d highly recommend Flying Boat Club on the Scilly Isles. With miles of white sands as well as boat trips and pushchair-friendly walks on your doorstep, it’s an idyllic place to spend a week in the UK. Two of the i-escape directors loved it so much they’ve bought a regular holiday spot on the islands.

Sign up for our kids’ newsletter at i-escape.com/kids for a quarterly mailing of tips and offers for family holidays around the world.

With 6 new and unique places to stay, the collection includes options to suit all budgets and tastes, ranging from a trailblazing boutique hotel in Antwerp to a cultural homestay with cooking lessons in Ghent.

And Belgium has never been so endearing - funky flea markets, art galleries and world-class shopping in Antwerp; unspoilt medieval squares, leafy canals and Michelin-starred restaurants in Ghent and Bruges; and astounding Art Nouveau architecture in Brussels. What’s more, this summer welcomes ‘Brusselicious’, a food festival celebrating the country’s gastro delights through pop-up restaurants and tempting tasting events.

Here’s our run down of the collection - to view it in full click here.

Slip into super-stylish Antwerp: Hotel Julien

One of the original boutique hotels that started the designer hotel revolution over a decade ago, Hotel Julien still stands strong as one of Antwerp’s very best. Its 22 pale-and-pleasurable rooms have everything you could wish for: Malin+Goetz products in the bathrooms, huge and comfortable beds, Eames chairs, and luxury sofas with interior design books on their side tables; there’s even homemade cake behind the well-stocked bar downstairs.

Where: In central Antwerp, close to the cathedral and within easy walking distance of great restaurants, world-class boutiques, and galleries giving a glimpse into the city’s glittering art-filled past.

Cost: Double rooms from £160 per night (including tax), based on 2 sharing on a bed and breakfast basis, with a free bottle of wine for those booking through i-escape.

Live like a local in a retro-chic Antwerp apartment: Vrijdagmarkt Apartments

These 2 central Antwerp apartments (sleeping 2-4) overlook the flea market of Vrijdagmarkt and are set in a classic Belgian townhouse. The owner has lovingly decorated them so that you can enjoy the best of the past and present, with black and white pictures of the king and queen over the bed in one apartment, Danish-style retro chairs in the other, and colourful kitschy prints in both. Modern wet rooms with rainfall showers, full kitchens, and light and airy lounges with quirky details mean the apartments feel full of fun and life; places where you want to live, not just stay.

Where: Vrijdagmarkt, just off Nationalestraat and close to Antwerp’s funky Fashion District.

Cost: Apartments from £111 per night (including tax), based on 2 sharing on an accommodation-only basis, with a free bottle of wine or box of cupcakes for those booking through i-escape.

Experience Ghent from a classy homestay-cum-B&B: L’Ecume des Jours

This beautiful 1913 B&B in a part Art Deco, part Art Nouveau townhouse is full of wonderful period details - carved wooden stairs, stained glass doors and windows, and original tiles. There’s only 1 guest room - a vast top-floor suite with a clawfoot tub, a stunning shower room and a roof terrace where you can relax after soaking up Ghent’s vibrant atmosphere.  A lavish breakfast is served whenever you want, and you’re greeted like an old friend by the generous hosts, who will put you on the insider track to Ghent and invite you to join twice-weekly cooking classes with a world-class chef.

Where: Near leafy Citadelpark, in the Millionaire’s Quarter of Ghent.

Cost: Double room from £135 per night, based on 2 sharing on a bed and breakfast basis, with a free bottle of wine for those booking through i-escape.

Set trends alight on a stylish Antwerp getaway: Room National

There isn’t a hipper address in Antwerp than 24 Nationalestraat, right next door to the city’s fashion museum and around 500m from the flagship store of Dries Van Noten. And at Room National you’ll find everything you need for a stylish stay: the 2 suites have large bedrooms, living rooms and kitchenettes, and there’s a seriously sexy double room. All come with luxe linens, sculptural lights and sheepskin rugs, and there are chic restaurants aplenty on the surrounding streets.

Where: Slap bang in the middle of Antwerp, with designer shops on the doorstep and the Diamond District that built the city 10 minutes away by tram.

Cost: Double room from £78 per night and suites from £111 per night (including tax), based on 2 sharing on an accommodation-only basis, with a free box of cupcakes or bottle of wine for those booking through i-escape.

Befriend beautiful Bruges at a welcoming B&B: Sint Niklaas B&B

This home-from-home is set in the former Sint Niklaas hospital, dating back as far as the 14th century. Now its 3 bedrooms offer some of the finest views of Bruges’ famous bell tower, along with warm and friendly hospitality from experienced owner Anne. The house seeps character and comfort - relax over breakfast in front of the fire, learn about the city’s secrets over mint tea in the lounge, and use the giant medieval map covering one wall to familiarise yourself with Bruges’ maze of cobbled streets and winding canals. Afterwards, head out to explore the chocolate shops, waffle stands and gourmet restaurants nearby.

Where: On a quiet street in the centre of Bruges, steps away from Markt Square.

Cost: Double rooms from £94 per night (including tax), based on 2 sharing on a bed and breakfast basis, with free Belgian chocolates for those booking through i-escape.

Be inspired by a different side to Brussels: Ursule la Libellule

This vibrant B&B offers 2 colourful and kooky rooms in the heart of Ixelles, Brussels’ leafy ex-pat area. Forget any preconceptions of this city as dull, grey and bureaucratic: Ursule la Libellule encapsulates creativity and exuberance, making it a light and bright base for exploring the true beauty of Brussels. Hire a bike and meander past graceful Art Nouveau buildings, browse the gourmet market nearby, enjoy an outdoor dip at a pretty 1930s lido, and take gentle boat rides through the local park.

Where: In the Ixelles district of Brussels, to the southeast of the city centre and about 20 minutes by tram from the Grand Place.

Cost: Double rooms from £76 per night (including tax), based on 2 sharing on a bed and breakfast basis.

We’ve done all the hard work; you just need to book*. Secure your accommodation through i-escape, then follow our recommendations for travel, and voila! All you need to do is pack…

1. Incredible Iceland – £572 per person (5 nights, 10-15 May 2012)

The long days make late spring a fine time to explore the awe-inspiring landscapes of Iceland. To say that the scenery is staggering doesn’t do it justice: volcanoes tower over grassy plains, herds of shaggy Icelandic ponies huddle against the wind, and the sheer scale of the mountains makes the farmhouses scattered beneath them resemble children’s toys.

Stay: at Hotel Budir, one of Iceland’s most iconic country hotels, set next to a mystical glacier 2 hours’ drive from Reykjavik. Watch seals play in the sea from the bar, pony-trek over moon-like terrain, and take boat trips through turquoise fjords. Double rooms start at £650 for 4 nights, including breakfast and tax.

Fly: from London Luton to Reykjavik with EasyJet for £170 per person (direct flights), departing on Thursday 10 May and returning on Tuesday 15 May.

From the airport: 5 days’ car hire with Holiday Autos costs around £154.

Total cost: £572 per person, including all taxes

More info: Getting to Iceland and other accommodation options

2. Captivating Croatia – £490 per person (7 nights, 13-20 May 2012)

May is magical in Croatia – the seaside resorts aren’t too crowded, the sea is warm enough to swim in, and the weather is sunny but not too hot. The stunning coastline has more than 1,200 islands, many with beautiful beaches, clear waters and pretty stone villages fragrant with pine trees and bougainvillea.

Stay: at Hotel Boskinac, a romantic little hideaway with a gourmet restaurant and a well-regarded winery, set in peaceful gardens on the ruggedly beautiful island of Pag. With a 5% discount for stays of 7 nights or more, a week’s bed and breakfast in a double or twin room costs just £770 (including tax).

Fly: from London Stansted to Zadar with Ryanair (direct flights) for £48 per person, departing on Sunday 13 May and returning on Sunday 20 May.

From the airport: A week’s car hire with Holiday Autos costs around £114.

Total cost: £490 per person, including all taxes

More info: Getting to Croatia and other accommodation options

3. Blissful Bali – £1,509.50 per person (11 nights, 11-22 May 2012)

Bali is hot at this time of year, in more ways than one. The dry season has begun, reducing humidity and bringing clear days that are perfect for exploring forest-clad volcanic peaks, paddy terraces and stunning temples – or just lounging around the pool and indulging in some much-needed R&R.

Stay: at Uma Ubud, a chic boutique hotel and spa set on a hillside on the edge of Ubud, Bali’s cultural hub. With some fabulous offers in May, a 10-night stay costs just £1,645 per room, including breakfast, tax and some activities (must be booked and paid in full at least 7 days in advance).

Fly: from London Heathrow to Denpasar with Singapore Airlines (via Singapore Changi) for £657 per person, departing on Friday 11 May (an overnight flight landing on Saturday 12 May) and returning on Tuesday 22 May.

From the airport: The hotel can arrange transfers for $50 (around £30) each way.

Total cost: £1,509.50 per person, including all taxes

More info: Getting to Bali and other accommodation options

*Please note that only the accommodation may be booked through i-escape.com. The information on travel is provided as a service to you, and must be booked through other websites, as indicated. All prices are correct at the time of publishing. The per person prices are based on 2 people in a double/twin room or an apartment for 2. Published on 26 April 2012.

Founded nearly a thousand years ago, Marrakech is Morocco’s most vibrant and exotic city, with its rose-coloured buildings, wealth of monuments and labyrinthine souks (markets) set against the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. A shopaholic could spend a lifetime here, browsing through the stalls of homeware, fabrics, spices, wooden crafts, lanterns and other trinkets, and equipping an imaginary (or real) second home.

Tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of Marrakech’s souk-land, Riad Chi-Chi is the near neighbour and younger sister of Riad Ariha, whose combination of Zen-cool bedrooms, impeccable service and unbeatable value makes it one of our most popular riad hotels in the city. Riad Chi-Chi has all of these attributes and more: soothing rooms, a cool roof terrace, unbeatable prices and, being newer, the advantage of better availability. For now, at least. The service, led by owner Beryl and manager Yvonne, is also top-notch; staff can arrange day trips, meals and massages, and will happily venture out to rescue guests who’ve got lost in the medina’s maze of alleyways.

Rooms: The 5 immaculately crafted bedrooms (2 on the ground floor, 3 on the first), finished in calming creams with accents of bright colour, look out – some of them through intricate wooden lattices – to a central courtyard with its tiny petal-strewn pool and cushioned b’hou (sitting alcove). Up top, a terrace with a canopied chill-out area, bathed in blue-green light at night, offers roof-level views across the medina to the peaks of the Atlas Mountains.

Eating: Like most riad hotels, breakfast is served (included in the price, here) and other meals are available by prior arrangement. You can take your breakfast in the courtyard or the loggia, or up on the roof terrace, depending on the weather. You’ll get eggs, fresh orange juice and Moroccan crumpets or pancakes, in addition to the usual continental fare.

When you check in, you’ll be offered Moroccan pastries and mint tea – a nice touch – and you’ll find mineral water in your room. If you’re arriving in the evening and don’t want to go out again for dinner, or if you just prefer to dine one evening in the pretty candlelit courtyard, ask ahead for the riad’s chef to prepare a Moroccan meal to suit your tastes: tagines of lamb and prunes or lemon chicken with olives, or a vegetarian one if you prefer. We enjoyed a lovely lentil and tomato salad, tasty beef casserole with saffron rice, and crêpes with sautéed seasonal fruit. It’s all freshly prepared on site, and not expensive by hotel standards (see Rates).

i-escape guest review: “What was outstanding about this Riad was the service provided….from initial booking to final departure. Nothing was too much trouble and the help given was much appreciated. The evening meal recommendation to a nearby Fondouk was excellent….& the guidance through the maze of passageways was very reassuring.

An outstanding, good value Riad….our only disappointment being that we stayed just the one night prior to leaving Marrakech, Its location & quality deserves a prolonged visit!” Robert, United Kingdom (01.02.12)

Special offer: 4 nights for 3: 4th night free. Offer does not apply to extra beds and cannot be combined with other offers Valid: 28 Feb 2012 – 16 Dec 2012

To read our full review and book click here

1. TRAVEL COT: The Samsonite Pop-up Travel Cot is great for new babies, and it folds up into a tiny pouch you can easily fit into your suitcase. For toddlers and biggers kids, we suggest the Baby Bjorn Travel Cot.

2. CHILDREN’S SUITCASES: The Trunki suitcases will appeal to your kids with their fun designs, and when your little one is too tired to walk through the airport, he can ride on top of his suitcase!]

3. CHILD-SIZED HEADPHONES: The headphones you get on airplanes never fit children’s little heads, so it’s best to bring your own.

4. BACKPACKS: How cute are the Fjallraven Kanken waterproof backpacks? And they come in mini sizes for kids so they can carry their favourite goodies wherever they go.

5. PORTABLE HIGHCHAIR: The Phil and Teds Me Too chair is a favourite of ours! It folds down nicely and clips on to any table or bench.

6. STORAGE BAGS: Paisley Baby makes cute zippered pouches which are lined with waterproof fabric. They’re great for toting around toys, snacks, wet swimsuits, baby changing materials, etc.

7. FIRST AID KIT: The Ouch Pouch is great because it comes with all the necessary and handy first-aid products (more than 100 items!) you will hopefully never need while on holiday.

8. TRAVEL BUGGY: A foldable umbrella stroller is a must when travelling! We like the Maclaren folding buggies the best.

9. ENTERTAINMENT: To keep kids entertained on long car rides or while stuck on airplanes, it’s always a good idea to have tricks up your sleeve. We suggest audio books, sticker books, travel bingo, mess-free Colour Wonder felt pens, iphone apps, and regular reading books.

10.  BABY CARRIER: Baby carriers make zipping through airports, or walking cobblestone streets so much easier. We like the Baby Bjorn carrier for babies and the Ergobaby carrier for toddlers.

Babyccino Kids offers a curated selection of children’s boutique webshops, organised into relevant categories and highlighted by key products. Whether you’re looking for wooden toys, children’s decor, or even maternity wear, they dig up the best and most unique online shops making it easy and enjoyable for busy parents to find unique products you can’t find on the high street.

We’re very excited to announce the launch of Number Thirty Eight on i-escape, our first boutique offering in Bristol. Perched in the desirable district of Clifton, this Georgian townhouse B&B has oodles of nautical-chic style and extensive views over our beautiful home town. We may be a little biased, but we think Bristol has something for everyone; from Brunel’s iconic industrial structures to the vibrant summer celebrations of the Balloon Fiesta and Harbour Festival. So to celebrate our newest addition (and help you make the most of your visit) we thought we’d share some of our local knowledge. See you soon!

Nikki: When friends visit Bristol I always recommend the Lido Spa and The Rockfish seafood restaurant, both of which are in Clifton. The Source food hall and café, at St Nicholas Market (in the city centre) is another favourite.

Abi: I love Iota for adorable interiors. It’s on Gloucester Road, which apparently has the most independent shops of any single street in the UK.

Liz: The Apple is the world’s best invention ever – a boat on the waterfront selling lots of different types of cider. Amazing on a sunny day!

Luke: The Souk Kitchen has authentic Middle Eastern cuisine and a really relaxed atmosphere. Plus it’s directly opposite the Tobacco Factory so it’s great for a pre-show dinner.

Mike: The cakes at Chandos Deli (1 branch in Clifton Village, 1 on Whiteladies Road) are pricey but amazing – especially the frangipani tartlets and the caramel shortbread. Also, explore@bristol is great for kids – it’s educational but you hardly notice because it’s such fun. Outside in Millennium Square, in summer, there is a large water feature which kids can run around in.

Ben: The Runcible Spoon offers an excellent taste of Bristol’s alternative scene: it’s co-operative owned and the food is seasonal, locally sourced and utterly delicious.

Melissa: I absolutely love The Lanes; it’s a bowling alley/bar/club in the city centre. Totally retro and more scene than cheesy, I spent last Saturday night dancing to the 60s music and playing Pac-Man, then returned the next day to peruse a vintage fair!

Fiona: Clifton Village is brimming with upmarket boutiques; one of my favourites is Clare Pirie for its vintage and crafty items.

Kirstie: The Milk Thistle’s delicious cocktails and dark wood décor make for a brilliant night of 20s-style decadence (and a Pink Fizz is the way to go!).

Kate: Papadeli has to get a mention for its scrummy food and family friendly atmosphere. And there’s Soma, a cool little gallery with lots of quirky pieces (both in Clifton).

Daisy: In the summer I really enjoy an outing on the Bristol to Bath railway path. Hire a bike from the Mud Dock and cycle the 13-mile route (it’s almost entirely flat), then when you get to Bath reward yourself with a glass of wine and hop on the train home. Ideal!

So there we have it. Bristol officially rocks. And it’s also home to Nick Parker and the Aardman Studios, (Wallace & Gromit), Massive Attack, Portishead, Russell Howard, Justin Lee Collins and Banksy…

Cappadocia has been captivating travellers for centuries. Its other-worldly landscape is the result of volcanic eruptions from millions of years ago and numerous civilisations have left their mark on the region. Now it’s home to valleys of extraordinary rock formations, rose-coloured ravines, stone-hewn churches, labyrinthine underground cities, ancient cave dwellings and castles perched on top of rocky outcrops. We discovered The Hezen Cave Hotel set into the steep slopes of Ortahisar, a picturesque village where traditional rock houses spill down the hillsides in spectacular fashion.

Built around and carved into Cappadocia’s soft rock, contemporary and traditional are effortlessly blended within the hotel’s stone walls. The enormous lounge lobby sets the tone: sleek white banquettes, funky artwork and antique carpets give plenty of colour and offset the pale stone walls and wooden floors. The sunny terraces have stunning views over the village – and we loved sitting out for delicious breakfasts and evening drinks, soaking up the views by day or stargazing by night.

Rooms: The bedrooms are surprisingly light and airy for caves, and the Turkish designer Halide Didem was inspired to use colourful décor by the region’s traditional houses. Green window frames, a yellow door and a glossy red bedstead enlivened the rustic sand-coloured stone walls of our room, while bright embroidered cushions and a throw adorned the large bed. Goosedown duvets and pillows kept things cosy at night.

Eating: A buffet breakfast is served in the colourful dining room or on the sun-drenched terraces. We really enjoyed our typical Turkish feast – white cheese, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, freshly baked bread, strong coffee – and there are also fresh pastries, fruit, cereals and cold meats, as well as eggs made to order.

The honesty bar stocks a full range of spirits and beers. Post-sightseeing, relax alfresco or in front of the fire in the lounge with a Turkish tea, a glass of the excellent local wine, or raki, Turkey’s potent anise-flavoured spirit.

When to go: The hotel is open March-October. May, June, September and October are the best months to visit Cappadocia in general; high summer is hot. Urgup’s annual International Wine and Grape Festival is in October.

Author’s tips:

•Le Bazaar D’Orient, the owners’ shop in Urgup, has a fine selection of rugs, kilims and textiles. Be sure to visit the fascinating museum of antique rugs and textiles above the shop

•A sunset hike through the Rose Valley is unforgettable

Read our full review here

Why go?

Set just below the Arctic Circle, Iceland is on Europe’s furthermost limits: it’s often left off the map completely, much to the annoyance of its people. But those who have visited never forget the magic of its ice-capped volcanoes, turquoise glaciers, gushing geysers, majestic waterfalls and steaming hot springs. It’s also one of the best places to catch the Northern Lights and, with new EasyJet flights from London Luton to Reykjavik starting up in March, this celestial display – set to be particularly mesmerising in 2012 – is becoming increasingly accessible.

Highlights

Reykjavik is the world’s most northerly capital and feels more like a provincial town than a metropolis. That said, its central pocket offers lively bars and restaurants; you can stay among them at hip 101 Hotel or a charming 19^th-century cottage. The city is also famed for its geothermal springs, and a 20-minute drive away is the Blue Lagoon, a vast naturally heated pool where you can soak for hours.

Only 45 minutes north of Reykjavik yet gloriously remote is Hotel Glymur, set above a rugged fjord with to-die-for views. From here you can venture into the Golden Circle to see Gullfoss (Iceland’s most famous waterfall), Geysir (the spouting hot spring which gave its name to all others) and Thingvellir (the site of Iceland’s first parliament, as well as the fissure which separates the shifting European and North American continental plates).

Travel south from Reykjavik and you’ll reach the legendary Hekla volcano. It’s here that you’ll find Hotel Ranga, said to be one of the best hotels in the world for watching the Northern Lights.

To the west of the country is the dramatic Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where the sheer scale of the mountains makes the colourful farmhouses scattered at their base resemble children’s toys.  Stay at romantic Hotel Budir and spend your days whizzing across lunar-like landscapes on a snowmobile, trekking along glaciers, and spotting seals, whales, orcas and dolphins frolicking off the coast.

When to go

When to go depends on what you want to see. The Northern Lights are visible between November and April (though sightings are far from guaranteed), while whale-watching is at its best from June to August. Also come in the summer months if you want to experience 24-hour daylight and the surreal spectacle of the midnight sun. Be aware that harsh weather can hamper travel to more remote areas during winter.

Our top tip

Explore this beautiful land on horseback. Small and sturdy Icelandic ponies have a unique extra gait and are ideal for beginners. Treks can be arranged at farms across the country.

See our destination guide for other accommodation ideas and more information on Iceland.