SPRING 2022 • AMAZINGTRAVELMAG.CO.UK
FCiotyobdreiaeks 11 ESSENTIAL
EUROPEAN
GOURMET
EXPERIENCES
48 hours in Barcelona
ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CATALONIA’S CAPITAL
The Great Outdoors
BRITAIN’S BEST ACTIVITY BREAKS
Treasures of Turkey
A JOURNEY TO DAZZLE THE SENSES
A-List Staycations
PRIVATE ESTATES TO DREAMY SPA BREAKS
Plus
TOP US CITIES • UK SPRING BREAKS • LONDON’S HOT SPOTS • VENICE CITY GUIDE Page 1
BREATHTAKING VIEWS • AMSTERDAM UNCOVERED • ESSENTIAL PACKING GUIDE
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SPRING 2022
Contents
8. AMSTERDAM
20. A-LIST STAYCATIONS
32. US CITIES
50. SPRING BREAKS
64. FOODIE CITY BREAKS
78. LONDON
106. GREAT OUTDOORS
130. BARCELONA
140. VENICE
154. GREATEST PLACES
178. TREASURES OF TURKEY
188. ESSENTIAL PACKING LIST
Editor: Martin Mason Amazing Destinations is published by Maystreet Ltd.
Assistant Editor: Holly Cannon Jubilee House,
Feature Writers: Martin Mason, Holly Cannon, Dan 3 The Drive,
Cannon, Jess Hawkins Great Warley,
Artwork: Lily Thompson-Ayres Warley, Brentwood CM13 3FR.
Sub Editors: Cydnee Hawes, Lacey Reddin [email protected]
Social Editor: Julie Paice www.amazingtravelmag.co.uk
Planning & Media Visits: Sophie Bailey ISSN: Amazing Destinations 1461-3261
Photography: Antelope Media, The Maystreet Agency,
Getty images, iStockphoto, AdobeStock
Head of Production: Dave Allworthy
Commercial Director: Matt Millbank
Amazing Destinations is published by Maystreet Ltd. Copyright ©: Jubilee House, 3 The Dr, Great Warley, Warley, Brentwood CM13 3FR. Published quarterly All rights reserved. Reproduction in
whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices correct at the time of going to press but subject to change. The mail-order protection scheme does not cover items featured
editorially.The paper used for this publication is based on renewable wood fibre. The wood these fibres are derived from is sourced from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources. The
producing mills are EMAS registered and operate according to highest environmental and health and safety standards. The printed version of this magazine is fully recyclable.
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EDITOR’S www.amazingtravelmag.co.uk
NOTE /amazingdestinationsmag
Spring is always a special time To receive a free digital edition of
of year, especially for those Amazing Destinations, email your
of us who love to travel. After name, address and email to:
weeks of winter weather, dull days, [email protected]
and single-figure temperatures (not
to mention those soaring energy Page 5
bills), we want nothing more than
to escape the home and discover
outside spaces and places. But
this year, there is something more
palpable in the air, the term ‘spring fever’ seems to have taken on a
new meaning. We want to move more freely, visit friends, celebrate
with family outside of those shrunken social bubbles and most
importantly, shed the emotional weight of two years that changed
our concept of travel. So, Spring Breaks (page 48), The Great
Outdoors (page 104) and Greatest Places (page 154) provide you
with a range of destination ideas, both near and far for what might
be your first great getaway in a while. Far-flung adventures may still
feel like the ultimate wishlist trip but, if you know where to go, a
UK staycation can offer just as much beauty, adventure and luxury.
With Britain fully open for business, we’ve curated a list of the most
exclusive A-list staycations (page 18). However, if you are keen to
start rediscovering the world this issue has you covered, with three
European features Barcelona (page 130), Venice (page 142) and
Turkey (184) and our choice of the top US Cities to discover. If
you’re itching to give your taste buds a spin around Europe, we’ve
rounded up an inspirational list of destinations for your next food-
focused trip Foodie City Breaks (page 62). Get ready to work up an
appetite, as we reveal the top foodie destinations for travel in 2022.
Post pandemic we have to accept that there has been a change and
be open to adapting our travel ambitions, but the oft-used phrase ‘
the new normal is one that paints a negative picture; one that looks a
little too much like the one we’ve been living for the past couple of
years. Instead, I believe that with the new blossoms of Spring comes
encouraging new hope that the world is finally able to move on. It
may have taken longer than we liked, but renewed connections with
the people and places we love will allow us to live our lives to the
fullest once again.
Martin Mason
Editor
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Amsterdam
Uncovered
F orget everything you think you know about Amsterdam because there is so much more
to this city than canals and clogs. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the “Venice of
the North” after a few days spent careening your bicycle over twinkling bridges
and ogling Rembrandts through the windows of mansions along the grachten. Hop over for
a weekend in this compact city and you’ll leave with a warm, fuzzy feeling - and not just
thanks to those coffee shops.
By Martin Mason
Photo credit:
Antelope Media
8 Pawgwew8.amazingtravelmag.co.uk
Amsterdam’s stunning canals
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Amsterdam:
The Nine Streets
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AMSTERDAM UNCOVERED
Amsterdam is one of the most popular and most interesting tourist cities in Europe. It is an
iconic city with its central channels expanding from one centre and its cute red brick houses.
The city is remembered for its colourful and interesting nightlife, but it is an important
candidate for the list of countries to be seen on your European tour even if you are not interested in
the nightlife at all, with its cultural and historical beauty.
Amsterdam is the capital and the largest city of the Netherlands
and is the most populous municipality. It has eight districts:
Centrum, Noord, West, Nieuw-West, Zuid, Oost, Zuidoost, and
Westpoort. Located in North Holland Province, the city has the
most important tourist attractions, such as the historic canals,
the Van Gogh Museum, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, the
Anne Frank House and the Amsterdam Museum. Amsterdam is
adjacent to Belgium in the south and Germany to the east. The
north-west of the city has a coast to the North Sea.
There are more than 100 kilometres-long canals in the city and
many of them can be navigated by boat. Mainly used canals are
the Prinsengracht, Herengracht, and Keizersgracht.
The city is known as Amstel-reddamme because of its
establishment on the banks of the Amstel River. With a rich
historical heritage, Amsterdam has a history dating back to the
1200s. While it was only a small fishing village in the beginning,
it has become one of the most important tourist cities in the
world. Some of the world’s largest companies have established
their headquarters in Amsterdam, such as Netflix, Uber, and
Tesla and the city was ranked as the second best city to live in.
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Public Transport in Amsterdam AMSTERDAM UNCOVERED
Amsterdam is a very highly developed city and you Van Gogh Museum
can navigate in and around the city by various types of
transportation. Amsterdam is known as a bicycle-friendly The museum has one of the largest collections of Van Gogh’s
city and most of the inhabitants also use bicycles as a body of work, with more than 200 paintings and more than
primary choice of transportation. You can rent bikes almost 500 drawings. The building, which was opened in 1973, has
anywhere in the city. been expanded and modernized over the years. It is a must-
You can also use boats to navigate around Amsterdam. visit place to see Vincent Van Gogh’s inspiring portraits and
Amsterdam has a very large network of canals spread landscapes.
within the city. Also, Amsterdam has 5 metro routes, 16
tram routes, 10 train stations, lots of regional buses and Vondelpark
some suburban buses.
You can visit Amsterdam anytime you want because both It is the largest city park in Amsterdam. The park, located near
summers and winters are mild in the city but sometimes the Van Gogh Museum, attracts more than 10 million visitors
it can get very cold in the winter. If you want to see the every year. There are free concerts and events in the park
blossoming flowers and tulips you should definitely visit during the summer months. The sculptures inside the park are
Amsterdam in April when the spring starts. also worth seeing. The most popular sculptures are Vertigo,
Vondel, and Pavilion.
Places to Visit in Amsterdam:
Anne Frank House
Festivals in Amsterdam
» King’s Day The museum is the house where Anne Frank was hiding for
» Vondelpark Openluchttheater Festival two years during World War II. Many memorabilia which
» Amsterdam Pride belongs to the hiding Jewish people during the war, documents
» Prinsengrachtconcert and photos can be seen in the museum.
» Grachtenfestival
Places to Visit in Amsterdam Dam Square
Amsterdam is an interesting city with its canal houses,
parks and well-known museums. If you’d like to do more This square, which is a five-minute walk from Central Station,
than walking around and the canal tours, here are the was built in the 13th century alongside the dam built to prevent
places you must visit while you’re there. the Amstel River from swallowing the city. It is possible to
see the iconic and historical buildings of the city in the square.
Page 14 Madame Tussauds Museum and Royal Palace of Amsterdam
are some of among the historical sites you can visit while there.
Royal Palace of Amsterdam
Built by Jacob van Camper as a town hall in the 17th century,
the building has been home to many kings throughout history.
It is located on Dam Square in the centre of Amsterdam. Today
it is being used for receptions and diplomatic events. You can
visit the palace every day except for Mondays.
Amsterdam:
Prinsengracht
Amsterdam:
Café de Paris
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AMSTERDAM UNCOVERED
Where to Stay in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has many accommodation options for its visitors. If you’re on a budget, check hostels and hotels around South Oud
Zuid Neighbourhood. Hotel Verdi is located in the best spot in Amsterdam. It’s close to the museum area and 5-minute walking
distance from the Van Gogh Museum.
De Pijp Neighbourhood is a great place to stay if you want to have the best nightlife experience in Amsterdam. Arcade Hotel is
one of the top-rated hotels there are.
Plantage Neighborhood is great for family trips. You can also check Airbnb or you can rent boats for accommodation.
Marriott Hotel Amsterdam
5 star hotel
https://www.marriott.co.uk/marriott/amsterdam
from £413.60 for 2 nights
InterContinental Amtel Amsterdam
5 star hotel
from £56.73 per night
https://www.loveholidays.com/amsterdam
What to Eat in Amsterdam? Vuitton, Chanel and many more. Spiegelkwartier is the place
you can find rare antiques. There are more than 70 shops
There are many places to eat in Amsterdam and you can including art galleries and cafes.
most certainly find your favourite food if you don’t like
experimenting. However if you’d like to try some of the local Nightlife in Amsterdam
favourites, here are some suggestions.
Bitterballen is a pub snack. These deep-fried meatballs Amsterdam has one of the best nightlife experiences in Europe.
served with mustard traditionally. Thick Dutch fries are also There are clubs, pubs and DJ parties for any budget to any
a pub snack and served with onions, peanut satay sauce, and taste. If you want to get the most out of it, you should plan your
mayonnaise. trip for the famous dance music festivals such as; Hemeltjelief
Raw herring is street food. You’ll see some carts all around the Festival, AMF Amsterdam, NDSM Vrijhaven King’s Day and
city called harringhandels that sell this interesting sandwich. Mysteryland.
It’s served with pickles and onions. For best club experiences visit Supperclub, Café de Paris, Café
Stoopwafel is a sweet treat served mostly with coffee but you de Pijp and Vesper Bar. You can find places like these clubs
should try it from a bakery. around the city center.
Also, don’t forget to taste Amsterdam’s famous cheeses at the NJOY cocktailbar
Cheese Museum. 5 stars
Bolenuis https://www.njoycocktails.com
5 stars
https://boleniuis-resturant.nl/en Proeflokaal Arendsnest
Restaurante Rijks 5 stars
5 stars https://www.arendsnest.nl
https://www.hjksresaurant.nl
Shopping in Amsterdam:
The Best Souvenirs to Buy
The Nine Streets is at the historic canal district. This site
consists of nine narrow streets called the Negen Sraatjes. You
can shop here for souvenirs, jewellery and clothes. There are
also cafes for you to relax and enjoy the pace of the city.
You can shop on a budget around Batavia Stad. Museum
district is where you can shop for luxury brands like Louis
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A-LIST
STAYCATIONS
With the lockdowns (hopefully) over, anticipation for Spring and Summer trips
unaffected by Covid-19 has hit an all-time high. We are delighted to share a great British
bucket list of places to consider for your next staycation. From the most exclusive luxury
private estates big enough for all the family to dreamy spa breaks, city explorations,
country boltholes and gourmet getaways, here are just a few staycation ideas to inspire
Written by Martin Mason and compiled by Lacey Reddin
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Bingham Riverhouse
Luxury in London
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A-LIST STAYCATIONS
Bingham Riverhouse -
Luxury In London
Following a full refurbishment by award-winning interior
designer Nicola Harding, Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond
has become a harmonious mix between easy living and private
members house. Fifteen bedrooms, combine calm, comfort and
modern craftsmanship for a home-from-home stay.
Their River rooms have inspiring or elevated views of the
Thames, each named after a work of Michael Field, a pseudonym
for Edith Cooper and Katherine Bradley who lived here in 1899
-1910. And to top it all off the restaurant is led by Masterchef:
The Professionals winner Stephen Edwards, offering an evolving
tasting menu showcasing local and British produce.
Guests can also indulge at bhuti – Bingham’s sister eco-
wellbeing escape, 5 minutes walk away. bhuti has a yoga/fitness
studio, holistic treatments, complementary therapies, a vegan tea
room, members’ space and transformative events. Riverhouse
bedroom guests can book classes, relax in the members space
and receive enticements on some bhuti’s treatments.
Rooms at the Bingham Riverhouse start from £135
www.binghamriverhouse.com
A gourmet & wellness getaway with the
Gainsborough Bath Spa
Those looking for true rest and relaxation post lockdown need
look no further than YTL Hotels’ The Gainsborough Bath Spa.
The only hotel in the UK to offer its visitors the opportunity to
access and experience Bath’s famed natural thermal waters.
The hotel’s private water reserve bubbles to the surface at
47 degrees centigrade, packed full of rich natural minerals.
Combined with award-winning design and world-class gourmet
experiences at Dan Moon at The Gainsborough, the 99-bedroom
hotel gives guests a majestic spa and gourmet journey in the
heart of Bath that keeps them coming back again and again.
Head Chef Dan Moon is delighted to introduce new summer
menus boasting special signature dishes and plant-based options
ready for guests to enjoy after lockdown- the ideal antidote to all
that home cooking!
Rooms at The Gainsborough Bath Spa start from £290.
www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
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The Academy Bloomsbury
Conrad London
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The Academy, Bloomsbury – for A-LIST STAYCATIONS
those who have developed a love for
literature during lockdown regional ingredients, so when soggy sandwiches don’t quite cut
the mustard you know where to go!
For many, lockdown has been a chance to catch up on Rooms at The Conrad London St. James start from £317.
reading and fully immerse ourselves in the world of books. The Conrad picnic hamper starts from £26 per person.
Those who have a newfound love for literature, or for www.conradhotels.com
those who have seen their passion for reading grow even
more need not let this go once lockdown lifts. YTL Hotels’
elegant Gower Street property, The Academy, is thrilled
to offer guests a series of literary experiences to enjoy in
celebration of the hotel’s location, in London’s literary,
cultural and intellectual heart.
From literary walks to intimate book club gatherings and a
bespoke literary collection cocktail menu, The Academy is
a literary hub with its very own story to tell. Book-loving
guests looking to follow in the footsteps of Bloomsbury
greats who once lived and worked in the neighbourhood
need look no further for the ultimate bookish escape.
Rooms at The Academy start from £300.
www.theacademyhotel.co.uk
Sunny reunions with Conrad London
St. James’ picnics in the park
While staying home and staying safe many of us are
starting to dream of brighter days ahead when we will
finally be able to meet friends and family in the park as the
sun shines over London. After being stuck indoors for so
long, there will be no better way to enjoy good company
and the fresh outdoors than Conrad London St. James’
luxury picnic hamper. Prepared by Executive Chef Michael
Riordan, guests can pick up their portable feast packed
with homemade treats before finding the perfect picnic spot
in St. James’s Park, just a two-minute walk from the hotel.
Conrad London St. James’s ready-made picnic hamper
offers a contemporary British menu, using fresh, tasty,
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The Copse Oxforshire
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A-LIST STAYCATIONS
Stay in a renovated factory in the heart of
the New Forest with Oliver’s Travels
Nestled within the New Forest National Park, The Brick
House is a beautifully renovated factory situated on the edge
of the privately owned Beaulieu River. Beautiful brickwork
and modern amenities bring together a perfect mix of old
and new while the welcome addition of a yurt in the warmer
months allows space to invite a few more guests or use as a
magical outdoor hideaway for younger guests.
The New Forest is brimming with fun family activities
including kayaking, canoeing and archery. Guests can brave
some wild-swimming in the nearby pontoon or take the boat
taxi from the house downstream to a local pub for a spot of
dinner. The Brick House comfortably sleeps up to eight guests
across five well-appointed bedrooms.
To book, visit oliverstravels.com or call 0800 133 7999.
Rates start from £1,350 for a three-night stay or from
£2,448 for a seven-night stay.
www.oliverstravels.com
For the big reunion! The Copse,
Oxfordshire – Thirdhome Rentals
This seven-bedroom country house near Henley-on-Thames is
ideal for a friends and family get-together. The property offers
a cinema room and hot tub, in addition its location in an Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty makes it a great option for those
wanting to enjoy some outdoor pursuits.
Nightly rates start from £1,350.
www.thirdhome.com.
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A-LIST STAYCATIONS
Ruby Lucy, London
Ruby Hotels, the Munich-based hotel brand and pioneer of the
‘Lean Luxury’ philosophy, has launched its first UK property
in London’s Southbank. The new 76-room hotel, Ruby Lucy,
forms part of an ambitious expansion plan for Ruby Hotels
to unveil a total of eleven new hotels – including a second
London property – by 2022.
Enjoying a prime position on the Southbank’s Lower Marsh,
Ruby Lucy’s interior design is inspired by the area’s bustling
fairs and markets, entertainment and theatre scene, with a
carnival theme running throughout the hotel. Rich, dark tones
meet bright brass accents and subtle stripes, accented with
playful props including circus drums and juggling pins.
Rooms at Ruby Lucy start from £119 per night.
www.ruby-hotels.com
Dedicated benefits for a British break with
Little Emperors
Little Emperors, the private members luxury hotel club has
announced its best British breaks, all of which offer incredible
dedicated benefits. Start by experiencing undeniably enticing
luxury rooms at Clivedon House in Berkshire which is nestled
within almost 400acres of National Trust parkland. Then
explore the tranquil water garden, fitness trail through the
grounds or find your way out of the Clivedon Maze. Next the
Four Seasons Hampshire offers perfect luxury in which to
reconnect in a family-friendly environment. This restored 18th
Century Manor House with rolling hills to ride along on horse-
back also has beautiful lush gardens to explore on foot.
And lastly, for cider drinkers, head to The Newt in Somerset
where you can stay in a beautiful Georgian Country Estate and
learn about the advanced cold-press processes used to make
their cider.
Little Emperors promises to deliver value in luxury like never
seen before offering unparalleled benefits and a lowest price
guarantee. The company works with 35,000 members and over
4,000 of the very best luxury hotels around the world. With an
impressive portfolio of properties from 5-star luxury hotels to
design city boutiques, Little Emperors really is best-kept secret
in travel – so good, you don’t want to miss it! Little Emperors
most popular British hotels include:
Clivedon House, Four Seasons Hampshire, The Newt,
The Langley, Thyme, Heckfield Place, Beaverbrook.
Little Emperors annual membership fees starts from £250.
www.littleemperors.com
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A-LIST STAYCATIONS
Ruby Lucy London
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AmIdeoriclan
The United States of America is considered the most powerful nation in the world
and a place so many people dream of visiting, at least once during their lifetime.
The country is visited by millions of people from all over the world annually,
but only a handful of cities stand out among the rest. Martin Mason guides you
through our top ten choices to visit right now.
Written by Martin Mason and compiled by Lacey Reddin
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TOP 10:
US cities to visit right now!
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hat you’ll notice is that the majority of the top 5 cities in our list boast the added advantage
of offering warm weather. Climate is definitely a big key in determining the desired US
Wdestinations for most travellers. That said, there are also a handful of cities that offer so
much character, history and scenery, they’re popular regardless of climate. No matter what floats your
boat, there’s something for everyone stateside.
New York WHERE TO STAY: The Peninsula
from £568 per night • 5 stars
New York City is the most populated city in North America www.peninsula.com
and has also been featured in more movies and TV shows than WHERE TO EAT: Crown Shy
any other city in the United States. It’s no surprise that the American resturant • 5 star
Big Apple is the #1 most visited city in the U.S. by foreign www.crownshy.nyc
travellers. Offering the best of the best fine dining, world-class
accommodations, spectacular designs, rich history and unique
culture, NYC is one of the true great melting pots in the world.
Home to over 8 million people, New York tops many lists of the
most amazing travel destinations in the United States. It attracts
millions of tourists annually and offers visitors a wide variety of
lovely things to do.
Some of those things to do include touring famous landmarks
such as the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, the Statue of
Liberty, Central Park, and the Metropolitan Museum of Arts.
There’s so much you can do in New York, it’s almost impossible
to see everything you want in just one visit. The best part
is, virtually all of it is a subway or yellow cab away. All of
these elements mix and mingle to create a destination known
worldwide as ‘THE’ city to visit in the United States.
Miami main strips. Miami is also one of the cheapest cities to visit by air
in the country, allowing savings for tourists and travellers. The
Are you planning on visiting the United States, yet indecisive of pleasant weather, sand, sun, and free entertainment make Miami
the place to experience fun at its best? Miami is the perfect place second on this list of the most visited destinations in the country.
for you. Its close proximity to the Caribbean makes Miami an
ideal destination for beachgoers. An array of palm trees, beautiful WHERE TO STAY: Fontainebleau
beaches and clear blue waters make it a getaway haven for from £499 per night • 5 star
international visitors looking to cross the ocean and experience www.fontainebleau.com
a different culture. Part of what makes Miami so captivating and WHERE TO EAT: Mignonette Downstreet
enticing are the many free and fun things to do, especially at the Oyster bar • 5 stars
white sand beaches. The beaches are great for swimming and www.mignonettemiami.com
usually filled with people, especially on weekends.
Take a stroll along the streets of Miami and catch amazing views
of various Art Deco architecture styles and their unique shapes.
Miami is also a great place for car enthusiasts, especially in the
summertime as luxury and classic cars can be seen driving the
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Los Angeles WHERE TO STAY: Freehand Los Angeles
from £130 per night • 4 star
Los Angeles should be at the top of the list when it comes to www.freehandhotels.com
the most scenic, vibrant and lovely cities in the world. It’s the WHERE TO EAT: Redbird
world’s third-largest economic centre after Tokyo and New York 5 stars • New American
and is the third most visited city in the U.S. The city is home www.redbird.la
to over 140 ethnic groups speaking 86 different languages and
offering a unique mix of cultures. Los Angeles is filled with
protected and unspoiled natural land. It’s also home to some of
the greatest tourist attractions you can find in the world including
the Hollywood Hills, Griffith Park, Walt Disney Music Hall, San
Gabriel and the Santa Monica mountains.
Like its Florida counterpart, Disneyland is of course a world-
renowned attraction. It was built way back in 1955. It gives
visitors the opportunity to meet different characters from the
popular Disney movies, enjoy amusement rides and take in some
of the world’s best musical entertainment. Fascinating museums
with great art exhibitions, exotic restaurants that offer memorable
mealtime experiences, legendary theme parks, comfortable and
classy hotel accommodations ranging from cheap to luxury, and
scenic drives all make Los Angeles stand out as one of the best
cities in the country for tourists.
Orlando
Orlando comes in at the number 4 spot on this list. This central
Florida city has everything to offer tourists who are looking to
experience the most remarkable moments of their lives including
great shopping malls, amazing rides at Disneyland, great food
and white-knuckle skydiving encounters -Orlando is definitely
a favourite travel destination among tourists from all over the
world. The city boasts over 5,000 restaurants from fine dining
experiences to family-friendly favourites, about 170 spectacular
golf courses where both novice and expert golfers can take on a
wide range of challenging courses, and great shopping centres
where you can buy an array of top quality items including
jewellery, bags, clothes and much more. The city also plays
home to incredible resort-style spas where guests are treated to
heavenly relaxation.
Orlando bills itself as the only place in the country where you
can experience unforgettable outdoor activities such as boating,
swimming, fishing and trails for walking and biking. Orlando
is also considered a haven for honeymooners. With over 95
tourist attractions, Orlando is most definitely among the world’s
premier destinations with an array of fun and exciting things to
do that keeps most visitors coming back to experience more fun.
A combination of its various world-class attractions including
world-famous Disney parks with pleasant, warm weather makes
Orlando one of the top places to visit in the United States. To
fully explore the city, you’ll need to spend a couple of days here
yourself…and you won’t be sorry you did.
WHERE TO STAY: Avanti Resort
4 star • from £82.40 per night
www.avantiresort.com
WHERE TO EAT: KresChophouse
Steakhouse • 5 star
www.kresresturant.com
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The iconic Las Vegas strip
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San Francisco If you are a lover of amazing artwork, great food, shopping
and stunning surroundings, then the best place for you is San
With a population just below 1 million, San Francisco is the Francisco. Thousands of tourists and business people alike
second-most densely populated city and one of the most visited visit just to enjoy spectacular scenery and experience fun-filled
cities in the U.S. You’ve probably seen loads of movies and moments. For a more relaxed time, you can take a trip to the
pictures featuring this beautiful city, but regardless of what pristine white sand beaches near the city, where you can swim,
you’ve seen before, there’s still much more that San Francisco sunbathe and engage in other water sport activities. Overall, San
has to offer. The majority of the tourist attractions in San Francisco is an amazing place for any traveller.
Francisco are located close to each other, making them easily
accessible. Considered the most beautiful city in the country
by many, San Francisco is renowned for its vibrant art scene,
exquisite restaurants and incredible outdoor recreation.
WHERE TO STAY: The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
From £529 per night – 5 stars
www.ritzcarlton.com
Las Vegas
A city famous for neon lights, casinos and gambling, Las
Vegas is an experience like no other and one of the top places
to visit in America. It happens to be the largest city in the state
and is the “Entertainment Capital of the World”. It’s a city
built in the southern Nevada desert, established just over a
hundred years ago. The presence of hotels, casinos and other
recreational centres makes Sin City a popular place for tourists.
The climate conditions are akin to what you’d expect to find in
any desert city, hot and dry…and when we say hot, we mean
hot, particularly in the summer of course. But believe it or
not, the low humidity in Las Vegas actually helps to make the
temperature feel not as hot as you might find in other
major cities.
Las Vegas is home to 17 of the top 20 biggest hotels in the United
States. It has witnessed a constant and unbelievable expansion
over the years and you will be dazzled at the wide variety of
things to do and lovely places to visit while in the city. But while
the city is famous for bright lights and gambling, you should
know that the majority of the money that comes into the city
is thanks to the marquee shows and booming electronic dance
music movement that host parties like no other.
WHERE TO STAY: Vdara Hotel and spa
5 stars • from £121 per night
www.booking.com
WHERE TO EAT: Vic and Anthonys Steakhouse
5 stars
www.vicandanothonys.com
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A monorail passes in front of Spaceship earth at
Epcot Centre in Walt Disney World, Orlando
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Honolulu If you want to learn more about the history of the island, check
out the Polynesian Cultural Center located on the north shore of
Honolulu is the capital and largest city of Hawaii, located on a the island. You’ll find out Hawaiians don’t see themselves as just
large bay on the island of Oahu. A host of cultural and historic Native Islanders but also as citizens of the United States…they
sites are found just nearby, including both the USS Arizona are very mindful of American heritage even though the city feels
Memorial and Ornate Lolani Palace. It goes without saying that like it’s a world away from America’s other metropolitan areas.
resort hotels and beautiful beaches serve as perfect relaxation That’s why you can try a wide variety of food in the city, from
spots in Honolulu. The beaches are truly a sight to behold and the your traditional American hamburger to Hawaiian specials like
city has no shortage of crystal clear blue waters. Other activities shaved ice with red bean paste or Filipino pork adobo. Renowned
to enjoy include a slew of fine dining establishments, vibrant chefs such as Alan Wong and Roy Yamaguchi are products of this
cultural events, and wild nightlife. There is no doubt Honolulu island. Their unique styles helped make Hawaiian cuisine very
is a top location for a vacation alone or with your family. The popular all across America.
Annual Ukulele Festival is a major attraction in this city and
many other expressions of Polynesian and indigenous Hawaiian
culture can also be found here.
Washington WHERE TO STAY: Halekulani
5 star • from £780 per night
The capital of the United States and of course the home of halekulani.com
the White House comes in as the 8th most visited city on the WHERE TO EAT: Senia
list. With restaurants sprouting up everywhere, it is becoming New American • 5 star
one of the top places in the country to enjoy a delicious meal. www.resturantseni.com
Washington is popularly known as more of a political city but of
course, there is more to the city than just that. It is also a place to Washington is among the most frequently visited city by tourists
know more about the history of America through the numerous and business travellers in the US. Things to look out for if
monuments scattered all over the city. you find yourself in Washington D.C. include; the Washington
Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, John F. Kennedy
Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Memorial, 17 incredible
Smithsonian museums and of course the White House. The
spring season still remains the best time to visit as it’s prime time
to see the famous cherry blossoms in bloom while Washington’s
colours truly shine through in all of their natural glory.
WHERE TO STAY: Mandarin
5 stars • from £304 per night
www.mandarinoriental.com
WHERE TO EAT: Laos
5 star
www.laosintown.com
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Chicago WHERE TO STAY: WaldofAstonia
5 star • from £545
Chicago is the largest city in the state of Illinois and happens to www.waldastoniachicago.com
be one of the most popular and beautiful cities in the country. WHERE TO EAT: Oriole
It boasts several top art galleries, hotels, architecture and fine Dining • 5 stars
restaurants. Chi-town offers its share of garden and park areas… www.oriolechicago.com
not something one would expect to find an abundance of in a
major city. Shopping in Chicago is a shopaholic’s dream and
fashion designers are in abundance, which means there’s no
shortage of availability when it comes to beautiful designer
threads. If you want to find the more affordable styles, you can
always check out a major outlet that still allows you to go high
fashion at lower prices.
Chicago is renowned worldwide for housing over forty different
museums. A few of the museums include the Modern Art
Museum and The Art Institute of Chicago. The latter stands out
as one of the leading museums in the world today with over
300,000 works exhibited within its confines. Hotels in this city
are unbeatable with state of the art architecture and the best hotel
services. No less than 5 of the top hotels in the city have even
made it on the list of the top 500 hotels in the world by a handful
of major travel publications. If you want to have a great view of
Lake Michigan, doing so from the top of the W Hotel Lakeshore
and the Trump International Hotel is an amazing experience.
Boston
Even outside of the famous Cheers restaurant and the Red Sox’
Fenway Park, Boston has its share of rich history and culture to
share with the world. Boston Logan international airport is the
best way to access the city from other parts of the world. Within
the city, you can take a taxi almost anywhere, but a walk around
the city on a sunny afternoon will open your eyes to Boston’s
beauty. One of the many things that the city can boast about
is the presence of a large number of exotic restaurants serving
international cuisine. If you love eating quality and well-prepared
food, you will find Boston a very interesting place.
Boston also offers its share of activities and events; Patriot’s
Day and of course the Boston Marathon are two of the marquee
events considered to be synonymous with the city. Other festivals
include the independent day of Boston and the feast of St.
Anthony. Baseball, basketball and football are the most popular
sports in the city and the fans are of the die-hard variety, so if you
want to see passion, see the Red Sox, Patriots or Bruins play live.
WHERE TO STAY: Four Seasons
5 stars • £1,106 per night
www.fourseasons.com
WHERE TO EAT: The Capital Grille
5 stars • Fine Dining
www.thecapitalgrille.com
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BSRPREAINKGS
Spring has sprung. Here’ s where
to see the best of it in the UK.
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