Country Life’s best travel stories of 2018: Honeymoons fit for royalty, domestic paradises and top tips for ski trips
2018 saw us travel to Mauritius and back, to the finest hotels in the Alps and to some of our classically British country manor hotels, just a short drive from home. See our best stories from this year for some inspiration: where will you go next year?

Tresco: Like Britain, but with better weather, beaches, gardens… and no cars
All the magic of an island escape just a short plane ride from Exeter, with a history for hospitality that dates back to the First World War.
Aboard the Orient Express: The iconic and elegant 1920s train is back at its best
A hallmark of luxury travel in the 1920s, the Orient Express is still as iconic and spell-binding as it was during its heyday.
Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius: A paradise on the water
A world of bespoke cocktails, fresh seafood and famous reef sharks, one could be forgiven for believing Constance Le Prince Maurice is paradise.
Villa Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia review: The pearl of the Adriatic
A short bus ride from the city centre, Villa Dubrovnik perches on the edge of the Adriatic, framing the World Heritage Site behind its modern architecture.
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Sark: A dot on the map, a step back in time and an unforgettable, eccentric holiday spot
Just half a mile wide, Sark really does feel like a wild outcrop and with faultless accommodation and a plethora of fun family activities available, it’s the perfect place to escape for a little R&R.
8 stupendous holiday hideaways fit for a Royal honeymoon
With no budget, no rush and not a care in the world, these are ten of the most amazing honeymoon spots we could find from across the world.
Across Scotland by motorbike: The wonders of Raasay, and the joys of Calum’s Road
Scotland is a land full of history, from the island’s first legal distillery to a road built by one man over ten years. Discover all of this and the wonders of Calum’s Road by the speediest way you can remain in touch with nature: a motorbike.
Bicester Village: A delicate mixture of luxury shopping, teeming crowds and stunning British countryside
Explore the wonders of the self-styled 'Bond Street of Oxfordshire’ before escaping the crowds and hiding away in a idyllic country manor hotel.
10 of the best dog-friendly country hotels in Britain
Save the seperation anxiety and the cost of the kennels by taking your canine friend with you on your next weekend away.
23 things you need to know before you go skiing
You’ve booked your flights, researched your lift pass and you’re hoping for the best…get a little more preparation done by reading our top tips for beginners before you hit the slopes.
Credit: Pilatus Aircraft LTD.
Fantasy travel: The boat, car and plane of you dreams
If money were no object, we all have a dream car, a boat and very probably a plane in mind.
Credit: Will Bailey / Chalet Saunton
Chalet Saunton review: A dog-friendly Devonian retreat
Paula Lester is blown away by Chalet Saunton, a contemporary retreat in North Devon situated above a beach that allows
Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
A foodie tour of Emilia Romagna, where Parma ham and proper Parmesan are washed down with Lambrusco
The real Parmesan cheese, true Parma ham and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, all confined to one region of production. Alexandra Fraser
Credit: Amanyangyun
Amanyangyun, Shanghai: Enjoying history in luxury
A newly opened luxury resort is the product of extraordinary conservation project. It offers visitors an intriguing insight into Chinese
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A quaint village hall in County Durham has been turned in to a truly extraordinary contemporary home
The Village Hall in Shotley Bridge is a masterful conversion of a much-loved village amenity.
By James Fisher Published
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Dawn Chorus: The perfect job for incurable romantics, Britain's rudest roads, woodland workshops and spring in Cornwall
Living on a near-deserted island, and getting paid for the privilege? No wonder tens of thousands of people were keen.
By Toby Keel Published
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Falcon Famhouse: A dreamy hilltop retreat with fun on tap
Overlooking a beautiful Staffordshire valley, Falcon Farmhouse is a country retreat that mixes relaxation and fun in equal measure. Toby Keel paid a visit.
By Toby Keel Published
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On the far side of the Himalayas
One writer goes in search of superfood apricots, fairy meadows and some of Nature's most dramatic landscapes in Pakistan's far north.
By Kate Eshelby Published
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Game, set, match: 12 of the world’s most beautiful tennis courts
From Italy to Indonesia, when it comes to hotel amenities, a picturesque tennis court will always trump a 24-hour gym. So, before you book your next holiday, take a look at our pick of the 12 best.
By Rosie Paterson Last updated
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The Country Life guide to Somerset: What to do, where to stay and how to eat
Somerset is rich in natural beauty and history, but it is its wealth of small-scale food and drink producers, farmers and makers that really set it apart from the competition. Find out how to make the most of it all with our indispensable guide.
By Natalie Millar-Partridge Published
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On your marks, get set, go: The booming business of sports tourism
Rising numbers of travellers want to participate in or watch some form of sweat-inducing activity. From VIP Formula 1 tickets to golf underneath the Northern Lights, here's how to join them.
By Emma Love Published
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Direct to the Dolomites
The upcoming Italian Winter Olympic Games means that the Dolomite Mountains are firmly in the spotlight. And from new hotels to self-drive itineraries there's plenty to do and see.
By Emma Love Published
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Where to go in 2025
A new year always brings a bumper crop of hotels to look forward to and the rest of 2025 is no exception. Here are the five we are looking forward to most.
By Emma Love Published
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From Bond to billions: How Andermatt is becoming one of the most talked about ski resorts in the Alps
Originally a sleepy town used by the Swiss army, the resort of Andermatt is growing into a must-visit for the discerning skier.
By Adam Hay-Nicholls Published