Destinations designed with your wellbeing in mind

Stretching across two continents separated by the Bosphorus Strait, this ancient Silk Road city was once the capital of both the Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman empires. Crumbling hammams rub shoulders with striking contemporary buildings, while the call to prayer from Hagia Sophia mosque can be heard from the 15th-century Grand Bazaar, as well as Michelin-starred restaurants. Istanbul is sewn together by a series of storied districts, which results in a varied hotel scene. Relive the Ottoman heyday in a Sultanahmet townhouse; book a boutique stay fuelled by cafes and galleries in Karaköy; or check in among the designer stores of Nişantaşı.

Self-catering has all the benefits of staying at home, but the joys of being away. For a shortcut to the best places to stay, here are some we’ve tried and tested

FROM AUSTRALIA TO UGANDA, WE REVEAL THE WORLD’S MOST EXCITING HOTEL OPENINGS. THE RESULT IS A LIST OF WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP THAT’S AS VARIED AS IT IS UNPARALLELED — WHETHER YOU WANT TO EAT THE FRESHEST PRODUCE AT AN UPSCALE FARM STAY, FIND DESIGNER DIGS IN THE CITY OR TUNE OUT ON A JUNGLE RETREAT IN THE MOUNTAINS

Northern Italy’s lakes are a better bet in autumn. It’s still warm, the scenery transforms to reddish-gold hues and, if it rains, the lakes take on a wonderfully misty atmosphere. Once the summer crow

When friends who recently moved to west Devon invited us to see their new home, we decided to combine the visit with a brief autumn tour of the area, so we could explore the beautiful landscapes of Da