Chris Bertram recalls the bucket-list experience at Shangri-La Le Touessrok, a heavenly island in the Indian Ocean

From island-hopping in southerly Okinawa to farm experiences in rural Aomori and skiing in far northern Hokkaido, this diverse archipelago offers intriguing local culture, ancient history and epic wilderness experiences around every corner — and deeper exploration reaps huge rewards

Legend and myth swirl Santorini, luring visitors by the million. An off-season visit finds locals grateful for the advantages its popularity brings, yet eager to find a more sustainable future

(whatever your budget!)

From the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland to Italy’s white-capped mountains – if you love the cold, in these destinations winter is always coming...

Even the swankiest islands have a scattering of smaller, more affordable stays – if you know where to look. Luckily, Lucy Thackray does