It’s always a thrill to explore new places, especially those that are lesser known by British tourists. Like many others, we have visited the northern Italian hotspots in Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia-R

FROM A CONVERTED BANK WITH A SPA IN ITS VAULT TO A NILE CRUISE THAT ESCHEWS THE CROWDS, THIS IS TRAVEL, ELEGANTLY DONE

The stand-alone spa building at the South Lodge hotel, near Horsham, has to be seen to be believed. From the long, window-lined pool that overlooks an outdoor hydrotherapy area to the Botanic restaura

Remote, secluded and surrounded by nature, these high-altitude escapes provide a breath of fresh air – and more often than not, a dose of luxury womanandhome.com 159

This week’s dream: the weird and wonderful wildlife ...

The capital’s designers proved they know how to sell the fantasy, say Rebecca Lowthorpe and Henrik Lischke