CITY BREAKS

A fine romance: The newly-refurbished Pand Hotel in Bruges has been named the most Luxury Romantic Hotel in the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2014. The historic property oozes style in a quiet backwater, close to the canal. Ralph Lauren décor, a stunning lounge and romantic champagne breakfasts make the hotel a cut above the rest but its secret, says General Manager Katelijne Haelters, is the experienced staff who ‘strive in the art of friendly and efficient hospitality’

Contact: pandhotel.com

French chic: One of the funkiest hotels in Paris is also one of the smallest. The Chavanel Hotel, in the Madeleine district, is uber-cool with an arty row of silver birch trees inside the reception to give guests a clue this property is full of cheeky surprises. Junior suites offer a view over the Paris rooftops, designer furniture and a super-size bathroom. Fun, quirky and comfortable
Contact: hotelchavanel.com

Three Michelin stars: The recently opened NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding Hotel is 10 minutes from the city centre. It offers an extraordinary array of gastronomic choices including DiverXO, the brainchild of chef David Muñoz, and the only restaurant in Madrid with three Michelin stars. There’s a 5-star floor plus the Metropolitan® spa, boasting a rooftop solarium with a ‘beach’
Contact: nh-hotels.com

ARTS

Louis Vuitton Fondation: The new Louis Vuitton Fondation looks like a cross between the Sydney Opera House and a sailing ship with glass panels appearing to float in mid-air. Frank Gehry’s stunning creation is the largest contemporary art museum in Paris and dedicated to LV’s private collection, alongside temporary exhibitions and commissions, plus there’s a 350-seat auditorium and terraces offering views across the capital. The Le Frank restaurant is headed by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Louis Nomicos.
Contact: fondationlouisvuitton.fr

SKI

Huntsman Springs: Skiers and snowboarders are discovering the excellent powder conditions at Huntsman Springs, a 1,350-acre resort in Driggs, Idaho. The emerging US ski town is 42 miles from the Jackson Hole, Wyoming, but a less-crowded rustic ski town. Grand Targhee’s wide-open runs are perfect for intermediates, but the mellow 2.8-mile Teton Vista Traverse means even beginners and children can ride to the 9,862ft summit
Contact: huntsmansprings.com

Licence to ski: More than 26,000 overnight stays will be generated by the film crew of Sceptre, the new 007 film which has started filming in the Austrian Tyrol. Daniel Craig plays Bond for the fourth time, embarking on his alpine adventures in the ski resorts of Sölden, in the Otztal and Obertilliach, in the East Tyrol region. At its peak there will be 500 film crew and local filmmakers covering various positions so check accommodation before you fly out.
Contact: tyrol.com

Czech in: Czech resorts have invested in new ski slopes and artificial snow to insure against poor weather. Most resort ski passes can be purchased online to avoid queues and Šumava has created a resort that’s suitable for disabled holidaymakers who can take ski lessons using specialist equipment
Contact: czechtourism.com

WALKS

Live the high life: Not-for-profit Ramblers Worldwide Holidays is offering a new walking itinerary from Kathmandu to Dhulikel. Take the legendary road to Bandipur and view Siddha Cave, one of the largest in Asia, and stay at Fishtail Lodge in Pokhara before returning to Kathmandu to stay at Godavari and walk on the slopes of Phulchowki Hill. Price from £2,599, departing November 3.
Contact: ramblersholidays.co.uk

GOLF

First honours: Heritage Resorts in south-west Mauritius will host the first tri-sanctioned golf tournament, endorsed by the European, Asian and Sunshine Tours. The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open will be the biggest sporting event ever organised on the island and takes place from May 7-10 at Heritage Golf Club in the heart of the 6,000-acre Domaine de Bel Ombre
Contact: heritagegolfclub.mu

SAILING

Crave adventure?: Join the crew on an epic transatlantic ocean crossing and earn your stripes on board one of seven voyages which include the 28-day tall ship voyage from Tenerife to Salvador, Brazil; the Transatlantic Yacht Race - Antigua to UK and a six-month double crossing from Canada to Europe and back via Africa and the Caribbean

Contact: AnotherWorldAdventures.com

FOOD

Celebrity pop-ups: This year will see fashionable chefs to relocate to new continents. Rene Redzepi of the Copenhagen’s Noma (named the Best Restaurant in the World) will pop up in Tokyo’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel, offering a Scandi slant to its Asian cuisine. Heston Blumenthal will also relocate The Fat Duck to Melbourne for six months.