From sunrise safaris in the Waterberg to golden evenings by the Cape Town waterfront, late November was the perfect escape from the British winter gloom. Splitting our stay between Qwabi Private Game Reserve, Future Found Sanctuary and the V&A Hotel gave us a journey that blended adventure, wellness and city charm. Here is how we spent an unforgettable week in South Africa.

A long weekend around Lake Garda revealed the region’s quiet elegance - from lemon-scented walks in Limone and panoramic hikes above Manerba to olive oil tastings, paper-mill trails, and evenings by the water. Between vineyard lunches, spa mornings, and lakeside aperitifs, every stop balanced culture, flavour, and calm. A journey where northern Italy invites you to slow down and simply savour.

Let’s face it... we Brits don’t always have the best holiday rep. But Europe deserves better (and so do we). Forget wristbands, buffet scrambles and burnt shoulders — this is about doing Europe properly. From lakeside villas in Italy to hidden coves in Spain, discover where to eat, stay, and sip like a local. Smarter trips, stylish stays, and just the right amount of rosé-fuelled smugness included.