California Dreaming 

On Kate's travels this summer, she came across a fantastic gem of a place that she just couldn't keep to herself! The Post Ranch Inn nestled on a cliff in California's Big Sur region has been voted as America's top hideaway. This intimate property offers an eco slant with treehouse accommodation, grass roofs & sustainable cuisine - but without cutting back on the little luxuries in life. Located right on the Pacific Ocean, the views are simply stunning. Hmmm, now where's my surfboard ...

 Move over Magaluf

If your idea of Mallorca is egg, chips & a pint at the Benny Hill pub in Magaluf, then think again. Now we love a beer & a fry up as much as the next person, but we also like to seek out what's new & different. Angela went there on her hols this year & discovered there's more to the island than meets the eye. Learning to kayak with a world champion, bike training like Team GB in the Tramuntana Mountains,  exploring the coast by helicopter & speedboat, or taking a yacht out to your own private beach for a picnic are just some of the activities you can indulge in. She's keeping quiet about it, but we're sure she also popped into Lineker's Bar for a swift one.

Goodbye Dubai 

Hello Abu Dhabi! Abu Dhabi has been hotly tipped as the next place to visit in the Middle East. Over the last couple of years, the Emirate state has spent over $100 billion to transform itself into a hot tourist destination, minus some of the kitsch you might find in neighbouring Dubai. Chris popped his head in a few weeks ago & checked out some of the sights. From living it up at the 7* Emirates Palace hotel (if ever you go, check out the Swarovski crystal chandeliers) to the new Yas Hotel which is the only property in the world to be built over a F1 circuit. Next year, Ferrari World opens which not only claims to be the world's largest indoor theme park - but also says it will offer the ultimate Ferrari experience. This being Abu Dhabi, we think it may live up to the hype.

I Love London

With 'staycation' being the buzz word for this year, we've all spent a lot of time in our own city. Sometimes it's easy to forget what's great on your own doorstep. Over the past few months, we've discovered horse riding in Hyde Park, have taken in a burlesque show, shopped til we dropped with a fashion editor & indulged in the Dorchester's Spatisserie where  spa treatments meet cake! Now that's my kind of afternoon.

Can the Cancan 

Bored of Paris? When looking for somewhere new to escape to on a city break, our intrepid traveller Lesley headed to Buenos Aires. Often referred to as the Paris of the South, this cosmopolitan city offers world class class galleries, grandiose buildings & fine restaurants. In bustling Buenos Aires it feels like anything is possible. You can learn to tango with Madonna's dance teacher, become a cowboy on a gaucho ranch, design your own leather handbag & stay in Francis Ford Coppola's former home. So forget staying in & watching the X Factor, this is what weekends are made for.