Anya Ryan

London doesn’t do luxury by halves. With nearly 100 five-star hotels (yep, even more than Dubai), this city is basically one big velvet-robed playground. The only problem? There’s too much choice. You could lose days scrolling through reviews, trying to decide where to spend your hard-earned cash. But we’re on hand to help you out. We’ve handpicked the crème de la crème of London’s most spectacular sleepovers. Expect grand dames like The Landmark London and Claridge’s rubbing shoulders with fresher faces like NoMad London. If your wallet’s feeling weighty, you’re in the right place. Here are the best five-star hotels in London.  London’s best five star hotels at a glance 🌟 Best modern: 1 Hotel Mayfair 👑 Most historic: Claridge’s 🍴 Top Michelin-starred restaurants: The Dorchester 🧖‍♀️ Best spa hotel: Landmark London 💥 Most downright iconic: The Ritz 🏘️ Looking for even more options? Check out our list of the best Airbnbs in London What makes a five star hotel?  A true five-star hotel breathes that feeling of luxury into reality. It does everything before you even think of it. Staff remember your name, there’s a welcome drink waiting the second you step through the door, and you feel like the main character from the get-go. Expect 24-hour room service, concierge magic (need a table at a restaurant that’s been booked out since 2019? Sorted), plush robes and a turndown service that makes bedtime feel like an event. And of course, the service is so smooth it’s almost tel

London is full of glitz, glamour, and its fair share of predictable luxury. But if you’re craving a stay with personality, skip the chain hotels and dive into the city’s vibrant boutique scene. The word ‘boutique’ can be used pretty loosely, but all of the hotels on this list have something that makes them, in our opinion, distinctly boutique – be it curated interiors, standout artworks or little touches that make you feel like you’re staying somewhere stylish, special, and just a little bit more like home. From cosy, artsy hideaways tucked into quirky streets to bold, design-led properties that could give the capital’s five-star stalwarts a run for their money, here are the best boutique hotels in London right now.  London’s best boutique hotels at a glance 🌟 Best aparthotel: The July Victoria👑 Most historic: Hazlitt's🍴 Best for foodies: The Hoxton, Shepherd's Bush🧖‍♀️ Best for relaxation: The Laslett💎 Most Modern: The Standard How we curate our hotel lists? Headed up by editor Joe Mackertich, our team at Time Out London spend their time reviewing hotels all over the Capital – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. Along with our pool of trusted hotel experts, every hotel on this list has been individually reviewed and selected for a reason: we’ve been there, we think it’s great and we’d genuinely recommend it. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on

Nowhere does Christmas quite like London. Come December, this city comes alive with dazzling festive lights, Christmas markets, theatre and endless shopping. Whether you’re venturing in from a nearby city or travelling from across the pond, there are endless reasons why a stay in the UK’s capital should be at the top of your list this festive season. Ready for some serious Christmas spirit? Look no further – we’ve handpicked the best hotels to stay in at Christmas in the Capital. And we’ve covered all the bases: hotels with Christmas markets on your doorstep, hotels that look out over ice skating rinks, and hotels that go all out for their very own festive offerings, with everything from bespoke Christmas packages to mega trees and blowout festive menus. And yes, you can stay on Christmas Day too. Ready to get festive? Us too. Read on for the best Christmas hotels in London this year.  📍 RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to the best hotels and Airbnbs in London  Who makes the cut? Headed up by editor Joe Mackertich, our team at Time Out London spend their time reviewing hotels all over the Capital – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. Along with our pool of trusted hotel experts, every hotel on this list has been individually reviewed and selected for a reason: we’ve been there, we think it’s great and we’d genuinely recommend it. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links

Imagine a properly good walk and you're probably thinking of rolling hills, mountains, forests and a rustic country pub for a celebratory pint at the end. And although you won't find that exact formula in London, you can come pretty damn close. This city is full of surprisingly peaceful, rural-feeling and very pretty corners where you can immerse yourself in nature for a few hours – without ever being more than half an hour away from a decent macchiato or a TfL station. Here are some walks that are perfect for enjoying solo, or with a gang who are equally ready to discover London's hidden wild side. Wear some sensible(ish) shoes, check the weather forecast, and make evening plans where you can show off the virtuous glow that only comes from exercising in the great outdoors. If London’s not cutting it at the moment, why not check out our properly good list of walks near (but not in) the capital? And if trees are your thing, here’s a load of walk suggestions that take in some of the best woodland around the city. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in London London's prettiest walks at a glance: 🚂 Best for railway lovers: Parkland walk 🏢 Best for city views: Hamstead circular walk 🦌 Best for deer spotting: Wimbledon park to Richmond 💂 Best for seeing parks and palaces: Diana Princess of Wales memorial walk 🖼️ Best for culture lovers: The Line

London is a stunner whatever the season, but especially in autumn when the city’s streets are lined with burnt oranges and russet reds. It’s such a beautiful sight, in fact, you won’t even mind that the summer heat is becoming a distant memory – that just means more early evening sunsets to marvel at and more excuses to hole up in a cosy pub. What better way to make the most of this crisp time of year than by getting out and exploring London’s crunchy, leaf-strewn parks? Pack a picnic (and some warm clothes), collect conkers and soak in the surroundings of these lush London parks for a pretty autumn walk – or the starting point for a perfect autumnal day out. Best autumn walks at a glance:  🌆 Best for great views: Greenwich Park 🌸 Best for floral displays: Kew Gardens 🔍 Best for celeb spotting: Hampstead Heath  👑 Best for the royal experience: St James’ Park 📷 Best for unique selfies: Holland Park RECOMMENDED: London’s major parks.

London's teeming with stuff to do, but its endless array of museums, parks, and attractions can lose their allure for even the most imaginative city dweller. And, as the days shorten and the leaves turn golden, the urge to escape the capital and breathe in some crisp autumn air grows even stronger. So when that wanderlust hits (and you’re not booking a flight to Porto), here’s where to go for an easy autumn weekend away. From cities with the best restaurants to cosy countryside retreats and proper city breaks awash in the season’s colours, there’s something for everyone. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here. RECOMMENDED: Stay nearer to home with 17 dreamy day trips close to London, or check out the very best walks near London. Best weekend trips at a glance 🎭 Best for theatre lovers: Stratford-Upon-Avon ⛪ Best for history buffs: Cambridge 🛁 Best for literature fans : Bath 🐴 Best for hikers: The Scottish Highlands 🏖️ Best for seaside fun: Cornwall

We know that London is the best city in the world. But like any metropolis, it can also get a bit much sometimes. Occasionally, what you want isn’t to drink cocktails in a trendy bar after seeing the hottest Gen Z bedroom popstar at the Islington Assembly Hall, but a little peace and quiet, actually. Enter: the weekend getaway, invented by the Victorians (probably), there’s a reason why Londoners have been taking sojourns to the seaside on sunny bank holidays since the 1800s.  Together, we’ve come up with a cracking list of our favourite day trip destinations near London. There’s something for everyone here, from historic cities and cute villages to sandy beaches and rolling countryside. We've included some recommendations for ace restaurants, quaint little pubs, and our favourite things to do at each destination on the list – all of which are close enough to the city that you can get there and back in one sweet day.  Best day trips from London at a glance 🍔 Best for foodies: Margate 🎭 Best for culture lovers: Stratford-Upon-Avon ⛪ Best for history buffs: Canterbury 🛁 Best for families: Bath 🐴 Best for hikers: New Forest 🍺 Best for pub crawls: Lewes 🏖️ Best for seaside fun: Brighton RECOMMENDED:✨The best day trips an hour from London👪 The best family day trips from London☀️ The best weekend trips from London🏘️ The best Airbnbs near London🌳 The best quirky Airbnbs in the UK This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial conte

There’s a long (and we mean really long) list of reasons why one might choose to visit old New York—the food, the theatre, the bars and the art galleries, to name a few—but up there with the best things about this city is, without a doubt, its skyline. And while heading up to Top of the Rock or the One World Observatory are worthy ways to soak it up, your hotel room could be, too. So, that’s why we’ve compiled a round up of the best hotels in NYC with proper, show-stopping views. Sit back and enjoy. 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs in New York City

London’s weather is unpredictable, so it’s good to know that there are spas to help you chill out (or warm up) when needed. If you’re sick of the rain, you can relax in the hot tubs, saunas and pools of these luxurious hotel spas instead. And while you’re at it, why not treat yourself to a massage? These lovely London hotels all have their own distinctive on-site spas. So whether you fancy a hammam treatment or a relaxing swim, there’s a place for you.  What do we mean by a spa hotel? A spa hotel in London isn’t quite the same as a spa resort – you won’t find sprawling grounds or week-long wellness retreats here. Instead, these city boltholes combine stylish accommodation with exceptional spa facilities, so you can slip from sightseeing to a sauna in minutes. On our list, you’ll find the London hotels we’ve visited with standout spas – places that make it worth checking in just for the treatments, pools and pure relaxation. 🏘️ Check out our list of the best Airbnbs in London How we curate our hotel lists Headed up by editor Joe Mackertich, our team at Time Out London spend their time reviewing hotels all over the Capital – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. Along with our pool of trusted hotel experts, every hotel on this list has been individually reviewed and selected for a reason: we’ve been there, we think it’s great and we’d genuinely recommend it. By the way, this article includes affilia

There’s a reason why so many romantic comedy films are set in London; quite simply, it’s one of the best places in the world to be loved up. The picturesque Little Venice, the historic Whispering Gallery at St Paul's Cathedral, and Waterloo Bridge (which has breathtaking views of the city) are among the many romantic places to visit at any time of year – and we can’t get enough. But to encourage your love to reach full bloom, it’s important to pick a hotel with the right kind of vibe. Breakfast in bed, complimentary cocktails upon arrival, and pampering spa packages are the sort of special touches that can make all the difference when you’re in the mood to woo... or maybe even pop the question! For the ultimate couple’s break, here are our hotels in London to cook up a bit of romance. Enjoy.  🛏️ Discover our list of the sexiest hotels in London How we curate our hotel lists Headed up by editor Joe Mackertich, our team at Time Out London spend their time reviewing hotels all over the Capital – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. Along with our pool of trusted hotel experts, every hotel on this list has been individually reviewed and selected for a reason: we’ve been there, we think it’s great and we’d genuinely recommend it. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 📍 Ultimate gu

It’s no secret that London can be very, very pricey if you’re not careful. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any options if you’re on a budget. Both big chains and beloved independents offer some very affordable rooms in the Capital – you just have to know where to look. Obviously, being ‘on a budget’ is pretty subjective, but every hotel on this list has rooms for under £200, with many starting under £100 – and even some shared dorms for £12 per person.  Every hotel highlighted here by Time Out’s experts is good value; whether that be because of its location, design, or quite simply, the price. Staying in one of these will give you the kind of buzz only a good deal can deliver. So get booking and then use all the cash you’ve saved on more important stuff. Like, erm, going to the pub.  🛌 Our guide to the best Airbnbs in London Which area is best to stay in London for a good price?  Honestly, it depends on what you’re looking for. There’s cheap options in Shoreditch, just off the South Bank and even in the heart of the West End – so you can save and still be in walking distance to Theatreland or London’s best museums. Or, go further afield to find deals that way, in more residential areas further out. To get a better grip on your options, here’s our handy guide on where to stay in London.  How we curate our hotel lists Headed up by editor Joe Mackertich, our team at Time Out London spend their time reviewing hotels all over the Capital – new openings, old classics and ever

Need a place to stay in London? We’re here to make it easy for you. Every year, a wealth of new hotels open in the capital – a testament to the fact that London remains one of the most desirable places to visit in the world. That can, however, make it rather tricky to decide which hotel to choose. But worry not: we have slept our way across the city and hand-picked our favourites, to bring you this ultimate list of London hotels, from Mayfair to Shoreditch, and from budget to blowout (butler included).  Newcomers to our list include the all-new July in Victoria, apartment-hotels which opened in July 2025, and eco-hotel 1 Hotel Mayfair, as well as a few old classics we’ve re-reviewed just for good measure (hint: The Dorchester is just about as great as we remembered). We’ve got a brand-new number one too, but we won’t give that one away just yet. For everything from genuine good value stays to all-out, Zone 1 luxury, you’ll find something on this list for every kind of trip. Superb bars, great architecture, world-class hospitality and the opportunity to have a home-from-home in the best city in the world await you – here are the best hotels in London.  🏘️ Looking for even more options? Check out our list of the best Airbnbs in London Which area is best to stay in London? It’s not just the range of hotels that’s so impressive – you’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a neighbourhood to stay in London. The city is made up of a sprawling network of dynamic neighb

What is it? Wild and undulating, the grassy sprawl of Hampstead Heath makes a wonderfully untamed contrast to the manicured lawns and flowerbeds found elsewhere in the capital – and it will feel even more delightfully rural if the City of London Corporation's ‘aspiration’ to graze sheep on the heath as a flock of organic lawnmowers ever comes to fruition. The heath stretches across 791 acres of woodland, playing fields, swimming ponds and meadows of tall grass in north London from Hampstead to Highgate, and has provided the inspiration for countless films, books and poems. Why go? It is pretty darn beautiful. It is the park that inspired C S Lewis’ Narnia series, after all. On a sunny day there is really nowhere better to soak up the rays.  Don’t miss: The dizzying heights of Parliament Hill provide a popular destination for kite-fliers when the weather turns breezy, while the Hampstead Ponds are an idyllic and hugely popular spot for a refreshing dip on hot summer days. When to visit: The heath is open 24 hours a day.  Time Out tip: Why not try out one of the brilliant local pubs while you’re there? The Spaniards Inn is a personal favourite.

What is it? Tucked within the sprawling concrete angles of the Barbican, the Conservatory is one of London’s most unexpected green spaces. Opened in 1984, it’s the city’s second-largest greenhouse after Kew Gardens, home to 2,000 plant species, including towering palms, ferns, and tropical blooms.  Why go? Escape the urban grind and wander through this tropical paradise. The combination of exotic plants, terraces, and serene water features will trick you into thinking you're far away from London.   Don’t miss: The koi carp ponds and terrapin enclosures (trust us). When to visit: Friday 6.30pm–9.30pm, Saturday–Sunday 12pm–7pm. Ticket info: Free entry, but remember to book a timeslot in advance.  Time Out tip: The Conservatory isn’t just for strolling – it’s also available for private events, including weddings. Who wouldn't want to say “I do" here?   

What is it? The London Mithraeum Bloomberg Space brings Roman London to life in the heart of the City. Originally discovered in a bombsite near Mansion House in 1954, the Temple of Mithras was temporarily relocated and later reconstructed beneath Bloomberg’s glossy HQ. The three-storey space houses a faithful reimagining of the temple, alongside artefacts from the site, offering a glimpse into life in Londinium almost 1,800 years ago. Why go? This is history, theatre, and archaeology rolled into one. Step underground into a men-only (well, now open to everyone) Roman cult hall and experience an atmospheric recreation of the Mithraeum. There's even audio installations of Latin chanting. I mean what's not to like? Don’t miss: The artefacts on the first floor, including leather shoes, broken pots, and a wooden tablet from AD 57, one of the oldest handwritten documents discovered in the UK. When to visit: Open daily – check the Bloomberg Space website for current hours and booking requirements. Ticket info: Entry is free, but booking a timeslot in advance is recommended. Time Out tip: Take your time in the atmospheric underground temple, and listen out for the immersive soundscapes that evoke Roman London—this is as close as you’ll get to stepping back into Londinium.

Let’s be honest, you’re probably booking a ticket to a stage adaptation of The Harder They Come for the songs. Perry Henzell’s seminal 1972 film is the movie that introduced reggae to the world, after all. But Suzan-Lori Parks’s new version of the stage musical – the second to have been staged at Stratford East after a hit 2006 version by Henzell himself – is as much about the grit of the production, impeccably directed by Matthew Xia, as it is the groove of its soundtrack. And yes, of course, Jimmy Cliff’s anthems are as rousing as ever. The soundtrack roars, cracks and prickles in the hands of this killer cast, led by Natey Jones. Big hitters like the aspirational ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ and the haunting power ballad ‘Many Rivers to Cross’ are so stirring, members of the audience can’t help but join in, to sing along.  Telling the story of Ivan (Jones) a young man who arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1971, eager to make a name for himself in the music industry, the book by Parks folds in the textures of city life, from the bustle of bars and backstreets to the weight of financial insecurity. Frustrated by his failure to climb to the top, Ivan slides his way into crime, eventually having to go on the run after shooting a police officer. The story lacks the agony that was layered into the film’s fabric. But it is Xia’s ability to paint vivid stage pictures that makes this revival a hit. His production takes us inside cinemas, on bike rides through green fields, an

Staying at Sea Containers London is a bit like stepping aboard a glamorous cruise liner without ever leaving the South Bank. Designed by Tom Dixon and brimming with bold metallic finishes, this is a hotel that leans hard into theme and manages to pull it off. The boaty nods are littered throughout the hotel: staff wear striped t-shirts, there portholed shaped windows and the curved edges throughout the building give the whole place the feel of a submarine. Why stay at Sea Containers London? Sea Containers has many winning qualities – its sweeping panoramic views of the South Bank, its riverside setting, and its close proximity to the London Eye, Tate Modern and the National Theatre. But once you’ve stepped inside the hotel’s stylish, metallic interiors, all designed by Tom Dixon, it’s easy to feel like you’re far away from London’s busy streets. Taking his inspiration from 1920s transatlantic cruise liners, Dixon has glossed the walls in rich copper tones, while the lobby is dramatically shaped like a ship’s hull. The boaty theme doesn’t stop there either; in the toilets, the mirrors are sculpted into portholes, and the curved edges throughout the building give the whole place the feel of a submarine. I mean that in the best way. Sea Containers’ otherworldly vibe is part of its charm. What are the rooms like at Sea Containers London? The hotel has 359 rooms, and about a third of them have views over the Thames. Each is kitted out with a mini-fridge, coffee machine, hair dryer

It’s one of those Fringe successes people dream of mimicking. Since debuting in Edinburgh in 2014, Duncan Macmillan Every Brilliant Thing – co-written with its original star Jonny Donahoe – has earned rave reviews, been translated into numerous languages, including Spanish, Greek, and Mandarin, and performed all across the globe. Last year, it returned to the Fringe  for a triumphant victory lap marking its tenth anniversary. But until now, this strangely uplifting show about depression had never received a West End run — perhaps because it was always deemed too intimate to upscale. If there’s any larger venue fit to house Macmillan’s mini masterpiece, it is @sohoplace. In a co-production between Macmillan and Jeremy Herrin, the play is once again performed in-the-round, with the audience on all sides encouraged to join in and play their part. Over the course of its three-month stint, Donahoe, Ambika Mod, Sue Perkins and Minnie Driver will all take the lead role, but tonight’s performer is Lenny Henry. Dressed in a colourful patterned shirt, he sends smiles soaring across the crowd from the outset. Still, in the larger space, it’s harder to build the same rapport. With a much greater capacity and the audience spread across three tiers, creating the world of the play feels less like a communal endeavour and more the responsibility of a select few. Henry is a gentle guide: first as the seven-year-old boy desperate to show his mum – who has depression – all the goodness in the w

Get ready to taste heaven, or at least something very close to it. This jewel in the Ritz-Carlton’s empire has everything you could possibly want from a luxury hotel. As soon as you walk through its grand doors, you are automatically enveloped in a world of impeccable service. The food is flawless, the grounds feel like a never-ending haven, and the staff are so attentive it’s like they can read your mind. Whether you’re here to unwind or explore the onsite jungle, the Ritz-Carlton Langkawi delivers an unforgettable experience at every turn. Why stay at the Ritz-Carlton? The real question is: why wouldn’t you? This place has everything you could possibly dream of and then some. Fancy your own bout of White Lotus drama? You’re in the right place. Surrounded by untamed jungle filled with animals and obscure plants, the hotel feels like part of another, wilder world. The only real downside is the price (it’s definitely on the steep side, with rooms starting at £333 a night), but if you’ve got the cash to splash, or it’s a particularly special occasion, why not treat yourself to the full-blown experience? What are the rooms like at the Ritz-Carlton? This isn’t your standard place to rest your head: the rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi are a dream. Expansive, decadently decorated, and dripping with tropical charm, each one features floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the outside rainforest like a living painting. Kinglike beds (the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in), elegant w

These days, Brixton Academy is an essential part of London’s cultural landscape. But there was a time when it was just a derelict old cinema building. In Alex Urwin’s play, inspired by the memoir Live at Brixton Academy by Simon Parkes, we watch as the space transforms into something sacred. This is Parkes’s story: a thalidomide baby who bought the cinema for just £1 at the age of 23. It begins during his teenage years at Gordonstoun School in Scotland, where Parkes studied alongside Prince Andrew (he sweats ‘like you wouldn’t believe,’ by the way). At first it seems like your standard coming-of-age tale. He bunks off regularly and takes the train to London, desperate to experience the grit and glamour of London’s rock’n’roll underbelly. It’s a world far removed from the polished corridors of his elite boarding school. But right from the start, it feels like this is where Parkes needs to be. A love of music is woven deep into his bones, and when he discovers the soon-to-be Academy, it’s love at first sight. Over the next few years, Parkes and his eclectic team of locals build up the music venue from scratch. Soon, it’s the go-to place to play for icons, including The Clash, Blondie, The Smiths and The Pogues. Directed by Bronagh Lagan, the experience is akin to watching a gig. With cables curling around the stage’s exterior, graffiti decorating the walls, and a tapestry of old flyers lining the floor, the room buzzes with raw energy. Smoke fills the theatre, and the music, wh

At the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, sunsets aren’t just something to admire; they’re the main event. Every evening, the sky transforms into a symphony of pinks and oranges, mirrored in the South China Sea below. There’s a reason the resort’s Sunset Bar is the stuff of local legend: there are cocktails, bar snacks and a front-row view of nature’s most dramatic light show. Set on a tranquil curve of coast, just ten minutes from Kota Kinabalu’s city centre, this mammoth resort offers the best of both worlds. You get all the peaceful, palm-fringed glamour of a tropical retreat, with the buzzy night markets and island-hopping boats of Sabah’s capital right on your doorstep. Whether you’re here for poolside lounging, a family-friendly distraction for the kids, or the sheer thrill of doing absolutely nothing, the Shangri-La has options in abundance. Why stay at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru? If you’ve been travelling through Borneo’s jungles, climbing Mount Kinabalu or spotting pygmy elephants upriver, this is the perfect place to unwind and recharge. And even if you haven’t, there’s something about the atmosphere here that you’re almost bound to fall for. The hotel is warm and spacious, with endless facilities to try out and explore. Choose between a poolside lounger or one on the hotel’s own private beach; lying in either will have you questioning whether you ever really need to leave. There’s plenty to do at the Shangri-La, but this isn’t the flashiest resort in the world; t

If you’re seeking peace, quiet, and total seclusion, Gaya Island Resort certainly delivers. Nestled within a protected marine park off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Borneo, this small boutique hotel is an ideal escape from the chaos of city life. Accessible only by boat, it feels truly remote. Even if that off-the-grid vibe can also feel a little restrictive. There are no shops on the island (come prepared with snacks or anything you can’t live without), so you have no choice but to wine and dine at one of the four on-site restaurants offering local and international dishes. The scenery is stunning, with an infinity pool to die for, but this is very much not a party island. During our visit, the whole resort had basically shut down by 11pm, with no music, no lights, and not a single staff member in sight. All I could hear was the sound of crashing waves — definitely relaxing, but maybe not the holiday spirit some crave. Why stay at Gaya Island Resort?  For a full-blown digital detox, utter stillness, and the chance to disappear into the wild, a trip to Gaya Island Resort is very compelling. At the heart of the resort lies a stunning pool surrounded by hordes of comfortable sunbeds and shaded cabanas. One thing is immediately clear: this hotel is all about relaxation. It makes sense, then, that it has become a favourite among people who have completed the Mount Kinabalu trek. Here, they can put their feet up, rest their weary heads, and fully immerse themselves in the serenity

When you walk through the doors of the Prestige Penang, you’d be forgiven for thinking you had stepped onto a movie set. This is no accident. The hotel is thematically inspired by Christopher Nolan’s 2006 thriller The Prestige, blending playfulness with class to ensure a memorable stay in Georgetown’s UNESCO-listed quarter. Prepare for illusion and magic at every corner ​​– think levitating beds, hidden doors, and an infinity pool overlooking the old harbour. Conveniently located just minutes from the Georgetown Ferry Terminal, The Prestige stands out with its pristine white façade amid the vibrant chaos of Penang’s historic streets. Inside, the grand colonial shell gives way to a crisp, contemporary interior — a playful tension that mirrors Penang itself: rich in history, alive with modern energy. Designed by the visionary Singapore Ministry of Design, the hotel is a reimagining of a 20th-century warehouse (or ‘godown’), transformed into something that feels like it shouldn’t work, but absolutely does Why stay at The Prestige Let’s face it, most people visit Penang to experience the endless culinary delights Georgetown has to offer. With this in mind, you want to be within walking distance of said delights. The Prestige provides just that: a prime location without compromising on relaxation or space. Everything you might need (or want) is within 15 minutes of the hotel. But its location isn’t the only reason to stay. The Prestige is a stylish, well-run hotel that gets the es

The Perhentian Islands might just be the most stunning in all of Malaysia. With crystal-clear waters, powdery white beaches, and lush greenery, they parade what eternal bliss might just be. On the main strip of Long Beach, the island’s longest stretch of coastline, you’ll find two exceptional properties that share the Bubu name: the charming, welcoming Bubu Hotel, and just a short stroll away, the more exclusive Bubu Villas. Together, they perfectly encapsulate the joys of island life, providing visitors with beautifully comfortable accommodations, attentive service, delicious food, and various dining and drinking options. Guests can take comfort in the fact that they’re never too far away from a refreshing drink or a delicious meal. This is the perfect place to kick back and unwind. Why stay at Bubu Resort? Staying at Bubu means you get the best of the Perenthians. On your doorstep, you have secluded beaches, marine life (we saw lots of turtles on the shore) and genuine hospitality. Unlike many other hotels on the coast that feel too rustic or overly commercial, Bubu strikes a balance. It is a hotel that feels considered and well looked after, but with its palm-thatched roofs, it also stays true to the island’s vibe.  What are the rooms like at Bubu Resort?Bubu Hotel offers simple but well-thought-out rooms that are light, airy, and comfortable. The interiors blend a minimalist style with modern conveniences; think crisp linens, ceiling fans paired with air conditioning, and