It may seem a little unfair that one born out of the ultimate silver cutlery drawer should have a talent worthy of rooftop bellowing; but it's a fact. David Linley is a serious Art Deco artisan and there is no better place to enjoy this distinctive style, immaculately interpreted and exquisitely restored, than at Claridge's. Claridge's and Art Deco go back to the twenties when the modernistic style was played out as a result of the Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes in 1925...

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In true Morgans Group style, St Martins Lane does not have an impressive grand period exterior, more an utilitarian one. However, this one comes with 7 storeys of floor-to-ceiling windows, entered through Brobdingnag yellow tinted glass circular doors, where the sense of irony, wit and alternative is immediate; whilst light, both solar and technological, is a star attraction. If London to you means theatre, galleries, ballet, opera, Soho and Covent Garden, then look no further...

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As I write this my feet are cocooned in monogrammed Principe comfort and these slippers are, without any doubt, the very best. Starting with the feet, the pleasures at the Principe di Savoia eventually reach the very last follicle on the crown of your head. A result of a bespoke recipe concocted in 1927 combining luxury, comfort and elegance in an evolving style that instinctively complements the putative fashion capital of the World: Milan...

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More than 250 years ago, an Indian playboy prince of the royal Mewar dynasty - whose blue blood lineage was traceable back to the Sun God - scandalised his parents by taking moonlight picnics with young women within earshot of members of the court. He responded by commissioning construction, in 1746, of his own unique hideaway, whose true purpose was kept a secret. Dubbed the 'Pleasure Palace' by his architects, it was placed on an island in the middle of a lake - far away from prying eyes - and little known to his parents, the partying continued...

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We visited Ca' Sagredo twice; its position on the sunny-side of the Grand Canal is quite special and the 'palace' feels extremely intimate; before you know it you become deeply attached. On this, our second visit to the palazzo, we took our three younger sons, who all thought that the idea of a city built entirely on water seemed unimaginable. I also knew that we would be bombarded with questions relating to 'how did they build in the water'?

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Fred Flintstone lived with wife Wilma and daughter Pebbles in the prehistoric city of Bedrock in a super duper cave dwelling. One of the reasons for the ongoing success of the series was the fact that they were lucky enough to live, what seemed to be, a fantastical life, in a cozy cave, surrounded by primitive but working mod cons together with homely creature comforts. I loved the Flintstones; why couldn't we live in a fantasy cave?

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How does a legend get reborn? Go to the finely overhauled The Connaught in London's village of Mayfair to discover the answer. I did. I am converted, and I now believe in legends having a second life. The Connaught did not undertake this venture without seriously considering the implications of change. Some people don't like change but, as The Connaught was ready for a refreshing refurbishment, change here is better than a rest: it's positively uplifting...

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Amanjena, which translated means peaceful paradise, is like a dream or hazy mirage; pinch yourself while you're there though and then you'll discover it's for real. A realisation dawns on you about staying in a 'peaceful paradise' such as this; "there is no disguise which can hide love for long where it exists, or simulate it where it does not." La Rochefoucauld. This is the perfect retreat for those seeking to enjoy time away together...

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As you arrive at the astonishing Aman flagship, Amanpuri, a fragrant, heart-shaped, hand-tied frangipani bracelet is placed around your wrist. The striking midnight -blue tiled pool instantly stands out, glistening amongst statuesque coconut palms and back-dropped by the turquoise Andaman Sea. It is very tranquil.Amanpuri does not feel like many overstated 5-star resorts; it is refreshingly 'lobbyless' and comfortingly unpretentious...

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This is just a staggering place. On arrival, you are struck by the authenticity of a building (the facade was apparently designed by Michelangelo) that should be preserved for privileged aesthetes who can look but can't touch, let alone stay. The other factor that knocks you sideways when you arrive is the glorious sweeping vista spreading right across Florence and into the Chianti countryside...

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The Connaught is a tough act to follow: gormandizing from one starry galaxy to the next is quite a feat for the waistline and the mesenteric heart rate. Football mania had well and truly set in. The weather was sub-tropical and the mood jingoistic with an odour of hops already permeating the city. Hitting the Oxfordshire countryside felt like a perfect antidote to this bustling Thursday and with our mode of transport being an Arnage T, we felt like the supplanters of good-fortune...

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There is a lavish history to Cap Estel: it was built as a datcha, or summer home, in the 19th Century by a Russian prince, on a large peninsula about two hectares in size, between Monaco and Nice. The most exhilarating factor about staying here is its extreme proximity to the sea; this hotel really does have the waves crashing against some of its suites' foundations (ours included) and, it has its own private beach...

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If, as a child, you were to drift into a fantasy world, as most of us have, and imagine owning an enormously grand stately home, with acres of bedrooms, lavishly decorated with smiling staff attending to the drapes and spreads; rooms on the ground floor filled with chandeliers and exotic guests then, apart from adjusting this dream with a grown up wish list - viz amazing bars, 3 Michelin stars and an 'esprit' vibe...

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Chateau de Bagnols is, quite simply, one of the most enchanting and outstanding hotels in the World. We have stayed here many times over the past eight years, and we chose to arrive at dusk with the sun setting over the southern Beaujolais hills and the turrets reflecting the evening glow; this always takes our breath away. Chateau de Bagnols is beautifully placed: it is situated in the Beaujolais, one of the loveliest and most historically interesting regions of France...

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Gran Hotel Son Julia is at the forefront of a luxury-21st Century-hotel-renaissance evolving in Mallorca. This 15th Century mansion is supremely stylish, beautifully proportioned, with suites reminiscent of a Palace; rooms exquisitely designed and bathrooms from 'World of Interiors'. This is the perfect choice for an easy getaway: pools, tennis courts, golf and sensual spa and fitness facilities, plus romantic dining on terraces or in the vaulted dining room...

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