REVIEWED: The Best Hotels, Restaurants And Experiences: 2025

REVIEW: House of Agnes, Canterbury, Kent

A beautiful, ancient building, central location and a Charles Dickens connection make House of Agnes a perfect spot for a short break in Canterbury.

The 15^th Century B&B sits on one of the main roads into Canterbury, moments from Canterbury West, the historic Westgate and foodie hotspot The Goods Shed. It was referenced by Charles Dickens in David Copperfield and has stayed true to its original features, with plenty of wonky beams and old–fashioned windows. If you switched the electric lights for candles, it would be like returning to the 1400s.

Yet, some of the building’s history is hidden… During a building project, a Roman skeleton was discovered in the garden (and was consequently reburied!). Even more exciting – an extremely rare Astrolabe Quadrant dating from 1388 was unearthed a few years ago. Described as ‘one of the greatest discoveries of its kind in the world’ it went on to become a feature in the British Museum.

On check in, staff were helpful and full of knowledge – eager to make my stay as comfortable as possible. Downstairs were several communal rooms – something I really like at hotels. They created the feeling of a home-from-home rather than a stiff hotel.

Time to check out SuperStar BBQ in London!

Hi. My name’s Chloe and I love BBQs.

I wouldn’t say I’m an addict, but I have a strong appreciation. Argentine BBQs… Aussie BBQs… Brazillian BBQs… Mexican BBQs… even the great British BBQ (usually accompanied by rain and carcinogenic sausages)! They’ve all been delicious experiences. So, when I received an invite to check out Superstar BBQ – London’s newest BBQ experience, I was there in a flash!

SuperStar BBQ is a Korean BBQ, and claims to provide a modern twist on Korean food. With very little knowledge of this particular cuisine, this was going to be a full learning experience.

Located in St Giles, just around the corner from Tottenham Court Road tube station, SuperStar BBQ London sits in good company alongside Brazilian BBQ restaurant Cabana, burger joint Byron and Japanese hotspot Ippudo. It’s an area dominated by Google HQ’s colourful building, and all the restaurants are super modern, predominantly glass, with quirky lighting, and dare I say it… a few tacky motifs!

SuperStar BBQ - Korean BBQ in London — SuperStar BBQ – Korean BBQ in London

A traditional Hamam in Alanya isn’t necessarily a relaxing spa experience…!

“While you’re here you should definitely try a traditional Turkish bath.”

These were the words of one of my guides when I arrived in Alanya, Turkey a few weeks ago. Over three days I was whisked from beaches to caves to restaurants, and now, just ten minutes after returning from a jeep safari, I found myself in the ladies changing room at Çemberlitas Hamam.
As mentioned in my recent spa review of the luxury hamam at Dolphin Square, the hamam (also known as Turkish bath) isn’t an activity done for pure relaxation. No, it’s a cultural experience with an emphasis on cleansing. It’s also a place where people go to catch up with friends and family. Parents take their children and friends go together. It’s a communal experience, with most of the time spent in the hamam chamber – a beautiful marble room with sinks around the outside and a large heated marble stone in the centre. Men and women have separate facilities, although at this hamam, the sauna and steam room were mixed.

After a sauna and a steam, I entered the hamam chamber in my bikini unsure of what the protocol was. I was swiftly pointed in the direction of the shower then the jacuzzi. One thing to note, when I arrived I wasn’t told what the experience would involve, so I spent the whole time apprehensive about what was going to happen next.

Checking out the Grand Okan Hotel in Alanya.

During my recent trip to Alanya, I checked into one of the region’s most popular hotels – the Grand Okan.

I’m a firm believer that a luxury is nothing without good service. The most expensive meal can taste quite bland when there is no passion from the people serving it. Some of the best hotels in the world suffer from their stiff, impersonal ways. It makes me wonder: how difficult is it to provide warm customer service (are you listening Barcelo Solymar?)?

I checked into the Grand Okan Hotel in Alanya well after midnight. I was tired from travelling and suffering from a bit of a cold. Thankfully, I was welcomed by Amanda – the hotel’s incredibly friendly general manager. From Britain originally, she moved to Turkey over 15 years ago and lives and breathes the culture. Full of stories, charm and infectious warmth, she oversees a happy workforce who go out of their way to meet customers’ needs. It’s no wonder loyal holidaymakers return year after year.

What’s it like to have lunch at Grand Hotel Tremezzo overlooking Lake Como..

As I pulled up outside Lake Como’s Grand Hotel Tremezzo, I felt like a Hollywood movie star. Ferraris screeched to a halt outside, glamorous 40-somethings strutted into the glass lifts, and champagne corks popped at T Beach across the road.
Over 100 years of history, stunning panoramic views and a string of celebrity fans make this one of the most desirable places to stay on the lake. With its 5 star rating, beautiful gardens, luxurious top floor suites, brand new spa and floating swimming pool, I couldn’t resist but stop by and check it out.

I’d been invited for lunch, but before that was treated to a tour of the hotel and its impressive grounds. The art nouveau building has numerous old-fashioned salons and reception rooms with regal colour schemes and plush fabrics, but there’s also a modern touch in places. The newest suites have simple, contemporary marble bathrooms, with TV screens and breath-taking views. Not to mention the jacuzzis on the terraces! Of the 90 rooms and suites, the most prestigious is the Greta, named after Greta Garbo.

Love reviews of the best hotels, restaurants, and tours? ME TOO!

Here you’ll find all the reviews I’ve written while on my travels!

REVIEW: House of Agnes, Canterbury, Kent

A beautiful, ancient building, central location and a Charles Dickens connection make House of Agnes a perfect spot for a short break in Canterbury.

REVIEW: SuperStar BBQ, London

Time to check out SuperStar BBQ in London!

Stop… Hamam Time! The Full Cultural ‘Experience’ In Alanya

A traditional Hamam in Alanya isn’t necessarily a relaxing spa experience…!

REVIEW: Grand Okan Hotel, Alanya, Turkey

Checking out the Grand Okan Hotel in Alanya.

REVIEW: Lunch at T Beach, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy

What’s it like to have lunch at Grand Hotel Tremezzo overlooking Lake Como..