I’ve recently had the pleasure of visiting the Maldives, staying at the idyllic Cora Cora Maldives resort. And I’m here to tell you two perhaps surprising things.

Firstly, that although May/June is technically low season, when it’s wettest and most humid, it’s actually a very good time to go. More on this later.

And secondly, that this luxury paradise is not as pricey as you might think – particularly if you go in low season. Considering the stunning beach villa I had, the amazing food and wine I inhaled, and the fact that it’s genuinely all inclusive (more on that later too), when I came to look at the cost, I was very pleasantly surprised.

Let me tell you all about my stay…

Heading east to the Indian Ocean

Flying east is always a bit tougher on the old body clock than heading west. And when you travel to the Maldives, you’re losing a solid four hours. The pro trick? Fly overnight, sleep as much as you can on the flights, and lean into the luxury at the other end. I found that doing it this way made it easily tolerable, with minimal jet lag.

We left Heathrow on a Sunday afternoon, and flew through the night with a stopover at Doha before touching down at Malé airport just after 8am local time on the Monday morning.

As with most resorts in the Maldives, the best – and often the only – way to access the resorts is by seaplane. And I was very excited about this. However, as we were about to board, blundering around in a jetlagged brainfog like overtired toddlers, the heavens opened and there was wild wind and rain, putting us on hold for a bit. Frankly I found the whole thing quite exciting, and not because I’m British and love rain, thank you.

Arriving on a seaplane is straight out of a Bond film

Being May, it’s the start of the rainy season so this sort of thing is to be expected. But the downpours are short, and we were soon skimming across turquoise waters and tiny islands like something out of a Bond film.

I slept almost the entire 45 minutes it took to get there. I think most of our group did. But how wonderful to stagger off the seaplane, on to the jetty and meet the team from Cora Cora Maldives, armed with cool flannels and floral neck garlands for us. What a gorgeous way to arrive anywhere.

Day one – settling into the luxury

Our first day was a gentle one – just enough to shake off the travel haze and settle in properly. Absolutely LOVED my beach villa. Outside the cool, air-conditioned suite, I was able to open the back door, walk onto the sand, scattering colourful birds and little lizards and crabs, and fall straight into the warmth of the Indian Ocean. I also loved the indoor/outdoor bathroom – there’s something hugely decadent about showering outside, completely naked.

Pics from my villa: the ‘back yard’, the bubbles and sweets left out for me on arrival, and my gorgeous inside/outside bathroom

We gathered for a relaxed lunch at the biggest/main restaurant on site, Tazäa, where I asked for an enormous gin and tonic and got something so strong it would have floored a rhino. OK Harrington-Lowe, I thought. When they say, ‘how many measures?’ and you hilariously say ‘six!’, maybe reframe that. I had freshly-made gazpacho and a Caesar salad. Man, it was good.

I’m just going to say that I would love to write more about all the food in this review, because every single meal I ate was exemplary. But if I gave you the rundown on everything, you would genuinely be in a retirement home by the time you’d finished reading. Everything is extraordinarily fresh, with clean, elegant menus at each restaurant. I didn’t have a duff meal once in the whole time I was there. And I tried a LOT of food!

I might have had a tiny gin-fuelled snooze after lunch…

Before easing into the evening island vibe. I had a shower, and a little mooch about outside before we all met up for dinner. Which was a frankly fantastic Japanese experience at the elegant Teien.

Japanese feast at Teien. So beautifully fresh and exquisitely prepared

If I have any regrets about my trip, it would be that I didn’t get more time in Teien. It’s very rare you go to an ‘all-inclusive’ and get the option to eat yourself silly in the premium restaurants. Often, one can eat and drink in a couple of the main outlets, with additional costs levied for eating in the special places. That’s not the case here, and it’s one of the things that makes it properly standout. All the eateries are included in your package, and so are premium drinks such as champagne. It’s such a treat not to have to think about it as you go along, and an even bigger treat to eat and drink like Henry VIII 24/7.

When in, er, the Maldives…

Doing a sterling job of reviewing everything on offer, we headed for a snifter at Italian-flavoured Acquapazza, where the breeze was soft, the night was warm, and the nightcaps flowed freely. I must admit to being a bit of a lightweight here – I think I had one and headed for the very welcome AC coolness of my villa. It’s a solid 29 degrees all day and all night here, and I needed a day or two to get acclimatised to that.

Fellow group mate Lauren’s late-night battle with the local gecko population provided plenty of entertainment after I’d left, via our group WhatsApp messages. “I’m never sleeping. One’s hissing at me,” she said.

Day Two: lizards, learning, and laughter

Tuesday dawned hot and bright, and Lauren survived the night. And after breakfast we were taken on a tour of the resort. A site inspection might sound dry, but not here. Whilst the resort is a paradisical playground, the owners also work in a largely unique way to not only champion ecology and sustainability, but also to applaud and recognise its Maldivian history.

For those who don’t know about the Maldives’ background… ancient trade hub/stopoff point for Spice Road, Buddhist for centuries, Muslim from 1153, Portuguese arrived 1558, Dutch followed, British protectorate till 1965. I think I have that right. And the Dutch Onion museum on the resort reflects a lot of the rich tapestry that makes up the Maldives’ history.

The museum visit was a genuine pleasure, mostly because of the guided talk we had. Our guide was truly passionate and knowledgeable. In a small resort playground with mostly ‘fun’ things to do, I found a touch of culture very welcome. There is exceptionally thoughtful curation and some fascinating insights into Maldivian heritage.

A similarly passionate coral conservation talk led by marine biologist Giulia Morello was delivered just as the skies opened in an apocalyptic downpour – not that it dampened our mood. And it was fascinating to learn how they’re creating coral ‘reefs’ using frames which they gently attach new corals to.

Talk at the museum, relics from the Brits tucked away in the curation room, and learning about the coral frame restoration project

Time for some more indulgence

Hitching a ride on one of the golf buggies to get me to the spa without getting drenched, the next thing on my agenda was a massage. Which I enjoyed face down on the bed, watching the waves and fish in the sea underneath the lagoon villa, through a special window in the floor. Masseuse Eva launched herself at my back and gave me the kind of working over I always want, but rarely get. That girl has The Gift.

Lunch followed at Acquapazza again, where the food is so consistently good I never want to stop eating. Yves reported that he had been having a bath and discovered a peeping bat staring at him from a tree. There are HUGE fruit bats flying around all the time. I thought they were birds, they’re so big.

Dinner was at Ginger Moon, where we overindulged in a wild array of the most amazing pan-Asian dishes under a canopy of dramatic monsoon clouds.

Fantastic pan-Asian dinner at Ginger Moon whilst the monsoon whooshed around us outside. A fantastic experience – and amazing food

Wednesday: saltwater, stretching, and storms

The day dawned bright and sunny. And by Wednesday we’d all more or less adjusted to the rhythm of island life. Which is to say barefoot by breakfast and blissed-out by sunset. The day began with yoga, of course, because nothing says ‘posing in paradise’ like trying to balance in tree pose while the sound of the sea washes around you. It really was very special.

Then it was into the water for snorkelling – a proper highlight. The reef is lively and vivid, full of darting fish and the occasional moment where your brain tells you that shadow might be a shark (it might be!).

The evening brought a resort meet-and-greet, followed by dinner back at Acquapazza, where the rain decided to put on another spectacular show. The air was fresh after a brief, wild downpour. I loved it. The champagne is always on tap, the food always excellent, and the company pretty good too!

Acquapazza delights: carpaccio and Champagne, night-lit pools, and yes that IS a rum baba and it was heavenly

Thursday: vibes, views, and velvet skies

Thursday slowed things right down. A morning sound bath lulled us into a sort of transcendental calm, although I found just as I was drifting away it was over all too soon. We drifted between the pool and the sea in a collective trance, broken only by the occasional splash and laughter from those attempting to perfect their ‘casual holiday float’ for Instagram (looking at you, Lauren!).

As the sun dipped low, we boarded a boat for a sunset cruise. Bubbles on board and lots of bobbing about on the warm seas. The sky turned apricot and gold, Kevin and Yves recreated ‘that’ special Titanic moment, and the whole thing felt deliciously cinematic.

Bubbly and being daft on the sunset cruise, an awesome chance to see the atoll from the waters

Friday: Champagne and so long

Friday was our final day, and the weather really turned it on. Blue skies, blistering sun, and water so clear it looked Photoshopped. We swam in the sea, lounged in the heat, and reluctantly packed our bags. A last lunch at Acquapazza, complete with chilled champagne, was the perfect farewell toast.

And then it was back on the sea plane, skimming across the waves once more, trying to hold on to the sense of calm and colour that only a place like this can give you.

Practical travel tips for UK visitors to the Maldives

Time zone shift
The Maldives is +4 hours ahead of the UK, which can mess with your body clock – especially flying east. To beat the worst of the jet lag, opt for an overnight flight. You’ll arrive in the morning local time, which makes it easier to power through the first day and reset.

Flights and transfers
There are some direct flights from the UK to the Maldives, but many have a stop. We flew with Qatar Airways and stopped at Doha, but the changeover was speedy. And honestly it was quite nice to stand up and move around for a while.

Once at Malé (MLE), many resorts (including Cora Cora Maldives) require a seaplane transfer – a glorious, scenic way to arrive, but it’s worth knowing:
• You’ll likely need to wait at the seaplane terminal a while after landing.
• Seaplanes don’t fly after dark, so late-arriving flights may require an overnight in Malé.

Currency
The Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) is the local currency, but USD is widely/more generally accepted, especially at resorts. You won’t need much cash – most things go on your room tab – but a few bucks are handy for tips or local purchases.

Weather
Expect heat and humidity year-round. May is the start of the southwest monsoon, so while it’s warm, you may get sudden tropical downpours. Pack high-SPF sunscreen, light clothing, and a decent hat – the sun is fierce.

Connectivity
Wi-Fi is generally good at high-end resorts like Cora Cora, and I found that by the time I’d piggy-backed the Wi-Fi in the airport and then the resort, I didn’t need to pay for data for my phone, which can be expensive. Download anything essential before you go, and consider a local SIM or travel data package if you plan to be online a lot and you’re moving about.

Sustainability notes
The Maldives is incredibly eco-conscious – especially the newer resorts. Cora Cora Maldives is single-use plastic free, has its own coral regeneration programme, and encourages barefoot luxury with a conscience. Treat this with the respect it deserves.

Costs

Looking ahead to 2026 and planning as if I was going to go back for my birthday in late January, these are the best costs I tracked down online (in June 2025), booking directly with Cora Cora Maldives, and Qatar Airways.

Six nights at Cora Cora Maldives, January 2026

Lagoon Villa £2,000 pp
Beach Villa £2,500 pp
Flights on Qatar Airways £745 pp

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Paradise found. Cora Cora Maldives delivers more than you expect appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. You simply have to be savvy when making decisions and make the most of the available resources, including discounts and special deals. So it’s all about how to maximise your travel budget. Let’s look at some ways to get the most out of your travel budget and make your next trip more affordable. You won’t have to choose between saving money and travelling in ultimate comfort.

Plan ahead to secure the best deals

One of the easiest ways to save money while travelling is to plan your journey in advance. Quite often, booking well before you set off will help you benefit from cheaper fares. Many transport companies provide discounts for early booking, whether it’s trains, flights, or bus tickets. For example, advance train tickets are likely to be available at cheaper rates than those bought last minute.

Take advantage of travel passes and discount cards

There are a lot of discount cards in the UK that offer discounted train tickets and/or bus and attraction prices for their holders. The National Railcard is particularly popular with travellers as it offers a third off most train fares nationwide. If you often make trips, then you can also save money with specific travel passes which offer unlimited access to a mode of transport for one fixed cost.

Explore alternative routes and modes of transport

The shortest route isn’t always necessarily the cheapest. It may be the case that choosing an alternative mode of transport could help you reap the rewards of better rates. Sometimes, coaches and trains can be more affordable (this, of course, depends on the carrier and the route) and more comfortable than travelling by air. This is especially true if you’re planning on going short distances. You can save even more on your overall travel budget by using additional options or combining different modes of transport.

Smart savings when travelling by rail

Travelling by train is one of the most popular ways to get from one part of the country to another. However, the costs of tickets can quickly add up if you’re not savvy about how and when you book. To make sure you don’t overshoot your budget, look out for discounts and offers and compare ticket prices. It’s not uncommon for tickets to cost less overall when each leg of the journey is booked separately.

If you are interested in saving money on trains, using services like Split My Fare is one of the quickest and most reliable ways to do so. You split the journey and tickets, which is sometimes cheaper than purchasing a single fare.

Travel during off-peak hours

Book your journey during the off-peak hours. The price of your ticket is going to vary depending on the time that you travel. In most cases, trains during a weekday and not within the rush hour are cheaper than when commuters are on their way to or from work. So if you can book in the early hours of the morning or late at night, you will be more likely to grab a cheaper fare.

Read more: How to retire to Italy on a budget

Keep an eye on special promotions and offers

Special features and discounted tickets are offered throughout different times of the year. This means you won’t have to wait around to find a cheaper deal. Offers like train line reductions, cheap season tickets, festival discount tickets, and cheap day trains are highlighted during certain seasons of the year. These fare reductions cannot always be expected, but subscribe to your chosen company and keep an eye on political events.

By combining the plans mentioned, predicting the future, knowing where to find cheap tickets, booking a year in advance, splitting your tickets, and asking questions, travelling becomes simpler and easier on your pocket.

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The post How to maximise your travel budget appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Skiing first time? Well yes, me too. I was never a what you might call a sporty kid. Netball was a no-no due to my challenged hand to eye co-ordination. I was always stuck in goal on the hockey field, decidedly ungainly in gait as I staggered around swaddled in thigh-high leg pads. My tennis style was described as ‘wild’ – and not in a good way.

Cross country runs were spent bunking off at a fellow failed jogger’s gaff who just happened to live en-route, and I distinctly recall being told by the games teacher that no athletics discipline would ever be ‘my sport’. I wasn’t fussed. I was good at other stuff, and positively distinction level when it came to sneaking a crafty fag behind the back of the bike sheds.

I distinctly recall being told by the games teacher that no athletics discipline would ever be ‘my sport’

There was, however, one sport that my teenage self always secretly longed to try. Skiing. To be honest, I think it had more to do with imagining myself hanging out with the beautiful people on some snow-capped mountain – 1970s and 80s Martini advert-style. That and the vision of a 19th century me channelling my own inner Anna Karenina. A vision moving silently across a moon-lit snowy landscape in a horse-drawn troika while swaddled in rugs and blankets.

Or in another incarnation, I resembled a nostalgic Christmas card as I perched, in full Edwardian period garb, primly on a sledge as I prepared to launch myself down a snow-covered mountain. And then there was all the yummy Alpine food to sample – fondue, raclette, goulash, and schnitzel with noodle.

Help! I need the slopes

I could have hit the snows in my 20s, 30s, 40s… but life always got in the way, somehow. And besides, whenever I thought about a winter holiday, sunshine always won over snow. But then, at the end of last year, I happened to watch the Beatles’ film Help. The sight of the Fab Four, or rather their stunt doubles, swooping down the oh-so-picturesque Austrian Alps to the strains of Ticket to Ride picqued my interest enough to finally try the ski and snow thing.

I read up on where Help was filmed, and discovered to my delight that you could stay in the hotel in the ski resort where John, Paul, George and Ringo had performed an impromptu gig for a crew member’s birthday party. Their only ever gig in Austria, incidentally, almost 60 years ago… Well, it was a done deal!

Summer travel more your thing? Read – Jacqui’s Cyprus trip honouring her mum

The Alpine comforts

While my retro ‘rubber’ soul longed to stay at the Marrietta (the name of the hotel where the Fab Four performed) circa mid 1960s, my 2024 body was highly delighted that in the early 2020s the hostelry had been extensively modernised, having been taken over by the Croatian-based company Valamar group and renamed ‘Places’.

No doubt the Marrietta was the place to be in its prime, but as we approach the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, Places ticks all the right modernist, style, and creature comfort boxes. The interior has been redesigned with a vibrant yet minimalist aesthetic. It feels luxurious but in a chic, funky kinda way. However, it’s touching that Places hasn’t forgotten its unique place in music history. There are several signed photos of the Beatles, in situ on the snowy set, in the lobby. Even more impressive is the fact that the drum kit actually used by Ringo Starr for the concert is on display in a corridor behind the lobby, along with more fascinating mop-top memorabilia.

When it comes to the bedrooms, think traditional alpine with a modern twist that feels like a warm cuddle. And, should you be in the mood for rather more than a hug, the complimentary pleasure boxes containing condoms and lubricant could well come in handy. On the other hand, should you be sharing the bed with a snorer, the complimentary earplugs will come as a godsend!

Not just a snowy landscape

Obertauern, which lies 5,708ft above sea level and is 55 miles south of Salzburg, is the winter holiday resort with the best snow record in Austria. But the skiing, the frolicking amidst the flurries, could wait. I wanted to explore Places.

There’s a stunning, subterranean indoor pool – kidney shaped rather than rectangular. Fine with me. I wasn’t planning on doing any laps. We’re talking serious unwind time, here. The lights are low, with loungers positioned on several levels. Plus, there are star-shaped floating bean bags! A first for me. Nearby is the stunning spa area and sauna, and the massage I treated myself to certainly didn’t disappoint.

The hotel boasts a trendy lounge and bar, think posh private members’ club vibe, and probably the smartest self-service restaurant I’ve ever been in. Guests are able to eat as much as they like in the evenings. Meat dishes, fish, salads, fab veggie options including gourmet handmade pizzas.

Opt for the ‘Places Flexi’ package and dinner is free, with each person given a 30-euro (£26) allowance a day to spend on food and drink at the bar as an alternative. Payment is made via wrist-worn electronic ‘watches’, which also open bedrooms and doors to various public spaces. Hi-tech or what?

But Place’s ‘piece de resistance’ is to be found on its top floor. There’s a seriously fun 400-sq-m (4,305-sq-ft) top-floor gaming area complete with a soft-play complex and all manner of computer games and consuls. Next door is a rooftop bar with jaw-dropping valley views. I enjoyed a Campari-spritz on the balcony while taking in the vista, warmed by a table-top open fire. Now, that was a Martini moment for sure.

So. . . what about the skiing?

Well, I got myself decked out at the Freudenaus Sport Rental next door to the hotel. Skis, helmet, sticks, ski boots… you know the drill. Except that, er, I didn’t. Not really. In all my ski-land visualisations, I’d never pictured myself actually skiing. The nuts-and-bolts stuff. And if I’d thought hockey goal keeping garb was stagger-worthy, blimey, I didn’t know the half of it. Give me thigh-high, Michelin man-like leg pads over ski boots any day! Clomping about, I felt like a clone of Frankenstein – and that was just outside the hotel.

Prep for your skiing trip with a quality pair of waterproof boots. Like these tactical boots which are even up to military standard!

I had a lesson on the nursery slopes with an instructor from the Obertauern Frau Holle ski school – he was very patient but by the end of the session, he gave me a broken English echo of my school games’ teacher’s words. Skiing clearly wasn’t ‘quite my sport’.

Alison (far right) and friends before heading down the slopes

The sledging fantasy

So let’s try sledging or sledding. Arranged by the uber efficient Valdermar folk, I pitched up at dusk at the Gnadenalm Alpine experience, about six km from Obertauern.  The toboggan taxi – a snowmobile with old-fashioned wooden toboggans attached to the side – zipped us up to the top of a mountain. At least it felt like the top to me, and the start of the flood-lit 1.5km long run. We were dropped off with the sledges. ‘Now what?’ I said, somewhat naively. ‘You go down,’ came the reply. As the driver sped away, there was no option but to follow his instructions. Reader, it was the ride of my life. Scary, yes, but incredibly exhilarating.

Zooming down snow-covered peaks and mounds, I felt more Bond girl in the Spy Who Loved Me than lady on front of an Edwardian Christmas card. But no matter. I had a real sense of achievement on reaching the bottom. My Anna Karenina fantasy followed as I climbed aboard the troika or carriage, attached to two massive cart horses, and made myself comfortable against the cushions and under the blankets. Sleigh bells rang out as we wended our way across the snow-covered countryside by moonlight while sipping on shots of Schnapps. It was possibly one of the most romantic moments of my life!

Great grub, to top it all off

It had been an incredible evening but it wasn’t over yet. A full-on Alpine feast comprising of fondue, raclette and cheese dumplings followed at the Restaurant Wirtshaus Gnadenalmin, the most Heidi-esque eaterie imaginable. All roaring fires, pine wood panelling, red and white check cushions and table cloths, and heart-shaped dining chairs.

Skiing may not be for me but this trip made me realise that I have fallen for the snow in a big way. Next visit I intend to channel Julie Christie in Dr Zhivago – but I guess I’ll need to find my Omar Shariff first.

Going on your own Alpine adventure

Getting There

Wizz Air – return flights in January 2025 from London airports to Salzburg from £57.00
Easy Jet – return flights in January 2025 from London airports to Salzburg from £54.00
British Airways – return flights in January 2025 from London airports to Salzburg from £139.00

Taxi transfer from Salzburg to Obertauern – approximately €165.00, good value if there’s four of you

Accommodation

Places by Valamar – from €316.00 per night/double room

Ski Stuff

Ski Equipment Hire from Silver Ski Equipment

Boots – €27 per day
Helmet – €16.20 per day
Skis and sticks – €34.50 per day

Ski pass – €65 per day

Ski lesson for beginners at the Obertauern Frau Holle ski school – €121.50 per day, €252.00 for three days

Carriage Ride and Sledding

One hour carriage ride for four people – €90

Toboggan rental: € 9 per toboggan
Toboggan taxi: € 8 per ride & person

Alison James

The post Winter wonderland – skiing for the first time appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Flying out to Zurich it was an unusually clear day. So clear that as we flew over the edge of England I could see my house from the plane. I waved goodbye to Blighty and settled in for the short journey to Switzerland. I was off to review the five star Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, hurrah.

Upon landing, the first thing I discovered was that my phone provider didn’t work in Switzerland. I’d just blindly assumed that I’d automatically get data switched over, but no.

No biggie, I figured, I’d just use the free Wi-Fi that I could see was in the airport. But connecting to the airport Wi-Fi was impossible. Log in here, add this code, no you can’t because you don’t have connectivity, log in here etc.

In the end a fellow traveller did me a hot spot so I could log in and buy some data. So be warned – Switzerland is not in the EU and your phone might not automatically work there. Plan ahead.

Leaving the airport, I was excited about my onward journey, because we had a train ticket to ride. I have a mad passion for train travel. The train was very clean and – we discovered to our amusement – very strictly silent.

In fact, our small group (all women, all quite excited) was roundly told off by a very cross little man who genuinely leapt out of his seat to tap the sign that presumably said “quiet”. We all shut up, trying not to look at each other and giggle.

I was right to be excited though…

I had a first-class ticket, and a first class view of Switzerland as we sped towards our destination. Awe-inspiring mountains rising out of stunning blue lakes, the tops so high they were lost in the clouds. It was thrilling, and I don’t say that lightly. There’s a huge benefit in feeling the power of awe, and the landscape really is awesome.

I could have spent hours on the train. But we arrived at Sargans station all too soon, and were picked up to head to the hotel resort.

Once inside the hotel I was hugely impressed. The lobby is light and airy, with a fantastic art installation of bubbles to represent the natural spa/spring water in the area. It’s upmarket without feeling oppressive. I don’t know how they manage to make such a vast hotel feel so family-run, but that’s how it rolls.

Dogs are allowed, which always makes me happy. And also kids, which I’m generally less enthusiastic about, if I’m honest. The resort is very much geared up for children though, unusual for a spa hotel like this, and I think actually it’s a nice idea. There’s a Kindervilla on site, for the children to hang out in during the daytime, as well as plenty of babysitters.

There’s also a children’s Heidi-themed spa area. So although the little darlings are allowed at the hotel, you don’t get them killing the chill in the adult spa zones. I don’t really mind kids. But don’t want them squawking next to me in the jacuzzi.

Also, something that one finds increasingly these days, despite the hotel having five stars and a very luxurious offering, guests were dressed quite informally. Not scruffy, you understand. Just in a relaxed fashion – which I totally appreciate. I’m done with heels and uncomfortable clothing these days.

My suite was a total corker

The view from my balcony

The suite was vast, situated at the front of the hotel with breathtaking views across the mountains. Standing on the balcony staring at the scenery whilst soft rain pattered around me was a quiet moment of bliss that I can still feel now if I close my eyes.

On my desk I found a gorgeous little selection of sweet and savoury snacks. And I was also delighted to find a very well-stocked fridge and snack zone. Decent gin and tonic! Big tick.

Another word to the wise: I’d felt very smug remembering to bring my UK to Europe plug adaptor, but guess what?! The plugs in Switzerland are different. At our hotel the concierge had a bunch of them you could borrow, and almost everyone in our (British) group needed one. But something to be aware of.

Standing on the balcony staring at the scenery whilst soft rain pattered around me was a quiet moment of bliss

In the afternoon we’d been due to have a tour of the outside art installations, part of the Bad RagARTz exhibition, which happens once every three years. It’s a region-wide showcase, with art, sculptures and statues dotted everywhere. Worth planning a trip around this to see it, if you’re thinking of heading here. But it was raining, so instead we relaxed, had a tour of the hotel resort, including the Kindervilla, and got ready for dinner.

As I was dressing for dinner, a storm broke out over the mountains. Storms always excite me – it was quite something, thunder and lightning over the mountains. I watched it for a bit, spellbound.

Around the resort

The Grand Resort is home to several very lovely restaurants, as well as a health and medical centre, dental centre, and of course the spa. There’s even a take-away sushi kiosk, KOiSO, which I confess to ordering twice from during my stay.

The resort is a centre of medicine and wellness, not just a place for a massage and dip in the water. There are doctors here practicing in everything from orthopaedics, traumatology and vascular disease to mental health, dental health, and Chinese medicine.

There’s also a full-service plastic surgery department, sports therapy clinic, rehab centre, nutrition clinics… you name it, it’s probably at the resort. One could absolutely have a face lift and tummy tuck, and hide out here in the mountains to recover, having regular massages, therapies, and swimming in the various pools. Have put this on my mental wish list for in a few years’ time.

Our first night, and we met in the elegant lobby for cocktails

I’ve had beautifully-made cocktails in places all over the world (she said smugly) but the mixologists here are amongst the very best I’ve experienced. Exquisitely crafted drinks, gorgeous choice of glassware – a very good start to the evening.

Namun is their Asian-inspired restaurant, and where we ate on our first night. The joy of travelling in a small group means you get to order a la carte, rather than have a set menu, which can happen if you’re in a bigger group. I had Thai prawn summer rolls, and a mix of dim sum including dumplings, melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu beef, and various gyoza.

Sadly I couldn’t manage any pudding, but I did choose some sake from their extensive sake-specific menu. And by the time dinner was over, I was ready to drop. The food was magic, and I slept like a baby.

Deliciousness at Namun

Next morning the sun had broken through…

And I was chuffed to bits that I’d ordered breakfast in my room. I leapt out of bed – well, maybe not leapt, but rose enthusiastically – and before even having a cup of tea, bolted downstairs to the outside pool. I’d seen it the day before, and was desperate to get in it, to swim with that phenomenal backdrop, and make the most of the dry weather. It was heavenly.

Back up to my room and my breakfast trolley had been delivered. This for me is the height of dining delight – to eat indulgently in the privacy of my own room. I made a point of having the ‘<<verve>>’ special, so named after the resort’s Michelin-starred restaurant. If you’re interested, it’s crispy sourdough toast, with a tomato jam, and lovage whipped tofu cream, topped with poached eggs and baby salad leaves. I could have done without the jam, very sweet. But the whippy tofu stuff was magic.

Outdoor pool; <<verve>> breakfast; spa relaxation area

I was booked in for the ‘Pause and Reset’ treatment – an 80-minute aromatherapy full body workover that is “specifically designed to help ease the side effects of hormonal changes.” I don’t know about that, but I do know that I could barely stand when I got off the bed. Can’t remember the last time I felt so relaxed.

After that it was a short stagger to the spa area, where I bobbed about in the fabulous body-temperature swimming pool, before somehow making my way to my room for a short siesta. Nice to be able to wander around in my robe. It’s one of the nicest and oddest things about fancy spa hotels, I find. Fortunately I had the presence of mind to grab sushi to take up to my room. Because once I landed there, I was wiped out! Siesta time…

The afternoon saw a few activities before dinner…

Post-lunch, members of our group pottered around the local area. For me it was a chance to take in some of the outdoor art installations, and also have a little mooch around the little village next to the resort. Some of the group went to the Tamina Gorge, the source of the 36.5° C warm thermal waters that have made Bad Ragaz world famous.

‘Bad’ by the way, means ‘bath’, in case you were wondering. I didn’t know that until I came here, and I’d thought Bad Ragaz sounded a bit like a rapper’s name. But now we both know.

In the evening we were lucky enough to eat at verve by Sven, the Michelin-starred restaurant on site. I’d been excited about this since we arrived, and made the most of the exciting menu. For starter I had tomato, redcurrant, basil, and pine nut burrata plate, which was outstanding. Then for main course, a few of us shared the frankly astonishing seared beef cutlets with hoisin jus, served with seared lettuce and other bits.

A beef encounter

I know, not very adventurous in a place with a star. But frankly I think you can judge a restaurant by its steaks, eggs, custards, and sauces. I’m going to say it’s a yes from me here. The beef was meltingly delish. I wish I had two stomachs.

Our final day…

And I woke up to breakfast in my room again. I went all-out this time. Eggs, crispy bacon, caviar and a little bottle of Ruinart, my favourite champagne. How could I not?!

Oh well, if you insist

Once we’d checked out, we had a trip to Heidi’s Village, which was as surreal and adorable as you might imagine. Although Heidi is a fictional character, the stories are set in the region, and Heidi’s Village is only a short 10 min ride from the hotel. There are goats, natch. And they’ve created the houses that Heidi and all the other book characters would have lived in. It’s a bit nuts, but very endearing. It’s perfect for children who know the stories.

The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is a great place for multigenerational trips because it’s one of the only places in the world that I’m aware of that accommodates kids at an upmarket spa hotel.

Plenty of childcare, coupled with the children’s spa and pool areas, mean that you can take your kids and grandkids there and not have to sacrifice your own peaceful experience. Or enable your darling offspring to annoy other guests. And when you’re not in the hotel, there’s plenty to do within a short hop from the resort.

I loved the place, and wished I could have stayed longer. The food was exemplary, and the service and facilities faultless. I didn’t want to come home!

Now, to start planning my next visit there…

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
Rates: high season, rooms and suites from 750CHF (Swiss francs) per night. A suite like mine is around 1,100CHF (£990) per night
‘Pause and Reset’ treatment 295CHF (£265)
Tasting menu at verve by Sven 120CHF (£116)
Return flight Heathrow-Zurich is around £200-300 off peak, but you can easily double that in high season

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Five star treatment at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz – review appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Buying your first yacht is incredibly exciting, and the decision you make is an important one. Without the right knowledge and experience under your belt, it can be easy to be led astray by the most attractive yachts. However, you must consider maintenance costs, safety, and additional legalities.

In this article, we’ll be providing our top tips on what to consider before purchasing your first yacht.

Review your lifestyle

Firstly, you should ask yourself why you want to buy a yacht. Think about what you’ll use it for, whether that’s for family holidays, freedom of travelling, or yacht chartering.

A yacht is an excellent investment if you’re looking to create long-lasting memories with loved ones. Having your yacht will enhance your current lifestyle and offer an escape from the stresses of daily life.

Purchasing a yacht will provide you with a comfortable retreat and allow you to explore a wide range of destinations at your leisure.

Finance and budgeting

The upfront costs of buying a yacht aren’t the only thing you need to consider. You’ll need to account for the cost of ownership, insurance, maintenance, and docking.

Finding a marina or harbour for your yacht can be challenging, especially as these are in high demand. It’s worth scoping out a place to house your yacht first before making the purchase.

You must select a boat type that best meets your requirements. Think about how and where you plan to use your yacht regularly. Depending on the type of adventures you’ll be embarking on will determine the yacht you should go for. You can always charter a separate yacht if you’re planning a one-off trip to somewhere that isn’t suitable for your yacht.

If you’re a busy individual but still want to enjoy the experience of owning a yacht, you could consider shared ownership. Work commitments might mean you can’t spend as much time on your yacht as you’d like, so shared ownership allows an easy way to own a yacht at a fraction of the cost.

You’ll be sharing the acquisition and operational costs while benefiting from full yacht management and maintenance, even if you’re out of the country.

Finding the right yacht for you

It’s important to be patient throughout the yacht-buying process. Don’t just go for the first one you see or the one that’s most aesthetically pleasing. Your yacht needs to relate to your lifestyle and needs.

For example, do you enjoy al fresco dining and sunbathing? Do you want to take part in fishing and water sports? Are you planning on hosting yacht parties? All of these factors can help you find the right yacht for you.

You should also consider safety and comfort when browsing luxury yachts for sale. Understanding the size and equipment involved is imperative. Hire a yacht management crew to take care of your ship and ensure optimum safety.

Thinking of your future

Owning a yacht provides so many opportunities, from business ventures to travel inspiration. You can acquire the relevant license to charter your yacht to like-minded individuals and make a business from your investment.

Alternatively, there are so many destinations you can explore with your yacht. Visit remote islands, hidden coves, and beautiful coastal cities, and do so at your own pace. Create a bespoke itinerary for you and your guests and enjoy the flexibility that owning a yacht offers you.

Got a holiday booked this year? 6 Tips to help if you’re anxious about flying

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How are you finding your Dry January? If you’re already ready to rip, and counting the hours until it’s over, let me tell you about a trip I had to Cyprus with an itinerary including gin and wine tasting.

I’d been trying to hop on the wagon before I went, but that went out of the window almost immediately. On arrival at the luxurious Asimina Hotel in Paphos, abstinence became a distant memory as soon as the champagne appeared. A cocktail or two later and I’d well and truly fallen.

Later in the stay I was treated to a gin-tasting and education session from a very knowledgeable Cypriot chap called George. These sessions can be arranged in advance for guests.

Fortunately, there was food…

Lucky I wasn’t on a diet, as that too would have been all but a distant memory once I stepped over the threshold of one of the four on-site restaurants. The outdoor eatery, nestled in a leafy corner of the resort, was my favourite. 

The terrace restaurant is five star and classy, with low lighting and a medium-sized a la carte menu. A team of international chefs do the cooking, not only of traditional Cypriot dishes but also of Thai and Italian delights. 

Dining under the stars, with a view of the sea, being served exquisite food (the grilled swordfish, and garlic and chilli salmon were especially good), and divine cocktails was a complete joy. The French Martini – vodka, peach juice and Chambord – quickly became my new favourite cocktail.

The second morning, a cookery lesson on the terrace – courtesy of the hotel chef – was fun, despite my slight hangover. We made moussaka Cypriot style (beef and pork instead of lamb) and a veggie version too, made with layers of aubergine and mushroom. That was lunch sorted.

The lush life

Relaxing by one of the two large pools was delightful, and waiter service considerably enhanced the experience. There’s nothing quite as decadent as ordering French Martinis from a supine position and going for dips between sips.

There’s nothing quite as decadent as ordering French Martinis from a supine position and going for dips between sips

The evening view from my suite – no rooms here, just luxury suites, complete with comfortable lounge, kitchen area with a well-stocked mini-bar, sumptuous bedroom with queen size bed and spacious marble-clad bathroom with a gorgeous deep bath and huge shower – was stunning. (Twelve of the 111 suites have their own private sea-view pools.)

From my second floor apartment, I could see terraces, an array of shrubs, flowers, tall palm trees and one of two outdoor pools. A few steps beyond the pools the Mediterranean Sea, edged by the Kato Paphos beach, sparkled as the orange sun dipped into the hazy horizon.

In love with my bathroom

The weather at this time of year (mid-October) was more than clement: a comfortable 25 degrees with a warm and gentle breeze. No jacket required – not even when eating out in the evenings. When it’s cooler, staying in isn’t a bad option as the hotel has an indoor pool and jacuzzi, four bars, a hair salon, a gym, a shop and evening entertainment.

Read: Great walking holidays in Europe

Historical tours and Cleopatra 

A full day tour took me to the harbour in Paphos where we explored Pafos Castle (a 13th century Byzantine fortress, dismantled by the Venetians and rebuilt by the Ottomans in 1592) and to the Paphos Archaeological Park in Nea Pafos where I – and other tourists – viewed the ancient mosaic floors of Roman ruins (comprising five houses built around the second century and unearthed in the 1980s).

The tiled floors are mostly intact and depicted all kinds of myths, one being the tragic love story of Dionysis and Ariadne, the tale on which Shakespeare allegedly based Romeo And Juliet.

The tour guide explained how Cleopatra’s descendants once ruled Cyprus. She also told us how the pods of the indigenous carob tree, each being exactly the same size and weight as the next, were once used to weigh gold, giving rise to the word ‘carat’.

I learned that cats were brought to the island many years ago to kill off the snakes. (It didn’t work; the island is now home to many species of snake and a whole load of ownerless but very well-fed cats).

Another fascinating fact is that English king, Richard The Lionheart, got married in Cyprus in 1191: the only British royal wedding that’s taken place somewhere other than the UK.

Along the coast, I stopped at Aphrodite’s Rock. Aphrodite – the Greek goddess of love – was said to have been born in Paphos, not in the usual way of course but by emerging from the foam of the sea.

Aphrodite’s Rock, Cyprus. Photo: Dimitris Vetsikas

Wines fit for the Gods

Despite the island’s 6000-year history of wine-making, most Brits aren’t familiar with Cypriot wines. And probably wouldn’t think of Cyprus for wine tasting. An hour by car northwards, by the Troos mountains, was Ktemo Gerolemo, a winery where I keenly sampled an array of Cypriot wines.

Many of the wineries are run by families, who have not yet got into the whole business of export. The white, red and rosé were delicious and surprisingly smooth, the dessert wines were syrupy sweet, and the fiery Cypriot brandy called Zivania (which I necked as a shot, and really shouldn’t have!): it felt so medicinal that I now feel 100% safe from lurgies of all kinds this winter.

The village of Omodos, a little further north, is quaint and hilly with cobbled streets and many cute little shops and restaurants.

The narrow street with the small stone houses, colourful wooden doors and old amphoras, Omodos, Cyprus.

We lunched here – at Stou Kir Yianni – on a decadent, 16 course mezze of Greek salad, spinach pies, Cypriot sausages, chicken kebabs, roast pork and roast potatoes. I learnt something new about myself too – that, after years of disliking them, I suddenly love truffles. Maybe Cypriot ones are different to British ones – I don’t know – but the truffle pasta was out-of-this-world delicious. The mezze was so huge, the tour guide ended up with a takeaway big enough to feed her and her family for at least a week.

Other nights out included champagne at the glitzy rooftop bar at a neighbouring hotel, a meal at Fetta’s Corner in Paphos town, followed by cocktails and shisha at a lively bar until the early hours.

So much for sober October!

Visit the Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel

If you’re looking for a good value spring break, consider Paphos. And definitely consider this amazing hotel. Winner of over 16 awards in the last two years, the Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel, Paphos – with prices from £999 for 7 night departures in May 2023 in a Junior Suite land view room on B&B with flights from Gatwick including private transfers – are taking bookings now. (Early booking discount: save 20% for all bookings until 28th February 2023.)

For further information please call the Constantinou Bros Hotels UK Sales office on 01924 380160

Website:  www.cbh-cyprus.com

Jacqui Deevoy

Jacqui Deevoy has been a freelance journalist for over three decades, starting out on teenage magazines, then later working for women’s magazines worldwide, and national newspapers including the Daily Mail, the Mirror, Express and Telegraph. These days, as well as writing for magazines, papers and websites, she produces documentaries and hosts a Monday night talk show for Unprecedented TV.

The post Dreaming of a holiday? Try Cyprus for wine tasting appeared first on Silver Magazine.