Latest news with #CondeNastTraveller
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
'True treasure' near Bolton named among UK's best areas for staycations
A popular area near Bolton has been named among the best places for UK holidays in a list by Conde Nast Traveller. The travel publication said: 'Though our daily daydreaming usually sees us travelling to far-flung, exotic atolls, in reality, the UK has a vast and varied roster of holiday possibilities on offer without ever having to step foot off the island. 'Not only is this music to the ears of those trying to cut down on their carbon emissions, but it's also a godsend for those short on time, big on bringing their four-legged friend along or keen to keep travel costs low. 'With that said, we've rounded up a clutch of our favourite forms of staycation, from surfing on the enchanting Cornish coast to horse riding across the rugged landscapes of Scotland. So, leave the passport at home and head off on one of the many types of holidays that this island has to offer.' The Peak District features in the list and was labelled the best spot for climbing holidays. Conde Nast Traveller said: 'Our fair isle is dotted with outdoor rock climbing and bouldering spots that could compete with those all over the world. 'From the dramatic coastlines of Cornwall, which span over 300 miles and include the tors and quarries of Bodmin Moor, as well as the popular bouldering spots of Cheesewring and Carn Brea Quarry, to the rugged mountain ranges of Scotland, there is a cliff face to suit everyone here, whether you count yourself as a novice climber or an experienced boulderer looking to put their skills to the test. 'The Peak District also offers some of the UK's best climbing spots, with over 10,000 different route options and their gritstone edges (particularly those of Stanage and Burbage) drawing climbers here year after year.' Conde Nast Traveller suggested the best time of year to explore the Peak District: 'The end of May through September is the best time to go on a climbing holiday in the UK due to the warmer weather and longer days.' If you're looking for somewhere to stay, it recommends the Tawny Hotel in Consall: 'Though not the nearest to the key climbing routes in the Peak District, the Tawny Hotel is worth the 25-minute drive to be able to really relax at the end of a tiring day of bouldering. 'Treat yourself to a muscle-soothing treatment at the spa, stretch your legs out in the swimming pool and refuel with a relaxed dinner at their flagship restaurant, The Plumicorn.' Peak District National Park has impressed its visitors, with some sharing their experiences on Google Reviews, where it has a 4.8/5 rating from 33,516 reviews. One visitor said: 'Peak District National Park is absolutely stunning—rolling hills, peaceful trails, and breathtaking views at every turn. It's perfect for walking, cycling, or just relaxing in nature. 'The wildlife is a treat to watch, especially the sheep and lambs! A brilliant destination for all ages, and a true escape into the countryside.' Recommended reading: Peak District walks with 'breathtaking scenery' among UK's must-visit valley trails Lancashire coastal spot with 'amazing sunsets' among UK's best secret beaches Lancashire beauty spot with 'beautiful natural vistas' among England's hidden gems This person commented: 'The Peak District is a true treasure! We went in the summer, which was the ideal season to explore this gorgeous national park. With stunning views at every bend, the walks are amazing. There is a trail for everyone, regardless of your level of hiking experience or preference for a more relaxed walk. 'Don't pass up the opportunity to view the vast moorlands, charming villages, and undulating hills. I strongly advise planning your next summer vacation to the Peak District!' Have you been to the Peak District? Let us know in the comments.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Reddit wonders if Mira Rajput's new wellness retreat in Mumbai is only for the rich: ‘ ₹1.5 lakh for 7-day programme'
Mira Rajput's newly launched Dhun Wellness retreat in Bandra is making waves not just for its luxe Ayurvedic therapies and chakra scans, but for its eye-watering prices. While the 6,000 sq ft sanctuary promises calm and healing, Reddit users have been quick to react to the steep costs, sparking a flurry of reactions. (Also read: Step inside Raveena Tandon's grand farmhouse with huge swimming pool, antique Indian furniture, 60-year-old dining table ) According to Conde Nast Traveller, the wellness treatments at Mira's retreat come with a hefty price tag. A 90-minute Tulya session, combining massage, stretching, and sound therapy, is priced at ₹12,500. The 60-minute Ethera facial, a Japanese lymphatic massage, costs ₹12,000, while a 30-minute EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) session for easing anxiety is ₹10,000. More intensive treatments like the week-long gut restoration or women's dosha balance, which use Ayurvedic techniques such as panchakarma, are priced at ₹1,75,000. A post shared by Dhun Wellness (@dhunwellness) Reddit users didn't hold back their reactions to the steep prices at Mira's new wellness retreat. "For merely ₹1.75 lakh, Mira will personally reset your sleep," joked one user. 'Sorry if this is a repetitive post but these prices have me laughing hard.' Another added, "I'll do that for less than ₹500 myself. All you need is some mild muscle relaxants and vodka. You aren't special, Mira stop trying to be the Kailash Colony version of Gwyneth Paltrow." A third user broke it down further, "So apparently our darling Mira Kapoor has launched yet another wellness business called Dhun Wellness. This fancy-ass place is tucked into the posh bylanes of Bandra, and ma'am has been giving interviews about its ancient-meets-advanced therapies. But cut to the rate card nothing under ₹12k an hour! A 7-day programme? ₹1.5 lakh. Are you serious?!" Tucked away on the 7th floor of Cozy Nook in Bandra, Dhun Wellness is Mira Kapoor's 6,000 sq ft urban sanctuary designed for rest and rejuvenation. With earthy tones, marble floors, and soft lighting, it offers everything from indulgent facials and deep massages to chakra scans and Ayurveda-based therapies. There's also cryotherapy, red light beds, and customised oils based on your dosha. Wellness Director Sujit Kumar Gupta curates personalised programs for stressed-out city dwellers.
Metro
3 days ago
- Metro
'Most beautiful' European region is an underrated gem with a 'fairytale' bridge
Germany has so much to offer visitors all year round. During the summer months, popular cities like Berlin come alive with riverside swimming spots and canal-side clubbing, while autumn sees Munich's Oktoberfest in full swing, and winter ushers in Christmas markets galore in Cologne, Düsseldorf, and beyond. But step away from the cities and you'll find a whole other side to the country – with one area in particular, Saxony, being hailed as 'the most beautiful place' in Germany. The state, in Eastern Germany and bordering Czechia, looks like something out of a fairytale – with some palaces and castle dating back to the Middle Ages. It's brimming with history, too – it was the epicentre of events during some of the most decisive points in European history, including the Reformation and Napoleonic Wars. It might only be the 10th biggest of Germany's 16 states, but there's plenty for visitors to explore… Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. With Conde Nast Traveller previously hailing numerous places in Saxony as some of the 'most beautiful in Germany', you're spoiled for choice on where to go. Perhaps the region is best-known for its stunning Baroque capital city, Dresden, where many historic buildings were rebuilt after WWII. Top attractions in the city include Frauenkirche Dresden, a reconstructed Lutheran church, as well as Zwinger – a complex of gardens around a Baroque palace building that now houses museums including the Old Masters Picture Gallery and Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon (a collection of clocks and scientific objects). Not far away is Meissen, a small town famous for its porcelain, which it has produced since 1710. The city of Leipzig is also a magnet for culture lovers, with a rich musical history (it's the birthplace of composer Richard Wagner), vibrant galleries, and magnificent landmarks such as St Nicholas Church. The quaint town of Görlitz, on the Polish border, should absolutely be on your list, having won the 'European Location Award' in 2017. It was one of the rare well-preserved towns to have survived WWII in Eastern Germany, as a result you'll wander past picturesque buildings and through charming streets. Rakotzbrücke, hidden in Kromlau's Rhododendron Park in the north of the state, is also a must-visit. Also known as Devil's Bridge, the 19th-century structure creates the perfect stone circle when reflected in the water below. Another must-visit place in Saxony is Bastei, a rock formation that towers 194 metres above the Elbe River, offering epic panoramas of various local landmarks. A bridge, built in 1851, also crosses through the rock formation, acting as a lookout point over the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. It's located in Saxon Switzerland National Park, a hiking haven known for its rugged terrain and huge valleys – which is also home to the 400-year-old Königstein Fortress. One Tripadvisor reviewer said Bastei was 'truly one of the most amazing places I've ever been in my life'. 'I'd seen pictures in advance, which is why we went, but it exceeded all my expectations.' Another Tripadvisor commenter added: 'It was spectacular! Must visit this place when you go to Saxon Switzerland National Park.' While there are no direct flights from the UK to Dresden or Leipzig, you can reach either with a stopover – with the quickest flight from the latter being around three hours, 30 minutes long. However, you can reach both cities from Berlin – with direct return flights from London airports starting from £48. From there, you can reach either Dresden or Leipzig by car (one hour, 50 minutes and two hours, 30 minutes respectively) – but a quicker option is by train. Journeys take around one hour, 15 minutes with one-way tickets costing as little as €5 (£4.19). Onwards to Bastei, the journey from Dresden takes around 50 minutes by car or one hour via public transport. While you might expect the peak summer months to be the best time to visit the region, this isn't necessarily the case. Lots of people visit Saxony during the winter months – with January being a popular month for winter-sport enthusiasts. This comes down to the fact that Saxony's Ore Mountains boasts 70 ski runs, over 60 drag lifts, around 621 miles (1,000 kilometres) of cross-country skiing trails, plus toboggan runs and ice-skating rinks. Being in Europe, it's hardly a surprise that January is the coldest month too – with an average maximum daytime temperature of 4°C. More Trending For those who don't like winter sports, the Christmas Garden Dresden transforms Pillnitz Palace and Park into a magical winter wonderland between November and January every year. However, anyone visiting during the summer can enjoy the greenery of the region in full force. The weather is incredibly pleasant during the peak summer months, with temperatures ranging from 20°C and 25°C – and July being the sunniest. This article was originally published on January 23, 2024. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: UK airport gets new TUI flights to quirky European capital dubbed the 'city of baths' MORE: European city begs for 'respect' as tourists keep stealing bizarre souvenir MORE: 'It's magic': Your favourite French holiday spots that aren't Paris, Cannes or Nice
Local Germany
7 days ago
- Business
- Local Germany
Visa rejections by Germany cost Indian applicants €1.3 million last year
A recent report by Conde Nast Traveller found that more than 165,000 applications for Schengen visas submitted by Indian citizens were rejected in 2024. According to the report , this amounts to more than €14 million in application fees for rejected visas across the Schengen zone. With 15,806 reported rejections of Indian Schengen visa applicants, Germany issued the third most rejections after France (31,314) and Switzerland (26,126). In total, the amount of fees paid to Germany for applications that were ultimately rejected amounted to approximately €1.3 million -- based on an average application cost of €85 for Indian passport holders in 2024. At the beginning of 2024 the standard Schengen visa fee for adults was €80. It was updated to €90 in mid-June 2024. After Germany, Spain and the Netherlands both rejected nearly as many Indian visa applicants, with 15,105 and 14,569 rejections respectively. Which nationalities faced the most rejections? Visa applicants from Algeria racked up the most rejected applications in 2024, followed by those from Turkey. India had the third highest number of rejections, followed by Morocco and then China. According to the Economic Times , a relatively high rate of rejections, and the associated financial losses, have raised concerns among travellers. READ ALSO: 'Germany needs you' - Labour Minister's plea to skilled workers from India Contesting rejections is set to get harder for travellers applying to Germany These figures come following a recent announcement that Germany will scrap its remonstration process for rejected visas as of July 1st this year. Until now, visa applicants who faced rejections could submit a remonstrance letter to ask that their application be reviewed again, sometimes with additional documentation or explanations provided. Advertisement But from July 1st, German embassies wont support the remonstration process -- meaning rejected visa applicants will only be able to challenge rejections in court. Alternatively, applicants can opt to submit another visa application for review, but this would of course come at the cost of one more application fee. It seems likely that the procedural change will ultimately amount to a higher number of rejections and potentially also to more visa application fees collected. Visa refusals have knock-on impacts on tourism, business exchanges, and academic opportunities for Indians in Germany. READ ALSO: Modi announces more German visas for Indians as Scholz visits 'Won't give up my passport' - Why Indians in Germany face hurdles to citizenship
Khaleej Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Schengen visa: Indians lost Rs1.36 billion in rejected applications in 2024
In 2004, over 1.65 lakh Schengen visa applications from India were rejected, causing a loss of a whopping ₹136 crore (Dh58 million) in non-refundable fees. India is third among countries with maximum losses, followed by Turkey and Algeria. Each visa application cost around €85 (Rs 8,270 or Dh 357); the fee was revised to €90 in the middle of the year for Indian applicants aged 12 and above. According to Conde Nast Traveller, the total amount that Indians spent on filing visa applications in 2024 was around Rs 9.16 billion. The report added that of the 11.08 lakh Schengen visa applications filed by Indians , a total of 1,65,266 were turned down which is a rejection rate of nearly 15 per cent . France topped the list of Schengen countries that rejected the most Indian visa applications — 31,314 in total —leading to a loss of around Rs 258 million. It was followed by Switzerland, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands that caused the most losses. This year, more than 217,000 applications were submitted from India to Switzerland alone, making it the most sought-after Schengen state for Indian travellers. It was followed by France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands. Globally, Algerians faced the highest losses (15.7 million euros or Rs 1.53 billion), followed by Turks (14.4 million euros or Rs 1.40 billion), Conde Nast Traveller quoted data from the European Commission as saying.
