Reviews: Four Seasons Toronto with kids

You’d be forgiven for thinking that the new Four Seasons Toronto hotel, opened in October 2012, would have gone the grand diva route that lets you know just how fabulous it is. After all, it’s the flagship hotel in the hometown for the entire Four Seasons chain, which itself is a collection of wish fulfillers and pampering providers in exotic locations the world over. And make no mistake, the 55-storey...

Our plan for visiting NYC with kids

One of the perils of visiting someplace you used to live is a certain cockiness. You think, “Yeah, I know this town. I used to own this town. I don’t need no stinking guidebook.” Of course, that attitude doesn’t take into account — at least in this case — that I last lived in New York as a young, single and ready-to-mingle gal back at the turn of the century. This time, I’m...

Top time-saving apps and sites

On BritMums we’re running a #BGSaveTime Linky, with bloggers sharing their favourite time-saving apps and sites. The Linky is sponsored by British Gas, which has a new online account management system and smartphone app that — among other things — lets you track the engineer coming for a home visit (at last!). I’ve been meaning to blog about my favourite time-savers for ages. Ironically, trying to...

Review: Holidaying in an Airstream on Isle of Wight

Destination: Vintage Vacations, near Ryde, Isle of Wight, 07802 758113 Great for: holidaying with other families, having a chill-out getaway Pack: Football, cricket sets, badminton sets, croquet sets, and the novel you’ve been meaning to read Don’t forget: Your wellies, just in case The one problem with writing about travel: you find someplace really cool you want to tell the world about…and then...

Family travel review: Four Seasons Provence, France

Recently we visited the Four Seasons Resort Provence at Terre Blanche to check out its new kids’ club. The resort is known for its highly rated golf course, which is home to an advanced golf training center. And its convenient for Brits – our journey from South London via an EasyJet Heathrow flight was four hours door to door. But can a high-end resort like this set in such romantic surroundings –...

My advice on family holidays in Dubai – in The Times

Dubai – soulless glitz factory or fabulous family getaway? Find out in the article I wrote for the Times website (subscription required). I'll be posting some additional Dubai advice and reviews, along with pictures, here soon so stay tuned. In the meantime, read my family guide to Dubai in the...