Travel News

The Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc in the south of France may well have the most famous swimming pool in the world.

Built in 1870 it was once graced by the sunbathing bodies of Brigitte Bardot and Clark Gable.

Following a 1992 revamp, these days you're more likely to see Kate Moss, Bruce Willis or Johnny Depp as the celebrities still flock to this beautiful spot on the Cap d'Antibes near Cannes.

The infinity-edge salt water pool is set into rugged cliffs and looks out at the Lerins Islands and beautiful Cannes Bay.

The surrounding terrace provides complete privacy and the attentive cocktail waiters make sure you have no need to leave your sunbed.

More adventurous guests can swing from rope from the cliffs into the ocean below.

The hotel itself occupies 22 acres beside the Mediterranean, surrounded by a fragrant pine forest.

Travel & Leisure recently named the Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc in its list of the top ten hotel swimming pool views.

No city does fashion like Milan and for a week in February the eyes of the fashion world are focused on the city during Milan Fashion Week.

There are around 100 catwalk shows scheduled as the top names in the industry showcase their latest designs for autumn and winter 2008/2009.

Donatella Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Giorgio Armani will all be there for the biggest week in the Milanese fashion world.

The whole city will be buzzing and the media, the buyers, the designers and all the beautiful people descend on the restaurants and bars to see and be seen.

Young designers will get a chance too as new talents are given the opportunity during the industry's Milano Moda Donna event.

Non-profit making association Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (the National Chamber for Italian Fashion) organises Fashion Week and promotes the development of Italian fashion.

Milan Fashion Week runs from February 18th to 25th and is held at Fiera Milano.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the best long distance hikes in Europe and has been named as one of Travel & Leisure's top ten "hikes of a lifetime".

A circular route around the Mont Blanc massif takes between seven and 11 days, depending on whether you choose the easier or more challenging trails.

Accommodation, including food, is available along the entire 105 miles distance of the route and the six miles of ascent.

Taking an anti-clockwise route from Les Houches or Courmayeur is the most popular in summer, and as long as they are properly prepared and equipped, people of all ages and abilities can complete this walk.

People have been doing this walk since 1767 when a Swiss aristocrat walked from Chamonix and over the Col du Bonhomme, Col de la Seigne, Courmayeur and the Grand St Bernard Pass.

The highest altitude reached on the hike is around 8,750 feet on the Col des Fours in France and Fenetre d'Arpette in Switzerland.

Designer hotel, the Toren, is one of Amsterdam's hidden treasures, according to the Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board.

Styled by award-winning designer Wim van de Oudeweetering, this luxurious small hotel hides behind the splendid facades of two 17th-century canal houses.

Built in 1618 the hotel is now named after the owners, Petra and Eric Toren, who strive to ensure guests have a home away from home experience.

Set beside one of Amsterdam's famous canals, there are plenty of bars and cafes nearby and the hotel garden is a perfect place to relax with a glass of wine.

Each of the 38 rooms is unique but all have a warm atmosphere and contemporary design

The top end rooms have whirlpool baths or Jacuzzis and there is also a garden cottage, which has its own steam shower cabin.

A short walk to Dam square and only 15 minutes from the central train station, the Toren is a great hotel in a convenient location.

The French Riviera is one of the world's most famous holiday destinations and the annual carnival in Nice is the top winter event on the coast.

This year the theme is Roi des Ratapignatas, Raminagrobis et autres ramassis de Rats masques: "King of Bats, Cats, Rats And Other Legendary Creatures".

The Promenade des Anglais and the nearby streets will come alive for a whole fortnight of celebrations and Nice is expecting over a million people to throng the boulevards for the party.

Giant papier mache characters will move through the streets, dancing to the music.

The spectacular parades include the Bataille des Fleurs or procession of flowers, which also features marching bands and majorettes.

As well as the parades there will be concerts and soirees throughout the city.

On the last evening there will be a final wild dance of the giants and the ceremonial burning of the carnival king before a fireworks display brings things to a close.