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Up, Up, and Away: The Magic of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Read full review: Up, Up, and Away: The Magic of the Bristol International Balloon FiestaIn a world where events often feel like they’re churned out on a conveyor belt of mediocrity—each one more predictable than the last—the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is the glorious exception. Held every August at the sprawling Ashton Court Estate, this isn’t just another date on the city’s calendar. It’s a spectacle, a piece of…
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Jin Bo Law Review
Read full review: Jin Bo Law ReviewNow, I’m not typically one for ultra-stylish bars. I prefer a place with a bit more grit, a bit more history embedded in the walls. But let me tell you, Jin Bo Law in Aldgate has completely won me over. First, let’s talk about the view. Bars perched atop buildings are a new phenomenon for…
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Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi: A Polished Gem in the Capital’s Crown
Read full review: Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi: A Polished Gem in the Capital’s CrownHaving spent many a languorous afternoon lounging in the lavish embrace of the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, we approached the Grand Hyatt with a sense of guarded optimism. Surely, we mused, it couldn’t quite match the almost celestial heights of its sibling? Yet, while the Grand Hyatt may not occupy the same stratosphere, it shares…
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Paradise Interrupted: When Luxury Falls Short in Bali
Read full review: Paradise Interrupted: When Luxury Falls Short in BaliEquilibria Hotel in Seminyak, Bali—a name that conjures images of serene luxury and modern indulgence. And indeed, on the face of it, this villa-centric hotel seems to tick all the right boxes. Nestled in a prime location for those who crave the vibrant nightlife of Seminyak, it offers a spa, a main pool, and a…
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Bisma Eight Hotel – Ubud
Read full review: Bisma Eight Hotel – UbudTucked away in the lush, vibrant heart of Ubud, Bali, Bisma Eight stands as a paragon of what a high-end boutique hotel should be. But let me tell you, it’s the kind of place that doesn’t just house you during your stay—it elevates your entire experience of Bali. Upon arrival, it’s clear that Bisma Eight…
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Mandarin Oriental Jakarta – Divine Intervention
Read full review: Mandarin Oriental Jakarta – Divine InterventionAfter a grueling 18-hour journey, stepping into the Mandarin Oriental Jakarta feels like a divine intervention. This sanctuary in the heart of the sprawling metropolis is precisely what weary travelers need to revive their spirits. The location is unbeatable, right in the throbbing core of Jakarta. From the moment you arrive, the level of service…
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Fabulous food, stunning stays, honestly reviewed.
Paul Southgate is The Travel Critic—the kind of traveller who claims to love adventure, as long as it includes 24-hour room service and a spa.
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About the Author
Paul Southgate: a patchwork of Hughs stitched together with fraying thread. The poor man’s Hugh Grant, all charm on a budget. The thinking woman’s Hugh Laurie, though thinking too hard might ruin the illusion. He’s got Hugh Jackman’s kindness, but not the abs, and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s enthusiasm for food, minus the ability to turn nettles into Michelin-starred soup. A wannabe Hugh Hefner—pipe dreams in a velvet dressing gown—but in reality, closer to Hugh Bonneville, bumbling through life with a comforting sort of dignity. A man of many Hughs, and yet…none of them.
The Travel Critic 