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Les Saintes Travel Guide: The Caribbean Archipelago Time Forgot
A scattering of sun-drenched French islets anchored south of Guadeloupe, Îles des Saintes possesses an elusive, forgotten-world charm. With roaming iguanas, overwater verandas, and barely a car in sight, Terre-de-Haut is Caribbean island life at its most civilised.
Martin Hesp
Aug 284 min read


Caribbean Travel: Islands, Beaches, Food and Adventures
My Caribbean travel stories from Bequia, Grenada, St Lucia, Barbados, Nevis, Martinique, St Martin and Petit St Vincent — covering beaches, food, rainforest, islands, hotels and adventures.
Martin Hesp
Aug 269 min read


Cobbler's Cove Barbados: A Luxury Hotel on the Platinum Coast
A stay at the classic Cobbler’s Cove resort in Barbados could be one of the most relaxing and satisfying things you could do in the Caribbean
Martin Hesp
Feb 268 min read


Bequia: The Green Jewel of the Grenadines
Our little island plane dropped off two local passengers at Carriacou before heading north across the dreamy isles to arrive at the green, green jewel of Bequia. Here, life moves at a deliberate ten miles per hour, mostly from the back of the island's ubiquitous pick-up truck taxis. From the sublime luxury of the Bequia Beach Hotel to the chewy excellence of a conch salad in Port Elizabeth, this is a Caribbean escape that feels like a discovery.
Martin Hesp
Feb 257 min read


St Lucia Travel Guide: The Emerald Jewel of the Caribbean
You could take a beating on the cricket pitch every day of the year on this wondrous isle and still never feel defeated. From the towering volcanic peaks of The Pitons to the rhythmic chaos of a Gros Islet 'Jump-up', Martin Hesp explores why St Lucia remains the ultimate Caribbean emerald—an island so beautiful it makes your eyes ache and your heart soar.
Martin Hesp
Feb 123 min read


Winter Sun in Gran Canaria: Why Las Palmas is the Ultimate January Escape
A guide to the joys of visiting Gran Canaria in Europe's winter time
Martin Hesp
Jan 84 min read


Why Denmark Is So Happy – And Why Aarhus Might Be Europe’s City of Smiles
Discover why Denmark is one of the world's happiest countries and why Aarhus deserves its nickname, the City of Smiles. From hygge and great food to museums, waterfront walks and lively streets, this is my guide to one of Denmark's most enjoyable cities.
Martin Hesp
Jul 18, 20254 min read


Sea Cloud Spirit: Luxury Mediterranean Cruise from Naples to Malta via Sicily
Discover what it's really like to sail aboard the magnificent Sea Cloud Spirit on an eight-day luxury voyage from Naples to Valletta. From glamorous Capri and historic Palermo to beautiful Taormina, Syracuse and Malta, this first-hand review explores elegant sailing, outstanding cuisine, fascinating excursions and one of the Mediterranean's finest small-ship cruise experiences.
Martin Hesp
Jul 18, 20251 min read


Discover Your Own Treasure Island: A Getaway to Petit St Vincent
A Nostalgic Dream Come True A great many of us grew up dreaming of tropical islands, often inspired by books like "Robinson Crusoe" or perhaps the glamorous travels of James Bond. As a kid in the 1960s or 70s, visiting a sun-drenched island fringed with white sandy beaches and azure waters seemed like the stuff of fantasy—unless you were Princess Margaret. Fast forward to today, and those dreams can become reality in the form of a luxurious adventure to the small, private Car
Martin Hesp
Oct 13, 20244 min read


Bagni di Pisa
The Bagni Di Pisa Palace and Thermal Spa is a very impressive indeed. The place is reminiscent of the sort of place Agatha Christie might have visited - if Poirot ever went anywhere to “take the waters” this would be the place. Actually, someone who did write something famous in this very hotel was Mary Shelley - who finished penning her story Frankenstein here after being partly inspired to write it back at home in Somerset’s Quantock Hills. I attended a wine class in the
Martin Hesp
Aug 15, 20244 min read


Escape Europe's Heatwaves: Why Denmark's Kystlandet is the Ultimate Coolcation
Could Denmark be the answer to Europe's increasingly hot summers? I discover Kystlandet on Jutland's eastern coast, with quiet beaches, islands, forests, cycling trails, Danish food and some wonderfully uncrowded coastal scenery.
Martin Hesp
Jul 26, 20248 min read


Zorba the Greek Beach: Visit the Famous Filming Location at Stavros, Crete
Discover Stavros Beach in Crete, where Anthony Quinn danced in Zorba the Greek. Explore one of Greece's most iconic film locations, with beautiful scenery, calm waters and fascinating cinematic history.
Martin Hesp
Mar 27, 20245 min read


Discover Nevis: Beaches, Rainforests and Caribbean Charm
Explore the beautiful Caribbean island of Nevis, where volcanic peaks, tropical gardens, historic estates and quiet beaches combine to create one of the region's most rewarding destinations.
Martin Hesp
Mar 26, 20243 min read


Inland Cruise - Burgundy
<p class="">Embark on an unforgettable journey with European Waterways aboard the luxurious 'L'Art de Vivre'. Experience the charm of Burgundy's countryside at a leisurely pace. This hotel barge, transformed from a Scottish timber carrier, offers a unique blend of opulence and historical elegance. With just six passengers, enjoy personalised service from a dedicated crew, including a master chef crafting exquisite meals. Daily excursions reveal France's hidden gems, from hist
Martin Hesp
Mar 12, 20247 min read


Nothing Normal About Norman Island
<p class="">Discover the enchanting Normal Island in the British Virgin Islands, a Caribbean paradise. Experience its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery. Ideal for adventure and relaxation, the island offers water sports, hiking, and great local cuisine. Accessible from Tortola, it's a perfect tropical getaway , emphasising sustainable tourism. Explore Normal Island for a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and serene luxury in the heart of the
Martin Hesp
Mar 1, 20242 min read


Tunø Island, Denmark: Discover the Car-Free Island Time Forgot
Escape to Tunø, Denmark's charming car-free island, where dramatic coastal walks, quiet beaches, traditional cottages and slow island living create the perfect Scandinavian getaway.
Martin Hesp
Oct 25, 20234 min read


Visit Hanover, or Hannover if you prefer
<p class="">Hanover’s bustling city centre is rich with history, culture, and beautiful architecture, making it a must-visit destination for any traveller</p>
Martin Hesp
Apr 3, 20233 min read


St Martin With Captain Richard
<p class="">Staying with a friend on St Martins in the Caribbean - nice thing to do - and now anyone else who fancies it can do the same thing because Captain Richard has his yacht on AirBnB</p>
Martin Hesp
May 18, 20222 min read


St Martin's, notes from one of my stays
A different view of St Martin: nearly two weeks aboard a sailing yacht, exploring the Caribbean island and its coastline from the sea.
Martin Hesp
Mar 11, 20222 min read


Wet Day in Dominica
<p class="">Remembering a long wet steamy day on the Indian River, in Dominica</p>
Martin Hesp
Feb 8, 20222 min read
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