Author: Charlotte Gill

Privacy

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

This is the web site of Business Destinations.

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EC1V 0AP

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Persons who supply us with their telephone numbers online will only receive telephone contact from us with information regarding orders or enquiries they have placed online.

From time to time, we may use customer information for new, unanticipated uses not previously disclosed in our privacy notice. If our information practices change at some time in the future we will post the policy changes to our website to notify you of these changes. If you are concerned about how your information is used, you should check back at our website periodically.

Customers may prevent their information from being used for purposes other than those for which it was originally collected by calling us at the number provided above, e-mailing us at the above address, writing us at the above address.

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If you feel that this site is not following its stated information policy, you may contact us at the above addresses or phone number.

Website terms of use

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

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Dubrovnik

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

With a long and glorious history built largely on the fortunes of its port, Dubrovnik once rivalled Venice as the premier maritime city on the Medieval Adriatic. An earthquake in 1667 levelled much of it but there are still a number of surviving Renaissance flourishes, including an impressive cathedral, while the baroque Old Town is a World Heritage site of glorious autumn colours, particularly vibrant when basking in the plentiful summer sun.

Long, sandy beaches attract hordes during the high season but there are plenty of opportunities to escape, from the plethora of islands that linger offshore to the winding trails that meander through inland forests and over rocky peninsulas. A boat trip across the harbour makes for a refreshing and invigorating afternoon; relax afterwards on a peaceful terrace with a glass of Croatian wine, or imbibe of the giddy atmosphere of evenings which start with superb Dalmation cuisine and ends with a party in the small hours of the morning.

Where to stay
Hotel Kazbek, housed in a stunning 16th century castle, has an authentic, intimate atmosphere unrivalled elsewhere in the city. Karmen apartments are a great option for those planning longer trips who prefer a little self-catering.

Where to eat
Poklisar is a great seafood restaurant serving fresh, local catch and the crowds that pack its open air terrace are a testament to the quality of the food and service. For a more intimate atmosphere with comparably excellent Dalmatian cuisine, head to Rozarij, also in the Old Town.

What to see
The World Heritage Old Town is so perfect in places that you’ll wonder if you’ve strolled onto a Hollywood set; the views from the ancient city walls are pretty good too. Lopud Island is a great place to escape the crowds; tranquillity with its very own beach.

Zimbabwe

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

If Alice had stopped to think for a moment before disappearing down the hole, she may never have discovered Wonderland and Carroll’s glorious cast of misfits would have remained undiscovered. So too if you dwell too much on Zimbabwe’s satellite pictures you may convince yourself – wrongly – that there is little there worth uncovering. Zimbabwe viewed from the inside is very different from the beleaguered nation we see on our television news reels.

Luscious flood plains sprawl lazily around the winding Zambezi River that divides the country from Zambia and boasts the inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest and most impressive natural wonders. Epic wilderness better characterises the Mana Pools National Park, one of the best places on the continent to see crocodiles, hippos, antelopes, zebras and many more in their natural habitat.

Spend any time at all here though and you’ll see that the people are as amazing as the landscape; they’ll treat you so well that you’ll be begging to stay. The 2008 power sharing agreement between Mugabe and his opponents has improved the political situation immeasurably and now the country is desperate to woo back the attention it desperately craves. With the country climbing back to its feet, now is a great time to visit, before the rest of the world catches on.

Getting there
International flights land in Harare, though you can also fly direct to Victoria Falls from Johannesburg. Border crossings are possible to all neighbours except Namibia.

Getting around
Long distance buses connect most major urban centres and are relatively efficient; they are preferable to trains which run slowly and are prone to accidents. Local transport is a little more frenetic; buses don’t operate to timetables and there is often a shortage of spaces.

Local information
Language(s): English, Shona, Ndebele.
Time: UTC+2
Climate: Tropical monsoon. Hot wet summers, warm dry winters. Temperature: Max 29°C (October), Min 7°C (July). Rainfall: Max 210mm (January), Min: 0mm (July)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Business etiquette: Business suits should be worn, though atmosphere will generally be relatively informal. Avoid hyperbole and don’t make promises you can’t keep. Expect decision making to take a little time. Avoid discussing the political situation.
Tipping: $1 for hotel porters, 10 percent in restaurants.
Duty free: 5l alcoholic beverages; goods to US$250 per person. Import of honey is prohibited; agricultural produce requires a licence.
Safety: Though calmer than in previous years, there are still political tensions between the two main parties.
Laws: Murder, treason, banditry, sabotage and terrorism are punishable by death. Severe penalties exist for drug offences. Camouflage clothing is illegal. Avoid political activity. Carry identification at all times; both visitors and residents may be stopped and detained arbitrarily.
Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A, malaria, tetanus and typhoid. Medical facilities in towns are good but costs are high; health insurance is essential and many clinic may demand up front payments or production of health insurance certificate.
Socket type: Type D, Type G

Yemen

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

For centuries, Yemen has been a land of mythology and mystery, a land where Gilgamesh searched for the secret of eternal life and where three wise men came in search of frankincense and myrrh. For so long it has been shrouded from Western eyes; unknown, unobserved and oblivious to the world. The oil reserves upon which it’s small wealth are based are paltry when compared to its richer neighbours and without such ostentatious riches its ancient charms remain unchanged and uncorrupted by 20th century excess.

The rich concoction of African and Arabian flavours makes for some delightful urban exploration, while the heritage is almost unparalleled – the romantic capital Sana’a is the oldest city on earth. Shabim can feel almost as aged, though it’s still a sprightly eighteen centuries young, while Zabid is not only an important World Heritage Site but the hottest city on the planet. In the deserts you can still see the nomadic Bedouin following routes unchanged for millennia.

This beautiful, breathless country can leave you feeling translated in time to an era long ago, yet in truth this is a nation on the cusp of something new. The oil wells are due to run dry by the end of the decade and the government has long been in discussion with the IMF over economic and social reform programmes. As the process of modernisation gathers pace this will increasingly become a country ripe with opportunity; only time will tell how this relatively new democracy will embrace the 21st century.

Getting there
Most visitors arrive by air into Sana’a. Border crossings with Oman are possible and relatively painless. Crossing into Saudi Arabia is not possible for foreigners. There are no regular ferries.

Getting around
Buses run to most major cities and are safe and punctual. Taxis are best for getting around town. If you want to drive, consider getting a car with a driver; it’s cheaper and the driver will be an invaluable aid for navigation and advice.

Local information
Language(s): Yemeni, Arabic, Yemenite
Time: UTC+3
Climate: Arid. Very hot and dry throughout the year. Temperature: Max 37°C (June), Min 23°C (January). Rainfall: negligible throughout year.
Currency: Yemeni Rial (YER)
Business etiquette: Dress smartly for meetings and formal social occasions. Greet with a firm handshake and a smile. Appointments are necessary and punctuality is important. English is widely used for business meetings.
Tipping: Tipping is not widely practised.
Duty free: 600 cigarettes, 60 cigars or 450g tobacco; 2 bottles alcoholic beverage; 1 bottle perfume; gifts to YER100,000.
Safety: Car-jacking occurs; drive with doors locked and windows up.
Laws: Preaching non-Islamic religion is illegal.
Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid. Avoid swimming in unchlorinated water. Most cities have hospitals but medical facilities in rural areas are poor; medical insurance is essential.
Socket type: Type A, Type D and Type G

Fez

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

This is the oldest of the imperial cities in Morocco and was at the centre of Arab influence during the Renaissance era, while many Moroccans still see it as the true cultural heart of their country. It doesn’t bare its soul as easily as the more extrovert Marrakesh, yet the veil of Arab mystic that cloaks much of the city – not to mention the sometimes overwhelming activity – makes the moments of clarity and discovery all the more wondrous.

You can’t come to Fez without being impressed by its history. Medieval Medina has been continuously inhabited since the 10th century AD and dazzles with towering spires that look particularly impressive under the soft light of the early evening, while the ancient Qarawiyyin Mosque is the main challenger to Cairo’s Al-Azhar for the title of oldest university in the world. Don’t worry too much about trying to find anything though; just lose yourself amid labyrinthine old streets that offer up a never-ending reel of unique sights and sounds.

Where to stay
The superb roof terrace of the Riad Le Calife caps an all round excellent hotel, with levels of service that go the extra mile. The Palais Amani is an authentic Moroccan paradise where everything down to the scent of the flowers is attended to in style.

Where to eat
Maison Blanche serves a fine Moroccan menu in a fashionable modern setting. Family-run Dar Hatim, buried deep in Medina, serves some of the best local cuisine in town; they’ll even send somebody to your hotel to help you find it.

What to see
World Heritage Site Medina is the prime attraction; just outside, the Borj Nord and Dar Batha museums showcase weapons and Moroccan arts respectively. Historic Mellah is another beautiful old neighbourhood and is much more peaceful than Medina.

Ho Chi Minh City

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

After ceding to communist rule by the Vietnamese People’s Army in 1975, the city of Saigon was renamed to honour the late leader Ho Chi Minh. Yet it remains Saigon in the popular imagination, and few but officials will call it that today in a city that has shrugged off the effects of civil turmoil and is rapidly embracing the 21st century.

There’s still something of its old soul remaining in the winding markets teeming with hawkers and traders and the tranquil, ancient pagodas like islands of calm amid the chaos. But the modern skyscrapers that increasingly dominate the skyline tell the story of new prosperity in a city that is the economic heartbeat of a rapidly modernising nation.

Though less picturesque than its northern neighbour Hanoi there is a great deal of conventional beauty to be found and the star attraction of Hanoi is not what you see but what you feel as the relentless urban pace casts you head long on a daily roller-coaster ride.

Where to stay
The Park Hyatt manages to retain a great deal of character despite its international, corporate market. The historic Hotel Majestic has a great location and has eye-catching good looks from both the inside and out.

Where to eat
Lemon Grass serves top end Vietnamese cuisine, with a second restaurant (same menu) two blocks away when it gets full. Quan An Ngon is another top choice for traditional cuisine and offers a unique dining experience.

What to see
The Cu Chi Tunnels, 40 miles north of Saigon, are an immense underground labyrinth that were used by Viet Cong guerillas during the war. The War Remnants Museum has some controversial exhibits, but is more fascinating as a result. Notre Dame Cathedral is a little piece of France on the scenic Paris Square.

Edinburgh

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

With an ominous yet otherworldly presence, Edinburgh castle stands sentinel on its volcanic crag, peering over the twin medieval and Georgian influences of the Old and New Towns below. To find this city in the midst of the harsh and rugged Scottish landscape is something of a surprise; breathtakingly beautiful by both day and night, Edinburgh is brimming with epic history and a cultural package that includes cutting edge comedy, diverse visual arts and some intriguing old pubs. Small wonder it has been called the ‘Athens of the North’.

There is more heritage here than any other city in Scotland; in few places can you see such stunning old architecture so well preserved. The city is also famous for its arts festivals that last the length of the summer, many so large that they spawn yet more; despite being a subsidiary of a spin-off of the original Edinburgh Festival, the Comedy Festival is the largest of its kind in the world.

Where to stay
The Chester Residence never fails to exceed expectation, with unrivalled attention to detail and an apparently genuine interest in ensuring your stay is as enjoyable as possible. The Atholl Brae is more modest but has a great location on the Royal Mile.

Where to eat
Edinburgh’s Grassmarket is the place to be; there are over 20 restaurants here and many of them are top class. Elsewhere, The Tailend Restaurant and Fish Bar is recommended for possibly the finest fish and chips in Scotland.

What to see
The best way to see the city is a walking tour; there are a host of experienced guides who will entertain you with their wit and wisdom. The Cadies & Witcheries tour in particular is recommended. Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions offers an intriguing and alternative Edinburgh experience.

Los Angeles

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

With Hollywood studios arguably as important as the Whitehouse in everyday American lives, it was perhaps inevitable that L.A. should become the preserve of dreamers and immigrants, thousands who flock to the city each year for their own little bit of the cherry.

There’s no doubting that it looks good, too, from the bleach blonde surfers of Malibu Beach to the superficially sophisticated Beverley Hills. In many ways, that’s that point; spend too long looking for the city’s soul and you’ll miss out on all the fun that’s being had.
This is less a city and more a collection of neighbourhoods, each with their own distinctive character and enough eccentrics and dreamers to give a surreal quality to the glamour. Almost everybody is from somewhere else and each has brought their own unique vision and flair to the party; so when the sun sets and the night rolls on, let your hair down, leave your brain on standby and let them entertain you.

Where to stay
Omni on California Plaza boasts excellent facilities and a great in-house atmosphere, whether you want a quiet stay or entertainment-filled evenings. The Elan Hotel is a great place for home comforts away from the circus that envelopes much of the city.

Where to eat
Find fine food and great views of the Hollywood Hills at Ketchup, a trendy choice on Sunset Strip. The Palm is an unpretentious favourite of locals and celebrities alike, focussed on serving superlative steak rather than glitz or glamour.

What to see
The Universal Studios tour is one the star attractions of a city that itself can feel like a theme park, while the walk of fame is another fun diversion. The immense J Paul Getty Museum is an alternative L.A. experience, housing everything from Greek antiquities to modern art.

Istanbul

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Few cities have collected as many names as Istanbul; Byzantium, New Rome and Constantinople to name but three. This was the capital of successive Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires and has had major influence both in the worlds of Islam and Christianity; it’s history alone could fill a small library.

All of which makes it bizarre to claim that Istanbul is in fashion – as if any city so glorious could be reduced to a passing fad. But sprawling across the Bosphorus Strait that divides Europe from Asia, the city has entered a new era of prosperity following the fall of the Iron Curtain and increasing east-west trade.

The Roman ruins and Ottoman mosques are still there, but you can barely walk down a street without seeing a restaurant or club that wasn’t there a year ago. The fashionistas are flocking to the ‘Queen of Cities’ and even the twelve million citizens are starting to believe the hype.

Where to stay
The Sirkeci Konak Hotel was a 2009 Traveller’s Choice winner in the family section, but the wide range of facilities, central location and helpful service make it just as good for business trips. The White House Hotel is a superb boutique on a rare quiet, central street in the Old Town.

Where to eat
The Swiss chef at Cinetemani previously spent years in Thailand, where he cooked for the King Bhumibol and the Emperor of Japan; his European interpretation of traditional Turkish food is an experience to savour.

What to see
The lavish Topkapı Palace was the seat of Ottoman power for three centuries; the Harem and Imperial treasury are must-see features. The Grand Bazaar is an overwhelming assault on the senses well worth experiencing; it’s also a great place to pick up souvenirs and do some serious shopping.

Geneva

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Nestled between the Alps and Jura where the great Lake Geneva flows into the Rhone, the second largest city in Switzerland occupies an idyllic spot within view of Europe’s highest mountains. It’s been called the world’s most compact metropolis, yet the plentiful greenery and peaceful public spaces often bely its size and situation.

When gazing at snow-capped peaks over crystal waters, it can be forgotten that this is one of the most important financial centres in the world, ahead of both Frankfurt and Chicago. It also plays hosts to the global headquarters of the United Nations and World Health Organisation, among 200 other international organisations.

There’s still plenty of urban soul in bohemian suburbs like the Paquis Quarter, but much of the city is extraordinarily refined; the accumulated riches and cosmopolitan crowd have combined to create an eclectic menu of world cuisines and cultural spectacles.

Where to stay
The Four Seasons is an exemplary five-star hotel with superb staff both and front and back of house. Eastwest is another popular choice for business travellers; its small and out of the way but is comfortable, atmospheric and provides perfectly for your every need.

Where to eat
One of the top restaurants in town, Domaine de Chateauvieux serves high quality modern French fusion cuisine. The Brasserie Baloise is popular with locals and serves uncomplicated yet beautifully flavoured Swiss food. Ice cream is a local speciality and Gelato Mania is one of the most popular ice cream parlours, with a wide range of delicious and creative flavours.

What to see
Take a guided tour of the United Nations headquarters, which includes the golden Council Chamber murals depicting the struggle for world peace. Lake Geneva is one of the most picturesque watercourses in Europe and you can combine wine-tasting with a lakeside cruise.

Madrid

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

The power of the Flamenco is not in the art of its choreography but the raw energy of its performance; as it is with Madrid, which lacks the architectural inspiration of Barcelona or the romantic iconography of Paris but retains an urban pulse to rival any city in Europe.

There’s plenty of understated beauty along the Neoclassical terraces, not to mention a fine Baroque Palace constructed by the Bourbon Kings, but Madrid’s soul lies more in its tapas bars and all-night clubs, its stage shows and astonishing art galleries, and the style and grace of a people still ready to make you one of their own.

To truly understand Madrid, you need to understand Spain’s kaleidoscopic culture; from the Basque country to Catalonia there are seven officially recognised languages and no single Spanish identity. Madrid has been called the most Spanish of Spanish cities perhaps because its where those separate peoples meet and intermingle, creating a diverse and fiery cultural landscape where no-one need feel a stranger for long.

Where to stay
The gracious staff and superlative service at the Best Western Atlantico have made it one of the Travellers’ Choice top 25 hotels in Europe for 2010. Catalonia Las Cortes is an elegant and supremely comfortable alternative.

Where to eat
Up and coming chef Sergi Arola has won two Michelin stars for the excellent Catalan cuisine served at La Broche. He trained under the great Ferran Adrià, creator of world-famous Bulli, who is responsible for the molecular gastronomy at La Terraza del Casino.

What to see
The Prado Museum has one of the largest collections of art in the world, including famous works by Velasquez, Goya and El Greco. The street market at Mercado San Miguel is a great place to eat, drink and experience Madrid’s wildly beating heart.