New York’s best bakeries

New York is a city made famous by its food. Home to a diverse mix of cultures, the Big Apple is filled with all manner of culinary delights, from macaroni cheese to matzo ball soup. However, it’s the baked goods which really get the taste buds tingling. After all, what could beat a freshly baked croissant or a gooey-in-the-middle chocolate chip cookie? We’ve composed a list of New York’s best bakeries so that, no matter where you are in the city, you’ll never be far from deliciousness.

Levain Bakery

Got a hankering for cinnamon brioche? How about a slice of pumpkin ginger spice bread? Well, you’re in luck. The Levain Bakery specialises in mouth-watering treats, each morsel utterly divine. Their cookies in particular are amazing; crunchy on the outside and gooey in the middle, a cookie dough lover’s idea of heaven. We recommend the dark chocolate peanut butter chip cookie, which is equal measures sweet and savoury; although anything you order is sure to be a winner.

Momofuku

Whether you’re craving something sweet or savoury, Momofouku is at your service. From pretzel milk to pumpkin pie cake, this trendy and exciting bakery serves all manner of delicious baked goods with unusual twists. Momofuku has become so popular that they now offer baking classes and sell their own cook book, so you can learn how to make some of their famous dishes, like blueberry and cream cookies. Oh, and there’s good news: even if you aren’t in New York you can still enjoy Momofuku’s goodies as they ship internationally!

Milk & Cookies Bakery

Your quest for the perfect cookie ends here. The Milk & Cookies Bakery specialises in baking cookies, employing a diverse range of fillings and toppings which sets them apart from all other cookies. After all, how many other bakeries serve bacon cookies? The Milk & Cookies is also proud to use only the finest ingredients to create their masterpieces, although, as they say, the proof is in the pudding.

Scratchbread

Situated in the heart of Brooklyn, Scratchbread excels in baking exquisite breads, from focaccia with rosemary, sea salt and chilli to bourbon wheat with pecans. Everything is made with love, with the shop’s bread artisans only using superior ingredients to produce each loaf. Scratchbread also serves a variety of pastry goods and savoury foods (the kale ceasar salad is particularly delicious and is veggie-friendly), along with a range of sauces which are always a hit with customers.

Dinkies

If you thought sliced bread was innovative, meet the dinkie. A delicious cross between a cake and pancake, dinkies fit into the palm of your hand and come with a vast variety of fillings and toppings, both savoury and sweet. Chow down on a PB&J dinkie or sink your teeth into a mozzarella dinkie – whatever flavour you fancy, we doubt you’ll be disappointed. You can also design your own dinkie, with countless toppings and sauces to choose from, such as marshmallows and vanilla wafers. Dinkies also serves a selection of other dishes, from healthy salads to indulgent meatball subs, which you’ll be able to wash down with a tall glass of homemade lemonade.

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Top 6 regions for a canal cruise in France

France is at its best away from the main tourist trails, and a canal cruise is perfect for exploring some of France’s finest scenery, fascinating history and local culture. There are over 2700 miles of inland waterways in France and an integral part of this system is a 750-mile network of canals linking up the main rivers.

Burgundy

Burgundy boasts some of the world’s finest wines with around 60,000 acres of sunlit vines and arguably the prettiest canals in France. The Burgundy Canal winds its way in smooth curves through the heart of renowned vineyards, medieval towns, elegant châteaux, magnificent cathedrals, picturesque villages and wonderful local markets.

Canal du Midi

The 300 year old Canal du Midi skirts the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean before meandering inland through ancient villages, Roman fortifications and famed vineyards. This canal is defined by its beauty, lined with plane trees and crossed by pretty arched bridges.

Gascony

Gascony is a palette of colours and scents created by orchards and vineyards. During a visit to Gascony you can learn more about the region’s artists and rural culture, and cruise by picturesque old villages and quaint farms.

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is as rich in legend as it is in beauty and little has changed over the centuries. Wind your way through the narrow streets of a centuries-old village, perhaps discovering hidden shops with hand-painted pottery, or stumble across an open market on your own.

Alsace & Lorraine

Alsace-Lorraine is a unique corner of France. Discover a land of storybook castles, rolling vineyards of Alsatian wines as well as Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque architecture.

Champagne

The Champagne region starts around 75 miles from Paris, around the city of Meaux and stretches along the beautiful River Marne to the city of Epernay, home of such renowned Champagne houses as Moet & Chandon. There is a plethora of vineyards spread across the undulating plains as far as the eye can see, brilliant green with the new leaves of spring, turning to gold as the grapes ripen in the autumn.

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Top 10 things to do in New Zealand

One thing that will surprise you about New Zealand is how many things there are to do here. This country may be much smaller than neighbouring Australia, but with its cosmopolitan cities, rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, luxury destinations and adrenaline pumping adventures, it certainly delivers on fun, relaxation and beauty.

1. Trek the Routeburn Track

One of the biggest things that lures travellers to New Zealand is the stunning scenery and you’ll find some of the best in Fiordland National Park. If walking is your thing, no other area comes close to this stunning national park. Here you’ll find four main walking tracks – Routeburn, Hollyford, Milford and Kepler. Of these, Milford is the most walked, but Routeburn offers a shorter trek and some of the most varied scenery. A camera and good walking shoes are a must here!

2. Wander on over To Wanaka

If you want to visit a laid back town to spend some quality downtime, Wanaka should be at the top of your list. One of the most popular ways to spend time here is to book onto the “Siberia Experience”. The experience begins with a spectacular flight over the amazing views of Mount Aspiring after which you will touch down in the break-taking Siberia Valley where you can hike through the beech forest and meadows before you are whisked back to where you started by jet boat. It really doesn’t get much better than that!

3. Swim with the fishes

If you have always dreamed of swimming with dolphins or watching whales, pay a visit to Kaikoura on the South Island. Here you’ll find warm waters that are rich with much marine life including dolphins, sperm whales and the royal albatross. There are many companies offering dolphin encounters with many boats offering food, refreshments and even hot showers.

4. Get cosy in Blanket Bay

If you are looking for a luxury lodge with a difference, Blanket Bay offers a marvellous retreat situated on Lake Wakatipu. Offering panoramic mountain views, steam rooms, swimming pools, jet boating, games room and an intriguing wine cave, this is one place that will make your trip all the more memorable and relaxing.

5. Visit the Abel Tasman coast track

If sandy beaches are your thing, you’re going to love Abel Tasman National Park. This beautiful area offers pristine beaches lapped by cool waters and an abundance of wildlife. Here you can choose to take a gentle stroll or ramp up the pace to a more strenuous climb. If you find you need a little help or the heat is getting the better of you, you can find many water taxi stops along the way that will take you back to civilisation.

6. The sky’s the limit

Want to really mark your NZ trip? How about jumping from a plane? As one of the world’s biggest adventure playgrounds, where better to take your virgin skydive than here? Skydives are surprisingly inexpensive and start at around £76 and there are many places to jump and many companies offering to take you up and ensure you get back down safely.

7. Christchurch is a must

Christchurch is so many different things all at once. Offering a great place to sleep off the jetlag whilst also offering an abundance of culture, vibrancy and fun, a stop in Christchurch is an absolute must. Make Hagley Park, the magnificent Botanical Gardens and the Christchurch Art Gallery top of your to do list.

8. Surf and soak in Coromandel

For the best fishing, swimming and surfing around, the Coromandel Peninsula offers it all. In fact, one of its provinces, Whangamata is known as the “surfing capital of New Zealand.” For a beautiful walk, head to Hahei and head to Hot Water Beach where you can make your own thermal spa in the hot sands.

9. Plan a Milford Sound expedition

One of the most breathtaking road journeys you can take in New Zealand is along the State Highway 94. Steep valleys, towering mountains and dense forest await you in this captivating region set on the southwest side of the South Island, but nothing can prepare you for what comes next. At the end of the road lies Milford Sound, one of the most beautiful fiords in the world with Mitre Peak rising majestically out of the water. Boarding a boat will take you 10 miles out to sea where seals, bottlenose dolphins and penguins can all be spotted.

10. Hit the slopes

With its clearly defined seasons, New Zealand lends itself perfectly to hiking during the summer and outstanding skiing during the winter. Some of the best places to ski in New Zealand include The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Treble Cone or you might like to take a helicopter out for some dramatic black run skiing on some of the best backcountry runs.

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Luxury in the Outback

Some 20 million years in the making, the Kimberley region of Western Australia is regarded as one of the world’s ‘last true wilderness areas’. Among its many scenic wonders are the Horizontal Waterfalls, the beehive like formations of the Bungle Bungle mountains in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park and 900 sq km Lake Argyle, the largest freshwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere.

Wild, certainly, but there’s no need for visitors to compromise on creature comforts. Wilderness Western Australia in fact is home to some of the country’s most luxurious properties, with the following among them.

El Questro Homestead

Surrounded by the most rugged of Kimberley topography, El Questro is a luxurious homestead set in a million acres. Cantilevered over the magnificent Chamberlain Gorge, its guests, who have included Kylie and Nicole Kidman, have a choice of activities ranging from dining on the top of a cliff under a canopy of stars to private helicopter, 4WD and boat trips.

Home Valley Station

Guests spend their days taking walks through towering gorges, horse riding, helping to muster the cattle and boat rides along rivers that cut through the landscapes that inspired Baz Luhrman’s film Australia. Its spacious ‘Grass Castles’ are a unique style of accommodation on Bindoola Creek, shaded by towering eucalyptus abundant in birdlife.

True North

The Kimberley coastline, remote, rugged and exceedingly beautiful, is best experienced from the sea aboard the luxury expedition ship, True North. With a maximum of 36 guests, the 5 star ship is small enough to glide under cascading waterfalls and along turquoise rivers. Guests also explore by the ship’s own helicopter and speedboats that access tropical reefs, deserted beaches and, in safety, enormous crocodiles. On board service ranges from top chefs to marine biologists.

Berkeley River

One of Australia’s most remote resorts, Berkeley River is also one of the newest. Its score of dune top suites all have ocean views and outdoor bathrooms and there’s a communal pool and restaurant in the main lodge. Only accessible by seaplane, Berkeley River guests are invited to explore the pristine wilderness on boat cruises, bush and beach walks and helicopter jaunts. The river – which also offers fishing, is flanked by towering rock escarpments.

Sal Salis

Sal Salis is an exclusive, ecological-friendly safari camp hidden in the white sand dunes of Western Australia’s Cape Range National Park. It is also within easy reach of Ningaloo Reef, the world’s greatest fringing coastal coral reef, famous for its marine life including the whale shark, the world’s largest fish, which you can join for a swim, plus 500 species of tropical fish. There are nine spacious wilderness tents just yards away from the water’s edge. Guests are also treated to contemporary Australian cuisine with hints of bush food and native produce, all produced from a canvas kitchen.

Cape Lodge

The recently refurbished Cape Lodge in the Margaret River, three hours south of Perth, is hardly in the same ‘remote wilderness’ category but we think its location, surrounded by top vineyards and close to spectacular beaches, make it a worthy contender in this overview of Western Australia’s top properties. There are 22 rooms and suites, the excellent Lakeside Restaurant (voted number four in the world for food by Condé Nast Traveller) and a new gourmet package which includes three nights’ accommodation with dinner, breakfast , an exclusive wine tasting and a ‘Taste of Margaret River Farmgate’ tour. Celebrity guests have included both Heston Blumenthal and Rick Stein.

David Wickers is Director of Bridge & Wickers.

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5 of the best artisan British gins to try right now

The story of Britain’s love affair with gin has certainly had its ups and downs (see William Hogarth’s infamous Gin Lane) however despite its rocky past, gin has been making a comeback on the British drinking scene – this time in the hands of new independent craft distilleries. Following in the footsteps of the craft beer movement, an exciting new crop of artisan gins have been popping up across the country and Britain’s tastemakers are turning their backs on the big name distilleries in favour of the smaller-batch, more cultured home-grown spirits. Tonic and martini glasses at the ready – here are a few of our top craft gins to be drinking in the UK right now.

Sipsmith

The pioneers of London’s independent gin revival that has now spread to all corners of the capital, Sipsmithare the forefathers of British craft gin. It was in 2009 they were granted the first distiller’s licence in London for over 200 years and started churning out small batches of their masterwork London Dry Gin from their copper pot still, Prudence. Since then, this small distillery has gone from strength to strength and now has a brand new home in stylish Chiswick where two more stills, Patience and Constance joined its ranks. Their smooth London Dry offers a classic taste of quintessential British gin. True gin disciples might like to try their V.J.O.P. (Very Junipery Over Proof) – at abv 57.7%, it pulls a great gin punch.

Gilpin’s

Any gin that aims to be not only the world’s best tasting but also the ‘best looking’ gin was going to do well in our books and Gilpin’s doesn’t disappoint (it’s Westmorland Extra Dry Gin won World’s Best Gin this year at the World Gin Awards). Gilpin’s keep things sophisticatedly simple compared to some of their counterparts with just eight fine botanicals – juniper, sage, borage, coriander, angelica and three citrus peels – all steeped in quadruple-distilled English grain spirit and then combined with spring water naturally filtered through ancient willow-peat. The result is a complex but rounded gin, each bottle of which boasts its own individual number. The perfect choice for any gin connoisseur.

Chilgrove Gin

One of the new kids on the block, Chilgrove named their London Dry after the leafy hamlet where it is handcrafted – a sleepy corner of the English countryside tucked-away amid the woods and chalk downs of rural Sussex.  One of the very first English gins to be made using alcohol distilled from grapes, the eleven botanicals which including wild water mint and grains of paradise, have been carefully selected to enhance and provide balance to the grape, giving this modern artisan gin a unique and elegant floral taste that they proclaim as a ‘gin for all seasons’.

Butler’s Gin

Back to London and the creative hub of Hackney Wick for our next craft gin of choice, Butler’s draws on history for its inspiration using a Victorian recipe to create their artisan gin. It’s a labour of love from gin obsessive Ross William Butler, who developed his first batch aboard his speedboat, Fletcher. The elaborate age-old process includes placing gin in a 20-litre glass jar with infusion bags containing fresh lemongrass, cardamom, coriander, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, fennel, lemon and lime for 18 hours, after which it is bottled by hand. Lemongrass and cardamom give this gin a delicate green tint while the taste is light and crisp.

Warner Edwards

University pals Tom Warner and Sion Edwards opened their Harrington distillery a 200-year-old converted barn on their Harrington village farm in Northamptonshire in December 2012 and never looked back. Every batch of their award-winning gin goes through their copper pot still, Curiosity, and is carefully handcrafted at every stage – right up to the wax seal and label finishing. Based on a barley spirit and flavoured with 11 botanicals sourced from farms across Wales and England, they’ve now moved on to produce delicious batches of elderflower infused versions as well as a fine sloe gin – perfect for sharing with friends when the cold British chill sets in.

Nicole Harley is Editor at The Epicurean.

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Highlights of the Philippines

With its sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, colonial attractions and the world-famous hospitality of its people, the Philippines is becoming ever more popular as a holiday destination; and yet some of its best draw cards are not known about. Here are some of the best places to visit in the Philippines, ranging from the popular to the lesser known – none of which should be missed.

Manila

Stopping by the hive-like capital of Manila is a must. Pay a visit to the historic centre of Intramuros, the walled city created by the Spanish in the 16th century, guarded by the Fort Santiago citadel. Although much of the fort was damaged in the second world war, it’s now been restored to its original glory. San Agustin Church, a Unesco world heritage site and the oldest stone church in the country, is also close by.

Otherwise, wander the busy streets and watch jeepneys run from place to place – originally created from US military jeeps left after the second world war, the vehicles are now slightly more modernised – but all are creatively decorated, in a kitsch and individual style.

Bohol

Could anything sound more appealing than a visit to chocolate hills? Sitting pretty on the island of Bohol, these hills – of which there are over 1,200 – are topped with grass that turns a shade of brown during the dry season. The two viewing platforms give an opportunity to see these hills, which roll toward the sea.  Off the coast, dolphin and whale watching tours are available.

The world’s smallest primate, the Philippine tarsier, has become synonymous with the island of Bohol. As it becomes increasingly difficult to see tarsiers in the wild, the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, which promotes their welfare, is worth a visit.

Palawan

The island of Palawan is home to Puerto Princesa, known as the ‘greenest city in the Philiipines’. It’s the perfect starting point to explore nearby reefs and beaches; and the town itself features the elegant Immaculate Conception Cathedral, shaded in white and blue pastel.

However, the main attraction is the Subterranean River National Park, which features an 8-km long underground river – said to be the longest navigable underground river in the world. Take a tour downstream, through the spectacular limestone karst landscape and impressively large underground cave rooms. Spot bats and other fauna in this truly remarkable Unesco heritage site.

Boracay

Finally, no trip to the Philippines is complete without a visit to one of the most stunning beaches in the world. White Beach on Boracay Island is a 4km stretch of white, sandy beach along shallow, crystal clear water, which is perfect for snorkelling or swimming. An iconic rocky outcrop called Willy’s Rock also draws local and international tourist alike. Plus, there are plenty of shops and restaurants close by if you need a break from the beach lifestyle.

Katie Parsons is the PR Manager at Cox & Kings.

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3 off-the-beaten-path places to explore in Egypt

With imposing Pharaonic temples, austere pyramids and fascinating sand-covered tombs, a visit to the magical land of Egypt truly brings out your adventurous side. As a tourist in this historic country, you get to pay homage to Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, where the famous tomb of Tutankhamen was discovered. What’s more, you get to feast your eyes on the gleaming finds in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, as well as take a leisurely boat ride along the Nile, and visit an ancient waterside temple. For a heavier dose of fun and adventure, you may take a thrilling hike in the desert, and look for the traces of Rome’s trading posts. Indeed, Egypt is a treasure trove teeming with natural wonders, historic gems, and one-of-a-kind architectural beauties.

A visit to this mystical destination, though, involves more just gazing on the exquisite tourist offerings of Cairo, Nile and Luxor. Known as one the world’s most popular desert destinations, Egypt also has a plethora of tourist magnets that are relatively unknown to many travelers. From the exciting jeep safaris in Hurghada to the eerie tombs of Beni Hasan, Egypt is rich in off-the-beaten-path experiences that are definitely worth trying.

A blissful desert adventure

Hurghada is, without a doubt, one of the best hidden treasures of Egypt. Tucked away on the Red Sea Coast, this tranquil town was once a small and unpretentious village that international travelers never bothered to lay eyes on. But amazingly, this laid-back secret has transformed into a gorgeous resort speckled with superb world-class beaches, and luxurious boutique hotels. Besides its wealth in beaches, the town is blessed with a colorful marine life and awesome underwater reefs.

Yet, for it its lovely underwater and beach offerings, most travelers come to Hurghada to get a taste of its desert jeep safari adventure. An adventurist’s delight, this outdoor trip is a spine-tingling, hot and bumpy adventure through the Sahara desert. With the desert jeep safari adventure, you will be hopping on a sturdy quad bike that will take you through the magnificent landscapes of Egypt at full speed. Plus, this trip allows you to enjoy a few cups of tea with one of the Bedouin tribes.

A layoff in an archetypal oasis

Nestled against an awe-inspiring backdrop of rugged sandstone hills, the Siwa Oasis is arguably the most overlooked tourist destination in the country. An archetypal oasis, Siwa is blessed with flowing freshwater that springs supports to a multitude of fruit and olive trees in the area. Likewise, it supplies water to its beautiful date palms, which provide shade to the mud-brick villages of the valley, as they lumber in the splendid greenery.

The Siwa Oasis is a serene respite that allows you to embrace its laid-back feel. Here, you get to relax and sit back, as you enjoy a cup of tea, or sample their shisha. In addition, it is a vast land with palm groves that invite you to take a casual stroll. To top it all off, it has dozens of springs where you can dip your feet, and cool down your senses for a while.

An archeological marvel

Beni Hassan is by far one the most intriguing archaeological sites in all of Egypt. An ancient cemetery located on Nile’s eastern bank, this archeological marvel houses over 30 strange but wonderful rock-cut tombs that are painted with significant biographical texts as well scenes that depict the daily life of the Egyptians in ancient times. Further, it is a burial site to some of ancient Egypt’s luminaries, including Khety, Baqet III and Amenemhet.

Many visitors travel to Egypt and only see the most famous and best-known areas. However, this is a just a sample of the amazing sites you can see if you venture slightly off the beaten path and delve into Egypt’s treasure trove of attractions.

Christos Hajipapas is Head of Business Development & Strategy at Cyplon Holidays.

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