Bali high

An online brochure featuring luxury villas (many with staff) in Bali has been launched by International Chapters. Typical is Villa Puri Shanti (pictured above), which is hidden down a country road in the village of Banjar Anyar. It has sweeping gardens and a large swimming pool; there are three double bedrooms plus two extra beds for children up to 12. The villa comes with a manager, two maids and a cook.

020-7722 0722, Bali Chapters. A week costs from £1,470; expect to pay around £600 for flights.

Swinging Brussels

Brussels switches into boogie mode tomorrow for the city's six-week jazz festival, with outdoor performances in the Grand-Place as well as concerts and events in theatres, bars and cafes.

Crystal Cities (0870 1609030) offers two-night mid-week breaks from £169 including Eurostar travel.

Mai cuisine

The Regent Hotel in Chiang Mai is to open a cookery school in December catering for beginners as well as more experienced cooks. Northern Thai cuisine will be featured on the six-day courses. The resort is set in 20 acres of gardens in the Mae Rim valley.

Seven nights' room-only start at £1,695 including flights with Elegant Resorts (01244 897888, Elegant Resorts). Cookery classes costs £57 a day.