How I learned to meditate in Herefordshire
At a centre in the Wye Valley our writer puts aside her initial doubts and learns how silence and focusing on the breath can quieten the mind and boost wellbeing
Tell us about an alternative European carnival to win a holiday voucher
Share a tip on a less-known carnival in Europe – the best wins £200 towards a Coolstays break
How I learned to paint in St Ives, Cornwall
A novice painter finds the artistic heritage of St Ives somewhat daunting initially, but expert tuition in a dream artists’ studio soon gets the creative juices flowing
Away with Zan Rowe: ‘I cried every day in Greece, it was that beautiful’
In Guardian Australia’s weekly interview about travel, the TV and radio presenter reveals the pasta dish that took her to ‘heaven’ – and the holiday ritual that resets her
How I learned to fly-fish on the banks of the Thames
A fly-fishing session in London strips the pastime of its elite connotations and delivers an object lesson in mindfulness
Relax, revive, refresh: 30 of the best spa hotels and retreats in Europe
From luxurious urban escapes to holistic getaways and indulgent country breaks, here’s our pick of the very best spas
Detours and day trips: ‘Sunshine Saturday’ sees holiday bookings soar – with new trends for 2025
More than 12 million have already booked trips abroad, with off-the-beaten track locations a popular pick
How I learned to navigate in the Welsh mountains
Learning to read a map and use a compass turns disorientation into discovery in the Eryri national park
Give and take: I went on a volunteering holiday in Dorset – and learned stone masonry in return
A stay near Bridport with a community group offers respite from a hectic world, friendship and the chance to learn new, useful skills
‘A lesson like no other’: readers’ favourite learning holidays
From surfing to singing, mastering a new skill can add an inspiring new dimension to a holiday. Our tipsters share their most rewarding experiences
Pottering in the Potteries: exploring the museums and ceramics studios of Stoke-on-Trent
As a new series of The Great Pottery Throwdown hits the screens, an honorary Stokie explores Josiah Wedgwood’s legacy and the six towns – and gets some clay on her hands
Happy new you! 10 of the best UK wellbeing retreats for 2025
Get the year off to a positive start by booking a restorative break. We pick the best wellness retreats, with yoga, swimming, walking and more in pretty settings from the Highlands to Essex
Joyce McCrindle obituary
Other lives: Primary school teacher whose love of travel opened up the world of art and history to the children she taught
Snowshoeing and rescue monks: a monastery escape in the Swiss Alps
Only accessible to snowshoers and skiers in winter, the Grand St Bernard Hospice has been a refuge for centuries and is the perfect place for a meditative mountain break
A winter’s trail: seasonal UK walks from Somerset to Scotland
The stark landscapes of mid-winter are the best time for enjoying the elements on these routes. Our writers tell us the personal stories behind their favourite hikes