Image courtesy of Casa Polanco

For luxury travelers seeking an intimate and artistic holiday escape in Mexico City, Casa Polanco offers a unique blend of modern elegance and rich heritage. Located in the heart of the chic neighborhood of Polanco, this stately boutique hotel provides a serene retreat amid the vibrant urban sprawl of one of Latin America’s most culturally rich cities. The perfect holiday getaway, it exudes a sense of timeless sophistication, making every guest feel as though they’ve stepped into a carefully curated world of art, design, and comfort.

Image courtesy of Casa Polanco

The Ultimate Location

Casa Polanco’s location is as desirable as it is picturesque. Situated in front of the verdant Parque Lincoln — one of Polanco’s many green havens — Casa Polanco is a short and scenic stroll from a number of attractions, including the wide array of high-end boutiques along Avenida Presidente Masaryk, Mexico City’s most exclusive shopping avenue. Guests can also easily access the renowned Museo Soumaya and Museo Jumex, two institutions that make Polanco a hub for contemporary art. For those seeking a taste of the local dining scene, Polanco is a culinary playground, with world-famous restaurants like Pujol and Quintonil just a stone’s throw away. Yet despite the bustle of the surrounding area, Casa Polanco remains a sanctuary of calm, the ideal base from which to explore, and retreat into a realm of luxurious tranquility.

Image courtesy of Casa Polanco

Design: A Harmonious Blend of History and Modernity

Casa Polanco is a masterclass in the art of blending historical architecture with contemporary design. The building itself is a 1940s mansion, painstakingly restored to preserve its original charm while incorporating the modern conveniences discerning travelers expect. The facade maintains its classic colonial elegance, with wrought iron details and lush greenery, offering a hint of sophistication within.

Step inside, and the interiors reveal an effortlessly chic aesthetic. Designer Monserrat Poblador has reimagined the space with a neutral color palette — think soft creams, grays, and beige with unexpected pops of color — that complements the original hardwood floors, arched doorways, and grand windows that frame leafy views of Parque Lincoln, letting in natural light that illuminates the hotel’s spacious suites and common areas, where guests will feel at home in the cozy seating nooks the invite guests to linger with a book or socialize over taste of sipping tequila, specialty cocktail, or glass of wine. A highlight for many visitors during the holiday season is the hotel’s elegant courtyard, where guests can indulge in festive dining experiences under the stars as twinkling lights reflect off the leafy trees — a perfect moment of serenity amid the excitement of the season.

Image courtesy of Casa Polanco

Each of the guest rooms and suites has been thoughtfully designed to offer a unique experience, with rare works of art, bespoke furnishings and high-end touches, such as Italian marble bathrooms and premium linens. The effect is one of understated luxury—there’s no need for ostentation when the details speak volumes. Whether staying in the more intimate rooms or the grand suites, guests are treated to an elegant yet homely environment, perfectly suited for unwinding after a day of exploring Mexico City.

Image courtesy of Casa Polanco

An Art Lover’s Sanctuary

Casa Polanco’s commitment to art is not just decorative; it’s integral to the hotel’s identity. Throughout the hotel, guests will find a carefully curated collection of contemporary Mexican art. The walls serve as a rotating gallery, showcasing works by both emerging and established artists from Mexico’s thriving art scene. Each piece has been handpicked by the owners, who are passionate collectors with deep ties to the city’s cultural community. The hotel’s art collection provides a vibrant counterpoint to its otherwise serene decor, with bold, modern pieces that invite contemplation. For those who wish to dive deeper into the art world, Casa Polanco frequently collaborates with local galleries and hosts private events where guests can meet artists, attend exclusive showings, or even arrange personalized gallery tours. This connection to the local art scene elevates Casa Polanco from a simple stay to an immersive cultural experience, making it a haven for art lovers who want more than just a hotel — but rather a genuine connection to the artistic heartbeat of the city.

Image courtesy of Casa Polanco

Holiday Indulgence: Wellness and Relaxation

For the luxury traveler, few things are as appealing as unwinding in style — especially during the holidays. Casa Polanco offers a range of wellness amenities to ensure guests are thoroughly pampered. The rooftop terrace, with its sweeping views of the park and surrounding cityscape, is an oasis where one can enjoy yoga sessions or simply relax with a good book. There’s also a wellness suite offering personalized massage therapies that will leave guests refreshed and revitalized after a day of exploring Mexico City’s art and culture.

This holiday season, enjoy a visit to Mexico City that’s equal parts luxurious and enriching — where every detail, from the art on the walls to the view from your suite, is designed to inspire. Casa Polanco is more than a hotel, it’s a canvas for a perfect escape in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Whether visiting Casa Polanco for a short stay or a longer holiday retreat, guests will find themselves enveloped in a world of beauty, art, and elegance. From its prime location in Mexico City’s most prestigious neighborhood to its thoughtful design and deep connection to the local art community, Casa Polanco is more than just a place to stay. Casa Polanco is a true home away from home where you can truly experience the rich and vibrant culture of the heart of Mexico City.

For more information visit caspolanco.com

A NEW three-runway system will be going into service this November at an airport recently crowned best in Asia.

Hong Kong International Airport is known for its innovative technologies and systems and was recently crowned leading airport in Asia in the 2024 World Travel Awards.

6

6

Advertisement

6

It’s the second year in a row the airport has taken home the prestigious title.

Cathay Pacific offers the only direct flights between London and Hong Kong – and the airport revealed in July it had experienced a post-pandemic peak in passenger traffic.

Recently, the airport announced it would be introducing a new security screening system allowing travellers to keep electronic devices and liquids in their hand-carry luggage when going through security checks.

Now, the government has said the airport’s three-runway system will be going into service next month – a project that will increase the airport’s capacity for passengers and cargo. 

There will be a northern runway for landings, central runway for takeoffs, and a southern runway for both.

The system will come into effect after the Airport Authority acquires the needed licences and completes the final round of tests.

Transport and Logistics Bureau officials have also said they would expand Hong Kong’s aviation network to fill new capacity arising from the system, revealing that eight airlines would launch 11 new routes under a subsidy scheme managed by the Airport Authority.

Authority executive director Steven Yiu Siu-chung told lawmakers the final crucial task was to designate the third-runway system as a restricted zone and obtain the licence from the Civil Aviation Department.

“Obtaining the licence is like taking an exam with 900 aspects to pass, including meeting the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

“We need to provide blueprints, test records and conduct on-site coordination with the Civil Aviation Department and then obtain the licences hopefully in mid-November.

“We then need to test the Civil Aviation Department’s landing system using an aircraft, stimulating taxiing on the taxiway or runway.”

The airport’s expansion project cost HK$141.5 billion (£13.9 billion) and includes a new 3.8km (2.3 mile) third runway, a second terminal building opposite the existing one and new concourse.

The main primary construction of the terminal building was finished with all glass curtain walls in place, ensuring weather protection, and evaluation of power generation procedures are under way.

The 650-hectare (1,606-acre) project is expected to increase the airport’s capacity by 50 percent to accommodate 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo annually.

The airport has many unique features, including The Journey of Discovery, a multimedia experience that includes three installations – Crystal Elevator, Waterfall Gardens, and Totems of Joy.

The Crystal Elevator welcomes travellers with digital images and videos about Hong Kong.

6

6

The Waterfall Gardens features waterfall, ponds, creeks, and lush plant life, and visitors can interact with the digital elements, including the waterfall, pebbles, water lilies, turtles, and frogs.

And Totems of Joy are photo-friendly stations that feature a series of video clips that change over time. 

The video clips include a toy crane machine with cartoon characters, aerial views of the world, and fireflies illuminating plants.

Alongside plenty of dining and shopping opportunities, the airport has an open-air terrace called Sky Garden, with plant boxes and metallic silhouette art pieces like goldfish, birds, butterflies and leaves, where passengers can go to relax before their flight.

The airport’s also home to the world’s first airport IMAX theatre, in case you want to squeeze in watching the latest blockbuster prior to boarding your plane.

Or for golf enthusiasts, there’s even a golf course called SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course.

The world’s best airport has direct flights from the UK too – as its found in Europe.

And we’ve rounded up five new mega airports set to open in Europe.

6

THERE are more than 38 Haven holiday parks in the UK, which means it can be a struggling choosing between breaks.

However, Haven’s Hopton Holiday Park in Norfolk is routinely named the best Haven site in the country by visitors.

5

5

Advertisement

The Norfolk holiday park has a 4/5 star rating on TripAdvisor as well as more than 1,000 reviews rating it as excellent.

It also has a 4.5/5 star rating on Google from more than 2,700 reviews.

One person wrote: “One of the best Haven parks in the country”.

A second person added: “We’ve just got home from Hopton, and after holidaying in 12 other Haven sites, we have to say Hopton is one of the very best”.

While a third person wrote: “Absolutely the best Haven site that we have visited, we come back most years and love it”.

The Hopton Holiday Park has direct access to its beach, which is one of its more well-loved features.

But as the weather worsens, the main indoor attraction is its indoor water complex.

There are two indoor pools at the holiday park, with one opening earlier this year and the other featuring a slide.

The arcades are another indoor activity, giving the beachfront holiday park a truly seaside feel.

From skill games with tickets to redeem for fab prizes, to Virtual Reality games and of course, those much-loved 2p machines, there’s a little something for everyone.

5

If you don’t mind the outdoors, there’s also the mini aerial adventure where younger guests can swing and leap one metre off the ground on a harnessed course.

There’s also a nine-hole golf course, an adventure golf course, a NERF Training Camp and a climbing wall.

Guests can also book onto archery lessons, with an outdoor inflatable arena set to reopen in March when the weather starts to warm.

On-site food choices include a family restaurant, Cook’s Fish & Chips, Bertie’s Ice Cream, A papa Johns and a mini market.

If you fancy going off-site, then it is a short drive away from Pettitts Animal Adventure Park, Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park and the Norfolk Broads.

Hopton is one of the very best

Overnight guests can book to stay in either a caravan or a holiday lodge, with four-night caravan stays from £49.

Haven’s Hopton Holiday Park is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Birmingham and it’s a two-hour drive from Cambridge.

One mum tried out the Haven park that recently welcomed footballer Harry Macguire.

She said: “Like most other Brits, I was surprised to hear that a well-paid footie star stayed at a Haven holiday park.

“But the caravan was definitely celeb-worthy. There was a huge marble kitchen with all the mod cons, as well as a matching bathroom and en-suite.

“With hipster lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows and a 40-inch TV, it was nothing like the caravans of my childhood.”

Here’s everything you need to know about Haven’s new “ultimate family break packages“.

And they have already launched 2025 holidays – here’s how to book.

5

5