Experience the best of Britain with an exclusive stay at Ellenborough Park, where historic charm meets modern indulgence in the heart of the Cotswolds. Carefully designed partnerships and bespoke experiences elevate every moment, making this a perfect base for exploring some of the UK’s most iconic destinations.

The day begins with a visit to Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Guests are treated to a private tour that offers deeper insight into the palace’s rich history, from its grand formal gardens to the East Courtyard boutiques. The experience is enhanced by engaging storytelling and the rare opportunity to meet a member of the palace household who brings its legacy to life. A leisurely breakfast in this historic setting, available as a Continental or full English, sets a refined tone for the day.

The afternoon unfolds at Bicester Village, known for its exceptional luxury retail experience. With over 150 renowned boutiques, the village blends world-class shopping with a charming open-air ambience. Guests enjoy VIP privileges including personal shopping appointments, hands-free shopping, reserved parking, and exclusive access to The Apartment, the Village’s private retreat. The experience is further enhanced with an additional 10% saving at participating boutiques and restaurants.

After a day of exploration, Ellenborough Park offers a peaceful retreat. The award-winning spa features a Japanese Head Spa, outdoor heated pool, thermal suites, and the serene Spa Garden Retreat complete with an ice bath, hot tub, and sauna. Guests can also explore the surrounding countryside equipped from the hotel’s exclusive Dubarry Boot Room or unwind in one of the beautifully designed suites.

Fine dining, classic interiors, and a calm, luxurious atmosphere complete the experience. With its thoughtful blend of heritage, comfort, and personalised service, Ellenborough Park stands out as the ideal destination for travellers seeking a memorable and distinctly British escape.

This seamless combination of history, luxury shopping, and restorative wellness creates a journey that feels effortlessly refined and truly unforgettable.

About Ellenborough Park:

Ideally located at the base of Cleeve Hill and set within 90 acres of scenic grounds, Ellenborough Park sits close to the famous Cheltenham Racecourse and several of England’s most picturesque villages. This restored 15th-century manor house blends timeless country house charm with modern comforts and world-class service.

The hotel features 61 individually designed rooms and suites, refurbished in 2023, each offering Hypnos beds with luxury linens, modern amenities, and spacious en-suite bathrooms with freestanding tubs. Accommodation options include family-friendly interconnecting suites, garden or poolside rooms, and expansive suites. Ellenborough Park also offers a private retreat, The Lodge, a one-bedroom sanctuary with a sitting room, wood-burning stove, fully equipped kitchen, private garden, and dining area, ideal for couples or young families seeking added privacy.

Saudi Arabia has introduced a mandatory 90-day health insurance policy for overseas pilgrims travelling to the Kingdom for Hajj and Umrah. According to a report by The Times of India, the new rule applies to all international visitors entering the country on pilgrimage visas and is aimed at ensuring timely access to emergency medical care during their stay.

The health cover comes into effect from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia and remains valid for up to 90 days. It includes emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, accident-related care, and urgent healthcare needs that may arise during the pilgrimage period. The insurance is designed specifically to handle unforeseen medical situations and does not focus on routine check-ups or non-urgent treatments.

Under the new system, the insurance coverage is directly linked to the issuance of Hajj and Umrah visas. Pilgrims will automatically receive the health cover as part of the visa process, helping reduce the financial burden on individuals and families in the event of illness or injury while travelling.

Saudi authorities have rolled out this measure to strengthen healthcare preparedness during large religious gatherings, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons when millions of worshippers from across the world visit the country. Managing public health and emergency response remains a key priority during these periods.

The report notes that the move is part of broader efforts to improve services for pilgrims and streamline processes related to religious travel. By making health insurance mandatory, officials aim to ensure quicker access to medical care, improve safety standards, and minimise complications during emergencies.

The introduction of the 90-day health cover marks another important administrative update for international pilgrims, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s continued focus on safety, planning, and structured healthcare support during Hajj and Umrah.

In the heart of the Indian Ocean, sustainability has found an unlikely spokesperson - an oyster mushroom named Mo at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives.

Mo is not just any mushroom. He proudly calls himself the “Official Spokesmushroom” for the resort’s Planetary Wellbeing initiatives — a movement that reflects over two decades of earth-conscious practices across the island properties.

“We're the evolution of two decades of earth-friendly initiatives here at Four Seasons Maldives, yet these Four Seasons people hardly ever talk about us, they just get on with it,” Mo declares, half amused and half exasperated.

By “us,” Mo refers to a thriving ecosystem within the resort:

• 150 members of the United Featheration - chickens, ducks and quail

• A 100-variety Garden Gang of herbs, fruits and vegetables

• Around 8,000 orchids forming the Orchid Crew

Every day, nearly five kilograms of freshly harvested mushrooms, along with generous portions of island-grown produce, travel just 200 to 400 metres by bicycle across sandy paths to the resort’s restaurants. The concept?  Zero-Mile dining - ingredients grown and served within the same island space.

For eco-conscious Indian travellers increasingly seeking responsible luxury, this farm-to-fork model reflects how high-end hospitality can coexist with mindful living.

In the Blu Beach Club kitchen, Mo and his fellow “volunteers” await their culinary destiny. Their final act? Appearing in signature dishes bursting with island-fresh flavours:

• Landaa Happy Egg with local pumpkin cream, seeds and seaweed

• White Snapper Carpaccio with Kulafilha leaf, melon and passion fruit

• Slow-Cooked Rainbow Runner with cauliflower, dill and roasted lemon

Each plate tells a story of minimal food miles, reduced carbon footprint and maximum flavour.

Mo doesn’t shy away from playful commentary. He teases the orchids for their rotating display schedule and jokes about the “manhandling” in the kitchen but beneath the humour lies a serious commitment to sustainability.

After service, any leftovers return to the Compost Club, closing the loop in a regenerative cycle that supports the island’s natural ecosystem. While the Maldives has long been a favourite for Indian honeymooners and luxury seekers, resorts like Four Seasons are reshaping the narrative, blending indulgence with environmental accountability.

Through its Planetary Wellbeing pioneers whether mushrooms, herbs or poultry the resort quietly demonstrates that sustainability need not be a headline; it can simply be a way of life. As Mo would say, it is time these island heroes stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight.