Eating less meat would be good for the Earth. Small nudges can change behavior
One of the thorniest problems of the 21st century is how to get people to eat less meat
2023-11-16 23:58
Demand for seafood is soaring, but oceans are giving up all they can. Can we farm fish in new ways?
Aquaculture has been the fastest growing food sector in the world for decades, and people now eat more farmed fish than wild fish
2023-11-16 23:47
Carbon-Capture Firm Deep Sky Gets $55 Million of Fresh Capital
A Canadian startup raised $55 million from venture capital firms and governments to begin a carbon-capture plant in
2023-11-16 22:57
Seven Restaurants Named Best in the World by La Liste
The world has not one new best restaurant, but seven. That’s according to La Liste, one of a
2023-11-16 22:18
The Swan hotel review: This decadent yet unpretentious bolthole has the Lake District’s first spa garden
In a nutshell: A family-friendly Lakes bolthole with an exceptional spa and CBD treatments. The neighbourhood Benefiting from a picturesque riverside location, complete with gliding swans, grassy terrace and a 15th-century stone bridge, The Swan is conveniently located at the foot of the Lake District, just 20 minutes from the M6. Lake Windermere is a mile away, with Kendall to the east and Ambleside to the north. For a laid-back induction to the region, hop on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway, located five minutes away, for a slice of nostalgia and some glorious scenery. The look The Swan began life in the 17th-century as a coaching inn, but has evolved dramatically in the intervening years. While the whitewashed main building remains, it has been sympathetically restored and expanded. After suffering significant damage in the 2015 floods, the property was substantially refurbished and remains in top-notch condition, with the smell of new paint still detectable in our room. Inside, floral walls, bold prints and sumptuous furnishings abound, alongside more traditional elements, such as oak beams, wooden floorboards and Chesterfield sofas. The hotel also has its own resident artist and illustrator, Olivia Axson, whose work can be found throughout the property. The vibe Relaxed, unstuffy and family-friendly, you can feel your shoulders drop upon arrival at The Swan. While the calibre of hotels in this part of the world has continued to grow, The Swan retains a pleasantly unpretentious feel without scrimping on quality. While many guests visit for the pampering on offer, the hotel balances the demands of both kids and adults beautifully. The surrounding countryside speaks for itself, with many visitors to the region keen to explore its many peaks, but it’s too polished to fall into the category of a traditional walker’s hotel. Bed and bath As part of the recent uplift, The Swan created 26 new bedrooms, including two Splendid suites, Family suites and a bespoke studio cottage for romantic getaways called The Love Nest. However, all 82 rooms and suites have a contemporary feel with blue and green tones reflecting the natural environment. Statement headboards, soft furnishings and wool blankets accompany rainwater showers, while the Loft suites feature exposed beams, roll-top bathtubs and electric log burners for when the weather gets cooler. Read more about Lake District travel: The ultimate Lake District travel guide How to do the Lake District car-free The best Christmas breaks in the Lake District As with everything in the hotel, the emphasis is very much focused on spotlighting local producers, something that extends from the in-room vegan toiletries courtesy of Bath House, to the sustainable carpets made from local wool. Family rooms are spacious, with bespoke bunk beds for little ones and PS4s to keep them entertained. Even the smallest Cosy rooms are attractive, with almost all rooms throughout the hotel offering views over the river or gardens. Guests planning a romantic night away should opt for the Love Nest, a bright, airy and spacious cottage tucked away within the grounds of the property. Features include a private terrace with outdoor fireplace, double walk-in rainwater showers, roll-top bath and indoor log burner. Many of the rooms offer complimentary access to the Holte Spa, while others require a £20 supplement. Food and drink Eating options on offer at The Swan include the health-conscious SOUL cafe adjacent to the Holte Spa. Here, guests can enjoy light meals such as salads, soups and fish dishes on the outdoor sun terrace, or indulge in homemade cakes and sweet treats. On the other side of the property, the Swan Inn serves up classic pub grub, such as fish and chips, burgers and sandwiches in a bright and cheery space, but it’s the Brasserie that really delivers. We devoured bouncy and tender scallops and locally sourced beef, while a helpful wine list suggests varieties based on your personal tastes, all contributing to an accessible and unpretentious dining experience. Service was warm, personable and prompt, despite a packed dining room. The hotel also offers afternoon tea on the riverside terrace in good weather. Pools, spas and public areas The Swan’s Holte Spa opened to much fanfare in April 2022 as the Lake District’s first spa garden. This multi-million pound extension includes a Finnish sauna, outdoor jacuzzi, and chemical-free hydrotherapy indoor pool that extends outside, with jets and waterfalls to relieve tension. Inside the spa, there are six treatment rooms, experience showers, a sauna and steam room, plus plenty of space to lounge and relax. The spa has partnered with three sustainable brands, including OTO, a leading CBD brand, Ground Wellbeing, a natural and plant-based Irish brand, and Comfort Zone, a B-Corp certified skincare. We opted for the OTO Signature CBD Massage Experience which ranks as one of the best massages I’ve ever had. A dream combination of experienced hands, CBD oils and a bamboo roller designed to iron out muscular kinks induced a profoundly deep state of relaxation that saw me floating back to my room with a smile on my face. Other treatments include a Balancing Ritual specifically aimed at perimenopausal and menopausal guests, and a signature Walkers Massage designed to ease aching limbs after a day on the fells. An onsite health club includes a larger pool, hot tub and sauna which was largely populated by families during our visit. Elsewhere, there are plenty of nooks and crannies to chill out in with a book, play a round of pool, or sip a drink on the riverside terrace. Kids can also enjoy an adventure playground and nature trail. Nuts and bolts Room count: 82 rooms and suites and four cottages. Wifi: Free. Extra charges: Guests in Cosy, Lovely and Fabulous rooms must pay a £20 surcharge for Holte Spa access. Disability access: Four accessible rooms with extra space and walk-in showers. The Swan Inn, Holte Spa, health club and snug areas are all accessible for wheelchair users and all external entrances have ramps for guests. Pet policy: Pet pooches are welcome in selected rooms for a £35 nightly surcharge. Bottom line Best thing: The OTO CBD massage experience. Sublime. I’ve waxed lyrical about it to anyone prepared to listen ever since my visit. Worst thing: While easily accessible, the nearby A590 is a busy road meaning the hotel isn’t the best spot for those seeking a quiet and remote stay. Perfect for: Families and spa fanatics. Not right for: Those seeking a hushed getaway. The hotel is busy and there are plenty of intergenerational families with children around. Instagram from: The outdoor pool at the Holte Spa. More information: swanhotel.com Read more of our UK hotel reviews: Best hotels in London Where to stay in the Lake District Best hotels in Edinburgh Read More The best dog-friendly Christmas breaks in the UK The best Christmas hotel breaks by the sea Why you should explore the Cotswolds by bike Why you should explore the Cotswolds by bike Stay in the heart of the action with this bougie new hotel in London’s Covent Garden How to find a stylish countryside escape without compromising on comfort
2023-11-16 19:59
F1 cars projected into sky as drone show lights up Las Vegas ahead of grand prix
An impressive Formula 1 drone show lit up the Las Vegas sky on Wednesday night (15 November), ahead of this weekend’s grand prix. Spinning F1 cars were projected into the air in an impressive display which also featured the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. This weekend’s grand prix will see drivers race through some of Sin City’s most famous streets, including down the strip. Despite the excitement, F1 champion Max Verstappen has criticised the nature of the Las Vegas GP, describing it as “99 per cent show, 1 per cent sporting event”.
2023-11-16 19:18
Max Verstappen criticises Las Vegas GP as F1 drivers presented to crowd in ‘Hunger Games’ reveal
Formula 1 drivers were presented to the crowd in a “Hunger Games” reveal ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Champion Max Verstappen criticised the lavish opening ceremony on Wednesday night (15 November), where he was introduced alongside Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez. “For me, you can skip this. We are just standing up there, looking like a clown,” he said. Mercedes also appeared to poke fun at the opening ceremony on social media, as their drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were introduced in the same fashion. “Let the Hunger Games begin,” the team wrote on X. Read More Watch: Roof blown off grandstand at Sao Paulo Grand Prix following huge storm David Beckham meets India cricket star Virat Kohli ahead of World Cup semi-final Carlos Sainz breaks Netflix Cup trophy during F1 and golf crossover event
2023-11-16 18:20
Cambodia inaugurates new Chinese-funded airport serving popular tourist destination of Angkor Wat
Cambodia has inaugurated its newest and biggest airport, a Chinese-financed project meant to serve as an upgraded gateway to the country’s major tourist attraction, the centuries-old Angkor Wat temple complex in the northwestern province of Siem Reap
2023-11-16 15:48
Netflix Cup: Carlos Sainz breaks trophy during F1 and golf crossover event
Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz broke the Netflix Cup after beating his rivals at the inaugural golf tournament. While taking his turn to show off the trophy with his partner, pro golfer Justin Thomas, Sainz dropped the trophy on the floor. Clutching a bottle of champagne in his other hand, Sainz was chatting on stage when the cup slipped out of his grip. He stood with his hands on his head after the incident, which drew gasps from the crowd. The event saw Netflix mix two of its flagship sporting docuseries, F1’s Drive to Survive and golf’s Full Swing. Read More Cole Palmer questioned move from Man City to Chelsea for ‘every minute of the day’ VAR audio from controversial Newcastle goal against Arsenal released by PGMOL Moment Liverpool star Luis Diaz reunites with father after 12-day hostage ordeal
2023-11-16 15:47
Fink, Schwarzman Get Coveted Seats at Xi’s Dinner Table in US
BlackRock Inc.’s Larry Fink and Stephen Schwarzman of Blackstone Inc. were among the top US executives seated at
2023-11-16 14:47
Qantas Illegally Targeted Safety Worker Who Warned of Covid Risk
Qantas Airways Ltd. illegally suspended a health and safety representative after he instructed colleagues not to clean planes
2023-11-16 10:27
The Best Secure SSDs and Hard Drives for 2023
It's so easy for the data on an unencrypted external hard drive or SSD to
2023-11-16 06:51