Victoria Harper

Victoria Harper describes a restorative, romantic holiday on Paxos with her husband after a difficult year marked by bereavement, family stress and health problems. The island’s quiet olive groves, secluded beaches, relaxed villages and excellent tavernas provide a peaceful setting, while the adult-only Purple Apricot hotel offers a comfortable base. Despite rough ferry conditions, cancelled plans and missed meals, the couple find space to reconnect and regain optimism. The article includes practical details for booking a week through Simpson Travel, with prices starting at £986 per person.

Portugal’s Alentejo coast, particularly Comporta, Melides and the Costa Vicentina, has evolved from a low-key, unspoilt retreat into a high-end destination sometimes called the “Hamptons of Europe.” Despite rising property prices, luxury resorts and fashionable beach clubs, the region retains protected landscapes, family-run restaurants, local shops and a relaxed coastal culture. The feature recommends Independente Comporta and Amaria for distinctive, nature-focused stays, and highlights nearby attractions including the fishing village of Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira.

A family holiday to Ithaca, Greece, proves unexpectedly ideal for a parent seeking relaxation, a teenager wanting independence and a husband looking for adventure. Despite the island’s difficult access, its uncrowded beaches, waterside villages, restaurants and boat-accessible coves provide a balance of leisure and activity. Ithaca’s connection to Odysseus, its disputed historical identity and the legacy of the 1953 earthquake add cultural depth, while local encounters reinforce its sense of community and authenticity. The family leaves intending to return, with Simpson Travel’s supported trip and accommodation details included.

A skeptical writer visits Villa Eden, a luxury longevity spa in Merano, and undergoes medical tests, exercise sessions and wellness treatments. The assessments reveal dehydration, excess body fat, possible nutrient imbalances and signs of exhaustion, prompting recommendations to reduce portions, increase movement, improve hydration and adjust her diet. Although some treatments feel questionable or uncomfortable, the spa’s calm setting, food and restorative focus are positively received. Four weeks later, the writer has lost 4kg and concludes that longevity depends less on high-tech treatments or perfect data than on consistent sleep, movement, nutrition, rest and happiness.

Girls and young women face worsening threats to their safety, education, mental health and future opportunities amid a global backlash against women's rights. In Afghanistan, Taliban restrictions have barred millions of girls from continued education, while in the UK harassment, anxiety, online hostility and gender stereotypes are limiting girls' freedom and confidence. Victoria Harper, chair of Inspiring Girls UK, argues that declining support for gender-equality programs, censorship of books by women authors and the marginalisation of women in school curricula are reversing progress. She calls for continued investment in initiatives that give girls female role models and make their ambitions visible, framing International Day of the Girl as a reminder that girls should feel safe, heard and able to shape their own futures.

A first-person account describes two men calmly emptying a Boots store in London of expensive cosmetics while staff and security appeared unable or unwilling to intervene. The incident prompts criticism of retailers’ security protocols, policing and the wider justice system, alongside concern that rising shoplifting losses—reported at more than £2.2 billion in 2023–24—will be passed on to honest customers through higher prices and tighter security. The piece argues that visible, repeated theft is contributing to a broader sense that law and order is weakening, while noting technological and social-support approaches being tried in other countries.

Lisbon is mourning after the derailment of the iconic Elevador da Glória funicular, which killed at least 16 people and injured many others. The disaster has deeply affected residents and challenged the city’s image as a joyful tourist destination. Authorities declared municipal and national mourning, while emergency responders were praised for their rapid actions and other funiculars were suspended. The cause remains unknown, although early reports point to a possible cable failure; operator Carris says required maintenance and inspections had been completed. The crash could also intensify existing public anger over deteriorating infrastructure, unaffordable housing, tourism-driven change and the cost of living ahead of Lisbon’s mayoral election.

Lisbon is recommended as an especially rewarding spring-break destination, when mild weather and blooming jacaranda trees enhance the city’s architecture, viewpoints and streets. The guide highlights a stay at the historic Palácio Ludovice in Príncipe Real, along with visits to Belém, Cascais, Costa da Caparica, Alfama and Praça das Flores. It also recommends Portuguese food, kiosks, beaches and the hotel’s wine tastings, Federico restaurant and Caudalie spa, arguing that Lisbon’s atmosphere and wines can rival or surpass the appeal of a spring visit to Paris.