Sexy cities? Check. Sybaritic retreats? Check. Undiscovered hotel gems? Check. Foodie guides to your favourite spots around the world? We've got them. Now sit back and let us inspire you.

Fire and ice

Shane Mitchell ventures beyond the hard-to-pronounce volcano to the westernmost region of Iceland, a land of stark tundra, quirky country hotels and startled elves.

Grand bazaar

Touring through Turkey, Leo Schofield loses himself amid an abundance of historical riches, from Istanbul’s opulent Topkapi Palace to the caves of Cappadocia and the memorials of Gallipoli.

Spirit of the age

Rob Ingram journeys to the heart of Cognac and discovers, among the medieval architecture and postcard-perfect countryside, that there’s more to this bucolic corner of the world than just brandy.