Mauritius

Glamping (glamour camping) just got better thanks to a surge in inflatable, transparent ‘bubble’ tents, which are popping up all over the globe.  If you are like me who doesn’t fancy the idea of sleeping in a tent then these are for you.

Shanti Maurice, in the unspoiled south of Mauritius, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. We raise a glass to a resort where you won’t just be a guest – you’ll become family.  As if tropical-inspired luxury, a glorious setting on a horseshoe of coral sand and an award-winning spa weren’t enough to shout about already, this year Shanti Maurice, a Nira Resort, celebrates its 10th anniversary.

BADWATER 135, CALIFORNIA USA
Traditionally referred to as 'the world's toughest foot race', Badwater was forced to alter its traditional route through Death Valley in 2013.  The Death Valley Park authorities placed a ban on strenuous events taking place during the summer months, when air temperatures (in the shade) reach over 48 degrees.  So organisers came up with an alternative route, one with more than 5,200m of cumulative vertical ascent (compared to 3,962 in the previous route), and 3,900m of cumulative descent (compared to 1,433m).  While temperature might not reach the sizzling heights of Death Valley (ultra-runner Dean Karnazes once reported that between his team car handing him a cheese sandwich and him eating it, said sandwich became a toastie), the world's toughest foot race just got tougher.

Race facts: The race takes place in July; 135miles(217km); Maximum 48 hours, there is an entry fee.

Why have just one luxury holiday when you can plump for two if you are flying over to Mauritius via Dubai . Here are two phrases I never thought I’d hear in my life: one of them is, ahem, ‘foot virtuoso’ (more of which later), the other is ‘pastry library’. I am confronted with the latter at Stay, the swanky signature restaurant situated in One&Only The Palm, sister hotel to the brand’s Royal Mirage resort – itself located a ten-minute speedboat ride away on what passes for Dubai’s ‘mainland’.