Choosing a global location for your business can be a fraught one, especially if you don’t have insider knowledge about the country you are considering. There could be economic and political factors to take into account, so just how do you choose the best business destinations and locations to trade from? Here Irma Hunkeler, of Blue Glass, lists the 10 best business destinations you didn’t know about.

We have rounded up a list of some of the top destinations that businesses should look at worldwide, and the results may surprise you! As we move into an ever-expanding and connected global market there are now more places than ever to do business, whether you are setting up shop to trade, or if you are simply looking for a place to work digitally from your laptop. Here are the top 10 global business destinations that you should consider:

10. Canary Islands

Photo: Commons Wiki

The Canary Islands attracted more than 29,000 people related to the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events) sector in 2015, thus generating a turnover of more than 31 million Euros. Tenerife in particular is a firm favourite and is an ideal spot for trade fairs, workshops, conferences and conventions due to its modern international airports, sunny climate and avant-garde conferencing facilities. Moreover, research from easyCar shows that these islands in Spain are among some of the most affordable destinations in Europe to hire a car, making them the perfect destination for business or pleasure.

9. Lisbon

Photo: Pixabay

Lisbon is fast becoming one of the most cosmopolitan places to be in business thanks to creatives who are reinforcing technology start-ups. Young entrepreneurs from all over Europe have been drawn to Lisbon to party, live and work, and the Portuguese capital hosted a large Web Summit in 2016, showing that it is the ideal setting to promote future trends in digital and technology.

8. Cape Town

Photo: Pixabay

Cape Town has recently established itself internationally as a competitive and sophisticated business events destination, and has been consistently voted the number one conference city in Africa and the Middle East. Companies such as Corinium Global Intelligence regularly run large scale C-suite level conferences and events in Cape Town, and the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) has secured a bid recently to host the 2022 International Congress on Immunology.

7. Bruges

Photo: Pixabay

Bruges is another great hidden business destination. Small though the city may be, it has been firmly pinned on the map as Europe’s leading capital of gastronomy, making it an excellent place to eat out. In 2020, a new convention and exhibition centre is due to be launched. This will boast a large exhibition space and a congress infrastructure for around 500 to 600 participants with a meeting space, breakout rooms and networking areas.

6. Malta

Photo: Pixabay

Malta is a greatly overlooked hidden gem in which to set up a business or host conferences and meetings. The 2017 Local Government Conference will take place in Valletta from 21-24 November. Plus, construction work has begun on the Malta branch of Crane Currency, a major banknote printing firm, which signals the single greatest investment by a manufacturing company on the island since the 1980s. More companies are sure to follow suit andshowcasw the island’s current investment power. Furthermore, Malta is noted for its healthy work-life balance, so it’s ideal for those looking for the best of both worlds.

Click next to see the top 5 business destinations you didn't know about

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As an international businessman, I am often required to work across multiple time zones and switching off from work and finding time to relax can be difficult. That being said, unwinding does not come naturally to me. I can trace this back to when I was reading for my PhD at Cambridge, or even to my schooling, and see the pattern throughout the twenty years that I have spent building my business, the Global Group.

 However, this is something that I am working hard to be better at as it is important to achieve a strong work-life balance and make the time for leisure activities.

Personally, I make a special effort to ensure that I spend a good amount of time with my four young daughters. Even though I am constantly travelling around the world, I always try as hard as possible to travel back to Hong Kong on the weekends to see my children. Family is so important to me and in my opinion, it is crucial to make time to spend with your family as they are your most reliable support system. It gives me great pleasure to come home and hear all about my daughters’ lives and achievements.

As someone that is constantly jet-setting around the world and spends a lot of time in airports and on planes, I can share with you some of my top tips for relaxing and unwinding during international travel.

Firstly, I like to make sure that I do take some time out to do the things that I love whilst I’m flying long-haul. So, although I use some of this time to work, films are a passion of mine and therefore I always make sure to make the time to watch the latest movies during my flights. If I’m not in the air, then I love going to the cinema to watch the latest releases, and London’s West End is my favourite place for this.

I love to invest in cultural items as it allows me to combine work and relaxation. Some of my favourite things to learn about and invest in are fine art and fine wines. Cigars are also a passion of mine, and I am a member of a cigar club in Hong Kong, which is a favourite haunt of mine.

For me, studying is an activity that I also find relaxing, as I enjoy learning new things, widening my horizons and keeping up to date with the constantly changing world around me. It is important for me to ensure that I am as knowledgeable as possible about global trends and ideas as this is useful for me from a business perspective. But I also find it personally fulfilling. For example, I recently finished a course in FinTech from MIT, which I found fascinating and hugely enjoyable.

One of my favourite ways to fully relax and take my mind off the most pressing demands of work is to spend time catching up with my friends around the world. I’m very fortunate in that I do a vast amount of global travel, and I make sure I catch up with contacts whenever I can.

Finally, I like to invest in things that I can take travelling with me. I am particularly interested in discovering and acquiring the newest phones and computers. This is largely due to that fact that, not only are they attractive to have in themselves, they are also extremely useful and can be used for socialising and business. Keeping up to date with the latest advances in technology also means that one can save time and be more efficient, once you have mastered them, thereby freeing up more time.

Business travel can be draining but, with a little planning, it can also be a great opportunity to take a moment for yourself, recharge your batteries, and allow you to combine work and pleasure.

For our Professional Excellence feature, this month we also reached out to John F. Rizzo - the President and Chief Operating Officer of Deem. He leads the vision and strategy of the company and encourages his team to be innovative rapidly. Here, he introduces us to Deem and tells us about the company’s love for innovation.

Could you explain the concept behind Deem?

Deem is driving to change the way business travel costs are controlled by designing a platform to ensure that employees spend as little as possible to achieve the results they need. This is in contrast to the travel market in general, which is dominated by one player who has grown complacent and focuses on controlling travel costs at the expense report stage, after the trip is complete and the capital has been spent. The world of corporate travel is eager for an alternative that listens and responds fast and is on the side of the traveler, the travel manager and the CFO - all of which are concerned about productivity and cost control. The timing is right for a company like Deem that is tech-smart, market-savvy and hungry.

Our approach is All Business. No Trip. That means that the most difficult part of any business trip is too often the trip itself and this is not what travelling is supposed to be like. Deem makes it painless for the traveler to get down to business without distraction, simpler for the travel manager and management company to keep track of all the moving parts, and easier for partners to get the information they need to stay competitive. The Deem Work Fource platform is designed for the entire business travel ecosystem, using machine learning, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. Deem’s suite of tools range from a dynamic traveler booking platform, travel manager cost controls, travel agency service technology and supplier revenue opportunities, including the world’s largest car service affiliate network and operator solutions. We have more than 35,000 corporate customers in 61 countries, speaking 15+ languages - including the world’s largest travel management companies. Our headquarters is in San Francisco, but we have people located all around the globe.

What makes the company unique?

Deem is the only company in the corporate travel space that considers each of the constituents in corporate travel – the traveller, the travel manager, the travel management company and the supplier. Most companies focus on just one at the expense of others. The reason why this is important is because if travellers book off platform, costs run wild (studies have shown 15% more costs if booked off a platform), travellers have more hassles, which makes them less productive during the trip. This results in travel managers not being able to control costs and travel management companies not being able to service travellers when things aren’t going well on the trip (i.e. flight delays, overbooked hotels, etc.).  At Deem, we create solutions that make life easier for the entire travel ecosystem, saving time, money and hassle.

What would you say are the company’s top priorities towards its clients?

Our main priority is to build dynamic and personalized solutions for the entire travel ecosystem and make every business trip painless. We have created a booking solution so intuitive that it makes the traditional travel and expense process obsolete – our artificial intelligence and machine learning systems do it all for you!

What challenges would you say you and the firm encounter on a regular basis?

 At Deem, we are always pushing the pace of innovation. We’re trying to build technologies that don’t exist – there’s a certain level of resistance when you move at this speed.

Another challenge that we face is connected to helping CFO’s think differently about solving cost problems at the front end of the travel process; rather than at final expense report stage when it’s too late.

How are these challenges set to change, in conjunction with the advent of AI and machine learning and the potential future needs of clients?

Thus far, we have been actively incorporating AI into our products over the past year to bring that technology to market today. However, we will need to innovate faster and better, in order to stay ahead of our competitors.

What has been Deem’s biggest achievement in the past year or so?

 Releasing our newest platform Deem Work Fource – a seamless travel management and booking platform, is definitely one of our major achievements.

We are also very proud of introducing Intelligent Attach for hotels and car service. This solution increases the likelihood of travelers booking a hotel or car service with their air. This helps significantly with compliance and duty of care (knowing where your employees are is more important in a world that’s increasingly affect by terrorism and upheaval on a global scale) and streamlines the traveler itinerary.

Can you tell us a bit about Deem’s Open Expense solution?

Deem’s Open Expense solution allows us to integrate seamlessly with any expense provider on the market, including ChromeRiver, and others. If a travel management company or corporation is looking for a best in breed solution to their travel management, this allows them to choose exactly the right provider in every case, rather than being forced into using a subpar travel tool that comes along with their expense provider creating travel that's more expensive and includes more hassle.

What’s your outlook for the future of the company?

We’re growing fast, signing new customers who are encouraging us to do more, launching new products and adding global reach. We are hugely optimistic about the future!

Business travel has its own set of wonderful perks. An opportunity to get out of the office and see the world, corporate exploration allows you to do business in a brand-new city, as well as having some fun while you’re out there. But where are the best destinations in which to do business? Here, Irma Hunkeler at BlueGlass, brings you ten places for your consideration.

10. Instanbul

Instanbul, Turkey. Photo: Moyan Brenn/Flickr

It’s a cliche but it’s true: east meets west in Istanbul, and this is particularly true when it comes to business. The city has acted as a central connection point for companies from different ends of the globe, making it one of the world’s most diverse and thriving corporate destinations. It’s also a place full of beautiful ruins, amazing street food and fantastic people. Put your negotiation skills to the test with a haggle at a street market.

Main industries: Textile production, food, oil, electronics

Where to go: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Aya Sofya

9. Frankfurt

Frankfurt, Germany Photo: Pixabay.com

Long known as a major city for aviation - it has one the largest airports in Europe - Frankfurt is also establishing itself as a place for a number of other industries. With Frankfurt the seat of the European Central Bank, the German city is of international importance when it comes to the European financial services industry. It’s also a fantastic place to come and do business in.

Main industries: Financial services, telecommunications, IT, biotech, creative services

Where to go: Stadel Museum, Kaiserdom, Frankfurt Stock Exchange

8. Hong Kong

Hong Kong Photo: Pixabay.com

Alongside London and New York, city-state Hong Kong is one the globe’s leading business destinations. A combination of the free flow of information and free market policies make it a place conducive to running successful businesses, so it’s not hard to see why so many companies have activities here. What’s more, Asia’s most popular city for international business is one of the least corrupt economies in the world.

Main industries: Financial services, trading, tourism, professional services

Where to go: Victoria PEak, Hong Kong Museum of History, street markets

7. Mexico City

Mexico City, Mexico Photo: Pixabay.com

The heart of the Americas is one of the most thriving corporate destinations in south America. Named as one of the world’s best start-up hubs, Mexico is known as a great place to do business, chiefly because of the city’s sociability. It’s an easy city in which to set up shop and get to know people, so it’s no surprise that companies from the US are starting to call Mexico home.

Main industries: Pharmaceuticals, technology, financial services, manufacturing

Where to go: National Museum of Anthropology, Chichen Itza, Palacio de Bellas Artes.

6. New York

New York City, US Photo: Pixabay.com

Where to start when it comes to the Big Apple? This metropolis is home to companies from every part of the globe. Almost every big name has a presence here, in some form or another. As well as established players, the city also has an emerging start-up scene. After a day spent hustling in Manhattan, head to one of New York’s world-class museums before seeing a Broadway show.

Main industries: Financial services, media, technology

Where to go: Central Park, Empire State Building, Museum of Modern Art

Click next to see our top 5 business destinations

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A historic hotel, located in the heart of the historic and beautiful city of York, The Grand opened its doors in May 2010 following the extensive refurbishment of the former North Eastern Railway headquarters – one of York’s most iconic Edwardian buildings. Today it is the region’s leading luxury hotel and has established a global reputation for its first-class service, stylish bedrooms and unique historic atmosphere.

The hotel boasts 107 hotel rooms, 13 of which are suites. We stayed in the Executive double room, which was cosy, yet spacious, beautifully decorated and offered stunning views of York minster and the historic City Wall. The room also benefited from a luxurious bathroom, with his and hers sinks, a marble topped bath tub and under floor heating.

There’s no such thing as a standard suite at The Grand. Each room is unique – modelled to integrate the individual, elegant and quirky features of the building.

With four bars and restaurants to choose from, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining at the Grand. We opted for The Rise Restaurant, Terrace and Bar which offers modern cuisine across a new ‘small plate’ concept. This allows guests to enjoy a feast of delicious sharing dishes. The restaurant interiors have been inspired by York’s local heritage, creating a soft industrial dining room, combined with an open kitchen, cocktail bar and heated garden terrace which is perfect for alfresco dining throughout the year.

Overlooking York Minister, Hudsons, a 3 AA rosette restaurant, offers an ever changing 9-course tasting set menu which utilizes local produce to showcase a unique contemporary cuisine.

Set in plush surroundings, The 1906 Bar offers amazing Champagne and Martini cocktail, as well as all the classics. Bar food is also available and served until late.

Boasting a fine array of bottles from around the world, the whiskey lounge is a must for any whiskey lover. Here you can relax in the snug armchairs provided and choose from over 110 bottlings aged from 10 to 52 years old.

The Spa at the Grand is set in the hotel’s vaults, where the North Eastern Railway company once stowed its millions, and offers a secluded and tranquil environment. The spa includes a gym, a swimming pool with jets, an Aromatic Steam Room, a Nordic Dry Sauna and a relaxation room, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of discovering the delights that York has to offer. The Spa also offers tailored treatments for men, women and under 16s and poses some of the most luxurious services and products to leave you feeling de-stressed, energised and rejuvenated.

For more information, please visit www.thegrandyork.co.uk

With summer upon us, this month we take you to beautiful Morocco and its most infamous beach town – Essaouira. A labyrinth of souks in the port city’s medina, hip cafes and art galleries, miles of golden sands, and a general laid-back vibe – Essaouira is the perfect destination for a relaxed sun-filled holiday in North Africa.

Inland from the town is nestled Le Jardin des Douars – a boutique hotel surrounded by lush botanical gardens and postcard-perfect countryside. Katina Hristova tells us more about it.

How often do you go on a holiday, with the objective of rebooting, only to find yourself just as exhausted as before you left? It’s not very often that you come back feeling truly rejuvenated and refreshed, ready to face your daily routine again. Well, I found a place that not only made me come back to reality feeling like a new person, but also a little bit more in love with life.

Located just a 15-minute drive from Essaouira - a port town nestled on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Le Jardin des Douars is the perfect place for a long weekend getaway. The laid-back retreat is situated inland and is surrounded by hills in terracotta tones, studded with argan and olive trees. As soon as you enter through the wooden gates however, the landscape completely changes - traditionally African, earthy-clay-coloured castle-like buildings, botanical gardens boasting lush greenery, colour explosions and chirping birds. The Jardin promises carefree sun-filled days followed by alfresco dining at dusk and blissful moments at the candlelit terrace over a glass of La Gazelle de Mogador - a delicious organic Essaouiran wine.

Amongst the plant-filled courtyards and the palaces, there is also a choice of heated pools - a peaceful infinity pool designed for couples, and a slightly bigger one, which allows parents to frolic with their children in the water. With the hotel’s relaxed and peaceful vibe, you’ll feel like the time has stopped while you’re lounging around soaking up the African sun, sipping on the mint tea that charming waiters bring to your sun-bed.

With their antique furnishings, traditional bejmat (terracotta-tiled floors), and high-ceilinged spacious bathrooms, the rooms, suites and the three villas are classically Moroccan. Downstairs in the main building you’ll find a beautifully decorated dining room, with a separate annex for more intimate dinners - once again highlighting the hotel’s capacity to cater for both family holidays and romantic getaways. The menu, whether you opt for the set menu (3 daily changing courses) or go à la carte is wonderfully Moroccan, with a slight Mediterranean twist. As delicious as all of the savoury courses were, the real standout was the chocolate tart - not only it was a chocolatey explosion of taste for the palate, but it was arguably the best desert I have ever tasted!

Another factor contributing to the magic of this retreat is its candlelit hammam spa, which includes black soap exfoliations, Moroccan and Oriental massages, and hot-stone treatments. The products that the skilled therapists use are organic and locally-sourced - a key element that even extends to the complimentary bathroom toiletries that could be found in every room. Less than five minutes into my black soap treatment, I realised that I was already starting to feel the Moroccan effect – the spa therapist exfoliated, cleansed and toned my skin, leaving it feeling fresh and full of vitality.

A change of scenery and some time abroad to de-stress can make a world of difference if you’re in need of a relaxed holiday, but sometimes it takes a bit more than simply being in the sunshine. Le Jardin des Douars’ effortless aura of ease, combined with North African exoticism will undoubtedly make you feel in sync with yourself and your surroundings, leaving everlasting memories and preparing you to go back home fully refreshed and revitalised.

Written by Katina Hristova

Tucked away in the Vale of Aylesbury in the rural part of Buckinghamshire and just one hour from central London, Heathrow and Luton Airports is the stunning Hartwell House & Spa. The building, whose history is as rich as its beauty, stretching back almost a thousand years to the reign of Edward the Confessor, has been the seat of William Peveral, the natural son of William the Conqueror; of John Earl of Mortaign; and of Louis XVIII, the exiled King of France who held court there from 1809 to 1814. For a weekend away from the city, which promises fresh air, relaxing SPA treatments, delicious fine dining experiences-all in magnificent setting, a visit at the Hartwell House & Spa is all you’d need and more!

As soon as you step into the impressive Grade I listed building, the welcoming and helpful staff lead you to an entrance hall, which immediately sets the tone for your stay: Jacobean and Georgian facades, antique furnishings, original artworks, magnificent Rococo ceilings in some of the rooms and opulent elegance in every little detail. Once lived in by Louis XVIII and his court, the stunning hotel still looks as authentic as it was hundreds of years ago and provides the perfect setting for a weekend of luxury seclusion.

Boasting beautiful views across the estate’s 90 acres of landscaped parkland, the 46 tastefully decorated rooms and suites, furnished with magnificent antiques, promise to not only bring you back in time, but also simultaneously provide you with unimaginable contemporary comfort.

The opulent atmosphere of this historic hotel could also be felt in the Dining Room, which was designed in 1988 in the style of the eminent early 19^th century architect Sir John Soane. The 2 AA rosette restaurant offers an extensive choice of delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, while all food is prepared with seasonal produce from local farms, along with the hotel’s own Hartwell orchards and garden fruit, vegetables and fresh herbs.

Guests of the hotel can also dive into a complete relaxation by enjoying Hartwell House’s exquisite spa facilities, which include a large pool, sauna, steam room, spa bath, outdoor hot tub, tennis courts, and a gymnasium. The Spa also boasts beauty salons where qualified therapists offer a wide range of beauty treatments using Aromatherapy Associates, and exclusively for the UK spa market – BIOEFFECT products. BIOEFFECT is a multi-award-winning Icelandic skincare brand whose only UK-based partner is Hartwell House & Spa. Famous for its best-selling EGF Serum, BIOEFFECT uses plant-derived growth factors to dramatically improve the skin’s texture, density and radiance. A BIOEFFECT facial treatment at the Hartwell Spa is undoubtedly going to leave your skin feeling revitalised and rejuvenated.

There’s something so romantic about the English countryside and the idyllic, yet sumptuous Hartwell House & Spa could only enhance your experience among the broad fields of the Vale of Aylesbury, providing you with memories to treasure forever.

Website:  http://www.hartwell-house.com/
+44 (0)1296 747444
info@hartwell-house.com

The first hotel that our March Business Voyage section looks at is the elegant and artful Ambassade Hotel. Nestled in the heart of one of the most romantic and scenic cities in Europe, Amsterdam, the hotel enjoys an exceptional, quiet, yet very convenient canal-side location in the famous Nine Streets area. Amsterdam’s major attractions, such as the Anne Frank’s House and the Vincent van Gogh Museum, as well as prime retail districts are all within close walking distance.

Ambassade Hotel comprises a unique ensemble of ten canal-side houses, legacies of the city’s 17^th century Golden Age and perfectly captures the pulse of the canal-laden city. The hotel’s 56 tastefully-decorated rooms and suites have preserved the typical mansion architecture of the period, which combined with all modern comforts, results in typical Dutch cosiness. Although all rooms and suites are sumptuously furnished in the buildings’ original style, each room has its own individual character and its own story. The lavish Louis XV and Louis XVI-inspired furnishings, which are intelligently blended with predominantly 20th century paintings by Dutch painter Theo Wolvecamp and a number of other artists from the CoBrA movement (a group of post-war artist from Europe), help create the perfect balance between traditional and modern culture. What more could you possibly ask for, when in Amsterdam?

One of the many highlights of the Ambassade Hotel is unarguably the Library Bar, which is located adjacent to the opulent lobby. Lined with more than 4000 first-edition autographed books, it offers an inviting retreat for a relaxing drink or an informal meeting. All of these books are written by authors who have stayed at the hotel, which has always had close links with publishing houses in Amsterdam and the surrounding areas. Among the authors who have stayed at the hotel and whose books you can find on the Library Bar’s bookshelves are Umberto Eco, Salman Rushdie, Paul Auster, Isabel Allende, and many more. The aura of class is heightened by European artists’ paintings that grace the walls of this extraordinary hotel bar. The drinks menu consists of classic cocktails, a selection of beers, some of the finest international whiskeys, as well as aperitifs, digestifs and cappuccinos.

Inspired by French cuisine, the Brasserie Ambassade offers exquisite fine dining experiences in an elegant and art-filled setting, which overlooks the beautiful Herengracht canal. Breakfast is also served in the Brasserie and is presented buffet style with hot dishes served on an a la carte basis. There is a large, superbly presented spread of fresh fruit, vegetables, pastries, a granola station, cold meats and a selection of Dutch and French cheeses. Guests are also offered sparkling wine to accompany their breakfast, should they wish.

All of this is carefully wrapped into a sublime customer service and a superb welcome with a concierge service. Whether you’re flying to Amsterdam for a business stay, or are about to visit the Netherlands’s vibrant capital as a tourist, and would like to dive into the art and culture of the city, then look no further than the exceptional Ambassade Hotel. Literature, art, exquisite dining and canal views. There’s little here not to love.

*I’d like to thank the Management and Staff of the Ambassade Hotel for their warm hospitality and kindness, and especially Mr Eelco Douma for his assistance, knowledge and erudition.

For more information, please email info@ambassade-hotel.nl or call +31(0)205550222.

Written by Katina Hristova

An award-winning secluded luxury hotel, housed in a castle, nestled in seventeen acres of gardens, whose restaurant is among the Top 50 Restaurants in the UK, according to The Good Food Guide. You must be sold already! This hotel combines traditional luxury, fine dining experiences, beautiful surroundings and friendly Welsh hospitality – if you’re looking for a weekend getaway filled with intimate opulent atmosphere, mixed with fresh countryside air and scenic walks, then look no further than Llangoed Hall in Brecon, Wales.

Llangoed Hall, which dates back to 560 AD and was formerly known as Llangoed Castle, was bought in 1987 by the husband of Welsh designer Laura Ashley - Sir Bernard Ashley, after his wife’s premature death. The transformation that the building then underwent was aimed at reflecting the designer’s legacy, with each of the unique rooms full of her flowery fabrics and style, family photographs and Sir Bernard’s own impressive collection of art and antiques, which includes works by James Whistler. Laura Ashley’s first ever garment –an apron-is displayed in the hotel, while one of the rooms has the designer’s original wallpaper and furniture. Today, Llangoed Hall offers 23 rooms, overlooking meadows leading down to the River Wye and the Black Mountains.

This year, for the second year in a row, the restaurant in the hotel has appeared in the Good Food Guide’s Top 50 Restaurants in the UK. Head Chef Nick Brodie not only creates countless culinary chef d'oeuvres that would impress the pickiest of eaters, but also makes sure that his kitchen’s garden grows up to 95% of the vegetables and fruit used in the restaurant’s seasonal menus. And Nick doesn’t stop here – he also makes use of the three egg houses in the e hotel’s surroundings, making sure that the chickens, ducks and quails provide fresh eggs daily. Chef Brodie also works with a selection of local suppliers, including Morgans Family Butchers in Brecon, Swansea Fish and Vin Sullivan. Last year, Llangoed Hall was recognised for its sustainability work by receiving the Conde Nast Johansens 'Best for Green Practices Award'. Unsurprisingly, Llangoed Hall also boasts an extensive award-winning wine card, which even includes Welsh wine, such as the Ancre Hill Estates regional white wine, Monmouth and Ancre Hill Estates sparkling wine. Guests of the hotel can enjoy all of this in a tastefully-furnished dining room, which overlooks the green gardens and is filled with Sir Bernard Ashley's personal collection of art, as is the entire hotel. Original antiques, sketches by the American-born artist and society wit, James McNeil Whistler and works by Herman Dudley Murphy and Augustus John contribute to the elegant aura of Llangoed Hall.

Back in 2013, the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales was recognised as the world's fifth International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR) by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), with an IDA being described as ‘land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights’. This means that Llangoed Halls, with its location by the River Wye in Brecon, is a perfect spot for stargazing. Find the large telescope that guests are encouraged to use and enjoy an idyllic evening of stargazing, while sipping on a glass of sherry from your complimentary decanter, if the weather permits. And if not, simply unwind by the big fireplace in the living room. That’s the thing about Llangoed Hall – whatever you do, you’d feel spoilt for choice for activities that will keep you truly relaxed and content. There must be something in the (Welsh) air!

Written by Katina Hristova

Another option for your business travel or holiday, also located in the dazzling Canal District, is the superb Seven One Seven Hotel. Housed in a stunning 17^th-century building which overlooks the Prinsengracht canal, the boutique hotel could easily be mistaken for a private house. Despite its central location, once you walk through the dark-green door of Seven One Seven, you will feel worlds away from the hustle and the bustle of the bars, restaurants and coffee shops nearby – something that reserved romantics will definitely appreciate.

Beyond the entrance is the salon – a gorgeously assembled, high-ceilinged space, adjacent to which is an elegant lounge area, decorated with sumptuous furnishings, designer pieces and original art. The nine suites, which reflect the lounge’s interior design style, combine elegant, antique décor with modern and homely feel. They vary from spacious to very spacious, not only according to central Amsterdam standards. The two executive suites (called Schubert and Picasso) have high ceilings and boast prime views of the Prinsengracht canal. All rooms feature the latest in-room advanced technology, including audio system. Each suite is a room of enchantment, crafted from a range of furnishings, decorations and works of art that have been thoughtfully assembled to create a truly magnificent atmosphere.

The delicious breakfast that the hotel offers in a cosy and tastefully-decorated restaurant area, is served a la carte and includes eggs, cold meats, a selection of cheeses, pastries, fresh fruits and juices. The friendly and knowledgeable staff offer impeccable service and tend to the needs of all guests at all times. Their discreetness adds to the low-key and domestic aura of the Seven One Seven Hotel.

Breathe in the Dutch air, absorb everything that Amsterdam has to offer and make yourself at home in a stately Amsterdam canal house. The laid-back, guesthouse feel of the splendid Seven One Seven hotel will undoubtedly make your stay in the culture-filled and spirited Dutch capital truly unforgettable!

For more information, please call +31 (20) 4270717 or email info@717hotel.nl

It's not just citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries who are facing a US-enforced travel ban.

Under new rules, American citizens too could soon be banned from travelling by having their passports revoked for unpaid taxes, warns the boss of one of the world's largest independent financial advisory organizations.

Nigel Green, founder and CEO of deVere Group, is speaking out as the America's Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes details on its website of new powers to revoke US passports for taxes that remain unpaid.

He comments: "As President Trump hits out at the judge who has blocked his travel ban for citizens of seven Muslim majority countries, there are more travel complications from US authorities being introduced – ones that could prevent US citizens from travelling internationally.

"The IRS is to have a new tool to collect taxes.  The new law will use the threat of stopping people being able to travel by revoking passports if there are unpaid taxes.  It was passed by Congress in 2015 and details are now on the IRS website."

Mr Green continues: "If you have seriously delinquent tax debt, the IRS can certify that to the State Department. The Department generally will not issue or renew a passport to you after receiving certification from the IRS. The IRS website confirms that certifications will begin in early 2017."

He goes on to say: "This latest move would likely affect Americans living abroad most acutely for two reasons.

"First, because they would typically use their passports more often – not only for travel but for administrative matters, such as rental contracts, in their countries of residence.

"And second, since the worldwide rollout of the highly controversial Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA, in 2014, tax returns have become more complex, onerous and burdensome for US expats due to additional reporting requirements.

"Indeed, in our experience of working with US citizens who live abroad, 35 per cent are now likely to make a mistake on their tax return and/or file late due to the new complexities."

Mr Green concludes: "For US citizens who are resident overseas, the IRS' latest weapon to collect taxes, means it is more important than ever to stay on top of your taxes and file on time and correctly.

"With this in mind it's recommended that before submitting their tax returns they have them checked by an advisor with the relevant cross-border experience."

Mr Green concludes: "FATCA is a toxic law on many levels and there are renewed and strengthened efforts being made to have it repealed.  But until that happens, Americans overseas must adhere to the FATCA rules or face the heavy consequences."

Earlier this week, the deVere CEO launched the Washington-based Campaign to Repeal FATCA, and with co-leader, Jim Jatras, a leading authority on FATCA, is assembling a team of experienced DC professionals to push the repeal effort over the top.

(Source: deVere Group)

JP Donnelly, founder, www.5starvillasales.com

 Buying a holiday home is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make; make it right and you will have a long term investment for you and your family to enjoy for years to come. However, the process of buying a vacation home can be overwhelming, negotiating potential language barriers, dealing with the legal aspects, even finding the right home in the first place. As experts in luxury villa sales, here are our tips to help you on your way.

1. A home, a rental or a bit of both

 I acquired my first holiday home aged 24 when I bought three apartments in Alanya and for me it was always an investment rather than a home and I feel this distinction is important. If you’re looking for a property as an investment your criteria would be different to a second home. The key to a good investment property is often timing; buying at the right price in the right conditions. And if your motivation is purely for a holiday home, then look at factors like flying time and flight availability from local airports to make even long weekends at your home in the sun feasible. But the reason that most people buy a vacation home is to be able to use it as a base for family holidays for a number of weeks, renting it out the rest of the time. The main issue to consider here is the demand year round, alongside issues like maintenance and durability of fixtures and fittings and facilities- a private south facing pool is something almost all renters will ask for!

2. Location, location, location.

Emotion undoubtedly drove the purchase of my first holiday home. Alanya in Turkey was an area that I knew and loved and it is extremely likely that when it comes to buying your holiday home, you too will be drawn to locations that perhaps you have holidayed in in the past. But don’t let emotion completely drive the purchase. When thinking about location, consider your main reason for buying. For pure investment then locations like New Zealand and Florida are good bets; Florida came fifth in an investment review of American property hotspots in 2015. Again, timing is everything here; look at prices over the years and only buy when the conditions are right.

For a pure holiday home, look at European destinations like Spain, Cyprus and Turkey to maximise your time out there, and if you do consider further afield bear in mind that this will usually mean less holidays but of longer duration- your schedule and lifestyle will often make this decision for you. For a holiday home that you also rent out, the demand for short term rental is key with Florida having one of the best rental markets. 5 Star Villa Sales has 4 to 9 bedroomed vacation homes at the exclusive Champion’s Gate gated community, offering strong rental potential and yield. Expect to pay around £341, 993 ($512,990) for a 3812 ft², 8 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 2 garage ‘Maui’ home. The rental income on a property like this can cover ongoing costs, including mortgage, management and maintenance fees whilst allowing owners to enjoy 3-4 weeks in the property each year. At current rates the 8 bedroom Maui will rent at £2629 for 7 nights.

3. Look after the legal aspects

 Before you set out on a trip to research properties, it is always best to work out the figures and if you require a mortgage, then look to obtain a decision in principle beforehand. This puts you in a stronger negotiating position. I have come across many, many people who have purchased their holiday home without the assistance of a lawyer, but in my opinion, their assistance can be invaluable- especially if you are a cash purchaser. A lawyer will look at aspects such as outstanding debts (like maintenance fees for example) that are owing on a property so that you don’t get lumbered with them post purchase, and ensure that any taxes due are paid. An English speaking lawyer can also assist with overcoming any language barriers. Research potential lawyers beforehand and find out if they specialise in property law, you may even be able to speak to previous clients.

5 Star Villa Holidays offers holiday homes for sale in Florida, Turkey, Spain and Cyprus at www.5starvillasales.com or on 0151 494 9145, and rental properties with sister company www.5starvillaholiday.com