Enjoy a luxury beano in the glorious glens
QWE’RE planning a romantic break to Scotland next month. We are hoping to find a luxury self-catering place within an easy drive of Dundee, home of our favourite comics, The Beano and The Dandy. Do you have any suggestions? Rather Desperate Dan, by email
ABALBINNY, set in a glorious swathe of the Angus Glens near Forfar and Brechin, is a comfortable drive from Dundee (look out for the Desperate Dan statue in the city centre!). The luxurious self-catering accommodation offers grass-roofed Brochs and larger Steadings, with heated balconies. Guests can use an excellent pool and gym. You can currently save up to £100 in November and early December: seven nights in a Steading, sleeping up to six, costs £1,100; Brochs, which sleep four, cost from £1,250 (balbinny.com).
QOUR son and his wife and daughter are flying from Australia to join on us on a summer holiday next year. We’re looking for somewhere family-friendly and quite luxurious, a reasonable flight from the South East. What can you recommend? Sandra, by email
ASOVEREIGN (sovereign.com, 01293 765 003) has seven-night B&B packages to Tenerife, staying at the five-star Ritz-Carlton, Abama, from £749pp. This includes private transfers but not flights. Return fares from Gatwick with easyJet (easyjet.com), for example, cost from £110. Located in lush parkland near the village of Playa San Juan, the hotel has lovely sea views. The park boasts some of the best-preserved flora and fauna on Tenerife and there is direct access to a secluded sandy beach.
QWE HAVE a chance to get away for a pre-Christmas break this year. Can you suggest a good location for a fun stay in a beautiful place? David, by email
ATHE Abbey Hotel (abbeyhotelbath. co.uk, 01225 809969) in Bath has earned itself a reputation as a great place to celebrate the run-up to Christmas (the city’s popular Christmas market runs this year from November 24 to December 11). Situated in the shadow of the city’s abbey, the hotel has its legendary Apres-Ski Bar. You can also enjoy delicious winter suppers at Allium Restaurant and excellent cocktails at ArtBar, and dance the night away in Igloo. Overnight stays at the Abbey Hotel cost from £125, based on two sharing on a B&B basis.