Take me there: yoga in Marbella
Marbella may not seem an obvious destination to go in search of enlightenment and the ancient healing therapies of the Far East, but a new health resort is bringing a flavour of Bali to Spain – without the jetlag. Just a 40-minute drive from the Costa del Sol, Shanti-Som takes its inspiration from Asian destination spas with Buddha statues, tropical gardens, Asian-Med fusion cuisine, eastern therapies and a programme of detox, meditation and yoga. Destination Yoga (0845 458 0723, destinationyoga.co.uk) will be running a retreat here in March. A seven-night yoga retreat from £945, excluding flights, departs 18 March.
Travel clinic: a romantic break that won't break the bank
The dilemma I plan to take advantage of the leap year to propose to my boyfriend. Can you suggest somewhere to pop the question? I'm thinking of Paris, but worried it's a bit obvious (and expensive!) Laila, by email
Joanne replies For a romantic, accessible and cheaper alternative to Paris, Bruges is hard to beat. In summer the medieval city centre is choked with coach parties, but in winter it's gloriously atmospheric. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the cobbled streets or wintry walks by the canals before warming up with a hot chocolate in one of the cosy cafés. The St Bonifacius bridge or the Minnewater (known locally as the Lake of Love) are two picturesque spots for a romantic declaration. La Maison Zenasni (lamaison-zenasni.be) is a classy and intimate little B&B, with just three elegant, uncluttered and spacious guest rooms in a beautifully restored old merchant's house, in a quiet location just a short stroll from the city centre. With rooms for €100 per night, (including breakfast) you can afford to splash out on the five-course menu at Den Dyver (dijver.be), an elegant restaurant where each course is matched to the perfect Belgian beer. What man could resist?
If you have a travel dilemma, email Joanne O'Connor at
magazine@observer.co.uk
Three of the best… winter gardens
Brighten up your January with a visit to one of these three winter gardens, guaranteed to bring a splash of colour to the darkest winter days – and warm you up for spring.
1. Anglesey Abbey, Cambs
Classical statues and winter colour in a 20th-century landscaped garden. Adult £6.25, child £3.10 (nationaltrust.org.uk/angleseyabbey)
2. Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Seven-acre garden with bulbs and shrubs chosen by colour and scent. Adult £7, child £3.50 (nationaltrust.org.uk/dunhammassey)
3. Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
Warm up with a stroll through the glasshouses and see exotic plants, orchids and ferns. Adult £4.50, child £1 (rbge.org.uk)
