BEACH HOLIDAY OR COUNTRY RETREAT?
There are two sides to Adriatic, this year’s hot tip for European villa rentals. One has secluded islands of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, the other the hillside villages of Puglia in Italy. Sophie Butler puts the case for both.

FAR FROM THE MUSEUM CROWD
Want to experience Europe’s cultural highlights without having to endure the endless gallery queues? Jane Dickson reveals four hidden-gem destinations where you can enjoy an arts-filled, stress free getaway.

WHO’S A PRETTY BOY THEN?
Men now regularly indulge in beauty treatments, but can it be a manly pursuit? Giles Coren tests his tolerance for pampering at one of the UK’s most celebrated spas. Photographs by Dave Young.

LOOK OUT!
How well you can appreciate a landscape depends on your point of view. But for anyone with a head for heights, sightseeing is getting easier.

THE SPICE ISLANDS
Located in Zanzibar, these stunning islands have traditionally been a hub for merchants, explorers and more recently, backpackers. But with a new wave of luxury resorts, the Tanzanian archipelago is becoming a draw for travellers who enjoy their five star comforts. Lisa Grainger checks out the best places to stay. Photographs by Martin Morrell.

LAND OF POP AND GLORY
Emperors, statesmen, rappers, and style queens: Champagne has always attracted high-profile fans, but what of the tradition behind it? Michael Watts explores the wine-making region that never loses its sparkle. Photographs by Clay McLachlan.

BILBAO
Build it, and they will come. Bilbao built the Guggenheim and we went, but what has happened since? Paul Richardson reports. Photographs by Nikolas Koenig.

PLUS: Bed-hopping with John Rocha; Corfu – the ever green island and Around the world with Karren Brady.

The March 2012 issue of Condé Nast Traveller is available now.

http://www.cntraveller.com/