Travel news

Published on Friday 3 July 2009 13:29

The thrill of it all

THOSE who prefer adrenalin rushes to lounging by the pool need to get their white knuckles around the new Time Out guide Adventure (16.99, Ebury Publishing). With 40 exciting experiences, ranging from volcano climbs and wilderness wanderings to epic rail journeys, this guide includes activites on land, sea, ice and in the air. Aimed at all fitness levels, the activities can be embarked on by everyone from those seeking minor thrills to those who want to dangle their lives over the edge.

Dive in

A RARE coral reef in the Maldives has finally been put on the map by a ten-year-old girl from London. Zsuza Magyar chose Stingray Reef as the name for the previously anonymous coral reef system at Huvafen Fushi in a competition instigated by the territory's president.

Aimed at raising awareness about the threatened coral reefs and pioneering rehabilitation work that is helping to preserve them, the competition also highlights the Huvafen Fushi resort. Here, guests can join in coral-planting sessions and night snorkelling. Plans are also afoot to create a touch-tank containing starfish and sea cucumbers, and to create coral gardens beneath the glass floors of the rooms.

Godfather of style

AN offer you can't refuse? Francis Ford Coppola's hip Buenos Aires hotel is now open for business. The Jardin Escondido (Hidden Garden) has six bedrooms and one studio, and guests can hire as much space as they want.

Three levels of gardens, an outdoor kitchen, a parilla (grill), a solar-heated pool and a terrace bursting with tropical plants are all on offer at the hotel, which is sited in one of the Argentinian city's funkiest quarters. If that's not all exciting enough, the director actually stays here when in Buenos Aires. An optional turndown service of horse head on the pillow is, sadly, not available.

Prices start from 496 per night, based on two rooms plus the studio (up to five guests), including breakfast and concierge service – a minimum stay of three nights. Book with Exsus (020 7292 5050, www.exsus.com).