Leila Molana-Allen
Design destination
In the first of a new series of journeys, we hit the road and head to the village of Noormarkku, western Finland, in search of superlative Finnish design.
House and home
After being abandoned for 40 years, Villa Chamoun has now returned to its former glory as a hotel. We check in.
From the ashes
When Nabil and Zoe Debs opened their Beirut hotel, Arthaus, it was destroyed in the port explosion. In rebuilding it from the rubble, they cemented its place as a creative hub.
Open invitation
After years of conflict and instability, Iraq is opening up to tourism. Thanks to a new visa scheme, citizens of almost 40 countries can gain access quickly and easily – but will they come?
After the blast
Last summer an explosion rocked Beirut. This month we asked our correspondent to return to those streets to meet the people rebuilding the Lebanese capital.
Politics
Slovenia’s president takes us on a tour of his patch, a revolutionary new law in Argentina could spark change and Nigeria is building a new railway.
In the running
From championing the fight against global warming to lacing up and pounding the pavements, Slovenian president Borut Pahor is taking his ideas to the streets, as well as the EU.
Home comforts
While large city hotels suffer, some smaller, rural outposts thrive. Could you pack in the job and run a guesthouse? Here’s how it’s done, with advice from operators around the world.
After the explosion
Our Beirut correspondent relives August’s fateful port blast and its harrowing aftermath – and hails the fellowship of the Lebanese.
Jim Muir
The veteran BBC correspondent reflects on five decades covering the Middle East, from his first winter drive to war-torn Beirut to discovering the culinary treasures that shaped his palate.
