Title: The Sunday Times Travel (online) Date: December 1 st 2011 Circulation: N/A

The Sunday Times Travel Readers' Awards 2011

You voted, we counted. Now, the world of travel has a new galaxy of stars – both big names and little-known gems whose time it is to shine

The Sunday Times Travel Magazine Published: 1 December 2011

Video highlights of The Sunday Times Travel Magazine Readers' Awards 2011

Places to go

Your most desirable destinations, from Brighton to Beirut

UK citybreak

1. Edinburgh 2. London 3. Brighton

The competition between the English and Scottish capitals came down to a photo finish. Edinburgh gets brownie points for being ‘easily walkable’ and for its down-to-earth charm. ‘There are world-class restaurants, but you can still get deep-fried haggis,’ explains Carol Paten from Peterborough. And as Colin Fitch from East Riding points out: ‘Where else can you see castles and Greek columns?’

You love the buzz of the Big Smoke, where the ‘east London regeneration and new Stratford City Mall’ gets a big tick from Thiagarajan Ramachanndran. Lauren Paton suggests: ‘Watch the ducks from bed! On the Water is a houseboat B&B on the canal near Regent’s Park.’

Brighton snagged third place for its kiss-me-quick vibe and independent spirit: ‘You won’t find many chains,’ says Susie Garrod from London W9. But as much as Jody Ingram from London N15 loves the place, she issues a warning: ‘Avoid the main thoroughfares when the stags and hens are on the rampage.’ Also in the running are ‘pretty’ Bath, and Manchester: ‘The Northern Quarter is cooler than Shoreditch,’ says Chantal Blum.

Best day trip: York ‘York is prettier than London and you can cover it easily: wander on the Shambles, stop for a scone in Bettys and visit the cathedral.’ Michael Franklin, Derbyshire

UK rural break

1. The Lake District 2. Cornwall 3. Pembrokeshire

You’re country bumpkins at heart, looking for excuses to escape in any direction – Norfolk, Yorkshire, the Cotswolds, Northumberland, Devon and Dorset all scored highly. The Lake District shunts last year’s winner into second place, helped on its way to victory by a good helping of nostalgia:

‘I spent many university weekends camping in the Lakes. It brings back memories of utter freedom,’ recalls Beverley Brookes from Hertfordshire. John Cunningham describes the region as ‘a condensed version of New Zealand’s South Island.’ But perhaps the loftiest words of all come from Maggie Chambers: ‘We Yorkshire folk think the Lakes are the gateway to heaven.’

Cornwall bags votes for its beaches and balmy weather, but romantic Malcolm Wearn doesn’t give a hoot about the temperature: ‘It’s best in February, with the sea crashing on the rocks and a log fire in the evening.’ Pembrokeshire scores because ‘it’s often quieter than the UK’s other honeypots’, ‘you’ll find some of the best walking in the UK’, and as Marc Giddings from Gloucestershire points out: ‘Mobile phones don’t tend to work.’

Best for ‘quiet-time ’: The Highlands ‘We head to Ross-shire every September. The scenery is epic, and you’re guaranteed solitary strolls and the freshest seafood.’ Joan Bailey, Manchester

European citybreak

1. Rome 2. Berlin 3. Barcelona

Readers’ Awards shocker: Paris misses out on a place in the top three. Competition in this category was razor-sharp this year, and the romantics among you put the French capital a close fourth for ‘bike rides along the Seine’ and ‘dining à deux in dimly-lit bistros’. Venice and Stockholm were also contenders, but it’s the Italian capital that gets the most love: ‘Something interesting and ancient lies around every corner,’ says Paul Stockall from Worcester. It’s not just the Colosseum that gets you going; you can’t get enough of the ‘life-changing carbonara’ or ‘that ice cream’. Romaine Barton from Essex takes it one step further: ‘I’d sell my grandmother for an espresso from the little yellow coffee shop that’s behind the Pantheon.’ Berlin bags second place because it’s ‘untouristy’, ‘stylish’, and ‘best of all, cheap’, compared with other European big-hitters. In at No. 3, Barcelona’s Gaudí buildings and tapas come high on your hit list. Laura Whitehurst from Birmingham sums up its appeal succinctly: ‘Great architecture, beach and sun – the perfect citybreak’.

Best on a small scale : Siena ‘Siena takes the title for its lovely, car-free town centre, Santa Maria della Scala Museum (better than anything you’ll find in Florence) and perfect pasta.’ Olivia Ludgate, Lancashire

European beach destination

1. Southern Spain 2. Greek Islands 3. Croatia

‘Heaven is a jug of chilled Cava Sangria and a Spanish sunset,’ avows Veronica Preston from Kent. And she’s not the only one getting excited about Spain. Costa de la Luz (pictured) gets glowing reviews for being ‘so close to Africa, it feels exotic’. The more out-of-the-action parts of the Costa del Sol did well, too, and Reiss Culmer even helpfully recommends his favourite stretch of sand: ‘Untouristy Las Rotas beach in Denia (near Alicante)’.

Southern Spain might be bringing home the cup this year, but the South of France, Portugal, Cyprus and the Balearic and Aeolian islands all scored well. You love Greece for its value for money and variety, with Kefallonia and Mykonos rated highly. Lynden Swainston can’t decide which bits of the country he likes best: ‘the black sands of Santorini, honey-coloured Crete, and those white-on-blue postcard views’.

It was neck-and-neck between out-of-the-Euro-zone Croatia and Turkey for third, with the former helped to victory by Zoe Sheldon, who ‘had the best night of my life, partying with oligarchs on Hvar’ – sadly she doesn’t elucidate.

Best footprint-free : Montenegro ‘Quiet coves, bargain B&Bs and sleepy little towns – we booked again for next summer as soon as we got home. Just don’t tell everyone about it.’ Roger Smythe, Surrey

Worldwide beach destination

1. Maldives 2. Barbados 3. Mozambique

When it comes to romantic sojourns, the Maldives is ‘just dreamy’. Some respondents love the destination because ‘it’s even prettier under the water than it is on top’. Others, like Roy Catchpole from Cheshire, are smitten as ‘there’s nothing to do, other than read and sleep’.

The Caribbean snagged a hefty number of votes, with Barbados edging Saint Lucia and Jamaica out of the running thanks to its ‘lovely locals’, ‘talcum- powder beaches’ and, specifically, ‘the kingfish sashimi at Lone Star restaurant’. For those of you who prefer your sandy swathes more unexplored, Mozambique hits the spot for being ‘like the Maldives was 20 years ago’. Other exotic options that get your juices flowing include Japan’s Okinawa, Hawaii, Zanzibar and the Philippines: ‘Boracay Island has one of the best beaches in the world,’ says Angus Scott-Brown. In spite of all that, not everyone favours the exotic, far-flung destinations. ‘Pembrokeshire beats them all,’ says Eileen Jolliffe, with conviction.

Best little-known beach : Los Roques, Venezuela ‘Los Roques are 350 gorgeous islands sprinkled across the Caribbean Sea. The white-sand beaches are the best I’ve seen –you’ll easily have one to yourself.’ Marika Johnson, Devon

European adventure destination

1. Iceland 2. Norway 3. Swiss Alps

Whale-watching, geysers, hot tubs and snow-mobiling – just an average holiday for Elaine Fox-Packer from Surrey. And Elaine is only one of hundreds shouting about Iceland’s ‘thrilling Martian landscapes’.

Others love trekking in the Pyrenees, railing through Russia, and climbing the Dolomites, but it’s the snow that gives you real shivers of excitement, and for that, Norway is your pick. You like ‘nights looking for the Northern Lights’, ‘husky-sledding’ and even ‘ice-fishing’. Skiers can’t get enough of Switzerland’s ‘epic runs’. James Davies’ list of Swiss must-dos includes: ‘canyoning, cycling and white-water rafting’, but he also rates ‘snowball fights and fondue’.

Best one to watch : Andorra ‘This tiny principality is home to some of the best ski slopes in Europe. And Barcelona is just down the road. Sightseeing and skiing – the perfect break!’ Andrew Paton, Berkshire

Worldwide citybreak

1. New York 2. Bangkok 3. Marrakech You’ve clearly racked up some serious air miles between you – Tokyo, Washington, Sydney, Buenos Aires, San Francisco, Hong Kong and Hanoi all pull in points. Despite the diversity, the Big Apple still manages to claim a massive 50 per cent of the votes, taking first place with ease. For Helen Taylor of Inverness, New York’s appeal is obvious: ‘shopping, shopping, shopping’; Sophie Naylor from West Sussex is all about the ‘burgers and secret, speakeasy cocktail bars’; but Trudy Royal from Suffolk is the lone dissenting voice: ‘loud, brash, busy – yuk’. Bangkok wins silver for ‘gold-smothered temples’, ‘manic markets’ and those all-important ‘3am foot massages’. Exotic Marrakech bags bronze for being ‘as different from the UK as you can get in four hours’.

Best nightlife : Beirut, Lebanon ‘The bars blow London’s out of the water – go to Pacifico for cocktails and Crystal (both on Monot Street) for dancing!’ Ben Williams, Bristol

Worldwide adventure destination

1. Australia 2. India 3. Argentina

Proving that you’re not afraid to schlep to the other side of the world to get your adrenaline fix, Australia takes gold with ease. You like the feeling of space (‘you can go for miles without meeting anyone’), the easy adventures (‘the Blue Mountains are right on Sydney’s doorstep’), and the variety (‘reef, Outback, surfing, skiing’). William Whyte has been five times and still has a wishlist to get through, while Steven Chalmers of Kent goes for the ‘scary spiders’. Anyone else?

No, that’s just you then, Steven. India scores well for temples, tiger-watching and curries, or if you’re Kate Bex from London SW10, ‘crossing the country on a motorbike’. Next is Argentina, where Robert Seasonwein from Washington, USA, enjoys ‘fishing and hiking in the foothills of the Andes, followed by wine and spas’.

Outside the top three, the USA is top for: ‘classic, turn-up-the-stereo’ roadtrips; you love outdoor activities in New Zealand; while Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Kenya are your safari picks.

Best trekking : Nepal ‘Those snow-smothered peaks, yaks plodding across emerald planes and, of course, Everest Base Camp – we’re not hardy hikers, but we loved every minute of it.’ Sharon Attley, Shropshire

You commended the Mark Warner kids programme (getty)

Travel companies...

The tour operators and organisations that make you feel you’re in safe hands

Specialist tour operator

1. Journey Latin America 2. Bridge & Wickers 3. Crystal

‘They never make you feel stupid when you ask lots of questions,’ says an enthusiastic Lynden Swainston, London SW14, of winners Journey Latin America. More praise for the staff comes in the shape of their ‘would-carry-you-if-they-could guides’. Bridge & Wickers’ ‘can-do attitude’ pushes them to second place, and makes them your favourite tour operator for Australia and New Zealand. ‘Reassuringly experienced’ Crystal is top of your list when it comes to hitting the slopes.

Best tour guide : Inside Japan ‘My friend and I only had two days in Kyoto and we knew which experiences we wanted, but had no idea how to make them happen. Inside Japan matched us with Toby (Toshiro Sugihara). He knew the exact temple we’d seen in a Japanese film, recommended an amazing traditional tempura restaurant, and we even spotted a real-life geisha (very rare these days). He was a superstar.’ Sonia Ford, London SW16

Villa company

1. James Villa Holidays 2. HomeAway 3. Mallorca Farmhouses

Once bitten, twice shy. It seems that many of you have been duped by some companies’ brochures, citing accuracy of description as your top priority when it comes to booking a villa holiday. For this, James Villa Holidays comes out on top:

‘What you see is what you get, and it’s always divine.’ In second place, HomeAway is ‘best for bargains’ and, again, gets cheers for those all-important ‘spot-on descriptions’. Mallorca Farmhouses manages to hold its own against the likes of villa giants CV Travel, beating them into third place, thanks to its ‘rustic-chic’ properties hidden in the island’s pretty countryside – ‘I loved our villa so much that I redecorated when we got home,’ says Teresa Sullivan from Essex. Now that’s serious!

Best welcome : Think Sicily ‘We were greeted in the best way possible – with a bottle of Prosecco, local red wine and a picnic of cold meats, olives and just-baked bread.’ Joanne Stevenson, Cumbria

Family tour operator

1. Mark Warner 2. Virgin Holidays 3. Thomson

Accolades for Mark Warner come from both sides: ‘They recognise not everyone wants children around them on holiday,’ says Helen Jackson of London E17. ‘The chalet girls even volunteer to help with kids’ ski lessons,’ praises Hannah Mitchell of London SW6. They only just pip Virgin Holidays though, who do well for ‘great in-flight kids’ packs’ and because ‘they realise that even parents want to stay somewhere glam.’ Big guns Thomson and Thomas Cook lock horns for third, with Thomson pulling it out of the bag for ‘bargain-basement rates’.

Best for budding explorers: Cox & Kings ‘After we had children, we thought that exotic trips were out of the question, but the four of us have just returned from Laos and Cambodia, and both of our kids (eight and 11) loved every minute – our guide even managed to make the temple visits fun!’ Morris Hill, London SW11

Adventure tour operator

1. Trailfinders 2. Audley 3. Explore

If the staff at Trailfinders weren’t so ‘genuinely lovely’, they’d have big heads given the flattering things you say about them, not least Krzysia Gossage from Oxfordshire: ‘They’ve saved our bacon twice! Once when our safe was stolen and again when a yellow fever scare hit South Africa. They moved heaven and earth so we could enjoy our holidays.’ Audley provides inspiration: ‘great ideas when you’re not sure what you want’. And Explore wins third place for ‘local knowledge’, and getting Iain Watson into Tibet, ‘impossible as a solo traveller’.

Best train journey : Ffestiniog Travel ‘We had the most romantic honeymoon – a rail journey through Canada’s Rockies, to Niagara Falls and Toronto.’ Katherine Jones, Essex

Luxury tour operator

1. Kuoni 2. Scott Dunn 3. Elegant Resorts

The winner of the luxe category, Kuoni, gets a glowing report: ‘Gave us the honeymoon from heaven – upgrades and all’; ‘the best portfolio of hotels on the planet’; ‘we’d rather pay extra and go on half as many holidays’. Scott Dunn is the way to go for ‘bling ski holidays’ and ‘trips of a lifetime’. And while Elegant Resorts had to wrangle third place from Abercrombie & Kent’s grasp, as Kay Robertson, London SW3, points out, you don’t even need to leave the house to enjoy an Elegant Resorts holiday: ‘The brochure is enough to set me off,’ she says.

Best treat : Bellini Travel ‘We had to pay, but Bellini got us private access into the Sistine Chapel – I felt like Madonna.’ Kirsty O’Shea, Edinburgh

Travel website

1. Thesundaytimes.co.uk/travel 2. Skyscanner.net 3. TravelSupermarket.com

We’re not ones to brag, so bear with us while we blow our own trumpet. You voted for The Sunday Times Travel website because of ‘knock-your-socks-off images’ and ‘trustworthy reviews’. Travel Plus subscribers love the discounts and competitions. Tripadvisor divides the camp, so loses out. ‘I’m losing faith in the site’s truthfulness!,’ says Al Bird from Cirencester. TravelSupermarket scores for being ‘so straightforward, even my dad uses it’, but Skyscanner beats it with nifty extra features, ie, ‘genius interactive graphs’.

Best newcomer: Tripbod.com ‘I was going to New York alone, so I made friends with a local student through Tripbod.com. He helped plan my trip and tailor-made his suggestions to my interests. We even met up when I arrived.’ Tom Green, Surrey

Green travel award

1. The Scarlet, Cornwall 2. Responsible Travel 3. Six Senses

You care about the environment, but don’t want green credentials shoved in your face – phrases like ‘they don’t bang on about it’ and ‘they’re not hippy- dippy’ crop up. Nominations for this new category varied from B&Bs to tour operators to ‘the city of Stockholm’. But luxe hotel The Scarlet gets the most love for its ‘genuine ethos and stunning decor’. Also, as Elaine Vaughn from Kent notes: ‘it’s in the UK, so no air miles!’ Praise for Six Senses is in the same vein: ‘Six Senses in Jordan is working hard on its sustainability,’ says Rita Booth from Staffordshire. And tour operator Responsible Travel claims silver for fun holidays with purpose: ‘I loved doing (easy) research on reefs in Honduras.’ We bet, Tilly Cansell of Manchester.

Best back to nature : Inkaterra, Peru 'We got nose-to-nose with nature in a luxury treehouse. The resort protects areas of rainforest, too.’ Gavin Codling, Hampshire

You loved the 'blow your mind' massages at Amanpuri in Phuket (HO)

Places to stay...

From urban sleeps to rustic chic – your favourite beds around the globe

UK city hotel

1. Hotel du Vin, Brighton 2. ABode, Manchester 3. Hoxton Hotel, London

An absence of big chains reveals you’re paid-up members of the boutique brigade, and bubbling with praise for the Hotel du Vin group: ‘We love the big beds, giant bathrooms and mini bottles of Champagne,’ says Hazel Hewlett from Bedfordshire. The Brighton outpost came out on top, thanks to ‘suites with his-and-hers baths’ and roasts ‘as good as Mum’s’. The Manchester branch of ABode, with its celebrity chef, is your favourite base up north: ‘We love Michael Caines!’ yells a fan. And while nominations for your top sleep in the English capital were split – from grande dame The Dorchester to chic pub- with-rooms The Fox and Anchor – it’s The Hoxton’s ‘trendy location’, ‘cute Pret brekkies’ and brilliant room sales (‘I got one for a pound!’) that keep the votes coming in.

Best city apartment : Base2Stay, London ‘We like cooking our own breakfast in these dinky serviced studios (from £113). The Earls Court location is exceedingly handy, too.’ Georgina Cordingly, Cheshire

UK resort hotel

1. Lime Wood, Hampshire 2. The Grove, Hertfordshire 3. Gleneagles, Perthshire Hundreds of you have road-tested Lime Wood since its 2009 opening, and you like what you see. ‘It’s stylish and elegant with no airs and graces,’ says Jonathan Gibson from Bournemouth; many of you also get excited about the ‘rose-scented massages’ in its spa. The Grove is hot on its heels, mind you; as Jonathan Greene from Wandsworth points out: ‘It is so beautiful, you have no idea you are a stone’s throw from Watford’. A single-minded Alessia Simpson from Swanage advises: ‘Arrive hungry, go for the seven-course tasting menu, and leave room for killer Eggs Benedict the next day.’ Last year’s winner, Gleneagles, is still lauded for its ‘old-school elegance’ and, of course, ‘the golf’. Namechecks go to ‘exquisite’ Sharrow Bay in Cumbria, ‘glam’ Babington House in Somerset and Cornish ‘foodie heaven’ St Enodoc.

Best country pub with rooms : The Gurnard’s Head, Cornwall ‘We love pigging out on fresh fish and chocolate pudding here, then going for a stroll in the sea air.’ Jamie Robinson, Surrey

European city hotel

1. Hotel Arts, Barcelona 2. Rome Cavalieri, Rome 3. Soho House, Berlin

The Merrion in Dublin, Venice’s Cipriani and new (Philippe Starck-designed) kid on the block Le Royal Monceau in Paris all deserve a pat on the back for their performances in this category. But it stands to reason that your three favourite hotels are in your top European cities. Hotel Arts in Barcelona takes the glory because of its lovely extras: ‘the best outdoor pool in the city’ and ‘glorious flowers’. The super-plush Rome Cavalieri nabs second place, and for Hannah Larsen, London SW17, it was love at first sight: ‘I decided over a pomegranate juice that I would have my wedding here!’ Meanwhile, Soho House blasts more established Berlin bases out of the water because it embodies the city’s trendy vibe: ‘It’s as cool as a chilled cucumber,’ remarks Harry Sumner from London SW11. Others applaud its good rates.

Best breakfast : Le Meurice, Paris ‘It isn’t cheap, but the soft-boiled eggs with carrot, pear and curry emulsion were life-changing.’ Phil Tomlinson, Nottingham

European resort hotel

1. Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc, Antibes 2. Sani Resort, Halkidiki, Greece 3. JK Place, Capri

According to you lot, Karl Lagerfeld has good taste in hotels. The Chanel designer chose to show off his resort collection at your favourite last summer, and the South of France showstopper gets your votes for suitably glamorous reasons: ‘You feel like a film star,’ declares Joanna Hunter, London N5. Marc Giddings from Gloucestershire is more down-to-earth: ‘There are carpets on garden paths – mad.’ Plenty of Spanish hotels just missed out on a prize, among them ‘bonkers beautiful’ Cap Rocat and last year’s winner, La Residencia, both in Mallorca; alongside Finca Cortesin, home to ‘the best pool I’ve ever seen’. It’s the staff and ‘stellar service’ that push Sani Resort into second: ‘They know your name and room number within 24 hours,’ remarks Debbie Stratford, from Surrey. ‘It’s extraordinary.’ Yet another style den comes third – JK Place is ‘sexy’ and ‘so gorgeous, my girlfriend burst into tears’. With a hit list as chic as this lot, it looks like we’d better start saving.

Best family-friendly : La Manga Club, Spain ‘Tennis lessons, a cricket club and a junior sports academy – you’ll barely see your little ones! And that leaves plenty of time for the spa.’ Julie Tyler, Sheffield

Worldwide city hotel

1. The Peninsula, Hong Kong 2. St Regis, New York 3. Raffles, Singapore

Demonstrating your love of the finer things, Rene Chang, London SE21, helped nudge The Peninsula from third place last year to the No. 1 spot because: ‘I like being met at the airport by a Rolls-Royce.’ Who doesn’t? The Hong Kong outpost of this classy hotel group also gets plaudits for its ‘mind-reading staff’; and according to Ruth George, ‘You can’t beat the brilliant vibe and showstopping views from the Felix Bar.’ Raffles is ‘an iconic, bucket-list hotel’, and the St Regis is lauded for its Alain Ducasse restaurant and butler service: ‘They can make anything happen,’ says Margaret Jarman of Sussex. Four Seasons narrowly misses out – plenty of its properties made the shortlist, but you can’t agree on which is best.

Best boutique bed : Luxx, Bangkok ‘Minimalist, modern Luxx is much more chic than the mega-hotels.’ Chris Cunningham, Kent

Worldwide resort hotel

1. Amanpuri, Phuket, Thailand 2. Huvafen Fushi, Maldives 3. Coral Reef Club, Barbados

Amanpuri had to slug this one out with neighbouring Thai palaces Anantara on Koh Samui and the Banyan Tree, Phuket. But thanks to its celebrity guests – ‘Kate Moss has stayed!’ – and ‘blow-your-mind massages’, the flagship Amanresort scrapes first place. Huvafen Fushi is your favourite Indian Ocean retreat, with the flashy underwater spa and wine cellar getting rave reviews. Howard Healey from Buckinghamshire is more easily pleased, though: ‘I loved watching the fish through the glass sections of floor.’ Barbados stalwart Coral Reef Club won votes for its ‘gobsmackingly-beautiful beach’ and good all- inclusive rates. Best budget bed : Novotel, Lombok ‘Don’t let the brand put you off: the villas come with private pools, the beachside location is perfectly peaceful, and rates start at £40!’ Laura Whitehurst, Birmingham

UK spa

1. Champneys, Hampshire 2. Ragdale Hall, Leicestershire 3. Thermae Spa, Bath

Plenty of you are getting your knickers in a twist over the ‘natural thermal waters’ and ‘views from the rooftop pool’ at Bath’s Thermae Spa. Also in the running: ‘classy’ Grayshott in Surrey, the spa at London’s ‘super-luxurious’ Mandarin Oriental and ‘calming’ Cowley Manor in the Cotswolds. But the gloves come off at the top, as last year’s winner, Ragdale Hall, is knocked into second place by Champneys’ flagship outpost. You swear by the ‘miracle- working Elemis wraps and deep-tissue massages’ and like the fact ‘they serve proper grub, none of that macrobiotic nonsense’. There’s still enthusiasm for Ragdale, mind: ‘My wife enjoyed her stay, and looked so much better for it’. Not sure you should say that to her, David Copp, of Dorset.

Best deals : Titanic Spa, Yorkshire ‘We each got an overnight stay, spa access, full board and a treatment for £109. Best girls’ weekend ever!’ Becky Garvey, Sheffield

International spa

1. Como Shambhala Estate, Bali 2. Le Mas Candille, France 3. The BodyHoliday, LeSPORT, Saint Lucia

Phew, this one was a scrap, with Chiva Som and a handful of the Six Senses spas just missing out on a podium place. There wasn’t much to separate the winners either, but Como Shambhala’s ‘holistic programmes’, ‘herbal facials’ and ‘silky seared tuna with orange and avocado’ just pip ‘easy-to-get-to’ Le Mas Candille, with its ‘glorious hot tubs’ and ‘twinkly views of the Côte d’Azur’. Saint Lucia’s BodyHoliday LeSPORT is No. 3 for being ‘not as pricey as you’d think’; also ‘you can do as much or little as you like’.

Best boot camp : Wildfitness ‘I signed up for the Crete boot camp and barely noticed I was exercising – all the classes take place on the beach.’ Amanda Davies, Yorkshire

Whale watching in Iceland made the country one of your favourite destinations (Getty)

On the move

Your favourite ways to travel the skies in style

Short-haul airline

1. British Airways 2. EasyJet 3. Jet2

Guess which airline gets the most stick in this category. That’s right, Ryanair, we’re talking about you. The big surprise is that British Airways beats the no- frills carriers to the short-haul crown for the first time this year – looks like you’ve finally had a bellyful of all those pesky add-ons and sneaky extra charges. ‘When you add up all the hidden costs, BA is the same price as the low-cost carriers and it’s also infinitely more enjoyable,’ explains Tom Fieldgrass from Norfolk. Meanwhile, EasyJet comfortably takes second place, thanks to punctuality, its new fleet and the fact that ‘they haven’t tried to charge us to use the loo yet’. says Stella Bailey. Third place was a bun-fight, but Jet2 snatches victory from the arms of Bmi and Flybe for good luggage allowance, civilised timings and for accepting Nectar points. Best faff-free : CityJet ‘Minimal check-in time, no baggage fees and just a quick Tube ride home from City Airport – it’s blissful’. Annabel Rayner, London W9

Long-haul airline

1. Virgin Atlantic 2. Cathay Pacific 3. Singapore Airlines

Virgin leaves others in its vapour trail. ‘The best entertainment’ says Steven Micklesen of Potters Bar. ‘The chilled-out staff are much better than headmistress-types you get on other airlines,’ says Zoe Soper (who could she mean?); and easy-to-please Ruth Thomas likes the ‘pretty planes’.

Cathay was helped to second place by Alfred Ashton, because ‘they’re generous with wine’ (nice to see you lot have got your priorities in order). Everyone agrees on third-place Singapore: ‘brilliant service’, ‘faultless’, ‘nothing is too much trouble’. And bringing up the rear: Emirates and BA.

Best little wonder : Air New Zealand ‘I always fly to LA with Air NZ – great food, great staff. And David Hasselhoff rides a toy horse in the ad campaign. What’s not to love?’ Christine Warren, Berkshire

Cruise operator

1. P&O Cruises 2. Cunard 3. Noble Caledonia

‘Never been on one, never will;’ ‘don’t do cruises;’ ‘I’d rather jump off the back of one.’ It’s fair to say some of you are touchy over the c-word. But rave reviews suggest you shouldn’t knock it until you try it. ‘It felt like we were in an Agatha Christie novel,’ said Julian Francis, Eastbourne, of his Noble Caledonia cruise, ‘in a good way!’ Cunard does well with its old-world charm and staff-to-guest ratio; but P&O takes top spot for experience and value.

Best for polar-bear sightings : Quark Expeditions ‘We saw polar bears and more on our Arctic cruise, and felt safe as houses every step of the way.’ Tom Whitton, Cambridge

Airport

1. Heathrow Terminal 5 2. Singapore Changi 3. London City

Terminal 5 sweeps the board, with 60 per cent of votes. You love the valet parking, shops, and Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food: ‘It makes me feel almost relaxed before catching a flight, and that’s no mean feat,’ says Paul Stockall of Worcester. Singapore Changi takes silver for its ‘swimming pool with runway views’, and London City nets third ‘because it’s just so damn convenient’. No need to swear, James Peskin of London E11.

Best duty-free : Hong Kong International ‘It’s better than Bond Street. I did all my holiday shopping – Prada, Chanel – while I was waiting for my connecting flight and saved around 25 per cent.’ Janet Swann, Middlesex