Celebrity mountain

Cheryl Cole and co were not the only stars of Comic Relief's Kilimanjaro climb. This famous mountain is enjoying a turn in the spotight - but climbing it is no joke, says mountaineer Ed Douglas

The best retreats

As well as providing a space for quiet contemplation, convents and monasteries can be a great source of cheap and characterful accommodation

How to survive the slopes

A first-time skiing trip needn't mean six weeks in plaster, if you follow a few simple rules, says Phil Daoust

Eat, drink and be … healthy?

Who said getting in shape had to be hard work? A new Italian spa puts its faith in the restorative powers of chocolate, truffles and red wine. By Helen Pickles

Learn to not give a …

Desperate to avoid mung beans and chanting, Ian Belcher finds a hedonistic retreat in the Italian hills where he is actively encouraged to eat, drink and swear. A lot