Founded in 1981, Wolsey Lodges is a consortium of 188 privately owned houses providing lodging in England, Scotland and Wales. Arrivals are treated as family or friends, rather than guests, and often dine with their hosts. 

Entries include stylish houses in London and Edinburgh, but most are in the countryside. Even a Scottish castle is listed.

Bed and breakfast ranges from £25 (near $45) to £90 ($161) per person per night, with an average of £38-£40 ($68-$72). Optional dinners...

Sri Lanka is an often forgotten but absolutely fascinating travel destination. A friend and I were most fortunate to travel there for 10 days in April ’03 with Ceylon Tours, Ltd. (8A Sir Ernest de Silva Ave., Colombo 07, Sri Lanka; phone +94-75-531611, e-mail info@ceylontours.com).

We covered most of the large and diverse island in an air-conditioned auto with the same driver/guide throughout. All the hotels were the equivalent of 3- or 4-star hotels in the U.S., and the tour...

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2004, Relais & Châteaux includes 450 privately owned hotels and restaurants in 50 countries around the world, each establishment adhering to the association’s quality charter.

Gift certificates, in denominations of $50, $100 or $500 and valid for two years, can be used for gourmet dining, hotel accommodations, spa treatments and other amenities and may be purchased by calling 877/334-6464 or visiting www.relaischateaux.com/gift.

To order...