Shoreditch has a cool new hangout: The Curtain, a hotel and private members’ club from the hip American hotelier Michael Achenbaum. The highlight is a rooftop brasserie and “Moroccan-style” pool, available to members and guests only. The minimalist rooms, which have red-brick walls and a warehouse feel, start at £240. There are also cocktail bars and restaurants serving tacos, fried chicken and “Obama’s short ribs”. The restaurants are open to the public (thecurtain.com).
Visitor rules change at Machu Picchu
From next month visitors to Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel in Peru, will have to book one of two visitor slots — from 6am to noon or noon to 4.30pm. Tourists will also be required to hire official guides. Explore, which offers a ten-night Inca Trail Trek with flights, hotels and guides from £1,699pp, welcomed the move (explore.co.uk).
Cheap ski deals
As summer begins it seems crazy to plan a ski trip, but Ski Total (01483 791935, skitotal.com) has released its first winter breaks, with some great deals. Stay at the Chalet Champs Avalins in Val d’Isère for a week, departing on January 21, for £624pp, with meals, flights and transfers. Two-for-one ski hire is available.