Paris by night
There’s only one ski resort on the map this week: Park City, which is co-hosting the Sundance Film Festival, where the Hollywood elite (er, and Paris Hilton, much to Robert Redford’s chagrin) dust off their salopettes and pretend to be bohemian for ten days. The festival ends tomorrow and the resort will empty out; take advantage of availability and head there for some celebrity gossip. Ski Independence (0845 3103030, www.ski-independence.co.uk) has a ten-night trip from £1,045pp, including flights, transfers and accommodation. Details: www.parkcity.com
At a stretch
There are few greater pleasures in life than slumbering in a shady hammock, and now you need never be without one, with the fabulous Executive Hammock. It packs into a small box, so you can take it on walking trips, boating holidays or villa weeks — anywhere with a couple of trees to sling it between. Executive Hammock costs £11.95 from www.paramountzone.com.
Hostel reveries
College reunion, family get-together, or just an indulgent break with friends — if you’ve always fancied a house-party weekend but never had the budget, youth hostels may offer the answer. For the first time, non-members are now able to rent entire hostels — some from as little as £7pp per night, and some offer a bar and meal service, so that nothing interrupts some serious reminiscing. Details: 0870 7708868, www.yha.org.uk.
Berry interesting
Forget browsing the duty-free aisles while you wait for a flight — polish up your BlackBerry technique, courtesy of the Virgin Clubhouse at Heathrow, which is running one-to-one BlackBerry clinics from 9am- 5pm on weekdays. Upper Class passengers only need apply. Details: www.virginatlantic.com.
Carved in stone
If you’re gearing up for Valentine’s Day, consider creating a monument to your feelings in the Lake District. Come up with a message of no more than 25 words and the best will be carved into a metre-high piece of rock and placed by Windermere (www.golakes.co.uk).
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Annabelle Thorpe
Moment in the sun
New York’s glammiest eateries briefly become affordable when Winter Restaurant Week kicks off on Monday — 200 restaurants will offer bargain set-menu meals. Details: www.nycvisit.com.
Out in the cold
Libya will become a sun-free zone with a total eclipse on March 29. The Libyan Sahara is the best place to see the eclipse. Lonely Planet has created a free guide on how to get the best from the experience. Details: www.lonelyplanet.com.