BA - The Club - Weekending with the locals

Seoul to Jeollanam-do region

Seoul might be a symbol of contemporary South Korea, but in Jeollanam-do, things move at a different pace. Here, it is all about history - in the Slow Cities of Jeungdo Island, Cheongsando Island and Damyany - the wildlife - the thousands of migratory birds on the island of Suncheoman Bay - and the scenery - the green tea fields of Boseong.

Rio to Buzios

Bridget Bardot put this once small fishing village on the map. Now it is a playground for the local elite who sip on caipirinhas while lazing on two-dozen sandy beaches, swimming in crystal-clear waters or surfing on the south coast before dining on oysters fresh from the sea.

Rome to Ponza

A playground for Rome's elite since ancient times, Ponza is a hideaway in the Mediterranean, a two-hour boat ride from the mainland. The laid-back pace of life makes it a perfect escape from the city, with days filled by dining on fresh fish and swimming in secret coves and emerald bays only accessible by boat.

London to the Cotswolds

With its iconic golden stone villages, the Cotswolds represent an idyllic view of the British countryside. Find history in Tetbury, local tradition in the Olimpicks, held near Chipping Camden every June, a famously foodie farmers' market in Stroud and scenic walks through gently rolling hills pretty much everywhere.

Toronto to Muskoka

Just two hours drive from Toronto, yet completely 'unplugged', Muskoka is a true outdoorsy adventure. 8,699 miles of shoreline means plenty of swimming and boating, stopping off for warm local welcomes in historic towns and villages. Inland lakes sit at the base of huge granite mountains - perfect for hiking, skiing and sledding.

Paris to Deauville

A fashionable weekend retreat, Deauville is famous for its horses. A jet-set crowd descend on this pretty seaside town for races, polo tournaments and horse shows where they admire - or even buy - prize-winning equine examples. And just to seal its style credentials, Deauville was where Coco Chanel opened her first boutique.

Boston to Nantucket

With its cute clapboard B&Bs and laid-back country club style by the sea, Nantucket is the quintessential East Coast escape. Here, life is slower, although no less stylish: Long walks on the protected Great Point beach, history at the Whaling Museum, local fare at Bartlett's Farm and the annual Wine Festival, a sunset picnic at Bradt's Point... And still back to Boston for work on Monday.

Barcelona to Sitges

With its blend of well-heeled and bohemian visitors, miles of sandy beaches and impressive, rugged mountain backdrop, it is not hard to see how the former fishing village of Sitges earned the title, 'St Tropez of Spain'. Chic restaurants sit side by side with local tavernas, while fishing boats vie with tourist water taxis setting out for swimming coves and secret beaches.

Gothenburg to Fjällbacka archipelago

Summer is when Sweden's most stylish descend on the thousands of islands on the west coast. The sleepy Fjällbacka archipelago and town is famous for its seafood and its literature - follow the footsteps of characters from crime writer Camilla Läckberg's novels - while history and wildlife dominate the 360 Weather Islands to the north. For food try Salt & Sill on Klädesholmen, or shop for clothes in the pretty boutiques on car-free Käringön.

Weekending with the locals