Alex Floyd-Douglass is a freelance writer and photographer who joined Time Out in 2022 as an in-house Airbnbs and hotels affiliate content writer, before returning to work as a freelancer. Today, she works with Time Out on a range of features, projects and campaigns as a freelance travel and branded copywriter.

With her dual South African-English heritage, Alex is based between Cape Town and London, enjoys writing about (and travelling) South Africa and capturing the spirit of the country through her lens, as well as watching the Springboks and working with the kids at her NPO, Mzansi's Rugby Academy.

Contact Alex at hello@theafricanrose.com, or view her portfolio on her website here

Alex Floyd-Douglass

Alex Floyd-Douglass

Freelance Branded Copywriter

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Articles (365)

The 9 best Airbnbs in Vancouver, BC

The 9 best Airbnbs in Vancouver, BC

The best trips to Vancouver rarely stick to the tourist checklist. They’re built around coffee in Mount Pleasant, sunset walks along the Seawall, afternoons at the beach and dinners you’ll still be thinking about weeks later. Whether you’re escaping for a long weekend or returning to a favourite city, these Airbnbs put you in the heart of the neighbourhoods that make Vancouver worth coming back to. RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to the best things to do in VancouverBest beaches in Vancouver right nowBest attractions in Vancouver
4 of the best south London pubs for watching Wimbledon this summer

4 of the best south London pubs for watching Wimbledon this summer

It's game, set and match as the annual Wimbledon Championships return to south London from June 29-July 12, bringing with them a host of world-famous players and a lot of nail-biting from the crowds (usually a who's-who of A-list celebrities and high-society, no less). Tickets sell like gold dust and are priced accordingly, naturally – especially if you want a prime position in Centre Court for the finals – but we've got a better idea: catching all the action of the best matches from brilliant pubs in south London. Sure, you don't get to see the sweat on the brows of Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper and Aryna Sabalenka up close, but you'll be served much-needed refreshments a hell of a lot quicker, while watching everything on the screen unfold much closer than you would perched atop Henman Hill. Luckily, Greene King offers some of the best watering holes near Wimbledon for catching the matches as close as possible, while the generous publicans behind their bars are serving up £3 glasses of Pimm's for those with their app ahead of the tournament from June 26-28.* Could there be a more quintessentially British way of kicking things off?
The 12 Best Airbnbs in Seattle for Every Type of Traveler

The 12 Best Airbnbs in Seattle for Every Type of Traveler

Seattle’s distinct neighborhoods offer vastly different vibes—from the bustling, coffee-fueled streets of downtown and Capitol Hill to the laid-back, misty shores of Alki Beach. While Seattle's boutique hotels are excellent, booking one of the best Airbnbs in Seattle unlocks a true Pacific Northwest experience. Whether you want a modern loft steps from Pike Place Market, a houseboat on Lake Union, or a cozy A-frame cabin tucked into the evergreen trees, we've curated the ultimate list of Seattle vacation rentals for 2026. Choose between stylish and modern loft apartments or the sweetest of tiny homes in friendly residential neighborhoods, and then get planning your itinerary of the best attractions, shops and restaurants to look around. We can guarantee it’s going to be one helluva trip—and it all starts in one of the best Airbnbs in Seattle. RECOMMENDED: 🚣‍♀️The best houseboat and waterfront Airbnbs in Seattle Top Picks at a GlanceBest for couples: The sky cabin in EastlakeBest for large groups: The A-frame on Bonney LakeBest for walkable nightlife: The historic loft in Pioneer SquareBest luxury stay: The lakefront cabin in Lake Tapps How we chose the best Airbnbs in Seattle: Every property on this list was meticulously vetted by Time Out’s travel editors. We prioritized Superhosts, properties with a 4.8+ star rating, unique architectural charm, and proximity to major transit or local neighborhood hubs. From deep-diving into guest reviews to evaluating modern amenities, t
The best hotels in Milan, reviewed by local experts

The best hotels in Milan, reviewed by local experts

Long dismissed as merely a business hub or a stopover en route to Italy’s more obvious postcard destinations, in recent years Milan has firmly stepped into its own spotlight. Yes, it remains the country’s capital of fashion, design and shopping, but there’s far more to it than glossy boutiques and Fashion Week crowds. Beneath the shiny surface lies a place rich in history, culture and neighbourhood life, its treasures often quieter and more understated than those of Rome or Florence, but no less rewarding once discovered. The city has transformed dramatically over the past decade, with new hotels, restaurants, galleries and cultural spaces reshaping entire neighbourhoods. And while the buzz surrounding the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics may have helped accelerate that momentum, Milan’s appeal now extends far beyond major events. Whether you’re here for aperitivo-fuelled weekends, serious shopping, contemporary art or simply to experience modern Italian city life at its most stylish, there’s a hotel to suit every kind of traveller – and every budget. June 2026 update: We've added three grand hotels that are sure to pique your interest: the Portrait Milano, The Carlton and Hotel Principe di Savoia.  ➡️ READ MORE: Our full guide to the best neighbourhoods in Milan The best hotels in Milan, at a glance 🏛️ Best for architecture lovers: Portrait Milano💶 Most affordable: Nhow Hotel📍 Best location: Park Hyatt Milano✨ Most unique design: STRAF Hotel🦉 Best for night owls: 21 House
All the ways to make the most of your European adventure this summer

All the ways to make the most of your European adventure this summer

It’s summer holiday season! Unfortunately, for loads of us, this means it’s also “looking through our phone contract’s fine print to find out just how much we’re going to get stung for using data roaming abroad” season. We’ve all been there: one minute, you need to use a map on your phone because you’re lost in a pretty Spanish neighbourhood, and the next, you’re looking down the barrel of a pretty hefty bill once you get back. O2 customers, however, don’t have to worry: O2 is the only major network that still offers free EU Roaming up to 25GB*, meaning that their customers can search for local recommendations, find directions, and make the most of their holidays, without any hidden charges on their return. But the good stuff doesn’t stop there: O2 customers also get access to the Priority app**, where there are currently plenty of exclusive rewards and experiences (including a Time Out Market voucher!) to take your trip from good to great.And here at Time Out, we’re all about using roaming to help you discover hidden gems and make the most of your travels. So while you’re taking full advantage of O2 Roaming and  Priority rewards, we at Time Out also wanted to arm you with our top recommendations for the best things to see, do and explore in four of our favourite European cities this summer – where you can also watch the beautiful game in beautiful places, of course. Consider these recs the cherry on top of your next adventure. Photography: ShutterstockBudapest, Hungary Bud
The 15 best Airbnbs in Edinburgh close to Old Town and New Town

The 15 best Airbnbs in Edinburgh close to Old Town and New Town

Airbnb has rapidly become the method of choice when it comes to finding somewhere to crash while you’re away. And you know what? Some of these Airbnbs in Edinburgh prove exactly why – they’re incredible. Whether you’re eyeing up somewhere for a future trip – say a little honeymoon perhaps – or you just fancy having a little nose around someone else’s house, these Edinburgh Airbnbs are definitely worth checking out.  And remember, there are a lot of incredible things to do in Edinburgh so when you’re visiting, make sure you check this incredible part of the world out properly. And once you’ve done that? Head out into the stunning Scottish countryside, before retiring to your Edinburgh Airbnb for a well-earned rest. Happy travels. Updated January 2025: We've done some digging and we've found new properties we think you should have on your radar. One is a chic apartment with stunning castle views and the other is a bright and beautiful Old Town flat. RECOMMENDED: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Head over to the best Airbnbs in the UK🏘️ Where to stay in Edinburgh🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Stay in the best Airbnbs in Glasgow 🏰 Check out the best hotels in Edinburgh Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content.
The best art classes in NYC

The best art classes in NYC

There are very few cities with the quantity of incredible art that NYC has to offer. New York has the single largest concentration of galleries anywhere, for one thing, and for another, has some of the finest museums in the world. And it's no surprise that being surrounded by such artistic wonders will spark a few creatives. We say, go for it, and channel your inner artiste. Why spend all of your time just looking at works of art or taking selfies with them when you can discover your inner Picasso or Van Gogh? We have just the list you need to find the best art classes in NYC for every taste and technique, from painting and sculpture to ceramics and silk-screen printing. RECOMMENDED: Find more classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: Best drawing classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: Best painting classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: Best pottery classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
The 13 best writing classes in NYC

The 13 best writing classes in NYC

Whether you want to write the next murder mystery and hope it gets picked up by Hollywood directors or you want to ensure that your work emails and reports are concise, grammatically correct, and rhetorically sound, these writing classes in NYC will help you put those ideas on paper. And hopefully into some of the best independent bookstores and NYC libraries (fingers crossed!). The remarkable literary institutions employ authors-cum-teachers to teach courses in everything from personal essays to poetry, so you’re sure to find a discipline that suits you. And if you need inspiration, re-reading the best books about New York should do the trick. Enjoy. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best BYOB painting classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 19 best pottery classes in NYC: including large group classes

The 19 best pottery classes in NYC: including large group classes

Here in New York, we’re surrounded by amazing art and sights. Our city is home to some of the best art galleries and museums in the world, not to mention mind-blowing street art and incredible sculptures. With so much creativity coming at you from all angles, you might get inspired to take some art classes and do some creating yourself. Maybe you’re into painting or drawing or dance, but if you’re looking for something to do with your hands, these pottery classes in NYC will help you creatively express yourself through ceramics. Learn to make handmade gifts for the holidays that everyone will love. Consider an NYC pottery class as an awesome date idea, too, and watch love bloom alongside your creativity. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. RECOMMENDED: 🗽 See our full guide to classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 19 best photography classes in NYC

The 19 best photography classes in NYC

Nowadays, you'll see almost everyone on the streets with their phones out, thinking they're professional photographers, trying to capture the perfect foodie pic or landmark landscape for their Insta. No shade though, smartphone cameras are pretty good when it comes to photo quality, and many of us are talented enough to get a great shot—even if we use filters that fix everything (no judgment here). NYC is a photographer's dream. Whether it’s iconic buildings, stunning city views, beautiful churches, pretty parks, or even incredible dishes and cocktails at the best restaurants and best bars in the city, you can get great shots of them all to share on social media. But for those who want to learn how to really capture the best pics, here are the best photography classes in NYC to get you started. Lights, camera, action. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
The 16 best painting classes in NYC

The 16 best painting classes in NYC

For anyone wanting to unleash their inner Picasso, New York City offers any number of painting classes where you can master some of the same techniques used by art history’s most famous artists or just kick back, chill out, and sip your favorite chardonnay as you swirl your brush around the canvas. We can’t guarantee that your work will find its way into the collection of one of NYC’s art museums, but we can say that you’re probably going to have a good time and maybe even learn something.If nothing else, discovering the ins and outs of the medium may give you a finer appreciation for the masterpieces you’ll see on your next trip to The Metropolitan Museum, MoMA, or the Guggenheim. And lest you’re wondering where to find the class best suited to your particular talents or aspirations, well, wonder no more: Just check out our guide to the best painting classes in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: Best art classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 11 best makeup classes in NYC

The 11 best makeup classes in NYC

It's time to turn off the TikTok tutorials and book one of the best makeup classes in NYC. No more hours wasted perfecting your eyeliner flick or cut-crease, learn from the best with hands-on training. Discover the best way to tackle beauty basics like foundation, or learn more skilled makeup techniques for bridal looks, and once you're up to speed, you might have to restock your makeup bag at one of the many beauty supply stores in NYC. Finish off your glam new look with manicured arches and smooth skin, courtesy of one of the best brow bars and best facials in NYC. Who knew a few cosmetics could leave you looking so chic? RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best photography classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Listings and reviews (2)

Lime Tree Hotel

Lime Tree Hotel

5 out of 5 stars
The Lime Tree Hotel serves an eclectic slice of the English countryside to the heart of London. Nestled just off the ‘prettiest street in London’ – otherwise known as Elizabeth Street – the 26-room Georgian boutique hotel offers a diverse mix of old-school accents, abstract art and wallpapers seeking a whole lot of attention. Inside the Generous Double, you’ll find tapestry curtains and dial-up radios juxtaposed with modern amenities such as a SmartTV, mood lighting and crisp white sheets on the well-sized double bed. Upon first glance, it’s easy to forget this is an ensuite until you discover the doorknob hidden among the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf wallpaper – yep, it’s pretty bold. While the bathroom is petite in size, the design is clean, modern and ideal for a quick refresh in the morning before devouring one of the on-site eatery’s divine breakfasts: go for the salmon and scrambled eggs with a side of avo – it's spectacular. The Buttery is fast becoming the go-to brunch spot in Belgravia and its not-so-secret-but-equally-magical garden is everything you could want from a sunny spot for clinking mimosas at noon. The Limetree is your very own low-cost London oasis – take full advantage. Neighbourhood: Situated in sloaney Belgravia, it’s pretty surprising to learn that this cosy bolthole is a five-minute walk from the wilderness that is Victoria Station on a Monday morning. Grab a coffee at TomTom and watch the array of locals – from families and pushchairs to suits on Bori
Treehouse Hotel

Treehouse Hotel

5 out of 5 stars
The Treehouse Hotel is everything you could want from a sustainable yet high-end (two words not often used together) hotel in London’s busiest district. Just steps away from Regent Street and the chaos that is Oxford Circus, this 95-room treehouse-come-hotel is covered head-to-toe in recycled wood, hanging plants and plastic-free interiors throughout. From the quirky room additions – think magic 8 balls, cuckoo clocks and Paddington Bears – to the earthy perks like birdie bed throws and tree branches in the otherwise uber-modern ensuite, the Treehouse knows how to bring a vibe. And if you’re looking to dine and drink with minimal effort, there are three fantastic choices on-site. For dinner, head to Pizzeria Mozza on the ground floor for authentic Italian fare with a flair: try the cauliflower fritti from the antipasti menu. It’s next level. Wind down with a nightcap at the rooftop bar, The Nest – complete with 360-degree city views and the kind of lighting to make your Christmas tree weep. Rise and shine from your super comfy bed the next morning, and enjoy a full English with a Mexican twist at Madera; the all-day restaurant serving anything from macchiatos to mezcals. Thoughtful comforts throughout the hotel include filtered water stations on each floor, personalised messages on your in-room SmartTV, complimentary sweet treats delivered room-service style and a distinct aroma flowing through the halls reminiscent of Abercrombie&Fitch back in 2010 – in a good way. It’s wort

News (2)

Airbnb has added some cool new filters to really whip up that winter wanderlust

Airbnb has added some cool new filters to really whip up that winter wanderlust

You might have seen that back in June, Airbnb added a few interesting filters to their search function, meaning users can now find a rental based on categories rather than just the location. It’s pretty neat, and it means that if the only place you’re really willing to stay in is a beachfront treehouse with a grand piano and a chef’s kitchen, you can totally search for exactly that.  And now they’ve just added a few more options for you to explore. You can now hunt down homes that are 10,000 feet above sea level, brand-new listings, ‘hanoks’ (traditional Korean homes made with natural materials), homes adapted for people with disabilities, and ‘play’ properties with things like basketball courts, games rooms and even water slides. As we say, pretty neat. But the search we’re finding especially interesting right now is ‘trending’ homes. These are the most viewed listings on Airbnb and we have to say it proves there actually is wisdom in the masses, on occasion. Don’t believe us? Check out these awesome pads.    The Baldy Mountain chalet overlooking Ten Mile Range, Colorado Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb The oceanfront beach house in Summerland, California Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb Big Blue Trace in Breckenridge, Colorado Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb Mountainview Barn House, Woodstock, New York State Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb The lakefront mansion in Indio, California   Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb The log cabin near Dollywood, Tennessee Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb
Airbnb just added some cool new categories – check out these high-altitude homes

Airbnb just added some cool new categories – check out these high-altitude homes

You might have seen that back in June, Airbnb added a selection of new filters to their search function, meaning users can now find a rental based on some pretty niche categories rather than just location and date range. So if the only place you’re willing to stay in is a beachfront treehouse with a grand piano and a chef’s kitchen, you can now search for exactly that. Pretty cool, eh? Well, they’ve just added even more options for you to explore. You can now hunt down the latest ‘trending’ homes and brand-new listings, as well as ‘hanoks’ (traditional Korean homes made with natural materials), homes adapted for people with disabilities, and properties with a ‘play’ element, like basketball courts, games rooms and even water slides.  But the new category we’re loving most? The ‘top of the world’ filter, which shows homes that are at least 10,000 feet above sea level. To give you a flavour of what’s on offer, we’ve picked some of our favourite sky-high rentals. See you halfway up the Himalayas? This architectural masterpiece in Breckenridge, Colorado Photograph: courtesy Airbnb A geocentric dome in the mountains between Cusco and Machu Picchu Photograph: courtesy Airbnb This lush home on the highest coastal mountain range in the world Photograph: courtesy Airbnb A nature lodge in Nepal, with views of the Everest Region Photograph: courtesy Airbnb This spectacular villa above the clouds in Quito, Ecuador Photograph: courtesy Airbnb Pretty spectacular, right? Next thi