world reviewer
James Dunford Wood
Member statistics
- Member since
- 29th June 2007
Founder and former MD of Travelintelligence.com, James teamed up with online publisher James Blackwell to launch Worldreviewer in the summer of 2007.
James has spent much of his life travelling: from early voyages across the sands of the Sahara and up the Niger to Timbuktou, to one of the last of the 'Magic Buses' to run the route from the Charing Cross Road to Delhi, from jail in Morocco to the snows of Kilamanjaro. In between his own travels he worked in the film business, but his yearning for travel eventually took him back on the road permanently, working as a guide for a number of major tour companies throughout the 1990s. He led groups of tourists through the remoter regions of Central Asia, up the Yangste and along the more well trodden paths of Western Europe. More recently he was director and managing editor of 'London This Week' magazine, before founding Travel Intelligence with AA Gill in April 2000, and World Reviewer with James Blackwell in 2007.
Writing on Travel Intelligence
James Dunford Wood's activity
- 03 Jul 2009
James Dunford Wood reviewed Florence
No travel guide to Florence fails to wax lyrical over this holiday destination - a spectacular example of a well preserved medieval Italian town, where modern urban planning has succeeded in preserving the spirit and historical fabric of the downtown are…"
- 28 Jun 2009
James Dunford Wood wrote a blog post Travellers to Thailand Beware
Disturbing stories have been emerging recently of travellers being scammed at Bangkok airport."
- 27 Jun 2009
James Dunford Wood reviewed Hadrian's Wall in North East England, United Kingdom
Named after the Emperor Hadrian, during whose reign it was begun in 122 AD, Hadrian's Wall marks the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire. One more northerly wall was built, the Antonine Wall in Scotland, but this was of earth and turf, and temporar…"
James Dunford Wood commented on Site of Palmyra in Palmyra, Syria
One of the most impressive of ancient cities, much of it still being dug up. Highly recommended."
- 17 Jun 2009
James Dunford Wood reviewed Rome
Rome is my favourite city in the world. It's not an easy city to appreciate at first try, being noisy, dusty, and often hot and crowded. But in every trip I have made - over 20 years there must have been 100 - I have found something new to see or appreci…"
- 02 Jun 2009
James Dunford Wood reviewed Amberley Castle in South East England, United Kingdom
You can't beat staying in a real 12th century castle (1103 AD). Or can you? This one certainly has the history and the romanticism, if you ignore the distant roar of the trains, the over-elaborate cooking and the rather strange cuddly toys in the four po…"
- 21 Apr 2009
James Dunford Wood wrote a blog post Travolution Summit 2009 - Stuff I Learned Today
Initial thoughts and lessons from Travolution Summit 2009"
- 19 Apr 2009
James Dunford Wood wrote a blog post Birds Everywhere
I'm staying deep in the remote Alentejo in Portugal, one of the last unspoiled wildernesses of southern Europe - and birds are everywhere, even on the wine bottles."
- 01 Apr 2009
James Dunford Wood wrote a blog post Taj Mahal to be Moved '800 metres to the South East'?
Official: the Taj Mahal is sinking. Cracks which first appeared in 1652 have finally forced the Government of India to act."
- 26 Mar 2009
James Dunford Wood wrote a blog post Jersey Hotels Saudi Bonanza
Two Jersey hotels were facing a tough credit crunch - until some wealthy Saudis turned litigious..."
- 20 Mar 2009
James Dunford Wood reviewed The Hottest Place on Earth in Ethiopia
Home of the Afar people, the Danakil desert, or Danakil Depression, in north east Ethiopia has the hottest recorded average temperature on earth, trumping Death Valley in the US. Temperatures regularly hit the mid 40s. A mining company mined huge quantit…"
- 16 Mar 2009
James Dunford Wood commented on Monet's Gardens in North East France, France
Fantastic day out from Paris - best to take one of the organised tours, with a guide, to get the full benefit. However, if you want to spend longer here, rent a car and take a picnic."
- 27 Jan 2009
James Dunford Wood wrote a blog post Peggy Guggenheim
A must see gallery (excuse the cliche) when you are in Venice. Built by a woman with a fascinating past."
- 06 Jan 2009
James Dunford Wood wrote a blog post A Tale of Two Beaches
Having just returned from Barbados, I am now an expert in what makes the perfect beach."
- 05 Jan 2009
James Dunford Wood wrote a blog post Hotels Hurting
Reports from hotels over the Christmas and New Year period suggest that while occupancy levels are beginning to dip, what is of more immediate concern is that those who are still booking, are not spending so much..."
- 15 Dec 2008
James Dunford Wood wrote a blog post Travel Trends for 2009
What sort of holidays are we all going to be taking in 2009? Here at World Reviewer we have consulted our experts and gazed into our crystal ball..."
- 12 Dec 2008
James Dunford Wood wrote a blog post The Bourgeois Burghers of Bern
I know this is an old story, as the survey is over a year old, but it's still quite revealing - it measured how long, on average, people is different cities of the world take to walk 60 feet."
- 05 Dec 2008
James Dunford Wood wrote a blog post Where's Cheap for Us Brits
Practically nowhere! We've done a review of countries where the pound buys you more than a year ago, and guess who comes up as the best value, one of the only destinations we can get a deal in?"
- 27 Nov 2008
James Dunford Wood wrote a blog post Florence in Winter
I've just returned from a short trip to Florence. What a great time of year to visit..."
- 25 Nov 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Cestello Annunciation (Botticello) in Florence, Italy
Botticello's Cestello Annunciation of 1489 is a spectacular painting in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence - in the same room as the larger, more well known Botticellos, but along with the Simone Martini painting a few rooms away, a masterpiece of this genre…"
- 24 Oct 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed The Chedi Hotel in Muscat, Oman
Great service, small hotel, with a good selection of activities: try the Dhow private charter, or a guided safari to Wahiba Sands, with dinner with the Bedouin."
- 23 Sep 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Rizong monastery in Kashmir, India
A stunning monastery 70km out of Leh in Ladakh, high in the Himalaya. Isolated and magnificent, well worth the 3 hr bus journey from Leh through beautiful scenery. A working monastery, founded in 1829, with a school for children."
- 06 Sep 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Cruz, United States
Spectacular route - best driven north-south so you have the coast on your driving side. First stop Monterey, for the world famous aquarium, and in season (spring and late autumn), a trip out to see the whale migration. A visit to Carmel is also well wort…"
- 01 Aug 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados
I first went to this hotel in the early 90s, when it was a luxurious (but not too luxurious) Caribbean hang-out with a fairly relaxed vibe. Even then it was a favourite choice for many UK-based corporate business leaders, as is the west coast of Barbados…"
James Dunford Wood reviewed Coral Reef Club in Barbados
The Coral Reef Club bills itself as 'elegantly casual', and judging by the clientele, at least in season, they have succeeded in attracting this standard. Family run by the delightful O'Hara family, the to-ings and fro-ings are watched over by the formid…"
- 30 Jul 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy
Piazza San Marco - St Mark's Square - is one of the grandest urban spaces in the world. The time to come is early evening - as the heat of the day is cooling, find a seat outside at the Caffe Quadri or Lavena and listen to the orchestra while sipping you…"
- 14 Jul 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Biarritz in Aquitaine Southwest, France
Interesting belle epoque town on the Atlantic coast in the lee of the Pyrennees, with a grand hotel, a glitzy casino, some great food and windy, romantic beaches. Great base for exploration of the Basque region - can get busy with French tourists in summ…"
- 09 Jul 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Lyme Regis in West Country, United Kingdom
Charming seaside town on the south coast with a thriving arts community, great local shops, a picture perfect crescent beach (though packed in summer) and a harbour Cobb made famous from the French Lieutenant's Woman. Many of the rental houses and hotels…"
James Dunford Wood reviewed Hive Beach Café in West Country, United Kingdom
Wonderful beachside cafe in Burton Bradstock, selling a mix of local fare from the sea and seaside favourites. Gets packed in summer - so get here early. They hold regular beach parties, including samba-on-the-beach and pirate parties for kids. Ideal fos…"
James Dunford Wood reviewed Sussex Safari in South East England, United Kingdom
Not necessarily a unique concept, but another welcome addition to a growing trend towards experiential camping in the UK. Based on the South Downs, and moving location every month to avoid planning laws (a permanent camp needs all sorts of permissions), …"
- 07 Jul 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Sinai Desert in Egypt
The Sinai Desert is a mountainous and historically significant desert that provides great opportunities for holidays. Invaded and ruled over centuries by outside powers (including the Egyptians, the Israelis and the British in recent years), the Sinai Pe…"
- 02 Jul 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Champs-Elysees in Paris, France
The Champs-Elysees, or 'Elysian Fields' as translated into English, is perhaps the most famous thoroughfare in the world, more famous than Picadilly or Park Avenue. This wide 2km long tree lined street is spectacular for the fact that it links a view of …"
- 10 Jun 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Relais della Rovere in Tuscany, Italy
Charming 11th century Benedictine Abbey conversion, named after Cardinal Della Rovere, later Pope Giulio II, a patron of Renaissance artists Michealangelo, Rafeal and others. With just 30 rooms and a tranquil setting in extensive gardens, on the edge of …"
- 09 Jun 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Rügen Island in Pomerania, Germany
Sunny and windswept holiday island on the Baltic, formerly in East Germany, three hours driving from Berlin. Popular with German holidaymakers but as yet relatively unknown. Perfect for children, with gentle beaches and no waves or tides. Large and ornat…"
- 19 May 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed The Istria Peninsula in Pula, Croatia
Istria is famed for its food and wine - and its white truffles. There are truffle fairs held throughout September and October. It's a great place for holidaying - less crowded than other parts of Europe, with traditional hilltop villages and some grand o…"
James Dunford Wood reviewed Kerala Backwaters in Ponnani, India
The Kerala Backwaters are a series of interconnected lakes, rivers and irrigation canals just inland from the Malabar coast in Kerala in southern India. They are highly popular with visitors to the region, as taking a boat along the backwaters is a great…"
James Dunford Wood reviewed Ksar Ghilane in Tunisia
Ksar Ghilane is probably the most famous oasis in North Africa - mostly because it resembles every Westerner's fantasy of what an oasis should look like - a clump of green palms surrounded by sand dunes, with a limpid pool in the middle. Unfortunately in…"
James Dunford Wood reviewed Evia or Euboia in Sporades Islands, Greece
Evia, better known as Euboia, is the largest Greek island after Crete. It's great for walking - and also for getting 'off the beaten tourist track' - as although their are alot of greek holiday-makers, mass foreign tourism does not impact here. Historica…"
- 12 May 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Beaune in Burgundy, France
Famous market town in the heart of Burgundy, which hosts "Les Trois Glorieuses" or three day wine fair in early November. Wine buyers and merchants come from all over the world to sample the vintage of the preceding year, as the wine is transferred from …"
- 28 Apr 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Spain
One of Europe's most famous public spaces, to rank alongside the Place Vendome in Paris and the Piazza della Signoria in Florence, the Plaza Mayor (pronounced 'platha maior') is the social hub of Madrid and comes alive at night, with bars, great restaura…"
- 26 Apr 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Cave of Grapceva in Croatia
One of the first Neolithic sites to be discovered bin the Adriatic, dating from over 3000 BC, with hallways and chambers decorated in stalagmites and stalactites, this is site that should be visited by any visitor to Hvar. It's off the beaten track, in t…"
James Dunford Wood reviewed Hvar in Croatia
Hvar is one of the most charming islands off the Croatian coast, well known for its secluded sandy coves, archeological sites, (the island was at the centre of a thriving culture in 3000BC), and its hills of lavender, heather and rosemary. A creeping fas…"
- 17 Apr 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy
Roman Holiday, Fellini's 'Roma' - if we haven't been here, we have in celluloid. The fountain was one of many watery gifts from Popes to the people of Rome - as the ancients gave gladiatorial contests and built arches, the Popes gave fountains - for trad…"
- 21 Mar 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Gerewol Festival in Niger
The annual beauty pageant of the Wodaabe tribe, West African nomads from Niger, which revolves around dance contests to identify the most attractive young men of the tribe. Every September the tribe, along with Toureg spectators, gather in the town in In…"
- 20 Mar 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Wadi Rum in Jordan
Wadi Rum literally means 'High Valley' and is one of the most spectacular desert locations in Jordan - and consequently second only to Petra as a tourist destination. It's the place to go for an easily accessible 'desert' experience, whether hiking with …"
- 11 Mar 2008
James Dunford Wood reviewed Grand Hotel Central in Barcelona, Spain
The Grand Hotel Central is a new city-centre hotel, just yards from Barcelona Cathedral. They've branded it 'grand' on the basis that it will become a Barcelona institution - echoing the days of the grand old railway station hotels, where grand tourists …"
James Dunford Wood reviewed Neri Hotel & Resort in Barcelona, Spain
Of all the hotels in Barcelona, the Neri is probably the most romantically positioned. Gratifyingly difficult to find, the hotel is right in the heart of the Barrio Gotic in a maze of small streets and alleyways just steps from the Cathedral. It's entran…"
James Dunford Wood reviewed Duquesa de Cardona in Barcelona, Spain
The Duquesa de Cardona is a converted aristocratic townhouse close to the port on the edge of the Gothic quarter (barrio gotic). It is this proximity to the beaches as well as the heart of the old city that makes the Duquesa so popular, as well as its in…"
James Dunford Wood reviewed Hotel Pulitzer in Barcelona, Spain
The Hotel Pulitzer is a well located, central hotel with great designer charm. Dark wood floors and elegant white leather chairs set the tone in the light reception rooms, with a long bar and bright restaurant lit by a central lightwell in the rear. Huge…"