In this post:
Turkish Airlines Begins Phnom Penh Flights
Turkish Airlines has launched a three-times-weekly service to Phnom Penh. Flights from Istanbul depart on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, while return flights operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
The route serves Techo International Airport (KTI), which began operations earlier this year, and operates via Bangkok rather than as a non-stop service.
When visiting Phnom Penh, highlights include the Royal Palace, National Museum and the city’s traditional markets. From here, it’s easy to travel onwards to other destinations across Cambodia and Southeast Asia.
You can fly to Istanbul for the connecting flight to Phnom Penh from Gatwick, Manchester, Heathrow, Edinburgh and Birmingham. One way Business fares start at £2,510. Business redemptions hover around 180,000 Miles&Smiles miles.
The new route will mark Turkish Airlines’ 132nd country, given that it already flies to more destinations than any other airline! Make sure you read our guides to Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles and earning and spending Miles&Smiles miles
View the Turkish Airlines site here
Two New Hilton UK Small Luxury Hotels of the World
If you like the idea of staying in independent luxury hotels while still earning and redeeming points, Hilton’s partnership with Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) is well worth a look. When you book direct with Hilton, you’ll also receive Hilton Honors status benefits during your stay.
Linthwaite House, Windermere, Lake District
If you’re looking for a classic countryside escape, Linthwaite House is a 23-room country house hotel set on a hill above Lake Windermere, with fantastic views across its 14 acres of grounds.
You may already recognise the name, as Linthwaite House has been highly regarded for years. It was previously named by The Times as home to one of the best restaurants in the UK. Dining here is all about The Henrock by Simon Rogan MBE, and you can enjoy locally foraged produce and seasonal ingredients. The hotel has also been nominated in Lifestyle Magazine’s Readers’ Travel Awards, including categories such as Best Hotel for Romance and Best Hotel for Golf.
Rooms range from Superior to Fell View suites, some of which have private hot tubs and lake views. There’s a range of unique facilities too, from the boules pitch to the giant chessboard.
Reward nights start at 95,000 points and can reach 666,000 points for the highest room categories. Best value here also comes from booking the cheapest rooms. Cash prices range from £252 to £850 per night, depending on the room type.
The Feathers Hotel, Woodstock
Located just a short walk from Blenheim Palace, this 23-room property has joined SLH following a multi-million-pound renovation. The new design takes inspiration from the surrounding landscape and has contemporary touches throughout.
Dining is centred around The Nest, where you’ll find locally inspired dishes in a relaxed setting. There’s also a classic bar with open fires.
Rates generally range from £221 to £397, depending on the date and room type. If you’re using points, redemptions range from 75,000 to 332,000, and the best rate comes from booking the cheapest Woodstock Room.
Avios.com December Offers
Avios.com is an excellent option for earning extra Avios beyond flying and using a credit card. In the run-up to Christmas, there are some particularly good offers, from booking stays to last-minute shopping and food deliveries.
Here are the top deals and the number of Avios you could earn per £1 spent:
Accommodation
- Agoda – 10 Avios (was 6)
- Hotels.com – 8 Avios (was 5)
- Homes & Villas by Marriott – 6 Avios (was 3)
- Thistle Hotels – 12 Avios (was 4)
- The Cumberland Hotel – 12 Avios (was 4)
- The Clermont Hotel – 12 Avios (was 4)
- The Royal Horseguards Hotel – 12 Avios (was 4)
- Luxury Cottages – 7 Avios (was 3)
Other Travel Deals
- Airport Park With Us – 30 Avios (was 3)
- APH Airport Parking & Hotels – up to 15 Avios (was 10)
- P&O Ferries – 8 Avios (was 4)
- Irish Ferries – up to 8 Avios (was 5)
- Netski Ski Rental – 9 Avios (was 6)
- Snowrental – 8 Avios (was 5)
- Viator – 10 Avios (was 4)
Gift Ideas and Shopping
- Appleyard Flowers – up to 30 Avios (was 7)
- M&S Flowers & Hampers – up to 24 Avios (was 2)
- Marks & Spencer – up to 8 Avios (was 2)
- Aspinal of London – 17 Avios (was 5)
- Harvey Nichols – up to 16 Avios (was 6)
- Notonthehighstreet – 14 Avios (was 3)
- Harrods – up to 13 Avios (was 5)
- Selfridges – up to 12 Avios (was 6)
- Ralph Lauren – up to 12 Avios (was 6)
- Burberry – 11 Avios (was 7)
- LEGO – up to 10 Avios (was 3)
Other Deals
- Boots.com – up to 7 Avios (was 2)
- Deliveroo – up to 7 Avios (was 5)
- Apple Store – 5 Avios (was 3)
- Dyson – up to 6 Avios (was 3)
- Sony – 10 Avios (was 3)
- Currys – up to 3 Avios (was 2)
- Just Eat – from 3 Avios (was 1)
- eBay – 3 Avios (was 1)
There are also plenty of retailers not currently offering a bonus worth knowing about. With 2,252 places listed on Avios.com, it’s always worth checking before you shop. To put that into perspective, if you didn’t realise Burberry was available via Avios.com and placed a £2,500 order, you’d miss out on 27,500 Avios!
