10 of the best cognac distillers, tours and tastings, France

Exploring Cognac and the Charente region gives an insight into a brandy rich in history – with a barrel full of tastings on offer

Are artificial islands the answer to Hong Kong’s housing crisis?

Will a $60bn development to house 1.1 million people help to ease the world’s most unaffordable property market or is it simply ‘pouring money into the sea’?

$90 for a bottle of melted iceberg? Inside the world of luxury water

People pay top dollar for ‘premium’ brands indistinguishable in blind taste tests from tap water – is it about status, wellness or something more fundamental?

The best gadgets under £30

Whether you’re making a call or a smoothie, our pick of gizmos at giveaway prices shows hi-tech needn’t mean high price

The best travel tech for a stress-free holiday

How to keep your mobile, tablet, Kindle and headphones charged and connected abroad

My adventures in sheet-masking: ‘Once a month will never again be enough’

The fast-growing Korean skincare beauty craze offers the chance to look fantastic fast. But some combinations work better than others