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In a nutshell: A rare find where the boutique chic of a luxury hotel meets the functionality and independence of a B&B. The neighbourhood There really is something about Naples – it’s rough and ready, it’s energetic, it’s alive. This authentic charm is exactly why the city will have you planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your first. At first glance it can seem chaotic. Mopeds speed in and out of traffic (we’re told by several locals that they’re actually very good drivers and never crash), barely a wall in the city isn’t covered in graffiti and street art, and the nights (even mid-week) buzz with the chatter of locals and tourists alike. But it’s the pull of this organised chaos that (as a former New Yorker) led me to enthusiastically proclaim the city “Europe’s Brooklyn”. Then again, it’s also so much more than that. What Naples offers is a blend of old and new that at once clashes and coexists beautifully – here, you can experience ancient history and the coolest bars, all in one place. By day, explore the old town, where every turn surprises you with another ancient church, cobbled street or historic home. Take a tour of the underground of the city and walk through tunnels trod by the Romans. Walk to the high point of Castel Sant’Elmo to look down on the iconic Spaccanapoli – the straight and narrow main street that literally splits the city in two – or pay a visit to the square in the Spanish quarter, which has been transformed into a shrine to one of football’s biggest legends: Maradona (to say he’s idolised here would be a major understatement). By night, the city comes even more alive as groups of friends gather in the historic squares and at homely restaurants and effortlessly trendy bars, where people laugh, drink, smoke and eat gelato into the night. As the home of pizza, it’s also a food-lover’s delight. Wander the streets sampling the classic margherita and marinara pizzas, try the famous deep-fried pasta (trust me, it’s worth it) and get a deli sandwich unlike any other, with the freshest meats and cheese around. Naples has the added benefit of also being considerably more budget-friendly than some of its neighbouring Italian hotspots (here, a classic margherita or marinara pizza from the city’s most popular pizza places will set you back just two or three euros). So, as well as enjoying all that Naples has to offer, this makes it a great base to travel further afield during a stay in Italy – visit the historic ruins of Pompeii or Herculaneum, the MountVesuvius volcano, the lemon groves of Sorrento, the designer stores of affluent island Capri or the picturesque Amalfi Coast towns of Positano and Amalfi. The vibe The Dante House is the latest addition to the House in Naples’s fleet of four boutique B&Bs as well as apartments dotted across Naples’s historic centre. The concept is all about catering to travellers who want the quality of a hotel but don’t want the impersonality that can often come with it. With each location carefully handpicked and each perfectly unique and with its own character, it certainly delivers just that. Located on Piazza Dante at Port’Alba, The Dante House is right by one of the historic city gates encasing the old town and also conveniently just steps away from the Dante metro stop. At first glance, when you arrive outside the The Dante House in the heart of the historic old town, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in the wrong place. Nestled between a late-night pizza spot and a casual, local bar, heavy, metal doors loom from a nondescript grey concrete building. There’s no sign confirming you’ve reached your destination. But step through the metal doors, and you’ll find yourself inside a classic, traditional Italian palazzo building. Climb up the huge slab stone stairs to the towering wooden double doors and you’ll be at The Dante House. This is where your real Neapolitan adventure begins. After all, what better way to experience the historic, vibrant city of Naples than to live like a local in a traditional Neapolitan house? Though the building may date from the 18th century, The Dante House manages to perfectly mix old and new, with its clean and modern interior renovation. It’s practical while being quirky; industrial but with boutique style; chic and modern but true to its original architecture – an embodiment of Naples itself. When we arrived, Connie was waiting to welcome us and show us around – not to mention enthusiastically give us her own personal and fantastically comprehensive guide to the best things to see and do in the city. The overall vibe is relaxed, and staff are super helpful and friendly – with excellent communication both in the lead-up to and during our stay – but are also hands off, if you’re more of an independent traveller. Basically, they’re there if you want them but they’ll leave you alone if you don’t. The reception is only staffed up to 8pm but one of the friendly staff members will come to greet late arrivals, there’s a 24/7 number for any queries and there’s also the option to arrange transfers from the airport or train station. If you’re someone who likes an all-inclusive hotel or a place that will plan your every holiday whim for you, this isn’t the place for you. Instead, this is perfect for independent travellers who want a comfortable, relaxed place to stay that’s more luxurious than your regular B&B but still acts as the perfect base from which to explore the city. Being situated in the heart of one of Naples’s most prominent historic squares, The Dante House couldn’t be in a better location to do exactly that. You’re close to some of the best bars, restaurants and pizza joints, and within walking distance to all the historic sites. Bed and bath None of the six rooms in The Dante House’s boutique B&B are the same. Some have quirky mezzanine levels, some have wrought iron balconies, some have spectacular views across the square. All have character. Seriously high wooden or frescoed ceilings give the huge rooms a decorative canopy, while light floods through the french doors. Handmade and restored vintage furniture has been reworked to embody The Dante House’s style: combining old and new. Nordic-inspired furnishings and touches of plush velvet perfectly clash and complement the industrial-style lighting and functional wood panels. Rooms and suites sleep between three and six people – some have kitchenettes, so they’re perfect for groups of all sizes. We stayed in the Dante 2 family studio apartment located in the same building as The Dante House, giving us access to the staff and the communal spaces – but also the privacy and peace and quiet of our own space. For a couple, family or group of friends on a city break, this option is the perfect middle ground. The apartment itself was spacious and functional – with a bedroom area, dining table and chairs, and a large kitchenette to cook in, if you so wish. There’s also a separate bathroom (complete with complimentary toiletries) and a small single bedroom, so up to four can sleep comfortably. It also has a washing machine, 32in smart TV, sheets and towels included. Decor-wise, it’s clean and simple with a few quirky pieces (such as a unique towering green wardrobe), which truly sets it apart from your usual B&Bs. All in all, it leans into the charm and edginess of the city waiting outside. The one downside (if we were to be picky) is the lack of windows and natural light. But, for us, this all added to the charm and quirkiness of the apartment, with its interior-facing window to the courtyard – which also meant less noise from the lively city outside. All in all, The Dante House is a far cry from a typical B&B. It’s somewhere between your home away from home and a luxury hotel. Food and drink Breakfast is a big draw at The Dante House. It’s buffet-style and has clearly been carefully curated with the best-quality ingredients in the way of fresh, organic, homemade and zero km foods. From delicious homemade yoghurt and dried fruit (prepared fresh every day), freshly baked croissants and sfogliatelle pastries (a classic Italian specialty handmade in House in Naples’s own bakery), to ready-made rolls with fresh cold cuts and cheeses. The breakfast area itself also perfectly matches The Dante House’s vibe, with its boutique-style plush velvet seats coupled with a laidback, homely feel, as though you’re sitting in a friend’s home. Sip freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly roasted coffee from a window seat overlooking the historic square below. It’s the perfect start to a day exploring the city. Later in the afternoon, there’s also coffee and tea available – just in time for a much-needed pit stop after wandering around the city. Public areas The blend of old meets new, industrial meets luxury and functional meets quirky runs through all the spaces at The Dante House. The reception area is all tiled flooring, vibrant teal wall, wooden desk and – most intriguing – a wall covered in old telephones. As a B&B concept, it, of course, doesn’t have the amenities of a hotel (though the last thing you have time for in Naples is a trip to the gym). What it does have, however, is Posca – its cafe come bistro come bar just steps from The Dante House and right in the middle of the beating heart of the city. By day, it’s a hip spot for freshly roasted coffee, homemade cakes and brunch. By night, it’s a quirky cocktail bar – which also brews its own beers – where friends can meet for an aperitivo. We visited on a Wednesday night and sampled the cocktails, which come in the form of twists on popular classics, drinking alfresco on the cobbled street out front among the buzz of the city. Inside the bar, the House in Naples’s creators surprised us yet again with the decor – think vibrant pink floral wallpaper, pink velvet and neon signs. To make it even more appealing, guests at The Dante House can get a discount off the bar tab. Nuts and bolts Room count: Six rooms at The Dante House, four apartments. Freebies: Breakfast, coffee and tea bar. Wifi: Free. Extra charges: Tourist tax of €2.50 per person per day. Parking €30 per day. Disability access: Due to its many stairs and steps, it is not wheelchair accessible. Pet policy: Pets allowed, upon request. Bottom line Best thing: The location right in the heart of the action, and the unique style. Worst thing: It can be a little noisy in the mornings, as the area is home to other businesses and local residents (though it’s not a bad thing to make sure you don’t miss a day of exploring). Perfect for: Families, couples and friends who want the luxury of a hotel coupled with the freedom and homeliness of a B&B. Not right for: People who like the round-the-clock service and all-inclusivity of a typical hotel. Instagram from: One of The Dante House’s eight balconies overlooking the historic square below. Read more of our Italy hotel reviews: Best hotels in Rome Where to stay in Venice Best hotels in Florence Read more about Italy travel: The ultimate guide to Italy What to do in Bologna Why Puglia makes for a great escape Read More Le Sirenuse, Positano, review: Exclusive luxury meets the intimacy of a family vacation home Best hotels in Europe 2023, from boho chic to Art Deco design Cala di Volpe hotel review: Live like royalty on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda The 10 best countries for solo travel – and top tips for travelling alone 9 of the best Italy holiday destinations: When to travel and where to stay 8 best cities and towns in Portugal to visit on your next holiday

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Montana Brown has revealed that she chose to have a home birth when welcoming her son Jude last month because she felt that hospitals are not “the safest place” for non-white people. The former Love Island star, 27, shared a YouTube vlog about her pregnancy and birth plan recently to answer questions from followers about her experience. She opened up about her decision to have a home birth, adding that she hired a doula, a trained professional who supports women through labour and birth, as well as through post-partum. Brown, who is mixed race and has Japanese and Jamaican heritage, said she “can’t wait” for her home birth. She filmed her vlog before giving birth to Jude in June. “I feel like hospital isn’t the safest place to give birth and I know people are gonna be like, ‘What the f***, you’re an idiot’ but I just think it’s personal preference,” she told her followers. “Also, I just think as a non-white person, it’s not the safest place to be in hospital in childbirth. All these things I’ve thought about for a long time. We’re also having a doula, which I’m really excited about.” In the UK, Black women are nearly four times more likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth than white women, according to a report published by MBRRACE-UK (Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries across the UK) in 2022. The study found that there was a slight drop in the maternal mortality rate for Black women between 2018 and 2020. It also found that Asian women are around twice as likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth than white women. In a 2021 response, the government said it was “committed to reducing disparities in health outcomes and experience of care”. Brown, who is engaged to fiancé Mark O’Connor, said she asked for advice on a home birth from The Only Way Is Essex (Towie) star Sam Faiers, who she called the “queen of home birthing”. “It’s just fantastic… She’s helping me feel really set in my decision,” she said. Replying to a fan who asked if she felt afraid of giving birth, Brown said had the “most positive mindset ever”, and would continue to do so even if she had to have a “C-section, an epidural, or wound up in hospital”. The reality star and her fiancé welcomed baby Jude on 23 June. Last week, she opened up about the struggle to get pregnant despite being in her twenties and said she was surprised it took her so long to conceive. Speaking on the Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast, Brown told host Giovanna Fletcher that she thought “something was wrong” with her when she and O’Connor first started trying for a baby. “I thought, ‘We’re young, this is going to be really easy’… For the first four months, we’d used ovulation sticks, and then I’d do a pregnancy test and it’d be negative,” she recalled. After both she and her partner went to check their fertility, they discovered she had “no oestrogen and no testosterone”, which made her realise that people “can be young, fit and healthy, and still really, really struggle to conceive”. Announcing her son’s birth, Brown shared a black-and-white photograph of the newborn being cradled against her chest on Instagram and wrote: “Welcome to the world Jude Isaiah O’Connor. We’re so smitten with you little man.” The couple announced their engagement in April, after O’Connor proposed to her in Bermuda. They first met in 2020. Brown featured in series three of Love Island and was coupled up with Alex Beattie at the end. They broke up shortly after leaving the villa. Read More Ruth Handler: The Barbie inventor who revolutionalised prosthetic breasts and narrowly avoided prison Woman praised for response to airline employee who asked her to swap first class seat with child Fans defend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle amid breakup rumours 8 healthy habits to help you live longer – according to a new study The bowel cancer symptom George Alagiah wished he’d caught earlier George Alagiah: What are the signs of bowel cancer?

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Eight habits that could help people live more than 20 years longer have been identified by researchers. While it’s long been known that certain lifestyle factors can influence lifespan, the American study isolated the eight factors that have the biggest impact – being physically active, being free from opioid addiction, not smoking, managing stress, having a good diet, not regularly binge drinking, having good sleep hygiene, and having positive social relationships. The research was presented at Nutrition 2023, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, and used data from 719,147 people enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program. It found low physical activity, opioid use and smoking were associated with around a 30-45% higher risk of death, while stress, binge drinking, poor diet, and poor sleep hygiene were each associated with around a 20% increase, and lack of positive social relationships was linked with a 5% increased risk of dying. Men who had all eight habits at age 40 were predicted to live an average 24 years longer than men with none of the habits, according to the findings, and women with all eight habits in middle age were predicted to live an extra 21 years, compared with women with none of the habits. Xuan-Mai Nguyen, health science specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs, said: “We were really surprised by just how much could be gained with the adoption of one, two, three, or all eight lifestyle factors. Our research findings suggest that adopting a healthy lifestyle is important for both public health and personal wellness. The earlier the better, but even if you only make a small change in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, it still is beneficial.” The researchers say the findings highlight how lifestyle factors contribute to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which are associated with premature disability and death. How to embrace the eight healthy habits Inspired to give your own lifestyle a boost? “If making these small but mighty adjustments could help you to live for an extra 20 years, maybe it’s time to make those changes,” says life and wellbeing coach, Natalie Trice. She shares the following insights and tips… 1. Do more exerciseRegular exercise can help prevent a wide range of major diseases – plus it’s great for keeping stress levels in check. “Going for a walk, having a swim, running with friends, even just a good old dance-off in the kitchen can get your heartbeat up and those feel-good endorphins pumping – so get your trainers on and start moving,” says Trice. 2. Manage stressTrice suggests adopting simple stress-busting practices such as mindfulness meditation, and enjoying hobbies and sports. “These can profoundly impact overall wellbeing, as you bring your stress levels down,” she says. “This isn’t about pretending everything’s great, but rather looking at easy habits you can adopt that will take down the stress, which can lead to anxiety and burnout.” 3. Don’t smoke Quitting smoking is an essential step in improving health and potentially adding years to your life. Trice points out that while some people may think reaching for a cigarette takes the edge off their stress, there are healthier ways to cope. “Maybe going running or taking up yoga could be the release and focus you need, and one that will help you live longer, smell fresher and feel better,” she suggests. “Also, with the cost of cigarettes going up all the time, giving up will free up cash for the things in life that really need to be paid for.”If you are struggling to quit smoking, talk to your GP about options available to help. 4. Don’t binge drink“By cutting down on booze, you’re doing your body and brain a massive favour,” says Trice. “Drinking every night will impact your body and could affect your sleep and work performance. Enjoy life, but if you want to enjoy it for longer, then keep tabs on your drinking.” Official guidelines suggest drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week (equivalent to six medium glasses of wine of six pints of beer), spread across at least three days. 5. Eat healthily Generally speaking, a balanced diet that’s rich in fibre, whole grains, fruit and veg and lean protein, with heavily processed and sugary foods kept to a minimum, is linked with better health. “We all know about eating five-a-day but doing this can be tough if you’re busy with family and work. If you can start to do this, you’ll feel better,” says Trice. “Focus on eating regularly and thinking about what you put in your body, so that it works for you, not against you.” 6. Don’t take drugsRecreational drugs can harm health in a number of ways. Trice suggests those affected start by speaking to a trusted friend or their GP, and “look at the support which could not only extend your life, but save it”. 7. Try to get good sleep Trice says: “It’s vital that we look at getting a decent night’s sleep, as this can help you feel so much better. Making sure you have a sleep routine in place can be helpful and can be as easy as having no screens in the bedroom, having a bath or shower before you hit the sack, as well as making sure the temperature is right and you have curtains to keep the light out in the mornings.” 8. Nurture positive social relationshipsTrice observes: “If you’re able to nurture a supportive network of friends, colleagues and family, this can lead to improved mental and emotional wellbeing and a longer life.” Lacking social connections? Look at local volunteering opportunities and community walks and groups. Making friends can take time, but even finding ways to regularly spend time and interact with others can help. 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