Show Notes
“Luxury Spa” is the thirteenth in Leigh Turner's "Hotel Story" series, and the first set in Austria. Ms N is the world’s most glamorous, brilliant and mischievous hotel manager. She loves to solve problems – especially when they are caused by men. She and her colleague Tatiana travel to the HealCol 2000 well-being and weight-loss luxury spa, high in the Austrian Alps, for a well-earned break. But they find an institution in crisis. Doctor Schmerz, chief doctor at HealCol 2000, prescribes tailor-made programmes of extreme dieting and exercise for her elite guests. Those guests include the owner of HealCol 2000, Ernest von Mannstein, known as “Always Angry Ernie” for his fits of rage and impossible demands. The starvation diets leave most of the guests depressed – yet a few seem strangely frisky. When a woman is found dead in a luxury suite and Always Angry Ernie is accused of her murder, Ms N must investigate. You can read the post on which this episode is based on Leigh Turner's website here or buy "Luxury Spa" on Amazon here. #stories #luxury #spa #luxuryspa #shortstory #comedy #strongwomen
More from Leigh Turner diplomacy and writing
How did I get into the British diplomatic service after one of the most disastrous interviews of all time? I really made a mess of it! For more about real-life diplomacy and the nuts and bolts of what diplomats and ambassadors really do, check out my book "Lessons in Diplomacy: Politics, Power and Parties". https://geni.us/LessonsinDiplomacy. And do browse my other "Lessons in Diplomacy" and other podcasts on this site.
"Don't let jobs destroy you" looks at the case of a former colleague of mine whose health was damaged by overwork. What could she have done differently? Was the problem a bad boss? Discrimination? I look at why you shouldn't jump to conclusions. In particular, don't assume there's nothing you can do. Leaving the job isn't always right, either. But being aware of the possibility that a job isn't set up right, and that you may be able to take actions to fix that, may be an important first step. For more about real-life diplomacy and the nuts and bolts of what diplomats and ambassadors really do, check out my book "Lessons in Diplomacy: Politics, Power and Parties". https://geni.us/LessonsinDiplomacy. And do browse my other "Lessons in Diplomacy" and other podcasts on this site. #languages #learning #diplomacy #lessonsindiplomacy #booktok
One of my most popular TikTok videos is called "How to learn languages". Maybe people like it because I reveal how difficult I myself find learning them! My book "Lessons in Diplomacy" contains several stories showing how hopeless I've always been at learning grammar for e.g. German or Turkish. But I've clawed my way to a reasonable command of lots of languages despite that handicap. Key lesson: try a few different techniques; and never believe you can't learn a new language.
When I published a video on my Instagram saying "Anyone can be a diplomat", I got a lot of support - and a lot of pushback. Some people found the idea that anyone could be a diplomat empowering. Others said "it's just not true. You have to know the right people." Which is true?
Costa Rica is home to some of the most spectacular natural beauty on the planet, as well as teeming with wildlife and world-class beaches. The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum in San Jose is a marvel of design and beauty. On the Pacific Coast, you can watch both mother turtles laying their eggs and baby turtles hatching and running the gauntlet of countless predators to try and reach the ocean. This is the last of my five podcasts about my 6-week journey from Patagonia to Costa Rica in November-December 2025.