Yes, it’s that time of year again and here we are at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Whether you are joining the throngs in leafy central London or sitting on your sofa drinking in the surfeit of floral riches on the television, this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show looks set to inspire, entertain — and educate.
Leaving the dazzling city of Lisbon behind, I am now ready to take off to my next adventure. Many of magazines and online have mentioned Porto quite a few times, supported by lots of Insta-worthy images across Instagram, which leave you wanting to see more. Porto is well known for its large range of ports, Portuguese wines, the vast display of heritage tiles embedded on its walls, including the picturesque Don Louis bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel who also designed one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
This collection is emblematic of the signature of a house of creative freedom and of unique poetry for both women and men, collaborating with Ten Trinity Square Private Club, one of the leading members’ clubs located in historic Tower Hill, London. I chose Ten Trinity Square because it exudes an exciting mix of elegance and luxury, the perfect venue for the Hermès photo shoot in the newly renovated private club, adding that unmistakable luxurious extra.
On a fine sunny day, I have returned to the splendid spa town of Bath once again. Bath has always been one of my favourite towns, set in a valley countryside with its charming parks and rows of elegant Georgian townhouses and the exclusive Royal Crescent is one of the most prominent addresses in the world. I find myself standing in front of this iconic centre townhouse, marked only by a carpet at the front door, two bay trees and a subtle plaque which confirms the beginning of my stay at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa for the next few nights.
Like most of us Brits, I do love a good staycation, especially when I’ve calculated that I probably spend more time in hotel rooms than at home – my poor plants are desperate for water..! I’ve spent more time in my dressing room deciding what to wear, than in the kitchen deciding what to eat – no wonder my kitchen is spotless.
Hallelujah! Spring is here at last! Honestly, I do love autumn and winter, but my neck is screaming for some exposure where I have been forever muffled up in my turtleneck tops. My wool and cashmere jumpers are piling up with excessive dry-cleaning bills, so please let me say goodbye to my chunks of winter clothes for a while although, deep down, I know it won’t be for long because the rain can come back at any time and there is no time for hide and seek! Then it will be so long, once again, to cotton and linen – and I’d forgotten how unbelievably light it is.
Don’t you ever wonder what it would be like to go back into the gilded age of 1865 when the legendary The Langham Hotel was born – one of London’s oldest grand hotels, located off Regent Street. An advert from the late 19th century declares that the Langham is situated in the “most healthy, convenient and fashionable position in London.” Today this still holds true, the hotel is smack in the centre of London, with the shops of Oxford Street, the village feel of Marylebone, Soho’s nightlife, the elegance of Mayfair, the gardens and zoo at Regent’s Park all on its imposing doorstep.
Spring has sprung and it’s the perfect time to roam around the English countryside. This is one of my favourite seasons, where we get to see all the beauty of the new blooms and it’s a very special sign of new life. I often remind myself that there are so many beautiful places in England and we hardly ever stop to enjoy all the wonderful places on our doorstep – it seems all too easy for us to go for the holiday abroad total package deal. We Brits are pretty bad at exploring our own green and pleasant land, but with everything that’s been going on politically, it seems that staycations are on the rise.
After a few road trips all over the UK, finally London is calling once again and it’s always a “pinch me” moment as I call London my home. When you are caught up in a fast pace lifestyle, always on the phone, with the view restricted to the pavement while texting to someone, or a constant check-up on Instagram, it’s far too easy to forget to look up and see the beauty of the buildings, or even the sky. I never really have the time to embrace everything around me – as if I’m wearing blinkers, just like a racehorse!
After a few days at the glamorous Borgo Egnazia, it’s time to check out another family-run hotel nearby, which we reach by taking the wonderful scenic route along the Adriatic coast. Embracing mud and water comes naturally at Masseria San Domenico hotel, hidden among some 60 ancient olive trees in Puglia, southern Italy, which location alone might tempt you to come and visit, leaving everything else behind to simply sink into an oasis of tranquillity and splendour. It’s one of Italy’s hitherto lesser-known tourist destinations, but nonetheless famed for its fantastic weather – a place where tourists can escape the crowds and the hustle and bustle of the country’s busier counterparts of Rome, Tuscany, and Naples.
I think it’s time to get away from the English weather once again, after putting up with the rain, snow and freezing cold weather, despite the fact that it’s supposed to be Spring! I’ve been forever daydreaming about escaping to somewhere warmer, being refreshed by the warm Mediterranean air and enjoying the liberating feel of a light summer outfit as I walk barefoot in the golden sand. OK, so I think I need to book my flight and make my forever dream a reality.
Nowadays, fashion has changed dramatically and, over the centuries, many of the little accessories have slowly faded, such as gloves, scarves, jewellery, not to mention hats too. I have quite a few hats myself and I feel this is still an important part of a full ensemble, in the same way as we would complete the look with the bag and shoes.