Not long now till Father’s Day, so I am delighted to help out with some suggestions for wonderful Father’s Day gifts. As you may already know, many dads may not be so bothered about the gifting side of things and would much rather spend more quality time outdoors and with the family.
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.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi is steamy and sweltering most of the year. Best time to visit is November-March, when temperatures are moderate, though in the past few years, January, once considered the optimum month to visit, has been overcast and rainy. If you’re heading here for sun, sea and sand, spring and autumn are ideal, when you can bronze your body by day and cool down after dark in the air-conditioned restaurants, bars and shopping malls.
An unfamiliar fragrance has come to town, a scent smouldering with Oudhand precious materials to arouse the senses. A perfume as unique as its creator, Strangelove NYC, born from a collaboration between American businesswoman Elizabeth Gaynes, Danish fashion model and photographer Helena Christensen and French master perfumier Christophe Laudemel, who together have created some iconic perfume brands in the past.
Venice, a city so interesting architecturally, historically and culturally that you can easily spend the whole day simply marvelling at the sights and attractions around you. No one could ever tire of Venice – the most romantic of destinations, a place of myth, mystery and unsurpassable beauty.
When in Venice, there is always a moment to travel in style, especially on this polished wood private taxi boat, which whisks you away as if you are set in the golden era. Set on its own private island, JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is a luxe haven on Isola delle Rose, 20 minutes away from historic St. Mark’s Square. Nestled amid olive groves and lush gardens, the resort boasts the Dopolavoro Dining Room, Sapori Cooking Academy, and GOCO Spa Venice. You are invited to join us and enjoy a taste of The JW Treatment — experiences created by people who truly love what they do.
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.
Passing along the famous main street, Avenida de Liberdade, I arrive at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz in style, to be greeted by the attentive doorman who opens the car door and almost magically disappears with the luggage. The Four Seasons service is always impeccable and I have been a fan of Four Seasons Hotel and Resort for some time.
I’ve heard the word, ‘Lisbon’ so many times, but I’ve never got around to seeing it for myself then finally, I get the opportunity to go! Lisbon has risen from more simple beginnings as a suggested destination to visit, to being voted one of the best cities in the world. Did you know that it is one of the world’s oldest cities, pre-dating the likes of London, Rome and Paris by hundreds of years? You can feel its antiquity clinging to every corner, especially in the district of Alfama. This makes Lisbon a veritable banquet for history-hungry visitors. It was very nearly completely destroyed by a massive earthquake in 1755, but was thankfully patched together and revived.
Sintra is often described as a Disneyland for grown-ups, but simply spend time exploring the surrounding beaches, seafood restaurants, and woodlands, and you’ll find there is so much more to this historic town. Just 16 or so miles northwest of the Portuguese capital, with its fairy-tale landscape of mist-soaked forests, turreted palaces and castle ruins, Sintra seems a world away from the heat and hubbub of Lisbon. Lying in the wooded hills of the Serra Mountains, cooler temperatures have lured Portugal’s overheating royalty to sit out the summer in Sintra’s fabulous palaces and shady exotic gardens for centuries – these exotic gardens, with their magnificent views, offer the ideal setting for any occasion, however royal.
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.