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.
Arriving at this most iconic hotel, the recent snowfall simply enhances both the beautiful building and its picturesque setting. The service starts at the very beginning, from the chauffeur to the doorman, the porter, and the welcoming receptionist and it can actually feel a little overwhelming with so many attentive staff around you. This is such a privilege to stay at the grandest hotel in all of London, offering the most luxurious elements of London’s elite lifestyle – but bear in mind, this is only just the beginning!
It has been quite some time since my last English country trip. There are so many idyllic places throughout the UK that it’s hard to choose where to go on my next location. Eventually, I arrive in the beautiful, historic Cotswold village of Broadway, which promises to be a memorable place to stay and a perfect base from which to tour the local area and enjoy the stunning walks. The pretty High Street is lined with horse chestnut trees and features a mixture of period houses and picturesque honey-coloured Cotswold stone cottages which have lured visitors for centuries.
Over time we can easily become overwhelmed with so many perfumes to choose from, especially ranging right back from the classics to the latest collections. I’ve been introduced to a wonderful team at “By Kilian” perfume store in Burlington Arcade, Mayfair to try a unique sensory experience. It sounds intriguing to me as its purely exclusive and it screams luxury. Shall we find out more?
It has been a long time since I last enjoyed some proper sunshine with blue skies and the sound of sea splashing against the rocks, but now my passport is calling and it’s time to pack. Without realising, I’ve already filled up one suitcase with just my clothes, never mind the extras – toiletries, accessories, and shoes. I’ve ended up with three bags in total, which is so typical of me, but I am thinking about the photo opportunity and, when you know the background is going to be absolutely jaw-dropping, it’s important I feel the same.