Stepping onto the tarmac at Faro airport, it’s the heat. It sweeps you off your feet. Still floating, and with a rising delight, you arrive at one of Europe’s most indulgent resorts – the Algarve. Beaches, seafood, golf… and oranges. Greeted by the driver in Arrivals, then whisked to a gleaming white Mercedes, your chariot […]
Dromoland Castle Hotel & Country Estate, Ireland
The gentleman waits patiently at the looming metal gates with a clipboard. No ordinary clipboard; gold embossed, with Dromoland Castle emblazoned across the front. Meet the gateman. Dressed in red, hat tilted to perfection, he welcomes you to the Narnia that is Dromoland Castle. Past the gate, the journey begins. Driving along landscaped paths, past […]
Selman, Marrakech – Intimate Arabian Chic
The stage is set. The lights are dimmed. From within the night’s silence, the soft sound of ruffled blades of grass can barely be heard. Suddenly, the flare of what appears to be white feathers flutters through the air. Their distinctive prance recognisable whether you are a horse connoisseur or not. They have arrived. The […]
Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro – A Touch of Gatsby
Burnt orange rectangles framed by symmetrical cream lines are the calling card of Roland Garros. The bitterly fought 2014 French Open final between Nadal and Djokovic, in which Nadal won, paled into insignificance when Djokovic married his childhood sweetheart at the Aman Sveti Resort in Montenegro. All eyes were not only on the bride but […]
Amanjena, Marrakech – Dusky Kasbah Bathed With Light
The castle, or Kasbah, of the last Pasha of Marrakech, is situated high in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. It’s difficult to find, meshing into the red dusk of the mountains. It belies the true identity of its last owner, the Lord of the Atlas, once the most powerful man in Morocco and one of […]
Palais Namaskar, Marrakech Saharan Splendour
The heat of the Atlas desert blasts anyway any dreary thoughts that might linger from the flight as the plane doors open to reveal the bustle that is Menara Airport in Marrakech. Then, you are whisked to the air conditioned comfort of the Palais Namaskar top-of-the range BMW. Of course, if you prefer to arrive by […]
Kick Back At The Kempinski, St. Moritz
Though funky, the Kempinski doesn’t forget its past; a chandelier in the entrance is from 1864; alabaster lustres in the bar and the smoking room; and the original library, has a beer painted ceiling. The Lady’s’ Salon has an old tradition of inviting its guests to sign their empty wine bottle to be displayed for […]
Rebalance Your Life, Retreat To The Obsidian
Anxiety can lead to stress, can lead to weight gain, which leads to illness; the vicious circle. Life’s treadmill rarely stops, and unless we’re in control of its pace, we inevitability come crashing off, at speed, a bit like Jen. Just as your manicured finger hovers over the emergency ‘STOP!’ button, the Obsidian Retreat emerges […]
Bali. Sunsets, Rice Fields, Volcanoes. Sleep, Eat, Explore
Say ‘Bali’ and most people think paradise. In fact its second name is ‘The Island of the Gods’. There are stunning sunsets, sculpted rice paddies, volcanoes and temples at every turn. An abundance of activities pervade the island; diving and cycling are popular, as is surfing. It is not unusual to find surf boards strapped to […]