I love this quote from the  Online Stylist blog and having met the very stylish Amanda, I think  it sums up her style philosophy v nicely :

 “Great style is not just the preserve of the rich and famous – it’s something unique, personal and comes in many guises. Few are born with it, some learn to cultivate it but many are inspired by it.”

 Amanda lists Eva Mendes, SJP, Olivia Palermo, Blake Lively, Kelly Rutherford as some of her style heros…. so lots of common ground….

 

Another string to Amanda’s many bows is that she writes for the company Upper Street, which allows you to design your own bespoke shoes….joyful!  Read through Amanda’s account of designing her very own  Perfect Ballet Flat  

If you love fashion on every level The Online Stylist is the place to park yourself with your latte this morning.

 

 

Amanda’s favourite places to Eat, Sleep and Be…..

 

Getting away from it is a rare treat in our household at the moment, so when we do get the chance, we like to make it an indulgent treat if we can. For me getting away means either exactly that, an opportunity to eat out somewhere amazing or just quiet time spent somewhere peaceful and with meaning.

 

 I absolutely love New York and after our first trip in 2008, we’re determined to get back there and next time, take our daughter. It’s such a vibrant city with a buzz that I have never experienced anywhere else. We stayed at the wonderful Soho Grand Hotel  and booked a room on the 12^th floor to ensure the perfect Manhattan skyline view.

 

 

If you have the pleasure of a visit then eggs Benedict for breakfast is an absolute

must, as is a session of uber-chic people watching whilst sipping a cocktail in the lounge later on in the evening.

The little touches such as the option to have a goldfish in your room for the duration of your stay are pure New York!

 

 

 

Our favourite places to eat locally are: The Three Tuns Inn , The Chewton Glen and The Captains Club.

All very different but each bring their own extra special something to the table whether you’re looking for a country pub with fantastic home cooked food, a luxurious evening meal where the rest of the world ceases to exist or a chic waterside venue for Sunday lunch and reading the papers. Which in itself is a rare luxury these days!

 

 

Our wedding took place at Highcliffe Castle so a reminiscent trip for tea and cake (ice cream for Small Child!) and a walk along the beach is always a favourite pastime. I much prefer the unspoilt beaches in our locality to the busier coastline of Bournemouth and Poole – the combination of the beach with the New Forest on the doorstep is perfection.

 

 

On wedding anniversaries we try and return to our reception venue, The Lord Bute Hotel. This was the gatehouse for the original castle at Highcliffe and Sunday lunch eaten here at a leisurely pace to the sounds of the resident pianist is heaven!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eating Sunday lunch al fresco in the garden yesterday, it was hard to convince myself that we are now October… but the heat of the sun prompted me to think of our 2 lovely little week long interludes over the summer. We spent a week in Provence (where I have never been) and a week with all 6 children in Turkey. Provence was predictable in it’s loveliness ...sunshine, food, beautiful shabby chic French villa and  rolling hills as it should be…a wonderfully relaxing week  of  ‘stopping‘ and catching up with family. 

Turkey on the other hand, was somewhere I was curious about and we had never ventured to before. The lack of Euro in Turkey made it a very attractive option to plan a week on holiday with 6 children. We flew into Dalaman and spent the week in an enormous (even for all of us) villa in a Turkish village about an hour from the airport (the children thought it was a hotel when we arrived, based on the marble entrance, 2 staircases and jacuzzi in the en suite) Turkish Lira for British pound we got a lot for our buck!

The supermarkets were empty of anything sensible it felt like trying to shop with a ration book post WW1 …so we ate out.  Just for comparison sake husband and I ate out one night in Provence, I think we dined on a pizza washed down with a couple of glasses of nice Bordeaux, 50€ for the 2 of us. We (just the 2 of us) ate out one night in Turkey it cost us equivalent of £7!  All 8 of us feasted every night (on admitted mostly the same offer independent of the restaurant, a menu of pasta and BBQ fish)  in one of the many lakeside restaurants for about £50…a big consideration when you are 8 in total.

Turkey is hot in August and lovely as our pool at the villa was, there are only so many lilo races 6 children can have before they get bored. So 3 of the 7 days we were there were spent exploring the surrounding Turkish islands by boat. Boat trips are booked the night before so after supper we would walk along the quayside by the restaurants and perused the agendas on offer from the boat owners promoting their trips: sailing or motoring, turtle island, roman remains, diving, snorkelling rocks, fishing, caves.

 Mostly the form was that we set off, moored up, dived and snorkelled a bit and sailed on to another island ate BBQ lunch (incidentally if you don’t do fish and sea bass/bream in particular, you might want to consider somewhere other than Turkey or bring a jar of marmite in your luggage ) was followed by chugging on a little further to explore some caves or moor up and explore a few Roman remains on a chunk  of land. The children had many diving competitions off the boat…slightly worrying when you look up to note your 6 yr old about to launch herself 20ft into the water below. It usually occurs to me how good all that brave stuff is for kids these days unless someone breaks something…they didn’t luckily!

 No one seemed too bothered about sticking to a strict agenda but we usually motored slowly back to the quay in the evening watching the sun go down from the upper deck. As we all made our way back to the villa, tired, a little browner/redder and usually caked in sea salt it felt like returning from a chapter out of an Enid Blyton book…’5 on a Treasure Island’perhaps ..(8 in our case).  

   

It was the most wonderful holiday (certainly not relaxing in the conventional sense) but with some wonderful memories…. and adventures attached and as we cling onto summer for another few days, I am thinking roll on next Summer!

 

 Ronit was born in Israel and came to study fashion design in London, where she launched Ronit Zilkha and went on to show at London Fashion Week for more than 12 years.

I love the ethos of Ronit’s new label, Lullilu, here you will find little precious pieces for you and your daughter(s) that will last for years….that little classic Audrey dress or cashmere cardigan with a twist. The new website is about to go live and I am forever checking to see if they are there yet …we know all about launching new websites here at Travelwrap Towers recently and the fact the journey is never quite as smooth or as quick as one initially plans for is the inevitable joy of running an online business….!

Over to Ronit…..
Israel is a fascinating combination of the old and the new, the past and the future, and Tel Aviv– where I come from, is a perfect reflection of this unique mixture.

Linking ancient Jaffa and its rich 3,000 year history with brash young Tel Aviv that rose out of the sands just a century ago, it is a thriving cosmopolitan centre by the sea, a city that never sleeps – an exciting city that celebrates independence, modernity, technology, diversity and pluralism every day of the week.

The long promenade, running alongside the seashore that makes up the western edge of Tel Aviv-Jaffa. There, we walk or jog, ride bikes, sit on benches, fill our lungs with fresh air. A glorious 8.7 miles of open views, blue horizons, white sandy beaches and the most beautiful sunset every evening without fail.

Regardless of the hour, human attractions abound – clowns, caricaturists, tattoo artists, hair-braiders, magicians and of course, the ever- changing parade of people strolling by The nearby beaches beckon.

Clean sand, lounge chairs, ice-cream vendors and diehard beach-lovers that swim daily, winter and summer, no matter what. Each beach has its own unique character and crowd .



Thousands of years of history come together in Jaffa, one of the world's oldest cities and the birthplace of Tel Aviv. The main port of the ancient land of Israel, and one of the first ports in the world.

Driving to Jaffa is like going through a time tunnel– skyscrapers soar on the left, while ahead lays a city with thousands of years behind it.

I love to go Jaffa every Thursday night to the market that have been revived into the most eclectic mixture of old merchants with new generation of young designers all showing their work surrounded by music bands and food stalls. The roads are all blocked so crowds of people can just stroll all around the city which is beautiful at night .

These beautifully restored houses and streets preserve the romance of the early days of Jewish urban settlement. Enveloping a preserve of Jewish pioneering. 

Tel Aviv’s Port became the city's premier entertainment centre, 70 years after its establishment, with dance clubs, cafes and restaurants all at the water's edge.  The port attracts to its wide wooden promenade thousands of people seeking to combine food, shopping and entertainment with romantic red sunsets, salty sea breezes and white sails on the horizon.

If you get here after noontime on a Saturday, forget it – you'll quickly discover that you're not the only one in pursuit of this magical combination.
 
A bridge across the Yarkon River connects the port to the historic old Reading power station, whose cavernous interior now serves as an exciting venue for modern design and art exhibitions.

Every time I visit there are new places revived capturing the history and essence of the Israel . it is so overwhelming that you feel you are in a daze trying to take it all in .

The nice thing is that there is everything for everyone so every trip can have a different vibe , from relaxing by the beach or exploring but because of the weather the days feel longer and it’s amazing how many places you can visit in a day as it is all so near and yet all different .

Israel is all about food and there are so many places to eat overlooking the sea that it is hard to choose one place but Turquoise Restaurant, in Sea & Sun, Tel Aviv, has got the most beautiful setting ,It has a large terrace overlooking over the sea from a cliff.

 

I thought I performed an impressive juggling act with the 6 children, business, husband…and the rest to run … and then I met Caroline Stanbury, who  performs a veritable circus …and still looks pretty good on it!

 

Having built a successful personal styling business over ten years, developed a large and loyal clientele, made personal connections with designers and artisans across the globe, Caroline was perfectly poised to launch Gift-Library.com in 2008 - a bespoke online service providing select luxury gifts.

 

When I go to shop in Gift Library it is like standing in a very impressive virtual  gift hall and  being surrounded by all things  lovely…that you wish you had uncovered yourself but thankfully  Caroline and her team got there first to make life much easier!  Gift Library is full to the brim of the most  beautiful, original and  quirkiest selection of  luxury gits on line….and the customer service experience is equally  impressive. I could go on but just, have a wander and discover the joy of Gift Library yourselves….

 

Caroline and I met recently to discuss a Travelwrap/ Gift Library project, more of that in the coming weeks and months, she is direct and to the point, no point in otherwise with a life that busy …and so in the same imitable style Caroline’s very favourite  places in London to sleep, eat and be…...

 

Favourite Restaurant: Scott’s

Best Steakhouse: Sophie’s Steak House

Best Sushi: Zuma

Best Ethnic Food: Vama

Best Italian: Scalini

Best Pizza: Pizza Metro

Best Lunch: Eight Over Eight

Best Place For Late Night Dining: Cipriani

Best Dessert: Anything chocolate!

Best Place For A Romantic Date: La Petite Maison

Best Sunday Brunch: Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel

Hautest Club/Lounge: Robin Birley’s soon-to-open club in Shepherd’s Bush Market

Best Place For A Power Business Meeting: Harry’s Bar

If You Have Out Of Town Guests, which Hotel Would You Recommend? Claridges

Favorite Shopping Venue/Boutique: Matches

Best Place To Buy Jewellery / Watches: From my friends

Best Spa: MediSpa, Kings Road

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Home – with my personal trainer

Favorite Charity Event: Elton John’s AIDS Foundation

Favorite Cultural Event: Serpentine Gallery Party

Favorite Cultural Institution: The Hermitage

Best Museum/Exhibit: Philips de Pury Gallery

Favorite Historic/Legendary Place To See Or Explore: Tower of London

All-Around Favorite Spot In London: Notting Hill

Best Aspect Of London: The people!

Best Broadway Show: Phantom of the Opera

 

Sally and I are used to jetting off to warmer southern climes, so when we were invited to experience the wonders of Iceland, my response was a little lacklustre - I am a sun-loving Aussie girl after all.

On arrival to Keflavik Airport I still had my doubts. I had left a glorious sunny day in London and here I found myself in a landscape devoid of a single blade of grass or tree, and seemingly lacking of colour.

But my hosts soon had me feeling and looking three years younger after a stop at the regenerative Blue Lagoon (I diligently scrubbed myself with the white sulphuric mud which has been proven to reverse the signs of ageing), and by the time I had checked in to my lovely art deco suite at the Hotel Borg things had certainly started to look up…

The following morning we ventured off to explore Iceland’s harsh interior of fire and ice and after just a few hours of driving my perception of the landscape had shifted entirely. Colours suddenly came alive, I started to appreciate how vividly the green moss contrasted against the black volcanic rocks and even started to enjoy the ferocity and changeability of the weather – one minute blazing sunshine, and the next a snow blizzard that could pick you up off your feet.

We visited the towering waterfalls of Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, stood between two tectonic plates and sat just out of reach of the thundering Atlantic surf on the deserted black beach at Reynifjall.

I spent a very memorable birthday super-jeeping through a Mordor-esque monochrome valley of fresh black ash and white snow before trekking up the side of the now world-famous volcano Eyjafjallajökull.

Set in rural isolation, Hotel Ranga was the perfect place to watch out for the Northern Lights from the comfort of our outdoor jacuzzi, and even though we missed out on Bear Grylls and Jake Gyllenhaal by just a day (they had been staying there whilst filming Man vs Wild) we were somehow not left feeling disappointed. In Reykjavik itself, the sleek Hotel 101 - complete with black and white décor designed to mimic the stunning scenery of the interior

- provided the ideal backdrop from which to explore the tiny laidback city which is jam-packed full of surprises, from fashionable boutiques and cosy cafes to seriously cool bars and nightclubs - we were even lucky enough to catch a secret DJ set by Iceland’s music royalty, Gus Gus.

I realised by the end of the week that I had made a lot of incorrect assumptions about Iceland but perhaps the biggest of all was with regards to the country’s culinary offerings. I had arrived thinking that this Arctic land would provide me with nothing more than the purest of glacier water, rye bread and a healthy top up of Omega 3, but how wrong I had been…from the 5 course ‘Chef’s Surprise’ at The Fish Company (Icelandic lamb is the best I have ever tasted) right through to the Asian fusion tasting menu at Fishmarket, I can honestly say that I have never tasted such incredible fare.

Turns out the only thing I won’t be going back for a second time is the customary cod liver oil shot in the morning, I don’t care how good it is for you…

April 2011

 

 

I always think one of the tricks to being a successful entrepreneur is to find something you are passionate about and enjoy doing in your spare time …because believe me you are going have to. James and Tamara found the art of weekends away in boutique hotels (and writing about them) was their thing…My husband and I have often landed in a  Mr & Mrs Smith recommendation that oozes quirkiness rather than necessarily the 5* element, which is in my mind counts for much more!  Any man can look up a list of 5* hotels but finding a hotel that feels like you have just stumbled upon the best kept secret in London or elsewhere are what Mr& Mrs Smith are all about…note to husband… although he is remarkably well trained.  Over to Tamara…. When we started Mr & Mrs Smith, we travelled almost every week searching for hotels across the UK and Ireland. Sadly I don’t get away as much as we would like anymore. We have two small children so we definitely travel less – although in my son’s first year he did travel to New York, Spain, France and the Caribbean… including a visit to the newly opened Jade Mountain , which was spectacular.

I travel for both business and pleasure. At the moment, James and I are in New York, at our recently-opened offices. Working in the travel industry means you can’t ever really getaway without automatically thinking about work, even when you’re on the most beautiful private island. We’re always thinking about whether a hotel is right for our collection, or learning new service do’s and don’ts. Sadly, being super-critical is a hazard of the job! We often find ourselves asking for lights to be dimmed, or for music to be turned down; sometimes a small change can make a huge difference to your experience.  There are so many factors that we take into account when we’re deciding whether a hotel should go into the Smith collection: service, decor, atmosphere, location and of course a certain indefinable something that really makes the hotel stand out. One of my favourites is Blakes  in London. It’s discreet, small and seductively designed by Anouska Hempel. It’s incredibly romantic too: that’s why I married James there. JK Place  in Florence is one of my all-time favourites. Designed by Michele Bonan, it’s super-stylish and feels like a private home rather than a hotel. Mollies  in Auckland is the most romantic place. It’s incredibly personal, like being in a private home, and I adore the feminine styling with forests of candles and lavish floral arrangements all over the place. The hotel’s proprietor Frances Wilson sits at the Steinway piano every evening, providing the accompaniment to the hotel’s famous pre-dinner drinks soirée and a student from Wilson’s own Auckland Opera School usually sings an aria. It makes a stay at this bohemian hideaway something you won’t soon forget.

My favourite destination overseas is Spain which is my home from home as I grew up there, so I keep going back – feel so comfortable and there is a lot of nostalgia, but also lots I want to discover. James and I had our second wedding at Ca’s Xorc  in Mallorca. It’s so varied: from the rural olive groves and tranquil villages to its cosmopolitan capital featuring stylish boutiques and white-cube galleries as well as the beautiful beaches for both party people and peace-seekers.

 My ultimate holiday spot is the nearby hilltop village of Deià, with its literary credentials and atmosphere of careless elegance, it epitomizes Mallorquin glamour – the original boho chic destination.

Our best trip ever….? We both agree that our honeymoon in South Africa and Zambia tops the list. We stayed in the most amazing safari lodges, like Royal Malewane and saw incredible wildlife – it was a once in a lifetime experience.

….New Urban Hotel? Crosby Street in New York City, has caused quite a stir. The innovative British hotel duo behind the Firmdale Group take their quirky-but-elegant, colourful style to Manhattan. It’s dripping in Kit Kemp’s special blend of inspired fabrics, textured wallcoverings and colourful artworks. Each room offers a different mix of patterns and colours, and combines just the right balance of character and comfort. I love the details, such as the Miller Harris perfume that was designed specially for Firmdale. There’s a great restaurant that looks onto a courtyard garden, a buzzy bar and a private screening room with Poltrona Frau leather armchairs. It’s a fabulous, feminine destination hotel.

And finally ….Places on the wishlist….. I’ve heard great things about Laos, since our team has been off researching for our new South East Asia book last year. Satri House  in Luang Prabang really appeals to me. It was built as a residence for a branch of the Lao royal family in the 1900s. It’s had extensive renovation and looks like it’s once again fit for the aristocracy: the original house somehow manages to be intimate yet striking and grand all at once.

Now we are working on a new Italy book for September 2011, so maybe I’ll get a chance to visit soon!

Sally and Alice first met whilst working at a London-based luxury tour operator and immediately bonded over their love of all things wild, dusty and remote. It is therefore not surprising that the idea to start Sally and Alice was born on a motorbike safari on Alice’s farm.  

 

 I love the way these 2 girls sum each other up in their bios on their website Sally (by Alice)….. Sally may be small, but don’t be fooled, she has sailed a 50 footer, boxed with the heavy weights and skied the Grand Couloir in Courchevel.   Alice (by Sally) … has a great knack for finding beautiful things, and has started several trends with her eclectic purchases from souks across North Africa and Arabia. She claims her Africa obsession began at an early age after reading Karen Blixen’s opening line ‘I had a farm in Africa’ and her favourite new discovery is Syria, a country she fell in love with on a recent research trip. Luckily for me, her other passion is baking, so I am often treated to her latest ‘experimental’ cake recipes. Over to Sally....

As the owner of Sally and Alice,   a tour operator specialising in African safaris, it is not surprising that the places I enjoy the most are the small camps and lodges hidden away in remote, wild and untouched parts of my favourite continent; Africa. There are very few places that can really say they are still ‘untouched’ by tourism, and when you find one it is often hard to share it. But when somewhere is as remote, uninhabitable and barren as the Skeleton Coast – no matter how much you shout about it, it will (hopefully) always remain untouched, as mankind simply cannot survive there.

 It is only thanks to my great friends at Wilderness Safaris that anyone other than the local Himba tribes gets to visit this far-flung corner of north-west Namibia. Their six bed tented camp is the only accommodation within the private concession which spans a vast 16,400 km sq, the feeling of being miles from anywhere is at times quite overwhelming, not least when you are coming into land after the 3-hour flight from Windhoek, the nearest city.

Coming from the UK, this remoteness is hard to come to grips with, as are the unfamiliar surroundings, which can only be described as lunar-like landscapes. You could be forgiven for thinking that nothing could possibly survive in this harsh environment, but before you get too spooked by your hostile surroundings their resident guides, the most knowledgeable and passionate guides I have ever encountered, will turn this barren desert into a nature and outdoor enthusiasts playground. From the ancient lichens, dancing white lady spiders, desert lions and seal colonies to the sinking quicksand, roaring sand dunes and skeletons of ill-fated ships and whale bones – the desert suddenly springs to life, and the experience awakens something in you too.

I once sent a US client here for a long weekend, he desperately needed to escape his stressful banking job and hedonistic lifestyle, it turned out to be just the place, he texted me as he boarded the flight back to NYC to say, “thank you so much, the Skeleton Coast Camp has changed my life!” I have to agree, it is very rare to find a place that makes you feel genuinely privileged to visit, and a place where you really can just BE.

In another world…. once I get to be a wealthy entrepreneur who delegates rather than does!  ... one of my favourite places to be all day on a Friday (after a stressful 4 day week in the boardroom) is about a 5 minute drive from our front door (rather conveniently)….The Chewton Glen Spa.

Bit of a story but my dear brother-in-law called me in a panic last November to gain some inspiration for my sister’s birthday present. Without repetition, hesitation or deviation I advised him  a Spa day for 2 at the Chewton Glen would be just the ticket to my sister's heart.  He was delighted with my idea and promptly booked a Spa day for 1…the deal being that I go too…Men they just don’t get it!

Anyway, brother-in-law's inconsideration aside, we gathered ourselves first thing Friday morning, took the children to school and made our way up the gliding drive to another world of pampering luxury.  Once swim-suited and gowned in a CG robe we perused our spa menu over a light breakfast of fresh fruit juices, croissants, granola and a splendid latte in the Health Club restaurant …

We had a busy day of relaxing ahead of us so we slipped off to the steam room for 15 minutes before our first treatment. I just love the spectacular healing crystal and the space of the steam room. I also, incidentally love the fact that it was just us in the steam room. I have been to London spas without naming names, where you end up almost queuing for the facilities. Even on a Friday, when I am sure there could have been many more takers (we booked before Christmas for our Spa day) there is capaciousness to the space, in my mind all part of the luxury of the experience. The spa also has 10 treatment rooms, a 17-metre ozone-treated swimming pool, a gym (should you feel the need, we couldn’t fit it into our busy schedule) a hydrotherapy spa pool and an outdoor Jacuzzi.

All in a days work… after our express facial which felt anything but, we lazed around in the indoor pool room for a while flicking through glossy mags and catching up a little on our busy lives. Far too relaxed to read the novel I had brought with me, I prefered instead, to dip into Tatler and Vogue. My only little whinge is that there were not enough copies of new glossy titles … my dear sister had to make do with the Telegraph at one point!

After being bubbled and pummeled in the wonderfully therapeutic hydrotherapy pool, we decided rather than brave the massage on a full stomach, we would dip into the restaurant for a quick macaroon and coffee, then head off for our massage. The Chewton Glen Spa has been named the favorite spa in the UK by SpaFinder this year and I suspect some of those voting must have had a back and shoulder massage from Daniel, my masseur on Friday. Both reinvigorating and calming. I am always a bit wary of the male / female thing, when I have a massage (maybe it is just the Irish Catholic in me), but, any ‘Catholic’ discomfort was dispelled immediately by his expertise in the art of massage. I could feel my back muscles loosening and the unwinding and relaxation setting in…very lovely  and very clever!

Back to the restaurant for a light buffet lunch and a little glass of Sauvignon (the only extra we were charged for all day) and then off downstairs to the grooming lounge for our mini manicure. We finished off the day by braving the outdoor jacuzzi (and it is so worth braving)… a grim and grey day in March suddenly felt Spring-like and cosy in the hot spa surrounded by the mature trees and sprawling CG grounds.

As we drove away from our spa day, rejuvenated, relaxed and still giggling about some sisterly thing and back to collect the children, we thought we might just hatch a plan to return in October before my sister’s new baby arrives on the scene… the perfect antidotal plan to  the juggling act we call life!

 

Stephanie is a girl that loves to travel, experience new things and gets a buzz from businesses and making them work…a (very) kindred spirit.  She has worked in e commerce for some of my favourite luxury brands including,  Bloomingdale’s, Space NK Apothecary, and Aspinal of London and now runs her own business, Vora Coaching, coaching corporate clients and individuals. If there was such a thing as a double first in the art of positive thinking, Stephanie would be first in line! Before I hand over to Stephanie, i just wanted to mention one of the quotes from her website that rings so true for me (for today at least!) : “Energy and persistence conquer all things.” - Benjamin Franklin 

 

  To me, Brugge oozes charm, romance and that fairy tale feel. Whether it be spring, summer or winter (although my favourite time to visit is during December for the annual Christmas Market), it always makes me smile. From the beautiful and grand Market Square doused with colourful buildings and historic landmarks, the cobbled streets that make you feel like you are in a different time period, to the picturesque canals that run through the city (a canal boat tour is worthwhile), it is hard not to fall in love with Brugge. In fact one of the main attractions is Lake Minnewater , the “Lake of Love” – that says it all.

Hotel: My absolute favourite hotel is The Prinsenhof  . This cute and charming boutique hotel situated off a side street takes things to the next level. Each room is decorated differently and is so welcoming after a long day of sightseeing and dining! The Jacuzzi tubs are to die for and what makes this place so special is during Christmas they decorate the main lounge with more decorations than the room can handle. The coziness makes me feel right at home.

Beer and Chocolate: I actually have never liked the taste of beer until I came to Belgium. My favourite is actually one of the few beers made in Brugge– Brugge Tripel . For a great local beer experience either try the local brew from De Halve Maan (you can also take a tour)or go to our favorite beer house Café t’Brugs Beertje and ask for help choosing from their 300 Belgium beers.

Dining: Passage which is Kevin’s secret dining place serves the best Waterzooi and Ribs in all of Brugge. It’s actually a hostel that he stayed at when travelling abroad in his early twenties and 12 years later the food is as good as it was on his first visit. With large portions , a quaint and romantic lounge like feel , delicious beers and incredibly affordable prices you can’t go wrong. Den Dyver: For those of you who appreciate a food and wine pairing at dinner, try it with a twist. Den Dyver, while has fantastic food/wine pairings is best known for their beer and food pairings on their prix fixe menu. One of the best aperitifs I have ever had was their hops royal (similar to a Kir Royale). This is a restaurant you to go for delicious food and when you want to impress. Shopping – You won’t be void of shopping at the many fashion forward shops there. Shoes shoes and more shoes.. I never come back without a new pair. If fashion is your thing then take a day trip to Antwerp – the trendy boutiques, the up and coming designers and unbelievable prices .. what can I say except make sure to bring an empty suitcase! So there you have it. I can’t wait to go back again and if you want any suggestions at all please feel free to email me directly!

I realise it is a bit of a sweeping statement, but my Husband and I dined at one of my favourite places on the planet last Saturday night…The Chewton Glen. I have lived down in this particular lovely part of the world (The New Forest) for almost 10 years now and I remember my first introduction to the CG, almost as long ago. I also remember feeling at the time it felt a bit like a stuffy old gentleman’s Conservative club with a ‘child catcher’ policy on the side ie they were not allowed. How times have changed…or maybe we have both improved a little with age (and families are now welcome). There is an air of being ‘very comfortably confident in it’s own skin’ these days about my favourite hotel. The traditional classic decor but with a clean and smart contemporary twist always inspires me to start redecorating our study in my head… …home from home…. albeit a very aspirational one!

I love the way when you first appear in the foyer there is always someone making their way down the marble hall to greet and show you through to the bar for a pre-dinner drink. Now, much as I don’t like to feel I am sitting in an old gentleman’s Conservative club eating my supper, I do like that slightly illegal feeling of sipping champagne dressed in my smart Karen Millen dress in this quite masculine, plush dark red and wood, snug of a bar. …and so through to the dinner. There are local whispers that there are changes afoot in the lovely conservatory dining room area, but actually other than the cunningly placed white board and vase of flowers at one end of the dining room you would barely know….l look forward to seeing what lies behind those lovely lilies when all is revealed.

I am one of the worlds lovers of dressing up and so am always happy abiding to the Chewton Glen fairly smart dress code, although I noticed Mr Evans at the table behind us had forgotten to put his socks on that evening, but no one seemed to mind and other than hearing the odd familiar sound of his radio voice, he was left to the happy process of enjoying his evening like the rest of us without much of a stir…which is I suspect one of his reasons for relishing spending time there.

On arrival at our table we were given a little espresso sized cup full of delicious chilled asparagus soup before I got on with my Tian of local crab and then a loin of Jurrasic Coast veal. All of that sounds vast, but actually came perfectly and deliciously proportioned. Husband as usual opted for the fois grais and then the fish, we do lots of sharing of forkfuls though so I am always grateful when he plumps for something different. Pudding and then cheese.

My only grumble was the cheese. It is a patriotic decision to serve only English farmhouse cheeses at a hotel that does English gentle luxury in perfect spadefuls but personally I feel there is something missing from the groaning CG cheese trolley without that certain strength and depth provided by a smattering of a few examples of French cheese…and to make matters worse I believe on deeper delving with our friendly waiter, the decision to keep it strictly English Farmhouse was made by a Frenchman. However all was forgiven, coffee and freshly prepared truffles back in the bar and I was easily seduced back!

I suspect I am trying to overanalyse here, but I was trying to work out why this hotel feels so warm, chic comfortable …and fun. I think a lot of it is down to the staff, lovely as the décor is I have visited many beautifully decorated hotels in my day and the CG rates highly but there are others. Partly of course it is just on our doorstep and therefore there is a bit of ownership about it but I think a lot is down to the soul of the place, there is a genuine friendliness that abounds, without overstepping boundaries. As we sipped our coffee in the lounge, my husband commented on how solid and dependable the place is…and you know he is right.

My next official date with the Chewton Glen is in March when my sister and I are there for a day of spa…bliss! We have done Spa days there in the past, I shall be reporting back…..