Travel
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All aboard for the maiden voyage of Iona – a stunning British cruise ship
Here’s a strange thing. Despite spending much of my life living by the sea – I grew up in beautiful Salcombe, in Devon – most of my boating experience (apart from the odd ferry to France, or between Thai islands) has been on little ships that pootled around the estuary. I’d see some sizeable yachts sail past my hometown, but sadly never got the chance to experience some of this opulence first-hand. Now, though, I scoff at these titchy gin palaces with their limited sailing range and glaring absence of on-board nightclubs and Vegas-level entertainment shows, because I’ve jumped straight to the top of the big ship league table…
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The unexpected delights of a five-star garden shed
Last year’s brief half-term lift on lockdown saw us take a trip to historic Sherborne, spending three days in this delightful country town in north west Dorset. It’s like the Cotswolds, but less knowingly cute and is a short hop to the picturesque Jurassic Coast, with easy excursions to places like Lyme Regis or the famous Durdle Door beach. We took a guided tour around the town, courtesy of Paul from Sherborne Walks, which was a great way to get a flavour of the place. It’s packed with history and stories in every nook and cranny and Paul’s enthusiasm was infectious – particularly when he told us some of the…
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A stay in a luxury beach hut
Travel in 2020 was a guessing game. Trying to plan a trip away, even for a UK staycation, would fox even the smartest superforecaster. However, after a number of false starts and dashed hopes, we were lucky enough to find a lockdown-free window that allowed us to take a trip to West Sussex. Our destination was Felpham, a small village close to the seaside town of Bognor Regis. This proximity meant we could enjoy the traditional delights of Bognor – handsome pier, amusements, crazy golf (even a Butlin’s, if that’s your thing) – while still having our own cosy coastal corner to retreat to. Our two-night stay was based at the Beachcroft Hotel’s…
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Style in the Land of Smiles
It’s been a while since I posted but, following a recent two week trip to Thailand – taking in Bangkok, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao (lots of islands, basically!) – I wanted to share some of the fabulous fashion items that I enjoyed wearing while there. They call Thailand the ‘land of smiles’, as the people are so warm and friendly, and I found it to be a terrifically welcoming place. It’s also terrific as a backdrop for fashion shots and I hope you enjoy some of the looks (and settings) that I’ve put together below. Keep in mind, too, that these aren’t just fashion items…
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Is this England’s finest country house hotel?
I’ve been lucky enough to visit several luxury hotels in England over the last few years, from the majestic Tynley Hall and the (surprisingly handy for London-dwellers) Luton Hoo, to the Eastern-influenced delight that is the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. I think I may have just found my new favourite though. Situated a few miles out of the gorgeous spa town of Bath and sitting in hundreds of sweeping acres of landscaped grounds, Lucknam Park comes complete with a stable full of horses and a walking trail that takes in ancient woods and hidden follies – it’s the sort of place that needs a few days stay to enjoy all that…
