A Luxury Travel Blog

Rush-hour on the Strand can make London feel like a town of nothing but tourists and theatre-goers. The black cabs and red buses whirl by as confused, map touting foreigners scamper across the streets. The well-heeled, well-suited business men pile into the posh hotels and swanky gastro pubs. If you watch carefully, however, you’ll see a few, in-the-know locals slipping into the shadows of the side streets to share an afternoon drink and a chat with friends or co-workers. If you follow them, you may find yourself on Bedford Street, just beyond the Adelphi theatre. Walk briskly and you’ll be led to one of the best kept secrets in central London:  Bedford & Strand wine bar.

Down the stairs, through a set of aging wooden doors, the buzz of a crowd and the soft clink of wine glasses float in the air. The lighting is mellow and a smiling, chattering crowd fill the low wooden banquets and tall bar stools. You’d be forgiven for thinking you had slipped back in time to a 1920’s Left bank Brasserie. The black and white tile interior is filled with chalk board menus, marble-topped tables and ranks of wine bottles.

People come for the wine. There is little wonder why. In a town where wine selection can begin to look like they all fell from the back of the same truck, Bedford and Strand stands out as a bespoke collection of classic French and Italian favorites alongside surprising discoveries from Portugal, New Zealand and Spain. The wine list is smartly segregated to meet the needs of the thrifty connoisseur or the celebrant dandy. One can linger over a single glass, or while the evening away over a few shared bottles. The carefully researched selections change quarterly, with new surprises always waiting a little further down the list. The servers are eager to help; there is no wine snobbery in this cosy cellar. Tell your host what you like – or what you think you like – and you’ll be steered true and helped to match your wine to a few bites of rustic, French and English food classics.

The food is just as well thought-out and does the wine proud. Order up a dish of freshly made, crisp and salty pork scratchings or tuck into the Braun Fritters; crispy bites of slow-cooked pork cheek breaded crisp and served with greens and creamy Gribiche sauce. For wine paring magic, point to a few of the creamy cheeses and bright, cured salumi glimmering in the long display case. The food changes with the seasons and menu launches are always announced to insiders.

And the cocktails aren’t bad either. Standing proud between the wine racks is a wall of spirits to make any aperitif connoisseur swoon. From Scottish highland malts to obscure Italian bitters, the sure-handed bar staff knows how to make the most of their tools to pour out and shake up ultimate versions of the classics. Ask for one of the house variations on the classic martini and your night is off to a bracing start. Specialty cocktails feature home-grown London spirits and liqueurs that you may never encounter again.

When you head back up the stairs to street level, you’ll feel connected to London. You’ll have seen and experienced a beating heart of the city that the fast moving tourists will never know. Turn back onto the strand and you’ll be swallowed into the warm buzz of the crowd as they rush from one hot-spot to the next. But you can relax because you know exactly how to slip away from it all. Take a breath and enjoy the luxury that comes from quietly knowing a secret haven in the most cosmopolitan food and drink city in the world.

Sage Russell is Editor of Food Pilgrimage.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

When going on holiday on Gran Canaria you’re going to expect the best of the best. The super red status of the resort all year around means that you have the most glorious weather and the premier beaches which were imported especially – yes you read that right, sand from the Sahara and Coral from the Caribbean have been brought in you make your stay all the better.  There is nothing better to accompany the perfect beach holiday than the best dining you’ll find on the Canary Islands, so here for your convenience are some of the best restaurants Gran Canaria has to offer.

Casa Montesdeoca

Described as the “highlight of the Vegueta”, the Casa Montesdeoca is the very epitome of tranquillity itself. It is located within a small courtyard, lined with palm trees that gently rustle in the breeze. Off the courtyard patio there is also an exquisitely decorated bar with an array of drinks, and three other dining rooms to take food in.

You might wonder why you would consider eating indoors when the courtyard is so grand? Well the building the Casa Montesdeoca calls home was a 16th Century merchant palace before it was a restaurant, and much of restaurant’s history can be felt though the wonderful paintings and architecture when you dine there, making the experience all the better. The fine food and drink is served by the restaurants friendly, English speaking staff, the gentleman behind the bar was especially knowledgeable about the wine too, a wonderful addition to the dining experience!

La Aquarela

For those who want nothing more than real haute cuisine, La Aquarela is without a doubt the finest Gran Canaria can offer. What’s more, if you’ve chosen to stay at one of the Anfi resorts in Anfi Del Mar, you are only but a few moments away – perfect for those who choose to indulge perhaps a little too much on the impeccable selection of wines available.

The delectable menu ties in wonderfully with the stunning décor and full service they provide. If you want to ensure that you are able to enjoy the other restaurants in the area, best off visiting La Aquarela last because it really doesn’t get any better than this.

El Salsete

Highly regarded as providing an exemplary example of locale food, El Salsete is located in the midst of the more tourist centric bars and restaurants of Maspalomas. Stocking many a local wine and serving fish from the area, it is well worth deviating from the set menu to sample some of the daily specialties. These of course vary from the time of the year, but you are guaranteed seasonal delights, all presented in spectacular form.

A hidden gem within Maspalomas, El Salsete is a delightful blend local charm and excellent food; it is well worth searching out if you long for more than the typical tourist trappings which can be found on the south side of Gran Canaria.

Peter Lydford is Director at Travel & Leisure Group.

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On selected flights during May, Upper Class fliers with Virgin Atlantic will be ‘treated’ to a new in-flight innovation.  More comfortable seats, free WiFi, a new menu or maybe improved cabin staff, you might wonder?  Think again. No… their great idea – which has reportedly been the culmination of the efforts of four designers working for six weeks – is novelty ice cubes that look like Sir Richard Branson’s head.  Yep, that’s it… something I’m sure you always wanted.  Apparently it’s actually a move designed to celebrate the launch of the airline’s new in-flight bar.  Ridiculous though it might be, I guess it will have the desired PR effect.

This large open cellar event in May covers many regions in the South of France and draws an audience of over 40,000 people from all over the world! Winemakers, villagers & visitors alike flock to nearby vineyards in and around Provence including the Côte D`Azur and Rhone Valley areas, to join in the festivities and celebrate the tradition & art of winemaking.

This is a day out for everyone – for food and wine lovers, for families, for professionals and even those on vacation who wish to be part of the fun and have a special glimpse into the world of grape harvesting and the universe of oenology… or those who simply come just to drink the wine!

Provence is one of France’s largest and oldest wine producing regions and may be best known for it’s rosé wines of which the most famous are Côtes de Provence and Côteaux d’Aix.  Provence vineyards also produce some fabulous red wines, including very rich red wines from the Var and “grey wine” from the Camargue. The area’s most famous White wine is “Bandol” which has been celebrated since the middle ages.

The “Feast of the Vine and Wine’ or “La Fête de la Vigne et du Vin” was established in 1995 in order to try and prevent the Provençal wine craft from dwindling popularity and showcase to the world the beauty of this trade. It occurs annually on the weekend of Ascension – this year it will be 19th May2012 – and every year the number of wine makers and visitors participating grows significantly making this a much anticipated event on French calendars. With September’s harvesting looming on the horizon, May sees the vineyards prepped and spruced up in readiness – the perfect time to visit and celebrate what is and what is to come!

Local wine making domains, cellars or caves hold many different events, some ticketed others on a first-come-first-served basis and others are free to walk in at leisure. Events vary from guided vineyards tours, to demonstrations on winemaking, talks on the different grape varieties and everyone’s favourite – the tasting! Many cellars offer their guests the chance to sample some of their produce and purchase bottles at heavily discounted prices – or 5th bottle free, this is definitely a festival to come to on foot or bike and avoid driving!

In true festival style, the celebrations are not merely just about the wine and wine making but about people coming together – bands are invited to play, local arts & crafts are displayed & sold and of course where there is wine, there is usually food to accompany! Many wineries will either invite you to join them for a buffet feast around a large table, or offer food stalls & little tasters so you can line your stomach prior to sampling some of the delectable vintages!

This festival is the perfect way to sample not only the fine produce the  Provençal  region has to offer but to glimpse a different way of life for many and an art form which will inspire!

Claire Allen is Head of Marketing at Abercrombie & Kent Villas.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Among whitewashed seaside villages, glowing golden hill towns and the pink and yellow blossoms of a million never ending orchards, food is life in the Itria valley of Puglia. Miraculously, tourism is just taking hold in this agricultural heartland. The warm Southern Italian people still embrace outsiders like prodigal sons; inviting them to homemade meals and pausing to show off their prized local foods; Creamy Mozzarella, smoky Capicola, delicate hand-made pastas, and the bright bounty of the sea. If you are considering a trip to Italy, want an unbeatable mix of luxury and culture, and you have any interest in the cuisine (Why else would you go?), skip Como and its ranks of tour buses, skip Tuscany and her repetitive gastro-gift shops and head for the southern coast to experience an Italy full of smiling faces, inspired food and pale turquoise ocean views that are the stuff of daydreams.

Step 1: Check-in, full-body aromatherapy massage and Aperitivo at the five-star Borgobianco Resort and Spa

At Bari or Brindisi airport, Guiseppe the Borgobianco driver will be waiting patiently with a wink and a smile and a tilt of the cap to greet you as you emerge from the tarmac. A thirty minute drive skirts the port towns; glowing gold and tan in the low sun, whisking you along the sea and ultimately through winding white farm roads flanked by the gnarled trees of olive and almond that are the backbone of the region’s cuisine. Modeled after the palatial Masserie farm houses the dot the hillsides, Borgobianco rises out of the surrounding orchards like an oasis of gleaming white turrets and rooftop terraces. From the warm greeting at the gate, you know you are in for royal treatment and luxury in abundance.

The resort is built around an open plan anchored by a sun-filled courtyard of shade umbrellas and comfortable lounge chairs. To the east lies a sparkling blue swimming pool with a dedicated bar set among fragrant hedges of rosemary and lavender. A gentle coastal breeze brings the freshness of the ocean.

The rooms at Borgobianco are white on white, with heavy wood furniture, tiled floors and tall glazed doors that open to a private patio looking over the gardens, the farms beyond and ultimately to the hazy blue horizon of the Adriatic sea.

Drop your bags, freshen up, fill out your room service breakfast card (the house-made filled pastries and fruit tarts are not to be missed) don a robe and head down the stone stairs to the tranquil calm of the spa. Besides a perfectly temperate indoor pool, a wood plank sauna, and a trance-inducing hammam steam room, the spa offers up a multi-page menu of hands-on body treatments that will melt your senses. Deep tissue and Swedish massage are on offer as well as Aromatherapy massages designed around essential oils of local herbs.

Once you are reborn and feel thoroughly unwound, slip into deck shoes and head over for an aperitivo at the smartly appointed cocktail lounge. Italian drinks are made to wake up the appetite and refresh the senses and the picture-perfect bar-tender in chalk stripes and peaked lapels will whip up a textbook version of your favorite or entice you with his bracing invention of the day (Ask him about the Ginger Pineapple martini). The small foods accompanying Aperitivo are an introduction to the bright olives, almonds, and crisp flour friselle that define the region.

Step 2: A morning wander through white-washed Polignano a Mare and a seaside brunch of urchin and fresh focaccia.

In the morning, rise with the sun, pull back the shutters and take in the near silence and serenity of the ocean view. Stay in your robe and take your cappuccino and cornetto breakfast on your veranda in pale light, bird-calls and faint farm-smoke of early morning. When you feel motivated, call up for the car and enjoy the breeze of the ten-minute drive into the nearby sea-side Hamlet of Polignano a Mare. The clutch of white washed buildings sits precariously over crumbling lime cliffs with spectacular views of the chalky blue water. Centuries of history have left a variety of architectural styles on display in the churches, battlements and ornate ocean view patios. Stroll to the quiet waterfront on the north edge of town past the brightly painted rowing boats. If you’re early, you’ll catch the industrious day boat fisherman shuttling in wicker baskets brimming with impossibly fresh sea urchin. Grab a wedge of fresh bread from the Focaccerie at the end of the point, haggle for a basket of trimmed urchin and sit on the creaky wooden pier with your brunch picnic. Plan ahead and grab a cold bottle of sparkling prosecco to wash it down.

Step 3: Wine and Craft Ale Pairing Dinner at Infermento, a bustling local’s wine and ale bar

After a day spent chatting with old fishermen and wandering through every narrow alley and crevice of the old town, grab a light early dinner at the Infermento wine bar. Run by a husband and wife team with a dedicated local following, Infermento features low arched dining rooms with a soft glow and wooden wall cases displaying a proud collection of vintage wines under lock and key. The menu features clean, rustic dishes inspired by the season’s fresh produce (wild chicory in goat’s cheese and dried grapes, Spaghettoni with porcini mushrooms, grilled lamb Turcinieddhri). Ask for a pairing of local craft beers to complement the flavors and you have a complete taste of what this region is capable of. The knowledge and suggestions will awaken senses you never knew you had and introduce tastes you never knew were possible.

There are dozens of quaint hill towns to explore in the coming days and the highlight of your stay may very well be a mellow bicycle ride along the flat, bleached farm roads carpeted in pink cherry blossoms. No matter what you envision, once you make the decision to get there, the magic of Puglia and the Itria Valley will leave you with cinematic memories that will trump any other vision or experience you’ve had in Italy.

Sage Russell is Editor of Food Pilgrimage.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Italian ice cream or ‘gelato’ is found glistening in tempting abundance across mouth-watering shop fronts and stalls all over Italy; a holiday to Italy without indulging in a scoop or two would in fact be a crime, don’t you think?

Acknowledged by many experts as the best ice cream in the world, traditional gelato is not to be missed and is indeed something to enjoy in countless flavours, multiple times! The only problem is trying to track down and taste the best gelato in Italy.

Only a festival of ice cream would help solve this dilemma… Oh yes, there’s one of those too!

In fact, the production and creative array of ice cream flavours is celebrated amongst Italians, during the Firenze Gelato Festival from 23rd to 27th May 2012, and draws 30,000 happy visitors. The festival turns the City of Florence into a Village of handmade ice-cream “Villaggio del Gelato Artigianale” and the best day out I can imagine – a trail of incredible colour and an invitation to taste copiousness amounts of homemade gelato.

The ice cream festival disembarks upon Florence’s finest squares, paying tribute to the traditions and creativity of gelato, allowing visitors to discover the secrets of Italian ice cream while invariably sampling spectacular flavours by ice cream makers from all over Italy.

An event perfect for the little ones, as well as adults, there are lots of games and activities to suit all the family, as well as workshops teaching the true art of gelato making. Serious foodies also rejoice, as the exhibition tells us the precious history of Italian ice cream, the evolution of techniques for making the icy treat, and the consumption of the flavourful ice cream from Bernardo Buontalenti’s 16th Century creation to this very day.

Italy is already a popular gourmet destination to enjoy the more well-known staple Italian dishes of pasta and pizza – you may not have known that Italian ice cream is also fundamental to Mediterranean cuisine. This festival is not only an excuse to tantalise those taste buds and get sticky fingers, it also showcases the quality and Italian character of ice cream making. But possibly above all else, this event is not to be missed simply for the “happy effect” it produces.

Perfectly positioned in picturesque Florence, as well as being the tastiest day I’ve ever known for family and friends to revel in, why not enjoy the fun to be had at Florence’s Ice Cream Festival this May.

Claire Allen is Head of Marketing at Abercrombie & Kent Villas.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Congratulations go to Anita Klemensen, aged 34, who is currently talk of the town after becoming Denmark’s first female chef to be lauded with a Michelin star. Her thatched woodland restaurant, just 10 miles north of the capital city of Copenhagen, Den Røde Cottage, serves Danish delicacies with ‘a female touch’.

Zurich is known for banking, watches and a rather serious population that works hard. Yet, there is more to Zurich than pin-strip suits and trains that run on time. Zurich is a gracious city with many delightful nooks and crannies to explore. Like secret treasures, decadent pleasures can be found throughout Zurich. Next time, stay awhile and enjoy the city rather than leaving immediately after business is finished. Here are five suggestions to whet your appetite!

1. The Bahnhofstrasse

The Bahnhofstrasse glimmers as the main artery of the luxury shopping district of Zurich, which goes unrivaled in the rest of Europe. All of your deepest desires and sophisticated shopping whims can be met here without a doubt. From Armani, to Prada, to Dior, you will find yourself in high end heaven. If that doesn’t have you feeling divine, then Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Tiffany, Cartier and Swarovski crystals will. Should your travels be accompanied by winter, stop in the haberdashery and consider buying a mink Cossack hat. Whatever your needs, Bahnhofstrasse has you covered.

2. Sprüngli

Think you’ve tried the most decadent, lush chocolate the world has to offer? You haven’t if your palette hasn’t been treated to Sprüngli. Coincidentally, the main store is located at Bahnhofstrasse and Paradeplatz so you can indulge after your shopping is done. The luxury confectioner’s most famous product is their macaroon. However, they do offer countless other types of chocolates, for all tastes, as well as ice cream and bakery goods. Your first bite of Sprüngli guarantees an epiphany in your mouth.

3. Mesa

Zurich continues to impress with its haute cuisine. Zurich now has two, two-star Michelin restaurants for the first time ever, one of which is Mesa. Mesa exudes upscale, yet doesn’t strain for it, so the atmosphere is casual and relaxed. The amuse-bouche arrives before the menu does. Dining is prix fixe, you choose the number of courses (5, 6, or 7). Chef de Cuisine Marcus Linder follows the spectacular culinary lineage of Catalán Chef Ferrán Adriá, thus you can expect gorgeously designed and plated food, with Catalán accents. Linder describes his cooking as “light and digestible” however you’re close to Austria, which means no shortage of protein, lots of meat, fish and potatoes. Expect meals to last around four hours. Customized, miniature stools are provided especially for women’s purses, adding a classy touch. Located at Weinbergstrasse 75.

4. Widder Hotel

Conveniently located only 50 meters from the Bahnhofstrasse, the Widder offers 42 rooms and 7 well-appointed suites. The hotel is “hidden” amongst ten old town houses that date from 12th through 17th centuries. Each room and every suite boasts its own unique, modern design, bestowing the hotel a distinctive hybrid aesthetic between historic and contemporary. All rooms are tailored with the utmost comfort in mind, providing wireless high speed internet, a Bang & Olufsen TV, and HiFi equipment amongst other amenities. The hotel has a business center, fitness room and limousine service at your disposal. The five star hotel, located on Rennweg 7, is only 500 meters from the train station, and a twenty minute drive from the airport.

5. Kunsthaus Zurich

Also known as the Zurich Museum of Art, the Kunsthaus Zurich is one of the most significant art museums in Europe, and arguably lays claim to Europe’s most important collection of modern art. Furthermore, the museum is considered by some, to be one of the most sophisticated art museums on the planet. The museum has a massive collection of works, and most notable among them is the Giacometti wing. Also popular is Rodin’s “Gate of Hell”, not to mention a lineup of the artist’s hall of fame: Picasso, Chagall, Monet, Rembrandt, Degas, and Cezanne all have a presence here. The final impressive touch for the Kunsthaus, is the Edward Munch collection, the largest in the world.

With all of these luxurious features, it hardly comes as a surprise that in recent years, Zurich was found to have the highest quality of life in Europe, as well as being Europe’s wealthiest city. A bounty of pleasures awaits those who seek the finest that life has to offer.

Jason Hall is Brand Manager for Budget.com.au.

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There’s uproar at one of Paris’ most exclusive restaurants this morning after it was revealed last night that it’s been serving up nothing but fast food since its inception in the early 1990s. Manger dans L’obscurité was one of the first ever restaurants to latch on to the idea of eating in total darkness. It received rave reviews from some of the most respected dining critics the world over and was praised for being a “taste sensation”. But, unbeknown to diners, all the food was actually sourced from a fast food joint just next door.

One critic, who has preferred to remain anonymous, said “I am outraged. I gave an exceptional review of their ‘fromage fondu’ but apparently it was the same processed cheese that they were using for the cheeseburgers next door. They have made complete fools of us.”

What’s your take on it all? Does it just go to show that restaurant critics don’t really know what they’re talking about? Should the restaurant be punished in some way for charging more than 40 times the price of its next door neighbour?

Everybody has a romantic mental image of what Bath, England should look like: tidy rows of stately Georgian terrace homes of gray stone and slate roofs set among green hills of pastures and woodland. With its rejuvenated pedestrian center, a slew of Chef’s leading the culinary charge and hotels and inns ranging from swanky to romantically cozy, Bath is the ultimate fast track to a luxurious break from the bustle of London.

Only an hour and half from London’s Paddington station, luxury travel pros use Bath as a vacation base as well as an indulgent weekend getaway.

Within minutes of leaving central London, the high-speed train pulls away from the capital city sprawl and the view opens up over panoramas of small stone farm houses and the hazy yellow sunshine of Somerset. Rolling hills and flocks of sheep glide by as you are whisked to picturesque Bath Spa train station at the foot of the pedestrian-friendly city center.

Step 1: Check in, kick back and linger over an aperitif

For contemporary clutter-free rooms and the friendliest front desk in Bath, consider the boutique Halcyon hotel for a base. Housed in a towering Georgian terrace house only a stone’s throw from Bath Spa station, the Grade-one listed Halcyon isn’t allowed a lift, and thus attracts a youthful, yet refined clientele. The rooms are spacious and spare. No creaky period furniture or tacky wall paper here. Contemporary fittings, a cloud-soft bed and views of the neighboring church make the rooms hard to leave.

The lobby of the Halcyon opens up to a slick, but comfortable lounge framed with dark wood accents and modern furniture. Grab a seat, grab a magazine, or chat with friends while sipping a crema-topped espresso or a cold, hand-crafted cocktail brought up from neighboring Circo Bar (Try the Signature Halcyon cocktail of Tequila, Chambord, Triple Sec and fresh Raspberry.)

Step 2: A sunset stroll along the canal tow paths

Turn east out of the Halcyon, down North Parade Road. Cross over the cascades of the River Avon and head for the open green slopes of Bathwick Hill. A five minute walk up the footpath will land you at the slow, smooth water and heavy black painted locks of the Avon Canal. In the evening, smoke trickles from the chimneys of the brightly-painted canal boats as permanent residents and holiday-makers alike fire up their wood burning stoves. A walk along the tow path offers a unique, back-door view of some of Bath’s most exclusive addresses, with their manicured gardens and green lawns that run right up to the water’s edge. If you’re feeling spry, head further uphill for a walk on the edge of Smallcombe Wood which still hosts a handful of grazing cows and delivers a priceless view of the church spires and orderly terrace homes neatly laid out below.

Step 3: Dinner and desert at the top of the town

Bath is home to a growing clutch of innovative chefs and restaurateurs. A turn about town passes by chalk boards announcing an array of fresh seafood, warming pub fare, and exotic Thai, Nepalese and Indian cuisine.

For a can’t lose culinary tryst and an opportunity to walk through the storied Circus and Royal Crescent, the Marlborough Tavern is the perfect dinner choice. With a menu featuring locally-sourced fish and game and a few timeless classics, the Marlborough delivers with grace and warmth in a dining room of soft light and lively conversation. For an innovative twist on local seafood, try the Cornish mackerel fillets with salsa verde. The wine list is simple and well-matched to the fresh fare and relaxed atmosphere. For desert, tuck into the warm pistachio sponge with blood orange pannacotta; rich enough to satisfy with just a bite or two.

Savor the walk back down the hill and take in the dazzling views of the south side of town over Royal Victoria Park. Wind you way through the narrow, echoing streets of the city center stopping off for a glimpse of the stunning stained glass of Bath’s medieval abbey. If you’re not tired yet, stop in for a night cap at the Central Bar, just up the road from the Pump Room where Georgian glitterati stopped each day to drink the health-giving waters of England’s only thermal springs.

Whether you are visiting England for a few days or a few weeks, or you are a proud resident, a trip to Bath is a hassle-free way to tuck into a little luxury whilst staying within striking distance of the great metropolis that is London.

Sage Russell is Editor of Food Pilgrimage.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

We all love a good cocktail whilst on holiday, the two go hand in hand like Bonnie and Clyde or roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. I’ve put together this little fun list of the best ones out there, where they hail from and how they are made:

Singapore Sling, Singapore

This fabulous cocktail was famously first invented at the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore who treasure their original recipe of gin, cherry Heering, Benedictine and fresh pineapple juice. Modern interpretations can include ingredients like Angostura bitters, lemon juice and cherry brandy topped with soda.

Pina Colada, Puerto Rico

Popular in Hawaii and throughout the Caribbean (thanks to high quality rum in resorts like Jamaica and Barbados) the Pina Colada actually hails from Puerto Rico. A good Pina Colada can really be made with any kind of white rum with coconut cream and pineapple juice usually served over crushed ice– making it the perfect pool or beach companion on hot days.

Margerita, Mexico

Mixing tequila, Cointreau and lime juice results in this bitter sharp cocktail often served in a frosted and salted glass. Served throughout the United States but believed to derive from across the border in Mexico where it is celebrated as a national treasure. Many tourists enjoy it with a token sombrero!

Cosmopolitan, USA

The original way to create this classic US cocktail is with lemon/citrus flavoured vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau and lime- shaken with ice and served ice cold. Its origins however are somewhat disputed. Popular in San Francisco and New York, the cosmopolitan is often garnished with a lime wheel.

Harvey Wallbanger, USA

The original US cocktail is made with vodka, orange and Galliano and tastes perfect ‘on the rocks’ – it’s synonymous with New York and is rumoured to be named after a Manhattan Beach. Not to be confused with a Screwdriver which is essentially the same cocktail without the Galliano.

Mojito, Cuba

Best prepared with Cuban Havana Club Rum and fresh mint leaves – the original recipe of this refreshing Cuban treasure is underpinned by tangy lime juice and sparkling water, although modern versions use lemonade and in some cases, strawberry syrup and fresh strawberries.

Bellini, Italy

Uniquely pink in colour, the Bellini is traditionally comprised of Prosecco combined with peach puree served in a champagne flute and originates from Venice where it is still served to this day. A popular, quaffable drink often served at weddings and dinner parties.

Kir Royale, France

Kir is a French cocktail crafted with crème de cassis and white wine, becoming a Kir Royale when wine is substituted for champagne. Popular as a first drink at gala dinners and restaurants and named after the French mayor who pioneered the town twinning movement after the Second World War.

Caipirinha, Brazil

Brazil’s national cocktail is made with Cachaca which is a variation of sugar cane rum, blended with powdered sugar or honey and fresh limes and served over crushed ice. In the UK it is often served with fruit juices or blended with kiwi. Enjoy this everywhere, but especially in Rio de Janeiro.

Pint of Guinness, Dublin

The Irish cocktail of choice! Ok, so it’s a wild card. There’s something about tasting Guinness in Dublin that just fits. Maybe it’s the water, or the history of the Guinness family of brewers – but it just tastes better over there. A pint of the black stuff must be enjoyed in Dublin and the Guinness factory is well worth a visit even if you’re not a fan of stout.

Carole Booth is Commercial Director at Destinology.

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As an unhappy accountant, an offer of a job as a ski guide in Kitzbuhel was just too attractive to turn down. In short, Richard Lumb was hooked on the travel industry instantly and never looked back. Finding new products, innovations and delivering the best service in his niche market keeps his job extremely interesting and moving the company forward is a great motivation. Not to mention, a fantastic excuse to stay living in the Alps, enjoying the mountains as much as possible.

What is it that you do exactly?

There is no such thing as a typical day, especially during the busy ski season. Luckily Kaluma has a fantastic team based in the UK, so most of the detailed planning and administration aspects are handled in advance of guest arrivals. We place great emphasis on listening to clients so that we can offer the right options given taste and of course, budget. Once guests arrive, we aim to make sure they are entirely happy – with the exception of weather, we can organize pretty much everything else 24/7. Sometimes, that is a very involved bespoke service, other times, our guests want to know that we are here ‘just in case…’

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Certainly La Bouitte in St Martin de Belleville was one of the best. After a very long day at the end of the half term holidays, Rene Meilleur took pity on me and suggested that I stay the night as his guest rather than drive back to Courchevel. From that moment, I was instantly relaxed. An hour in the spa, followed by a little impromptu room service that the 2 starred michelin chef had ‘thrown together’ (I was told that I didn’t need to look at the menu). That sublime bed and the perfect sense of peace in the idyllic alpine setting – the best night’s sleep for a long time. The room rates are very affordable too.

Next would be the brand new five star, K2 hotel in Courchevel 1850. Once again, the bar has been raised for the uber luxury end. It’s not cheap, in fact far from it, but if money really is no object, it’s hard to find fault with the standard of the hotel and levels of service. The attention to detail is better than I’ve seen anywhere in the world.

Finally, I couldn’t not mention Kaluma’s very own Chalet Montfort in St Anton. I stayed there anonymously and was really thrilled that what Kaluma are promising is being delivered. The location, size of the rooms, food and general conviviality of the staff made for an exceptional weekend away.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

It has to be eating a stunning 5 course Michelin starred meal prepared by a celebrity French chef in sumptuous surroundings … WHILST sat next to a King Charles spaniel (pure pedigree of course), literally on the next chair. I have to applaud the maitre d’. She didn’t so much as bat an eyelid, instead she brought over a hand painted ceramic dog bowl. The restaurant was the Chabichou in Courchevel. The clients (and four legged friend), of course remain, anonymous.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

Indeed. Ski guiding VIP guests around Les Trois Vallees with their security detail in tow was an interesting one, although luckily everyone could keep up (except for the paparazzi!). The alps will always be a great place to holiday discretely.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?

A trip to the Lyngen Lodge in Norway is on my ‘must do’ list. I can’t wait to experience the unique ’summit to sea’ ski touring in the Arctic Circle.

If I had to take just one gadget with me, it would be a GoPro head camera. I’ve seen a demo and the image quality looks excellent, but I haven’t actually bought one yet!

Thank you for taking part in our interview, Richard. As someone who is going to the Alps later this month, I now can’t wait for the trip!

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Everyone who knows Paris associates it with luxury. In fact, the French do luxury better than almost any other culture. While its possible to enjoy Paris as a starving teenager camping out in youth hostels, if you are able to splurge, there is no finer place to do it than in the City of Light. Everything from small to eye-popping luxury awaits you. Here are some of my favorites.

1. Take the $5000 a night duplex suite at the new Shangri-la Palace hotel. The 500 square foot patio that stares directly at the Eiffel tower is perfect for a small soiree or for sitting with your lover and sipping martinis as la tour sparkles.

2. Small luxury: bring home an armful of Diptyque candles after a stop at their shop on Boulevard St. Germain. Nothing can make you feel more pampered and opulent than lighting one of these enticing smelling candles before guests arrive. Hint: try the figuier (fig tree).

3. Have a limo service whisk you around while you are hitting the shops. A driver can take you from Merci to Colette and beyond and your packages will be safely stored in the back. Imagine how much time you will not be wasting in the metro.

4. Stay at the Fouquet’s Barrièrre Palace hotel and enjoy a $100 credit towards your visit to their U spa or at any of their restaurants. I love the gigantic outdoor terrace for a café and a macaron in the afternoon.

5. Watch a ballet performance at the Opéra Garnier, sit up close and stare at the Marc Chagall painted ceiling. Enjoy champagne at intermission.

6. Take home your own bespoke couture perfume, styled just for you. Eva Erikkson Events can help you book this very special experience.

7. Take a load off as you sit down in the private rooms of the Christian Dior showroom, not open to the public. Have a personalized fashion show designed exclusively for you. Rachel at French Links Tours can pull this miracle off.

8. Close down the Flûte bar for your own private party and order one of each of their 22 different Champagnes by the glass for yourself and your guests.

9. Take a stroll and visit every store in the Place Vendôme from Mauboussin to Chanel to Boucheron and pick up a little bauble.

10. Luxury we can all afford: take a step back in time and enjoy a hammam (a Turkish steam bath) and a gommage (a good scrubbing) and then a massage at the Mosquée de Paris. Sip mint tea afterwards and relish your glowing skin.

11. Small scrumptious luxury: stop by Patrick Roger and fill up on his
exquisitely wrapped chocolates. Try out the 20th parallel sampling chocolate from Indonesia, the Caribbean, Africa and South America.

12. Score a seat at Verjus near the Palais Royale and indulge in their spectacular six-course tasting menu with the perfect wine pairings. Laura and Braden who hail from California have recently opened this hot spot after their huge Hidden Kitchen success.

Doni Belau is Founder of Girls’ Guide to Paris.

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There is a common misconception that you’ll leave a cruise ship at least 5lbs heavier than you were when you boarded, and although this isn’t necessarily true, there is a very good reason for it. Most cruise ships have at least 10 different dining options, some up to 20, and what with one of them being an all you can eat buffet, its easy to see why some people do carry a little extra weight after a cruise. But as I said, there are plenty of other options, and we’re not talking buffet style – we’re talking top-notch, lip-smacking gourmet food.

The gourmet food options on a cruise ship are awesome and the varieties that are offered on-board are truly eye-opening!  Let me take you sailing on some of the most well-known cruise ships to discover and indulge in their bounties of mouth-watering tasteful pleasures…

Royal Caribbean International Allure of the Seas

The Allure of the Seas offers more than 24 differrent dining venues, however, only a handful of these could be classified as being  gourmet. One of these is 150 Central Park, which seats around 70 people and can be dined at for a supplement charge of $35 per person (which is pretty reasonable for the food you’ll be served!) Molly Brandt is the resident chef, and along with her team in the state of the art galley, will serve up a set menu with meals such as smoked sweet potato soup (signature dish), crispy duck cigar and chocolate raspberry crunch cake. The Head Chef will often enter the restaurant to talk personally with the guests about the food she has served, and its personal touches like this that can really make the meal feel special (aside from the incredible food!)

Carnival – all ships

The Chef’s Table experience on Carnival has now been rolled out across each of their 24 cruise ships. Depending on the ship, the meal takes place in a non-traditional dining venue like the library, the galley, or the conference centre. With a select group of 12 guests, you’ll start with a glass of champagne and a selection of hors d’oevres. This is followed by a guided tour of the ship’s galley to see it in full flow. You’ll then sit down for your meal – a mind-blowing full-service dinner including many dishes that aren’t found on the regular ship menu. Dishes like Duck Pot Sticker, Avocado Cheesecake, Norwegian Salmol tartar with Salmon Caviar, and Aged Filet Mignon can be found on the menu, and these can be washed down with as much red or white wine as you can manage! The supplement for this experience is $75 per person, but for a once in a lifetime experience such as this, you can’t really go wrong!

Norwegian Epic

With over over 20 culinary dining choices aboard the Norwegian Epic, you’re bound to find one that will tickle your taste buds. The most exclusive of these is Le Bistro, a French Restaurant with a cover charge of $20 per person, but this does exclude your drinks. Le Bistro offers traditional French fayre such as escargot and steamed mussels. Entrees include Bouillabaise, Coq au Vin, Duo de Canard (Breast of Duck) and Carre D’Agneau Rotis (Rack of Lamb). There are a few specials on the menu also which include lobster, shrimps, scallops and a 32 oz Premium Golden Angus Rib Eye Steak, but these do cost an extra $10 per person. So if you like french food, and are looking for something a little different on your Epic cruise, this restaurant is definitely for you!

Neil Page is the Online Manager at CruiseNation.com.

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From prestigious events to world-class cultural encounters and fabulous natural attractions, here are 12 defining reasons to include Hamilton Island, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, in an Australian itinerary in 2012:

JANUARY

Visitors to Hamilton Island have over 60 activities to choose from including go-karting, bushwalking, scuba diving, parasailing, squash, tennis, fishing, sailing, kayaking, target sports and windsurfing, not to mention the new nine-pin indoor Kegel bowling alley, perfect for anyone wanting to learn a new skill for 2012.

FEBRUARY

Whether you plan to pop the question or tie the knot, there is no more romantic month than February on Hamilton Island. From a seaplane ‘Love Flight’ over magnificent Heart Reef to an underwater ceremony or a pontoon wedding, Hamilton Island has it covered. Hamilton Island Weddings also have the only commercial permit in Australia to conduct ceremonies on Whitehaven Beach, in the middle of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Why not treat your loved one to some ‘Romance on the Reef‘. The three-night Valentine’s package costs from AU$4,218 per Leeward pavilion (twin share), including three nights’ accommodation at qualia, a trip to Whitehaven Beach by helicopter with a picnic and a sunset cruise on the “Atomic”, qualia’s luxury power boat.

MARCH

Indulge in some pampering for body and soul this month at Hamilton Island’s fabulous spas. Whether you want to unwind at Spa wumurdaylin (“woo-mer-day-lin”), the Island’s first full service day spa, or revel in total pampering at the luxury Spa qualia you’re ensured of an authentic Australian wellbeing nirvana.

APRIL

Audiences inspired by the BBC documentary, ‘Great Barrier Reef’, can escape for their own close encounters with this most spectacular natural wonder with a reef-freshing break on Hamilton Island. April is the perfect month to check in to the Fantasea Reefworld pontoon in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, which by night transforms itself into a private floating hotel. Following a night on Hamilton Island, guests cruise out to the Reefworld pontoon at Hardy Reef where a range of activities, including semi-submersible tours and the underwater viewing chamber, allows them to explore the reef from both in and out of the water.

MAY

As Olympians prepare for London 2012, this month offers the ideal warm up with the Hilly Half Marathon challenge, which takes place on Sunday 6th May. A rugged 21-kilometre route uphill and down dale, the Westpac Hilly Half Marathon follows road, fire trails and walking tracks through Hamilton Island’s undulating interior.

JUNE

The island plays host to the annual Hamilton Island Cup from 14th – 18th June 2012, Australia’s largest outrigger event and one of the world’s largest canoe regattas. Last year over 1000 paddlers took part from all over Australia plus international teams from Hong Kong, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Canada. The Cup features more than 100 sprint and medium-distance races. The main event is the 42-kilometre marathon Hamilton Cup, an impressive sight for spectators as the canoes circle Hamilton Island and race through the Whitsundays.

JULY

Foodies should flock to Hamilton Island to enjoy the ultimate food and wine event, set against the stunning backdrop of the Whitsundays. The Great Barrier Feast kicks off with guest chef, Guillaume Brahimi, (6th – 8th July 2012) from the much-applauded Sydney Opera House flagship restaurant, Bennelong.

This month, Hamilton Island also plays host to a special photography workshop with two of Australia’s best known photographers, David Oliver and Peter Eastway. AWAY in the Whitsundays photography course runs from 29th July – 3rd August 2012, offering the opportunity for hands on expert tuition in one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

AUGUST

This is the month that Hamilton Island hosts Australia’s largest and most prestigious off-shore yachting event – Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 17th – 25th August 2012. From serious offshore racing and fabulous super-yachts to onshore glitz, glamour and gourmet fare, Audi Hamilton Island Race Week offers guests the opportunity to experience the best the Whitsundays has to offer.

This is also an ideal time for family travel – Australia’s winter is mild and comfortable for younger members of the family. Excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling safaris and a trip to see the island’s koalas, kangaroos and wombats at ‘Wild Life Hamilton Island’ make holidays for children both educational and fun. Accommodation and meals in selected restaurants are free for children up to the age of 15, whilst the Clownfish Club offers activities for children up to 14 years.

SEPTEMBER

September is whale watching season when visitors can see baby humpbacks that have been born in the warm waters of the Whitsundays, travelling past the coast in pod sizes of between eight and ten whales. Whales, which can vary in length from five to 18 metres, can also been seen in their migrating season (June to September) from Hamilton Island itself.

OCTOBER

Since Captain Cook charted Australia’s coastline in the 1700s, the Whitsunday Islands have been recognised as one of the best sailing playgrounds in the world. Sunsail’s Sailing Academy on Hamilton Island offers a wide range of accredited marine qualifications for yachts, catamarans and motorboats, with tuition for beginners and experienced sailors alike. After offshore action, wind down at the iconic Hamilton Island Yacht Club.

NOVEMBER

The Australian Ballet returns for the fifth consecutive year to give an intimate outdoor performance at Hamilton Island’s luxury resort, qualia. Pas de Deux in Paradise will be staged from 16th – 18th November 2012.

Also this month, the Fujifilm Triathlon (10th November 2012) and Fujifilm Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim and Junior Triathlon (11th November 2012) take in some of the Whitsunday’s most iconic locations for a sporting epic.

DECEMBER

Time for a round of golf on Australia’s only 18-hole championship golf course situated on its own island. The 6,120 metre, par 71, course is located on Dent Island, a five minute boat ride from Hamilton Island. Created by five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson, the course is gaining a reputation as one of the world’s top courses not least because of the stunning Whitsunday views from each hole.

The crowning glory of the course is the Chris Beckingham-designed clubhouse, ideally perched to take in the fantastic views of Passage Peak and the Coral Sea. The clubhouse offers an idyllic spot for non-golfing partners to relax over a laid-back lunch or for golfers to take stock of the day’s game over a cold beer.

Heritage Le Telfair in Domaine de Bel Ombre, south Mauritius has just launched an all new Gourmet Bliss offer for guests staying on a half board basis at the luxury golf and spa resort between February and September 2012. To the delight of foodies and gastro-holiday lovers, the offer can be used for dinner at seven differently themed restaurants across the Domaine de Bel Ombre area for a supplement of just £55 per day per adult and just £27.50 for children under 12.

Gourmet Bliss is valid throughout the day and includes lunch at six restaurants, all drinks including champagne and selected wines, afternoon tea, snacks and even gourmet picnic baskets for tours of the unspoiled, mountainous landscape in the south of the island.

Cuisine is an important part of Mauritian culture which includes French, British, Creole and Asian influences and as such, this offer has been designed for guests to enjoy this varied and rich culinary offering across the Domaine de Bel Ombre. From Mauritian fusion in an elegant 19th century mansion to barefoot chic dining overlooking the ocean, Gourmet Bliss allows guests to enjoy some of the island’s very best gastronomy.

Some of the most memorable dinners take place at Annabella’s, the main restaurant at Heritage Le Telfair. The classic French brasserie style menu includes classic Gallic fare such as venison terrine with pear and apricot or duck confit with ragout. There is also a varied children’s menu available for inclusive family dining and from the large terrace an exceptional view of the Citronniers River as it flows through the resort to the Indian Ocean.

Pan-Asian cuisine at Heritage Le Telfair’s Gin’ja restaurant is a must do experience. From sushi and teppanyaki to noodle and rice dishes, the modern lifestyle restaurant set on a picturesque stretch of white sand beach presents the ultimate barefoot dining experience and serves the best poached lobster. A relaxed beach style service at lunchtime is replaced with a more elegant à la carte dining experience in the evening.

The Gourmet Bliss formula includes:

- Breakfast at Heritage Le Telfair’s main restaurant Annabella’s
- Lunch at one of six restaurants in the Domaine de Bel Ombre region
- Afternoon Tea at the Cavendish Bar at Heritage Le Telfair
- Dinner at up to seven different restaurants in the Domaine de Bel Ombre
- Selected ‘ à la carte’ menu or buffet as per daily choices
- Full ‘à la carte’ menu in all 12 Domaine de Bel Ombre restaurants against food credit of 1000 rupees per person
- All drinks including beers, soft drinks, juices, selected house wines and unlimited champagne by the glass in all bars and restaurants in the Domaine de Bel Ombre
- Picnic baskets for lunch when going on excursions