CITY STYLE AND LIVING
COvER STORIES 27 HOTEL REVIEW A HOTEL REvIEW OF A CARIBBEAN BOTANICAL PROPERTY IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS
28-29 FOOD & TRAVEL
A LOOK AT THE MELTING POT CUISINE OF ARUBA IN THE CARIBBEAN
30-43 BRITAIN SPECIAL BRITAIN ON SCREEN, LONDON HIGHLIGHTS, TOWN AND COUNTRY ESCAPES
HIgH HORSE
In the New Forest in England, wild horses and ponies roam the streets delighting visitors and making for arresting encounters.
HEALTHY LIvING
Gratitude in practice, winter exercise and boosting your energy
CSL FOOD 11 FUSION A powerful blender
12-13
IMBIBE Cocktails you'll love 14-17
KITCHEN Mediterranean cuisine
CSL FASHION 19 HELEN OF TROY Editors picks for beauty trends
20-23
PRET-A-PORTER
Hottest looks straight from the runways
CSL TRAVEL 25-26
PASSPORT
Cozy winter looks and winter destinations
Jasper, Canada.
CSL GREEN TIPS
CityStyleandLiving.com
FOOD FASHION
TRAVEL LIVINg
Publisher K & S Media - Earth is a Beautiful Heaven
Editors-in-Chief
Kailash Maharaj and Shivana Maharaj
Editorial Assistant
Emily Hunt
Creative Director
Georgina Wong
Photo Director
Darrel Mellow
Fashion and Beauty Editor
Shivana Maharaj
Food & Travel Editor
Kailash Maharaj
Production Director
K & S Media
Assistant Production Manager
K & S Media
Art Direction and Design
K & S Media
Deputy Art Director
Keith Moon
Designer Chris Schultz
Managing Editor/Director of Advertising
Dr. Rookmin Maharaj
Contributors
Amber Alent Steven Busch
Marc Duncan Natalie Fox
Arianna Grace Genvieve Magbi
Cynthia Nelson James S. Sinclair
Advertising Inquiries
advertise@citystyleandliving.com
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Publications Agreement No. 41599042
City Style and Living is published four times each year. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the publisher. Although every effort is taken to ensure accuracy, K & S Media cannot be held responsible for any errors, or omis- sions that may occur. The magazine assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unso- licited manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other material. All rights reserved 2024/25. A proudly Green Magazine.
WELCOME
THE GIFTS OF THE SEASON
NONE Of US REALLY hAS ANYThINg.
Nothing at all. for the blink of an eye, we rent a bit of water, some air, even this body. We are all just temporary tenants of this earth, this most sorrowful star. It is preposterously funny, when we really step back and observe ourselves, how seriously we take things. We really believe that we own things, we have things, we have control, we possess. We struggle and strain, labour and toil just to have things. Then, in a moment, when, by some (mis)fortune, they are taken away we are saddened, when, in truth, we have nothing. Conversely, and at the same time, we have everything. The paradox is startling.
We also spend an inordinate amount of time trying to make things go our way. We try by every means necessary to control our circumstances, to shape our experiences through sheer force of will. And, here again, it is just a little nudge here or there by some universal forces that I am too naïve to name, and everything falls to pieces.
I am more and more convinced that the only thing that we even have control over is our attitude toward things. That, I believe is the begin-
ning and end of our will. That’s it, that’s the only thing we’ve got. Where the mind begins and the will ends, I am not sure. I just know that a clean, pure, peaceful mind can bear so much.
So, in this season of giving, I’ve resolved to give more. No, not things, not experiences, not even service. I will give those things that I know I have in spades. I resolve to give a smile to the doubter, a hug to the wearied, to uplift the downtrodden.
And then, I resolve to do the hardest work of all. I resolve to give myself contentment. I resolve to make joy my discipline. I resolve to enjoy things, everything, what I perceive as good and bad.
And finally, I shall remind myself of how much I have to be grateful for, to cherish and love. When I rise each morning, I will know that it is the best day of my life. My mantra shall be: You don’t have to have much, to have everything.
- KAILASH AND SHIVANA CSL editors-in-chief
#CITYSTYLEANDLIvING
CITY STYLE AND LIVIN g
Living
Window SEAT
Sitting down to a special meal with family and friends, with a view of freshly fallen snow has special magic during wintertime.
3
HEALTHY LIVIN g Ideas We Love
Get the lifestyle shake-up you need now with the secrets, ingredients and expert advice for looking and feeling great!
Author Jill Palmquist shares her 6 tips to make gratitude an everyday practice. “Just as actions come before beliefs, acting grateful comes before feeling grateful,” she says, “If you want to feel grateful but can’t quite get there, do things that inspire gratitude.”
1 Move There are only two things really required for movement, says Palmquist: 1. You just do it. 2. You continue to do it. The more you move your body, the more grateful you will feel for all the incredible things your body can do and the exhilarating endorphin high. 2 Go oUtSIde Don’t just think, I’m grateful for this sunny day and move on. Take it further. Engage with the day! Walk in the sunshine and feel how it dances on your skin. Look for and see where the lighted pathway wants to lead you. 3 ChooSe to Love In one day, there are one thousand opportunities to be kind. We are far better equipped to feel, act on, and create gratitude when we choose the high-energy frequency of love. This means making loving choices in a world that sometimes makes us want to shut down or take the low road. Is it always easy? No. 4 experIenCe AWe Moments of awe ground us in gratitude when life unfolds in ways we do not like. They remind us that maybe we are part of something far bigger than us that we don’t need to understand. Sit by a window and witness a storm roll in across the horizon. Attend a musical performance and immerse yourself in the sounds and vibrations. 5 MAKe FrIendS Connecting with those we love amps up gratitude. You make the call; instigate a get-together to break bread (or clink some wine glasses). In the midst of the laugher, look around—all these people were once strangers. What a miracle! 6 reSt eASY And oFten Denying yourself much-needed rest makes it harder to connect to all the good in the world. Intentionally slow down. Cancel plans for things you don’t really want to do. Go to bed early (preferably in a beautifully made bed and cozy pajamas). Adequate sleep improves your mental health and makes the hidden miracles of this lifetime spring into focus. InThisLifetime (Wise Ink, $105.00)
5 WAYS
Afternoon Energy Boost
Winter Exercise Tips
Outdoorexerciseinwinterhelpsreduce stress,combatanxietyandallowsyoutosoak inthosefewprecioushoursofsunlight.
Warm Up To prevent injury, begin by warming up with light stretches, gentle yoga or walking. Focus on your back, legs and shoulders which are more susceptible to getting stiff in the cold.
Stay Indoors (Sometimes) When conditions are too blustery, cold or slippery, hop on the treadmill, hit the gym or head for the swimming pool. It’s better to skip a few outdoor session and keep safe inside than risk a fall or injury.
Focus on Your Core Improved balance and stability come from focusing on your core (the muscles in your stomach and lower back) meaning you’re better able to navigate black ice and slippery sidewalks. Use a stability ball, practise planks, bridges and try weight training.
Keep Supple Cold can wreak havoc on joints at this time of year. To ease the pain get regular massages (even if you do them yourself), keep hydrated and opt for foam roller workouts and calisthenics.
It’s 3 o’clock, you’re sitting at your desk, your mind wandering, energy lagging and you still have deadlines to meet, a zoom meeting with a client and groceries to buy. All your brain can muster though is ‘help.’ The easiest solution? A quick pick-me up in the form of scent. Roll on, spritz, draw a bath or light a candle (if working from home) with these 5 botanical scents to give you the boost you need.
ANTI-STRESS: LEMON
Lemon oil lessens stress when completing behavioural tasks compared to lavender and rose according to a 2006 study. Translation? Instant mood boost. Lotus Aroma Lemon Spray, $21; lotusaroma.com
ALERTNESS: JASMINE
Daub on a little jasmine oil when you need a lift. According to a limited 2010 Thai study it has a stimulating effect when applied topically. Scentuals Jasmine Essential Oil 10%, $55.95;scentuals. com
CALM: EuCALyPTuS
Alongside its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it also calms the nervous system through the brain according to a 2019 study. Scentuals Eucalyptus Coconut Bath Soak, $14.99; scentuals.com
SOOTHING: ROSE
COGNITION: PEPPERMINT
Sometimes you need to relax to accomplish your work and rose oil can do just that according to a 2017 analysis. Mist a little on pulse points. okanagan Lavender & herb Farm Hydrosol: Rose, $20.00; okanaganlavender.com
A 2022 study concluded that the essential oil may improve learning and memory. For a quick pick-me-up use a diffuser or brew a cup and soak in the scent. Saje Peppermint Halo Headache remedy roll-on, $33; saje.ca
Set a table for dinner with friends. Tableware, WIllisam Sonoma.
CITY STYLE AND LIVIN g
Cozy Comforts
Digging into a rich, hearty and calorific snack or meal is a comforting way to enjoy a weekend
RELEASE THE BEAST
COCKTAILS & SMOOTHIES
Create individual frozen drinks for every taste. Frozen espresso martinis and margaritas can be whipped up for guests easily, or blitz a nutrient rich smoothie for hungry little ones instantly
SOUPS
Blending soup to an ultra silky consistency mimics creaminess, so you don’t have to add a ton of extra dairy
SAUCES & DIPS
Experiment with variations on hummus (beet, broad bean), try Middle Eastern muhmmara, or go Italian with a smooth basil rich tomato ragu or garlicy pesto
WHAT THE EDITORS ARE LOVIN g NOW
TRENDING
We Tried this Buzzy Blender
But is it worth it?
Reviewing the Beast B10 Health Blender
What it’s ideal for: If you cook at home, you’ll know that batch cooking is a time saver. Processing large amounts of flavour boosters like sauces, soups and marinades are an easy way to quickly add a ton of deliciousness to food in minutes. Plus, if you want to stick to a healthy lifestyle, keeping track of the ingredients that go into your meals is key. This blender doesn’t take up a lot of counter space (plus, it’s sleek and pretty), so you can leave it out for morning grab-and-go fruit and protein smoothies, or quick blended oat and banana pancakes. For special occasions, it makes a mean frozen cocktail and, for nibbles with friends, you can whip up dips like hummus and pesto in seconds, too.
What we love: The cylindrical design of the blending vessel is slimmer than a traditional blender and easily twists into the powerful base which quickly blends ingredients in seconds (add 1/3 liquid, per instructions). With one button for pulsing or blending and blades that self-regulate speed, it increases when blitzing chunky ingredients. CSL loves the provided storage lids which means you can easily pop the container into the refrigerator. The blender also comes with an all-important two-year warranty.
Could be improved: Though the corrugated design is modern, getting every last drop of the contents can be difficult without using a rubber spatula and fingers. Base is heavy.
nUtS For CheeSe A crowd-pleasing vegan cheese board was the inspiration for former vegan chef Margaret Coons to start Nuts For Cheese in 2015. Today, the line of 100% dairy-free, vegan cheese, cream cheese, dips and butter made from organic cashews has taken off from humble beginnings. First offered at the local farmers market in London, Ontario the business has burgeoned into a range of artisanal dairy-free products sold across Canada. The process uses traditional cheesemaking techniques, albeit with a twenty-first century twist. Organic cashews are fermented with house made cultures in large cheese wheels, and finally, aged to allow the microbiomes to develop flavour. A key component of some of the cheese is rejuvelac, a fermented quinoa starter. With flavours ranging from black garlic and artichoke and herb to traditional smoky gouda and sharp cheddar style (there’s even ‘super blue’), the soft spreadable products are ultra creamy and have a familiar taste that cheese connoisseurs will seriously love without any chalkiness. Best of all, the range of products are exceptional used in desserts (try the no-bake cheesecake recipe), or famously cheesy savoury dishes like Mornay sauce. nutsforcheese.com
dId YoU KnoW?
The plant-based sector is growing rapidly and projected to reach USD 22.3 billion globally by 2029. In fact, according to a new report by World Animal Protection, Moving the Menu 2024, 38% of Canadians are likely or somewhat likely to reduce their consumption of meat, dairy and eggs.
Beast
IMBIBE
Hit Me baby
3 classic-trending cocktails that never go out of style, and sure to please guests at your next dinner party
Photography
By K&S Media
THE ESPRESSO MARTINI
“The esPresso marTini is exPerienCing a huge resurgence in popularity worldwide, especially in markets (like orange County), where quality coffee and coffeehouses are favored,” says ashleigh Wiehl, marketing director at Dory Deli in California. The recipe is straightforward, but it’s essential to start with a quality espresso or cold brew. 1. add 2 oz. cold brew, ½ oz. simple syrup, ½ oz. Frangelico hazelnut liqueur, 2 oz. vodka, a few dashes of angostura cocoa bitters, and a cup of ice to shaker 2. add top to shaker and shake for about 10 seconds 3. Place strainer on top of shaker and pour contents into a martini or coupe glass 4. garnish with coffee beans
Vieux Carré
A moniker for ‘old square’ for New Orleans French quarter neighbourhood, this International Bartenders Association (IBA) recognized chilled cocktail was created at The Hotel Monteleone
Ingredients
1 oz rye whiskey
1 oz cognac
1 oz sweet vermouth
1 bar spoon Bénédictine
2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
Method
Add ingredients to a metal shaker with ice cubes. Stir well. Strain into chilled cocktail glass and serve.
Whisky Smash
This classic refreshing cocktail hearkens to the late 19th century’s Bar-Tenders Guide, similar to a mint julep with the zing of fresh lemon to liven it up
Ingredients
1 oz fresh lemon juice
½ cup crushed ice
2 oz bourbon whiskey
½ oz simple syrup cucumber slice garnish or sprig fresh mint leaves
Method
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into Rocks glass filled with ice and top with fresh mint leaves or, for a refreshing twist, a ribbon of cucumber.
Get in the Spirit
Two alternative beverages for your 0.0% guests (and yourself)
A light, crisp Pilsner-style with sweet, malty and delicate floral notes and a tinge of bitterness. Made with malted barley, flaked barley, hops, and yeast, it’s a versatile drink that pairs well with fried or spicy food. Non-Alcoholic Craft Pilsner Beer, 355 ml; drinklibra.ca
THE BITTER TRUTH
Pairingwinewithbitterfoodsisa nuanced art that can either elevate aculinaryexperienceorundermine agreatmeal.Whilesomefoodsharmonizebeautifully,navigatingthe complexitiesofbitternessrequiresa delicatebalance.Herearesometips tohelpwiththisconundrum.
Embrace Neutrality
“Neutral wines” (varietals like Jurançon Sec, Aligote, and Muscadet) are better at enhancing flavours without overpowering them. These white wines are acidic with a subtle flavour and pair well with bitter vegetables such as kale, endive, and artichokes.
Match Flavour Profiles
Aligning the flavor profile of wine with the dish is fundamental. With bitter ingredients like chicory, endive, radicchio, or Brussels sprouts, consider Loire valley Sauvignon Blanc, Friulano, Grüner veltliner, or Sylvaner to complement the bitterness without intensifying it. Dark chocolate lover? Try pairing with Amarone, an Italian wine with concentrated fruit and spiciness.
Tread Lightly with Tannins While high acidity can balance bitterness, excessive tannins can accentuate, so choose red wines with low tannins and bright acidity, such as Gamay, light Pinot Noir, or Jura reds like Poulsard or Trousseau or for something unique try Pineau d'Aunis from the Loire valley.
*Tips provided by viniculture experts at vinovoss.com
Seedlip’s latest launch, Notas de Agave, is a complex blend of prickly pear, lime and agave together with earthy notes of vanilla, damiana flower and peppercorn making it the perfect mixer for the sober curious. Sweeter and less nuanced than other flavours in the lineup. seedlipdrinks.com
KITCHEN
DELICIOUS RECIPES TO TRY AT HOME
Mediterranean delights for your table from easy to whip up pita wrap to a simple dessert.
BY THEO A. MICHAELS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MOWIE KAY
CYPRIOT CAUL FAT PORK SAUSAGE.
See p. 17
CYPRIOT AFFOGATO.
Cypriot Affogato kypriakoafogatomefystikia
Serves 4. A classic Italian dish with a little touch of the Hellenic! The carob syrup gives the coffee a deeper and richer flavour with a note of bittersweet chocolate. Top with a pinch of crushed pistachios.
4 freshly made double shots of Greek coffee (or espresso), as preferred
30 ml (2 tablespoons) carob syrup
4 large scoops vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt a good few pinches of crushed pistachios
Make the coffee and stir in the carob syrup. Add a large scoop of vanilla ice cream to 4 small serving bowls.
Using a warm spoon, create a well in the centre of each portion of ice cream if liked, then pour over the carob-coffee mixture.
Lightly sprinkle some crushed pistachios around the edge of the ice-cream and over the top. Serve immediately with spoons.
Cypriot Caul Fat Pork Sausage seftalia
Serves 4 (Makes About 20). Seftalia is a Cypriot delicacy; a frugal mixture of mince/ground meat and aromatics wrapped in pork caul and grilled or barbecued until they are crisp on the outside, succulent in the centre and unlike anything you’ve ever tasted! Usually served as part of meze, or an equally great filling inside a lightly toasted pita with a few extras. Wrapped in pork caul, which gives it its unique texture; you can source pork caul from most butchers or online. I have two tips: use fatty pork mince; and seftalia needs the searing dry heat of a grill or barbecue to cook for best results.
500 g (1 lb. 2 oz.) minced/ground pork (ideally 10% fat, i.e. not lean)
1 small white onion, finely diced
50 g (⅓ cup) dried apricots, chopped
60 g (1 cup) fresh breadcrumbs finely grated zest of 1 lemon
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon a handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
500 g (1 lb. 2 oz.) pork caul, rinsed and patted dry olive oil, for brushing salt and freshly ground black pepper to Serve
4 pita breads, lightly toasted and split
1 vine tomato, chopped
1 small white onion, finely diced
Fiery tzatziki (see below) a handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped lemon wedges, for squeezing
Preheat the barbecue/outdoor grill or indoor grill/ broiler, as preferred.
Put all the ingredients (except the pork caul) in a large bowl and add 1 teaspoon each of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix to combine. Lay out the pork caul and take a golf-ball sized portion of the meat mixture and roll into a thick cigar (these are more like stubby meatballs than sausages). Place at the edge of the pork caul, roll and envelope the meat in the caul, then cut it away from the rest and put to one side. Continue until all are done.
Lightly brush the sheftalia with olive oil and place, seam-side down, under a hot grill/broiler or on the barbecue to cook. Turn periodically as the seftalia start to caramelize and turn deep brown. They take about 12 minutes to cook.
Once cooked, season with pinch of salt and serve immediately either as part of a meze or put a few inside a soft pita bread with chopped parsley, diced white onion and tomatoes – either way; with a good squeeze of lemon.
Fiery Tzatziki
pikantikotzatziki
Serves 10.
500 g (2 ¼ cups) Greek yogurt a pinch of ground cumina pinch of sugar
3 lemons
1 tablespoon chilli/chili paste* plenty of salt and freshly ground black pepper
* to make a chilli/chili paste, if not using store-bought, finely chop 1 fresh red chilli/chile, dust it in salt then using the flat side of a knife, scrape it into a paste and mix it with a tablespoon of olive oil.
To make the Fiery Tzatziki, mix the Greek yogurt with the cumin, sugar and a pinch of salt. Halve one of the lemons and squeeze a teaspoon or so of lemon juice into the yogurt and mix thoroughly. Swirl in the chilli paste. Serve on the side for people to help themselves to, along with the remaining lemons cut into wedges for squeezing.
Smoky Red Mullet and White bean Stew
barbounimefasoliakaithalassina
Serves 4. Red mullet, when responsibly sourced, doesn’t receive the accolades it deserves. A beautiful, meaty white fish with a slight sweetness, it works equally well just thrown on the barbecue or outdoor grill or cooked over heat in a pan. This recipe complements the red mullet with a smoky, citrusy white bean base dotted with shellfish.
½ onion, chopped
30g (¼ cup) finely chopped carrot
30 g (¼ cup) finely chopped celery
3 garlic cloves, 2 roughly chopped and 1 thinly sliced
720 g (4 cups) drained canned cannellini beans (3 x 400-g/14-oz cans)
125 ml (½ cup) white wine
1 tablespoon tomato purée/paste
about 1 litre/quart light chicken stock
2 dried bay leaves
½ tablespoon smoked paprika a handful of live clams, cleaned a handful of king prawns/jumbo shrimp a small handful of freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon
8 small red mullet fillets (or 4 large)
1 tablespoon plain/all-purpose flour a small knob/pat of butter
8 scallops, shelled olive oil, for cooking and drizzling bread, to serve
Fry the onion, carrot and celery in a little olive oil for a few minutes, then add the 2 cloves of roughly chopped garlic and continue cooking. Add one-third of the cannellini beans, followed by the white wine and tomato purée.
Reduce the wine until almost evaporated, and then add half the stock. Loosely cover the pan and cook on a medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and either mash by hand or give it a blitz with a hand-held blender. Pass the mixture through a sieve/strainer and set aside.
In a clean pan, drizzle a little olive oil and very gently fry the clove of thinly sliced garlic, ensuring you don’t brown it, then add the bay leaves, smoked paprika and strained paste, and return to the heat.
Add the remaining cannellini beans and enough of the stock to reach a creamy consistency. Simmer this uncovered for 20 minutes until the beans are soft, adding more stock if it starts becoming too thick.
5 minutes before the end, throw in the clams and prawns and cook until the prawns are pink and the clams have opened. Add the chopped parsley and give it a good squeeze of lemon juice.
When you are ready to serve, dust the skin side of the red mullet fillets in a little flour and fry in a little olive oil in a separate pan for a few minutes, before turning over for another minute. Remove from the pan and give the pan a wipe with a paper towel. Add the butter and sear the scallops for 30 seconds on each side, depending on how big they are, then spoon some of the butter over them and remove.
Arrange the white bean and shellfish mixture on a serving plate and place the scallops amongst the beans. Top with the red mullet, flesh-side down and serve warm with plenty of decent bread.
Cypriana: Vibrant recipes inspired by the food of greece & Cyprus
By Theo A. Michaels (Ryland Peters & Small, $42.00)
CITY STYLE AND LIVIN g
Fashion
High Drama
Thigh high boots and simple slicked back hair are the perfect winter combo like here at Chanel
HELEN OF TROY
WHAT’S NEW AND GREAT IN THE WORLD OF SKIN, BEAUTY, MAKEUP AND WELL-BEING
gARNIER
Micellar Cleansing Water for Sensitive Skin
Microscopic micelles act like magnets to remove makeup in seconds, so you don’t have to excessively rub your face. $9.97; garnier.ca
EDITORS' Favourites
Pour a generous amount of product onto a cotton pad
EMINENCE ORgANIC SKIN CARE
Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster-Serum
This sweet-scented serum loaded with licorice root (a known brightening ingredient) and Swiss alpine plant extracts, leaves skin glowing. $66; eminenceorganics.com
CAuDALIE
Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream with Niacinamide viniferine and caffeine are the star ingredients in this lightweight hydrating cream. Plus the cooling ceramic tip helps reduce puffy eyes.
$74; ca-en.caudalie.com
All the latest faves from CSL's beauty editors
The thick creamy texture is divine!
JOSH ROSEBROOK
Vital Balm Cream
Dry, Sensitive skin? This blue balm (a multipurpose repair balm) is fragrance-free with a nice whipped texture and packed with herbal actives, rejuvenating antioxidants, and hydro-boosting polysaccharides to hydrate and plump skin.
$50; joshrosebrook.com
AVèNE
Cicalfate+ Intensive skin recovery serum
Restore skin in one day with this alcohol, fragrance and silicone-free gel formulated with Avène Thermal Spring Water, Pro-vitamin B5 and TRP-Regulin to hydrate irritated skin.
$59; eau-thermale-avene.ca
PRET-A-PORTER!
NEW LOOKS FOR YOUR WARDROBE
GREEN
It’s not spring yet, but you wouldn’t know it with the colour of renewal splashed on runways. Evoking calm and serenity, don’t forget it was also Scarlett O’Hara’s choice for maKING A STATEMENT
CSL Runway Guide
L ADy LI k E ALLURE
Sinuous silhouettes, throwback cuts, timeless fabrics – dressin g like a lady is many things. There are a few essentials though: cinched waists or slightly exposed midriffs (no bellybutton); the contrast of volume and tightness; and, a va-va-voom attitude to top it off.
RALPH LAUREN
INUñEz
CHANEL
RALPH LAUREN
CHANEL
CHANEL
BURBERRY
MoToRCyCLE JACkETS
Tough, cool and classic! Though male stars like James Dean, Elvis Presley and Marlon Brando have sported them for ages, leather jackets with a variety of fasteners have been gracing women’s runways since the 1960s. They eventually took a punk rock turn, but now they’re turning up in a range of colours and with a looser fit.
PEDRO DEL HIERRO
MICHAEL
CHANEL
BURBERRY
CUSTO BARCELONA
RUNNING ERRANDS
If you’ve ever sloshed through melting snow, slipped on black ice or layered up to the point of going incognito, you know that fashion is not always top of mind in winter. That’s maybe why so many designers featured wearable designs that’ll keep you bundled up and stylish while still getting things done.
RALPH LAUREN
ROBERTO TORRETTA
ROBERTO TORRETTA
CHANEL
HANNIBAL LAGUNA
ISABEL SANCHIS
MICHAEL KORS
CITY STYLE AND LIVIN g
Travel
English Countryside Escapes
From the buzz of the big city to quaint countryside villages, England offers plenty to see, eat and experience
PASSPORT
Powder High
Powdery snow, groomed hills and après-ski delights – here are some ideas to get you on your way to the slopes for the season.
1/ NISEKO VILLAgE, JAPAN Renowned as a premier ski destination, it offering a seamless blend of traditional Japanese culture and contemporary luxury.
2/ MAMA THRESL, LEOgANg, AuSTRIA A hotel for ski-lovers, home to Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, one of the largest interconnected ski areas in Austria with 70 lifts and 270 kilometres of marked and well-prepared slopes.
3/ SEVERIN*S RESORT & SPA , AuSTRIA An independent luxury boutique hotel on the outskirts of picture-perfect Lech with just 9 elegant suites, part of one of Europe’s largest skiing and hiking areas.
4/ VAL D’ISèRE, FRANCE New luxury hotels, après ski spots and traditional restaurants, as well as the launch of the new vallon Gondola that takes passengers up to the Pisaillas Glacier (2,790m) in under seven minutes.
5/ HOTEL LE COuCOu, MéRIBEL, FRANCE Re-opening in late 2024 the central resort of the Three valleys is the largest ski-area in the world with Friday evening parties, movie nights with popcorn, and ski-in ski-out hotel.
DECADENT DELIGHTS
In Switzerland, discover a land of chocolate, wine and cheese
Visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum for a deep dive into the world of chocolate from cocoa bean to chocolate bar, including a peek at chocolate-making in the live production areas. home to Appenzeller, Emmentaler, and Gruyere cheeses, visitors can enjoy the tasty snack by purchasing a snack-box from 50 official outlets on a Cheese grand Tour. The alpine landscape of the south and west of the country offer unique grape varieties you may not have tried, like cornalin, amigne, and Malvoisie.
CSL GREEN TIPS Pack a reusable water bottle on the plane, that way you can fill it up instead of using multiple plastic cups. ››
Cozy, Cozy
Who doesn’t love to get dressed up? We do! But when your #mood is hibernate, we’ve got you covered
1. Roots Polar Bear Hot Water Bottle $34; roots.com
2. La vie en Rose Heavy rib top long sleeve top ($44.95) and pants ($39.95); lavieenrose.com
3. Indigo 2025 12Month Planner, Ce lestial Rings, $27.99; indigo.ca
4. UGG Scuffette11 in Eve Blue Lighthouse, $115; ugg.com
5. Grown Alchemist Natural Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF30, $59; grownalchemist.com
6. Thorne Glutathione-SR, 60 Capsules, $49; thorne.com
tUrKS & CAICoS | CArIBBeAn
KOKOMO bOTANICAL RESORT
By Kailash Maharaj Photography By K&S Media
o you know why we have so many gates here?” asks Kelly Sullivan managing director of Alive and Well Resorts & hotels which owns and operates Kokomo Botanical Resort, “It’s because we want to keep the energy in, nurture it and not have people take it away.”
The boutique property boasts 38 selfcontained family cottages woven through five-acres where Caribbean mahogany, bougainvillea, orchids and banana trees grow amidst serpentine flagstone paths. My luxury 2-king bedroom cottage features a galley kitchen, covered porch and windows which open onto the surrounding gardens.
Minutes from the world-famous grace Bay Beach, the resort operates with a casual, low-key style ideal for families who want to relax. On hot days, guests sunbathe between dips in the freshwater oasis pool and saltwater hot plunge. Queries and requests are handled ably by Wenie, the head concierge who hails from the Philippines and has spent 12 years on the island. She’ll remember what time you asked to be picked up, ensure you have
a transfer for sightseeing, and check-in when she hasn’t seen you in a while.
“We’re hiding in plain sight,” continues Sullivan about the property which established itself as resort pioneers in the Turks and Caicos. Privacy and a sense of comfortable seclusion is evident here – a canopy hides cottages from street view, wind chimes and trickling water serve as pleasant markers for Lovina Spa (where I have a lovely Balinese massage) and the resort offers a beach club (with sun loungers and umbrellas) on a stretch of grace Bay accessible via shuttle.
One of the highlights of staying here is WE Market Café and WE Kitchen + Bar, the resort’s open-kitchen restaurant. The menu highlights both Asian and Western favourites. for lunch I devour Chinese shrimp dumplings in a cherry red wrapper set in a bamboo steam basket. The biryani and kachumber (cucumber, onion and tomato salad) which follows is redolent of spices that whisper from singular grains of basmati rice. Another night, chef Anil Dangi, who has worked in the UAE, Mauritius and the Seychelles with roots in
Bombay, concocts a 5-course Indian tasting menu. On special occasions and by request the resort will set up a chef’s table menu, and this is a taste of that experience. Beginning with the perfect bar snack of spiced chaat peanuts which calls out for a cold beer, through Manchurian shrimp soup started with chef’s own homemade stock, and “doubles” (chickpea curry with fried flatbread) the meal ends with a carrot halwa paired with an Irish cream-based cocktail from mixologist Ryan. Rarely are cocktails paired with Indian desserts and coursed meals in the french style do not commonly have a subcontinent inflection – it’s this innovation that’s deliciously fun. Of course, there are burgers and pasta, soups and salads and breakfast dishes run the gamut from sandwiches to french toast.
As I pass the large rectangular gates one last time, it is with a knowing smile.
CSL
31 Downwind Drive, Venetian Road Settlement, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands; kokomobotanicalresort.com
taste ARUBA
by CyNTHIA NELSON
THE CARIbbEAN MELTING POT OF ARubA TAKES ITS FOOD INFLuENCES FROM THE REGION, ITS uNIquE HISTORy AND OF COuRSE, LOCAL INGREDIENTS. AT INFINI ALL OF THIS INSPIRES CHEF-OWNER uRVIN CROES AS CyNTHIA NELSON DISCOVERS
THE water IS GREEN, IN MOTION ALIVE, AND
gently swaying from side to side. The surface of the water is like textured glass. Stare long enough and you get lost in thought. A boat nearby bobs smoothly, keeping in rhythm. So too do the other boats, tied up along the pier. The air is fresh and clean. It is sunny and hot, but the beer is cold and refreshing. Soon there are parchment paperlined baskets of just-out of the fryer seafood caught earlier in the day – snapper and shrimp. I turn to the water and whisper thanks before breaking off pieces of tender, perfectly cooked fish, immediately followed by impatient peeling of head and shellon fried jumbo shrimp. My dining companions and I go back and forth with the fish and shrimp. Our fingertips seasoned with the flavoured salt in which the fried seafood was tossed. This is a perfect taste of Aruba! fresh, playful, welcoming, sophisticated, fusion, artful, and homestyle are some of the ways to describe the diversity of the food in Aruba. Boasting of a population made up of over 100 nationalities, Aruba’s food scene is exciting and reflective of a melting pot as people bring their culinary traditions, adding to a place that is already full of flavour and freshness.
The ‘A’ of the ABC islands of the Dutch Caribbean, Aruba’s food draws influence from the Dutch (obviously), Spanish, Portuguese, Indigenous as well as Afro Caribbean. Whether it is a dish itself, a cooking technique or ingredients, the impact is evident. For example, there is Pastechi (Dutch) - deep fried pastries filled with meat, vegetables, seafood or cheese. Ayacas (Spanish) are similar to tamales – steamed cornmeal dough stuffed with meat, raisins, capers and olives, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. If you know anything of Trinidad and Tobago’s cuisine, you would recognize these as Pastelles, a traditional Christmas dish. The hearty seafood stews have roots in Portugal. Made mostly with fresh fish which is abundant in Aruba, fresh tomatoes, onions, herbs, paprika and bell peppers round out this dish. from the Indigenous Peoples, the use of cornmeal in an island-favourite – funchi. Italians will recognize this as polenta and in various parts of the English-speaking Caribbean, a varied preparation will make you say it’s similar to Cou-cou or fungi. And just like many other parts of the Caribbean there is rice and beans – Arroz Moro.
A home-cooked meal of fungi flavoured with ground cumin, finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and pats of melting butter, accompanied by pan-seared snapper, topped with a creole sauce of tomatoes, peppers, onions and fresh herbs, along with roasted broccolini and fried ripe plantains, made me feel right at home.
Another huge presence on the food scene in Aruba is South America. Arepas – cornmeal cakes stuffed with cheese, meats or avocado; Ceviche –fresh seafood, particularly fish, marinated in citrus juices, along with onions, cilantro and peppers, can be found throughout the island in restaurants, bars and even food trucks. I had some button mushroom ceviche that was deliciously refreshing as it was inspiring. It was home cooking at its highest. The open air wood fire preparation of meats for which South America is known brings rustic elegance to dishes found in a number of mid and upscale restaurants on the island. Take your pick but definitely make one of them a must-try when you visit.
A seat at the table
The food in Aruba is opening up in many ways; it is some of the past, mixed with the present, and the future is promising. With a combination of experienced international chefs and local chefs returning home to the island after years and travelling, working and cooking, and opening their own establishments, there is a distinct mark on the food scene.
One such place and chef is Chef Urvin Croes with his restaurant, Infini. He returned to the island in 2010, and has, over the years, energized the dining scene in Aruba with his use of local ingredients. he practices sustainable cooking with a seasonal menu that changes every four months based on availability. Chef Croes’ offerings are artful, sophisticated, and creative. his work is a study of what the mind can conceive.
An abundance of local ingredients is hard to come by in Aruba because of its arid, desert-like environment. The island receives very little rainfall, and when it does, it is sporadic, primarily between the months of October to January. Nevertheless, local farmers and producers work tirelessly to grow and raise local ingredients. Working closely with local purveyors, Chef Croes pays homage to them and their efforts with stellar offerings that abound with limitless possibilities. A seat at his 18-seat chef’s table restaurant is a treat as well as an education. Throughout the dining experience, you interact with the chef and his team through storytelling - about the ingredients, whence they came, and the ideas behind the dishes. Moreover, you have the theater of seeing your food prepared right before your eyes.
A place and its food
The food in Aruba is a varied as its population that is made up of locals, expats and tourists. Dining options are plenty; there’s Mediterranean, french, hawaiian, Japanese, Italian, International, local, Caribbean, and a whole lot in between that you can find at various types of eating establishments, including street food and food trucks. The island is writing and telling its own food story. It’s a place where everyone is bringing something to the table. go… for the warmth of the people, and the sunshine that is all year round (over 300 days of sunshine annually) but stay for the food. Combined, they make the place One happy Island!
Britain takes Centre Stage
Dr. Rookmin Maharaj follows iconic film locations across three British cities and walks in shoes of some of the most beloved characters of screen
Photography By K&S Media
Celluloid. There’s a special quality of projection to film which, coincidentally, partakes of one aspect of divinity – omnipresence. Yes, the stars are up there, playing someone else, but they are simultaneously somewhere else and we, the audience, knowing that, realize that in a way, it is not really them up there, it is just an illusion.
They are only playing a part but still themselves at the same time. This strange apparition places them a bit removed from real life for their duality is known to us inherently. On screen, stars are bigger, grander than real life, and so become unforgettable.
Britain has been at the centre of a slew of recent films and TV shows. Like actors, the country has played a starring role, becoming more than a backdrop. Indeed, in many ways, Britain has become a character in each story. Think of Birmingham, its canals providing a brooding presence in Peaky Blinders, or the way Bridget Jones' clipped accent mirrors the sort of staccato pace of Borough market or the way Bath languorously reflects the romance of Bridgerton. When it comes to real life, though, Britain does not disappoint. It is simultaneously the place of films and TV shows and at the same time a real country that operates in real time.
Synchronicity. It too is divine. Film and TV shows rely on it innately. How could so many characters experience so many coincidences in such a short time? Well, my own story of Britain is not so far off from a movie script. Arriving in London, I get on the wrong tube train, headed in the wrong direction, separated from my travel companion. Lo and behold, the city’s commuters, known for being silent, come to my assistance, instructing
me what to do. Meanwhile, left puzzled and disoriented on the platform, my companion happens to meet a London couple she had chatted with on the plane who laugh cheerily at the situation, instantly come to her aid and end up accompanying us to the railway station.
Then, there's the rainy day in Birmingham, where I realize that all the money I had brought was no longer accepted, the country having switched to polymer bills. I did not want to have to walk 35 minutes to my destination only to arrive soaking wet. I did not want to use my credit card for a taxi. Tom, hesitates briefly, but then takes his personal car, and drives me from the hotel to my destination.
And so, it continued, people who did nice things, kind things, things for which I would never repay them. It does not take a lot to be unforgettable when you are a star, your presence alone lights up the screen. When you travel, though all it takes is a little kindness to be unforgettable. No one can tell me that these kind gestures were any less impressive than any actor on screen. Their feats were equally divine.
Do, do follow all of your film and TV shows to Britain, go everywhere they have been, see the sites, explore the country, but remember too that the real stars are its people.
TOuR
Mission: Impossible Tour of London
Remember the phone call agent Ethan Hunt makes to Impossible Missions Force deputy director, or that 17th century English pub featured in one of the final scenes of Mission: Impossible? Those are just two of the fifteen shooting locations seen in MI1, MI5 and MI6 that you’ll discover on this two and a half hour walking tour around London. britmovietours.com
Thames Rocket: The ultimate London Adventure Race down the River Thames in a speedboat like you’re being chased by a villain, as you take in iconic sites of London – there’s nothing as thrilling as inching past tower bridge, London Eye or The Palace of Westminster from the water. Boarding Gate One, The London Eye Millennium Pier, London SE1 7PB; thamesrockets.com
STAY
The Londoner
MISSIon IMpoSSIBLe
Your assignment, if you choose to accept...awaits in this bustling metropolis
Soak up the liveliness and dramatic atmosphere at this 350-room and suite urban resort, located just beside London’s famous Leicester Square. Boasting six eateries and bars, a wellness retreat, multiple screening rooms and meeting spaces enveloped in moody lighting and stylish digs that ooze style and elegance. 38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX; thelondoner.com
TOuR
LONDON
BrIdGet JoneS
Just as you are
SIP
Ridgeview
Next, head to the countryside for a romantic afternoon spent in the vineyards sipping a flight of English sparkling wine. Enjoy the afternoon over a stylish lunch at the Rose & vine restaurant and bring home a few bottles of the Blanc de Blancs, a reverie of delicate honeysuckle, toasty brioche and hint of lemon zest. Fragbarrow Lane Ditchling Common, East Sussex, BN6 8TP ridgeview.co.uk
TOuR
smallcarBIgCITY
London Tour in a classic Mini Cooper
What’s more Bridget Jones than tying on a scarf, sporting tortoise shell sunnies, and hopping into a stylish classic Mini Cooper? Take in the capital’s charming streets, as you slowly escape the buzz of London? smallcarbigcity.com
EAT
May Fair Kitchen
Don’t worry, no blue soup here! Instead, the surprisingly seamless amalgam of Japanese and Italian fare makes its presence known in the form of ribbons of Yellowfin tuna sashimi, A5 grade Japanese Wagyu seared in a colourful tartare and fresh bucatini with ‘nduja, San Marzano tomatoes and pecorino. The May Fair Hotel, Stratton Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8LT; themayfairhotel.co.uk
SHOP
Borough Market
After a few minutes eyeing freshly baked pastries and smelling roasted coffee, you’ll know why Bridget Jones was lucky to live steps from Borough Market! A carousel of foodie delights can be found at nearly every stall but make sure to pick up an array of Greek olive oil and olives at Oliveology and loose leaf Assam at Tea2you, handpicked and sourced from the foothills of the Himalayas.
6 Southwark Street SE1 1TQ; boroughmarket.org.uk
BrIdGerton
BATH Star in your own romance
STAY
THE BIRD
Penelope Bridgerton would certainly approve of this charming boutique hotel in the centre of Bath, peeping onto the famous Bath abbey. Quirky design, unique artwork, and colourful design choices are a signature of Kaleidoscope Hotels. Headboards decked out in printed animal patterns, a painting of a giant red cheshire-esque cat surrounded by framed birds at reception, and a candy station are some of the bold statements that make for anything but a boring stay.
18-19 Pulteney Road, Bath, BA2 4EZ; thebirdbath.co.uk
WALK
BATH ADVENTuRES (BRIDgERTON
WALKINg TOuR)
Bridgerton fans give Swifties a run for their money, and now these period-loving aficionados can promenade through the beautiful, historic cobbled streets of the city on a one and a half hour walking tour (with accompanying tunes from the series). Highlights include Featherington’s house, Madame Delacroix’s dress shop, and Lady Danbury’s house.
10 York Street, Bath BA1 1NH; bathadventures.co.uk
TOuR
THE HOLBuRNE MuSEuM
Playing the role of the façade of Lady Danbury’s opulent abode in Bridgerton, this beautiful Grade I listed building located in the Sydney Pleasure Gardens (a favourite of author Jane Austen), is the city’s first public art gallery with an impressive collection of fine and decorative arts pieces much of which is centered on Sir William Holburne’s own collection.
Great Pulteney Street, Bath, BA2 4DB; holburne.org
EAT
AFTERNOON TEA AT THE ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL & SPA
Get a taste of luxurious Georgian life, just like the Bridgertons, in this oh-so British tradition. Enjoy a pot of Darjeeling alongside a tower of classic sandwiches (the corn-fed Coronation chicken is divine), scones with Devon clotted cream and jam, and array of sweet treats. Etiquette reminder: pinkies down, and quiet stirring only dahling!
16 Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LS; royalcrescent.co.uk
DO
THERMAE BATH SPA
A visit to Bath wouldn’t be complete without a proper soak in the city known for its Roman-built baths, the mineral rich natural resource (over 42 minerals and trace elements, to be exact), producing over one million litres every day. Go for a dip in the 34 ºC waters of its open-air rooftop pool complete with air seats and bubbling jets and historic skyline views. HotBathStreet,Bath,BA11SJ; thermaebathspa.com
DINE
CORKAgE
A pop-up project turned restaurant, bar and wine bar, the ever-changing seasonal menu at this independent restaurant is well suited to a good glass of wine – like hearty venison loin in an unctuous orange and port sauce or whole poussin with brandy and Bourguignon sauce. For dessert, the cheeseboard with Westcombe Cheddar, Bath soft, and Bath blue cheese highlight the best of the local area. ChapelRow,Bath,BA11HN; corkagebath.com
peAKY BLInderS
By Order of ... strap on a newsboy cap and put your serious face on
This glamorous, Grade II listed victorian property is an icon of the city, and has hosted famous guests like Charlie Chaplin and The Beatles. The 185-room grand dame dating to 1879 features classic design with modern décor like the Parisian inspired bar, Madeleine's, and New-York style brasserie, Isaac’s, serving American comfort food classics like mac and cheese, hot dogs and juicy 30-day aged steak.
1 Church Street, Birmingham, B3 2FE; thegrandhotelbirmingham.co.uk
The Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN), are an impressive canal network through Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and the Black Country, built to transport coal and other goods, in the 18th century that form 35 miles of canals, rivaling those in venice. Many of these canals can be recognized from the series “Peaky Blinders” and are the perfect backdrop to learn about the slogging gangs that operated in the city in the early 19th century.
The Roundhouse, Birmingham B16 8HW; roundhousebirmingham.org.uk
It’s not every day visitors can visit a place that has spanned both Medieval times and The English Civil War. Located in the city’s ‘creative quarter’, Digbeth, The Old Crown (established in 1368), serves classic pub fare, from golden fish and chips with chunky tartare sauce to aged steak and modern favourites like jerk cauliflower and tofu gyros. Don’t forget a cold pint.
High St, Deritend, Birmingham B12 0LD; theoldcrown.co.uk
Take a peek behind the curtains of the on-screen magic of “Peaky Blinders.” Opened in 2023 by Blinders’ creator Steven Knight, Digbeth Loc. Studios is the epicentre for the film industry in the Midlands. Film buffs can get up close with working sets and learn about the industry on this behind-the-scenes tour.
159 Fazeley St, Deritend, Birmingham B5 5RT; digbethloc-studios.com
Get immersed in and learn about Industrial Britain as you walk through the open-air recreation of a typical town from the early 19th century. The realistic replica high (main) streets, retro houses, businesses, pubs and “chippy” (fish and chip shop), as featured in the Peaky Blinders series, tell the story of the life and work of the region with exception detail.
Discovery Wy, Dudley DY1 4AL; bclm.com
LONDON Calling
It’s always a good idea to visit the city –from a historic landmark to a glam lunch spot and how to get from A to B, we’ve got you covered
» ThE ChINOISERIE AT JUmEIRAh CARLTON TOwER
Welcomed by a colourful display of fresh flowers in ornate vases, and plush orange and blue velvet decor, The Chinoiserie, is a glamorous lunch splurge in the city. A rounded, white corrugated showcase holds a dizzying array of patisserie, elegantly displayed as if they were prized jewels. Karel, my young waiters' service throughout the meal shows both care and precision, as would be expected and the menu at the all-day dining restaurant, adheres to popular international bites with hints of the Middle East and India. Roasted prawns with delicately spiced mayonnaise and chimichurri is finger licking, and a cold mezze plate with hummus, moutabal, tabouleh alongside Arabic pickles, olives and pitta whets the appetite. But, lunch peaks with The Carlton Tower Biryani (available with either prawn, chicken, lamb or vegetarian), an array of perfectly cooked, perfumed rice with a jolt of heat and studded with cashews. It’s a signature dish of the hotel with well-deserved accolades, heightened by a glass of stunning English Roebuck Estate classic cuvée. And, don't think about leaving without ordering at least one mouth-watering dessert, though you'll be hardpressed to choose just one. Each intricately decorated sweet treat seems to beckon from behind the glass – the hazelnut caramel finger (a financier with salted caramel, caramel whipped ganache and almond chocolate glaze) and pecan Paris Brest (crisp choux filled with pecan crémeux, pecan confit, topped with pecan diplomat cream) are a perfect end to stellar meal. Service at the front desk and restaurant is impeccable, with staff that are both helpful and warm. jumeirah.com
» TRAIN TRAVEL
Despite its appeal, sometimes you just want to see other parts of the country. The easiest way to do so is to begin in London (sort of like how all roads lead to Rome). The capital makes for the easiest connection, the fastest routes and often, the shortest journeys.
Britrail Easily travel across the whole National Rail network (England, Wales and Scotland) with a BritRail Pass. Choose either a flexible pass (2,3,4 or 8 days) or consecutive pass (2,3,4, 8, 15, 22 days or 1 month) to suit your own itinerary. britrail.com
Heathrow Express Easily get to and from heathrow airport to London. Booking seats is seamless and airport signs are easily visible. The train is spacious, and guests arrive at Paddington station in around fifteen minutes, with no traffic. heathrowexpress.com
GT Railway (govia Thameslink Railway) UK’s largest railway franchise, (operating Southern, Thameslink, great Northern) in the south of England. Download the app for each rail operator to check for real-time updates and fare offers. gtrailway.com
Avanti The most efficient and comfortable (reclining seats, wi-fi and power outlets) way to travel from Birmingham New Street to London Euston. Download the app and sign up for ticket alerts for the cheapest and best seats. avantiwestcoast.co.uk
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEw
It’s a mere tube ride away to feel like you’ve escaped the city and entered another world for a few hours. The UNESCO World heritage site is home to a spectacular array of beauty in the form of 50,000 living plants. Visit the Prince of Wales Conservatory to spot desert and tropical species, or get up close to the kitchen gardens growing everything from carrots to artichoke and, no visit is complete without a visit to the Temperate house, the world's largest Victorian glasshouse with rare and endangered plants. from learning about plants that help cure disease to how a pond weed can be used to power homes in the future, or chatting with the friendly gardeners, visitors will be enthralled. kew.org
CITY HOTEL
Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria
Well-situated hotel that caters to families and sightseers
When well-known, all-inclusive Spanish brand Riu, opened its first hotel in the UK in 2023, one thing stood above all else: location. In the heart of Westminster, this 435-room hotel in central London is surrounded by numerous shops, restaurants, pubs and bars. Guests flying in to gatwick airport can easily board the express train directly to Victoria train station, steps from the hotel. And, while there are hotels aplenty in the English capital, few cater as well to families on leisure trips with a trifecta of value (breakfast buffet included), walking proximity to prominent sites (Big Ben, Westminster Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and houses of Parliament), and spacious rooms that can accommodate up to four guests (most rooms in the city only allow two guests per room).
Plaza is the designated brand of Riu’s city hotels, and, on my recent visit, it seemed to also encompass a community workspace concept of sorts. Conference goers filed in to the lobby, and, in a corner near the bar, booths with velvet seats allowed guests to chat away via virtual meetings. Business aside, the main profile of guests is North Americans and continental Europeans taking in the sites of the capital. At breakfast, high chairs are not uncommon and a variety of languages spoken by groups of families creates a pleasing hum.
Laid out in two separate buildings divided by a street, guest rooms span either side. My deluxe family king room looked out over the skyline with the London Eye, the Shard and The Walkie-Talkie in plain view as the sun rose and set casting a rosy tint on these icons. It took a little time to adjust to the layout of the bathroom, separated into two non-adjoining rooms with toilet on one side and sink and shower on another. Unlike the sometimes-cramped showers of Europe, however, this one even had a tiled bench and ample space. Rooms have a subdued appearance with predominantly greys, whites and blacks and the occasional mustard colour.
Slightly more flamboyant is the lobby bar with its nod to 20s Miami cool – sinuous flamingo wallpaper, pink semi-circle feather tassels draped from sconces and navy-blue coffered ceiling. Pop in for a glass of wine or a cocktail.
Overall, this is a comfortable city hotel well positioned to take in many of London’s most famous sites. - K.M.
MORE TO EXPLORE
1 Neathouse Place. SW1V 1LH. London, United Kingdom, riu.com The Spanish tortilla at breakfast and use one of the digital coffee machines to make your own specialty cup. Or, order a cocktail or soft drink from the lobby bar. Stay fit at the fitness centre located in the basement and open 24-hours a day.
CTOWN &
OUNTRY ESCAPES
From castles and novelist haunts to city landmarks and quaint cottages, exploring the British countryside is eclectic, fun and full of charm
By
Kailash Maharaj and Shivana Maharaj. Photography By K&S Media
Charingworth Manor
The stately home near Chipping Campden, offers an immersive countryside stay
PICTURINg A QUINTESSENTIAL ENgLISh
countryside stay, complete with sheep-dotted rolling hills, stately stone architecture and cozy corners? Look no further than the bucolic Cotswolds estate of Charingworth Manor.
Refurbished in 2024, the 26-room, 54-acre hotel features original Tudor-Jacobean details like wooden beams and mullioned windows but with an updated quiet luxury twist. Independently owned, (unlike many properties in the area which operate under large hotel groups), there's lots to do onsite with a pool, tennis courts and afternoon tea plus the bragging rights of following in the footsteps of T.S Elliot.
Just outside of Chipping Campden, a market known for its old wool merchant houses, the hotel makes an excellent base for exploring the north of the region. Rent a car and drive, as I did, up the winding driveway past a stone balancing sculpture by leading artist Adrian gray whose book is neatly placed in each room. Inside, the main reception area is divided into several communal spaces – a mud room for hanging wet coats, a living room where guests gather to chat and further down the hallway, the semi-circular cherry-red bar.
Charingworth was mentioned in the Doomsday book (a survey of land and buildings from the time of William the Conqueror) and my room in the main house features plenty of old-world details. It’s the
THE DETAILS
Address Campden Road, Charingworth GL55 6NS
Website charingworthmanor.com
CSL Must-try Desserts. The Napoleon and peach frangipane are tied for their deliciousness.
modern upgrades though, like a brand new mini-fridge, unusual for hotels in the UK (I wish more hotels would have this, like in North America), redone bathroom and a muted palette of furnishings that provides a welcome contrast. While there was no television, personal touches like fresh in-house baked cookies (“biccies”) in the room, a lovely window seat looking onto the beautiful gardens, and the ability to open the windows to hear the sound of the rain at night, make for pleasant immersion rather than constant diversion.
A tour bus of Americans arrives filling up the dining room with chatter. The restaurant serves a range of dinnertime meals from lighter salads and soups to heartier dishes like lamb. The desserts are the real star, though. A Napoleon (mille feuille), a dessert I would not usually order, comes with extra crisp rectangles of golden brown shortcrust, not the usual ethereal puff pastry, sandwiching dollops of chocolate pastry cream, neither too sweet nor too rich. It is drizzled with caramel and served with ice cream. Then there’s the peach frangipane that crumbles at the lightest touch and reminds me of home. The buffet portion of breakfast is served from the bar with offerings like sourdough bread, large croissants taken to a delightful chestnut brown, cereal, fruit and overnight chia pudding. Managers have the autonomy to make decisions on the spot, which means requests or inquiries are quickly resolved (when the downstairs printer was not functional, an upstairs office printer was sought).
Although my stay is far too short and it is pouring rain, I quickly sprint through the grounds. Even on a rainy day (this is England after all), you’ll feel like you’re living in a novel come to life.
The Stroud
A warm and welcoming hotel in an emerging Cotswolds hub
IT CAN TAKE TIME f OR NEW h OTELS TO CREATE A real atmosphere and hone a personality. The Stroud, built in 1863 as an inn and located across the street from the town's train line, was once a landmark. After laying vacant for a few years, it is newly refurbished and feels as though it’s been here (in its present incarnation) for decades. Even while serving as a magnet for those merely passing through – day trippers, train-delayed passengers looking for refreshment and those drawn to the western Cotswolds – the hotel still seems rooted in local life. It's as if you've walked into the English equivalent of an episode of Cheers. Manager Mike will ask, "hiya, you alright?" Ash or Josh will serve you a drink. Eventually you'll find yourself in one of the cozy cubbyholes in the dining room and you'll order something. Locals will come in for a pint, a table of ladies will be buzzing with gossip, a group with luggage will traipse through, you'll hear french and American accents from business people and somehow it will all seem lively, friendly and comforting.
The 24-room, dog-friendly hotel is an hour and a half from the capital. This ease of accessibility has proved an asset to Stroud (the town after which the hotel takes its name) which is repositioning itself as a Cotswolds hub with a weekly farmers' market, countryside walks and easy access to many of the surrounding quaint stone villages with triple barrelled names which are part of the famed Cotswolds circuit.
To take advantage of this new energy, a London property firm purchased the hotel and restored it during the pandemic. The resulting decor is part rustic, part fashionable 40s redux. As you enter, there's event space to the right with exposed brickwork and large fireplace where fitness classes are held several days a week. To the left there's a coat rack, each peg in the form of an animal and, knickknacks like a wall-mounted vintage scale. Rooms range from suites to family rooms which accommodate 4 or more. Dark blue accents offset mainly white interiors and windows look onto the street below.
THE DETAILS
Address Station Road, Stroud, Glos, GL5 3AP
Website thestroudhotel. com
CSL Must-try Pop in for something to eat and drink and you’ll end up being warmly welcomed by one of the staff or managers
Bucknall Bar and Restaurant, named after the building’s designer has indoor and patio seating, the Snug and Lounge provide more private sections. Breakfast is served buffet-style, laid out in the front room – croissants, toast, yogurt and fruit among other items. You can also order a smattering of sandwiches and specialty coffee from the menu. For dinner you can’t go wrong with the entire roasted half a chicken or the large chunk of tuna with Asian noodles. An array of menus geared toward local and visitors alike range from a Sunday Roast, charcuterie board and slow and low specials to a kid’s menu and bottomless brunch.
The Stroud has a real warmth that, at many hotels, takes years to forge.
Road Trip: Cotswolds
The Car
If you’re accustomed to driving in North America, Sixt provides ample car, sedan and SUV options with the latest navigation system and all the automatic features that can be difficult to find in Europe. The BMW Series 3 I reserved was excellent and familiar. The navigation system was so quick to recalculate that I only blinked and it had a new route prepared, unlike the thinking pause the system hiccuped through in previous vehicles I’d rented. from the placement of the windshield wiper switch to the ease of automatic transmission, it took little time adjusting. If this is your first experience driving in Britain with all the road rules and left-hand drive, Sixt makes the car the least of your worries.
The Service
The reason I chooses Sixt in Europe is because of convenience and service. I’d had a great experience renting from them in the Azores (Portugal) years ago. When I picked up the rental in Birmingham, the staff were friendly and well-versed in the company's structure, assuring me that because it is family owned and operated the company culture is less corporate with much more personalized service. I was given a brief orientation and directions and was on my way. Dropping off the car at the airport in London was a breeze. I just had to drive up to what looked like a car wash, the car was scanned and then I dropped the keys with an agent. The attendant, hearing that my companion was struggling with the luggage, kindly offered help without fuss or prompting. Within hours I received an email acknowledging the car drop-off.
The Route
Picking up the car in Birmingham, I wound my way through the Cotswolds leading up to the border with the New forest and then back up to London for drop-off. Along the way, there was little to no wind shear on long drives through the Cotswolds countryside because the BMW is so sleek and welldesigned. Britain is not known as a road trip country, at least not as we know it, but weaving through these stone towns was seamless.
VRBO Acorn Cottage
A cozy hideaway in The New Forest
ACOMMON B RITIS h PASTIME IS complaining about the endless rain. It has its moments though. If there ever was a way to celebrate wet conditions, it is as I did – nestled inside an adorable cottage as classical music plays, listening to droplets tap on the roof of the garden room while snuggled up sipping tea. Never mind that across the street wild horses are frolicking in the forest, only to emerge days later with ferns wrapped up in their manes in a sort of fairy-like daydream.
Both setting and connection are an integral part of the VRBO process. When my gPS failed to take me to the right spot and google posted a photo of the wrong fence, I was able to phone my host who was in the middle of the road waiving me in the right direction. Arriving famished and tired, she’d arranged a personal touch – a locally sourced spread of homemade bread, butter, wine, chips, cheese and, for dessert, a lemon drizzle cake which I devoured.
Curation differentiates this from other types of stays. My host provided a personal tour of the property, recommended I read a beloved book that she had in the house, which turned out to be a philosophy of life that was a mash-up of Le Petit Prince and Winnie the Pooh in the form of aphorisms. She also refilled the bird feeder while I was away sightseeing, knowing that I would return to beautiful entertainment provided by nuthatch and
THE DETAILS
Website vrbo.com
CSL Must-try Ask your host for local recommendations or ideas. I was able to drive to the glorious Jurassic Coast for a daytrip that I wouldn’t have known was manageable without her input and advice
house Martins flitting to and fro, and chirping cheerfully. And, importantly, that I could look them up in the bird watching book carefully placed within my sight line. A cottage like this allows you to participate in country life – weekend strolls in the New forest, visits to the pub, gazing out at the neighbouring farmland. It also allows you to catch up with the everyday conveniences of washing clothes after weeks on the road, of sleeping in and reveling in the quiet of the countryside but, every so often, the experience is punctuated by delightful surprises like opening the freezer to discover lime and lemon popsicles, seeing favourite spices in the kitchen cupboard and sitting on a window bench peering out at lavender still growing at this time of year.
Close to the villages of Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst and the town of Lymington, the red-brick cottage with wooden A-frame portico dates to the 1760s but with all the modern comforts: a full kitchen and dining area, 3 bedrooms and bathrooms, and a living room with inglenook fireplace. The decor mixes hues of mint green with blue and white toile accents for a calming feel. The holly and ivy (exactly like the song) form hedges around the perimeter of the spacious acre of gardens (from which I picked apples straight from the tree). In a word: cozy.
forests are known for their magic, and this was one magical stay.
Hartwell House & Spa
An historic, sophisticated retreat with refined service for discerning travellers
Aperfect combination of refined elegance and utter warmth, hartwell house, a National Trust owned hotel, restaurant and spa in the Vale of Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, England is a restored 17th century Jacobean and georgian house, set upon 90 gorgeous acres of gardens and parkland.
Upon arrival, one of the young assistant managers, Ethan, takes me around for a house tour where every room bests the previous one – from the golden candelabras in the sumptuous morning room, to the butter yellow restraint of the Soane Room and the bubblegum pink wallpaper surrounding the staircase – the property’s illustrious history is on full display. It feels like a stay amidst a living museum (in the best possible way) with new discoveries around every corner, like the intricately carved wooden staircase with hidden depiction of Winston Churchill on a baluster, a one-handed grandfather clock that keeps time, and the pair of extra-wide chairs, that belonged to one of the house's most famous tenants, Louis XVIII (yes, that one).
The cuisine here is superb. Executive head chef Daniel Richardson’s menus showcase local and home grown produce with classic technique like the pan fried Scottish sea scallop, with apple and lemon grass puree and rich white wine sauce and pan fried cod served alongside confit crab, jersey crushed potatoes, and langoustine emulsion. for requisite afternoon tea the following day, the Rococo morning room offers an opulent backdrop for incredibly gorgeous quiche, scones, sandwiches and pastries.
But it's the warm welcoming staff that feel like family, offering a superior level of hospitality with enormous graciousness. John, one of the assistant managers attends to my every thought with keen dedication – when an overcast autumn day rolls in, our conversation about my predilection for a cozy fireplace is met with a roaring fire. Another morning, a bowl of black currant jam is brought to accompany my golden toast, prompted by a mere whisper of my affection for the difficult-to-find fruit condiment. “I love chatting with guests, you never know when something about the house will catch their interest,” he says. “One time, I was talking to a gentlemen in the Louis XVIII library, and mentioned that it was where the British Meteorological Society was formed. The man was part of the Society and was elated to learn that he was standing in the footsteps of history.”
Over the following days my evenings are spent strolling through the expansive grounds, umbrella in tow, cooing black cows that gravitate toward the fence and gently running beside an elegant white swan, framed by a stone arched bridge, that drifts from one corner of a lake to the next. There are statues of hercules, Zeus and Juno, a gothic Tower, a crenellated turret and Ionic Temple that ooze grandeur while espaliered pears grow with wild abandon behind two small beehives surrounded by wildflowers, and next to a small apple orchard. It’s an idyllic British countryside escape that truly provides everlasting memories.
THE DETAILS
Address Vale of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP17 8NR
Website hartwell-house. com
CSL Must-try Take a stroll through the illustrious gardens and don't miss a sweet taste of proprietary honey at breakfast (you can even purchase a jar of the liquid gold at the spa)
“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by."
― DOUGLAS ADAMS