Hot Brands Cool Places - The Fashion Issuu October 2012

HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES FASHION CULTURE LIFESTYLE

OCTOBER 2012

The F ashion Issue r e c n a ss C e n n t s e a ar tio e r w di B A E

EDITOR’S LETTER October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and so in this issue we have devoted several pages to this very important cause, please take the time to read all about the wonderful products on offer and the important work being carried out. Please help by donating and supporting in as many ways as possible.

In the rest of this issue we have interviews with Tessa Kiros, author of Limoncello and Linen Water, Louise Atkinson Founder of Sweetpea and Claire Hobden Phillips, Founder of Floracious.

In celebration of the Cool Places in our Directory we have a special Travel Supplement, so whether you want a last-minute Autumn break, Christmas or New Year escape, or you are already planning next year’s holiday, it’s all here!

We also have examples of wonderful fashion and beauty companies featured in our Directory, and review some delightful books. Enjoy! www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com Picture Credits Front cover and inside cover images taken from Celebrating Jewellery, by David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti, published by the Antique Collectors’ Club. The Olga, Princess Paley Aquamarine and Diamond Parure by Cartier, 1912. http://www.accdistribution.com/uk Intro Image of our Cool Places Section courtesy of of Condé Nast Johansens - Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai www.johansens.com Other images throughout the magazine supplied by the various companies, or publishers featured.

Please Note All information about products and services are supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, or news items. Inclusion in this magazine does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.

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THOMAS LYTE Fall in love this season with Thomas Lyte’s Autumn Winter 2012 Collection, inspired by Shakespeare’s love story ‘As you like it’, an elaborate tale of love at first sight. A stunning collection of luxury leather handbags and over-sized totes, cross-body and saddle-bags, cute clutches and a fabulous selection of purses; created in the brand’s London Atelier using the finest ethically sourced leathers and fabrics, finished with exquisite detail in Palladium plated solid Brass and Moire Silk linings. Like the play’s love story, the collection encapsulates the classic beauty of the country side and the chic urban style.

Stylish designs in a collegiate palette, off-set with bright flushes; can one desire too much of a good thing this season? Thomaslyte.com Come and meet Audrey, Phoebe, Ruth and Emily at the Thomas Lyte Boutique, 12-13 Burlington Arcade, Mayfair W1 or date on-line at www.thomaslyte.com

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INTERVIEW 4

Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Tessa Kiros author of Limoncello and Linen Water for an exlusive interview What inspired you to write Limoncello and Linen Water?

My initial inspiration for this book was my mother in law, Wilma, and her amazing life stories and recipes. As I was writing the book I met many other wonderful women and they also provided inspiration along the way.

Your books are always so beautiful, how do you and the rest of the team work together to create the final result?

I have worked with the same team on all my books and we are all close friends. My stylist is Michail, my friend from birth and he lives in Greece, as does my wonderful photographer Manos.

My great friend Lisa lives in Toronto and does the art direction and graphics for the books. We all work together very closely even though we’re not together physically and we meet up at various stages of the process.

Why did you decide to go travelling when you were 18 years old?

I always wanted to see the whole world. I still have a way to go!

If you were creating your favourite Autumn menu from the recipes in Limoncello and Linen Water what would you choose?

There are so many lovely recipes that would work well for Autumn but I would have to say the radicchio and apple salad followed by ragu with milk and green tagliatelle, roast rabbit with grapes and the radicchio cake with white chocolate icing to finish off.

Which is the oldest recipe in the book and where did it come from?

The oldest recipe would have to be the stuffed chicken’s neck which came from my motherin-law Wilma. It is a recipe that demonstrates how everything can be used and how many years ago, people would have never dreamt of throwing any of the animal away. People in the countryside who reared their own chickens would stuff the necks, poach them and serve them sliced with acciugata and salsa verde.

If you were offered two days of complete freedom, how would you spend the time?

Right now I’d opt for something wild. I’d fly to New York with a stopover in Paris. I’d have 2 or 3 great meals, stay in a beautiful hotel with Turkish bath and a sauna. I’d race around the cities soaking up all they have to offer and gaining inspiration.

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Limoncello and Linen Water- Tessa Kiros Synopsis: Much-loved author Tessa Kiros celebrates the heritage of Italy, the country she has chosen to call home, in Limoncello and Linen Water. This whimsically feminine book is a tribute to the women in our lives – mothers, mothers-in-law, grandmothers – and the important lessons we learn from them. With accessible, delicious recipes ranging from robust family dishes to quirky cakes and old-fashioned preserves, this book is a precious heirloom to treasure.

Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict We love books by Tessa Kiros, they are some of the most beautiful books that we have ever reviewed, and Limoncello and Linen Water is another stunning example. Atmospheric, and as Tessa mentions above in her interview, each book is created with love by her and her team of creative friends.

We love the combination of recipes with evocative photographs, memories, and inspiration. Absolutely delightful - a celebration of the wisdom and love of mothers, mothers-in-law and grandmothers!

Highly Recommended! www.amazon.co.uk

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THE MERCHANT FOX Proud of its ‘Made in Britain’ collection, The Merchant Fox sells some of the finest goods being produced in Great Britain today. Owned by Deborah Meaden, the collection is split into Home & Interiors, Work & Travel, Style & Accessories, Gifts For Her and a special ‘By Appointment’ service for truly luxurious service.

Each item has been selected for its exquisite design, beautiful craftsmanship and interesting provenance. www.themerchantfox.co.uk

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COBRA BELLAMY Cobra and Bellamy jewellery is available online at www.cobrabellamyjewellery.co.uk and at John Lewis stores in Oxford Street, Peter Jones, Cheadle, Exeter and John Lewis online. An eclectic mix of modern one off pieces, mainly in 18ct gold with gem stones, some silver, reworked antique coral, turquoise and amber and Period pieces from the 19th century up to the 1950’s www.cobrabellamyjewellery.co.uk

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MOLLY BROWN Have you ever searched for the perfect birthday present for a daughter, a beautiful christening present for a godchild or even something special for a bridesmaid? The answer is Molly Brown, a stunning range of designer keepsake jewellery for little girls to young adults. www.mollybrownlondon.com

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INTERVIEW

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Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Louise Atkinson Founder of Sweetpea for an exlusive interview.

What inspired you to start Sweetpea?

I have always loved fashion and design but the real inspiration started when I became a mother, and entered the world of children’s fashion and design. I started to discover lovely niche brands that did not have a designer price tag but offered great quality and style and were practical enough for the park but also gorgeous enough for a party. It was the desire to share these discoveries and create a destination for these labels that led to the launch of sweetpea.

I want to make finding something simple, stylish and a little bit different, a pleasure not a chore.

I want sweetpea to become the local childrenswear shop no matter where you are. From the comfort of your home you can get lovely fashion for your little one, a relaxed shopping environment, someone to help, and of course great service and offers.

You have some delightful discoveries in your blog, do you have a favourite item?

It’s so hard to choose, as my blog has become an electric mix of discoveries and things that make me smile. But I have a really love all the kikko toys and especially tanabata. I love the inspiration of the magic of stars, and the imagination it sparks. Endless fun can been had with this toy and it you can take it anywhere http://www.shopatsweetpea.com/online-shop/gifts-1/tanabata-by-kiko.html As we approach half term what are some of your favourite activities to do with children?

Living in London we are so lucky to have such a wide choice of things to do with children, but one of our current favourites is the Victoria and Albert Museum. It has wonderful exhibitions which are so accessible and there is the Imagination Station.

The museum works tirelessly to create clever activities to make accessing the museum fun and easy for children. We have made crowns, explored ancient China, India and Asia in search of animals and designed jewellery and ball gowns to name but a few of the things.

Given our changeable climate what do you recommend to take our little ones into autumn?

I have some gorgeous knitwear this season, some of which I truly wish they made in my size!!

The collection by FUB is wonderful. This is a Danish brand that produced timeless piece of knitwear from 100% wool.

They are so soft, cosy and stylish and must have for any little ones wardrobe, that will last through the season and beyond. http://www.shopatsweetpea.com/online-shop/designers-1/fub.html

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You have changed career a number of times what advice do you have for people thinking about doing something different?

After a 15 year career in marketing I swapped the corporate world for the world of sweetpea, to fulfill a lifelong ambition to have a business that reflected what I enjoy but used the skills I have acquired over the years.

I enjoy embracing change and unless you have a go you never know where it may lead to, if you reach for the moon and fail you will land in the stars.

What is your favourite form of relaxation?

I love being outdoors so a trip to Kew Gardens or walk by the river followed by a hot cup of tea and a slice of cake is great!

Special Offer for Hot Brands Cool Places readers Enter the promotional code of hotbrands12 for 15% off. http://www.shopatsweetpea.com/

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GIFT ATELIER The Vivienne Westwood AW12 Accessories collection is now available from The Gift Atelier. The online gift boutique has launched the iconic brands Men’s and Women’s Accessory collection complementing its existing range of stylish and original gifts and accessories. http://www.giftatelier.com/

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DENISON BOSTON Defining the look of a generation, denisonboston of Brighton, England, is the award-winning accessory brand for the modern man. Based in the seaside city Brighton, England, home of the English Dandy Gent. Influenced by the English Gentleman’s sense of style and combined with 21st Century Modern Design. www.denisonboston.com

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PEONY & MOORE Peony & Moore are British designers of luxury leather handbags. Established in 2009 the collection is based on a balance of thoughtful design & style alongside luxurious Italian leathers.

We create classic British handbags which are loved for their detailing, handmade craftsmanship and timeless elegance. www.peonyandmoore.com

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CRUMPET Launched in 2006, Crumpet is an edgy cool knitwear brand. Made with luxurious yarns such as cashmere, merino, alpaca and silk, Crumpet has a fresh and stylish design approach giving them the ability to create unique and timeless garments. www.crumpetengland.com

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OPUMO Opumo.com is a London based online retailer entirely focussed on men’s accessories for those who appreciate quality, style and heritage. The curated collection includes the latest accessories from weekend bags and briefcases to cufflinks and sunglasses from some of the world’s most exciting designers. http://Opumo.com/

Special Feature

COAST ZUMBA

LAURA ASHLEY

MYWARDROBE.COM

AVON

STELLA & DOT

M&S

M&S

DEBENHAMS

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here! Launched on 1st October, the shops will turn pink with a selection of charity products; from fashion and beauty to food and drink.

Breakthrough Breast Cancer is working with leading retailers including Avon, Marks & Spencer, ghd and many more to launch exclusive products, which carry a donation to the charity’s lifesaving work. www.breakthrough.org.uk

MARLBOROUGH WORLD Marlborough World are makers of fine leather products. Over the last 30 years we have been supplying some of England’s most exclusive and celebrated stores, brands and families. All our products are hand crafted by our team of skilled people using techniques passed down through generations of leather working. Our new summer collection includes Weekend, Tote and Cartridge bags that marry traditional designs with modern styling. www.MarlboroughWorld.com

BY ELISE The stones and pearls have been sourced, created and designed by Elise and hand strung here in the UK which makes them relatively unique in the luxury jewellery market. This integrity ensures each piece is crafted from the finest stones whilst designed to capture a woman’s individuality and is jewellery to keep forever. www.byelise.com

Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Claire Hobden Phillips, Founder of Floracious for an exlusive interview.

INTERVIEW

What inspired you to set up Floracious?

I’d been gardening for around 25 years and had the hands to prove it! I was not happy using mineral oil based products on my skin, but found that I was spending a small fortune every month on more natural hand creams. Some worked pretty well, but I realised that I needed something richer that would really heal and protect my hands.

Armed with a bit of knowledge and the inspiration of the plants I had around me I decided I would have a go myself and after a few prototypes, Safflower and Avocado Nourishing Cream was born.

I became really excited about developing my own pure skincare range. In August 2010 I had to give up work due to an injury, and therefore it became the perfect time to put my passion into practice and I launched Floracious in September 2011.

How did your previous experience help in the setting up of your company?

I had been working as head gardener running ‘Horticultural Therapy’ workshops in a community for vulnerable adults. Because the land is farmed on Biodynamic principles, the soil fertility is very high and the quality of the resulting crops of herbs and vegetables grown on it is really superior. It follows that quality ingredients make quality products which are really effective at replenishing the skin. Over the years I’ve got pretty good at planning and organising tasks as well as time which really helped when I was setting things up and now when there are always too many things to try and fit into a day!

What do you enjoy most about running your own business?

Being my own boss, making and living by my own decisions (and obviously mistakes sometimes!).

How would you like Floracious to develop in the future?

I would like to develop the range further, I’ve got lots of ideas for products which I’m looking forward to experimenting with. We will soon be able to offer on-line sales as well as mail order which will make buying the products easier. Longer term I would love to have an outlet of my own in one of the lovely little independent towns that we have here in North Norfolk and then who knows where after that, one step at a time…

Do you have a favourite flower and why?

Yes, definitely, ‘night scented stock’. It doesn’t look like much, it’s a bit of a straggly plant with tiny mauve/pink flowers that are mostly closed and scentless in the daytime, but in the evening they open and the scent they give is just incredible. Sweet and heady summer evenings, I wish I could bottle it!

Describe your perfect autumn weekend.

This would include in no particular order: Gardening and a bonfire, a roast dinner, a walk in the woods with the dogs looking for chestnuts, a swim and sauna and most definitely a stroll on any of the beautiful beaches that we have here in North Norfolk followed by fish and chips. http://www.floracious.co.uk/_/home.html

COCOONU CocoonU Organic - luxurious, natural skincare with a heavenly fusion of divine aromas and pure ingredients, including100% organic, gentle and nourishing, bath/body and hair collections for him, her and baby. Handmade in the UK. SLS and Paraben free. www.cocoonu.com

GOOD VIBES Good Vibes is more than just a fitness studio. It is a place dedicated to the enjoyment that positive, fun and thoughtful exercise creates. We inspire people to exercise because it’s better for their minds as well their bodies. So coming to our classes will not only make you fitter, but they’ll also make you happier too. http://www.goodvibesfitness.co.uk/about-us

ANCIENNE AMBIANCE Have you seen the new-look Ancienne Ambiance Candles? A new larger glass with elegant gold design allows you to indulge in over 60 burning hours of sublime aromas recreated from ancient times. Together with new textured gift-boxes - pure luxury at your fingertips. Whether for yourself or someone else, you’ll be as excited as we are about the new-look Ancienne Ambiance. www.ancienneambiance.com

OSKIA SKINCARE “Skincare for the ultra stylish, OSKIA’s nutrient-packed range is designed to boost skin health and target ageing, lifestyle and environmental concerns. Winner of 12 International awards.” www.oskiaskincare.com

Breakthrough Beauty GHD

CiatĂŠ M&S

FAKE BAKE

About Breakthrough Breast Cancer: Our vision is a future free from the fear of breast cancer.

Breakthrough Breast Cancer is dedicated to improving and saving lives through finding the causes of breast cancer, enabling early detection, ensuring precise diagnosis, discovering new and better treatments and improving medical services.

We fund groundbreaking research, campaign for better services and treatments and raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Through this work the charity believes passionately that breast cancer can be beaten and the fear of the disease removed for good.

For more information go to www.breakthrough.org.uk

Celebrating Jewellery Exceptional Jewels of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries - David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti Synopsis • Some of the finest pieces of jewellery in the world, all illustrated in detail • Authoritative and accessible text explains the background to each jewel • Several pieces reproduced for the first time outside of auction catalogues, this is a collector’s item in itself • Each jewel is shown in superb detail, with captions explaining the history and background to its design • All the great jewellery designers and manufacturers are represented, including Castellani, Giuliano, Lalique, Vever, Lemonnier, Chaumet, Cartier, Boucheron, Herz-Belperron, Van Cleef & Arpels, Boivin, Schlumberger, Bulgari and JAR Success, wealth and privilege have many ways of manifesting themselves, not least through the purchase and display of beautiful jewels. Some of the greatest and most iconic pieces from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries are included in Celebrating Jewellery, by David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti. Every example is synonymous with style and luxury, from the formal tiaras, suites and ornaments of the Victorians through to the innovations of Belle Époque and Revivalism, to the geometric and linear designs of the Art Deco movement, and the bold, colourful jewels of the late twentieth century.

Celebrating Jewellery also includes a number of the most famous jewels in history, such as the Cartier ‘great cat’ and flamingo jewels for the Duchess of Windsor, and other lavish and illustrious examples created for European royalty. This is a truly magnificent volume, which will provide lasting inspiration and pleasure to anyone with a love of the great jewels of the last two hundred years.

The jewellers featured, in order of appearance, are: Gabriel Lemonnier, Mellerio dits Meller, Garrard of London, Chaumet, Vever, Lalique, Vever and Lalique (short collaboration), Boucheron, Castellani, Giuliano, Cartier (Cartier Paris and Cartier London), Marcus & Co, Van Cleef & Arpels, Lacloche Freres, Rene Boivin, J.E. Caldwell, Charlton and Co., Black, Starr and Frost, HerzBelperron, Raymond Templier, Sterle, Vaillant and Duverne, Jean Schlumberger, Repossi, Bulgari, JAR and David Bennett.

David Bennett is Chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewellery Division for Europe and the Middle East. Daniela Mascetti has worked for Sotheby’s for over thirty years, and is now a senior expert and director, based in London. They are the authors of Understanding Jewellery, the definitive reference work on the history of jewellery design, also published by Antique Collectors’ Club.

Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This is a sumptuous book, the contents include: Foreword; Nineteenth Century and Earlier Jewellery; Revivalism Jewellery; Belle Époque Jewellery; Art Deco Era Jewellery; Twentieth Century Jewellery - The Nineteen Thirties and Later. Within each chapter are the most magnificent examples of jewellery, stunningly photographed, with detailed descriptions about the piece including the history and background. A beautiful and special book, something to treasure for years to come!

Highly Recommended! http://www.accdistribution.com/uk

The Perfect Little Black Dress-Tracy Martin Synopsis: A must-have guide for every woman- dress with confidence and style, whatever the occasion. This invaluable guide to dressing finally answers the question asked by woman throughout the ages, “What shall I wear?”

This question has been asked for so many occasions from a job interview, to your grandmother’s birthday, to a first date. Starting with a design classic, the LBD (the little black dress), Tracy Martin offers tips on how to wear it and how to adapt it, ensuring that all can achieve Audrey Hepburn perfection. http://www.amazon.co.uk/ Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This comprehensive little book covers all aspects of dress and style including dresses, suits, skirts, shirts, underwear and vintage. There are tips on choosing the right handbag, or accessorising with suitable jewellery, or how to choose a beautiful pair of shoes, as well as dressing for different occasions. An essential guide to style!

Highly Recommended!

PARISIAN CHIC WEEKLY PLANNER 2013 - Ines de la Fressange and Sophie Gachet Synopsis: Following on the success of best-seller Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange and Sophie Gachet, the same author duo has teamed up to write a year’s worth of weekly fashion tips in this new daily planner.

Ines de la Fressange – a global icon of chic! – shares a year’s worth of fresh style ideas and beauty tips, as well as her light-hearted guidelines for enjoying life to the fullest! From January through to December, this charming and practical illustrated engagement diary offers Ines’s easy-to- steal ideas for how to be your most attractive and elegant in every situation.

This weekly planner is an elegant accessory in itself, featuring a deep red faux leather cover with gold foil stamp, rounded edges, a ribbon page marker for easy place holding, creamy off-set aquarelle paper, four-colour printing, charming drawings by Ines, and an address book. Definitely the must have engagement diary for any woman who wants to add a touch of Paris to her handbag and stay on top of her ohso-chic lifestyle.

Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict We loved Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange and Sophie Gachet, and this new daily planner is a delightful companion to the style guide. Chic and elegant, beautifully illustrated, and with daily tips, this planner is the perfect accessory for 2013. Highly Recommended! http://www.amazon.co.uk/

COOL PLACES TRAVEL FEATURE

In celebration of the Cool Places in our Directory we have a special Travel Supplement, so whether you want a last-minute Autumn break, Christmas or New Year escape, or you are already planning next year’s holiday, it’s all here!

CONDÉ NAST JOHANSENS Searching for the perfect half-term, winter, Christmas or New Year break? Condé Nast Johansens, from the publisher of Condé Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Vogue, has been recommending a unique collection of the world’s very best luxury hotels, venues, spas and villas for over 30 years. For their Luxury hotel deals www.johansens.com/special-offers Also now available Winter, Christmas and New Year hotel deals http://bit.ly/T0JZDo www.johansens.com

Chalet Cragganmore - Chamonix, France

Elysian Collection – Switzerland

BOVEY CASTLE Gather family and friends and head for Dartmoor, where Christmas and New Year’s Eve are fast approaching. The three-night Christmas break and two-night New Year’s Eve break include accommodation in one of the hotel’s 64 bedrooms or within a luxury lodge, with dining, entertainment and a selection of activities included. Prices start from £750 per room, per night for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, based on two adults sharing a Classic bedroom. www.boveycastle.com

EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES Help to bring in the olive harvest over half-term at the Dionysos Estate on Turkey’s Lycian Coast, learning centuries-old harvest traditions in the comfort of a stylish boutique hotel.

Guests can arm themselves with rakes to pull olives from the organic olive trees and participate in tastings of the hotel’s award-winning Amos brand and other oils. Pamper yourself at the spa, or chill out at the private beach club a short stroll away. http://www.exclusiveescapes.co.uk/properties/the-dionysos-estate Price: £888 per person based on four sharing a private pool suite, including return flights to Dalaman from the private jet terminal at London Stansted or Manchester, transfers, a day’s boat cruise and all olive harvest activities, from Exclusive Escapes (020 8605 3500, www.exclusiveescapes.co.uk

OS TRAVEL Le Bergerie is just fabulous – a BRAND NEW property in Tourettes, near Nice, France, built to an incredibly high spec with beautiful interiors and excellent attention to detail. In a very prestigious location, it’s peaceful, private and exclusive. 6 bedrooms. Fully staffed. €26 – 35K per week. This is going to be a very hot property for 2013.

La Fraissinede is an extraordinary country residence in the heart of the Corbières, France, incorporating modern style with the ambience and proportions of an ancient wine cuve. Stylish, comfortable and the ideal property for a gathering of family and friends, it offers an amazing setting and views, six double en-suite bedrooms, open-plan entertaining spaces, terraces, a tranquil courtyard, a tennis court and large heated pool.

Available self-catered or staffed. £8,000 – 14,500 per week. www.osprivatetravel.com

GLENEAGLES Gleneagles Hotel is a truly unique experience – a luxury break with a historic 5 star hotel with a magical air... crackling fires, twinkling lights, and the finest Scottish hospitality. In a beautiful setting in the highlands of Scotland, Gleneagles is the ultimate retreat. www.gleneagles.com

BLUE AND WHITE LOCATIONS The ever popular “split-weeks” as we like to call them, where you can book some of the best chalets in the alps on a per room basis are available for the non peak weeks of the season in the top resorts of Verbier and Val d’Isere. Offering all the benefits of a private chalet but with the accessibility of a hotel make them perfect for smaller groups or couples.

Take a look at the resort pages here: www.blueandwhitelocations.com/verbier www.blueandwhitelocations.com/val-disere Or send us an email at: info@blueandwhitelocations.com

TUSCANY NOW Tuscany is an ever popular holiday destination, but there are still some areas more off-thebeaten-track which offer spectacular scenery and calm contemplation away from the crowds.

Tuscany Now has put together a selection of villas where you can enjoy the ultimate in peace and tranquillity. www.tuscanynow.com

GIC THE VILLA COLLECTION GIC The Villa Collection offers a range of stylish villas across a number of the beautiful Greek islands, dotted through the Ionian and Aegean seas – perfect for those who are looking for a stunning place to stay while discovering the real Greek island lifestyle. www.gicthevillacollection.com/

HELPFUL HOLIDAYS Celebrate Christmas or New Year in style at one of our 600 comfortable holiday homes in the wonderful West Country. Whether you’re looking to escape or entertain, we’ll help you find the perfect place for a memorable and relaxing getaway. www.helpfulholidays.com/?affid=155

DISCOVER THE WORLD Christmas at the ICEHOTEL, Sweden 22 Dec | 4 nights | from £1,271 incl. flights What better way to celebrate the festive season than to spend it somewhere that boasts perfect Christmas-card scenery? Wrapped up warm, amongst snow-laden trees glistening in the winter sun, the atmosphere couldn’t be better.

Enjoy a torchlight procession to a picturesque church for a Christmas Day carol concert and at night keep a look out for the northern lights. http://www.discover-the-world.co.uk/en/holidays/sweden/christmas-ice-hotel/index.html

COX AND KINGS Cox & Kings, the world’s longest established travel company, organises luxury group tours/ www.coxandkings.co.uk/grouptours.aspx and private tailor-made travel www.coxandkings.co.uk/tailormadeindex.aspx to destinations across the globe.

New destinations to its programmes for 2013 include Zimbabwe, North Korea and Indonesia, and new escorted tours in south-east Asia, Morocco, Egypt and Spain.

VOYAGE PRIVÉ In your search for 4 and 5-star luxury at unbelievable prices, look no further than Voyage PrivÊ, a members only travel club offering luxurious hand-picked hotels and holidays from around the globe. Sign up today to enjoy exclusive offers with up to 70% off. www.voyageprive.com

SYKES COTTAGES Sykes Holiday Cottages for the New Year http://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottages-for-new-year.html Get together with family and friends and welcome in the New Year in style! Sykes Cottages have thousands of holiday cottages that are the perfect location for welcoming the arrival of 2013. Give us a call or visit our website today!

ELEGANT RESORTS Elegant Resorts promise a holiday experience ‘beyond luxury’, as experts in providing tailormade luxury travel. For over twenty-three years this British company has been providing bespoke holidays to the world’s finest hotels and resorts worldwide, from luxury ski chalets to tropical island retreats. www.elegantresorts.co.uk

CELTIC MANOR From candlelit dinners in the restaurants to a day of pure bliss and pampering in the awardwinning spa, the luxurious five star Celtic Manor Resort has everything you could desire for a perfect break. www.celtic-manor.com

SIMPLY RETREATS New for 2013 is the Live Well Retreat from Simply Retreats. Designed to help you take steps towards a healthier lifestyle that’s both sustainable and fun, it includes fitness classes, nutrition workshops, yoga classes, Balinese Massage and Nordic walking. To help you maintain your healthy lifestyle at home, you get sample classes, nutrition information and recipe ideas to take away with you. www.simply-retreats.co.uk/live-well-retreat

CAZENOVE+LOYD cazenove+loyd are about to celebrate twenty years in luxury travel and with a wealth of contacts across their three specialist regions of expertise, they focus on making each bespoke itinerary a truly unique and memorable experience. You’ll find a travel experience to suit everyone on their website cazenove+loyd www.cazloyd.com/page/search-by-experience

UNDISCOVERED HOLIDAYS At Undiscovered Holidays our passionate and experienced professional staff work closely with you to create tailor-made holidays of a lifetime.

Stay 7 nights for the price of 5 + 10 % discount at the sophisticated Kasha Boutique Hotel, located in the North East of Zanzibar with the amazing view of the Mnemba Atoll in the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Sea View Villa ÂŁ223 or Sea Front Villa ÂŁ256 per night based on 2 people sharing, includes breakfast, dinner, all taxes and service charge.

Offer applies to bookings made before 31/10/12 http://www.undiscovered-holidays.com/recommended.php

EXSUS From the beautifully deserted beaches of Brazil’s North East and Europe’s most uncovered boutique boltholes to the wildest of Africa plains, our first-hand knowledge is second to none.

We offer unrivalled personal service, attention to detail, unbiased advice and up-to-date knowledge. www.exsus.com

RED SAVANNAH Whether your holiday style is laid back luxury on a beautiful Indian Ocean beach, an intrepid adventure in romantic Laos or watching the sun set over the dunes of Namibia, Red Savannah destination specialists are the best connected people in the business. www.redsavannah.com

HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com