I love this time of year, looking back and taking stock of all that has changed. OK, so I may not have achieved all my New Year’s resolutions but so many other good things came my way. Here are my 2014 highlights – 12 months of luxury:
MOST LUXURIOUS AFTERNOON TEA
I was fortunate to be invited by Relais & Chateaux to experience some of their iconic properties in the South of France and Corsica. La Villa Belrose is just ten minutes drive from Saint Tropez, a beautiful property with an uninterrupted view over the bay. Afternoon tea there was a delight!
MOST LUXURIOUS CITY BREAK
Bath is one of my favourite choices for a weekend or short break. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it has impressive Roman remains and many beautiful Georgian buildings. No visit to Bath would be complete without seeing the Roman Baths. They are unique in Great Britain as our only hot thermal springs, and I was lucky to experience them by twilight for drinks and dinner. I stayed at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, a real hidden gem. Located in the centre of possibly the world’s finest crescent, it’s a 5 star Relais & Chateaux property.
MOST LUXURIOUS COUNTRY BREAK
The Old Swan & Minster Mill was a perfect base for our short break in the Cotswolds. We were invited here to sample the luxury spa shopper break, in association with Bicester Village designer outlet, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Set on the River Windrush, it’s a boutique inn and restaurant, with a very relaxed vibe. Part of the de Savary family’s collection of boutique inns, it really feels like a home away from home.
The surrounding countryside is absolutely stunning and a visit to Minster Lovell Priory ruins is a must!
MOST LUXURIOUS FASHION EXPERIENCE
Without a doubt, this has to be my first time at London Fashion Week in September. I had a blast observing not just the designs but also the audience, and I got to see some fantastic designers like Adnan Bayatt and Matthew Hubble. The talented jewellery designer Clare Whitt made me a stunning cuff to wear.
MOST LUXURIOUS HERITAGE SITE
This was a tie as I couldn’t choose between 2 fantastic English Heritage sites that I visited in 2014. Eltham Palace in South East London is an art deco delight, with the added bonus of an amazing medieval hall.
Osborne House, on the Isle of Wight, was the former home of Queen Victoria. The grounds are amazing and include a private beach and a Swiss chalet built to educate the royal children.
MOST LUXURY FOR LESS
The Thermae Spa in Bath gets my vote for luxury for less. It has a lovely open air rooftop spa which you can access in all weathers, as well as 4 large steam rooms, each with a different aroma. It’s very reasonably priced and a must do if you are visiting Bath.
MOST LUXURIOUS MICHELIN STARRED MEAL
I was lucky to experience some amazing cuisine in 2014, and one of the best was 2 Michelin starred Chateau de La Chevre d’Or in the beautiful village of Eze, France. Chef Ronan Kervarrec had cooked us up the most delicious feast, which looked almost too good to eat.
Not only is the food amazing, but the grounds and views from this 5 star Relais & Chateaux hotel over the bay are stunning.
MOST LUXURIOUS RESORT
My favourite resort in 2014 has to be the Kempinski Barbaros Bay in Turkey. The Aegean Sea, on which it’s located, is considered the clearest water in the world. The adult only sun-deck played some relaxing tunes.
And the swimming pool had the most amazing minarets! It was hard to tear myself away to visit Bodrum and the surrounding area.
MOST LUXURIOUS ROOM VIEW
My favourite room with a view was at Cannizaro House Hotel, situated in the middle of a beautiful Grade II listed park in Wimbledon. It has just been acquired by Hotel du Vin as its 16th UK property.
Not only was the room itself a stunning suite, but the view over the sunken Italian garden is spectacular at any time of year.
MOST LUXURIOUS SPA
The Corinthia London definitely got my vote, it has an ESPA spread over 4 floors and you could easily while away a whole afternoon here. There’s enough space that it never feels cramped and the decor certainly has the wow factor.
MOST LUXURIOUS SCENERY
Madeira is full of surprises – beautiful churches, fantastic food, stunning scenery. We stayed as guests of the ME Hotel and the Pestana Casino Park, both of which we thoroughly enjoyed. The levadas are a series of canals that irrigate Madeira’s hillsides and fantastic places to walk.
Cabo Girao is one of the highest cliff faces in the world, at 589 metres above sea level - just look at the drop from the glass-bottomed viewing platform!
MOST LUXURIOUS WINTER BREAK
We have family in Lugano, Switzerland and often go via Milan to visit them. The Cathedral, or Il Duomo, is beautiful at any time of year and walking on its roof is an amazing experience.
After my Milanese trip, I headed to Andermatt in the Swiss mountains, and admired the new Chedi hotel. It’s a luxury hotel and ski resort nestled within the Swiss Alps.
MOST LUXURIOUS MOMENT OF 2014
I experienced so many amazing moments in 2014 so I have chosen 2 most luxurious moments. First is my journey on the Belmond British Pullman to Raymond Blanc’s 2 Michelin starred hotel and restaurant, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons. Stepping onboard the vintage train, I was transported to a bygone era. Lunch at Le Manoir was fantastic and Raymond Blanc kindly introduced himself to us all.
Last but definitely not least, was my trip with Relais & Chateaux via helicopter from Saint Tropez in France, over the mountains to the Chateau de Berne. It is famed for its wines, and my favourite was the Chateau de Berne Blanc white wine, aged in oak barrels. Chef Jérémy Czaplicki prepared us a true feast in the stunning surroundings of the Orangery.
Of course my biggest luxuries are having good health and spare time to enjoy all this. I’m blessed that my family and friends have all been well in 2014, fingers crossed for 2015. What is your biggest luxury? I would love to hear about it.
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