March 2023

Bedtime and afternoon reading by the pool and spa lily pond at the luxurious Leeu Estates in South Africa’s culinary capital, Franschhoek, was “Moments of Mindfulness", an anthology of African wisdom collected and curated by Danielle and Olivier Follini.  

It was left in my room.  And it left a lasting impression. 

Like the five-star, Western Cape Province hotel, it calmed the senses and prepared the soul to receive simple teachings. As taught by Africa and Africans.  Relax. Don’t fret. Keep a cool heart and remain patient. 

Rascal Voyages' new $ 12000-a-day Rebel Yacht is a traditional handmade teak and ironwood "pinisi" super-luxury charter accommodating up to 10 guests across five suites and four spacious common areas, including a fine wine cellar and an under-the-stars outdoor cinema.  

“Committed to uncovering destinations with soul - with a ‘floating villa’ concept rather than that of a traditional yacht” - Rascal Voyage offers bespoke itineraries year-round, off-the-grid expeditions aboard the Rascal and its new sister yacht. 

Sometimes innate intuition, entrepreneurial vision and the belief in the natural resources of a country can all combine to create a truly superior and premium product.

Dr Nawaf Salameh, Founding Chairman of the Alexandrion Group has always been laser-focused on producing Romania's first ever single malt whisky, since initiating the project back in 2016 and holding the title of Keeper of the Quaich. He has gone on to achieve this goal, with the whisky going from strength-to-strength.

The Audi R8 V10 is somewhat of a legend in its lifetime. The classic shape, supercar performance, minimalist interior and celebrated engine roar made this car much loved by all sportscar fans.

We took it on a Shakespearean tour of Stratford, staying at the wonderful Arden Hotel opposite the amazing Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and ending our trip at the celebrated and venerable Great Fosters hotel in Surrey.

As far as modern immersive vacations go, the one offered by the iconic Chateau du Plessis is the most luxurious. 

Located in the heart of the Borderies, the smallest and oldest cru in the Cognac appellation, Château du Plessis is the home of Camus. 

Sometimes an invitation arrives that I clear my diary for, such is my intrigue and thirst for whisky exploration. One such invitation was to attend an event at Canary Wharf where I would be afforded the opportunity to sample the rarest and oldest bottle of Highland Park whisky ever released. A 54 Year Old with a retail price of £39k. 

Our last stop on the Audi R8 V10 Tour was the Great Fosters, a Tudor estate just outside Windsor in Surrey. 

Great Fosters is the quintessential historic English Manor estate, offering exquisite dining under new head chef Alex Payne. Plus indulgent pampering with massages, afternoon tea packages and luxury suites frequented by kings and queens set in ornate gardens filled with outstanding and immense topiary (hedges sculpted into a variety of forms).

Director-founder Geoffrey Hughes, a lover of the racecourse since boyhood, studied decorative art, learnt about the art market by working in auction houses, started his first gallery in Whitstable aged 22, now sells paintings and bronzes that will stand the test of time.   

To mark 25 years on Motcomb Street, the gallery are presenting a collection of 25 paintings and bronzes by 25 of their most successful artists, from April 19th until May 13th.    

I have always had a fondness for the warm and complex flavour of Irish whiskey. The history of this beloved spirit is intertwined with the magical history of Ireland itself, from the ancient Celts to the modern day. I first encountered it in the 1990s with Bushmills Black and Green, which was served at the restaurant I was a sommelier in.