Travel

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in northern NSW in Australia, close to some wonderful beach towns such as Yamba and Byron Bay, a few hours drive from the Gold Coast and Brisbane, where I went to university.  
How did you start in the luxury travel industry?

Have you ever paused and glanced at a Steinway Piano and thought you would really like to know how they make such a beautiful and impressive instrument?

Slovenia, Slovakia, Slavonia – it is no wonder Slovenia is not on our holiday destinations’ radar despite its great appeal.  The country is small but its span of characteristics is wide; from the Alps with skiing and wild flowers to the flatter wine lands (plus big areas of hop gardens), as well as a typical Mediterranean coastline.  Underneath, they have magnificent caves at Postojna which is one of the world's largest karst monuments.  Despite all these attractions, they have happily escaped being devoured by over-development whilst they go quietly about their business.   

International eXcellence magazine was staying at Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa and dining at The Latymer as part of the Rolls Royce Wraith British Luxury Tour.

International eXcellence drove the Rolls Royce Wraith on this British luxury tour to Pennyhill Park, a stunning 5 star hotel and spa and the home of England's Rugby team.
The Rolls Royce Wraith is a two door sports coupe that really stands out. In stark black and white, this monochromatic luxury dream tourer epitomises style and elegance.

The Ceredigion coastline of mid-Wales might be a magnet for birders and lovers of saltings as well as fans of UNESCO Biosphere Areas. But it’s not where you should go if you suffer from Ovinaphobia. Or, a fear of sheep. There is one, if not a herd, in virtually every room at Ynyshir Hall.  Everywhere you go in the award-winning “Relais & Chateaux”  ten-room hotel in Powys is likely to incite a panic attack. If you are scared of sheep. They are around every corner And Georgian cornice.

Forum or Country and Court Shopping .
You might think that the outcome of a court case would be the same irrespective of jurisdiction (the country and court where the dispute is heard). Yet in reality, this is never the case. Setting aside differences of opinion between tribunals, many other factors contribute to the case’s final outcome.
Examples are:
    •    Availability of interim measures to alleviate damaging effects to the aggrieved party
    •    Judges’ experience and background
    •    Legal system for judgement enforceability

There’s a very good reason why Swiss wines are so difficult to track down in comparison with tipple from almost every other nation in the grape-pressing world. As our expert is quick to point out.

International eXcellence interviews Alexandra Robson, the designer and managing director of Augustine Jewels. 
- Where did you study and what is your background?
I studied fashion and jewellery design at Esmod School of Fashion in Paris before going to Cambridge University for undergraduate and Stanford University for graduate school. Later I studied diamond grading and gemology at the Gemological Institute of America
 - How did you get your business started?
I started by designing bespoke pieces for friends. 

International eXcellence Magazine reviews Antigua in the Caribbean and comes back with a great tan, some fabulous memories and a new found love for this tropical island paradise.