I remember my first visit to the Loire Valley like it was yesterday. Understandably given my left hand still carries the scars of a weekend that didn’t go quite as planned.
Few would argue that the coast north of Phuket is paradise made literal: white sand, water of an almost indecent blue, palms leaning in as if eavesdropping, and a pace of life that barely qualifies as one. Everything about a holiday on this stretch of the Andaman Sea should be effortless. Everything, that is, except the flight from Heathrow, which even in business class remains a long way to travel for a sunbed.
Brittany rarely tops anyone’s list of luxurious escapes (yes, Le Croisic is technically in the Pays de la Loire these days, but it’s Breton in spirit, history and accent, and no one here will tell you otherwise). Perhaps it’s the proximity to Britain, which breeds a certain familiarity. Perhaps it’s the longitude, which puts it a little too far west to feel properly Continental. Or perhaps the south of France has simply been shouting about elegance for so long that nobody can hear anyone else. Look closer, though, and you’ll see how much you’ve been missing.
David Pearce Correspondent - Whisky | Wine | Food | Travel
David was the Sommelier at a Michelin Starred restaurant before becoming a passionate writer and professional photographer. He has visited some of the finest distilleries and vineyards in the world and photographed 3 Olympic Games. Other interests include classic and supercars.
Kris Griffiths is a seasoned journalist and feature writer with bylines in The Telegraph, The Independent, Esquire, Rough Guides and BBC Online among others. He is well-versed in covering luxury travel, hotels and food & drink, and away from the writing desk enjoys drinking fine whiskies, playing chess and the guitar, and beating professional snooker players on pub pool tables.
A former professional cricketer and ex-chief staff writer of PUNCH magazine, Kevin Pilley covers luxury travel, humour, hotels, lifestyle and food & drink for International Excellence Luxury Magazine.
Emily Wills is the editor of International Excellence Luxury Magazine and has both a fine eye for an interesting luxury angle and minute attention to detail.
Emily specialises in luxury travel, luxury hotels,the best restaurants and fine wines, particularly French Champagne and English sparkling wines.
Drive though some of the finest scenery along winding country roads in the south of England and stay at quintessentially English five star hotels rich in history.
Experience the historic Chewton Glen hotel & Spa, relax or indulge in some country pursuits. Enjoy an indulgent evening dining under the care of head chef Luke Mathews, before heading off to the Langham Estate Vineyard with its wonderful wine cellar for a private tour and tasting.
Dine at Michelin starred Al Molo, famous for its seafood, caught yards from the restaurant itself, overlooking the sea.
This epic tour of the finest driving routes in the Lake District and Wales passes through some of the most extraordinary scenery in the UK. Drive through valleys dotted with mythical lakes, across ancient Roman aqueducts and over some of the most stunning peaks Wales has to offer.
You will also enjoy a private and thrilling session at the world famous Silverstone racetrack in a variety of Porsches and stay at many of the finest country hotels the UK has to offer.
Castle Coombe Race Track & Jody Schecter Car Collection Plus Four Seasons Hotel Luxury Supercar Tour
