The Destination: French Alps
Rather than flying to the Alps for our annual ski trip, my father and I decided to test drive the most recent Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio - with its upgraded 2.9-litre bi-turbo 513bhp V6.
It all started at 10 AM on a Friday morning. The car - our "beautifully bright red beast" for the journey - was delivered, gleaming and rumbling with promise.
For decades, the alpine town of Megève has quietly maintained its position as one of France's most elegant ski resorts. Less ostentatious than Courchevel but no less chic, it's a destination that balances heritage and sophistication, with cobbled streets, horse-drawn carriages, and views that frame Mont Blanc like a painting. While winter remains its high season, Megève is increasingly a year-round destination, with plenty to offer even after the snow begins to melt.
Spring is a time for renewal, and what better way to refresh your look than with a stunning new luxury watch? 2025 brings a wave of exceptional timepieces perfect for the season, blending innovative designs with vibrant colours and intricate mechanics. Here are some of the standout models to adorn your wrist this spring.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph: Racing into Spring
We embarked on a quest to find a challenge worthy of the Toyota Hilux Invincible. We needed an adventure that would make it sweat… or at least mildly perspire.
Our initial foray took us to Essex, the spiritual homeland of the pickup truck. Think of it as the Hilux's boot camp, a place where it could limber up and show off its moves on icy roads and varied terrain.
An island perfectly suited to a geologist, a poet or indeed an artist! For Lanzarote has such an awe-inspiring setting: dramatic, expansive, picturesque and welcoming. This island of cacti and volcanoes, though highly individual, summoned to me the glories of other lands. The long sweeping landscape, punctuated with the occasional finca, evoked the beautiful expanse of Andalusia. The straight, low and narrow back streets of habitation with those of Colombia. The aridity and jagged landscape of the Sahara with which it is globally parallel.
Nestled on a prominent hilltop in Saint-Émilion, Château Quintus offers stunning panoramic views of the Dordogne valley. This remarkable estate is a wonderful blend of historical charm and modern winemaking prowess.
As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of all things luxurious (and let’s be honest, someone who enjoys pretending to live the plot of a sybaritic novel), I’ve made it my mission to meander through the opulent landscape of London’s members’ clubs. These exclusive havens provide not only a comforting refuge from the chaos of city life but also the perfect stage for roguish antics, self-indulgent conversations, and the occasional over-the-top Instagram post.
If it’s Tuesday, it must be the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic in Cannes. After a summer that felt like a blur—over ten destinations ticked off, including the usual escapades with adventure car tours—this iconic hotel was a fitting crescendo. The Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic is not just a stay; it’s an experience. So, once more unto the breach.
The world of luxury yachting is experiencing a transformative wave with the rise of wellness superyachts. These floating paradises are redefining maritime opulence, offering Himalayan salt rooms, snowflake showers, and smoothie-sipping lounges. It's not just about indulgence; it's a holistic approach to health and well-being, where every detail is designed to rejuvenate the body and spirit. Imagine unwinding in a spa bath as the ocean stretches endlessly before you, or finding serenity in a massage room that opens up to the gentle sea breeze.
The new DS7 is glossy, shiny, and just a little quirky. Where it truly shines is on the inside; the interior is über-luxurious and a delight to live with. It boasts refined touches such as soft quilted leather, an abundance of space, Lamborghini-style switches, and a pleasing design.
