Tim Stevens

The Cotswolds represent the British countryside at its best, an idyll that is portrayed in so many films and articles.  An added bonus is that we have some of the most luxurious country house hotels where you can find all the creature comforts, together with delicious food.  You can chill out in the sanctuary of a relaxing spa, perhaps while away a few hours with chosen friends and family, or explore beautiful gardens, intimate local villages and towns.  All very decadent and sybaritic.     

The Ski amadé pass covers a vast area with some 25 ski resorts south of Salzburg where there are some relatively famous resorts including Schladming and Gastein resorts.

Promenading along the waterfront in a Mediterranean resort is one of the joys of life, that special light, the dreamy atmosphere, the cafés and other distractions all make for an emotive and memorable experience.
Seeking the real style of promenading

We could have been forgiven for thinking that we had stumbled upon a film set as we emerged from the wooded lane and crossed the old stone bridge under which a tinkling brook – yes it did tinkle – flowed.  A lady dressed in an overall added to the scene as she waved and smiled as we passed.  The over-used word ‘quintessential’ is certainly justified here as it has picture perfect historic buildings of an English village with its cricket pitch set along the tranquil River Windrush complete with neatly mown verges and roses in full bloom.

‘Masterpiece’ is a very apt title for arguably the most impressive exhibition from the 25th of June to the 1st July in the Royal Hospital Gardens.  The event now has its place firmly established in the ‘English Summer Season’ as it has assumed the status of the former Grosvenor Fair.  

‘Masterpiece’ is a very apt title for arguably the most impressive exhibition following on in late June in the Royal Hospital Gardens from the Chelsea Flower Show; it now has its place in the ‘English Summer season’ as it has assumed the status of the former Grosvenor Fair.
 

La Rosiere
Variety is the spice of life and an invitation to ski at La Rosiere, a French resort that had never featured on my radar, was irresistible. Lots of familiar names around: Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, Aosta Valley, and in sight across the valley: Val d’Isere so there were obviously good prospects.

Whistler sets a standard that many other ski resorts have to match; right up there with Aspen and some European resorts but for very different reasons. The main concern for many is the flight; eleven hours but you do not lose skiing time as it is overnight and you are chasing the sun outbound.  Passing through Vancouver airport is quick and the transfer is less than two hours to Whistler, the roads are good and it’s worth keeping awake for the stunning scenery.