I think my love for beaches was originally fueled by my hatred for wearing shoes. Footwear is a form of slavery, if you ask me. So imagine my glee when I arrived at Soneva Fushi, a private island in the Maldives with a “no shoes” policy. They actually took my sandals from me, put them […]
Classic cars are usually owned by passionate collectors whose unrequited love (and large bank balances) make them immune to the expense of endless trips to the garage. By mere mortals, they are simply admired from afar. Not any more. The Classic Car Club has opened the world of vintage vehicles to the average punter. Membership gives […]
Some argue that of all the towns dotting the swanky French Riviera, Nice is the least… French Riviera-y. True if you’re into hobnobbing and celeb-spotting, but for anyone into photography and flowers (and tiny candies shaped like fruit), Nice is a perfect stop. As luck would have it I am, in fact, into photography, flowers, […]
There are a lot of reasons to fall madly in love with India. It’s a land of ridiculous cultural and historic depth. The optimism and spirituality of the people is captivating. And it sure is gorgeous. But I’ve always been smitten with what’s written. India has a way with signage that’s unlike anywhere else I […]
Swakopmund is: a) a quaint coastal town in Namibia, b) the adrenaline capital of Namibia, c) a tribal word meaning “excrement opening” or d) all of the above? The correct answer is d) all of the above. Swakop, as it’s called by the locals, is a charming little town set on the northwest coast of […]
Chances are your New Year’s resolutions include experiencing new things, or shedding those holiday pounds and getting fit. Roll them into one master plan with five hikes around the world that will jump start you toward your goals. The views aren’t bad either. Everest Base Camp, Nepal This 12 day hike takes you into the […]
Bedtime stories are not just for children. In fact, if 40 Winks’ tales are anything to go by, it could be argued that they get better with age. Pyjamas are still compulsory, but hot milk is replaced with a fruity Hendrick’s cocktail, and the stories are naughtier, darker and funnier. Tucked away in the increasingly […]
When I go out for a wander in Hogtown (the nickname for Toronto, where I live) I rarely take a proper camera. Which is a shame, because carrying a camera often changes the way I see things. Going out with photography in mind somehow opens my eyes to the quotidian cool and quirky. I was […]
Back then it was an important port city; now it is somewhat reminiscent of San Francisco, and long gone is its “Jewel of the Pacific” title. Valparaiso is a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason, however, and there’s nowhere better to enjoy warm Chilean hospitality. Valparaiso is just 90 minutes from Chile’s elegant, currently […]
I’ve always loved the Makgadikgadi Pans, but struggled to put my finger on why, as I’m a sucker for a huge herd of elephants, or a magisterial lion lounging in the grass; the Pans have none of this. After spending some time at the newly resurrected San Camp I have finally figured it out. Out […]
Shopping in New York City is as much of an art (or science) as truffle hunting in Italy or animal tracking in Botswana, so naturally we always have some ‘pigs’ on hand to help us out. Meet our Manhattan gurus and their favourite discoveries. As personal stylists and founders of Coup de Coeur, we’re always asked […]
As the month newly known as Movember (formerly known as November) draws to a clean-shaven close, I thought I’d tip my turban to the nation that first put fur on the facial map. Okay, so India may or may not have invented the moustache. But they’ve certainly perfected it, raising the lip dog to remarkable […]
Special is hard to do in Hong Kong, where understatement can be confused with dullness. However, there are sometimes things you come upon which are undoubtedly special. You recognize them when you see them, and you savour them. Lok Man Rare Books is such a place. This small antiquarian bookstore is nestled on a discrete […]
As a traveller, you know that moment. You open your suitcase for the first time back at home and catch a fleeting scent of your trip left clinging to clothes and souvenirs; it instantly takes you right back. I had such a moment a few weeks ago, and was instantly transported back to Nolita. Just […]
As we approached the Mendenhall Glacier, I could see several tiny black specks in the distance. The helicopter landed, and I took my first shaky steps onto the glacier. I was greeted by the overwhelming sound of nearly 200 barking sled dogs, letting me know they were ready to run. I recently went on an […]
Gone are the days when the best of English cuisine was pie and mash or a pickled onion. With the likes of Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay, the bar in the kitchen has been well and truly raised. Cooking fever has taken London by storm; my favourite is baking your own bread. In search of […]