There are many options to choose from when visiting the UK’s cultural and financial heart—from the terrific, small boutique choices to the larger, full-on luxury spa hotels. We have many favourites, but some of the closest to our hearts are the Firmdale hotels. Classy, quirky, chic and colourful, the Firmdale properties offer a comfortable and relaxed base […]
Honduras has had bad press of late for the gang violence in its inner cities. Yes, that is a reality in the country, but on a recent visit I found that Honduras is really made up of incredible ruins, amazing natural wonders, friendly folk and a stunning set of Caribbean islands. I had the pleasure […]
There’s something curiously memorable about the cash and grab picnic. You know the kind I mean. Visit the local market, buy whatever random ingredients catch your eye, and then find a place in a park to park it and pork out. Where: Cordes sur Ciel in Southwestern France. What: Le pique-nique. A wheel of bread large enough to […]
The relatively small and unknown Uruguay has had a tough time. Often overlooked by travellers in favour of its larger, louder neighbour Argentina, or seen as an extension of their own country by the Argentines, this diverse and friendly country is finally coming into the limelight. Punta del Este has held international acclaim for some […]
The Moroccan culinary alphabet only has about 10 letters. But what it lacks in depth and diversity it makes up for in down-to-earth-made-with-love deliciousness. Where: Someone’s home in the small town of M’Hamid, where the road ends and the Sahara Desert properly begins. What: Chicken tajine. The word tajine refers to the round earthenware dish (with distinctive conical top), the […]
It’s tough to satisfy the interests of multiple generations at the same time, let alone while on the move around a new country. Italians embrace the family, however—both their own, and yours. I recently asked Rudston (our expert in all things Italiano) why the country is such a great one for families to visit together. […]
When I was in 10th grade, my dad took me out of school on a month-long round the world trip. Being a keener, I asked every teacher which assignments I needed to do while I was gone. The smartest of all of them told me I would learn more on my trip than in any […]
The first time Mike visited Asia, he quit his job to do it. This time, he’ll be soaring over the Angkor temples and visiting exclusive new hotels, and it’ll all be part of his current job description. No, we’re not currently taking applications. Meet Mike Poppe. He’s our most recent addition to the Toronto farm, […]
It’s research week at Trufflepig, with so many of our Pigs arriving home or departing soon for their specialty destinations. Rudston has just returned from an unlikely combination of Italian cities you may not have paired on your own. Before we talk nitty gritty on our latest Italian conquests, however, a few words to properly […]
Sometimes the best meal of all is the one you’re having right at that second. In my top 10 list of travel eats, I don’t give much credit to the expensive or elaborate—instead I choose the bowl that introduced me to Vietnam. We roll into Hoi An around 5 am, dazed and just a little […]
The School of Life is an alternative space that gives life to off-the-wall ideas, serious life-enhancing thought and ways in which to improve your life, but without the dogma that can drown ideas and wisdom. According to its own ethos it is a place to learn how to live wisely and well. The founder and […]
It is often said that Istanbul is a city where east meets west, or Asia meets Europe. It is also a place where eats meet feets, in some fabulous culinary walks around the city. A city of myriad faces, Istanbul has its Ottoman edges and its Asian coast, its modern European cosmopolitanism and its architectural […]
The English tradition of tea has had a bit of a make over. Raised pinkies, cucumber sandwiches and polite chit chat are being replaced with fashion inspired biscuits, beef and horseradish rolls, and tri-flavoured drinkable potions. No longer a meal reserved for aristocrats, tea is making an appearance in some of London’s most desirable and […]
Somerset House is a capricious space within London. It changes its flavour as the seasons change, sheds its layers like a snake to reveal something equally enveloping in each incarnation. It being winter in our northern hemisphere, Somerset House has turned itself into a skating rink, as is its wont in these chilly months. What could be […]
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, […]