'We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation.' Voltaire Scotland is where history feels alive, where lochs shimmer with mystery, and where every pub has a tale to tell (usually involving ghosts, royalty, or someone named Angus). It’s a place where you can hike through cinematic landscapes, dine like a laird, and chase legends - all before tea time. Whether you're here for the castles, the culture, the coastlines, or simply to see if Nessie fancies a cameo, Scotland delivers an experience that’s equal parts rugged and refined. It’s a country that doesn’t try to impress - it just is impressive. So pack your layers, prep your palate, and let Scotland charm the socks off you (preferably woollen ones).
“Great things never came from comfort zones.” Anonymous Located on the French Riviera at the foot of the French Alps, with its mix of real-city grit, old-world opulence, year-round sunshine, vibrant street life and stunning seaside location, no place in France compares with Nice. The capital of the French Riviera is a beautiful kaleidoscope of history, artists, aristocrats, monarchs, alluring serenity and scenery. Is Nice worth visiting?
One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well. Virginia Wool Situated in the upscale neighbourhood of Mayfair in London, Park Chinois is more than just a restaurant – it's a lavish escape into a world where East meets West. Park Chinois restaurant stands out as a unique dining experience that seamlessly blends exquisite cuisine with opulent surroundings, offering a taste of both traditional and contemporary flavours. Join me on a world of vibrant energy and culinary journey as we explore the delights of Park Chinois.
“Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” Gustave Flaubert The enchanting Principality of Monaco overlooking the pristine blue waters of the Mediterranean is a place famed for its glamour and wealth. Monaco is one of the wealthiest and most expensive countries in the world, soaked in the sun and expensive champagne. It’s a home to the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, the European Poker Tour and the Monte Carlo Rally. The tiny principality is the jewel of the Mediterranean, with its grand hotels, exquisite restaurants, elegant shops, glitzy casinos and yacht-filled harbor. Its city, Monte Carlo, has long been the playground of the rich and famous. Thanks to its mild climate with nearly 300 days of sunshine per year, most spectacular scenery, a wealth of entertainment, cultural and historical sites, Monaco is undeniably an attractive destination.
“The gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen's lives and minds than all the doctors in the Empire.” Sir Winston Churchill. The simplest of drinks - gin, tonic, ice and garnish - perfect cocktail to welcome first rays of spring sunshine and the long days ahead. With thousands of gins and just over a hundred varieties of tonic we are indeed spoilt for choice! The inclusion of new and imaginative garnishes came hand-in-hand with a rise in new gin distilleries.
“Wine improves with age. The older I get, the better I like it.” Anonymous South Africa’s wines enjoy worldwide success due to their balance between quality and price. Argentina has its Malbec, California Zinfandel and South Africa…powerful Pinotage. If you love a bold barbecue-friendly wine, Pinotage is definitely worth investigating.
