Amsterdam steps out of the shadows June 19, 2011 AMSTERDAM is undergoing an image change. Earlier this month the Dutch government announced plans to ban foreigners from using the city’s coffee shops (the coy name for bars in which you can legally smoke marijuana), turning such places into members’ clubs for permanent residents only. It’s a controversial move designed to make Amsterdam a less [...]
THINK ROOMS… with LateRooms.com June 19, 2011 SWISSOTEL AMSTERDAM 4* Damrak 96 | Amsterdam | 1012 LP This lovely Swisshotel is placed on Amsterdam’s Dam Square – and you can’t get more at the heart of it all than that. It blends perfectly into the surroundings with its typically Dutch exterior, yet offers a stylish and modern stay inside. There’s a gym [...]
TRAVEL NOTES June 19, 2011 HEALTH AND LUXURY Forget the usual muddy bootcamps with miserable skimmed-milk porridge and daybreak marathons. Arcanum, above, a new uber-luxurious health spa sanctuary resort just launched offering guests weight loss and rejuvenation, the civilised way. The new resort overlooks the waters of Phuket. All guests receive their own personalised “health journey” program, including nutrition, energising [...]
Going out in a blazer of glory June 16, 2011 WEARING a morning suit – as you have to for Ascot – may not be to everyone’s taste, but at least it means you don’t have to worry about what outfit to choose. For men heading to the corporate hospitality stands at Wimbledon next week, or to the other summer events where sun, sport and [...]
HOW LADIES CAN LOOK SMART BUT STYLISH AS WELL June 16, 2011 FOUNDERS OF ROUS ILAND MEMBERS’ BOUTIQUE, WWW.ROUSILAND.COM Q.I am hosting a number of corporate client events this summer and am struggling with what to wear. I want to look professional and yet not boring. What do you suggest? A.It is important when hosting events to make an effort with your appearance. You have to also [...]
Indulge yourself with these Wimbledon treats June 16, 2011 WIMBLEDON Tennis is about to kick off and with it the bliss of fresh cut grass courts, the oohs and aahs of the crowds, afternoons spent glued to the television. Tickets for the tournament, as usual, are gold dust, but worry if you haven’t secured one. There’s plenty of ways to celebrate the event in [...]
2011’s most colourful hero June 16, 2011 Film THE GREEN LANTERN Cert: 12A IN yet another comic book adaptation Ryan Reynolds stars as Hal Jordan, a vain, daredevil pilot who would be happy saving the world in only his pants. Having been chosen as the next “Green Lantern”, his mission is to stop the evil alien Parallax from taking over the universe [...]
NOW ON IN LONDON SIX OF THE BEST June 16, 2011 THEATRE Shrek the Musical The cartoon ogre makes it to the London stage, with pretty wonderful results. A big, family-friendly hit, and possibly the heir to the Lion King’s throne? ART Toulouse-Lautrec Exhibition examining the relationship between the height-challenged chronicler of the seedier side of Parisian life in the Belle Epoque and the Moulin Rouge [...]
ALSO OUT THIS WEEKEND June 16, 2011 FILM POTICHE Dark French comedy starring Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Depardieu. LIFE IN A DAY Inspirational documentary compiled of footage filmed around the world on a single day. THE MESSENGER Searing drama about the effects of war on US soldiers and their families. DVD TRUE GRIT The Coen brothers’ remake of the John Wayne classic, [...]
Switching the city pad for a countryside pile June 16, 2011 COLIN Ellis, the chief economist at the BVCA, has been working in the City for over 15 years. He had always lived in London, but seven years ago, he upped sticks and moved his wife and kids to Surrey, exchanging a one-bed flat in Clapham for a three-bedroom house in Wouldingham. Now he commutes for [...]