A luxe bootcamp on the Côte d’Azur takes the pain out of getting in shape June 26, 2011 YOU’RE obliged to go ‘aaahhhhh’,” said therapist Sophie Bonjean as she turned the hose from hot to cold. It’s Day One on La Réserve Ramatuelle’s Luxury Bootcamp and this, apparently, is doing wonders for my circulation. The morning started gently; yoga by the pool on the comfiest mat you will ever find yourself down-dogging on. [...]
Just like Gosford Park (without the murder) June 26, 2011 STAYCATIONS are all the rage. Yes, yes, we know. But it is often the case that it takes longer to get to your UK minibreak destination than it would to fly to Spain or get a train to the South of France. Surely the point of staying at home is that you don’t have to [...]
TRAVEL NOTES June 26, 2011 CHALETS OPEN IN MALAWI Malawi, one of Africa’s poorest countries, is muscling in on the top tourist dollar and with spectacular, untouched beauty it has lots to offer. Next month is the opening of Mkulumadzi Lodge, eight luxurious chalets set on the banks of the Shire River, each with vegetated roofs home to aloes and [...]
Keep it cool like McQueen for sunglasses this year June 26, 2011 WHAT are the coolest shades ever worn on the silver screen? Marcello Mastroanni in black Persols and a sharp suit in Fellini’s 8½ was the quintessential suave Italian, in Top Gun Tom Cruise made Ray-Ban aviators an ‘80s style icon, while Reservoir Dogs and even the Blues Brothers must be in with a shout. But [...]
Q&A: HOW TO GET DRESSED: CHIC FOR A FESTIVAL June 26, 2011 Q. We’ve got a big festival summer ahead – my usual strategy would be to pack 20 outfits and to work it out when I’m there but my boyfriend is being v militant about our bags. What should I take? A. WELL it’s easy for him as he’s just going to wear a tee-shirt and [...]
FASHION NEWS June 26, 2011 SHIRT SHUTTLE FOR CYCLISTS Cycling to work is a good way to stay fit, but does make dressing for work a bit problematic. Men can keep their suits in the office, but you need a fresh shirt each day. Coming to the rescue is the Shirt Shuttle – a protective case designed to hold neatly-pressed [...]
A gross-out comedy for the ladies June 23, 2011 Film BRIDESMAIDS Cert: 15 PRODUCED by the multi-faceted Judd Apatow, Bridesmaids follows in the footsteps of a recent wave of offbeat comedies such as Anchorman, The 40 Year Old Virgin, Superbad and Knocked Up – with the crucial difference that instead of overgrown frat boys, the protagonists here are women. Saturday Night Live regular Kristen [...]
Russia’s lucrative residential offering June 23, 2011 WITH luxury property developer Yoo launching two new developments in Moscow this year, buying a home in Russia’s booming financial hub looks a more tempting prospect. While the heady days that saw Moscow’s property prices rocket 110 per cent in value are behind us, the more mature market for homes in Moscow is still intriguing. [...]
HERTFORD, HERTS June 23, 2011 COACH HOUSE 6, BALLS PARK Price: £480,000 This grade II-listed first floor apartment overlooks Balls Park. It has two double bedrooms, two en-suite bathrooms, a bespoke kitchen and a family room. It has restored sash windows, oak flooring, porcelain tiling, a double staircase among other period features. Contact: Balls Park 01992 551 777 or go [...]
IMPROVE June 23, 2011 CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT DESIGN CONSULTANCY APD INTERIORS Q. I would like to update my kitchen. What’s trendy at the moment and how can I make sure it will still look good in a few years? A. The choice of kitchen cabinets should generally depend on your future plans. If you think you will never move [...]