PORTO
Just landed in Porto and instantly fell in love 🤍
What struck me most was how effortlessly walkable the city is. Everything feels within reach — the historic buildings, the vibrant food scene, the beautiful riverfront, and those irresistible pop-up shops and markets tucked along the way. The streets are clean, wonderfully maintained, and a dream to explore… just make sure you pack flat shoes or trainers 👟
I stayed at the InterContinental, perfectly positioned right next to the iconic train station and the famous Time Out Market — home to Michelin-starred street food from chefs like Ricardo Costa (1⭐) and Rui Paula (2⭐). The hotel itself was a dream: spacious rooms, the signature scent by Castelbel that lingers in the best way, and a bright, airy dining space that made every breakfast feel special. Truly the perfect base for a quick city break.
On our first night, we dove straight into a food tasting tour — starting at Time Out, then moving through Porto’s rich flavours with cheese, charcuterie, and a visit to a local food market where we sampled sardines and explored an incredible array of seafood, champagne, and wines 🍷
The next morning was all about history. A guided walking tour brought the city to life and led us to Graham’s Port Lodge, where we had a private tour followed by lunch at Vinnum. The food was exceptional, but the views across the Douro Valley? Absolutely wonderful.
FLORENCE
Florence remains one of those rare cities that blends culture, craftsmanship, and effortless elegance in the most beautiful way.
The standout for me was the new Collegio alla Querce (Auberge Resorts Collection) — a stunning contemporary retreat just 10 minutes from the city. The interiors are exceptional, layered with an eclectic South African art collection displayed throughout the property, giving it a very distinctive, curated feel.
Dining here is a true experience. Breakfast is outstanding — incredibly fresh, high-quality ingredients with a beautifully considered South African influence in the presentation and table styling. Dinner is designed around sharing Tuscan dishes, paired with regional wines, and feels both generous and refined — a real celebration of local flavours.
Rooms are light, airy, and understatedly luxurious, and the pool area is absolutely beautiful — the perfect chic place to unwind after a day exploring the city.
And Florence itself is pure magic and an open-air museum.
From the Uffizi Gallery, to a VIP skip-the-line Duomo experience, including access to the terraces and dome, is a must — the views over the terracotta rooftops are unforgettable and worth every moment.
Equally special is a sunset visit to Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Italy.
Beyond the city, the experience truly elevates with a half-day escape into the Chianti countryside, where rolling vineyards, historic estates, and private wine tastings create the most idyllic contrast to city life.
Wandering the city is just as special. Crossing the Ponte Vecchio, exploring artisan leather workshops, discovering hand-painted tile studios, and stopping for an aperitivo on a quiet side street all feel effortlessly chic.
Florence is also incredibly walkable, making it perfect for a short luxury escape.
A perfect 3-night break from London, easily reached via Florence or Pisa.
ORIENT EXPRESS LA DOLCE VITA
I’ve just had the most surreal few days aboard the ✨🚂
Orient Express La Dolce Vita ✨
Chic, stylish, fun — and a true bucket list moment. From the softest luxury towels and ridiculously comfy pillows to the spectacular food and wine, every detail was pure indulgence. The entertainment was such fun and the train itself? Absolutely gorgeous.
My journey took me from Venice to Rome, with a dreamy sightseeing stop and unforgettable lunch in Siena.
If you’re looking for something truly special — wonderful atmosphere, incredible food and wine, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience I couldn’t recommend it more.
Sensational from start to finish. 💫🍷
SIX SENSES DOURO VALLEY
Six Senses Douro Valley… a place where luxury meets complete serenity in the heart of Portugal’s wine region.
Nestled among rolling vineyards and breathtaking valley views, this is the perfect escape to slow down, switch off, and truly unwind.
The rooms and suites here are absolutely beautiful… Each space is thoughtfully designed with a perfect mix of luxury, comfort, and nature-inspired touches. Think spacious interiors, stunning views, and peaceful outdoor spaces designed for total relaxation. Every detail feels so intentional… creating the most calming atmosphere to unwind and recharge. And the best part? 24-hour wine carts
Six Senses is known for wellness… and this place takes it to another level. Think world-class spa facilities, saunas, steam rooms, cold plunges, yoga, and sound meditation… Plus so many activities like hiking, kayaking, padel, tile painting, and even candle making. There’s truly something for everyone here.
The outdoor pool area here is absolutely stunning. With panoramic views across the valley and a huge, refreshing pool, it’s the perfect place to spend hours soaking up the sunshine.
The food here was incredible. From fresh, local, homegrown ingredients at breakfast… to beautiful dishes and drinks across the resort’s restaurants… And of course, wine tasting was a highlight. You can’t come to the Douro Valley and not indulge in the region’s world-famous wines.
I genuinely couldn’t fault a thing about this stay. Portugal is only a two-hour flight from London, making it the perfect easy escape for a long weekend… Or if you want to extend your trip, Lisbon is just a scenic drive or train ride away.
Six Senses Douro Valley… I’ll definitely be back..
IKOS KISSAMOS
Just returned from the breathtaking Ikos Kissamos and I can already tell this is going to become one of Crete's most sought-after luxury escapes.
Set against a stunning beachfront backdrop, this premium all-inclusive resort perfectly blends understated luxury with authentic Cretan charm. Think beautifully landscaped greenery, elegant contemporary interiors, exceptional dining, and the kind of effortless service that makes you completely switch off from the moment you arrive.
The food was absolutely delicious throughout the resort, with an impressive variety of dining experiences, from relaxed buffet breakfasts to refined la carte restaurants jO And as always with Ikos, the service was warm, charming, and truly exceptional- the kind that makes every guest feel genuinely looked after.
The rooms are beautifully bright, incredibly spacious, and thoughtfully designed with a clean, contemporary feel.
European plugs and USB charging points throughout make everything feel effortless and convenient too.
Why guests will love it:
-Spacious yet peaceful atmosphere with a beautifully rustic feel
-Luxurious Anne Semonin toiletries in every room
-Stunning adults-only indoor pool, beautiful spa facilities, ano an excellent gym
-2 padel courts with rackets available, plus bikes to explore the resort do
-Flat pathways throughout the resort making it incredibly easy to get around
-Boutique shopping and handy on-site stores for any essentials
-Just 40 minutes from the airport, making transfers seamless and stress-free
A couple of helpful tips:
-Bring inexpensive sea shoes as parts of the shoreline can be slightly rocky
-If you're there on a Tuesday, pack an all-white outfit for the resort's incredible White Party
Perfect for couples seeking laid-back luxury, families wanting effortless five-star service, or anyone looking for a sophisticated Mediterranean escape with exceptional food, wellness, and atmosphere.
SANTORINI
Santorini, beyond Oia. People say it's too commercial. I'd say they haven't seen enough of it.
I've just spent a week exploring three very different parts of this island and what strikes me every time is how much it delivers. Dramatic volcanic landscapes, genuinely warm hospitality, exceptional food, and a pace that feels made for adults. Romantic, beautiful, and endlessly interesting.
In Oia, the views live up to every photograph you've ever seen. The boutique hotel scene here is quietly exceptional. Mystique and Ena are both wonderful, and nearby Andronis Epitome has a cool, effortlessly stylish energy that's hard to leave. Dinner at Lure in Oia is well worth booking- a really lovely addition to the island's dining scene.
On the beach side of the island, the atmosphere shifts completely. Black volcanic sand, a laid-back cool-club vibe, and small boutique hotels along the shore. The standout here is Sandblu- a pristine new resort walkable to the beach. The pool rooms are beautiful, the food is genuinely delicious, and the touches throughout are what set it apart: jeeps to ferry you down to the beach, your clothes pressed before an evening out, Parlux hair dryers in every room. It's that level of detail that makes the difference.
Beach Club 41 captures the island at its most relaxed- chilled, stylish, and the kind of place where the afternoon quietly becomes evening without you noticing.
Away from the hotels, there's real depth to explore- volcanic wine tastings, olive oil producers, authentic villages that feel entirely untouched, and a dining scene worth travelling for. Beyond Lure, my highlights are Blu, Kaliya and Nectar.
Santorini is also one of the most accessible Greek islands from the UK, with direct flights making it a genuinely easy escape. And for those wanting more, it pairs beautifully with Mykonos, Paros, Folegandros, Milos, Naxos or Crete- each island distinct, all connected, and easier to combine than you might think. I'd love to help you find your version of it.
VIETNAM
Vietnam completely exceeded every expectation- effortlessly blending untouched natural beauty, incredible food, authentic culture, and some of the most beautiful luxury resorts I’ve experienced.
Our first stop was the stunning InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort- where jungle-covered mountains meet a private bay in the most spectacular setting. Designed by Bill Bensley, the resort feels incredibly unique, with monkeys roaming through the trees, breathtaking ocean views, a world-class spa, and a Michelin-starred French restaurant. And just a short drive away is the charming town of Hoi An- perfect for markets, tailoring, and local culture.
Next was Six Senses Ninh Van Bay- the “Maldives of Vietnam” and one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever stayed. Reached only by private boat, the resort is all barefoot luxury, white sandy beaches, dramatic rock formations, and beautiful beachfront villas with private pools and outdoor showers. Morning bike rides through the jungle, snorkelling on the house reef, yoga, sound healing, and farm-to-table dining made it feel like the ultimate escape.
We ended the trip at Regent Phu Quoc- understated beachfront luxury done perfectly. Spacious suites, private pools, incredible dining (especially Chef Andy’s sushi restaurant), one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had, and thoughtful touches throughout that made everything feel seamless. The private catamaran experience and Regent Spa were the perfect way to finish the trip.
To round everything off, Ho Chi Minh City brought a completely different energy- vibrant, chaotic, exciting, and full of life. Think street food markets, rooftop bars, hidden cafés, boutique shopping, and scooters everywhere.
Vietnam surprised me in the best possible way- a destination that feels authentic, luxurious, adventurous, and incredibly special all at once.