2013

Chef Collaborations and Exchanges

An article for SO/HO Magazine, December 2013

"It is a regular evening. You turn up at your regular restaurant and are shown to your regular table. Then you are handed your menu, which bears zero resemblance to the regular one..."

Life & Soul: Assessing Zurich’s ‘Visitability’

An article for Silverkris (Singapore Airlines in-flight magazine), December 2013

"This Swiss city is frequently caricatured as squeaky clean and somewhat clinical, populated with pin-striped bankers and greyfaced financiers. But Zurich has so much to offer visitors..."

St Moritz: Switzerland’s Winter Wonderland

An article for Private Air Magazine, November 2013

"It all began with a wager. In September 1864, the St Moritz hotelier Johannes Badrutt bet four guests that if they returned to the town in winter, they'd enjoy it even more than in summer..."

Securing a Second Home in the Finger Lakes

An article for Private Air Magazine, November 2013

"The Finger Lakes has always been popular with New Yorkers, as a relaxing respite from the busy city. But in recent years, affluent city folk have begun committing to longer residencies..."

Brand Boutique: Defining a Hotel Sector

An article for The Huffington Post, October 2013

"London's boutique hotel sector is booming. Despite a climate of declining hotel occupancy and the spluttering economy, the capital's boutique hotels have enjoyed startling success..."

My Guard: Terror in Transnistria

An article for PureTravel, October 2013

"My finger is deep inside my right sock when I spot Him. Furtively glancing over the headrest in front of me, I spy the dark uniformed figure holding out an imperious palm to halt the bus..."

How to Design a Boutique Bakery

An article for SO/HO Magazine, September 2013

"At boutique artisan bakeries that have seen a boom in the past two years, design and decor are as vital as the dough. From Singapore to London, here are the finest bakery boutiques..."

SPLENDOR AT SEA: A CRUISE ON MS EUROPA 2

An article for Private Air Magazine, September 2013

"The stunning suite around me is remarkably roomy, with a generous floor space of 28 square meters split between a large bedroom-slash-living room and a rather substantial bathroom..."

Fine Design at The Augustine in Prague

An article for Private Air Magazine, September 2013

"The moment the door swings open, guests are reassured they are in for a treat. Beyond the threshold lies a luxurious living room, with an iron staircase spiraling up through the ceiling..."

EXPRESS GUIDE TO VENICE

A guide for The Express and Monarch Airlines, September 2013

“Known as The Floating City, Venice lies on the shore of the Adriatic and is divided between 118 islands, all separated by canals and linked by bridges. It is a city with water in its blood..."

Eccleston Square Hotel, London

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, August 2013

"Eccleston Square Hotel is a nirvana for contemporary tech lovers. Each room boasts a 3D TV, luxury massage bed, personal iPad, remote-controlled curtains and smart glass panels..."

London’s Best International Dishes

An article for Forbes Travel Guide, August 2013

"London's diverse range of influences results in a great gastronomic smorgasbord. This is a city in which you can sample cuisine from almost every nation and region around the globe..."

Russian Limos Back On Production Line

An article for Brummell Magazine, August 2013

"After more than 20 years, the Likhachev Automotive Plant in Moscow is back in business. Leaders like Khrushchevv and Gorbachev once rode the streets in these luxury Pullmans..."

Experiencing Exclusive Resorts in Costa Rica

An article for Private Air Magazine, July 2013

"I hear a rustling overhead. Tentatively, I look up into the shadowy tree canopy overhanging the cliff edge, to discover a wrinkled pink face staring right back at me, A Capuchin monkey..."

BUDAPEST CASTLE DISTRICT WALK

Extracts of an audio guided tour for Cities Talking, June 2013

"Welcome to the beautiful city of Budapest. Or, more specifically, Buda, as you now stand on the west bank of the river Danube. Look east, over the fine Chain Bridge, and there's Pest…”

Blending In: Thailand’s Luxury Hotel Designs

An article for Private Air Magazine, May 2013

"The sun skirts the ocean's edge. The lingering light dances upon the water's surface, from infinite sea to infinity pool, until it eventually sinks, exhausted, beyond the crystal horizon..."

PRIVATE AIR AT THE BADA FAIR

An article for Private Air Magazine, May 2013

“The award was given to a rare Queen Anne gilt gesso dressing table, shown by Mackinnon Fine Furniture and described by the judges as 'an object of spectacular fragility and rarity'..."

London Overview and Q&As

A guide for Forbes Travel Guide, May 2012 - May 2013

"The story of London is a tale of two cities. One narrative is an urban landscape littered with long-established landmarks, time-honored art and culture and a stubborn hint of Britishness..."

Morocco sans Marrakech

An article for Overland Magazine, May 2013

"Despite a recent influx of tourists, there remain many attraction-filled Moroccan destinations tucked off-the-beaten-path. During a 10-day trip, I discovered five of the best hidden gems..."

The Flight to Everest Base Camp

An article for National Geographic Traveller, May 2013

“I heard the plane before I saw it. Sitting mutely in a pallid departure lounge, the dirty put-put-put of the engine trickled its way into my subconscious. It's a peeling, patched-up biplane…”

The Boutique Streak

An article for Forbes Travel Guide, April 2013

"Despite a significant slowing of Britain’s economy in recent years, the boutique hotel sector has been expanding at an extraordinary rate. How have the boutiques bucked the trend?..."

St. Ermin’s Hotel, London

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, April 2013

"From the outside, St. Ermin’s is a classic British hotel - all red bricks and green courtyards. But step inside to discover white sinuous rococo plasterwork that curves throughout the lobby..."

London’s Top Afternoon Teas

An article for Forbes Travel Guide, April 2013

"The perfect option for lighthearted luxury, the Mad Hattertakes you on a trip down the rabbit hole, with menus hidden in vintage books and teapots decorated with kings and queens..."

At the Crossroads

An article for Voyeur (Virgin Airlines in-flight magazine), April 2013

“Slouching off the effects of jet-lag on a riverside bench, I watch as a group of elderly women, draped in flowing, bright white gowns, perform a languid dance with crimson fans held aloft..."

Eastern Europe’s Gastronomic Renaissance

An article for Vertu Select, April 2013

"Eastern Europe may have established a reputation for hearty, rather than haute, cuisine, but now things are changing. There's a culinary revolution afoot in this corner of the continent..."

China: World Leaders in Business Travel

An article for Vertu Select, April 2013

"The United States has been sitting pretty atop the business travel market leader board for a long time, but a new contender may be about to take its place. No prizes for guessing who..."

The World’s Best Airport Architecture

An article for Private Air Magazine, March 2013

"For the majority of the 20th century, airport terminals were built for function; safe, efficient and uninspiring buildings made to deliver people from road to runway. But that's changed..."

LONDON’S MOST EXPENSIVE RESIDENCES

An article for Private Air Magazine, March 2013

“Ask any Londoner and they’ll tell you the city has always been a pricy place to purchase a home. But in the last few years, property prices have soared to truly astronomical levels…”

East China to Kyrgyzstan

Proofreading and editing for Overland Magazine, March 2013

"The driver swerved violently to avoid it, but as we skidded on the snow-covered road the lump bounced off the bonnet. My blood ran cold as I realised what it was. A human being..."

Eating China: A Culinary Tour

An article for Overland Magazine, February 2013

"There are few culinary cultures as familiar, and yet as unknown, as China’s. In any world city you'll find 'Chinese' restaurants; yet the concept of a single Chinese cuisine is misguided..."

The Dorchester Hotel, London

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, February 2013

"This luxurious London landmark is probably best known for its traditional English residential facade festooned with wrought-iron balconies. And yet it's the interior that really impresses..."

Patagonia North to South Tour Itinerary

A 16-day tour itinerary for Viventura, February 2013

"Watch the playful penguins of the Seno Otway and see sheets of ice from the Perito Moreno glacier crash into the water. This unique destination offers stimulating scenery at every turn..."

The Goring, London

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, February 2013

"Still run by the family who built it, The Goring provides the height of luxury. The intimate hotel has just 69 rooms and suites, yet each is individually designed to ensure ultimate elegance..."

Enjoy Sierra Leone… We’ll Make Sure You Do

Complete web copy for Enjoy Sierra Leone, February 2013

"From the lush rainforests and tumbling waterfalls of the country's interior, to the startling white beaches that line its unspoilt coastline, Sierra Leone is a nation of effortless natural beauty..."

The Malá Strana Walk – Audio

An audio walking tour for Prague Tourism, February 2013

"It may be translated as the ‘Lesser Town’ in English, but Malá Strana is one Prague’s premier attractions. Initially established as a town in 1257, it flourished during the reign of Charles I..."

The Malá Strana Walk – Text

A walking tour for Prague Tourism, February 2013

"It may be translated as the ‘Lesser Town’ in English, but Malá Strana is one Prague’s premier attractions. Initially established as a town in 1257, it flourished during the reign of Charles I..."

BORDEAUX TO TOULOUSE CYCLE TOUR

A self-guided cycling tour guide for Cyclomundo, January 2013

“There is no greater way to get to the heart of southern France than to cycle through its heart. Begin in the wine-growing town of Bordeaux and end in the cultural metropolis of Toulouse..."

The Savoy, London

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, January 2013

"Often called “London’s most famous hotel,” The Savoy was opened in 1889 as the first truly high-end hotel in the country. And it's been at the very forefront of decadence ever since..."

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, January 2013

"Situated at the heart of Knightsbridge, this one-time Gentleman’s Club now comprises 198 of the finest rooms and suites in the capital, along with two swish restaurants and a lavish spa..."

The Circle: A New Form of Airport Architecture

An article for Private Air Magazine, January 2013

"Architect Riken Yamamoto believes airports should not merely be transport hubs, but multi-purpose centers for the world to share. And he's showing the way with The Circle in Zurich..."

Albania: The Foreign Investment of the Decade?

An article for Private Air Magazine, January 2013

"Sunlight creeps into the cracks between the wooden stalls, and the Old Bazaar stirs into life. Shutters are slid open, shelves are straightened and scarves are suspended from ceilings..."

Peru-Bolivia-Chile Tour Itinerary

A 13-day tour itinerary for Viventura, January 2013

"Spanning Peru, Bolivia and Chile, the Altiplano region features some of the most spectacular scenery in South America: thermal geysers, high mountains, and the largest salt flat on earth..."

GENEVA TO LYON CYCLE TOUR

A self-guided cycling tour guide for Cyclomundo, January 2013

"Lush green vineyards nestled into rolling hills; secretive Alpine forests lining the banks of crystal clear lakes; and traditional French villages with the scent of local cheese and wine..."

Waking Up in Sitka, Alaska

A brochure introduction for Sitka Convention & Visitors Bureau, January 2013

"It's early morning and the sea is silent. Rolling fog wraps itself round the distant white-tipped volcanic peak; bald eagles swoop down on early-rising anglers in search of the first catch..."

Jordan’s Luxury Oases in the Desert

An article for Vertu Select, January 2013

"It was 200 years ago that explorer Johann Burckhardt found Petra. While trekking across the desert between Syria and Egypt, he heard tales of an ancient city carved out of sandstone..."

Prague: Eastern Europe’s Cultural Hub

An article for Vertu Select, January 2013

“It's 29 October 1787, and we're in the Czech capital. Rapturous applause echoes around as an Austrian gentleman skips onto the stage, takes a bow, and then says four famous words…”

SAPSAN: RUSSIA’S SPEEDY SUCCESS

An article for Vertu Select, August 2012

“It once took eight hours to travel the 650 kilometers from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Then, in 2009, Vladimir Putin halved the time with the launch of the luxury high-speed train Sapsan…”