Lifestyle & Living

Soak up the Spa Waters in Western Bohemia

An article for The Joy of Quiet Places: A Lonely Planet Book, August 2024
"An early morning stroll through the tiny, lovely spa town of Frantiskovy Lazne is an almost meditative experience, until a sip of musty spring water brings you to earth with a bump..."

The Albanian Riviera: Your next Med getaway

An article for National Geographic Traveller, July 2024
"Albania’s third largest city retains the feel of a hidden gem. Discover Vlora's gorgeous sandy beaches, fascinating classical history and sparkling new marina before everyone else does..."

Discover Moldova’s vibrant viticulture regions

An article for National Geographic Traveller, January 2024
"With a winemaking tradition stretching back over 7,000 years, the world’s highest density of vineyards and an array of wine experiences, Moldova is a dream destination for oenophiles..."

DK Eyewitness Prague

A travel guidebook (extract) for DK Eyewitness, September 2022
"A long and rich history has bequeathed Prague a wealth of unique artistic treasures, from Gothic sculpture and Baroque painting to interwar design and contemporary installations..."

Alternative Prague: Escaping the Tourist Trail

An article for Rough Guides, April 2018
"Explore some of Prague’s ecclesiastical oddities, starting with the bearded woman statue in Loreto Church - this is St. Wilgefortis, who prayed for facial fuzz to help escape a betrothal..."

Back to the Future: A History of Wearable Tech

An article for The Johnnie Walker House Edit, November 2014
"Strange as it appears, this hat with a built-in battery-powered radio was the first example of mass-marketed wearable technology, making it a key creative and scientific breakthrough..."

Stay for Free: Sleeping with Strangers

An article for National Geographic Traveller, May 2014
"I am folded in half. My knees are tucked up to my chin - my chin tucked into my chest. I can’t even feel my feet. In fact, my only sensation is the sharp jabbing below my shoulder blade..."

How London Surpassed Paris as Dining Capital

An article for USA Today, March 2014
"How has London's dining scene transformed itself from the butt of French jokes to the king of continental cuisine in a mere 30 years? It is down to immigration, inclination and inspiration..."

The Quest for Quieter Cabins

An article for Private Air Magazine, March 2014
"Private jets have long been adorned with luxurious features, from king-sized beds to crystal chandeliers. Yet for all these fancy features, one consistent irritant is sky-high noise levels..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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’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…”

In Freiburg’s City, It’s Clean and Pretty

An article for Greenprint Magazine, October 2009
“In recent years, Freiburg - aka "The Jewel of the Black Forest" - has secured an international reputation as a role model for sustainable construction. It is the world’s first true ‘eco-city’…”