Design-led Food & Travel

A former farmhouse ruin, Le Mas de Rigoulac has been beautifully and sympathetically restored by Parisian couple, Dominique and Gilles Arnault, and given a new lease of life as a Chambres d’hotes and well-being centre in the middle of the rolling Aveyron countryside. Well appointed, all five guest bedrooms are located in or accessed via the farmhouse’s now modernised barn, all with stunning views out across the green hills.  Simply furnished and in harmony with the… Read more

Set on a remote peninsular on the Peruvian shores of magical Lake Titicaca, the uniquely located Titilaka Lodge has been intelligently remodelled and was re-opened in 2009 as a byword in contemporary eco-design. The design of the 18-bedroom lodge integrates high-level architecture with stunning, almost primeval scenery; views of the immense shimmering cobalt blue lake are guaranteed from every public space and private suite, with floor-to-ceiling glazing making it… Read more

Undeniably expensive (in Feb ’12 the cheapest room was $825 per night) but without question this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to stay next door to the majestic Machu Picchu citadel. Once there, literally EVERYTHING is included in the price – all meals (even breakfast in bed), all drinks including alcohol (even Jack Daniels!), the entire contents of the mini-bar and even all laundry. The service is impeccable – from the moment you step off the train at… Read more

The warm welcome extended by Sandie, The Clubhouse’s brilliant and cheery Manager, is the first indication of the overall friendliness and warmth that this boutique chalet-cum-hotel extends all of its guests.  Now in its 9th season, The Clubhouse is a triumph in art deco restoration and small yet perfectly formed – just 20-bed spaces helps create a homely feel. Rooms are a good size, nicely decorated and the Black and Red rooms both have double showers. Owned by… Read more

 Driving through Languedoc’s undulating green and ochre-hued countryside, under deep blue skies, along the tree-lined Canal du Midi and through seemingly endless vineyards sets the scene perfectly for a truly unexpected and impressive first view of Chateau Les Carrasses. Newly opened in July 2012, Les Carrasses is many things to many people: at once a boutique retreat, self-catering family resort, a winery and private member’s club.  And it seems to work. Beds are… Read more

After a three-hour bus ride from Rio de Janeiro, the iced lemon water and chilled champagne offered during check-in, and stunning views across Praia da Ferradura’s horseshoe bay, is just what the doctor ordered. Perched on a headland overlooking the crescent-shaped beach, Insolito is the perfect escape – St Tropez meets Ibiza in tropical Brazil – and most definitely Buzios’ best boutique hotel. Rooms vary in size and price with the smallest quite compact but… Read more

Situated atop the bucolic, airy hillside enclave of Santa Teresa – a haven for Rio’s creative and artist community – sits the newly opened eponymously named hotel.  Converted by a French hotelier, the former coffee plantation lends itself perfectly to parading as Rio’s most idyllic and tropical escape.  With 41 bedrooms and suites, the hotel remains boutique at heart and the excellent service is the only thing that gives the place away as being part of… Read more

Chef, Nuno Mendes, runs his stunning new restaurant like a finely tuned culinary theatrical performance, drawing on his famous schooling at El Buli and delivering a visual and taste experience that sits somewhere between Japan, Iberia and Stockholm. Having tried to nab a table for dinner throughout December without luck, Sunday lunch in February seemed the next best thing.  And my goodness was it worth the wait. The welcome is warm, with genuinely friendly and… Read more

Sibling restaurant of Covent Garden’s hugely successful French resto, Terroirs, this little bistro follows in its footsteps as a homage to simple, seasonal, British and French peasant and homely food. Starters and nibbles include saucisson, chunks of aged parmesan and anchovy cream.  Main dishes such as pan-fried wild mushrooms on chunky toast with poached duck egg yolk, and prawns with lime and chilli are sublime, and sit beside accomplished steak tartare and… Read more

Wickedly titillating brand new cake shop slap bang in the middle of Soho, nestled between a gay bar and a massage parlour. Yet it’s most definitely not seedy – metres of luxuriously sparkly black granite and neon lights set the scene for some of the most decadent, beautifully decorated and fun fairy cakes you’ll ever see. Brainchild of world-renowned British shoe designer, Patrick Cox, the shop is a world away from London’s typical twee cupcake bakery. As… Read more