VUITTON'S VISION
Obviously you can’t travel without essential travel gear but do you really need to wheel-a-wheelie? Surely, that wasn’t what Louis Vuitton had in mind when he introduced his first suitcase back in 1858. Today, ELF’s rather drawn to the company’s more discreet taupe Mahina range, with perforated leather monograms. But do the powers-that-be realise that ‘mahina’ means feeble, weak, in its native Tagalog?
WHIRL INTO ELEGANCE
Talking about travel, arrive in style at The Emory London after a memorable Sikorsky S-76 trip over the city. Simply simple. Fly privately into Biggin Hill, Farnborough, Gatwick, or Luton. A Flexjet chopper whirs you to Battersea Heliport, where The Emory’s limo awaits. Flexjet, started by Bombardier, is owned by its investing Chairman, Kenn Ricci. The Emory, part of Maybourne, has divine suites almost leaning over Hyde Park. Choose Alexandria Champalimaud, André Fu or other designs. Facilities include a cigar merchant and a longevity club.
LA DOLCE VITA
Italy never tires. The Gulf of Trieste now sports a 58-room glamour spot. Tivoli Portopiccolo Sistiana Wellness Resort & Spa is just that. Nestled in the Duino Cliffs Nature Reserve, it’s part of the car-free Portopiccolo mixed-use development. Eat and drink, rejuvenate at Purobeach Portopiccolo Beach Club and Terme di Saturnia Tuscan wellness spa. In October, Portopiccolo’s marina hosts the Barcolana Regatta, said to be the world’s largest sailing race.
FROM ROCKIES TO ROCKTAILS
Alcohol is included at Dunton River Camp’s Autumn Alpine Wellness Retreat, 13-16 September – the camp’s part of Dunton Destinations – the same owner as Amangiri, in Utah. You will also see Colorado’s breathtaking fall scenery at Dunton River Camp. Unwind, recover, and re-set, staying in top-luxury safari tents next to the authentic 1800s Farmhouse restaurant. A myriad of yogas, mixology and culinary classes, and hiking the San Juan National Forest. Truly a modern retreat recipe.
ECHOES OF PIAF
Even after the Olympics. Paris offers je ne sais quoi. Chanteuse guide Anne-Sophie Guerrier mimics Edith Piaf and more on a two-hour bespoke Montmartre en Chansons curated walk. After some 20 songs, English or French, it’s time for baguettes, berets and perhaps a strong coffee in remembrance of that unique 4ft 9ins vocal powerhouse.
ON CLOUD NINE
On Lab’s running shoes are sprayed on – not your foot but a shaped last (a mechanical form shaped like a human foot.) They’re superbly Swiss and incredibly light (a mere 170 grams), and the On Cloudboom Strike LS has already won a marathon. Boston 2024. Zurich-based On Labs played around with bits of garden hose, for the sole, and Halloween spray glue, for the uppers.
GO BANANAS
Yes, you can eat bananas’ flesh, peel and flowers – if they’re cooked by Thai chef Pam, Asia’s best female cook 2024. Catch her guest-cheffing at Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands 10-11 August or her base, Bangkok’s POTONG restaurant in the Yaowaraj part of town. Either place is a plausible reason for another trip.
