While some years can feel like months of simple coasting, 2015 was a significant year for me, with some blissful highs and a few lows that are now resolved. I don’t always like to categorise and evaluate my life by years, but it is worth stopping to reflect on everything we have to be thankful as a new beginning is on the horizon.
But let’s get the drama out of the way first, because if you’ve had any recent dealings with the ridiculousness that is the London rental market, you will surely share our frustrations. For half of 2015, there was a constant dark cloud hovering over us, with the threat of having to leave our first home together (where we’ve lived since 2008), as our landlord was selling up. Cue months of living on edge and in limbo, but finally, a new buy-to-let landlord meant we were able to stay in our little Hackney nest and now travel plans can resume, knowing that all is well at home.
Positive moments in 2015 were work successes for both of us, seeing old friends and making new ones, and getting engaged in our spiritual home of Paris. So, looking back on the year, here are a few of my favourite travel moments of 2015 and a peek at the exciting things that 2016 has in store…
Costa Navarino
My first trip to Greece was an epic one, staying at the beautiful south-west Peloponnese eco resort, Costa Navarino. It was one of my favourite press trips, with the best possible travel companions, fantastic dining, breathtaking scenery and magical sunsets. If you’re already looking ahead to a summer break, Costa Navarino should be at the top of your list.
Berlin
It had been a while since I visited Berlin, so I was excited to head back and see how much it had changed over the years. I loved exploring the hip neighbourhood of Mitte and strolling around the leafy Tiergarten. Highlights were staying at the majestic Hotel Adlon Kempinski and discovering foodie delights at NENI, Yumcha Heroes and Princess Cheesecake.
Aix-en-Provence and Marseille
In the summer, I took a trip on the Eurostar to the south of France to explore beautiful Aix-en-Provence and the neighbouring port city of Marseille. Aix is a really magical place and I loved strolling around the markets and visiting Cezanne’s studio, the Hotel Caumount art centre, the American Icons exhibition at the Granet Museum and taking a trip into the countryside to the must-see Chateau La Coste.
I was also pleased to revisit Marseille and really explore the historic Panier and hip Cours Julien districts, enjoy the evening charm of the Old Port and spot some of France’s best street art.
The Cotswolds
This year, I managed to visit the Cotswolds for the first time – twice in the space of a few months, in fact. My first jaunt was to the ila spa barn to experience the new Gold Cellular Age-Restore collection at the source. It was a very special afternoon, as I spent some one-on-one time with its inspirational founder Denise Leicester and get a rare glimpse of the ila world.
My second Cotswolds jaunt was for a festive shopping break, staying at the gorgeous Kings Head Cirencester. It was the perfect start to the festive season, with a heavenly Lubatti treatment in the hotel’s spa, traditional turkey roast, lashings of Michael Bublé (sadly not in person) and a magical illuminated trail through the Westonbirt Arboretum.
2016 and beyond
In February, I’ll be reunited with the Celebrity Cruises Destination Bloggers as we all take on an Ultimate Caribbean Cruise in two parts. I’ll be exploring the Caribbean with Suzanne and Elle, starting with Cartagena and then on to George Town, Grand Cayman, finishing in Fort Lauderdale. My first trip to the Caribbean with Celebrity Cruises was so memorable, so I can’t wait to catch some much-needed winter sun and see as much as I can of these dream destinations.
In the tradition of saving the best ’til last, 20th May 2016 will be the day I get married. Since Steven and I are both passionate about travel, we’ve decided to get hitched in one of our favourite places in the world…Central Park, New York! It will be an intimate ceremony with just close family and any friends who are available for a spring jaunt to New York. I’m sure there will be a few stresses to come, but so far I’ve really enjoyed planning a special trip that all of us will love and making the travel arrangements.
We will be spending two weeks in the US and will be flying with Virgin Atlantic and staying for four nights at five star Midtown hotel, The Westhouse. I chose this forward-thinking hotel (the sister of The Quin and The Refinery) for its beautiful design, great location just a few blocks from the west side of Central Park and also its innovative amenity programme.
I’m not usually a fan of resident’s fees when hotels charge for amenities that should be included, but this one offers good value with daily breakfast, afternoon tea, evening wine and canapes and a range of drinks throughout the day, as well as the usual free wifi etc. This clubhouse atmosphere at The Westhouse seems ideal for a breezy, luxurious stay in New York and I’m looking forward to relaxing on the terrace or in the den with our family over a glass of Champagne at the end of a busy day.
The next steps are writing vows with our wedding officiant Sarah, deciding on a restaurant for a low-key reception (any suggestions welcome) and planning those details such as a good photographer, hair and nail appointments, flowers and a fabulous cake. We also have an extra week after the wedding to explore the East Coast and have a few ideas of how we’d like to spend it.
Here’s to a successful and inspiring 2016. What does the new year bring for you? Where will your next travel adventures take you to?
Photos by Chérie City (hotel images by The Westhouse)
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