2014 feels like it has flown by, but luckily it’s been filled with some unforgettable travel experiences, from European city breaks to a long, relaxing cruise in the Caribbean. Here are some of my favourite moments from over the year…
A Cocktail Masterclass at Le Bristol Paris
My first stay at Le Bristol was one of my most memorable times in Paris, so I was thrilled to be invited back a second time (staying in the very same Junior Suite, no less).
I had the pleasure of meeting Head Barman Maxime Hoerth, who took us on a fabulous tour of the city’s coolest cocktail bars – Le Mary Celeste, Sherry Butt and Jeffrey’s. We learned how to make a variety of Old Fashioned cocktails in a private masterclass in Le Bar du Bristol and Maxime created my very own cocktail, the ‘Chérie Club’.
Happily, most of our time was spent in the hotel, indulging with room service breakfasts, lunch in Le Jardin Francais and 114 Faubourg and exquisite cakes.
Not only was it a dreamy, relaxing trip in the company of a fun group, but I was reunited with Fa-Raon, the hotel’s majestic white Birman cat. I dare say my cocktail making skills have improved too.
A Foodie Trip to Lisbon
Lisbon is a place that I’ve always wanted to visit and I was really impressed by the warm, welcoming Portuguese hospitality wherever we went. We were kindly invited by Four Seasons Lisbon, who went the extra mile to make our trip so special.
We saw the city in style with a private car tour organised by the hotel, taking in the city’s beautiful sights such as the Castle of São Jorge and Church of Santa Engrácia in old Alfama, the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Trying a couple of Portuguese custard tarts from the famous Pastéis de Belém is an absolute must.
Lisbon is also a haven for foodies and we had the most fantastic meals at José Avillez’s two Michelin star restaurant Belcanto, one Michelin star restaurant Feitoria and lunch at Flores do Bairro and Varanda. I’d love to spend more time in Lisbon and explore the nearby coastal town of Caiscais.
Late Summer in Barcelona
It had been quite a few years since I visited Barcelona, so it was definitely time to revisit the Catalan city. We spent a good amount of time by the Barceloneta, staying at the stylish Hotel Arts Barcelona and munching on Californian-style burgers at SALT Beach Club at W Barcelona.
Visiting during Catalan Day offered an interesting insight into the cultural and political mood in Barcelona and we could feel the energy of this important day when strolling around the MACBA square, El Raval and El Born. As ever, food was high on the agenda with dinner at Blanc at Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, tapas at Ocaña on Plaça Reial and gelato at Eyescream and Friends.
My Birthday in Paris
I have my Parisian friend Coralie to thank for suggesting I spend my 30th birthday in Paris. As we all know, Paris is always a good idea, and where better to spend a monumental birthday with friends?
Steven and I spent the first night in Pigalle with a wonderful birthday dinner on the terrace at Hotel Amour with Coralie and Sunny. We ended the night with a nightcap at Le Mansart, just a few steps away from where we were staying at the atmospheric Hotel Josephine.
Then it was on to the beautiful Pavillon de la Reine in the Marais and an evening at legendary Paris cabaret club, The Crazy Horse (I’ve always wanted to see the show in Paris). Other highlights of the trip were country-style burgers at Big Fernand (arriving soon in London), perfume shopping at Nose and watching the world go by at the Place des Vosges.
A Eastern Caribbean Cruise
This was a trip of firsts – the first time I visited the Caribbean and the first time I’d been let loose alone (well, with Steven) on a cruise ship. The Celebrity Reflection was a destination in itself with copious amounts of food and drink around the clock, a fabulous pool and sundeck and plenty of entertainment.
We explored three very different Caribbean destinations that I never thought I’d have the chance of visiting – San Juan (Puerto Rico), Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) and Philipsburg and Marigot (St. Maarten). I’ve definitely caught the cruise bug, as they say, and look forward to more sailing with Celebrity Cruises in 2015.
After the cruise, we stayed in Miami for two nights at boutique design hotel The Tides, right on South Beach. We enjoyed a stunning dinner at The Setai, discovered the Wynwood Art District and marvelled at the pretty Art Deco buildings on South Beach. It was a perfect end to the year and led nicely into the run-up to Christmas in London.
What was your travel highlight of 2014? Which destinations are on your wish list for 2015?
All photos by Chérie City
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