Sunday, 29 May 2016

A weekend in Capri


Like a far less glamorous version of Audrey Hepburn, I jetted off to Capri earlier this month.

The pretty island off Italy's south-west coast has long been on my bucket list - and the long weekend seemed the perfect opportunity to tick it off.

Taking into account the 45 minute boat trip after flying to Naples, makes Capri, in reality, a little far for a weekend.

Still, the land of pizza, pasta and Prosecco never fails to provide an amazing food and drink experience -  and the lushious island was no exception the rule.

We stayed in the Capri Palace Hotel and Spa - the rooms are very pricey (300+euro a night) - but the service is impeccable.

Residents are offered free shuttle rides to the hotel's gorgeous Il Riccio restaurant set near the blue grotto.

Rose and sea views at the Il Riccio restaurant
Lunch at this seaview eatery is an absolute must.

Il Riccio specialises in fresh and delicious seafood, wash down with a glass of Rose and life in London suddenly seems very far away indeed.

We also ate at the hotel's two Michelin star restaurant l'olivio - it was one of the best meals of my life.



Wednesday, 6 April 2016

Miami Got Heat

Miami's definitely upped its game since my last visit.

Soft sand, green sea and tropical climes await a nine-hour non-stop flight from London. 

It's the perfect tonic for winter-weary Brits.

But it doesn't come cheap, especially if you stay on South Beach - which is sort of the whole point. 

We were guests at Grand Beach Hotel, a 45-minute plus walk from the main action of Ocean Drive. 

On the plus side the beach here is a lot quieter and you pay less than hotels on South Beach. 

Anyway, these are my favourite places where I ate and drank... 

Best places for breakfast and brunch in Miami


If you go one place for brunch in Miami, make sure it's The Standard. This super-cool spot has stunning views out over the bay and my kind of menu. 

Think avocado on toast and granola fruit bowls, matched with a glass of rose - perfection. 




Best place for lunch in Miami


This gem is on Ocean Drive - perfect spot for people watching - and it's not a tourist trap. 

Best places for dinner in Miami


This is the Italian restaurant in the courtyard of the Soho Beach House restaurant and an excellent recommendation by a friend. 

You get pretty much everything you would want from a holiday meal out - the vibe is relaxed but chic - and the food is divine. 

The trees are adorned with fairy lights to add a romantic air. 


Pricey but the delicious food, and relaxed outdoor dining. 

Best cocktails in Miami

Head to the Living Room at the W Hotel for the superb cocktails, coupled with tasty light bites. 

Overlooking the harbour, Monty's Sunset bar is a typical Florida beach and a fab place to watch the last light of the day disappear, while sipping on a margerita.