Home/Fashion/Tatler UK/January 2019/In This Issue
Tatler UK|January 2019BLENHEIM REVISITEDOnce a generation there is a major Marlborough wedding and Tatler has covered them all. When the magazine was founded in 1709, the Marlboroughs had just been given Blenheim Palace as a gift for the Duke’s victories in the War of the Spanish Succession. And still fresh in the nation’s mind was the deliciously public argument, in 1708, between the duch*ess of Marlborough and Queen Anne on the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral, in which the duch*ess told the monarch to ‘be quiet.’ (Their close, sometimes overwrought friendship is captured in the film of the moment, The Favourite, starring Rachael Weisz as the 1st duch*ess, Sarah Churchill.) Many notable Marlborough men and women have followed and been duly heralded in Tatler. There was the glamorous American heiress Consuelo Vanderbilt, whose…2 min
Tatler UK|January 2019HELL’S ANGELSDebauchery returned to the Hellfire Caves as, more than 250 years after Sir Francis Dashwood’s days of hedonism, his descendent Tor Dashwood hosted a Hellfire banquet in its subterranean passages in support of the Global Heritage Fund. The theme was interpreted in a blaze of red capes, brocade and lashings of velvet by guests including Ben Goldsmith, Princess Alia Al-Senussi, Adam Weymouth and Harry Dalmeny as the Angel of Death. As the hostess put it, they were ‘dancing in the footsteps of the original dilettante’.…1 min
Tatler UK|January 2019lady and the trialA few weeks ago I rashly bid for an old Penguin paperback. Few sane people would bid their life savings on a tatty paperback full of underlining. But this was no ordinary paperback. The book in question was Lady Chatterley’s Lover by DH Lawrence. More thrillingly, it had belonged to the judge who famously presided over the 1960 obscenity trial that was to overturn 30 years of censorship. Lawrence privately published the novel 90 years ago in Italy. But within months it was banned almost everywhere. The story of an aristocratic woman who has a torrid affair with her husband’s gamekeeper, Lady Chatterley’s Lover was the first literary novel to write explicitly about sex and to use four-letter expletives. The copy at auction included a list of the scenes deemed…6 min
Tatler UK|January 2019wave onThe collections had fashion houses immersed in the delights of all things oceanic. At Gucci, the tragic mermaid of Hans Christian Andersen’s Den Lille Havfrue was captured perfectly with doe eyes, dishevelled navy-blue hair and shoulder-grazing seashell earrings embellished with Swarovski stars. Meanwhile at Matty Bovan, a bright blue chignon was offset by earrings resembling iridescent barnacles. Claire Barrow, whose work blurs the line between art and design, showed her Xtreme Sports collection, also inspired by mermaids. This is the ultimate millennial sad-girl look of the season, championed in Barrow’s lookbook by model Jess Maybury, sporting flippers and webbed hands on the water rides at Thorpe Park. Also taking her lead from the sea was 2017’s LVMH Prize-winner Marine Serre, whose scuba suits were attached to upcycled T-shirts and reappropriated…1 min
Tatler UK|January 2019taylor madeWhen you think of dazzling statement jewellery, surely you think of the old Hollywood glinting glamour of Elizabeth Taylor, who was defined as much by her career milestones as by her precious stones. Richard Burton spent millions keeping his leading lady bedecked in diamonds. He proposed with an emerald and diamond Bulgari ring inbetween filming scenes for Cleopatra. Then there was a sugar-loaf sapphire to match her eyes on her 40th birthday and, of course, the 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond ring he picked up at auction for a $1 million and recast as a necklace. For the party season, take your cues from Liz with knockout co*cktails rings replete with rubies, emeralds and sapphires, ornate necklaces that delicately encircle the décolletage and intricate earrings that are anything but shy and retiring.…1 min
Tatler UK|January 2019Crazy rich RussiansUnlike the British upper classes, whose reign was last interrupted in 1066, there are no old, rich Russian families. Lenin and friends took care of that. But when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, a group of savvy (though not always savoury) business magnates found themselves in possession of enormous riches. They looked west, to the world’s financial capital – and London’s politicians welcomed them and their wallets with open arms. Tony Blair attended the opera in St Petersburg as Putin’s guest in 2000, and things got even sweeter in 2008, with the introduction of the Tier 1 investor visa (or ‘golden visa’), allowing successful applicants to reside in the UK in exchange for an investment of £1 million (now £2 million) in government bonds. What happened next – or…15 min
Tatler UK|January 2019silk blendsHERBIVORE Phoenix Regenerating Facial Oil, £74 This amber-coloured oil contains the collagen-boosting ingredient CoQ10 and rosehip oil to bring forlorn skin back to life. A few drops and dry or mature skin feels brand new. VOTARY Antidote Night Oil, £75 Containing nourishing sweet almond and dream-promoting lavender, Votary’s heady oil works just as well massaged into skin as it does trickled into the tub. Expect to sleep deeply. CHANEL L’Huile Rose Body Oil, £172 Previously exclusive to Chanel Au Ritz spa, this satiny body oil is derived from Chanel’s own rose fields in Grasse. One of four scents – the others are jasmine, vanilla and amber – it’s delicious on skin still warm and softened by a bath. LE LABO Poivre 23 Perfume Oil, £178 Exclusive to Le Labo’s London…1 min
Tatler UK|January 2019WHAT TO PACKkenyaChannel the utility trend in a jumpsuit, boots (Dior’s are perfect) and a sports-luxe belt bag. Recline poolside in a swimsuit and outsized sunglasses. Stay fresh with Chanel’s Paris-Biarritz shower gel, use sun care (Sisley Paris is brilliant) and mattify skin with Guerlain’s Ladies In All Climates powder. A white shirt works with shorts for days and a metallic skirt for nights, topped with a statement suede jacket. Forgo jewels for a chic watch.…1 min
Tatler UK|January 2019MERRY AND BRIGHTDecember is here; a month of celebrations, from festive parties to New Year’s get-togethers, and biggest of all, Christmas itself. Perhaps more than any other time of year, houses are placed under the most pressure to magically expand – whether it’s wondering if the drawing room is large enough to gather friends en masse to balancing the number of spare beds with the hordes of descending family members. When it comes to entertaining, unmodernised period houses tend to cause the most trouble, mainly due to the kitchens – they are often inhospitable spaces, located in the basem*nt or the dingiest corner, away from the reception rooms. Fortunately, this is far from the case at the Grade II* listed Hill Top Hall in North Yorkshire, where the recently renovated kitchen is…3 min
Tatler UK|January 2019THE HEIGHT OF STYLEDemand for quality ski homes rarely dips, and while there have been some necessary price corrections over the past five years, most go on to sell their chalet or apartment for a healthy profit. So says Robert Green of Sphere Estates, who reports, ‘Properties within established ski resorts, with good access to the slopes and a vibrant centre with bars, restaurants and shops, can expect good to excellent rental returns as well as mid to long-term capital appreciation. Just six to eight weeks’ rental during the winter season can often more than cover the cost of ownership.’ Travelling across the Alps last summer, Jeremy Rollason, head of Savills Ski, ‘was reminded just what a beautiful environment the mountains are during the summer months. Wherever we went, be it Interlaken, Andermatt,…3 min
Tatler UK|January 2019THE ULTIMATE ITINERARYDAY 1 Start with the Old Town Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque and Yerebatan cistern. Lunch at Matbah, in the Grand Bazaar. Then Spice bazaar. Pre-dinner co*cktail at Georges Hotel in Galata. Dinner at Yeni Lokanta. DAY 2 Live like a Sultan Dolmabahçe or Topkapı Palace. Coffee at Kronotrop, then walk around Beyoğlu. Lunch at Karaköy Namlı or Cuma Cafe. Then galleries, shopping and Galata tower. Pre-dinner co*cktail at Geyik Bar. Dinner at Mikla. DAY 3 To the Asian side for Şakirin Mosque. Foodie delights at Kadıköy food market. Then visit the fish market. Lunch at Çiya Sofrası. Hammam at Kilic Ali Pasa. To end the day Sensus winery next to Galata tower. Dinner at Aheste. DAY 4 Shopping on Nişantaşı. Lunch at The House Hotel, Ortaköy. Bosphorus tour by…1 min
Tatler UK|January 2019unitedkingdomHECKFIELD PLACE Hampshire, England What is so thrilling about Heckfield is that you expect greatness before you arrive, and it delivers in spades. You expect greatness because it’s been a talking point for so long, with about-to-open rumours for six years. And you expect greatness thanks to the double whammy of GM superstar Olivia Richli at the helm and Skye Gyngell heading up the food. Let’s start with the look of the place. It is elegant and understated, a brick-and-cream Georgian mansion with sweeping views over meadows and ornamental lakes. Inside, they’ve done that clever trick of keeping all that is beautiful from a historical house and whacking it into the 21st century, with decor that whispers rather than shouts (the designer, Ben Thompson, was Ilse Crawford’s protégé). So expect…5 min
Tatler UK|January 2019europeROYAL CHAMPAGNE HOTEL & SPA Champillon, France Finally Champagne has a hotel as instantly seductive, golden-hued and effervescent as our favourite tipple. As Marlene Dietrich said, ‘Champagne makes you feel like it’s Sunday and better days are just around the corner.’ Indeed they are, now that this 19th-century coaching inn, set in the hills just outside Epernay and long a resting place for French aristocrats, has been swept up into the first contemporary five-star in the region. Designed by Reims-based architect Giovanni Pace, this is a 21stcentury take on an amphitheatre, crafted from local quartz and glass. Interiors fizz: illuminated glass bubbles float above restaurant tables; more bubbles dance across golden wallpaper in the heavenly spa, where the 25m indoor pool glints and Biologique Recherche treatments work their magic. Beyond…32 min
Tatler UK|January 2019taking it personallyMany villa-rental companies lay claim to unrivalled excellence, unparalleled service and thorough local knowledge. Few can back up their claims with as much persuasive evidence as The Thinking Traveller. Conceived in 2000 as a rental service for upscale villas in Sicily, the company now boasts glamorous properties throughout the Mediterranean from Corsica to the Sporades. No other villa specialist has 100 per cent exclusive access to its villas; as a result, the company can create enduring partnerships with the owners of its villas, invest directly in its product, and maximize each villa’s quality. Built on the triple foundations of exceptional villas, local knowledge and personal service, the company’s London staff visit the regions regularly – including on their own personal family holidays – and understand the destinations in great depth.…2 min
Tatler UK|January 2019far eastMANDARIN ORIENTAL HONG KONG Hong Kong, China Andy Warhol, The Beatles, David Bowie, Princess Diana, Beyoncé and Kate Moss – over the past six decades the Mandarin has hosted some of the world’s biggest blockbuster names. It’s one of Asia’s most charismatic hotels and one where weary or wayward celebrities, CEOs and heads of state will find everything to satisfy their desires – you can have your hair blow-dried, spend hours over a sumptuous afternoon tea or be measured up for a razor-sharp suit. You can swim against the current at the indoor swimming pool or swing around the South China Sea in a traditional wooden junk. Wander 10 minutes uphill and you’ll find the newly opened Tai Kwun heritage centre, a 19th-century police station remodelled into a gorgeous arts…4 min
Tatler UK|January 2019north americaMR C SEAPORT New York, USA Can’t say no to a Bellini? Then head to New York’s newly revitalised Seaport district, where brothers Maggio and Ignazio Cipriani (fourth-generation members of the family famous for that fabulous Harry’s Bar concoction) have just opened the gorgeous 66-room Mr C. You’ll love this area. The first American outpost of Ten Corso Como, Carla Sozzani’s chic Milan concept store, is a couple of blocks away; Sarah Jessica Parker has opened a shoe emporium nearby; and there’s a branch of NYC flavour-fave Big Gay Ice Cream just along the street. Back at the hotel, there are acres of teak in the bedrooms and white-jacketed waiters in the Bellini restaurant. And then there’s the view: the Brooklyn Bridge in all its stately glory. Throw a dinner…9 min
Tatler UK|January 2019hire societyAMANDIRA As if chasing pods of dolphins, diving with manta rays and dropping anchor off deserted beaches (occasionally inhabited by komodo dragons) weren’t enough, this month Amandira, a superlative phinisi (a traditional two-masted sailing ship), sets Aman’s legendary spa experience afloat in Indonesia with her first Wellness Cruise. Seven blissful days of meditation and pranayama, yoga on the beach, yoga in the mangroves, medi tation in the jungle, meditation on deck, hiking, paddleboarding, diving (there’s a divemaster on board), and snorkelling, topped off with a daily ritual spa treatment, in the extraordinary (Wi-Fi-free) solitude of Raja Am pat. You will float home. Aman (amandira.com) offers six nights for six people from £55,960. BELMOND PIVOINE She’s new, she’s sexy and she’s at home gliding through Champagne – stopping frequently at the…3 min
Tatler UK|January 2019off the chartsRECHERCHE ARCHIPELAGO, WESTERN AUSTRALIA Where on Earth? A string of 100 islands stretching from Esperance to the Great Australian Bight. Why? For a helicopter flight over the fluoro-pink Lake Hillier on Middle Island; the curious birds and lizards on Woody Island; and front-row seats for the feeding frenzy of orcas, sharks, dolphins and sperm whales in Bremer Bay – a biological hotspot only recently discovered by marine scientists. How? Luxury small ship True North (36 passengers) visits this pristine wilderness for the first time in January 2019. Life on board includes fine local produce accompanied by wines from Margaret River. But it’s all about the outdoors: True North’s shallow-draft Zodiacs and six-person Eurocopter will ensure you see it all. The next eight-day, round-trip Adventure South West departs from Perth on…3 min
Tatler UK|January 2019elle macpherson‘Being physically and spiritually fit is important,’ said Elle Macpherson in 2007, as Tatler determined to get to the bottom of how the Body kept in shape. Beachily photographed by Bryan Adams, the supermodel spoke about maintaining the ‘simplicity and honesty and rawness’ of Australian life in her busy work schedule, her love life (she’d recently divorced the father of her two children, the millionaire financier Arki Busson), her eponymous skincare line, The Body, and why the secret to beauty is laughter. Flash-forward 11 years, and Macpherson has a successful lingerie line under her belt, is the co-founder of wellness brand WelleCo – and still knows how to wow in a swimsuit. Some things never change.…1 min
Tatler UK|January 2019PARIS BY NIGHTFashion designer Racil Chalhoub’s birthday falls each year during Paris Fashion Week – and what better time to throw a party? Her chic friends, including Browns’ Holli Rogers and shoe maestro Edgardo Osorio, arrived at Caviar Kaspia ready to celebrate. Guests were dancing on the banquettes to DJ Laila Sarkis, who was flown in from Ras’ (as she’s known to her friends) home city, Beirut. A Valentino party was taking place next door, so Giancarlo Giammetti popped by to give the birthday girl a big kiss. Bravo!…1 min
Tatler UK|January 2019new year, new UNancy Mitford has a lot to answer for. It was she who, in 1955, set out in print what had never been written before – the unspoken rules for being ‘U’ or upper-class, and ‘non-U’. Her article, published in the CIA-funded magazine, Encounter, provoked an outcry, not least from her old friend Evelyn Waugh. In an open letter denouncing her for lobbing this grenade into British society, he wrote: ‘There are subjects too intimate for print. Surely class is one?’ Reading Mitford’s essay now, you realise how quickly everything changes. Back then, her observations on class were based on language – whether you ‘took a bath’ (non-U) or ‘had one’s bath’ (U). Whether you said ‘chimneypiece’ (U) or ‘mantelpiece’ (non-U). Today, having a bathtub at all is a sign of…5 min
Tatler UK|January 2019me, myself and styleA line of strong, defiant, creative women came before me. At 17, my grandmother Pamela Curran was a beautiful debutante, pictured on the cover of Life magazine in 1947. Married and divorced just a year later, she became a teenage single mother. Her family, who hailed from Philadelphia and summered with the Kennedys, thought it was highly inappropriate for Granny Pammy to pursue an occupation as an actress, but she went for it anyway, forging a career while being scrutinised by her peers and the media. There were plenty of salacious articles written about Granny Pammy, making her out to be someone that she wasn’t because she went against societal expectations to follow her dreams. The stories of her rebellion shaped my creative spirit, and so did the influence of…4 min
Tatler UK|January 2019stream queenFrench Riviera are two words that bring to life the magic of a Slim Aarons photograph. They evoke images of impossibly glamorous people doing impossibly glamorous things – and nowhere along the Riviera is this hedonistic fizz as present as in St Tropez, the sun-drenched town where Mick and Bianca Jagger got hitched in 1971 and where Brigitte Bardot frolicked on the beach filming And God Created Woman in 1956. The Chanel resort collection captures this effortless glamour. Its white suit jacket is ideal for an evening paired with white jeans or thrown over a bathing suit for seriously chic lunch attire. Meanwhile Miu Miu’s wonderfully modern Bardot-esque boy shorts will look divine with a white shirt tied at the waist, and this clean-cut Hermès jumpsuit from the brand’s Resort…1 min
Tatler UK|January 2019LA CONFIDENTIALAt Oxford, Kate Beckinsale was voted ‘sixth most boring person’ at her college. ‘I didn’t like drinking vodka out of a welly,’ she explains, laughing. ‘In fact, I didn’t drink at all, which meant there was no real chance of getting into my knickers – so what was the point of me? I was deeply unpopular.’ The point of Kate Beckinsale: where does one begin? One of the most versatile actresses in Hollywood, with more than two million Instagram followers as testament to her popularity, Beckinsale, 45, has come a long way from her undergraduate days. Today she is at the centre of a photoshoot at a rose-pink Bel Air mansion, wearing an elaborate black feather boa, four-inch glittering silver heels and not much else. Quipping about her ‘feathered knickers’…14 min
Tatler UK|January 2019Firewall of the vanitiesWhat if, in his day, the notoriously wayward John Jermyn, 7th Marquess of Bristol, could have erased his various jail sentences for drugs offences from public memory? (Not to mention his frittering away the family’s £35 million fortune.) How about if billionaire Elon Musk could remove from a cursory Google search his offensive tweets about the British diver he called ‘pedo guy’ – who helped to rescue 12 boys and their football coach trapped in a cave in Thailand? What if David Beckham could somehow scrub away those embarrassing leaked emails he sent his press chief Simon Oliveira, in which he raged about not being granted a knighthood and haggled for a hotel upgrade? What if indeed. Reputation, which is now created online via URL as much is IRL (in…12 min
Tatler UK|January 2019the smart resetTHE AROMATHERAPIST Who Pamela Tinker The low-down Petite and bird-like, Pamela fuses classic aromatherapy techniques with home-blended oils and some unusual equipment: the buckwheat-filled pillow, for example, which she places beneath your knees (to boost circulation), and a duvet stuffed with sheep’s wool (it makes for a cosy hour-and-a-half). The magic truly begins with the massage: light, sweeping strokes to soothe the nervous system, interspersed with forceful kneading to stimulate organs. Her oils – such as pine for colds and jasmine for dehydration – are extracted from plants that grow at different altitudes, so Pamela can mix different strengths for targeted treatments. (Ask nicely and she’ll send you off with some tiny bottles for tipping in the bath back at home.) Our verdict A hypnotic experience – and so is…3 min
Tatler UK|January 2019THE PERSONAL TOUCHFrom the magnificent Nash architecture of Regent’s Park to the rolling meadows and woodlands of Hampstead Heath, the zone known as Central and North West London is rich in prestigious residential neighbourhoods, all with glorious bucolic names. St John’s Wood, Primrose Hill, Maida Vale, Highgate, Belsize Park, Kenwood… Add in the sophisticated “village” of Marylebone and you survey the core territory in which Marc Schneiderman, owner and founder of Arlington Residential, has been an integral property agent for 25 years. As a one-office boutique operation specialising in middle to high-end property - specifically, the £5million to £15million-plus market - Arlington Residential is valued for superlative local knowledge, a tight-knit team of experienced sales and lettings negotiators, and a tentacular international reach. Sixty per cent of sales go to overseas buyers.…2 min
Tatler UK|January 2019NOTEBOOKRICHES ON THE RIVIERA The French Riviera has an enduring glamour, from the jazz- and champagne-fuelled hedonism of the 1920s, to the present day, where superyachts and celebrities often grace its sun-kissed shores. Close to the famous Eden Roc hotel, Parc du Cap is a new project by the British luxury property developers Caudwell Collection, comprising 88 apartments in Cap d’Antibes. A round-the-clock concierge offers outstanding service, as well as peace of mind for lock-up-and-leave owners. For more information, visit www.caudwellcollection.com IN THE KNOW Securing a prime proper ty in London can be inordinately stressful and extremely expensive, which is where the buying agent Nathalie Hirst can help. She’s considered such a treasure by her long-standing clients that her services have twice been given as wedding presents – with 23…2 min
Tatler UK|January 2019tripping out@ELEANORWELLESLEY It girl du jour Eleanor Wellesley goes where the party is. Whether it’s super-cool festival Burning Man in the Nevada desert (1), sunset on the beach in phu*ket (2) or taking time out to scale Table Mountain in Cape Town (3), she always finds the hippest backdrop or most gorgeous view to keep her feed looking first-class. @TALITAVON Fashion royalty (and real royalty) Talita von Furstenberg spent her year hotfooting it around the globe. She sunbathed on the deck of her eponymous speedboat in the Aegean Sea (1), soaked up the views of Canyon Point from her suite at the Amangiri (3) and took a two-wheeled ride around the Sea of Galilee in Israel (2). @LOLAARRIVABENE When Venetian aristocrat and footwear entrepreneur Viola Arrivabene isn’t designing Vibi Venezia’s chic…1 min
Tatler UK|January 2019the moor the merrierThe Turkish Riviera: the Côte d’Azur of the east, a photogenic whoosh of coastline that shimmies with glamour. Jet-set hotels, smart beach clubs and A-list fans (Kate Moss and co, Roman Abramovich and his yacht) have made sure all eyes are on the Aegean. And a couple of big-brand hotel openings – alongside stalwarts like Nikki Beach, the Mandarin Oriental and Maçakizi, where Lady Mary Charteris and gang hung out last summer, do a good job of staving off any longing for Pampelonne. But the savvy smart set split their time between the glitzy resorts and the water, chartering a gulet, the most exclusive way of exploring the sun-drenched coastline. Happily, there’s no need for a mogul’s bank account to enjoy these boats. They are not superyachts, and that’s the…4 min
Tatler UK|January 2019oasis of luxuryWhere can you find a tranquil, yet centrally located retreat under elegant palm trees to step away from the buzz of the world’s finest, most exciting city? The answer is in The Landmark London, where Afternoon Tea in the unique Winter Garden is a ritual of sophisticated relaxation, and available just steps away from Marylebone Station. Indulge yourself with a glass of champagne and a selection of delicious sandwiches made with Lapsang Souchong-smoked Scottish salmon, organic egg mayonnaise and mustard cress, Coronation chicken on walnut bread, and classic cucumber. Confections include strawberry and vanilla tartlets, salted caramel macaroons and Valrhona chocolate and raspberry mousse – perfect for those keen to indulge their sweet tooth. A range of spacious rooms and suites offer the perfect sanctuary after a busy morning, a…1 min
Tatler UK|January 2019leisure for leisureHow do you like to enjoy winter sun? If the answer is, in a luxury villa in a tranquil landscape with beach, firstclass golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, bikes to hire, and a stylish clubhouse, then Four Seasons Fairways in Quinta do Lago should be number one on your holiday wish list. The resort delivers a luxury leisure experience with a warm ‘home from home’ style of hospitality, so you can keep busy and active in balmy temperatures, enjoy conviviality in the refurbished clubhouse, dine well and truly relax in sumptuous surroundings. Every aspect of a stay here offers options to conjure your ideal holiday, starting with your choice of accommodation. All two- and three-bedroom villas and apartments blend Portuguese architecture with the landscape of the resort’s…2 min
Tatler UK|January 2019caribbeanCURTAIN BLUFF Antigua, Leeward Islands It is possible that, as you float in the sapphire sea, gazing back at the lush green hills rising above a pristine beach, you’ll wonder why you ever went on holiday anywhere other than Curtain Bluff. The allinclusive resort has reopened after a facelift and is more fabulous than ever. Turquoise-and-white rooms have wicker furniture, enormous baths and absolutely no TV. If you want something even sexier, the four deluxe suites have infinity pools on the balcony for sunset canoodling. The charming staff spoil you rotten, bringing you treats of homemade cookies and banana bread. Their mission is to keep you in a state of utmost relaxation (in the dreamy spa) or hysterical excitement (at a moonlit banquet on the beach, with fire-dancing Adonises). Then…2 min
Tatler UK|January 2019how the rich cruiseCan you take a selfie when travelling at twice the speed of sound? It’s a dilemma you might face on one of the most extraordinary shore adventures offered by Crystal Cruises on its voyages to Russia – a flight in a MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter jet. Cost: £37,795. Social cachet: priceless. It’s not quite what you might expect from a cruise company, but the chance to play at Top Gun is just one of many extravagances available to travellers embarking on a voyage in the new Golden Age of Cruise. The modern cruise still has all the occasion and glamour and butler service of yesteryear – you can pro menade your couture before dinner on a transatlantic liner or play the in-suite Steinway in just your diamonds if the mood takes…3 min
Tatler UK|January 2019mine’s with ice‘I’m sorry, you’re doing what?’ ‘Uh, must have misheard, come again?’ ‘No, but seriously. Stop kidding around. Tell me your summer plans one more time.’ Honestly, if attention-grabbing is your thing, if you’re that person who loves to stop a conversation stone-dead at supper with friends, then follow this instruction. When people ask what you’ve got planned for July and August just say, straight out, ‘Me and the family are going on an Arctic cruise.’ That’ll do it, that’ll wind them, that will make someone drop a fork. Have you done something wrong?’ they’ll enquire, while feeling your forehead for heat or chills. Once you’ve repeated, ‘No, really, it’s by choice; it’s really hot everywhere and we just fancy something different, something cool – you know, in temperature,’ they’ll stare,…6 min
Tatler UK|January 2019great escapesCOLONY CLUB, BARBADOS Colony Club, on the west coast of Barbados, north of Bridgetown, is laid-back luxury at its very best, with manicured gardens, lagoon-like pools and a newly launched Rum Vault. What’s not to love? eleganthotels.com THE CAPITOL KEMPINSKI HOTEL, SINGAPORE The new Kempinski is perfect for a city break in the sun. There’s art, theatre and architecture on your doorstep, if you can tear yourself away from the spa. kempinski.com COMO MAALIFUSHI, MALDIVES A break at Como Maalifushi promises a winning golden tan and a total health reset. Their Como Shambala retreat includes daily meditation, yoga classes and spa suites overlooking the Indian Ocean. comohotels.com BAHÍA DEL DUQUE, CANARY ISLANDS The Casas Ducales rooms at Bahía del Duque have just had a swanky revamp. These sprawling suites come…1 min
Tatler UK|January 2019OH, CALIFORNIAA week after attending autumn’s royal wedding, department store heiress Hayley Bloomingdale and designer Dada Stileman hosted their own showstopping ceremony in Santa Barbara, with a flock of fashion’s swans, from Indré Rockefeller to Tatler’s Serena Hood and Emma Elwick-Bates, there to witness the spectacle.…1 min
Tatler UK|January 2019the life of the partyAnnabel’s was – is – London’s grandest and most glamorous nightclub, a place beloved of royals, rock stars, Hollywood A-listers and the peerage alike. Its doors were first opened in 1963 by the dashing Mark Birley, who named the club after his wife, Lady Annabel, younger daughter of the 8th Marquess of Londonderry and a renowned society beauty: slender with foxy hair, cut-glass cheekbones and almond eyes. Its strict dress code of ‘proper shoes and ties’ belied the often raucous antics within. It was famed, fêted and the epitome of the place to be. In 2007, though, Birley sold Annabel’s to Richard Caring for £95 million; last year, Caring uprooted the club from its original cellar at 44 Berkeley Square and relocated to splashier, more spacious surroundings at number 46.…9 min
Tatler UK|January 2019in bloomThe Queen herself was in the front row, watching as a parade of models in botanical prints were sent down the runway, many in floral headscarves – tied, characteristically, beneath the chin, as a tribute to Her Majesty. It was the work of wunderkind designer Richard Quinn – and who better to take sartorial cues from than HM? Heed the advice: start the year afresh with florals. If the cruise collections are anything to go by then the bigger and brighter the better. Wear them head to toe, mixed and matched as on the catwalk of the Gucci show. Or, if you’re after just a nod to this trend, then Christian Louboutin has the shoes for you, to be worn with an otherwise pared-back palette (though for ultimate maximalist impact,…1 min
Tatler UK|January 2019where stars take flightAs you approach the new year – and with it, the annual resolution to prioritise wellness and relaxation – there are few better ways to excise the hassles of travelling than with Heathrow’s exclusive VIP service, which is hidden away from the bustle of the four terminals of Europe’s largest airport. From the moment you step into your complimentary car – a sleek 7 Series BMW in which the chauffeur will collect you from any London location and whisk you off to the airport – to the moment you board Business or First-Class, the top-notch service takes care of your every need. All aspects of your transition through Heathrow are run by a team with years of experience, meeting the requirements of the most discerning clients. Individual lounges mean privacy…2 min
Tatler UK|January 2019The Making ofa MarchionessModern-day fairy tales do exist. Handsome polo player George, the Marquess of Blandford and future 13th Duke of Marlborough, married his childhood sweetheart, the effervescent, petite and unfailingly polite Camilla Thorp, at Blenheim Palace this autumn. They met when 26-year-old George was only 16, while on holiday on the Isle of Wight. ‘One day he just started holding my hand,’ Camilla, 31, says sweetly, sitting in the drawing room at Blenheim Palace. ‘Our parents have been friends for years, which made life much easier. We didn’t have to do the whole “meet the parents” thing.’ Aviation broker George is the ultimate catch, good-looking with an assured yet gentle manner, and a combination of aloof charm and excellent manners that Camilla says is down to his mother, who ‘is very warm…7 min
Tatler UK|January 2019move over, darlingMake space at the mirror: Chanel’s new make-up line is designed exclusively for men, says Felix Bischof Many of Gabrielle Chanel’s most enduring designs rely on a gender give-and-take: Coco often drew from the male wardrobe, reimagining sailors’ Breton tops for women and cutting skirts from jersey, a material previously reserved for men’s sportswear. If this exchange left chaps feeling shortchanged, matters are set to be redressed with the release of Boy de Chanel. Named after Coco’s great love, polo player Captain Arthur ‘Boy’ Capel, Chanel’s debut make-up line designed and formulated for men includes foundations, eyebrow pencils and a lip balm. If make-up for men is the beauty industry’s last frontier, then Chanel is not the first brand to explore it. Jean Paul Gaultier’s campaign images for his (now…4 min
Tatler UK|January 2019workout of africaThe 12-seater plane was the first surprise. It was tiny, but the pilot at Wilson Airport assured me it would deliver us safely to Samburu. The second was the luggage restriction – just one bag per person! I evidently hadn’t read the small print before signing up to our Kenyan Wilderness Wellness Retreat. Frantically, I began to rearrange multiple pairs of trainers, leggings and coordinating crop tops: I was sure I would need them all over the coming days – and I was right. I was with my boyfriend Nik, who had required little convincing to join the four-day fitness retreat. When the Cessna touched down, we clambered into an open-top jeep and were soon tearing through bushes of wild mint and acacia trees, headed for the Samburu National Reserve.…2 min
Tatler UK|January 2019CARIBBEAN JEWELWhat is the best-kept secret in the Caribbean? Regular visitors might recommend their favourite palm-fringed sandy cove, an island with thrilling diving opportunities or a resort with dreamy sunset views. Others might tell you the best place to sail or snorkel among sea turtles or experience delicious local rum. Those who truly know their leeward from their windward isles, however, will whisper just one word: Canouan. A paradise among paradise islands, Canouan is part of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Lying south-west of Mustique, it is uniquely protected on its Atlantic side by a coral reef, thus ensuring calm, crystal-clear, warm waters around its perimeter. Only five miles square, this pictureperfect idyll has soft sands, mystical hills and a local population of 1,800, who fish for barracuda and grow fruit…2 min
Tatler UK|January 2019The Hon. Nancy MitfordOn the cover of The Tatler in August 1933, on the occasion of her engagement to the Hon. Peter Rodd, was celebrated author Nancy Mitford. (The marriage was not a happy one, and they were divorced in the 1950s.) She was the daughter of Lord and Lady Redesdale and the eldest of the Mitford sisters (the others were Pamela, Diana, Unity, Jessica and Deborah), the enchanting, scandalous poster girls of their generation. She was already a published author at the time, and it was noted that her novels Highland Fling and Christmas Pudding had both ‘had a distinct success’. She went on to write six more novels (including the much-adored Love in a Cold Climate and The Pursuit of Love) and four biographies – as well as the definitive thesis…1 min
Tatler UK|January 2019beauty on the bosphorusSkyscraper to the left, mosque to the right. Two old men with sun-grizzled faces play open-air backgammon; an Aston Martin driver pulls up to ask for directions then hops out to play the winner. The call to prayer is in the air, reverberating through the body. Two sultry hipsters saunter past in distressed denims, one eye on their smartphones, another on the cats playing tug-of-war with their Balenciaga shoelaces, as the growing backgammon group glances up at them. I muscle into the throng to have my picture taken on a whim, and am received as long-lost family. Just your average Istanbul day. Welcome to the most paradoxical, theatrical city on earth. A historical shrine to ethno-religious tolerance and the meeting point of two continents and two empires. The perfect balance…5 min
Tatler UK|January 2019on the fast trackI’ve been visiting Bodrum for six years, and I keep it very simple. This is where I come to take time out and do a fast at The LifeCo Wellbeing Centre (thelifeco.com), which is staffed by the loveliest people. I usually come with a gang of girlfriends and my sister-in-law. The fashion designer Rifat Özbek is an old friend who lives here, and I like to spend time with him too. We love taking a traditional gulet round the coast, dropping into deserted coves for a dip. I am keen on walking – there are beautiful mountain hikes all around Bodrum. The local shops are wonderful for interiors, bowls, lights and Turkish linen. Seek out the best traditional leather sandal shop – it’s at the end of the seafront, and…1 min
Tatler UK|January 2019zurich,city of designArriving by train at Zurich’s main station, your eyes are drawn up towards a voluptuous, purple-limbed guardian angel watching over travellers as they mill around the concourse. The 36ft, 1.2-tonne sculpture by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle is a visual precursor of what you can expect in the liveliest city in Switzerland: plenty of contemporary art in public places and a designer-led lifestyle that is full of surprises. Throughout civilisation, art has flourished amid prosperity, and the cultural scene in Zurich reflects its status as one of Europe’s most sophisticated cities. If you love museums, galleries, innovation, performance, music, shopping and gastronomy with a Michelin star or a frisson of hipster cool, a city break on the shore of Lake Zurich beckons. Flight connections make it a quick and…3 min
Tatler UK|January 2019greek getawayHidden away among the fragrant pine forests and immaculate white sandy beaches of the Kassandra peninsula in Halkidiki, Greece, is Sani Resort – a unique, family-owned Mediterranean refuge for those seeking blue skies and a break from the less welcoming climes of northern Europe. Set in a beautiful ecological reserve of olive groves and tranquil wetlands, Sani Resort boasts a yacht marina and five five-star hotels surrounded by luscious gardens, plus five miles of stunning Blue Flag beaches and all the activities one would expect them to entail. Each hotel has its own unique ambience to suit the needs and style of the most discerning traveller – from Sani Beach’s vibrancy and excitement to Porto Sani’s relaxed, elegant feel. In addition, the luxury experience of the accommodation and hospitality has…2 min
Tatler UK|January 2019infinite beautyButtressing the northwest coast of Mallorca, the mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana are emblazoned in the soft pink of flowering almond trees and shaded by scattered holm oaks. It is here, where the mountains meet the sea amid citrus and olive groves, that the charming village of Port Sóller is nestled in the Sóller Valley. Guests at Jumeirah Port Sóller will discover understated luxury encapsulated in 121 rooms spread across a dozen or so low-rise buildings atop the cliffs, each featuring a terrace or balcony overlooking the glittering sea and pine-sprinkled headlands. The internal passageways and lush gardens of the resort, lovingly constructed in local stone and featuring native flora, reveal new modern comforts with every turn. A highlight is the award-winning Talise Spa, which has a distinctly mallorquin…2 min
Tatler UK|January 2019a real rum timeJust as it becomes time to escape the dreariness of the UK and head for the winter sun in more welcoming climes, Barbados has provided an excellent excuse to get away, courtesy of the best food and drink in the Caribbean. Some 100 restaurants are spread across the island to entice visitors, spanning delicious street food to refined, five-star affairs. Thanks to the island’s unique cultural blend of British, West African and – more recently – American and Asian influences, Bajan cooking is unlike anything else in the world. Head to Oistins Fish Fry for Bajan rhythms and local fare, or fish cutters (a type of bun) at the legendary Cuz’s Fish Shack, overlooking the pale turquoise of Carlisle Bay. Alternatively, head to the clifftops above the sea to experience…2 min
Tatler UK|January 2019the boat that rocksWhat could be better than a sprawling party villa in the Med? How about one with an anchor, a captain and a staff of 95 to grant your every wish? Welcome to SeaDream I, a slick 344ft megayacht that spends her winters in the Caribbean (who wouldn’t?) and long, languid summers in the Mediterranean. Small enough to glide into the glitzy yachting ports but large enough to hold her own alongside the megayachts, SeaDream I is an impeccable choice for a week-long voyage (with strangers) from Barcelona to Rome. But imagine when she’s your very own charter – for just you and 111 of your closest friends. The idea hit me while breezing past the Balearics, heading for St Tropez to join the superyacht set, swooping into the port on…4 min
Tatler UK|January 2019sea changeThe at-sea spa is a clever concept. Not only does cruising bring a captive audience (quite literally) but what could be more meditative than a watery vista, a whispering breeze and the gentle lull of the waves? Leading the fleet is newly unveiled Celebrity Edge. Its spa – 22,000 square feet and designed by Kelly Hoppen – is a show-stealer, with acres of white marble and a lighting centrepiece of cascading porcelain shells. Massage tables are topped with water-filled cushions for greater manipulation of joints; treatment beds are filled with warm quartz crystals to ease muscular tension. Celebrity Edge is also home to Ideal Image Ocean, the first atsea outpost of the US medispa, which offers a dizzying array of doctor-led treatments, from antiwrinkle injections and dermal fillers to Cool…2 min
