Stress-Free Luxury Travel with Kids is Possible

I am pretty easy going when it comes to where, how and who we travel with whether it be inter-railing across Europe, enjoying a chic city break or getting muddy in the countryside, from family friendly glamping to high end hotels as long as you do your research nothing should have to be off limits. John however prefers the comforts of a good hotel with excellent amenities and I really like being able to cook my own meals which is why I often lean towards self catering so we tend do a mixture of both. If you are one who likes the finer things in life you really don't have to worry or feel that because you have children your travel preferences have to change, of course, you may now be more open-minded in your approach but a luxury holiday shouldn't be off the cards especially as travel is such a great opportunity for kids to learn about different countries and cultures. There are also plenty of luxury glamping options such as a private luxury lodge that   give the feeling......

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A family guide to the South of France

Enjoying ice-cream in Antibes  The French Riviera is one of those places that is just perfect for those looking to get away to warmer climates, take in the stylish and laid back Riveria culture, French food and of course stunning beaches. There is also a wonderful combination of countryside and city adventures from small hilltop villages to explore to the designer shops in Cannes, it has it all. It's also a place that makes for a fantastic family break and it's somewhere I keep going back too. I was lucky enough to live and work in Nice for a few months before having children and on my days off I often headed further afield to Antibes, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, St Paul De Vence and Eze Village so it made sense look at a holiday in France with the kids and share this breath-taking coastline with them. For my 30th birthday two years ago I decided that I wanted to spend this milestone birthday on the Riviera and we opted for a stay in a James  Villa in Valbonn......

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Milestone Birthday ideas - How to throw a Bond themed party

I had a really nice, intimate 21st birthday with my closest friends in Cape Town where I hired a small Italian restaurant bar for some good food, cocktails and fairly civil socialising. For my 30th two years ago I decided to head down to the South of France and celebrate with family in the sunshine. With John's 40th looming closer, okay so it's still more than 2yrs away but these things sneak up on you quickly, I have started to think of a few fun ideas of how to celebrate that milestone. The thing I have never really thrown a proper themed party before although I have attended a few and they have always been a lot and what could be better than the glamour and intrigue of a James Bond themed party or ball? Check out our top tips on a Bond-themed bash that will go with a real bang! Dress code The glamour of Bond is a fun dress code to adhere to - and it’s not too tricky to adhere to. Sharp suits for the gentlemen and eveningwear or tailored suits for the ladies i......

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Discovering the new me at 30

Enjoying my 30th with the family in Nice, France  Turning 30 and celebrating my birthday in Paris and the South of France made me feel nowhere near 30, come on ladies, don’t frown after all age is just a number! Well at least John says I haven’t aged at all, although he would say that. My son seems to believe I just look the same as ever but than again he is only four, even though settling down and having a child has definitely made me mature both physically and mentally, I know I look more tired, my face slightly more worn but that is life and I am so grateful for the one I have. Life is short and we have to enjoy it in every bit, as the French popularly says C’est La Vie.  At my 30th birthday lunch at Ralphs in Paris We were once walking down by a Village called Charonne, it is the most authentic village present in Paris. The cobbled roads, church in the plateau, it’s quite breath-taking and it reminded me of some of the old and quaint British vill......

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Swimming in the sea and eating street food in Antibes

So if you read the blog you will know we had a fantastic trip last month to Paris and the South of France, staying in a stunning James Villa near Cannes which was a perfect base for explore the French Riviera. There is so much to see and do along the coast line and we had heard of a wonderful public beach right next to the old town in Antibes and though it would be the perfect place to go swimming in the sea, as well as trying out some yummy street food. The first stop we made before heading to the beach was at the popular Gelateria Del Ponto where they had a huge array of ice-cream flavours and choices and shaped the ice-cream into flowers, Mr A loved it and it seemed only appropriate with spending the day by the seaside. After that we headed to the beach, which lies just behind the old city walls for a few hours, enjoying the warmth and the sunshine. Now we had a beautiful pool at the Villa but I have to admit I love swimming in the sea, it's one of m......

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Our holiday on the French Riviera with James Villas

Before I had Mr A I spent a season working in Nice in the South of France and ever since then I have always wanted to return with the family in tow and show them what a beautiful part of the world it is, as well as explore more of the wonderful French Riviera, so what a better time than over my 30th birthday. We have all been feeling somewhat sun-starved of late and this week-long break in September to a warmer climate was just what we all needed, in fact I think it's been the longest Mr A has had spent in shorts and a t-shirt, which was really lovely to see. Since having Mr A our preferences when it comes to travelling have obviously changed and we much prefer to stay in self-catering accommodation these days as it's so much more accommodating when it comes to families so we were over the moon to be able to stay in such a beautiful Villa from James Villas  and with the easy driving distance to both Cannes and Nice as well as literally minutes away from the beautiful vill......

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30th Birthday lunch at Ralph's in Paris

So before heading down to the South of France to celebrate my 30th we spent two days in Paris and I knew John had something up his sleeve and even though it was 2 days before my 30th John wanted to take me out somewhere special for lunch, so off we headed to the Left Bank and to the wonderfully stylish Ralph's in St Germaine. As some of you may already know John go to label is Ralph Lauren as their tailored shirts and chinos have never let him down and their home wear is simply stunning. It felt almost surreal sitting outside this beautiful building in the garden terrace with the sun shinning down, surrounded by many a fashionable Parisian (the place was fully booked) in the heart of Paris, it couldn't of been more perfect, except for the fact that if I had know I probably would of worn something else but it was a lovely surprise. Luckily John had made a reservation otherwise there would be no way you would be able to get a seat. Ralph's is all about "An Am......

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