Burlingtons - Spring 2024

Celebrating new growth in 2024 Spring into

action

Blooming brilliance

Young British garden designers

Monitoring the markets

Take a closer look at the Forex market

Making waves

Luxury and heritage at Princess Yachts

Perfecting the art of shooting since 1835.

Searching for the best options in prime developments across London’s most coveted postcodes, look no further. We are an agency team that specialise in the sale of prime developments across London offering personalised service with experience and a deep knowledge of this rarefied market. The team will ensure a seamless journey to find your perfect property from the first point of contact. We have an unrivalled portfolio of projects and the team will manage a search with discretion, professionalism, and a personal touch that defines us as market leaders, the Knight Frank Prime Central London Development team.

Trust. Reliability. Performance.

Providing a co-ordinated and centralised suite of regulated professional services to our discerning clients across the globe.

Drawn from lawyers, accountants, wealth managers, tax and fiduciary advisors and other experts across the globe, we come together to provide a seamless service for all our clients’ business and personal needs. With a history dating back to the 1770s, and Headquartered in the heart of London’s West End, we also have representative offices in Almaty, Geneva, Gibraltar and Malta and a wider international reach through our trusted professional partners.

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T: +44 (0) 20 7529 5420 • E: info@burlingtons.group

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FROM THE CEO

Deborah Mills

CEO Burlingtons Group (deborah.mills@burlingtons.group)

Spring is the season of new growth, but here at Burlingtons we are always looking to the future as we continually develop the services we offer to our esteemed clients.

In our Winter issue, I announced the launch of Burlington’s Asia Desk. Since then, Joyce Cheung has been hard at work on its development in Hong Kong and on mainland China – turn to pages 40-43 to learn more.

Closer to home, the Burlingtons real estate team held a well-attended and informative webinar in February. If you missed out, go to pages 36-39 to read the highlights.

Our next webinar is titled ‘Elevate your strategy: Exploring innovative solutions for wealth and fund management’, and will be hosted by Alistair Muscat, from Integra Private Wealth, and Andrew Scott Pace, from iFund Solutions. This webinar is at 2pm BST on 2 May 2024 – make sure to put the date in your diary.

Following our theme of new growth, we take a closer look at that most British of events, the Chelsea Flower Show on pages 26-29, while on pages 30-35, we meet some of the young British garden designers who are making their mark. I also explore some pagan traditions that are still part of the arrival of spring each year (pages 22-25).

As we all look to the future, the Burlingtons team is always on hand to assist you with your plans. We look forward to hearing from you.

Deborah Mills Chief executive officer Burlingtons Group Limited

BURLINGTONS GROUP

Deborah Mills CEO Burlingtons Group (deborah.mills@burlingtons.group)

Katie Archer Office Manager (katie.archer@burlingtons.legal)

Rob Prince Managing Director of Real Estate (rob.prince@burlingtons.realestate)

Alistair Muscat Head of Wealth Management (am@integra-pw.com)

To see how we can help with our wide range of professional services, please go to our website, available on your computer, tablet or smartphone, at www.burlingtons.group

THE ULTIMATE

The experiences and purchases that are the pick of the season

Words: Andy Morris

Price on application, richardmille.com 1

A RACING MACHINE ON THE WRIST: THE ATZ, NOW IN WHITE CERAMIC

Richard Mille showed you didn’t need to have centuries of watchmaking experience to prove your credentials: in 25 years, the French label has redefined luxury and technical expertise. It still only produces fewer than 6,000 watches a year, making each one a coveted object in its own right and the equivalent of investing in a classic car. This year’s RM 30-01 ATZ is another engineering masterpiece – elegant, refined, effortlessly powerful, and equipped with a patented declutchable rotor for perfect winding control. Created from alumina toughened zirconia (hence ‘ATZ’), the watch has exceptional scratch resistance, a superb torque-to-power ratio, and a price tag that will take your breath away.

2

QUALITY SWIMWEAR INSPIRED BY THE MEDITERRANEAN SUN: ERES PROMISES BRIGHTER TIMES AHEAD

For truly sublime swimwear, consider investing in a piece from Parisian lingerie label Eres. The summer collection, made in the house’s signature ‘Peau Douce’ fabric, includes a raspberry-pink bikini and a black one-piece so flattering that it is the underwater equivalent of the LBD. According to creative director Marie-Paule Minchelli, this range ‘evokes a message of happiness and joie de vivre’. If one was looking for a suitably Parisian location to show the swimwear off, we feel any item here would look particularly at home in the historic pool at the Molitor Hotel and Spa, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris.

From £270, eresparis.com

BRITISH DINING AND DERRING-DO REACH NEW HEIGHTS ON THE ROOFTOP OF THE PENINSULA HOTEL

For a French chef, Claude Bosi has done more than most to elevate the delicate art of British produce. Brooklands at The Peninsula in Belgravia is the pinnacle of this: a two-Michelin-star extravaganza of Concorde cosplay, with extraordinary levels of finesse and a palpable sense of fun. If you have time, the sevencourse tasting menu is the way to go – clear your schedule for roasted Racan guinea fowl, celeriac-renderedlike-risotto, Dorset snails in ‘devil-style’ sauce, sublime thinly-sliced Cornish squid and Exmoor Caviar with duck jelly and tigella. If the inconvenient business of ‘work’ gets in the way, however, try the ‘supersonic’ speed set lunch – three courses for £58, served within an hour.

Tasting menu from £145 per head, without wine, brooklandslondon.com

HUSBAND-AND-WIFE DUO GIULIVA HERITAGE

COMBINE NEAPOLITAN CRAFTSMANSHIP

WITH INTERNATIONAL FLAIR

Margherita Cardelli and Gerardo Cavaliere are what the internet might describe as ‘couple goals’ – two effortless Roman individuals who share a chic aesthetic and a sustainable mindset. What their label specialises in is an antidote to fast fashion – fewer, better items. Responsibly crafted by artisans in Italy (often by hand), and chosen to last for years to come, the brand’s ‘lifetime promise’ means it will repair and restore items in the future. Its menswear has already found favour with everyone from Seth Rogen to Jonathan Bailey, but this summer, its Sapore di Mare womenswear (as modelled by Ginevra Rossini) is sensational.

From £347, giulivaheritage.com

IN UNGENTRIFIED SOHO LIES THE BEST PRE-THEATRE DINNER IN TOWN: CAFE KITTY

Sometimes in life, all you need is a sign – in this case, a bright orange one that advertises Viagra, Kamagra, jellies and Cialis. In one of the last bits of Soho that feels truly illicit sits Cafe Kitty, from the team behind Kitty Fisher’s in Mayfair and Cora Pearl in Covent Garden. What’s so impressive is how it feels buzzy, friendly and surprisingly luxurious, cocooned away from Soho in all its neon glory. Standout dishes include an extra-fiery Welsh rarebit, the tartare piled high with pecorino, and crab cakes with kohlrabi sauce. But all these pale into insignificance compared with the crispy potatoes – the sliced, fried and confited concoctions that should be available on prescription for anyone suffering from low mood.

cafekitty.co.uk

7

PHARRELL WILLIAMS HAS MASTERED COLLABORATIONS FOR MORE THAN TWO DECADES. HIS LATEST MOVE, FOR LOUIS VUITTON, MIGHT BE HIS SMARTEST YET.

Pharrell, the man who redefined the sound of hip-hop as one half of the Neptunes and one third of N*E*R*D, has always played well with others. After the success of his first two collections for French luxury titan Louis Vuitton, he’s established himself as a worthy successor to Virgil Abloh and is now permitting himself to have a little fun. He has enlisted the help of Tyler, the Creator, a fellow polymath. The results are playful, in colours of vanilla, chocolate and pastel, with drawings of Airedale terriers. The prices range from £213 socks up to the Courrier Lozine 110 trunk that goes for more than £59,000.

louisvuitton.com

ESTELLE MANOR WAS ALREADY THE MOST TALKED ABOUT COUNTRY HOUSE IN ENGLAND – NOW IT HAS A 3,000 m 2 SPA

Built around the charms of the Grade-II listed Eynsham Hall, the stunning Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire has become a firm favourite with the style set since opening one year ago. Guests have already fallen for the opulent interiors, mini Land Rovers for kids, and bluebell-filled woodlands, as well as the state-ofthe-art gym, padel court and studio offering 37 classes a week. Now the recently opened Eynsham Baths is set to stun, offering a serene space surrounded by classical architecture and carved marble. Five pools and ten treatment areas are on offer, with ancient healing rituals from around the world and access to Wim Hof instructor Emma Estrela. This is the standard by which all country house spas will be judged.

Spa access £95 per person for guests (complimentary for Estelle Members). From £550 per night, estellemanor.com

8

THE GREEN PARK PENTHOUSE IS BIGGER THAN A FOOTBALL FIELD – AND ARGUABLY LONDON’S FINEST SUITE

Not all suites are created equal: on the seventh floor of the stunning 1 Hotel Mayfair, just across the road from The Ritz and The Wolseley, is the largest single-bedroom suite in W1. It spans more than 274m2 and is blessed with floor-to-ceiling windows, a wraparound terrace, and a double-height ceiling. The views over London’s Green Park are matched by carefully chosen natural elements, such as a two-sided fireplace, a bar repurposed from a fallen oak tree, timber dining table, and a tiger stone bathtub. The hand-blown glass installation in the main room is a dazzling display of light and craftsmanship. One final touch: you can order Dovetale restaurant’s retro knickerbocker glory on room service.

From £15,000 per night, 1hotels.com

9

MANY RINGS TO RULE THEM ALL: EXPRESS

YOURSELF WITH ‘SOULS’ RINGS FROM FOPE

Love comes in many forms: so too does refined jewellery thanks to Vicenza-based specialists FOPE. ‘Souls’ is a rainbow collection of Flex’it rings, available in white, yellow or rose gold, all with an 18-carat mesh chain. Each is set with a single precious stone (blue or pink sapphire, ruby, emerald or diamond) and the rings can be stacked together and worn on any finger. What is so impressive is the rings’ versatility, allowing the wearer to mark connections, anniversaries or special occasions in whichever way they see fit.

From £990, Fope.com

EMBODY THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY WITH ENGLISH TAILORING FAVOURITE OLIVER BROWN

The reputation of the ‘British gentleman abroad’ has taken a bit of a battering in recent years, but help is under way. Oliver Brown, the gentlemen’s outfitters best known for its exquisite morning wear and top hats, has jetted off to southern Italy – specifically, the shores of Brindisi. Choose an outfit that will take you from your morning stroll right through to la passeggiata, with unconstructed jackets, lightweight tailoring, and Irish linen in sage green and seersucker.

From £495, oliverbrown.org.uk

THE SEASON

Essential dates for the diary

APR

■ 23 APRIL – ST GEORGE’S DAY

The English might not celebrate their patron saint with quite the same fervour as some other nations, but don’t let that put you off. What better way to commemorate the famed slaughterer of dragons than with traditional roast beef? Book a table at CUT at 45 Park Lane, part of the Dorchester Collection, and indulge in some of the best cuts of beef from Britain or (whisper it) around the world.

■ 25 APRIL-20 OCTOBER –EXPRESSIONISTS, TATE MODERN, LONDON

Tate Modern, in collaboration with Lenbachhaus, Munich, hosts the work of the group of close friends and collaborators known as Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider). With more than 130 works, the collection includes sculpture, photography and paintings, and celebrates the friendships and talent of some

■ 21 APRIL – CHINESE GRAND PRIX

Buckle up for the excitement of the Chinese Grand Prix, with 56 adrenaline-fuelled laps. Get even closer to the action in Shanghai by booking the Legend 3-Days package – indulge in world-class hospitality, enjoy pit lane walks, hear from some of the biggest names in Formula 1 and, after the chequered flag is waved, stand with the winning team in the spray of confetti and champagne.

MAY

■ 11 MAY-3 AUGUST –ROMEO & JULIET , DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE, LONDON

London’s Duke of York’s Theatre houses this new production of Romeo & Juliet, with acclaimed actor Tom Holland taking the stage as one half of Shakespeare’s starcross’d lovers. Why not start your evening with a sumptuous dinner at the Savoy Grill, before strolling to the theatre?

■

14 MAY – MAGNIFICENT JEWELS SALE, SOTHEBY’S GENEVA

■

8-12 MAY –BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS

Watch some of the best horses and riders from around the globe compete in the 75th Badminton Horse Trials, one of the world’s premier three-day events. Take in every stride of the dressage, showjumping and cross-country, before retiring to a luxurious Grand Master Suite at the nearby Lucknam Park Hotel to recharge yourself for the next day of action.

Don’t miss your chance to secure the ultimate showstopper, with one-of-akind jewels set to be offered by Sotheby’s in Geneva. The showpiece of the auction will be an historic piece. Also on offer is an extensive private collection of gems from throughout the 20th century, with 46 pieces set to be auctioned. These are complemented by an outstanding group of Cartier animal jewels, again from private collections.

■

16 MAY-25 AUGUST –GLYNDEBOURNE

Pack up a sumptuous picnic and dust off your black tie, ready for an opera experience like no other. The Glyndebourne Festival showcases world-famous performers in the sublime surroundings of East Sussex – just an hour away from London by rail. Book your ticket for a new production of Carmen, a lavish staging of The Merry Widow and an original retelling of the love affair of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar in Giulio Cesare

JUN

■ 16 JUNE – CARTIER

QUEEN’S CUP, GUARDS POLO CLUB, WINDSOR

Played in the stunning surroundings of the Guards Polo Club in Windsor, the final of the Queen’s Cup will see the world’s top players clash in this thrilling high-octane sport. Enjoy a champagne reception and indulge in a three-course lunch, then afternoon tea, as you follow every stride of the action.

■ 15 JUNE – ROUND THE ISLAND RACE, ISLE OF WIGHT

First held in 1931, the Round the Island Race is now one of the largest yacht races in the world, with more than 1,200 boats and around 10,000 sailors battling to take the fastest route of 50 nautical miles around the Isle of Wight. The event is a dazzling spectacle, so make sure to secure the best vantage point, before retiring to the award-winning The Hambrough to enjoy fine dining and impressive coastal views.

■ 18-22 JUNE – ROYAL ASCOT

The ultimate summer venue at which to see and be seen this Season, where world-class horseracing takes second place to high fashion. Make sure to watch the Royal Procession and don’t miss the traditional singalong around the bandstand at the end of racing. Book a private box in the Royal Enclosure and enjoy every moment of the colour, glamour and excitement of a truly unique sporting occasion.

■ 17-23 JUNE – QUEEN’S CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

One of the longest-running competitions on the ATP Tour, this event draws the world’s best singles and doubles players in the men’s game. Last year saw Carlos Alcaraz scoop the trophy, on his way to his first Wimbledon title. Book a President’s Room hospitality package to enjoy Royal Box balcony seating, a champagne reception and a delicious lunch and afternoon tea.

SPRING INTO ACTION

With celebrations dating back to pagan times, the arrival of spring signifies a time of new growth and expansion.

Words: Deborah Mills

It’s springtime, winter is well and truly behind us, new life is springing up everywhere – it’s a time to celebrate.

Throughout Europe, May Day (in the UK the nearest Monday to May 1) is a public holiday – one of the few not associated with any of the major religions, its roots dating back to pagan times.

The earliest recorded May Day celebrations have been traced back to the Roman empire’s Festival of Floralia, which honoured Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers.

Despite the fall of the Roman empire, Floralia continued into the Middle Ages, with people in rural England marking the start of May and the return of the sun by collecting flowers to honour Flora.

These celebrations became ever more intertwined with the agricultural year. New crops had been planted and farm labourers were given a well-earned day of rest. Villages and town communities would gather around a maypole and celebrate the day with dancing, culminating in the crowning of a May King or May Queen.

May Day is not marked in the USA however, because of the ‘Haymarket Affair’ in which workers in Chicago began a strike on 1 May 1886 in support of an eighthour working day. Two days later, after a bomb was thrown at them, police shot into the protesting crowd, killing six civilians.

Scotland and Ireland continue to mark May Day with the traditional Celtic festival of Beltane.

Down the ages, it has remained the most important day of the folklore year, marking as it does the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice.

It is a time of fertility, fire and abundance, celebrating the Earth’s fruitfulness and the start of the summer season. Like Floralia, the festival is deeply rooted in the agrarian cycle, symbolising the awakening of the lifeforce in nature and the renewal of the cycle of life.

A Beltane blessing often involves invoking the protective and nurturing powers of the elements and the deities associated with fertility, growth and prosperity. It’s a time for blessing the land, the community, and oneself with fertility, health, and happiness.

The blessing might call upon the energies of the Earth to bring forth abundance and success in personal and communal endeavours.

Beltane is also known as the fire festival, with bonfires being a central element. Fire is seen as purifying and protective, and symbolises the warmth and light of the returning sun. Indeed, a Beltane blessing might involve

jumping over a fire or passing between two bonfires as a purification ritual.

Blessings can also involve symbolic acts, such as planting seeds or weaving flowers into the hair, or dancing around the maypole – as I did as a child – dressed in white, with the maypole’s bright ribbons forming a colourful plait.

One Beltane blessing, which dates back many centuries, says:

May the fires of Beltane burn bright and pure, Cleansing our hearts, our souls to assure. Fertility and growth in land and in life, Protection from harm, from strife and from strife.

Blessings of abundance, of joy and of love, Descend upon us from the realms above. As the wheel turns and the seasons flow, May the light of prosperity in us grow.

Together we stand, in the warmth of the sun, Celebrating the union, the Many and One. With the blessings of Beltane, we walk hand in hand, In harmony and peace, across the land.

Pagan traditions are not just familiar to the British Isles. Indeed, the Sistine Chapel, one of the masterpieces of the Renaissance, was apparently built on the location of a pagan sanctuary erected by Emperor Augustus for local sibyls to prophesy.

Pagan artistic reflections are significant in the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo and the Renaissance intellectuals that helped stage the chapel wanted to explore  and reflect all cross-cultural origins. You can see strange figures painted throughout the chapel, representing all of humanity, prophets, seers and other teachers through the ages.

Michelangelo included pagan sibyls, in particular, female representatives of spirituality from outside the Judeo-Christian faith, regarding these ancestors as kindred spirits drawn down from Italian and other folklore. The artist’s reflection of pagan wisdom in the Sistine Chapel is therefore deeply reverent, reflecting an eternal kingdom of God with no end.

As we celebrate the arrival of spring for life, growth and the vibrant energy that the coming of summer brings to the Earth and its inhabitants, we equally look forward to taking Burlingtons through a tremendous year, encapsulating all these aspects.

“THE EARLIEST RECORDED MAY DAY CELEBRATIONS HAVE BEEN TRACED BACK TO THE ROMAN EMPIRE’S FESTIVAL OF FLORALIA”

PUTTING ON A SHOW

Lavish blooms, exotic plants and innovative design are the hallmark of that very British event, the Chelsea Flower Show

Words: Amy Bennett

Featuring a riot of colour and the very best in garden design, the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS’s)

Chelsea Flower Show marks the start of the London social “Season”, ushering in months of warm weather and fragrant flowers.

Staged in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea since 1913, the iconic British event welcomes visitors from all around the world, who want to discover and be inspired by a huge range of blooms and innovative designs.

The five-day event, which takes place 21-25 May this year, is not just for green-fingered enthusiasts, however. More than 150,000 visitors pass through the turnstiles each year, with people from all walks of life viewing the stunning gardens, indulging in retail therapy, enjoying sumptuous food – and perhaps learning something along the way.

‘There is a lot of aspiration attached to the event; it is such a strong, iconic British occasion,’ says Gemma Lake, the RHS’s Chelsea Flower Show manager. ‘I think there is something magical about Chelsea; it has an aura to it that is hard to describe.

‘It is the first big event of “The Season”, so people like to get dressed up, have a glass of champagne and really enjoy the start of summer. For plant enthusiasts, it is where they go to see what is on trend and plan their own gardens – and visitors can see gardens and plants that they may not get to see elsewhere, and leave full of inspiration.’

SETTING THE SCENE

This year’s show will feature 34 gardens in six categories: All About Plants; Balcony; Container; Feature; Sanctuary; and Show.

‘We don’t set a theme as such, which allows people the freedom to be really creative. We do find, though, that the designers tend

to focus on what is being talked about at the time, so themes among the gardens tend to emerge organically ’ explains Lake.

‘This year, we’re seeing edibles and edimentals [blooms that not only look good, but can be eaten as well], and a focus on water and water conservation – which is, of course, influenced by all of the droughts and flooding we’re seeing. One of our Show Gardens this year is called the WaterAid Garden.

‘Another key theme this year is joyful gardens, trending back to a more fun approach. Our own RHS garden – The No Adults Allowed Garden – is designed by children for children, and takes you on a joyful journey through a fantastical landscape, while highlighting the importance of access to nature for children.

‘We even have a garden this year called The Panathlon Joy Garden, which is bursting with colour and really focuses on happiness and boosting wellbeing.’

Unsurprisingly, a key focus of this year’s Chelsea Flower Show is sustainability. ‘We’ve really been pushing sustainability in recent years and each garden must have a legacy story of what will happen to it after the show,’ Lake says.

THEN AND NOW

The RHS originally held its flower shows in Chiswick, before moving to Kensington in 1862, when the event was first badged as the Great Spring Show. It moved to Temple Gardens, near London’s Embankment, before arriving at its present site, in the grounds of the Royal Chelsea Hospital, in 1913.

The first show took place on 20 May of that year, with the three-day event including 84 exhibition tables, 17 outdoor gardens and a marquee to cover two acres. While King George V and Queen Mary did not attend, the King’s mother, Queen Alexandra, did visit.

No-one could then have predicted that, only two years later, the show would take place under the shadow of World War I. Although the 1915 event took place as normal, the show was cancelled from 1916, in no small part because conscription meant many RHS staff were called up to the war.

A major challenge of the post-war era came when the government ordered the RHS to pay an entertainment tax for the show. Fortunately for the survival of the event, the RHS was able to persuade the government that the show had an educational benefit, thereby giving birth to the showcase of scientific exhibits, which still forms part of the event.

Throughout the 1920s, the show continued to grow, expanding to include tents dedicated to roses, as well as pictures and displays of garden design. The show also received its first celebrity endorsements when local residents the Countess of Lovelace and Jacqueline Hope began to hold tea parties for celebrities and titled guests to mark the occasion.

In 1932, Chelsea’s timetable changed, with judging taking place on Tuesday, followed by a royal visit.

On Wednesday morning,

‘That could be that it will be re-built at a hospital or hospice, or it could be split into elements to be used elsewhere. We want to know how elements will be reused to make sure that we are minimising all waste.’

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

An event predicated on showcasing plants can hardly happen overnight, and each show is around a year in the planning.

‘Applications for gardens for the following year’s show go live around April, and close around the time of the show,’ Lake says. ‘Applications include the design, a full plant list, construction details, and the sponsor, so what we see at that stage is a fully realised idea that really paints the picture of what the garden will be.

‘We then have a panel of experts, including judges and specialists in their field, who will review all the applications during a process that takes around three months.

‘We take over the site at the end of April, so we only have three weeks to build the show from the ground up. The Show Gardens are given the full three weeks to set up, but smaller

entry was restricted to RHS Fellows, with the event opened to the public from noon for the following two and a half days.

Inevitably, the show was cancelled from 1939 for the duration of World War II, with the RHS focusing instead on the “Dig for Victory” campaign. The event returned with a bang in 1947 however, expanding again in 1951, when a single marquee replaced the previously used scattering of tents. The marquee spent years in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest tent, covering 1.5 hectares and with 278 tent posts to support it.

A year later, Princess Elizabeth was made a royal patron of the RHS and she made her first visit to the show as Queen in 1955.

While rock gardens were much in vogue during the early decades of the Chelsea Flower Show, the 1960s saw the rise of the orchid, with 5,000ft2 given over to the delicate blooms. Bonsai trees also made their first appearance at the show in the 1960s, as part of a display from the Japan Society of London.

During the 1970s, the RHS reported a change in trends, with people moving away from growing from seed and, instead, choosing to buy container-grown plants. In the same decade, the first “celebrity” gardener made her debut, with Beth Chatto appearing at the show in 1976, before winning the first of 10 consecutive Chelsea Gold Medals in 1977.

In the 1980s and ’90s, the event expanded exponentially, both in terms of Show Gardens and the number of visitors, and the popularity of the Chelsea Flower Show gave no sign of waning into the new millennium.

In 2000, the old marquee was removed, to be replaced with a pavilion, with its five hectares of canvas recycled into 7,000 handbags, jackets and aprons. As the show passed its 100th year, the Show Gardens have continued to be increasingly daring, with designers pushing the envelope to showcase the very best in horticulture.

gardens – such as Containers and Balconies – will only have a week. It is incredible, really, that the whole show can be built in such a narrow timeframe.’

CHELSEA LATE

An innovation in recent years has been Chelsea Late, held on the Friday evening of show week with the aim of drawing in a different crowd.

‘We are very aware of the demographic of those who attend the show, so Chelsea Late is aimed at a younger, more City audience, focusing more on the social aspect and entertainment,’ Lake says.

‘A Chelsea Late ticket gets you access to the whole show, but, from 8pm, the action moves to our woodland area where the stage is, and there are activities and artisan food stalls. This year, Jo Wiley will be DJing a set and the event goes on until 10pm so people can really make the most of the long spring evening.’

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

Entry to the Chelsea Flower Show is by ticket, with the

first two days only open to RHS members. With the show running from 8am-8pm for the first four days, and from 8.30am-5.30pm on Saturday – the final day – there should be plenty of time to see everything.

Refuelling is a necessity, so don’t forget to book breakfast or lunch at one of the restaurants on site. The Ranelagh showcases British produce for breakfast or lunch, with another option being the Champagne and Seafood restaurant. Or why not indulge in a floral-inspired afternoon tea at ‘The Promenade at RHS Chelsea’, by The Dorchester.

The key to making the most of the event is planning. ‘I absolutely recommend doing your research before you arrive,’ says Lake.

‘The RHS website is full of information, including a complete list of gardens, shopping and exhibitors, so you can plan what to see in advance.

‘We also publish a show guide, which can be bought in advance and includes a map – so, again, you can plan your visits. Also, make sure to dress for all weathers. This is Britain, so be prepared for sunshine and showers!’

Photo: Lee Armstrong

BL MING BRILLIANCE

Spring is the season of new growth, but meet the young garden designers who have already put down roots, making splashes of colour with their impressive horticultural designs

Words: Kayleigh Dray

Once upon a time, gardening was just something our grandparents did as they pottered around their well-manicured lawns and made up neat little hanging baskets of brightly coloured blooms. Now, though, our attitude towards gardening has changed – in a very big way.

That’s right: a poll of 2,000 people confirms that horticulture enjoyed a renaissance among 18 to 34-year-olds during lockdown, with a whopping eight in 10 people branding it a ‘cool’ hobby. In fact, more than half would rather go to a garden centre than a nightclub – and, hey, we’re right there with them. An abundance of mood-boosting greenery is far better than overpriced drinks, pumping music and sticky floors, in our opinion.

‘Since lockdown, we have seen a big rise in people’s appreciation for gardening,’ says RHS Chelsea Flower Show manager Gemma Lake. ‘People have realised the value of open space outside of the home and the strong connection between plants, gardening and wellbeing.’

When you consider that gardening has a young and dynamic new fanbase, it makes sense that what we want from our outdoor spaces has changed, too. Gone are the formal planting schemes and carefully tended lawns of old; instead, people are favouring a more naturalistic approach.

‘We have seen emerging trends within design that reflect people’s need for nature with gardens, supporting wildlife and providing quiet retreat,’ says Lake. ‘We have also seen more and more gardens highlighting home entertaining and homegrown edimentals [plants that are both edible and ornamental], speaking to people’s desire to become more self-sufficient, and finding joy in spending time with family and friends within a garden setting.’

Surrey-based gardeners Andrew and Christopher O’Donoghue, directors of Gardens Revived, agree wholeheartedly with this. ‘More and more clients are asking us to stop fighting against what nature wants to do and, instead, work with it to create something more harmonious,’ they explain.

With that in mind, who best to charge with transforming our outdoor gardens into a place of serenity? Well, thankfully, there’s a bevy of bright young garden designers to choose from, all of whom can take the desires of their clients and ‘streamline them into a succinct, unique design without cramming in every idea’, promises Lake.

‘With clever use of mass and void, colour and texture, a good designer is able to use plants and materials to paint a beautiful story.’

Say hello, then, to the amazing young garden designers you need to get working on your own personal oasis…

QUEENIE CHAN

She may be an RHS award winner, but Queenie Chan originally made a name for herself in the fast-paced world of women’s fashion – until the pandemic inspired her to embrace her love of horticulture and retrain as a garden designer.

It’s lucky for us that she did, because – as her atmospheric Lunar Garden at last year’s RHS Hampton Court Flower Show has well and truly proven – Queenie has an eye for creating visually stunning gardens that are still tailored to our everchanging climate.

‘Sustainability, naturalistic and therapeutic elements, and connecting with the natural world, are the future of gardening,’ she says.

queeniechan.co.uk/garden-selected-work

WILL DUTCH AND TIN-TIN AZURE-MARXEN

Will Dutch and Tin-Tin Azure-Marxen (aka the team behind Dutch Landscape Architects) are names worth dropping this year, if only because there’s so much buzz around their upcoming appearance at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The creative forces behind the Pulp Friction Garden, their intriguing design has been ‘formed around centrifugal forces, with colours and textures of edible planting spread throughout the garden – spun from the centre’.

It’s impressively technical, sure, but it’s what we have come to expect from the duo, whose philosophy has always been ‘to create unique and sustainable designs that connect people, places and nature’.

dutch-la.com

HARRY HOLDING

A multi-award-winning designer, the eponymous force behind Harry Holding Studio is passionate about sustainability and resilience – which means, yes, you can expect everything from locally sourced materials to resilient planting in his work.

Naturally, this has resulted in Harry being earmarked as ‘one to watch’ by many keen horticulturalists.

As well as the aforementioned awards, he’s been named Garden Designer of the Year by House & Garden magazine and seen his work featured on Channel 4 television’s Grand Designs programme.

All eyes, then, are on Harry’s upcoming No Adults Allowed Garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This will be a truly imaginative design that incorporates woodland, meadows and wetland to create a fantastical and wonderfully sensory experience for the young and young at heart.

harryholding.co.uk

ZOE CLAYMORE

Zoe Claymore’s name was catapulted to stardom when she won the coveted People’s Choice Award at the 2023 RHS Hampton Court Show, with The Wildlife Trusts’ Renters’ Retreat.

The RHS praised the design for ‘encapsulating the future of garden design [and] offering practical solutions to creating sustainable, wildlife-friendly urban spaces’.

Now, Zoe has taken a step back from shows to focus on

building her portfolio of private work and creating ‘living legacies’ for her clients – not to mention serving as an ambassador for the National Allotment Society, too.

‘For me, garden design is one of the most moving forms of art,’ she says. ‘It is a multisensory and ever-moving experience that, done right, only gets more special over time.’

zoeclaymore.com

CHRIS HULL

With more than 16 years’ experience of working in horticulture and garden design, not to mention a gig as a regular presenter on the hit BBC show Garden Rescue, Chris Hull is set to make his RHS Chelsea debut this year, with the Bowel Research UK Microbiome Garden – an edible wildflower meadow. His aim? To champion a new and exciting aspect to the Grow Your Own movement – probiotics and gut health. Considering the founder of Greenbook Landscape Design previously won the Pro

Landscaper’s 30 Under 30 Award, we have no doubt whatsoever that he’ll dazzle show judges with his work.

‘My gardens are well grounded, using strong shapes as the basis of the design, which are then all connected with heaps of planting,’ Chris says, noting that he always aims to ‘include bespoke elements and interesting construction methods, and source my materials sustainably’.

greenbooklandscapedesign.co.uk

Photography: Annabelle May Photography

THOMAS CLARKE

Set to make some serious waves in 2024, Thomas Clarke – who formed the garden design and landscaping company Fred Studio after completing his training at The Inchbald School of Design – is an awardwinning garden designer on a mission: to showcase the therapeutic power of gardening.

That’s right: working alongside Children With Cancer UK, Thomas is set to unveil the Raines Repurposed Garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show – a gorgeous and almost entirely evergreen space that’s been designed as a space for rest and relaxation.

fredstudio.co.uk

ULA MARIA

Previously named RHS Young Designer of The Year, Ula Maria, who earned her BA (Hons) and MA degrees in landscape architecture at Birmingham City University, already has a bevy of awards under her belt.

As a trained artist, she works hard to ensure her designs ‘have the power to evoke an emotional response’ in all who encounter them.

It’s little wonder, then, that Ula has always striven to ‘include at least one plant that holds sentimental value to me in every garden that I design’.

That can be found in the wild strawberries dotted throughout her Muscular Dystrophy UK Forest Bathing Garden, which is due to make its debut at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

ulamaria.com

REAL ESTATE

INSIGHTS OFFERING

In late February, the Burlingtons Real Estate team held a well-attended webinar to discuss current trends and solutions

The Burlingtons Real Estate (BRE) webinar took place on 22 February, attracting the company’s largest attendance to date.

The event focused on real estate investment solutions, aiming to provide global professional solutions for complex business and personal issues.

Deborah Mills, Group CEO, outlined the commitment to long-term working relationships, offering commercially astute advice on every aspect of real estate acquisition and sales. The event served to highlight once again that BRE operates its partner-led service at the highest level.

CHALLENGES

The webinar covered a full spectrum of real estate challenges. History has always shown that location and timing are the two biggest factors when investing in this area. Keenly priced development will always attract a certain sector, which includes opportunist investors representing private equity or private real estate funds, who can take advantage of the economic challenges facing listed real estate companies. Such entities have the capital available, so can exchange and complete quickly.

Rob Prince, managing director of BRE, said: ‘As we entered 2024, the UK real estate market witnessed a balanced investor flow (equity and debt) into the listed sector, with conditions in London and the wider UK remaining cautious. Activity – and, more importantly, “ability to purchase” – has now returned, in part because of interest rate confidence, if the real estate concerned is realistically priced for the current climate.’

Mills echoed the return-to-growth sentiment when announcing exciting plans and developments for 2024. The Burlingtons Group will be extending its global reach, with further offices planned in Hong Kong and Spain, together with a joint venture with Practus, a law firm based in the US.

Closer to home, the Burlingtons Group’s London office grew significantly over the past 12 months, with organic expansion across all professional services, including the Real Estate division.

COMMITMENT

The central thread running through the webinar was Burlingtons’ commitment to its clients’ needs.

Henry Mills, senior associate at BRE, commented: ‘We source and see numerous investment opportunities of more than £3bn annually. We consistently uncover on- and off-

market transactions, creating a robust pipeline that helps us deliver performance. Our experienced team, whose interests are aligned with both investors and occupiers, employ a consistent and rigorous insights-based investment and risk mitigation process for our private clients.’

Following on from last year’s successful Burlingtons roadshow in Malta, Prince returned for further investor meetings during January. He announced during the webinar that BRE would launch a Real Estate Investment Fund for prime residential real estate and emerging land development opportunities. The fund will be Maltese-based, backed – but not limited to – Turkish investment.

‘We have great opportunities to buy interesting assets that offer either a market-leading yield or development options. We can now capitalise on these and deliver returns for our private investors,’ said Prince.

Deborah Mills explained what really sets BRE apart from conventional real estate agents: ‘We provide a uniquely tailored service to our clients, offering more than 25 years’ experience in residential, office and hospitality acquisitions via a full-service package. From financial modelling and forecasting to negotiating and completion, we assist clients throughout the process. BRE has achieved huge savings for previous clients through early heads of terms discussions, by identifying risks at the outset and incorporating financial protection for our clients.’

The team are excited about the future outlook, with Henry Mills commenting: ‘2024 is the year of more than 70 major elections around the world – including the United States and, almost certainly, the UK – encompassing more than half of the global population. Elections can generally create market uncertainty as speculation mounts, though both UK main parties are championing a focus on real estate incentives and investment as key strategies in their campaigns.’

The webinar offered an oversight of current trends, with mortgage availability and interest rates already improving, with emerging rates below four per cent and attractive fixed two- and five-year deals returning to the market. BRE is already in the process of an application to the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a mortgage intermediary/broker to further its complete service to clients.

CASE STUDIES

BRE presented three useful case studies, giving attendees an insightful overview of a hospitality acquisition, rolling out a prominent brand’s first venture into the UK. The first brief was

‘I FOUND THIS REAL ESTATE WEBINAR VERY INFORMATIVE – ONE OF THE MOST ENJOYABLE AND CAPTIVATING EVENTS I HAVE ATTENDED. THANK YOU FOR ORGANISING AND THANKS TO THE GREAT SPEAKERS!’

to identify a building in London’s West End to develop into a restaurant for a bespoke Asian-fusion menu, as part of the client’s strategy to roll out its brand into high-end leisure and become a recognised global name.

Two further studies covered a real estate development opportunity, from acquisition to planning, together with a detailed overview of buying in the UK from Asia. This subject raised a lot of interest, particularly around the establishment of locally based special purpose vehicles to support the purchase in a tax-efficient manner.

All three studies prompted further discussion during the open panel dialogue, when attendees were keen to learn more, particularly around the wider capabilities for international structuring, tax and investment advice, and foreign exchange.

LOOKING AHEAD

As the webinar ended, Prince said: ‘The future is showing signs of a strong return to growth, with residential sales increasing for the fourth month in a row and by a reported 1.3 per cent in January. Rents also continue to rise, by 5.5 per cent across London, off the back of a leap of more than a third over the past two years. Lenders also anticipate the first Bank of England base-rate cut in five years in Q3 –something, no doubt, that we all hope for!

We look forward to updating you further during our next webinar “Elevate your strategy: Exploring innovative solutions for wealth and fund management”, hosted by Alistair Muscat, from Integra Private Wealth (part of the Burlingtons Group) and Andrew Scott Pace, from iFund Solutions. This webinar is at 2pm BST on 2 May 2024.

‘REALLY, REALLY HELPFUL. PRACTICAL AND USEFUL IN NAVIGATING THE UK REAL ESTATE MINEFIELD. I LOOK FORWARD TO ATTENDING YOUR NEXT EVENT.’

– SAM STEVENS, AMOUR PROPERTY

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

PLEASE CONTACT:

Deborah Mills, CEO Burlingtons Group deborah.mills@burlingtons.group

Rob Prince, managing director, BRE rob.prince@burlingtons.realestate

Henry Mills, senior associate, BRE henry.mills@burlingtons.realestate

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

In the last issue of Burlingtons, we announce the launch of our Asia Desk. Here, Burlingtons CEO Deborah Mills gives an update on this important new branch of the organisation

The eye-catching cover of our Winter issue of Burlingtons magazine celebrated the start of the Chinese Year of the Dragon and, at Burlingtons, we have hit the ground running in Hong Kong.

As outlined in that issue, Burlingtons has established an Asia Desk, with this operation headed by Joyce Cheung, a real estate partner at Burlingtons. Joyce has just returned to London from a very busy threemonth stint in Hong Kong and, after a further three months at our head office in Mayfair, she will be returning to Hong Kong in Q3.

VALUABLE NETWORKING

During her time in Hong Kong, Joyce visited mainland China, taking in the cities and commercial hubs of Shanghai and Beijing. There, she met representatives of the Berkeley Group, which specialises in building homes and neighbourhoods in Shanghai and Beijing, as well as with CBRE – global leaders in commercial property – and real estate investment specialists Celestial Globe. All of these meetings forged valuable inter-company relationships, as well as bringing Burlingtons to Chinese shores. Joyce was also kept busy in Shanghai and Beijing as a guest speaker at events held by the estate agent Champs, which maintains close contact with leading developers such as Berkeley Group, Mount Anvil, Barratt Homes, and Taylor Wimpey – to name but a few.

Moreover, Joyce worked hard during her Hong Kong trip to develop Burlingtons’ Asia Desk and gain exposure to the Asian market by meeting representatives of all the major property developers. This hard work has certainly paid off; recently, Joyce attended the official launch of a new development by St James and has since assisted in several events held by Foxtons Estate Agents, alongside various developers.

While in Hong Kong, Joyce was also able to liaise with local agents to discuss prospective opportunities for Hong Kong purchasers in the UK, in the valuable second-hand property sector. This important networking will increase the prospect for even more potential business – and, of course, this was all carried out while working hard to identify the best possible office locations for Burlingtons in the wonderful city of Hong Kong.

MOVING FURTHER AHEAD

As a result of local client requirements throughout China and other Asian jurisdictions, it was clear to us that we needed a private wealth and private client team to assist these high-net-worth individuals. A dedicated team is needed to work on estate planning and management, as well as tax and trust structuring over a range of jurisdictions, individual circumstances and asset classes.

Backed up by our well-established wealth management team in Malta, we are pleased to announce that Deena Iqbal will be joining the Burlingtons team this spring. A very experienced private client lawyer, Deena will be supported by the rest of the team at Burlingtons’ London headquarters. This will enable us to cover contentious and non-contentious probate, surrogacy, trust structuring and tax planning on a global scale.

Having worked in the private client sector at the start of my career, I fully understand the importance of the trust and confidence that is required between lawyer and client. When considering your own estate, it is vital that you have full confidence in the work of your lawyer on your behalf.

Looking back on my own experience, I recall being involved with a substantial contentious probate case, which hit the headlines at the time. The estate sale involved the disposal of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, held by the family, and one of the largest and purest diamonds, mined by the family in Australia. Sunflowers was offered at auction by Christie’s in London in March 1987 and set an auction record at the time of $39.9m.

We fully understand that family wealth is a sensitive topic, which must be discussed between adviser and client. At Burlingtons, we are proud to be both practised and proficient at this, and we look forward to working with you to support the best possible outcome.

“I understand the importance of the trust and confidence required between lawyer and client. When considering your estate, it is vital that you have full confidence in the work of your lawyer on your behalf”

Postcards from Hong Kong

Man Mo Temple Hollywood Road

The Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha)

Hong Kong is a region with a rich history, a thriving present, and a glittering future. With more than 7.4m residents in 426 sq miles, it is one of the most densely populated places in the world, and the famous skyline of Hong Kong Island is a global icon of wealth and success.

Once home to small fishing villages, Hong Kong is now the world’s fourth-ranked global financial centre and is reported to be home to the largest number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The region came under British rule in 1841 as a result of the treaties and agreements that ended the Opium Wars; it was handed back to China in 1997.

Thanks to a thriving ex-pat community, Hong Kong blends European and Chinese cultures, reflected in the bustling markets and delicious street food, as well as the many outstanding restaurants. Stunning architecture can be seen alongside Buddhist temples, while the parks and formal gardens provide colourful oases among the towering skyscrapers.

Illustration by: Peter Davies

What an amazing view!

The Peak

Nan Lian Garden

Tsz Shan Monastery

Ngong Ping 360 cable car

AFTER HOURS

Hong Kong offers a glittering array of bars and restaurants, with the truly international flavour of the city tightly interwoven with more traditional culinary delicacies, in a delectable collision of East meets West

Words: Sophia Barnett

After hours

■ AQUA

Sip one of Aqua’s signature cocktails in the roof garden and then step into the award-winning interior to enjoy an à la carte menu that fuses the best of Japanese and Italian cuisine. Or why not visit for a long, lazy weekend brunch, enjoying such delicacies as thinly sliced yellowtail with Japanese onion sauce, followed by fried lamb cutlets.

aqua.com.hk

Photography: Aqua

■ VEA

The proud holder of a Michelin star, VEA brings together the best of both the Chinese and French cuisines with carefully curated menus from chef Vicky Cheng. Small tables or a private dining room are available, but why not take one of the 25 counter seats lining the open kitchen to make the most of the experience. Settle in for a tasting menu of either six or eight courses, featuring the very best in seasonal produce from land and sea.

vea.hk

■ MOTT 32

Hong Kong-based interior designer Joyce Wang has created a stunning interpretation of Chinese New York in the 1800s, but the food is the real star of the show at Mott 32, situated in the Standard Chartered Bank Building. Among the renowned signature dishes is the 42day Applewood roasted Peking duck, served tableside and carved with a special technique that locks in all of the delicious juices. Or sample the barbecue iberico pork with yellow mountain honey, or the decadent dim sum menu that includes Chef Lee’s softboiled quail egg, offered inside an iberico pork Siu Mai with black truffle.

mott32.com/hong-kong

Photography: Maximal Concepts

After hours

■ TOSCA DI ANGELO, RITZ CARLTON HONG KONG

Home to the world’s highest rooftop bar, Ozone, the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong boasts an array of fine dining experiences, including the Michelin-starred Tosca Di Angelo. Sited on the 102nd floor, the restaurant features fountains, chandeliers hanging from high ceilings, and a stunning menu that takes the diner from the heart of Hong Kong to the Mediterranean. Sample delicacies such as langoustine with fennel puree and pastis sauce, Mediterranean Dover sole, or sirloin of wagyu beef.

toscadiangelo.com

■ T’ANG COURT, THE LANGHAM

Boasting three Michelin stars, T’ang Court at The Langham is a jewel in the crown of Hong Kong, where the lavish décor is second only to the decadent authentic Cantonese food. An extensive dim sum menu is complemented by the à la carte offerings; sample the tasting menu, featuring such delicacies as braised Yoshihama abalone with sea cucumber, wagyu beef and lobster soup with shrimp dumpling and crispy rice, and relish seafood fresh from the market.

langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/ hong-kong/dine/tang-court/

Photography: Ritz Carlton Hong Kong

MARKETS MONITORING THE

The Forex market has been on a rollercoaster ride over the past 12 months. Henry Mills , Senior Associate of Burlingtons Real Estate, takes a closer look at events – and how the markets may look during the coming year

In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of the Forex market, 2023 emerged as a year marked by volatility, significant economic shifts, and geopolitical events that left an indelible mark on global currency exchanges.

Amid the backdrop of an uncertain global economy, the Forex market stood as a barometer for the shifts in global power dynamics, economic resilience, and the strategic manoeuvring of central banks across the world. As investors and traders navigated through the tumultuous waters of international finance, a series of events unfolded during the year that tested the acumen of even the most seasoned market participants.

From unprecedented monetary policy decisions to the emergence of so-called ‘black swan events’ – unexpected occurrences with potentially severe consequences – each happening not only affected currency valuations but also offered valuable lessons on the intricacies of global finance.

Here, we seek to unravel the complexities of the Forex market in 2023, providing a comprehensive overview of the pivotal moments that shaped the trading landscape, and looking ahead to what the future might hold for currencies around the globe.

YEAR IN REVIEW

In 2023, the Forex market was marked by several unforeseen events and economic tremors that significantly impacted global currency valuations. Among these, the concept of black swan events played a central role in shaping market dynamics throughout the year.

One of the most significant of these was the unexpected shift in monetary policy by major central banks, including

the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank.

These institutions found themselves at a crossroads, grappling with the challenge of balancing inflation control against the risk of triggering a recession. The market’s anticipation of policy easing, particularly in the face of softening inflation data in countries like Germany, led to a revaluation of currency strengths and weaknesses.

The US dollar experienced notable fluctuations, driven in part by the release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report. The CPI’s unexpected decrease highlighted the pervasive impact of inflationary trends on currency strength, leading to one of the most significant dollar sell-offs since the start of the year. This event underscored the fragile balance central banks must maintain between fostering economic growth and controlling inflation.

The possibility of an economic recession loomed large over the Forex market, with analysts and investors closely monitoring indicators for signs of a downturn. The discussion around potential recessions was not limited to speculation; it was rooted in concrete economic indicators, such as declining CPI figures in Germany, signalling a softening of inflationary pressures but also hinting at broader economic sickness.

The cryptocurrency crash also emerged as a black swan event, affecting not only the digital currency market but also broader financial markets. The volatility and uncertainty introduced by significant fluctuations in cryptocurrency valuations raised questions about the stability and future of digital assets within the global financial ecosystem.

As 2023 progressed, these events collectively shaped the Forex market, presenting both challenges and opportunities for traders and investors. The interplay

between unexpected economic developments, central bank policies, and geopolitical tensions highlighted the inherent unpredictability of the Forex market. These dynamics underscored the importance of agility, foresight, and strategic planning for those engaged in currency trading, as they navigated through a year of significant volatility and change.

LOOKING AHEAD

As we turn our gaze towards the coming months, the Forex market is on the cusp of yet another year filled with anticipation and strategic possibilities. The lessons learned from the tumultuous events of 2023 have provided valuable insights, setting the stage for a year that could redefine currency trading strategies amid evolving global economic landscapes.

Central to the outlook for 2024 is the anticipated direction of monetary policies by leading central banks around the world. The European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve are particularly in focus, as their decisions on interest rates will be pivotal in shaping the Forex market dynamics.

With inflationary pressures showing signs of easing, the possibility of a policy pivot towards more accommodative stances could rejuvenate markets, influencing the euro/US dollar and other major currency pairs significantly.

Moreover, the British pound/US dollar pair will be under the spotlight as the Federal Reserve’s December meeting set a precedent for monetary policy in 2024. The outcomes of this meeting, coupled with economic data releases such as the US jobs report and CPI inflation figures, are expected to provide critical cues for the direction of the US dollar. A shift towards lower interest rates could potentially ease the dollar’s strength, offering

“THE ESSENCE OF SUCCESS IN THE FOREX MARKET IN 2024 WILL LIE IN THE ABILITY TO ANTICIPATE CHANGES”

a reprieve to emerging market currencies that have been under pressure.

Additionally, the Australian dollar/US dollar, US dollar/Canadian dollar, and US dollar/Japanese yen pairs will be ones to watch, with market participants keenly awaiting the next moves from the Reserve Bank of Australia, the Bank of Canada, and the Bank of Japan. Their policies on interest rates and economic forecasts will be crucial in navigating the Forex market through the complexities of global trade tensions, commodity price fluctuations, and geopolitical uncertainties.

As 2024 unfolds, traders and investors will also be keeping a close eye on emerging market currencies, which could present both challenges and opportunities. The resilience of these economies to external shocks, policy adjustments to encourage growth, and the global demand for commodities will all play significant roles in determining the Forex market’s direction.

STRATEGIC RECALIBRATION

In conclusion, 2024 promises to be a year of strategic recalibration for the Forex market, as participants leverage insights from the past to navigate future uncertainties.

With a keen eye on economic indicators and central bank policies, the stage is set for a year of cautious optimism, where agility and informed decision-making will be key to capitalising on the opportunities that lie ahead in the global currency markets. This anticipatory approach underscores the importance of adaptability in a landscape that remains inherently volatile, with geopolitical tensions, economic policy shifts, and market sentiment all playing crucial roles in currency valuations.

The potential for significant market movements will require traders to maintain a vigilant posture, ready to respond to global economic cues with precision and strategic foresight. The essence of success in the Forex market in 2024 will lie in the ability to anticipate changes and position oneself advantageously in a market that remains as dynamic as ever.

Against this backdrop of evolving challenges and opportunities, the Forex market continues to offer a unique arena for financial growth, innovation, and the pursuit of trading excellence. As we embrace the unfolding year, the journey promises not only the prospect of financial reward but also a continued education in the complexities of global finance.

MAKING WAVES

For 60 years, Princess Yachts, based in Plymouth, has specialised in making the very best in luxury yachts. Learn more about the company that is making seafaring dreams come true

Words: Peter Taylor-Whiffen

It is no wonder that people who want a boat come to Plymouth – they’ve been building them there for 700 years.

It is where expert craftsmen created 100-tonne cargo ships for the 100 Years War, the Golden Hind for Sir Francis Drake and countless battleships for World War I and II. Sir Walter Raleigh set sail from here on the original Ark Royal, as did the Pilgrim Fathers aboard the Mayflower and Charles Darwin on HMS Beagle. The city’s naval base, which has stood since 1690, is the largest in Europe. When it comes to sea-going craft, Plymouth knows its stuff.

And for the past 60 years, Princess Yachts has been writing the latest chapter in the city’s maritime history, providing luxury leisure vessels for customers from across the globe.

‘It is a big sales point, that our boats come from maybe the most famous and historic sailing and yachting community in the world,’ says Simon Clare, the company’s executive director, marketing and brand. ‘Our buyers come

from all over the world – the Americas, Australasia, Asia –and they like the authenticity of our heritage.’

LEADING THE FIELD

Of course, it takes more than location to earn a reputation – and Princess Yachts is one of the leading luxury yacht builders in Britain, known for creating boats of exceptional quality.

It manufactures six classes, from the 12m V class sport yacht with a top speed of 36 knots to the more sedate X Class Super Flybridge yacht that has up to 10 berths, is 29m long and is designed for those wanting to spend longer aboard and travel further afield.

And although these are state-of-the-art, modern vessels, the quality of their manufacture builds on those centuries of local artisan maritime experience.

‘That’s what makes us stand out,’ says Clare. ‘It is the craftsmanship of the design and the build – the flow of the layout, the attention to detail. The hulls, the superstructure, the carpentry, the metalwork, the fuel tanks, the water tanks,

the wiring looms, the soft furnishings – they’re all made by our expert craftsmen and women, and all those things here in Plymouth. If we don’t make it, we source it from this area, where we can. That makes us more authentic, I suppose, than other boat-builders.’

A HISTORY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

It was in 1963 that three friends – Merchant Navy engineer Cliff Viney and Royal Navy officers David King and Brian Phillips – rented a shed and fitted out a 31ft motorboat called Project 31 with a view to setting up a charter business, which they called Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd. But, having finished the refurbishment, they struggled to secure deposits and realised there was more potential income in selling it.

‘The story goes that they went to the pub and totted up their income from chartering and realised they’d spent more than that on their round of drinks!’ laughs Clare. ‘But someone offered to buy the craft from them, and they realised they could make money manufacturing boats to sell.’

The new business plan was an immediate success. Over the

next three years, they built and sold more than 150 Project 31s. In 1970, the company launched its first model bearing the name Princess and rebranded itself to the now iconic Princess Yachts.

Through the decades, it developed new models to keep up with trends. It made its first sport yacht in 1983 for the Mediterranean market; in 1990, its Princess 65 became Britain’s largest production boat and this was superseded in 2010 with the company’s longest-ever craft, the Princess 40M which, as the name suggests, was a mammoth 40m (131ft) long.

‘I would estimate we’ve built tens of thousands of craft since we started,’ says Clare. An ever-increasing order book also expanded Princess’s shipyards. Today its six sites in Plymouth cover a combined area of more than 1.1m ft2

A SEA CHANGE

The craft have evolved over the decades – as has the customer. ‘Technology – such as hull design – is always evolving,’ says Clare. ‘And we’re doing a lot of research into 〉

The Princess 40M, the largest boat yet produced by the company Project 31 undergoing refurbishment in the 1960s

Princess 32, the first to carry the Princess name

Princess Yachts co-founder Cliff Viney, aboard Project 31

Princess 37, the original Princess Flybridge model

“GREAT FRIENDSHIPS ARE MADE... YOU OFTEN SEE SOMEONE WHO’S NOT INITIALLY CONFIDENT ON THE WATER JUST POOTLING AROUND A BAY, BUT WHEN THEY’VE BEEN TO A RENDEZVOUS AND HEARD EVERYONE’S STORIES THEY BECOME MUCH MORE ADVENTUROUS – AND THEN THEY WANT A BIGGER BOAT!”

And if you are a complete novice, help is at hand –not least from a huge Princess community.

‘We can help with training, but we also hold what we call “rendezvous” events around the world, which bring together our old and new customers. We hold them in the Bahamas, Asia, and Australia, and it’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded owners. They come from all sorts of backgrounds, from all nationalities, with the common thread that they all own a Princess Yacht.

‘Great friendships are made there. And you often see someone who’s not initially confident on the water just maybe pootling around a bay, but when they’ve been to a rendezvous and heard everyone’s stories they become much more adventurous – and then they want to come back to us for a bigger boat!’

Around 20 per cent of Princess’s customers are in the UK – ‘although obviously almost none of them use them in Britain with its weather conditions,’ says Clare. ‘They’re far more likely to keep them permanently in the Mediterranean.’

sustainability – more and more aspects are powered by electricity rather than all coming off a diesel generator, although that is still necessary for many things.

‘But it’s not just about how the boat runs that has changed design. People tend to use a yacht differently now from how they used to. We build production yachts, with each model having a regular, core template but we can personalise it. More customers these days might not want that fourth cabin so ask to swap it for a gym, or a cinema, or – especially in China – a karaoke room. Others, particularly on the bigger boats, want an office with connectivity. We can do all that.’

Trends in deck design are changing too, says Clare, as buyers become younger. ‘There’s no such thing as a typical Princess owner, but the average age is coming down. The money that buys our yachts is obviously either inherited or self-made, and in the latter category, whereas 10 years ago you’d have seen more buyers with a background in finance or property, now we’re seeing lots of Gen Z and millennial high-net-worth buyers with backgrounds in tech.

‘They want to go further, so want boats with more range, but they also want to play – younger buyers want storage for diving equipment, sea bobs, water toys, making the whole of the back of the boat an entertaining space. Older buyers also might want this for their children and grandchildren; it’s definitely changing.’

So who buys Princess Yachts? ‘Most of our customers come with an existing interest in boating,’ says Clare. ‘And then most will skipper themselves, although most also tick the design box for crew cabins. We can help with the hiring of crew – people might also hire a skipper, or a cook, or a first officer, an engineer in case something goes wrong. Inexperienced boaters might hire a skipper, but so might experienced boaters if they’re on the boat for a holiday or are entertaining and want to leave the driving to someone else.’

A further 30 per cent of clients are in mainland Europe, 35 per cent in the Americas and the rest in Asia and Australasia. Most are returning customers looking to upgrade. ‘They start with a 40ft and then really get into it,’ says Clare. ‘The average ownership life-cycle is around two and a half years – some of our customers are on their fifth or sixth Princess.’

So what keeps them coming back? ‘It’s the quality, I think,’ says Clare, ‘but also the customer service. It’s an exciting business, buying a boat. You meet the designers, tell them what you want, you can come to the factory and see it being built, you take it out on a sea-trial – if you haven’t done it before we might take you up to Cornwall, have a bit of lunch, make a day of it.’

WORTH THE WAIT

It takes around three months for Princess to make its smallest 40ft yacht from start to finish, and around nine months for larger vessels – but you’ll have to wait.

Even though Princess’s 3,400 staff make it one of southwest England’s biggest employers – ‘someone did suggest we are the biggest furniture manufacturer in Britain,’ says Clare – its order book is so full that if you order a new boat today, you won’t get it until 2026. ‘But they’re always well worth the anticipation, especially when you’re finally on your yacht in St Tropez!’

Princess sells its yachts through dealers and distributors, with a lot of initial custom coming from international boat shows. A 40ft vessel will set you back up to £1m, a 95ft craft approaching £10m. But owning a Princess Yacht is not about status, says Clare – it’s about a love of being on the water.

‘We celebrate our 60th anniversary next year, but essentially we’re doing the same as we did when we started,’ he adds. ‘We sell boats to people who love boating, made by people who love boating.’

HOW TO

GET YOUR CHILD INTO PRIVATE SCHOOL

Britain has some of the oldest and best private schools in the world – and the most exclusive. So how do you go about ensuring your child is educated at the best establishment?

Words: Amy Bennett

Names such as Eton, Harrow, Rugby, Charterhouse and Wellington are synonymous with academic excellence and future brilliance.

No fewer than 20 British Prime Ministers were educated at Eton, starting with Robert Walpole and stretching through to Boris Johnson. Seven went to Harrow, while six attended Westminster School. The list of statesmen, business leaders, outstanding athletes and academics produced by the British private school system leaves no doubt about the advantages to be gained from a fee-paying education at an exclusive, storied establishment.

Ensuring entrance to the best private school possible is not simply a matter of writing a cheque and then depositing your child on the doorstep, however. Competition is naturally fierce for a place at the very best school and academic prowess alone is no guarantee of gaining admission. So, how can parents ensure they obtain a place for their child?

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT

Antonina Kudrova is education coordinator and co-founder of Juno, an organisation that works with families to secure the best school place for their children, whether at 11, 13 or 16 years old, or at university level.

‘When looking for the “right” private school for your child, one of the main things I steer parents away from is league tables,’ Kudrova says. ‘The main reason I say that is because –unlike, let’s say, universities – the league tables generally aren’t objective. They can obscure a lot of information because often they are just going off GCSE or A Level grades.

‘Especially with a boarding school, where your child is going to be surrounded by a certain type of student or teacher for weeks at a time, it is important that the environment helps your child produce the best grades. League tables tell you that a school produces X grades for a certain type of student – but what you really want to figure out is which environment your child thrives in.

‘It is really all about the child. They might thrive in a school that is very heavy on the academics, where teachers are giving a lot of homework. Or it could be an environment where the students are more self-motivated, with a focus on independent learning. Or perhaps a school with an equestrian centre, where your child is going to be happy because they are doing their favourite sport, which is the balance they need to help them achieve everything they want to achieve.

‘It is also important to treat each of your children individually; what is right for your daughter might not be right for your son. Even if you have children of the same gender, you’ll find that some will really do well in one type of environment and not so well in another.’

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

The names of many private schools in Britain are globally recognised – stand up Eton, Harrow and Rugby. But don’t let that star quality blind you to the plethora of outstanding other options.

‘Most families might be rigid when they first contact

us, because they’ve heard certain names bandied about, but when they start to visit schools, that’s when they start to really understand the difference a name versus the environment makes,’ Kudrova explains.

‘People generally find out about private schools through connections – “my friend’s son went to Eton”; “my daughter went to Wellington” – hence, these are the ones they have to aim for. But you miss out on a lot of great schools with that approach, just because you may not really be sure of what else is out there.

‘We’ve had a lot of parents come to us and say “I want Eton, I want Harrow”, even when it is not a good fit for their child. We once even had someone say “I want Eton for my daughter”, and we had to explain why that was not going to happen!

‘The families we work with want us to say to them “these are the schools that are going to suit your child”. I then find that, when families visit the schools we recommend, they come back and say “yes, you were right; I see her there – she likes it”.

Key to the decision-making process is visiting the school in question. No-one would consider buying a house without visiting it first, and nor should you register your child for a school that your family has not been to see, including meeting the staff.

TAKING THE NEXT STEP

You have made your selection, visited the school in question, and your child is excited to get started. So, what is the next

“Treat each of your children individually. Even if you have children of the same gender, you’ll find some do well in one type of environment and not so well in another”

step in the process? First comes registration. ‘Registrations come with a fee – they can be as low as £100, but they can be much higher,’ Kudrova says. ‘Eton, for example, is £400 and Harrow £350. So you don’t want to be sending off a tonne of registrations, if you are not sure about the schools.’

While it is not quite the case that a child must be registered at birth to stand a chance of getting into a school such as Eton, early registration is a fact of life for many of the top schools.

‘For Eton, registration closes surprisingly early – Year 5 (age 9/10) for entry in Year 9 (age 12/13). So if you know you want your child to go to a “brand name” school such as Eton, make sure to start the process early,’ Kudrova advises.

‘Depending on the age of the child, the date of registration does vary, but, in general, I would say at least a year in advance.

‘You also want to have a mix of schools to apply to; what we call ‘stretch schools’ – for example, Eton – and then ‘safety schools’, which would be something like a local day school, where your child is probably guaranteed a place.’

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

For people of a certain vintage in Britain, ‘the 11+’ was a rite of passage, with a pass mark in the exam securing you a place at grammar school.

Although the exam is no longer commonplace in mainstream schools, entrance exams are commonplace for private schools, with scholarship candidates often sitting additional papers as well.

While many schools set their own entrance exam, in London,

for example, some schools fall under the same exam – the London Consortium – which means a child sits only one exam, the results of which can be used when applying to a number of schools in the area.

Exams are not the be-all and end-all that they might once have been, however. ‘I’ve seen the schools move to a selection process that is a lot more about getting a full picture of the student, not just based on exam results,’ Kudrova says.

‘That’s not to say academic rigour is not still a part of it, but it has become much more manageable for students. The exam can definitely be hard – and they are designed to be. But if you have a child who can’t get into a school because of their exam result on the day, I wouldn’t necessarily be too upset. To me, if a child is struggling to get in at the exam stage, they are going to struggle at the school as time goes on.

‘A child can get exactly the same GCSE grades as students in that school are getting, but may need a different, more nurturing environment to do so. Sometimes, people use the phrase “rejection is redirection” and that is exactly how I would see it.’ Interviews, whether individual or group, can also play a part in the selection process, as schools seek a full picture of the students that is not based solely on academic achievements. Schools are keen to ensure that students are a good fit for their environment, for the benefit of the individual child and the wider school community.

FIND YOUR PASSION

As stated earlier, the entry process to a private school can be a lengthy affair, but it can be time well spent in ensuring a child is well prepared for the academic challenges ahead.

Part of the service Juno provides to families is mentoring and coaching students, not only to ensure academic success, but also to produce the kind of well-rounded, engaged and articulate student who will thrive at one of Britain’s leading private schools.

‘We say to allow a year, but it is best to give us two years,’ Kudrova explains. ‘Two years means we get to know you, we are not in rush, we can shortlist the schools, you can visit all the schools, and then we can begin to work together.

‘A big part of what we do is mentoring and coaching students, and I find that the younger students probably love that the most. We have several Year 6 students who are going through the Eton applications at the moment, and a few of them are quite into their history and have been working with a history mentor. They love it, as it means they get to learn stuff outside of the curriculum – topics that they wouldn’t cover in class.

‘Not only is it expanding what they know about certain topics, but when they go into interviews, they have also already got the skills and the knowledge for critical thinking in a discussion setting, and they can talk about things they are passionate about. Schools are not looking for students who have memorised things or been taught to say “I love mathematics”. They want students to be passionate.’

GETTING COMPETITIVE

Even with the best preparation, gaining a place at a prestigious private school is still not an easy business – competition is understandably fierce and places are naturally limited.

‘It is very competitive, but it really varies by school, which is

why we have the idea of safety schools, as well as stretch options,’ says Kudrova. ‘It used to be that people thought “right, my child has the best grades, they are certain to get in”. But now, having the best grades is almost the bare minimum; schools want to see that your child is also a developed person.

‘However, I would say that, as a parent, your focus isn’t necessarily just on pushing your child to get into all the most competitive schools; you want to make sure that the environment is right. Generally, if the environment is right, the student isn’t really going to struggle to get in, so make sure your child is a really good fit for the school and then they will thrive there.’

“Schools are not looking for students who have memorised things or been taught to say ‘I love mathematics’. They want students to be passionate”

OF THE UK’S MOST FAMOUS PRIVATE SCHOOLS 5

■ Eton College

Founded in 1440 by Henry VI, Eton College, in Windsor, Berkshire, has been producing leaders for centuries.

The school, for boys aged 13-18, has produced 20 British Prime Ministers, plus a host of outstanding performers in all walks of life. Famous alumni away from the political sphere include authors Ian Fleming and George Orwell, actors Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hiddleston, and survival expert and TV presenter Bear Grylls.

Fees for the 2023/24 school year are £16,666 per term.

■ Shrewsbury

Edward VI granted the Royal Charter that led to the foundation of Shrewsbury School in 1552 and the school is now a co-educational establishment for 13-18 year-olds.

Home to the oldest cross-country running club in the world, the school has a strong history for sports as well as academia. It’s most famous alumni – known as Old Salopians – include Charles Darwin, writer, broadcaster, author and comedian Sir Michael Palin, and former England international cricketer James Taylor.

Boarding fees for lower school in the 2023/24 school year are £14,660 per term for UK/EEA residents.

■ Harrow School

Harrow is another establishment with a royal connection, having been founded in 1572 under a Royal Charter granted by Elizabeth I. Situated in Harrow, in northwest London, the school caters for boys aged 13-18.

Notable Old Harrovians include actor Benedict Cumberbatch, writer and director Richard Curtis, Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, and Lord Butler of Brockwell, who served as head of the Home Civil Service during the premierships of Margaret Thatcher, John Major and Tony Blair.

Fees for the 2023/24 school year are £16,850 per term.

■ Rugby School

Rugby was founded not by royalty, but by Lawrence Sheriff, purveyor of spices to Queen Elizabeth I, who opened the school in 1567. Perhaps the school’s most infamous moment came in 1823, when William Webb Ellis chose to disregard the rules of football and instead ran with the ball in his arms – and so began the game of rugby!

Rugby is co-educational, for ages 13-18, and among its most notable alumni – aside from Webb Ellis – are Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, poet Rupert Brooke and author Anthony Horowitz. The school also has two international bases: Rugby School Thailand, opened in 2017, and Rugby School Japan, which opened 2023.

Fees for boarding pupils in the 2023/24 academic year are £15,330 per term.

■ Charterhouse Charterhouse, in Surrey, is open to boys and girls aged 13-18. The school was founded in 1611, using a provision left by Thomas Sutton, who was one of the wealthiest men in England at the time of his death. Sutton left money to establish a hospital for pensioners and a school for boys, initially near Smithfield in London, before the school relocated to its present location in 1872.

Charterhouse alumni, known as Old Carthusians, include Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout movement, composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, and the journalists and broadcasters David and Jonathan Dimbleby.

Fees for boarding pupils during the 2023/24 academic year are £15,845 per term.

THE REAL DEAL

Lawn tennis had its birth in the 1870s, but by then, the sport of real tennis was already centuries old. Once known as the ‘game of kings’, the sport still has a competitive foot in the modern sporting world.

Words: Amy Bennett

For those who like their sport fast, skilled, and with a healthy dose of brain power in the mix as well – look no further than the game of real tennis.

While lawn tennis may have overtaken its centuries-older brother in terms of popularity, real tennis enjoys a strong following in Britain, France, Australia and the US.

Unlike lawn tennis, real tennis is always played indoors. Rackets are wooden, the balls are solid (and handmade), and play is continuous – no sitting down to towel off and have a drink as you change ends. Relying on athleticism and dexterity, the game requires not only a high degree of fitness, but also plenty of thought to plot out the best tactics.

With terms such as hazard, laying down a chase,

dedans, galleries, grilles, penthouse and tambour, the language of real tennis evokes a time long gone. Indeed, in Shakespeare’s Henry V , the Dauphin seeks to insult the titular king by sending him a gift of tennis balls. Henry’s retort is to announce that he “shall strike his father’s crown into the Hazard… That all the Courts of France will be disturb’d with chases”.

But don’t let the language deceive – real tennis is still a game for the modern era.

HISTORICAL ROOTS

Real tennis developed over centuries, from a game of handball that was played by the Greeks and Romans, and perhaps even earlier civilisations. Over time, players began to wear a leather glove to protect their hand, and this evolved to include strings, before a short handle was eventually added.

The game was played against the walls of buildings or castle keeps, as well as outside monasteries. In fact, while the sport is known as the Game of Kings, it is believed it was abbots and other members of the clergy who really popularised the game. It is reported that in some towns in France during the Middle Ages, the bishop of the diocese was given tennis balls as a tithe on Easter Sunday.

Despite best attempts on both sides of the Channel to restrict the game only to the nobility, real tennis gained a foothold among commoners too. However, it was in –and on – the royal courts of England and France that the game really came to the fore.

In France, Henri IV, who ruled from 1589-1610, was a great fan of the game, while in England, Henry VII and Henry VIII both played with great skill, with the latter responsible for the building of the Royal Court at

“HIS PRESENT, AND YOUR PAINS, WE THANK YOU FOR:

WHEN WE HAVE MATCH’D OUR RACKETS TO THESE BALLS, WE WILL, IN FRANCE, BY GOD’S GRACE PLAY A SET, SHALL STRIKE HIS FATHER’S CROWN INTO THE HAZARD: TELL HIM, HE MADE A MATCH WITH SUCH A WRANGLER, THAT ALL THE COURTS OF FRANCE WILL BE DISTURB’D WITH CHASES.”

— HENRY V, SHAKESPEARE

Hampton Court Palace. In the following century, both Charles I and Charles II were lifelong players, with the younger Charles even establishing a court at his summer residence in Newmarket – the Suffolk town boasts a real tennis court still, although the current iteration was built in 1901.

The sport retains royal connections to this day, with Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, serving as Patron of the Tennis and Rackets Association (T&RA).

THE GAME IN THE MODERN DAY

In the UK, there are currently 24 real tennis clubs, including one in Scotland, at Falkland Palace. Located in Fife, the palace has the oldest real tennis court in Britain – construction began in 1539 for James V of Scotland and was completed in 1541. In contrast, the newest

“WHILE YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO PICK UP A RACKET AND START HAVING A KNOCKAROUND ON A LAWN TENNIS COURT, BE PREPARED FOR IT TO TAKE A BIT LONGER TO LEARN THE RULES OF REAL TENNIS...”

court is that at Wellington College in Berkshire, which opened in 2016.

Players use a wooden racket with an oval-shaped head. The handmade balls have a cork centre, which is then surrounded by fabric tape, an outer layer of tightly wound string and then a hand-sewn layer of heavy, woven woollen cloth. Unsurprisingly, these balls are much less bouncy than their lawn tennis counterparts.

Although the scoring system for real tennis is the same as in lawn tennis – love, 15, 30, 40, deuce, advantage, game – the actual play is markedly different.

While you might be able to pick up a racket and start having a knockaround on a lawn tennis court, be prepared for it to take a bit longer to learn the rules of real tennis...

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH THE GAME

The real tennis court, divided by a net, has a service side and a hazard side. Play always begins from the service end of the court and the ball must hit the penthouse (sloping) roof at least once on the hazard side before dropping into the service court. If the ball does not hit the penthouse roof, or if it hits a window or the ceiling, it is a fault.

Points are won by striking the ball into the dedans (behind which sit the spectators), the grille, which is on the wall behind the opposing player, or the winning gallery, which is in the corner of the hazard end of the court, as well as the tambour – the angled section of the wall which redirects the ball.

They can also be won by striking the ball so that it bounces twice on the floor of the court between the service line and the end wall of the hazard end.

If that sounds confusing, settle in for even more. If a ball bounces twice anywhere else on the floor or enters any of the other openings at the end opposite the person serving, a ‘chase is laid’. The position of the

bounce is marked and announced; to win a chase, the opposing player must achieve a second bounce that is better than the one previously marked. If it is better, the point goes to the winning player.

If two chases are laid or game point has been reached, the players must change ends. As service can only happen from the service end of the court, laying a chase gives a real advantage, offering an opportunity for the player at the hazard end to change to the service end.

A serve must touch the receiver’s side of the penthouse at least once, before landing in the service box marked on the floor. No fewer than 50 different serves have been invented over the centuries, once again underlining just what makes real tennis such a highly tactical game.

Points are lost when errors are made, such as hitting the ball into the net or out of the court, including when striking walls above a certain height, or the roof.

A set is won by the first player to reach six games, while the number of sets needed to win a match depends on the level being played – tournaments vary from championships.

GETTING INVOLVED

For anyone looking to pick up a wooden racket, start by finding your nearest court. The T&RA is the governing body for both real tennis and the game of rackets, offering a wealth of advice and information on how to get started.

Each real tennis club (except for those at Falkland Palace and Hardwick House in Berkshire) employs at least one professional player to coach at all levels of the game, so help will be on hand to get you started, and to guide you through the arcane language of the game.

Learn more at tennisandrackets.com , or the International Real Tennis Professionals Association at irtpa.com

NORTH ISLAND SEYCHELLES

Any list of private islands must have North Island near the top. Whether visiting solo or buying out the whole island, this tropical haven offers everything you could wish for, from fine dining to kayaking and diving.

Run as a plantation from 1826 until the 1970s, North Island fell into neglect until it was purchased in 1997. As well as becoming one of the world’s best private hideaways, the island has also been turned into a sanctuary for indigenous wildlife, with the preservation of its ecosystems a priority.

Now, the island offers 10 villas, all with a private garden and beach, and nearly 5,000ft2 of opulent luxury inside, including handcrafted furniture. If that does not sound like enough space, book the Villa North Island. Spread over multiple levels and offering just over 8,000ft2, it is perched on a granite cliff with majestic views of the island and the Indian Ocean.

north-island.com

A SLICE OF PARADISE

White sands, crystal-clear waters, warm tropical breezes, and world-class accommodation... Book your very own luxury Robinson Crusoe experience by travelling to some of the world’s finest private island escapes

Words: Sophia Barnett

BANWA PRIVATE ISLAND PHILIPPINES

This stunning island resort lies in the Sulu Sea, accessible via a two-hour journey by seaplane or helicopter from Manila.

The 15-acre island is home to six beachfront villas, each with its own infinity pool and jacuzzi and garden terrace.

For the more active, the island has a 9-hole short-game golf course and tennis courts, while scuba diving must be high on the agenda, including overnight dive trips. For those looking for a more mellow retreat, make the most of the spa and wellness centre, or lie back and enjoy some stargazing.

The finest local produce is showcased on the menus, which change daily, with island-grown organic vegetables, honey from local bees, and, naturally, the best fresh seafood. There is also a superlative wine list, and the island boasts its own artesian well.

banwaprivateisland.com

Photography: Banwa Private Island

CALALA ISLAND NICARAGUA

With four beachfront suites accommodating up to eight adults, Calala Island is the perfect exclusive getaway to paradise. With staff outnumbering guests by 4:1, expect to have your every whim catered for to the highest level.

As you might expect, Calala Island takes fine dining very seriously, with menus that showcase an array of fresh seafood, and a feast of other mouthwatering options. After a busy day of swimming, relaxing and viewing endangered Hawksbill turtles, prepare your taste buds for a superlative evening tasting menu.

Indulge in such delicacies as islandcaught lobster carpaccio, 72-hour slow-roasted Nicaraguan short rib of beef, and herb-crusted lamb, accompanied by the freshest cocktails.

calala-island.com

THANDA ISLAND TANZANIA

Thanda Island offers just five luxurious suites, ensuring privacy in paradise, with a gym, library, wine collection and indoor aquarium all part of the colonial-style villa.

The eight-hectare island lies in the protected Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, giving guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, big-game fishing, and even swimming with whale sharks. The more adventurous can use jet skis or go wake boarding, but for those seeking a calmer pace of life, make use of the island’s spa – or simply relax on the pure white sands.

In the evening, you can sample the freshly prepared fish you caught earlier in the day, or perhaps enjoy a Swahili feast or traditional Tanzanian curries.

thanda.com/thanda-island

MIAVANA BY TIME + TIDE

MADAGASCAR

Madagascar is the world’s fourth-biggest island, but lying off its coastline is Miavana by Time + Tide, a 10km2 island accessible only by helicopter. With a history that includes being a hideaway for pirates and, more recently, a seaweed farm, Miavana has been sympathetically developed into the ultimate in eco luxury.

Its 14 villas look out onto white sandy shores and coral reefs, and each comes with 24/7 access to a personal butler. The one, two or three-bedroom villas each have a private pool, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a soaking tub, and make use of natural textiles and locally sourced wood and stone.

Dining options range from exquisitely prepared twists on classic dishes to the very best in Malagasy cuisine that uses the finest local ingredients.

miavana.com

Photography: Miavana by Time + Tide

I? ASK BORIS

Burlingtons’ resident bulldog is here to answer your questions…

live in Hong Kong and want to get involved in horseracing. How do I become an owner? Horseracing is a very popular sport in Hong Kong, with regular meetings held at Sha Tin and Happy Valley racetracks from September to July each year. There are 11 major racedays throughout the season, including Champions Day in April and the Hong Kong International meeting in December, which attracts runners from around the world. Racing is run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), which was established in 1884, and to own your own racehorse in Hong Kong, you must be a member of the HKJC. Space is at a premium in Hong Kong, so the HKJC regulates the number of racehorses that can compete –around 1,200 – which means the number of owners is also limited.

You can apply to be a sole owner, part of a partnership of two to four people, or a syndicate of five to 50 owners. Unlike in other countries, becoming a racehorse owner in Hong Kong is not a matter of simply purchasing a horse; you must first take part in the HKJC’s annual

Horse Ballot. This restriction on importing horses means that the HKJC controls the quality of the horses that race in Hong Kong.

Owners who want to race a horse must apply for one of two permits – either a Privately Purchased Griffin (PPG), which indicates a horse that has raced in another jurisdiction, or Privately Purchased, which is for unraced horses imported from elsewhere. In 2024, 340 PPG permits and 100 PP permits will be granted via the ballot, the results of which will be announced in early June.

If successful in the ballot, you can then purchase a horse from overseas yourself, get a bloodstock agent or trainer to make the purchase on your behalf, or bid on a horse at the HKJC’s annual International Sale.

The sale is held in March or April each year, with the horses offered having all been purchased by the HKJC from major sales in Britain, Ireland, France and Australia. The priciest lot at this year’s sale was an Australian-bred, that was purchased for AU$1m in Australia and resold for HK$7.25m at the sale in March.