Absolutely Kensington & Chelsea April 2024 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA

Kensington & Chelsea APRIL 2024 / £3.95

TRAVEL SP ECIA L Where to go and what to plan

APRIL 2024 aa

Luxe aa

LIVING ALL OF LIFE'S LUXURIES, EXPLORED PLUS

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ANDY WARHOL Unseen photographs BOLD FLAVOURS Rcipes from Nisha Katona EARN YOUR STRIPES A growing interiors trend

ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT 22/03/2024 13:34

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RECHARGE. RECOVER. REPAIR. RESTORE. REGENERATE. Empowering your path to longevity and preventative health. Discover the transformative power of holistic therapies and cuttingedge technology dedicated to longevity and preventative health. Achieve optimal health with nature-inspired therapies for radiant health and inner balance of the immune system. Unlock the secrets to a vibrant and balanced life, and embark on a journey towards lasting vitality and resilience today at The Wellness Lab. HYPERBARIC OXYGEN MOLECULAR HYDROGEN

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents APRIL 2024

122 46

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y 59 BEAUTY NOTES

WHAT'S ON

10 things we’re coveting this month

News and views

Your diary for April

20 TROPICAL MODERNISM

The V&A investigates colonial archicture

FOOD & DRINK 34 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL News from the industry

40 RECIPES

Bold flavours from Nisha Katona

FA S H I O N 46 THE SHOOT

Lisa Corti's dresses and kaftans

53 OFF THE CUFF

Statement pieces for the wrist

BROWN SUGAR

Coffee shades in makeup

INTERIORS 70 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

Ideas for your home

ANIMAL PRINT

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

THE LINE UP

The online guide to inspirational London living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

Design talk with Emma J Shipley

Stripes everywhere

LUXE 90 CELLAR TALK

Investing in wine and whisky

O N T H E C OV E R

T R AV E L 122 CARIBBEAN DREAM

amandamarcucci.com Photography @rachelepettarelliph rachelepettarelli.com Model Giorgia Dardi @giodardi

Two St Lucian resorts

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Beautiful timber windows & doors

EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE MAMA EDITOR CARLY GLENDINNING ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS, SUZETTE SCOBLE MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER CARMEN GRAHAM JUNIOR DESIGNER JOE MUNSEY PRODUCTION MANAGER DANICA BRODIE SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT STELLA ADAMS FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID

Bring the outside in

DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, JAMES FUSCHILLO MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 07818 690 386 or email: craig@zest-media.com

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We b si t e

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Wandsworth | Crouch End | Dulwich

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Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S April issue highlights

A 5 re you going anywhere nice on your holidays? It might be an uninspired question but are you? Because this issue focuses heavily on travel, and we have lots of suggestions. Wherever you're at with your planning, whether it's this May half term or winter 2025, we're hoping to offer ideas and inspiration. And because this is also our Luxe issue, focusing on all things luxurious, we're travelling in serious style. So we have visited St Lucia's iconic Jade Mountain, a stunning hillside resort where rooms are open to the elements and the impossibly beautiful landscape, travelled to Chicago to sample its famed gastronomic variety, lounged by lakes and pools in Portugal, toured Morocco and sampled wines in the Langedoc, among other trips. And, of course, we've found lots to do and see in London too. Enjoy April.

Andy Warhol

A new collection of photographs is revealed this month.

4 Golden brown

Why all make-up should be brown.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

Colourful ceramics

Forget white: plates and bowls should be bright and beautiful

Clean fun

We're loving cleaning products – as long as they're luxe.

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Wild at heart

Emma J Shipley's prints are magical and exotic

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

P E AC H Y KEEN Kayll's beautiful prints are all handdrawn by textile designer Jessica Kayll, who worked with a tailor to create a collection of ﬂattering robes and cover-ups inspired by the Japanese kimono. kayll.com

INDIAN VIBE Estee Lauder's new Sabyasachi lipsticks come in gilded cases emblazoned with the Bengal tiger in celebration of India. Our current favourite? Apricot Silk, £53. esteelauder.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

SOCKS UP

ZIP IT Take Monday's clever packing pouches are designed by an all-female team to aid an organised life. We love the handy clear liquids pouch made from robust vegan leather and biodegradable TPU, £36 takemonday.com

We are all about bright socks at the moment, especially these orange ones from Penelope Chilvers' set of three, £35. They're made of organic cotton and feel as good as they look. penelopechilvers.com

PENDLE HARTE

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

EXPRESS YO U R S E L F Leonardo's adorable wood and glass Buoni Amici vases are all designed as cute characters. This is Pino. leonardo.de

CORAL REEF BLOSSOM FRENZY Orange blossom is absolutely our favourite scent, and there's no better version that Diptyque's iconic Eau des Sens, which adds a hint of patchouli and a note of juniper. From £95. diptyque.com

With ﬂoral embroidery that extends up the straps and onto the back, Aubade's Softessence underwired half-cup bra is comfortable and beautiful. ameliesfollies.co.uk

FEELING GOOD

SW E E T SY R U P

IN THE SHADE The Adidas Originals eyewear collection marks an intersection of sport and street style seen through the lens of culture. £129 specsavers.co.uk

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Neom's new Feel Good Vibes candle features ylang ylang for relaxation, mandarin for uplift and jasmine as an all round mood booster. neomwellbeing.com

TikTok sensation Hair Syrup's collection of oils are designed to tackle every kind of hair problem, from dryness and oiliness to slow growth and breakage. And they smell fantastic too. hairsyrup.co.uk

SECOND SKIN Our favourite glasses are always aviators, and the Radical pair from Bloobloom comes in a range of beautiful colours including this lovely Marigold. bloobloom.com

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C U LT U R E

CARA DELVINGNE AS SALLY BOWLES IN CABARET AT THE KITKAT CLUB

What's On 14 • Textiles reimagined 17 • A new look at Warhol 24 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda

EV E N TS N OT TO M I S S I N LO N D O N

P H OTO G R APHY

About Women: photographs by Dorothy Bohm ongoing BURGH HOUSE Bohm offers intimate, candid glimpses into the multifaceted experiences of womanhood. Born in Germany, Bohm arrived in the UK as a child refugee from Nazism in 1939. Settling in Hampstead in the late 1950s, she embarked on a lifelong exploration of women's lives, portraying them with warmth, wit, and power. burghhouse.org.uk

T H E AT R E

Minority Report

T H E AT R E

Cabaret

19 April - 18 May LY R I C T H E AT R E In 2050, neuroscientist Dame Julia Anderton is about to launch the next phase of her pioneering Pre-Crime programme, detaining people for crimes before they are committed. This thrilling adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s iconic story challenges our beliefs about justice and freewill in a real-time chase through London of the future. lyric.co.uk

O NGO I NG, K I TK AT C LU B , P L AYHOUSE THEATRE

Another new cast for this unstoppable production, this time introducing Cara Delevingne as Sally Bowles, Olivier Award-winning Luke Treadaway (pictured) as the Emcee and Michael Ahomka-Lindsay as Clifford Bradshaw. It's an unforgettable spectacle, currently booking until February 2025. kitkat.club

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ART

The Art of Banksy ongoing N E W S O H O L O C AT I O N This exhibition enters its second year in an incredible new space in Soho, adding new audio and visual elements that will bring the Banksy story to life, as well as a brand-new café and museum shop. Artworks include the global exclusive of the ﬁrst ever Flower Thrower which appeared in 2003 as a mural in the West Bank, as a symbol of Palestinian solidarity and resistance. Currently booking until January 2025 artofbanksy.co.uk

A RT

EXPRESSIONISTS

This Month’s Must See

25 April - 20 October TAT E M O D E R N This exhibition, in collaboration with Munich's Lenbachhaus, focuses on Wassily Kandinsky, Gabriele Münter and The Blue Rider. In the early 20th century they came together to form, in their own words, ‘a union of various countries to serve one purpose’ – to transform modern art. tate.org.uk

Nightmares on Wax & The Outlook Orchestra 19 A P R I L , ROYA L F E STI VA L HALL

or its 25th anniversary, the iconic trip-hop album Carboot Soul by Nightmares on Wax is reimagined by a 32-piece orchestra in a one-off show. Carboot Soul, released in 1999, was one of the deﬁning chill-out records of the 90s. Now Nightmares on Wax has teamed up with the amazing Outlook Orchestra to reimagine this record for the very ﬁrst – and likely only – time in two performances on one night. southbankcentre.co.uk

TO WATCH Recommended by Lisa Baker

ne of the most interesting and experimental independent curators in London, contemporary art dealer and agent Virginia Damtsa has been a truly innovative force within contemporary art for more than 20 years. She is renowned for her knack in identifying emerging talents before they hit the spotlight and this spring she will open two boundary-pushing exhibitions in Mayfair, continuing to present collaborations that explore the intersection of contemporary art with other creative mediums, current topics and themes. April 2024 sees Damtsa curate Art Through Time: Contemporary Reflections at Alon Zakaim Gallery, from April 3 to May 31. The exhibition seeks to bridge the gap between past and present, exploring how contemporary artists respond to their predecessors. With a diverse line-up of exceptional artists, including Michael Craig-Martin, Keith Tyson, and Tal R, viewers are invited to contemplate the evolution of artistic expression and discover new connections between eras and styles. Contemporary designer Gabriel Scott invited Damtsa to transform their Mayfair space into a dynamic hub for unconventional artistic collaborations. The inaugural exhibition AI and Technology Influence on Contemporary Painting will open on May 3, at 12 Old Burlington Street. This showcase explores the profound impact of technology on contemporary painters Jonathan Yeo, Von Wolfe, and Henry Hudson, who seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence into their works, prompting reflection on the evolving landscape of creativity in the digital age. virginiavisualarts.com @virginia_damtsa

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• XXXXX XXXXXXXX • EXHIBITION CULTURE

FABRIC of society Spotlight on the Barbican’s new exhibition focusing on textiles

T Unravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art, Installation view Barbican Art Gallery 13 Feb – 26 May 2024 © Jo Underhill / Barbican Art Gallery

extiles weave through our everyday lives yet remain one of the most underexamined mediums in art history and contemporary practice. Unravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art shines a light on artists from the 1960s to today who have explored the transformative and subversive potential of textiles. Spanning intimate hand-crafted pieces to large-scale sculptural installations, this major exhibition brings together over 100 artworks by 50 international practitioners. Drawn to the tactile processes of stitching,

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CULTURE • EXHIBITION

Unravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art, Installation view Barbican Art Gallery 13 Feb – 26 May 2024 © Jemima Yong / Barbican Art Gallery

weaving, braiding, beading and knotting, these artists have embraced fibre and thread to tell stories that challenge power structures, transgress boundaries and reimagine the world around them. Organised thematically, with artists placed in intergenerational and transcultural dialogues, Unravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art considers the various ways in which artists have used textiles to speak to stories of marginalisation and exclusion, as well as emancipatory joy and transcendence. The show’s earliest works were created in the 1960s, when many artists were pushing the sculptural boundaries of the medium and challenging the limiting parameters of ‘fine art’ and ‘craft’. Expanding across both time and geography, the exhibition presents six themes – ‘Subversive Stitch’, ‘Fabric of Everyday Life’, ‘Borderlands’, ‘Bearing Witness’, ‘Wound and Repair’ and ‘Ancestral Threads’ – which together explore the role of textiles

in artistic practices that challenge dominant narratives, push up against regimes of power, and manifest an enduring spirit of hope. Guided by artworks that are radical in their form and their politics, the exhibition sets out to ask why textiles are a particularly resonant medium to address ideas of gender and sexuality, the movement and displacement of people, and histories of extraction and violence, as well as understanding the world through connecting with ancestral practices and communing with nature. The exhibited artworks encompass a wide range of forms, scales and techniques, drawing on historic forms of making as well as new and experimental processes. Works on display include embroidered blankets by Feliciano Centurión who, harnessing the association of textile as a gendered, feminine craft, embroidered poetic reflections onto found fabrics to process his HIV diagnosis in 1993. There is an intimate installation of 64 items of clothing wrapped in unspooled yarn by Sheila Hicks, a leader of the fibre art movement in the 1960s whose work challenged the prevailing hierarchy between art and craft at the time. T. Vinoja’s delicately handstitched aerial landscapes were inspired by testimonies from the Sri Lankan Civil War (1983-2009) and use the language of maps and borders to explore ideas such as loss, mourning and forced displacement. Yinka Shonibare CBE RA’s figurative sculpture Boy On A Globe uses his signature Dutch Wax fabrics and addresses race, class and the legacy of imperialism by reflecting on colonial trade and the entangled economic histories embedded within fabrics.

s l o w fa s h i o n Fashion brand Toast has collaborated with London-based award-winning British circular fashion designer, Phoebe English on an exclusive seven-piece capsule collection using repurposed Toast fabrics, demonstrating a synergy between the brand’s slow fashion approach and Phoebe English’s design ethos which explores solutions towards less extractive fashion systems. The collection will be showcased at the Barbican from 25 March to 3 April in a ten-day Toast pop up which will run alongside the exhibition, featuring a series of creative textile workshops guided by repair specialists and special guests.

Unraveled continues until 26 May at barbican.org.uk

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Knowing

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TROPICAL A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • EXHIBITION FACING PAGE: Sick Hagemeyer shop assistant as a seventies icon posing in front of the United Trading Company headquarters, Accra, 1971 © James Barnor. Courtesy of galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière BELOW: Film still of Mfantsipim School, Cape Coast by Fry, Drew _ Partners - for 'Tropical Modernism - Architecture and Independence' © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

A fascinating new exhibition about colonial and post-colonial architecture at the V&A

new exhibition at the V&A focuses on an architectural style that has come to be known as Tropical Modernism. In the late 1940s, British architects Jane Drew and Maxwell Fry developed the tools of Tropical Modernism in West Africa, adapting a Modernist aesthetic that valued function over ornament to the hot, humid conditions of the region. Britain’s unique contribution to International Modernism was a colonial architecture, developed against the background of anti-colonial struggle. Drew and Fry worked primarily in Ghana and India. Following independence, Indian prime

minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Ghanaian prime minister Kwame Nkrumah commissioned major new projects in this style, using Tropical Modernism as a tool for nation-building and as a symbol of their internationalism and progressiveness. A new generation of national architects more sensitive to local context gave birth to distinctive alternative Modernisms. The exhibition celebrates these practitioners and the alternative Modernisms they created. Tropical Modernism, despite its colonial associations, became an architectural symbol of a postcolonial future, symbolising the utopian possibility of the transitional moment in which a break with the past was articulated through architecture and new freedoms were won. The exhibition will include models, drawings,

L Modernism A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • EXHIBITION

letters, photographs, and archival ephemera documenting the key figures and moments of the Tropical Modernist movement, and a half hour film installation displayed on three screens. These artifacts won’t just speak to architecture, but also about modernism’s wider role in narratives about decolonisation and the construction of national identity. Christopher Turner, the V&A’s Keeper of Art, Architecture, Photography & Design and Curator of the exhibition, said: “The story of Tropical Modernism is one of colonialism and decolonisation, politics and power, defiance and independence; it is not just about the past, but also about the present and the future. The exhibition looks at the colonial origins of tropical modernism in British West Africa, and the survival of the style in the post-colonial period when it symbolised the independence and progressiveness of newly independent countries like India and Ghana. We deliberately set out to complicate the history of tropical modernism by looking at the architecture against the anti-colonial struggle of the time, and by engaging with and centring South Asian and West African perspectives. As we look to a new future in an era of climate change might Tropical Modernism, which used the latest building and environmental science then available to passively cool buildings, serve as a useful guide?”

“A story of colonialism and decolonisation, politics and power, deﬁance and independence”

Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence continues until 22 September in the Porter Gallery, V&A South Kensington vam.ac.uk

LEFT: Boy and concrete screen at University College Ibadan, 1962. Courtesy of RIBA ABOVE: Eduardo Paolozzi, Klokvormig Masker, 1946-47. Courtesy Flowers Gallery, London (c) Trustees of the Paolozzi Foundation, licensed by DACS TOP: Film still of Scott House, Accra by Kenneth Scott - for 'Tropical Modernism - Architecture and Independence', © Victoria and Albert Museum, London RIGHT: Diagram of a brise soleil at Aburi Girl’s School, Ghana, from Tropical Architecture in the Humid Zone, 1956, publisher B.T Batsford, Courtesy of RIBA.

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F A C T O R Y

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CULTURE • ART

W O R K

Previously unseen photographs of Andy Warhol are set to be revealed at a secret London location...

he Warhol Kennedy Residence is home to a largely unseen archive of photographs documenting two giants of late 20th century art, Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana. Shot by the late William John Kennedy in the early 60s, these images, which were lost to the world for nearly 40 years, capture the two men in the nascent stages of careers that would come to redefine the landscape of contemporary art. Opening on 2 April in an as yet undisclosed location in central London, The Warhol Kennedy Residence is the only place that one can experience the collection in its entirety and purchase editions of these utterly unique images. William John Kennedy’s most intriguing body of work was rediscovered in the mid noughties, when he and his wife found a set of negatives and transparencies that he had taken of artists Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana from 1963-1964, a crucial moment in their respective careers. The collaboration began in 1963 when William John Kennedy met Indiana at a New York art opening and Kennedy shortly began taking photographs of him in his studio. They became friends, and Indiana introduced Kennedy to Warhol at the Americans exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in May 1963. Kennedy was subsequently invited to the Factory and went A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • ART

“WE SEE WARHOL IN A NEW WAY – YOUNG, TRIUMPHANT, ABOUT TO CONQUER THE ART WORLD” on to photograph Warhol and many of his circle. Highlights from the archive include Kennedy’s portrait of Robert Indiana with his most famous creation, Love, claimed to be the world’s most reproduced artwork. The Homage To Warhol’s Marilyn, one of Kennedy’s most recognisable images, now hangs in the Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. It was shot in early 1964 during Kennedy’s first photo session with Warhol, with a complex visual composition that sees Kennedy physically integrate Warhol with his work. Patrick Moore of the Andy Warhol Museum said: ‘In the image, Warhol stands in The Factory, sunlight flooding through the window, illuminating him as he holds aloft the acetate of Marilyn Monroe that would later make some of his most famous paintings. Here we see Warhol in a new way – young, triumphant, about to conquer the art world through transforming the images of

movie stars that were his childhood refuge. We literally see Warhol through his art.’ There are also many stunning colour photographs of Warhol, which are intimate, unguarded, and show him at ease, smiling, relaxing. According to Eric Shiner, director of the Andy Warhol Museum, these portraits of Warhol are by far the most evocative. “The Kennedy photos are perhaps the most intimate portraits of Andy that I have ever seen,” Shiner says. “They capture him at the point of his arrival as a true art star and yet he remains his humble, fun-loving, playful self in each frame. They humanise him in a way that few photos do, and if anything, they add to the mythology of Warhol as the benevolent, happy person that he truly was, and yet is rarely celebrated as.” warholkennedyresidence.com

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

ART

for ALL

Artists At Home’s ‘Open Studios’ returns in June, with something for everyone

NUPUR NARAIN DETAR

rtists at Home is delighted to invite art lovers to its annual Open Studios. Running over Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14-16 June, the event showcases an eclectic mix of talented artists across Chiswick, Shepherds Bush, and Hammersmith. They welcome visitors into their home studios to give people an unrivalled opportunity to see work and the context in which it was created. This year, a total of 92 artists will open their homes and studios to the public. All these venues are within a three-mile radius in West London and many visitors walk or cycle from studio to studio. It’s easy to use the website to research artists, find the ones to visit, and plan your journey at artistsathome.co.uk. There are 13 new members showing for the first time, and here’s just four examples to represent the range of works:

NUPUR NARAIN DETAR Nupur Narain Detar’s main influences are her Indian heritage and world cultures. Inspired by nature, her aesthetic is evolving constantly. Her hand building technique enables her to make individual, functional, and food safe ceramics.

FRANK WALTERS

FRANK WALTERS Frank Walters is a watercolourist and art teacher. He uses traditional techniques with a sophisticated lightness of touch. His work is mainly of towns and landscapes often created ‘en plein air’. CRISTINA LORENZET Cristina Lorenzet makes ceramic sculpture inspired by architecture and the landscape. She observes the environment to identify architectural details, fragments, materials, and other clues to ways of constructing her works.

PHOTO: ANNA KUNST

HANNAH GILMOUR Hannah Gilmour creates handmade pieces from fabric remnants from India and using luxury, eco-friendly yarns. Her work celebrates traditional artisan crafts including wood-block printing, hand-embellishment, and embroidery. Kathryn Davey, Chair of Artists at Home, says: “We are thrilled to welcome so many new artists this year and we are grateful to our sponsor Horton and Garton estate agents for their continuing support. I’m constantly amazed at the amount of talent in our local area, and perhaps that’s why Artists at Home is the oldest open studios event in the UK.”

ARTISTS AT HOME

new members 2024

NUPUR NARAIN DETAR: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/311/nupur-narain-detar DOUGLAS FRY: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/309/douglas-fry HANNAH GILMOUR: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/304/46-stitch JULIEN HIPEAU: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/299/julien-hipeau JANE JURITZ: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/312/jane-juritz JOSIE JURITZ: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/313/jocie-juritz CRISTINA LORENZET: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/308/cristina-lorenzet TINA PRENTIS: artistsathome.co.uk/ artist/278/tina-takako-prentis DEREK SIDDLE: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/280/derek-siddle ANN THEAKSTONE-OWEN: artistsathome.co.uk/artist/296/ ann-theakstone-owen AZELLE THOROWGOOD: artistsathome.co.uk/artist/310/azelle FRANK WALTERS: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/275/frank-walters MIHAELA WISEMAN: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/300/mihaela-wiseman

To find out more, visit artistsathome.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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22/03/2024 21/03/2024 13:39 10:47

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FOOD & DRINK

HYPER LOCAL THE BUXTON

New to the Buxton in Brick Lane is Head Chef Oliver Sharpe, marking a new chapter for one of East London’s favourite wine bars. It's now offering a hyper-seasonal menu alongside its natural wines, focusing on quality ingredients including produce from The Culpeper Family Group’s very own urban farm in Deptford. The weekly changing menu will use the best of what is available, with influences from France and the Mediterranean thebuxton.co.uk

Tasting notes 34 • Recipes: Nisha Katona's Bold 40 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WHAT TO DRINK

TASTING NOTES

GRAPE news

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month By PENDLE HARTE

Wine recommendations for the month By THE WINE SOCIETY

Touraine Gamay, Famille Bougrier 2022  £9.25 This fruity and moreish Loire gamay, has a good colour and juicy, ﬂoral, red fruits on the nose and palate. It's a good match for roast chicken, and goes well with mushrooms.

Viños López El Ventilador Garnacha Blanca, Valdejalón 2022  £11.50 This excellent Spanish white is full of personality, combining nutty ﬂavours with fresh citrus fruit and succulent ﬁnish. This comes from an off-the-radar area near Zaragoza in the north.

G and L Rose Kintonis 2023  £8.95 From a blend of Greek grape varieties moschoﬁlero and roditis with an added splash of agiorgitiko for colour and redcurrant and strawberry complexity this dry rose makes the perfect accompaniment to a sunny Easter weekend.

Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business. The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers. Become a member today and receive £20 off toward your first order. thewinesociety.com

Sunday special CLARIDGE'S

Just launched at Claridges is a hearty Sunday lunch menu, celebrating the traditional with a twist. There's Norfolk black leg chicken with truffle stuffing; roasted Herefordshire rib of beef with horseradish purée, Yorkshire puddings and sauce Bordelaise, or Porchetta with burnt apple purée, all served with a selection of generous sides. claridges.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

SPIRIT ANIMAL Three new tequilas...

VIVA ITALIA SALE E PEPE

Cocktail hour S OT TO

Sotto is an intimate subterranean bar underneath Italian restaurant Bocconcino Soho. The bar team have reimagined classic cocktails with a distinctive Italian twist – so the Funghi Old Fashioned combines rye whiskey with wild mushrooms, bitters and demerara, and Avocado Amore features pisco, avocado, Italian lemons, Calabrian chilli and basil foam. boccoccinorestaurant.co.uk

M I J E N TA B L A N C O This artisanal small batch Tequila from the highlands of Jalisco is made with 100% Agave, resulting in a complex tequila with a silky long finish. Mijenta is the world’s first B Corp tequila and is additive-free. £63.99, selfridges.com

Since it opened its doors in 1974 on Pavilion Road, Sale e Pepe has been a staple on the dining scene, attracting a glittering clientele of politicians, ﬁlm stars, fashion icons, and royalty to its taste of la dolce vita in London. Now it's celebrating its 50th birthday with new decor that transports diners to a chic Italian villa, plus an exciting new menu of dishes designed to share. saleepepe.co.uk

ENEMIGO Distilled in the foothills of the Tequila volcano in Mexico, Enemigo is made with the finest Blue Weber agave and local water filtered through the mineral-rich volcanic soil using environmentally friendly modern techniques. £61.25, tequilaenemigo.com

JAZZ LUNCH WOLSELEY CIT Y

Mexican ﬂavour

C A S A R AYO S

Marylebone Mexican Cavita has launched a basement bar, El Bar de Cavita. Reminiscent of traditional Mexican cantinas, this relaxed and welcoming space will serve some of Adriana Cavita’s favourite things from her home country: Margaritas, Mezcal and Mexican street food. gauchorestaurants.com

Casa Rayos was born out of a lightning bolt moment, literally. This 100% agave blanco tequila is harvested by hand by one of Mexico’s most established distilling families and pays homage to a freak storm that sparked the discovery of the delicious spirit. £41.99, brewdog.com

CAV I TA

At The Wolseley City, a new Sunday lunch menu features a great selection of roasts alongside a nostalgic dessert selection. We're tempted by the banana split – caramelised banana and a salted caramel and chantilly choux with butterscotch sauce. Plus there's a live jazz band. thewolseleycity.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK • PARTNERSHIP

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“Curries are crafted from a secret combination of 48 spices from Calcutta”

PARO

FOOD Indian classics from West Bengal

A buzzing Indian in Covent Garden

B y PENDLE HARTE

aro is in the heart of theatreland, connected to the Lyceum, home to The Lion King for as long as anyone can remember. It’s an ideal spot for a pre-theatre meal and when we visit at 6pm on a Wednesday evening, it seems that everyone has the same idea. It’s so busy in fact that we’re invited to wait – very briefly – at the bar. It’s a stylish place, the ceiling covered in faux foliage and neon signage on the bar. Paro has a distinct story: billed

DECOR as ‘Calcutta’s love letter’, the curries are crafted from a secret combination of 48 spices sourced from Calcutta. Chef Niaz comes from Brick Lane’s popular City Spice and has been seen revealing his chicken tikka masala recipe Channel 5. Paro is his first solo venture, and the menu is extensive. We’re here for the pre-theatre menu, which is a simple, speedy affair at two courses for £19 or three for £22. To start, there are potato chops, breaded and fried potato balls with mild spices and mustard seeds, which are hearty and flavourful. Lamb samosas are

Stylish, foliage-ﬁlled, contemporary

PRICE A la carte starters £4.95- £9.95; mains £14.95- £4.95

made with Welsh grass-fed lamb mince and Calcuttan filo pastry (this has an excellent crispiness). Our main courses are butter chicken, which is rich and tomatoey and the intriguingly named Classic Curry British Indian Style, referencing Brick Lane for inspiration. This, we are warned, might take a bit longer to arrive, which adds to the intrigue. In the end it arrives with everything else, and it has an excellent balance of spices and lots of flavours plus a silky, creamy texture. A high class naan has that slightly burnt edge that makes it irresistible, and we are left with an urge to return and try the fantastic-looking thali that is served at the next table. We’re also tempted by lamb chops with black bean dust, toddy shop tiger prawns and grandmother’s Bally black dhal from the a la carte menu. But for pre-theatre, this is a great spot and speedy service means that we’re in good time for our play. Next time, we’ll linger.

VERDICT

PA R O

Classy West End curry house

21 Wellington Street, WC2 paroindian.com

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22/03/2024 15:00 14:50

Enjoy world-class performance on the big screen, from theatre & opera to ballet & concerts.

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FOOD & DRINK • PARTNERSHIP

TASTE OF TOKYO Why Sushi Kanesaka at 45 Park Lane offers an indulgent experience of Japan

ndulge in an exquisite dining experience at Sushi Kanesaka. Established by the renowned omakase chef Shinji Kanesaka, this intimate and traditional 13-seat omakase restaurant is the first of its kind outside Asia Pacific. Located at Dorchester Collection’s luxurious 45 Park Lane, Sushi Kanesaka has already earned its first Michelin star, just seven months after its grand opening in July 2023. Omakase translates as ‘I’ll leave it up to you’, and choosing omakase dining means knowing the finest delicacies, the most exquisite tastes of the moment, are to be chosen by a master in the art. Relinquishing choice adds delicious mystery to the moment. It allows the chef’s pursuit of perfection to create something uniquely personal, it builds the anticipation of each bite, and forges a rare and intimate connection between chef and diner. The ancient art of sake further enhances this unique dining experience. A considered

selection of this exquisite spirit is served in hand-cut glasses by Horiguchi Kiriko as you embark on a discovery journey. With a Japanese proverb that says ‘Nihonshu wa ryori wo erabanai’, which means ‘sake does not get into fights with food’, you can rest assured that the delicately prepared menu is perfectly paired with the sake, enhancing the flavours of the dishes, a drink that naturally contains umami, sake complements, rather than overwhelms. Furthermore, Sushi Kanesaka’s whiskies, including Hibiki, Yamazaki, and Hakushu, are crafted using techniques handed down through generations, embodying the dedication to tradition and craft synonymous with Japanese culture. The restaurant’s bespoke design provides the perfect setting for a traditional omakase experience at either the nine-person counter or the adjacent four-person counter within a private dining room. Both spaces come complete with their own sushi Shokunin, preparing and creating a uniquely personal

experience for guests to watch. In keeping with tradition, the 13-seat restaurant is hosted by an Okami, Nanami-san, a role embedded in the core of Japanese hospitality. Known as ‘omotenashi’, this is the fundamental belief in providing hospitality from the heart, full of generosity and without expectation, ensuring an unparalleled guest experience. Every element of the interior and experience has been thoughtfully curated to embody the spirit of traditional Tokyo sushi restaurants. From a walkway of reclaimed Japanese granite to wooden Kumiko panels inspired by the restaurant’s neighbouring Serpentine in Hyde Park, every detail has been considered. The intimate chef’s counter is made from a single piece of Japanese Kiso Hinoki (cedar wood), and vases have been made exclusively for Sushi Kanesaka by renowned ceramic artist Shiro Tsujimura. At Sushi Kanesaka, you can experience the very best of Edomae sushi in its purest form, with a team of experts who are passionate about their craft. dorchestercollection.com

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Go for BOLD Nisha Katona’s big ﬂavour twists Photography by MARTIN POOLE

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Green mango and pistachio cauliﬂower steaks Serves 2–4 Amchoor is a spice not frequently used in Western cuisine – it’s probably not something everyone has on their spice rack along with the usual cumin and coriander, but do give it a go if you can find it. This recipe is all about experimenting with new flavours – the sweet-and-sour sharpness the citrussy amchoor brings to this rich starter or light lunch is delightful.

INGREDIENTS • 4 cauliﬂower steaks, each 2cm/ 3/4 in thick • 70g/21/2oz butter • 1 tbsp amchoor • 1 tsp ground coriander • 1 large garlic clove, crushed • 60g/2oz shelled pistachios • 1–2 limes, halved • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper To serve: • 1 fresh ripe mango, peeled, stoned and sliced • dollops of thick plain yogurt • a large handful of fresh coriander/ cilantro sprigs

METHOD Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan and line a baking sheet with foil. Lay your cauli steaks on the baking sheet. 2 Melt the butter in a small bowl in the microwave (or in a small pan on the hob/stovetop) and stir in the amchoor, coriander, garlic and a good pinch of salt. Brush this mixture over both sides of the cauliﬂower steaks, then bake in the oven for 15 minutes. 3 Meanwhile, make the pistachio crumb. Finely chop the pistachios, put them in a bowl and season well with salt and pepper. 4 Once the 15 minutes are up, turn the steaks over. Add the lime halves to the tray and return it to the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the cauli steaks are tender and really starting to take on some colour. 5 After this time, sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the tops of the cauli steaks and return them to the oven for about 3 minutes to toast the pistachios. Keep an eye on them as they can burn easily. 6 Serve the cauli steaks with slices of fresh mango, a dollop of yogurt, fresh coriander and a squeeze of the roasted lime juice. 1

Thai tequila trout Serves 4 One of my favourite supper dishes is my Gin and Tonic Salmon, which matches herbs and botanicals with the delicate flavours of the fish. It set me thinking about other herbal combinations to complement fish and in a flash of inspiration, I realised that the pungently aromatic herbs of Thailand – galangal, makrut (kaffir) lime, lemongrass – might be the perfect foil for the oily flesh of trout. My penchant for alliteration pushed me to see whether tequila rather than gin, might be the spirit of choice in this case, and it worked beautifully. An elegant dish for a summer’s evening. A tequila soda and lime on the side is entirely optional, but advised.

INGREDIENTS • 4 whole rainbow trout, gutted and cleaned • 250ml/9fl oz/1 cup soda water • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper For the marinade: • 4 tbsp tequila • finely grated zest and juice of 1 lime • 3 garlic cloves, crushed • a small chunk of galangal, peeled and grated • 1 lemongrass stalk, finely shredded • 6 makrut (kaffir) lime leaves, finely shredded

• 1 ⁄ 2 red chilli, ﬁnely diced • 1 tsp ground coriander To serve: • a handful of fresh coriander/cilantro ﬂaky sea salt • lime wedges • cooked rice

METHOD 1 The night before you want to cook the dish, marinate the fish. Put all the marinade ingredients in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper. Spread a quarter of the mixture inside each trout, then put the trout in a large baking dish and pour over the soda water. Place in the refrigerator overnight. 2 The next day, remove the fish from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and cooked through. 3 If the sauce has not reduced sufficiently, remove the fish to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Tip all the juices from the pan into a saucepan and place over a medium heat. Let the liquid bubble over the heat until it has reduced to a sticky sauce. 4 Serve the trout with the sauce poured over the top and a scattering of fresh coriander leaves. Sprinkle with flaky salt and provide limes on the side, as is obligatory with your tequila and serve with rice.

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A D V A N C E B O O K I N G R EQ U I R E D

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Parma violet chocolate mousse Serves 4 There is a lovely light texture to this velvety mousse. With its intensely floral hit of Parma Violets, it provides an unexpected flavour to liven up the tastebuds. Ideal to serve to dinner guests when entertaining.

INGREDIENTS • 150g/5oz dark/bittersweet chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids), roughly chopped • 90ml/3fl oz/6 tbsp hot water • 2 large eggs, separated • 30g/1oz/2 tbsp caster/superfine sugar • a few drops of violet extract, to taste (I use about 6–7) • 100ml/31⁄2fl oz/scant 1⁄2 cup double/ heavy cream or whipping cream • 1 small roll of Parma Violet sweets

METHOD 1 Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl, pour in the hot water and set the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water, making sure the base of the bowl is not touching the water. Leave to melt for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Once smooth, remove the bowl from the pan and leave the chocolate to cool a little. 2 Meanwhile, put the egg whites in a perfectly clean bowl and whisk until soft peaks form. Start adding the sugar, a little at a time, and continue to whisk until all the sugar is incorporated and the egg whites are glossy and stiff. 3 Stir the egg yolks into the chocolate mixture until well incorporated, then add the violet extract, making it as strong as you dare. 4 With a large metal spoon, beat a couple of tablespoons of the egg white into the chocolate mixture to loosen it. Then, add the remaining egg white and fold it in gently, being careful not to knock all the air out of the mousse. Divide the mousse between four ramekin dishes or glasses and leave in the refrigerator to set. 5 Before serving, whip the cream to soft peaks. Roughly crush the Parma Violets, leaving some larger pieces. 6 Serve the mousse pots with a blob of cream on top and sprinkle with the sweets to decorate.

“A velvety mousse with an intensely ﬂoral hit of Parma Violets”

Recipes taken from BOLD: Big Flavour Twists to Classic Dishes by Nisha Katona, published by Nourish Books. Photography by Martin Poole

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T HE RE ’S YOU YO U, T H EN T H ER E’ S

THE

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FA S H I O N

Beady Eyed VANESSA BARONI

For SS24, jewellery designer Vanessa Baroni collection is focusing on beads and introducing new pearl colours to accentuate sophistication. Pluss there are vibrant neon shades, perfect for the high summer vibe and vacation season. vanessabaroni.com

Lisa Corti's maximalist looks from Milan 46 • Arm candy 53 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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M AT E R I A L WORLD Milan maximalist Lisa Corti's dresses and kaftans feature bright colours, bold prints and voluminous shapes L I SAC O RT I .C O M

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

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TIME TO LIVE LATER LIFE TO THE FULL.

Your own beautiful apartment. Your own front door. Your own pick of a wide range of activities, clubs and interest groups – all you need to make later life, the time of your life. Luxury independent living in Marylebone for over 65s, with your wellbeing at its heart. Search Wallacea Living.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

ALL EYES LASHIFY

Inventors of the Underlash Technology™, Lashify is the world's first DIY lash extension system. Start with the brand's Control Kit, and then mix and match the Gossamer® sets to create your perfect lash look at home. An absolute beauty gamechanger. lashify.com

Notes on beauty 59 • The trend 61 • Fitness insider 65 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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E X P E R T I N T H E N A T U R AALL LLOOOOKK

Treat your mother to timeless beauty Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity ﬁgures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa Cheshire is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP and is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

REVIEW

FACE RESTORATION

HOLISTIC SPACE

Award-winning ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeons

G R E Y WO L F E

Tucked away in Barnes is a private wellness club that is quietly leading the wellness revolution. This is a space that combines holistic wellbeing with contemporary BioTechnology to deliver state-of-the-art, totally bespoke solutions that have profound effects on members’ wellbeing – solutions you can’t access anywhere else in the UK. greywolfe.co.uk

GLOW UP R A H UA

Rahua has launched its new Enchanted Island™ Body Glow Collection. With high-performance, plant-derived ingredients, all three products boost skin radiance (and smell absolutely heavenly too). We’ll take them all please.

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SP R IN G S KI N ANTIPODES

Antipodes has launched their new Maya Hyaluronic Serum. A super light formulation, it’s perfect for quenching dull end-of-winter skin and giving you a dewy complexion. £38. antipodesnature.com

EDITOR’S PICK

t’s quite unusual to find a Beauty Editor who has never had any ‘tweakments’. I’ve always looked young for my age, but recently I’ve noticed the lines on my forehead deepening. I’ve been cautious about Botox due to my underactive thyroid, so when Dr Rachna Murthy and Dr Jonathan Roos (the multi-awardwinning consultant ophthalmologists and oculoplastic surgeons behind FaceRestoration) suggest it might be a good treatment for me, I’m not immediately convinced. Previous to founding FaceRestoration, Dr Murthy led the Cambridge University Hospitals Thyroid Eye Disease Service – so she couldn’t be better qualified to reassure me. Roos and Murthy analyse my eye and skin health using 3D facial imaging (I have very few pores, but lots of lines). We set up a WhatsApp group so that I can go away and think about it. I resolve to be brave, and a few weeks later I’m back at their clinic. Roos and Murthy do several things differently to other aesthetic doctors. The first eye plastic surgeons to work as a team in clinic and surgery, they tailor each treatment – veering away from the ‘frozen’ look to deliver the best results. They also treat the whole face (instead of isolated areas) which is more effective as the muscles all work together. Plus, every care is taken to minimise pain with the finest needles available. It takes a few days to settle, but once it has, I couldn’t be happier. Follow-up 3D images show a more rested, youthful face and my lines have nearly disappeared. first consultant eye plastic surgeons to work on each surgical case as a team in surgery and in the clinic. FACERESTORATION 25 Harley Street, from £475

facerestoration.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

EDITOR’S PICK SCULPTED BY AIMEE Cream Luxe Blush, £17 sculptedbyaimee.co.uk

CIATE LONDON Brazilian Glow Bronzing Serum, £25 ciatelondon.com

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Lip Velvet in Kiss, £25 sephora.co.uk

emolyne.com

RARE BEAUTY All of the Above Weightless Shadow Stick in Adventure, £23 rarebeauty.com

ELIZABETH ARDEN High Drama waterproof eyeliner in espresso, £20 elizabetharden.co.uk

ESPRESSO SHOT Why brown is the shade of the season

HUDA BEAUTY Creamy Obsessions eyeshadow palette, £29 hudabeauty.com

GLOSSIER Cloud Paint, £22 glossier.com

REVLON ColorStay Suede Ink, £6.99 revlon.co.uk

B y C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

EMOLYNE Nail Lacquer in Morocco, £13 emolyne.com

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skin-fluencer.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

F I N D I N G

balance The Wellness Lab on how they are pioneers in preventative and regenerative wellness

O “We believe that you can use natural resources to achieve natural balance”

ur body has an innate ability to heal itself given the right resources. At The Wellness Lab, we carefully curate a comprehensive array of safe, non-invasive and systemic therapies to meet the body’s biological needs. When the biological needs are not met, diseases occur. Therefore, we believe that you can use natural resources to achieve natural balance. Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) is a holistic and non-invasive therapy that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber, which significantly increases cellular oxygen leading to systemic benefits throughout the body. Studies showed that frequent HBO can support a variety of acute and chronic conditions. It can reverse cellular ageing (Hachmo et al, 2020), stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and help repair cellular damage. Ozone, a charged particle of oxygen, is the best anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal agent. It reduces inflammation and detoxifies the blood and body by killing harmful viruses, bacteria, and fungi (Chirumbolo et al, 2022). Due to its direct administration, Ozone can maximise blood oxygen, activating ATP synthesis in mitochondria and boosting stem cell count. This is critical for fighting infections and increasing overall energy levels, cell regeneration, and healing while protecting your body from foreign invaders (Masan et al, 2021). Photobiomodulation, also known as Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), harnesses the power of red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing and collagen production while reducing inflammation. By stimulating deeper layers of the skin, it can boost immune system function, mood, and balance hormones, attenuating symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, fatigue, insomnia, and body aches. Molecular Hydrogen (H2) supports your body in neutralising toxins and free radicals that otherwise lead to oxidative stress and deprive your cells of energy

(Lucas et al, 2020). Due to its small size, it can access all tissues, including the nervous system, keeping inflammation and infection symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, migraine and aches at bay (Fu et al, 2022). IV Infusions deliver vitamins, minerals, and amino acids with 100% efficiency as compared with 50% in oral intake. Ninety per cent of people are nutrient deficient, and 50% of those are already taking oral multivitamins. Replenishing your nutrient supply via IVs can support your body’s immune system. Adding NAD+, an essential coenzyme for energy production, helps regulate DNA repair and protects cells from ageing. It gives your cells the energy boost they need in order to protect you from infection. Under the guidance of a team of wellness practitioners, our holistic treatment plan is customised based on client’s needs whether to support health conditions or for general wellness. THE WELLNESS LAB 21 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LY 077 2460 1630, info@thewellnesslab.com thewellnesslab.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Create Your Perfect Gym

Let us be your expert designer to help make YOUR GY and feel so good that you WANT to go back to all the

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

TOP

PICKS

NOTES

PERFORMANCE AND RECOVERY

By CARLY GLENDINNING

FOODSPRING A powerful blend of plantbased BCAA aminos, caffeine, and vitamin C, B3, and B12, foodspring's formulation boosts your immune system, metabolism, and helps you to recover faster from fatigue. £29.99. foodspring.co.uk

RIDE IT OUT

HERMOSA One of the most delicious protein powders we've tried, HERMOSA's all-natural blend of GMO-free pea and hemp protein provides all nine essential amino acids you need for muscle growth and repair. Beautifully packaged too. £35. livehermosa.com

NAD CLINIC Delivering the highest purity and potency of any non-prescription NAD+ supplement available, Optima Max boosts energy, supercharges your metabolism, and reduces fatigue – helping you to train for longer. £179.99. naddirect.com

Carly Glendinning tries indoor cycling phenomenon SoulCycle, in London's Soho

t's a busy Saturday afternoon in London's Soho when I arrive at SoulCycle's Great Marlborough Street studio. Entering through the light, bright shop upstairs, I check in at the reception desk, sign a rider waiver, and pick up a pair of cycling shoes. There's a buzz in the stylish changing room below, but I manage to find a locker, put on some leggings and a tank top and head into the studio. Loved by celebrities and fitness industry pros alike, the New York-founded indoor cycling chain arrived in the capital five years ago and it seems it's as popular as ever. The studio is packed full and being a total newbie, I choose a bike at the back of the class.

Members of the SoulCycle team are on hand to help me clip my shoes in and I'm ready to ride. I'm thankful that the studio is dark, so that I don't feel too self conscious, but as soon as they start pumping out the music, I find myself quickly relaxing into it. Following along is easy, and our enthusiastic instructor keeps the energy of the room up by calling out words of encouragement. The low-impact, high-intensity workout includes tricep dips (where you lean forward onto the bike's handlebars, supporting yourself with your abs), and tap backs (where you stand up out of the saddle and push your hips backwards). I

crank up the resistance for the hill climbs, pedalling furiously (although I'm in charge of the intensity throughout). There's also a weights section using the light hand weights stowed in the bike's holders. It's a full body workout, but my adrenaline is so high (thanks to the music), I don't have any trouble pushing through. "You're a SoulCycle convert now, aren't you?" says my husband as I bound through the door. I roll my eyes, but he's right, I'm hooked already and I can't wait to book in for my next SoulCycle class. SoulCycle 'New Rider 1 Class', £16 . soul-cycle.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The perfect gift in this extraordinary year

Every homeworker deserves a Varier Chair from backinaction BE AUTIFUL DESIGN LED ERGONOMICS On-line, by telephone, over Zoom and in 4 fabulous stores www.backinaction.co.uk/bucks or call 01494 434343 For Your Perfect Chair AD BACK 1 IN Untitled-4 1 ACTION_23-Mar-2024_ABSOLUTELY LONDON.indd 66 BIA.indd

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

SEEING CLEARLY Navigating the landscape of macular disease and age-related macular degeneration

s we explore the intricacies of vision, the macular is an essential part of the retina. It emerges as a critical element in our ability to see clearly. Unfortunately, for many individuals, issues with this fundamental feature can lead to various sight problems, with the lead issue being macular degeneration. Macular disease stands out as a significant contributor to vision loss. Shockingly, the Macular Society reports that nearly 1.5 million people in the UK suffer from macular disease, with approximately 300 new diagnoses every day, making it the leading cause of sight loss in the country. Often referred to as 'age-related macular degeneration' (AMD), macular disease transcends age boundaries, affecting

edge technology, the Valeda by Lumithera. The Valeda light delivery system utilises non-invasive treatment with red, yellow, and near infra-red light, promoting the stability of deeper macular retinal layers. The hope of reducing the rate of change allows for better vision for longer, not only for those day-to-day tasks, but promoting better independence. This innovative approach aligns with The Eye Place’s philosophy of a proactive approach to eye health, recognizing that a pair of spectacles is only as good as the eyes they are in front of. Regular eye examinations are emphasised, especially for those over 60, given the increasing prevalence of age-induced eye damage (including macular degeneration). The Eye Place’s commitment to comprehensive eye health includes the ability to digitally record deep retinal layers, providing a thorough understanding of macular and eye health. The journey through the complexities of macular disease and AMD highlights the need for awareness, proactive care, and the integration of advanced technologies in preserving and enhancing vision. For more information on services provided at The Eye Place, individuals are encouraged to contact their nearest branch to book an eye examination promptly. After all, when it comes to eye health, early intervention is key. the-eye-place.co.uk

individuals regardless of their age. The impact of macular disease is profound, restricting individuals from performing daily tasks that many take for granted. Central vision loss results in symptoms ranging from distortion of straight edges and details, to everything appearing to have a “black spot” obscuring it, which gradually expands to limit usable vision to the periphery. For those familiar with AMD, it is recognized as the primary cause of irreparable sight loss in the UK, leading to the loss of the central field of vision. The prevalence of AMD is significant, affecting 4.8% of people aged 65 or over, escalating to 12.2% in those aged 80 or over. Both wet and dry forms of AMD exist, with early detection critical for Wet AMD, requiring urgent referral for specialised treatment. In response to the challenges posed by Dry AMD, The Eye Place has invested in cuttingA B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EOOS

2023

CARLHANSEN.COM

Retail prices incl. VAT.

ORGANIC SHAPES

Embrace Outdoor Series

The E022 Embrace Outdoor Dining Table is available in three sizes to adapt to a variety of spaces, meticulously crafted in FSC™-certified untreated teak to allow for its unique patina to develop in its environment. Price: from £1,051 Created for supreme comfort outdoors, the E008 Embrace Outdoor Dining Chair is also crafted from untreated teak that develops a unique patina over time. Designed to be used with or without its signature weather-resistant cushioned upholstery, the chair can also be stacked for convenience. Price: from £591 | Cushion: from £131

Flagship Store London 48A Pimlico Road, Belgravia London, SW1W 8LP london@carlhansen.com

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Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm +44 0 (20) 7730 8454

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INTERIORS

L A ST I N G LO O K C R I T TA L L W I N D OW S

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

If you’re looking for replacement windows for your home, why not invest in those that offer timeless style and lasting value? High quality steel windows manufactured today perfectly combine traditional style with modern performance, keeping homes well insulated and well protected for in excess of 60 years. Choose from a range of sizes, styles and colours to create truly bespoke steel windows for your home. Discover the real Crittall Windows today. crittall-windows.co.uk

Interior inspirations 70 • Talking pattern with Emma J Shipley 74 • Urban gardens 79 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS N OT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE

HOME STYLE HABITAT

Habitat is celebrating its 60th birthday in 2024 and for the summer collection they have launched design-led pieces that can be easily incorporated into existing interior schemes. Classic designs are married with traditional craft techniques, bold prints and vivid colours. habitat.co.uk

CO LO U R B LO C K MIXED MEDIA

Concetta, Pino, Pizzaiolo, and Simonetta make up Leonardo's Buoni Amici collection. The lovingly designed vases of opal glass, wood and ceramic elements combine playful design with style and character with lots of Italian charm. leonardo.de

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E F I V E Indoor planters

DUTCHBONE Botanique Plant Stand, £49 cuckooland.com

CLEAN FU N DIPT YQUE

W H I T E LOT U S DIOR MAISON

Cordelia de Castellane's Lotus line is punctuated with captivating lotus flowers in delicate shades of blue and green, adorning ceramic tableware, a lacquered tray, table linens, hand-painted glassware, a carafe and elegant Salento candle holders. dior.com

ESCAPOLOGY HOME Jakarta Plant Stand set of two, £115 escapologyhome.co.uk

Diptique's La Droguerie collection has launched a new interior scent spray formulated and designed to remove unwanted smells and diffuse the air with delicious notes of basil, mint and tomato leaves. It's a cleaning product, only much nicer. diptyqueparis.com

AMARA Bamboo Planter With Stand, £59 cultfurniture.com

MAJID FURNITURE Plant stand, £44 handmadeinbritain.co.uk

FACE O FF NPG X TRACEY EMIN

LIME LACE Scandi Concrete Planter with Stand, £49.99 limelace.co.uk

The National Portrait Gallery's highly collectible range, Untitled, 2023 by Tracey Emin, consists of two plates, two mugs and a milk jug. Each piece is screen printed with cobalt blue and black in Stoke-on-Trent and presented in a gift box embossed with Tracey Emin's signature. npgshop.org.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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SPRING SALE SIZE UPGRADE SUPER KING FOR THE PRICE OF A KING KING FOR THE PRICE OF A DOUBLE

Jessica 1800

Cool Rest 1800

PocketGel Plus Poise

Sleepeezee Stockist

Visit our Showrooms: Mon to Sat 09.00 – 17.00 22 Redenhall Rd, Harleston, Norfolk, IP20 9ER T: 01379 855456 or 855461 | www.bestpricebeds.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TREND EDITOR’S PICK

BRUTES CERAMICS Stoneware Coffee Cup, £28 notjustashop.arts.ac.uk

CASA BY JOSEPHINE JENNO Bulgarian Heritage Folk Plate, £66 casabyjj.com

JUDY CAPLIN CERAMICS

ROCKETT ST GEORGE

Extra large cup in eau de nil, £30 handmadeinbritain.co.uk

Green Cabbage Leaf Plate, £18 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

HAY Sobremesa collection, from £45 royaldesign.co.uk

ROSE & GREY Cherry Tomato Plate, £26 roseandgrey.couk

CLAY SCHEME

SPICER AND WOOD Extravagant Bow Dinner Plate, £33 spicerandwood.co.uk

Our edit of stylish contemporary ceramics

NKUKU Indigo Drop Cup Saucer, £22.5 nkuku.com

By P E N D L E H A R T E JONATHAN ADLER Gilded Gala Bowl, £350 sweetpeaandwillow.com

DESIGNERS GUILD Ikebana dinner plate, £428 for four. designersguild.com

BETÜL TUNC FOR ANTHROPOLOGIE Cake stand, £88 anthropologie.com

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HK LIVING 70s Ceramics milk jug, £11 monpote.co.uk

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22/03/2024 13:50

A N I M A L Q How did you start out as an illustrator? A I always loved art when I was growing up, but was also quite practical, so I ended up going down the design route. I studied an MA in Textiles at the Royal College of Art, and was very focused on my drawing and how I could translate my illustrations onto different surfaces to be beautiful final pieces. Q Can you describe your style? A Fantastical, botanical and graphic. Q You're inspired by travel - tell us about your latest trip? A I travelled to the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica - it’s renowned as one of the most biologically intense and important places on earth so it’s an incredible destination for wildlife. I stayed at an eco lodge called Bosque del Cabo, and every day even just on the way to breakfast I would see so many different species of wildlife. The lodge is situated on a large area of around 700 acres of forest, so I enjoyed hiking through the jungle and wildlife spotting every day. A puma was spotted one of the days I was there, although sadly not by me. However I did see a huge amount of wildlife including howler monkeys, capuchin and squirrel monkeys, coatis, toucans, scarlet macaws, sloths, whales, dolphins and so much more. Certainly rich inspiration for my next design. Q How do you spend a normal working day? A I go into our Shoreditch office most days and work a couple of days at home usually. It really depends on what is going on in the business as to what my priorities are each day - but could include drawing a new design, working with my design team on new product developments, meetings with potential companies to collaborate with, signing off on our marketing content like emails and photography, working on business analysis and finance meetings. No days are the same!

EMMA J SHIPLEY

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INTERIORS • PROFILE

M A G I C Absolutely meets designer Emma J Shipley to discuss her fantastical, botanical and colourful style Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

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INTERIORS • PROFILE

SNOW LEOPARD PLACEMATS

SOFA UPHOLSTERED IN ZAMBEZI LINEN

Q Your prints adorn fabrics, ceramics and lots of different pieces - how big is your collection? A My own collection is getting quite large. I’ve been doing cushions for a while now so I have many different ones - it’s such an easy way to update a space so I like to do a bit of a seasonal switch. I also use all my own china every day and sleep in our bedding every night. Q Your prints tell multi-layered stories - can you talk us through some of them individually? A The Lynx design was inspired by a South African adventure. I was lucky enough to go on an inspirational trip, starting with accessing the archive of the Iziko Museum; an institution which showcases the country's history, culture and biodiversity. I saw some incredible artefacts and ancient pieces of carved and painted rock, which had an influence on my final design. I also travelled to the Cederberg wilderness area with an archeologist guide to see cave paintings that were up to 10,000 years old. We hiked across mountainous terrain and through thick undergrowth, finally finding secret sites that aren’t marked on any map and are still pristine and protected, with caves covered in hundreds of paintings. It was incredibly moving to see artworks made by people thousands of years ago and find out about their culture, and to see how animals were so important within their lives and art. I hope I captured a little bit of that African Magic in my Lynx design. Q What other designers do you admire? A William Morris has always been an inspiration and I love his quote, ’Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful’ - as a designer I love creating pieces that are both practical and beautiful so that’s a good rule to live by.

LYNX BEDDING

“I love creating pieces that are both practical and beautiful”

Q And who would you like to collaborate with? A I would love to work on some new types of product, for example it would be amazing to create jewellery or rugs. I’ve also always liked the idea of stationery, which it would be great to do with an expert brand. Q What's next for your brand? A We have an exciting year ahead; I’ve been busy working on my next design, inspired by Costa Rica, which will be launching later on this year. We also have new Bedding collections coming, and some brand new special additions to our Wallpaper collection which I can’t wait to launch.

emmajshipley.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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@allenhouse

Sales launch at Allen House in Kensington, a handsome Edwardian Mansion Building just off Kensington High Street Completing this summer • Studio, one, two and three-bed luxury residences, and two penthouses available • 24hr concierge • Residents’ gym Private landscaped garden • Prices for a one-bed residence at Allen House start from £1.24m, and two-bed residences start from £2.6m Allen House has partnered with Harrods to offer a priority concierge service for future residents -

Sales agents: Knight Frank (Ed Capel: 07773638841) and Strutt & Parker (Keir Waddel: 02073184677) A

AD ALLEN HOUSE.indd 77 ALLEN_HOUSE_LONDON_APR2024_v2.indd 1

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THE GERMAN KITCHEN SPECIALISTS

80 High Street | Egham | Surrey | TW20 9HE Tel: 01784 438 557

That holiday feeling. Every day.

markilux pergola cubic

Visit us NOW!

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More Info?

markilux Designer Awnings. Made in Germany. Innovative technology and highest quality, outstanding when it comes to relaxing outdoors. Create the most alluring shade in the world. markilux showroom at Business Design Centre London N1 0QH · 52 Upper Street · T: 020 7288 6810 · markilux.co.uk

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INTERIORS • GARDENS

FLOWER S T O R Y

his spring, Petersham Nurseries is embracing the new season, bringing ‘The School of Garden Inspiration’ to Covent Garden with a series of Urban Green workshops for city gardeners, whether they’re complete beginners or enthusiastic aficionados. Visitors can roll up their sleeves and get hands-on as they learn everything from how to plant spring bulb arrangements to how to create herbal planters to harvest and use in the kitchen. On Friday 12 April, A Celebration of Blossom and Branches marks a favourite date in the gardening calendar, blossom season, with a morning of floral immersion. Therese will lead participants through the process of creating a romantic handtied bouquet with the finest blossoming branches and seasonal blooms, sourced from Petersham Nurseries’ network

Classes for urban gardeners come to Petersham Nurseries of British growers. Therese will also demonstrate how to craft whimsical vase arrangements using blossoming branches for scale and drama, before guests take their bouquets home to display and admire. On Saturday 27 April, the Sustainable Flower Arranging masterclass follows Petersham Nurseries’ ethos of organic, environmental gardening that’s guided by the seasons. Under Therese’s guidance, the workshop follows a completely naturalistic approach, limiting air miles and using natural rather than man-made mechanics to support each arrangement. Guests will learn about the importance of seasonality and sustainability as they create their own arrangements of locallygrown flowers in an elegant footed bowl, supported by moss and reusable mechanics. As summer approaches, on Saturday 4 May The Best of British Flowers will see participants master the creation of a Petersham Nurseries’ style vase

arrangement, celebrating the best British flowers and colour that the season has to offer. Guests will be coached by Therese on how to condition their own garden flowers and branches for optimum vase life, before taking their wild arrangements and vases home with them. Last but not least, on Friday 31 May the series concludes with the Herbal Planter workshop, using British-grown herbs and edible flowers. Perfect for food-lovers and gardeners with even the smallest patch to play with, during the masterclass guests will create their own arrangements of carefullyselected plants in a terracotta planter, before leaving with lots of tips on how to maintain the planter and harvest the herbs. All materials will be provided for each session, and refreshments will be served on arrival. All workshops are 9am - 11am. Tickets can be booked at petershamnurseries.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Upholstery Design Services

RUG STORE specialise in a wide selection of new, old and Antique Persian, Turkish, Caucasian and Turkmen Carpets. Various antique, old and new Kilims are available. We offer a professional hand-cleaning and restoration service. We buy old and antique carpets even damaged rugs. Part exchange and evaluations.

312 UPPER RICHMOND ROAD WEST, EAST SHEEN, RICHMOND, LONDON, SW14 7JN Tel: 020 8876 0070 • wwww.rugstoreonline.co.uk

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Passionate about fabric & creating unique furniture sarahlouisedix.co.uk | enquiries@sarahlouisedix.co.uk | 01483 801108

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15/05/2023 09:05

BLIND AND CURTAIN SHOWROOM ur ne l redesigned luxa ex sho room, sho cases the latest innovations in custom made linds including automation, sustaina ilit , and smart home integration itting alongside our espoke luxur curtain and roman lind service containing an inspiring collection of designer fa rics and trimmings ith over ears experience in indo st ling e oﬀer a full espoke service ith ever aspect of our pro ect overseen our team of experts

Curtains and Blinds by Appointment Only Opening Hours: ues at am to pm 52 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6NQ 020 8332 6250 • info@curtain-call.co.uk www.curtain-call.co.uk CURTAIN _CALL_HP_ABS_APR2024_v2.indd 1

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INTERIORS • TREND

BASALT & DUNE Candy Stripe Mug, £19.50 basaltdune.co.uk

GISELA GRAHAM Honeycomb paper egg decotaion, £6.99 giselagraham.co.uk

COLOURS OF ARLEY Sweetheart Stripe Cushion, £75 coloursofarley.com

FARROW & BALL Chromatic stripe wallpaper, £79 farrow-ball.com

THE BASKET ROOM

EDITOR’S PICK

LINE UP

ANTIPODREAM Mallorca stripe tablecloth, £125 antipodream.co.uk

You can never have too many stripes. Here's proof

Safari woven storage baskets, from, £27 thebasketroom.com

By P E N D L E H A R T E GISELA GRAHAM Stoneware Creamer Jug, £7.49 giselagraham.co.uk

HOUSEOF. Small Stripe printed fabric shade, £99 houseof.com

RAJ TENT CLUB REIMAGINED Red stripe chinoiserie tea towel, £12 reimaginedbyannastark.com

Palm Springs chair with coral and cream stripe cushions, £350 rajtentclub.com

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G A R D E N BY

R O O M S

DRUMB EAT

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

PICTURE PERFECT Investing in a Pullman Editions’ poster will not only add the wow factor to your home, it offers a modern glimpse into the past too

ullman Editions designs, commissions and publishes striking original posters which capture the enduring appeal of Art Deco. Their newlycommissioned posters feature glamorous travel destinations around the world, winter sports in the European Alps, and the world’s greatest historic automobiles on the road and track. The last few decades have seen enormous growth in the vintage poster market, with prices growing steadily as demand increases for a product with only a finite supply. In the field of vintage Winter Sports posters for example, good posters from the 1920s and 1930s comfortably achieve five-figure sums at auction. Posters – once described as ‘a visual shout’ – proved an attractive, effective means of promotion and ‘at-a-glance’ display. Poster display was never more inspired than in the Art Deco period when posters, largely produced by Swiss and French railway companies, graced station platforms and billboards to persuade affluent and adventurous travellers to enjoy the newly-fashionable modern luxury travel. The vast majority of these classic posters were destroyed when replaced by other posters – it is the handful of surviving vintage posters that today fetch such dramatic prices. Pullman Editions’ modern take on these Art Deco classics provide a more affordable way to decorate your home. Evoking memories of holidays and special occasions, their posters also make super original gifts. Having recognised the demand for stylish, decorative yet affordable posters, Pullman Editions is committed to designing and publishing new artworks to provide a modern alternative to the costly original Art Deco posters produced 'in-period'. Executed by leading poster artists, their editions combine originality with the quintessential heritage and dramatic imagery of vintage posters.

“They are modern takes on Art Deco classics”

Available in strictly limited editions of 280, the posters are printed using traditional techniques on the finest quality 100% cotton fine art paper. They are signed, hand-numbered and bear Pullman Editions’ embossed stamp of authenticity. Each poster is approximately 97 x 65 cms (38 x 26 inches), and they are supplied unframed in robust tubes, which can be shipped worldwide. A framing service is also offered for personal shoppers at the Chelsea gallery. Priced at £420 each including VAT (unframed), the limitededition posters may be ordered online at pullmaneditions.com, or collected in person at the gallery near Sloane Square. Visit pullmaneditions.com to see more A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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LUXE TWIN PEAKS LONDON BARRELHOUSE

PHOTO: IMAGE COURTESY OF SOTHEBY’S LONDON

Fine wine and rare whisky have dominated the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index since inception and continue to do so. Inside, London Barrelhouse highlight the growth opportunities for your capital by investing in both. p90

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PETRUS 2000

FINER THINGS

n the heart of a city renowned for its financial prowess and cultural heritage, London Barrelhouse stands as a beacon for enthusiasts and investors alike, navigating the intricate world of wine and whisky investment. As alternative investments gain momentum amidst the volatility of traditional markets, the allure of wine and whisky has never been more pronounced. The concept of investing in tangible assets such as fine spirits is far from novel. However, the sophistication and structure of the market have soared, transforming cellars and vaults into veritable treasure troves. In a world where the tangibility of assets is increasingly cherished, the wine and whisky market burgeons, offering not just the promise of hedonistic pleasure, but also the potential for substantial financial returns. London Barrelhouse, with its finger firmly on the pulse of this dynamic market, provides both the seasoned collector and the novice investor with unparalleled

expertise. The key to successful investment in this niche yet burgeoning market is twofold: an impassioned understanding of the product and a strategic approach to acquisition and divestment. Wine investment has long been embraced by those with a penchant for the finer things in life. The market, dominated by the venerable wines of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and increasingly the New World, has shown resilience and growth even in the face of economic downturns. The allure lies in the finite supply of these coveted bottles, where each vintage tells a story, and provenance is paramount. As emerging markets develop a taste for these luxurious libations, demand surges, and with it, the potential for profit. Fine wine investment has a longer history than whisky and is often considered a more established market. Similar to whisky, the value of wine is influenced by scarcity, quality, vintage, and the reputation of the vineyard or chateau. The most sought-after wines for investment typically come from regions with storied wine-

PHOTO: IMAGE COURTESY OF SOTHEBY’S LONDON

Navigating the Wine and Whisky Investment Market with London Barrelhouse

“Wine investment has shown resilience and growth even in the face of economic downturns”

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LUXE • PARTNERSHIP

THE MACALLAN FINE & RARE 60 YEAR OLD 1926

producing histories, such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne in France, or the Tuscany and Piedmont regions in Italy. One of the critical factors that set wine apart from whisky as an investment is the ageing process. While whisky does not mature further once bottled, wine can improve with age, developing complexity and depth that increase its desirability and, consequently, its value. However, this also means that wine requires proper storage conditions to maintain and enhance its quality over time. Temperature-controlled cellars and professional storage facilities are

paramount for the serious wine investor. Whisky, on the other hand, has emerged as a powerhouse in the alternative investment market. The liquid’s maturation in the cask, coupled with the explosion of interest in both classic Scotch and rare releases from Japan and beyond, has resulted in eye-watering auction prices and record-breaking sales. The whisky market is not just about age or rarity; it is about the stories, the craftsmanship, and the brands behind each bottle. Whisky, particularly single malt Scotch, has seen a remarkable surge in its investment value over the past few decades.

The limited-edition releases, discontinued bottles, and rare finds from silent distilleries have become the blue chips of the whisky investment market. The value of a whisky is determined by various factors such as its rarity, age, distillery provenance, and the quality and uniqueness of the dram. One of the most compelling reasons to invest in whisky is its non-perishable nature; unlike wine, whisky does not deteriorate in the bottle. This ensures that well-kept bottles can last indefinitely, potentially increasing in value as they become scarcer over time. Additionally, the global demand for premium whiskies, A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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LUXE • PARTNERSHIP

HIGHLAND PARK

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it is clear that the appetite for alternative assets is not just a trend but a significant shift in investment strategy. London Barrelhouse embodies the sophistication and savvy required to thrive in this market, offering a gateway to a world where pleasure and profit intertwine. In conclusion, the wine and whisky investment market offers a compelling narrative of history, craftsmanship, and financial potential. In the hands of London Barrelhouse, investors have the opportunity to engage with this narrative, ensuring their portfolios are imbued with the richness and depth that only these fine spirits can provide. As we look ahead, the market shows no signs of slowing down, buoyed by a global clientele with an insatiable thirst for the rare and the remarkable. London Barrelhouse, with its expertise and discerning eye, stands ready to guide both connoisseurs and investors through the intricacies of this liquid asset class. In a world where traditional markets may falter, the wine and whisky market presents not just a safe haven, but a realm of opportunity for those willing to immerse themselves in its nuances. For those who choose to embark on this journey, London Barrelhouse is more than an investment firm, it is a partner in the craft of curating a legacy, one bottle at a time. In the end, whether it’s the velvety cascade of a fine Bordeaux or the peaty embrace of a single malt Scotch, investing in wine and whisky through London Barrelhouse is more than a financial decision – it’s an investment in culture, heritage, and the timeless art of enjoyment. Here in London and indeed globally, the market for these liquid assets is not just alive; it’s thriving, offering a world of possibilities to those who dare to dive in. londonbarrelhouse.com

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“London Barrelhouse offers a gateway to a world where pleasure and proﬁt intertwine” LAFITE 1982

PHOTO: IMAGE COURTESY OF SOTHEBY’S LONDON

especially from emerging markets in Asia, continues to grow, driving prices up for limited and exclusive bottles. London Barrelhouse offers a sanctuary for those looking to delve into this market. With a seasoned team of experts, London Barrelhouse provides a curated selection of investment-grade wines and whiskies. The service goes beyond mere procurement; it encompasses best in class storage solutions, insurance, and valuation services, ensuring that each bottle’s integrity and value are preserved. The firm’s approach to investment is bespoke, recognising that each investor has unique objectives and risk tolerances. Whether the aim is diversification, capital growth, or the pure joy of owning a piece of liquid history, London Barrelhouse tailors its services to meet these needs. The burgeoning secondary market for fine spirits has also allowed for liquidity options that were once considered unfeasible, providing investors with exit strategies should they choose to realise their gains. As we witness the continued growth of the wine and whisky investment market,

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THE C O UNTRY HOUSE HOTEL THAT REW RITES THE RUL ES

CoworthPark

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CoworthPark

CoworthParkUK #DCmoments

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RELAXED indulgence Coworth Park: the country house hotel that rewrites the rules

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• PARTNERSHIP • XXXXX LUXE XXXXXXXX

s you head towards Coworth Park, Dorchester Collection’s luxury country house hotel and spa, you emerge from the tree-lined driveway to be greeted by the glorious wildflower meadow and fresh lavender scent. Feel yourself relax from the moment you discover Coworth Park’s picturesque parkland, on the borders of Windsor Great Park, just 45 minutes from central London. This luxurious getaway is high-end style without the stuffiness. A romantic retreat for couples and a favourite with families seeking a relaxing break with a dash of adventure.

STAY IN STYLE An understated palette of subtle colours lends an air of calm to the spacious

“For the ultimate in privacy, splash out on the Grade II listed Dower House” rooms and suites. For Georgian charm with an eccentric decorative flair, opt to stay in the Mansion House. If you prefer a little more seclusion, you’ll find the selfcontained converted Stables and Cottages more to your liking. To experience the ultimate in privacy, splash out on the spectacular Grade II listed Dower House, with its own private kitchen, dining room and three luxurious bedrooms.

BEST OF BRITISH Michelin-starred Woven by Adam Smith shows true passion for the finest locallysourced seasonal ingredients, in a relaxed and contemporary setting. If it’s delicious brasserie-style food you favour, sample The Barn’s rustic charm where you’re more than welcome to keep your muddy boots on, or dine al fresco taking in the scenic Berkshire countryside views. Taking afternoon tea on the terrace or in the Drawing Room, with delicious cakes and pastries overlooking the meadow, is another summer must-do.

COUNTRY PURSUITS Can’t sit still types can take part in quintessentially English activities such as tennis, croquet, horse riding or explore the grounds on one of the hotel’s bicycles. Take polo lessons with Guards Polo Academy at Coworth Park on one of the two professional polo fields. Golf fans can also gain special access to play at the

nearby Wentworth Club. Children are catered for with everything from riding lessons to treasure hunts at the kids’ club, which is guaranteed to keep even the most high-spirited kids entertained.

SPA INDULGENCE Head to the luxury spa for a refreshing swim in the inviting indoor pool, work out in the gym, indulge in a calming treatment like an aromatherapy massage, or look perfectly polished with a ‘hot-to-trot’ pedicure. When you feel peckish a healthy bite at The Spatisserie is designed to nourish you from the inside out.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS A truly memorable setting for anniversaries, milestone birthdays and weddings, and a refreshing change of scenery for business. Coworth Park’s four event spaces can cater for up to 100 guests; choose from the light and airy Garden and Oval rooms with their private terraces, the stunning vista from the Oak Room and the castle-like charm of the Tower House overlooking the lake. C OWO R T H PA R K Blacknest Road, Ascot Berkshire SL5 7SE, 01344 876 600 dorchestercollection.com reservations.CPA@dorchestercollection.com

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LUXE • PARTNERSHIP

QUITE THE

JOURNEY How The Luxury Travel Club go about creating holidays that will live long in the memory

n the fast-paced world of modern travel, where experiences are often measured by efficiency and convenience, there remains a niche for those seeking the epitome of luxury and indulgence. Among the plethora of options available to discerning travellers, one company stands out as a beacon of opulence and excellence: The Luxury Travel Club. From the moment you engage with The Luxury Travel Club, it becomes evident that their commitment to providing unparalleled experiences knows no bounds. Every aspect of their service, from meticulously curated itineraries to personalised concierge assistance, exudes sophistication and refinement. At the heart of The Luxury Travel Club’s ethos lies a dedication to crafting bespoke journeys that transcends the ordinary. Whether it’s a lavish escape to a

their extensive connections open doors to a world of privilege and exclusivity. Beyond the impeccable service, The Luxury Travel Club is committed to sustainable and responsible travel. Recognising the importance of preserving the planet for future generations, they strive to minimise their environmental footprint while simultaneously supporting local communities and promoting cultural preservation. In a world where luxury is often synonymous with excess, The Luxury Travel Club sets itself apart by offering discerning travellers the opportunity to indulge in opulence with a conscience. By combining unparalleled service, exclusive experiences, and a commitment to sustainability, they redefine the meaning of luxury travel and set a new standard for excellence in the industry. For those who seek not just a holiday, but an unforgettable journey of indulgence, refinement and discovery, The Luxury Travel Club stands as the epitome of luxury travel excellence. Their unwavering commitment to personalised service, attention to detail, and dedication to sustainability offers travellers the opportunity to embark on a truly extraordinary adventure unlike any other. theluxurytravelclub.com

private island resort in the Maldives or an exclusive expedition through the rugged terrains of Patagonia, each itinerary is tailor-made to fulfil the unique desires and preferences of their clientele. What truly sets The Luxury Travel Club apart is their unwavering commitment to excellence in every detail. From the selection of luxurious accommodations to the arrangement of private transportation and exclusive access to hidden gems, every element of the journey is meticulously curated to exceed the highest standards of luxury and sophistication. The Luxury Travel Club prides itself on its unparalleled network of partners and suppliers, ensuring that travellers are treated to exclusive unparalleled experiences. Whether it’s securing a table at the world’s most coveted restaurants or arranging VIP access to exclusive events, A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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LUXE • JEWELLERY PERIDOT LEAF FOREST NECKLACE

Golden PATH

The founder of Amanda Marcucci Jewellery on her successful journey

A CITRINE FOSSIL

CHRYSOPRASE SHELL NECKLACE

TIGER NECKLACE

“We are slowly building an emporium-style brand along with some incredible artisans”

TIGER NECKLACE

fter many years of working in the London fashion scene, I decided to follow my dream and set up my label, Amanda Marcucci Jewellery, to be able to bring back the luxury of Made in Italy. It had always been my dream to follow in the footsteps of the one-time famous Italian fashion houses and their high-quality manufacturing before Made in China took over creating a mass production of low-quality goods and giving birth to fast fashion. It took me three years longer to build a brand that would be 100% Made in Italy than it would have if I had given in to the cheaper and faster Chinese manufacturers. My ethos is slow fashion, sustainable and made by artisans or small factories and where possible to be of purpose, thus giving back to the world wherever we can. For the past eight years our jewellery brand has been growing and selling all over the world, especially in 5* resorts around the world. We are slowly building an emporium-style brand with the help of some incredible artisans who come from generations of experts in their fields. Soon we will be adding resort wear, home scents, accessories and much more. We have some great VIP followers such as Helena Christensen, Erin O’Conner, and Lisa Snowdon to name but a few. amandamarcucci.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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S TAY I N B E D The ultimate luxury is taking time to unwind in a bed so comfortable that you never want to leave

Bed: Vindö I Fabric: Designers Guild’s Glenville Granite I Rug: Soft Greige I Bed Linen: Storm Pebble I Ottoman: Kobbe Square MADE BESPO KE WITH FABR ICS FR O M

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With over 40 experiences to choose from this year Browse through Jets 100’s extensive array of over 40+ experience packages, featuring private jet charters, luxury accommodations, and event tickets for an unforgettable journey tailored to your preferences. FIND OUT MORE AT

jets100.com

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LUXURY PRIVATE JET EXPERIENCES & CHARTERS World class experiences from start to finish

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LUXE • PARTNERSHIP

LEEZ PRIORY, COURTYARD CEREMONY, PHOTO BY TOM HALLIDAY

SHOW STOPPERS Country House Weddings introduces a new luxury wedding package to its offering

remier wedding venue group, Country House Weddings, has launched the Luxe package, adding an elevated, more luxurious offering to its suite of Complete Wedding Packages available across its six country house wedding venues. Created in recognition of the growing trend towards luxury all-inclusive offerings in the broader hospitality sector, the Luxe package includes everything the group’s original Classical package offers, plus a wealth of extras.

Couples and their guests can enjoy extras such as upgraded Luxe food and drink menus, the Honeymoon Suite to end the night in style, and unlimited access to all their venue styling options – allowing you to add even more grandeur to your wedding day, without worrying about the extra cost. As an increasing number of couples search for ways to make their wedding unforgettable, the Luxe package allows couples to really give their day the ‘wow’ factor they’re looking for. It also removes the hassle of hiring additional suppliers, as couples often rely on multiple GOSFIELD HALL, ROCOCO HONEYMOON SUITE, PHOTO COURTESY OF LAVENHAM PHOTOGRAPHIC

GOLD VENUE STYLE, JAMES & KERRIE PHOTOGRAPHY

suppliers for similar extras; however, with the Luxe package it’s all included and waiting at the venue, ready for couples to use if they choose. Venue styling is particularly important as more and more couples are looking to put on a personalised wedding day filled with special touches. In response, Country House Weddings has built up a competitive offering, with gold cutlery and elegant gold-rimmed glassware, a selection of standout centrepieces and a range of larger venue pieces such as blossom trees, being just a few of the beautiful pieces available. This new offering also reflects the growing importance of food and drink to couples – the Luxe package includes increased number of canape and main course choices that the couple and their guests can choose from, upgraded welcome drinks (including champagne) and Luxe three-course wedding breakfast menus as standard, meaning there is no extra cost to add champagne or opt for beef wellington. The Luxe package offers amazing customer service and excellent value compared to the other luxury wedding venues on the market. Country House Weddings owns and operates six wedding venues across the south of England, including Gosfield Hall, Leez Priory, Bourton Hall, St Audries Park, Clearwell Castle, and Holmewood Hall. Each venue offers all-inclusive packages within its Complete Wedding Packages offering, including exclusive use of the country house and grounds on the day of your wedding. To find out more about Country House Weddings and its venues, visit countryhouseweddings.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s 109

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TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP

LIFE IS

BLISS

Discover a secret French Mediterranean château and villa estate that’s heaven for families

ucked away in the unspoiled Languedoc region of Southern France, Château Capitoul looks straight from the pages of a fairytale with its neo-gothic turret, hidden, lavender-scented terraces and rolling vineyards. Set within a magical 200-acre working wine estate, it’s a magnificent backdrop for a summer getaway, but what really sets it apart is its fantastically flexible set-up for families.

along the hillside. The latter are perfect for families and friends, combining all the comforts of a luxury hotel with the privacy and space of your own villa. Over half boast their own pool or Mediterranean garden, while each has a fully-equipped kitchen which makes self-catering a delight (stock up on ingredients at one of the buzzy local markets nearby). Don’t fancy cooking? There are two top-notch restaurants on site, gastronomic Méditerranéo or the more relaxed Asado, which serves generous plates of fresh local fish and regionally sourced meats grilled over fire.

A CHIC BUT CHILDFRIENDLY ESCAPE

FRESH AIR FUN FOR ALL AGES

Lovingly restored, this historic wine estate has a relaxed, country-club vibe, combining elegant interiors with an unstuffy approach. There is a range of stylish accommodation – from eight elegant suites in the château itself to 44 chic self-catering properties dotted

along with yoga classes, a hydrotherapy pool, hot tub, sauna and hammam. The winery, run by the château’s renowned wine partner, Vignobles Bonfils, has an impressive collection and a host of wine experiences from guided vineyard walks to tastings back at the cellar. There’s even a ‘Little Wine Grower’ experience for children, with grape juice tasting and vine-themed crafts. During the school holidays, there is a superb kids’ club for children aged 4-12 run by qualified, bilingual staff with a range of highly creative activities. For teens, summer camps include exciting experiences such as e-biking, paddle-boarding and tennis coaching. Meanwhile for the youngest guests, parents will find a multitude of handy kit, free of charge, including travel cots and high-chairs. The château can also arrange a qualified babysitter for evenings out. Close by, there are endless opportunities for memorable family adventures. Join an electric scooter tour along the coast or head to the charming fishing village of Gruissan. For a dose of culture, don’t miss nearby Narbo Via, Narbonne’s striking new museum of Roman antiquities. The historic city is also home to excellent restaurants along with one of France’s most beautiful covered markets. chateaucapitoul.com

Whether you have toddlers or teens, there is a huge amount to do. Along with a vast infinity pool, Château Capitoul has a tennis court, complimentary bikes, a pétanque pitch as well as the luxurious Cinq Mondes spa. The latter delivers pampering galore, A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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LUXE • PARTNERSHIP

“Jets 100 is about making your travel unforgettable”

LAS VEGAS

COSTA RICA

AMBERGRIS CAY

aking a trip on a private jet changes the whole idea of travel. It’s not just about getting from one place to another any more; it’s a special event full of luxury, feeling special, and being super comfortable. Private jets offer a complete package of being comfortable, private, and flexible in your travel plans. Jets 100 is a part of Holiday Luxury Corporation and is a VIP club for private jet travel. It is an invite only membership club that connects travellers all around the world. Jets 100 wants to do more than just offer fancy flights; they want to change what travelling means. Flying on a private jet means you can skip all the annoying parts of regular airports and go straight to your own special waiting area and plane. Every little detail is picked out to make sure you have the best time flying.

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SKY HIGH

Taking luxury to new heights thanks to Jets 100

Currently, Jets 100 offers departure points from seven cities: Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Dubai, London, Monaco, and Madrid. Their secret ingredient is a flight share membership model, which enables members to enjoy the exclusivity of flying private without bearing the full cost of chartering a jet. By pooling together like-minded individuals that are part of smaller groups (between 13 and 19 individuals, including flight attendants), the service provides access to luxurious, curated travel experiences and also fosters networking opportunities.

WHY PRIVATE JET TRAVEL IS SO GREAT Choosing to fly with Jets 100 changes the game in travel. Here’s why: • Saves Time: You get to fly straight to where you’re going, using smaller airports that are closer. This saves a bunch of time. • Privacy and Comfort: Their planes have

lots of room so you can relax or get some work done without anyone bothering you. • Made Just for You: They’ll make sure your flight has everything you want, from special meals to entertainment. • Meet Cool People: Flying private means you might meet people who are into the same things as you, in a more personal setting. Jets 100 isn’t just about flights; they’re about making your travel unforgettable. Their team knows luxury travel inside out and is all about making every trip special. They focus on what you need and want, making sure your flight is much more than just getting from A to B. Looking to the future, Jets 100 is leading the way in making travel amazing. They show us that luxury travel isn’t just about fancy things, but about how much better, convenient, and personalised your trip can be. jets100.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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BRINGING YOU

closer T O T H E C A R I B B E A N

Scattered across nine idyllic Caribbean islands discover 18 breathtaking resorts, designed exclusively for adults. Each resort is nestled along the shores of the most exquisite beaches, boasting crystal-clear waters and powdery soft white sands. Experience unparalleled luxury as you float effortlessly in captivating infinity pools or dive into a thrilling new watersport. And when it’s time to relax and unwind your luxurious private sanctuary awaits. The beauty of the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Resorts is that everything is included, allowing you the freedom to indulge in endless possibilities or simply enjoy the serenity of paradise.

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TRAVEL S

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Crystal

C LE A R How Amanda Marcucci's Atlantis Collection offers sustainable jewellery perfect for summer and beach settings p h o t o g r a p h y A N A PAO L A S T U D I O.C O M

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We are smitten by St Lucia's sister resorts Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain By SA N DY CA D I Z- S M I T H

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leanor Roosevelt wisely said: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”. As the longest-serving First Lady ever she must have known a thing or two. Everyone has a dream, though some people, like St Lucian hotelier Nick Troubetzkoy dream bigger than others. Resulting in the creation of two exceptional resorts that need to be seen to be believed. Located on the south-west coast of St Lucia, sister resorts Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain are spread over 600 lush tropical acres. Anse Chastanet sits down the hill, closer to the beach and this is where we begin our Caribbean island odyssey. After winding our way along the rocky road, we’re greeted with smiles and welcome drinks before being shown to our spacious hillside room. It’s open to the elements with only wooden louvres acting as walls. A lack of walls is something we need to get used to. The large bedroom is decorated in vibrant tropical hues and flows seamlessly onto an

equally large verandah with fabulous forest and ocean views. There’s no air conditioning but the natural through-draught makes for perfect ventilation. So we go to sleep to the sounds of the forest and wake up with the sun to the sound of birdsong and distant ocean waves. It’s a beautiful way to wake up and just a short walk down the hill to breakfast. Then it’s all about sun, sea and sand. There’s plenty to see and keep us busy - one of the best snorkelling spots on the island is right here. There’s also paddle boarding, sailing and scuba diving. There are two beaches for some serious lounging, the main one at Anse Chastanet and Anse Mamin, a short walk or boat ride away. The crystal clear, sunshine-warmed water is waiting when we need to cool off, before checking in to our second hotel, Jade Mountain. Jade Mountain rises above Anse Chastanet, overlooking St Lucia’s Pitons - a World Heritage Site and it's unlike anywhere we’ve ever stayed. The towering building blends into the St Lucian jungle and individual bridges lead to each of the 24 infinity pool sanctuaries. As

our Major Domo (a personal butler on hand 24/7 to ensure your every wish is fulfilled) explains to us, our room starts at that bridge. He also tells us that people often burst into tears on being shown to their sanctuary (of happiness, naturally), so we brace ourselves as he opens the door to JB4. And wow, it does take our breath away. Every sanctuary is unique and ours is designed with the infinity pool running through the middle, like our very own (heated) river. It’s spacious and spectacular with a huge open bathroom and totally missing that fourth wall: the gap perfectly frames the Pitons, like they were specially placed there. Who needs a wall when you have your own mountains? As well as successfully working with the surrounding terrain to create minimum disturbance, part of the vision was to create the resorts with an environmental consciousness at their heart as well as being places of beauty and luxury. This is evident in many of the initiatives on site including admirable

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“Two exceptional resorts that need to be seen to be believed” HILLSIDE ROOM, ANSE CHASTANET KAYAKING

THERE'S PLENTY OF WAYS TO ENJOY THE WATER

sustainability practices and community efforts. We also see this reflected in the incredible food. Guests can dine between the two resorts and the genius of innovative chefs Eli and Frank produces dish after dish of deliciousness. There are five restaurants, and 40% of the food comes from their organic farm down the road. From creative breakfast dishes to weekly buffets; wine pairings at the fine dining evenings in The Old Treehouse restaurant and the best burger on the island at the Jungle Grill, it’s food to dream about. We take a cruise and witness a pictureperfect sunset, watch turtle eggs hatching and the babies heading for the sea, have an in-sanctuary massage and take a guided walk through the plantation. We make our own chocolate in the onsite chocolate lab, enjoy rum tasting on the beach and a lionfish banquet afterwards, sample cocktails and live the headiest of lifestyles as if we’re living the dream. Nick Troubetzkoy’s belief in the beauty of his dream has become a reality. ROOMS ARE BUILT WITHOUT A FOUTH WALL

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Create precious family memories by escaping the daily pressures of life

Feather Down Farms offers a sanctuary where modern life fades away, allowing the whole family to unwind in a slower pace surrounded by nature. With 25 idyllic small-scale locations across the British countryside, guests can enjoy hands on farm experiences, acres of space and cosy cottages under canvas. Create quality family time together with fresh air and the beauty of nature at your fingertips.

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To discover more and to book your staycation, visit www.featherdown.co.uk/absolute-family-getaway

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Family

PARADICE Carly Glendinning visits Domes Lake Algarve, for a parent and kid-pleasing getaway

efore we became parents, my husband and I had been on very few resort holidays. Even our honeymoon was a pack-as-much-you-can-in USA road trip, because truth be told I’m just not that great at relaxing by the pool. Travel has (inevitably) changed a lot since we’ve had our daughter. With a toddler in tow there’s still not a lot of relaxation, but the convenience of a resort has definitely become a lot more appealing. Despite this, I think a lot of parents will be with me when I say I can’t bring myself to book a stereotypical family getaway. Becoming a parent doesn’t mean you wake up one day and no longer care about stylish hotel rooms, access to a luxury spa, or a quiet stretch of coastline. Very much wanting the best of both worlds, we decided to book a stay at Domes Lake Algarve. Overlooking Praia de Falesia, the stylish family-focused resort is renowned for being as much geared towards parents as it is little ones.

THE ROOM We were staying in the stylishly decorated Sapphire Retreat with views overlooking the pool and lake. But what we loved most about the room was the enormous bed. The hotel had set up a travel cot for our two-year old, but we had plenty enough space for co-sleeping. The room also had a balcony, which was great in the evenings when we wanted to have a

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“The stylishly decorated Sapphire Retreat has views overlooking the pool and lake”

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KIDS ACTIVITIES

glass of wine after putting our little one to bed. The bathroom had a separate bath and shower, and we loved the thoughtful little touches such as Le Petit Prince toiletries.

THE FOOD Our stay included a buffet breakfast and dinner at Gustatio restaurant. Not your runof-the-mill buffet, we were really impressed with the sheer variety on offer and how good the food was. There were plenty of options for our picky toddler, and also lots of plantbased dishes for me. The hotel describes the food as ‘Portuguese comfort cuisine with a Mediterranean twist’. Breakfast was mountains of fresh fruit, porridge, and beautifully baked traditional pastries. My husband indulged in a cooked breakfast, and my daughter picked from our plates. For dinner, there was an array of salads, fresh seafood, and other dishes inspired from around the world. Having the option to eat early (the evening buffet starts at 6.30pm)

and have lots of little tastes of different things was perfect if you have kids. We ate lunch at Makris on the Lake, which has a relaxed vibe and serves lots of crowd pleasers – including a very good burger and fries. The hotel also has two other restaurants: Topos, which serves award-winning neo-Greek seafood, and Soros, a beach-bar restaurant.

THE SPA We put our daughter in the kids club one morning so that my husband and I could visit the spa together. We’ve never done this on holiday before and it felt like a huge treat to have a couple of hours to ourselves. First up was a couples massage, which was so relaxing I nearly fell asleep. We then spent some time in the plunge pools, indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room. The space is beautifully designed and we were very lucky to have it all to ourselves. I wish we could’ve stayed all day, but a few hours of us-time did us the world of good.

We were really impressed with how geared towards little ones Domes Lake Algarve is. The resort not only has a big swimming pool, but also a lake with a man-made beach. This was heaven for our toddler and meant that we really didn’t need to leave the resort if we didn’t want to. The resort is right next to a beautiful stretch of coastline, so we did venture out one afternoon and our little one had so much fun running in and out of the waves. The hotel has beach sun loungers and you can borrow towels too. It was really quiet when we were there in September. The resort also has a brilliant adventure playground complete with lifesize wooden jeep. Kiepos, the kids club, was quite quiet at the time of year that we visited, but the staff were so sweet with my daughter and she didn’t want to leave when we came to collect her. Mini Club is for babies and toddlers from four months up to four years, and the kids club is from age four to 12. Activities include yoga, recycled crafts, and pirate face painting.

LOCATION The Algarve is a great destination for families with year-round sunshine. We didn’t feel the need to leave the resort, as everything we needed was there. But there’s lots to do in the area for families, with Zoo de Lagos, and Zoomarine (and aqua theme park) nearby. Vilamoura offers busting markets and a picturesque marina. The resort is 30 minutes from Ria Formosa, a natural wetland paradise, and the area’s natural wonders can be enjoyed inside the resort with beautifully landscaped gardens and lots of wildlife to observe. It’s also minutes away from five world-acclaimed golf courses. All in all, we couldn’t recommend Domes Lake Algarve for a family-friendly holiday more.

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Romantic retreats, boutique hotels, award-winning villas, family holidays.

Your time is precious... Our service is exceptional.

The Rou Estate, Corfu, Greece

020 3282 5125 | simpsontravel.com

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KIND

TOWN Chicago is a sparkling metropolis with a strong food culture, fascinating museums and a magniﬁcent river By SA N DY CA D I Z- S M I T H

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TRAVEL • AMERICA

hicago is the third-largest city in the USA. It sits on the banks of Lake Michigan in the Midwest state of Illinois, a proud testament to success over adversity. Devastated by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the city has since developed into a sparkling metropolis with its iconic skyline and myriad attractions to explore. Chicago captures the essence of all the positive aspects of urban life. It’s bustling and glitzy, yet it’s also incredibly peaceful with plenty of green spaces and a waterside

lifestyle. There’s a restaurant scene to be envied and the different neighbourhoods with their contrasting personalities create a dynamic and vibrant spirit that’s contagious. The city’s jaw-dropping architectural wonders like the Willis Tower serve as testament to its rich history and progressive spirit and we spend our first day with eyes cast skyward. From our base at the magnificent Peninsula Hotel we are perfectly placed to explore the city’s many glories. Our location on the prestigious Michigan Avenue, is on the Magnificent Mile, a thirteen-block stretch packed with high-end

wallet-busting shops. Think Tiffany & Co, Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton and more. It’s also easy walking distance to the Chicago River and Lake Michigan - yes, Chicago has both a magnificent river (the only one in the world that runs backwards) and a lake - and it’s a truly walkable city. We’re spoilt for choice and enjoy meandering both along the riverwalk and the soothing shores of Lake Michigan as well as taking a fascinating boat journey through the glittering towers that line the river. Chicago is one of the most diverse cities in the US with 77 distinct communities A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TRAVEL • AMERICA

31ST STREET HARBOUR

THE PENINSULA HOTEL LOBBY

THE PENINSULA HOTEL SPA

representing an incredible array of cultures and people. Each area feels like a new town, yet you’re always close to the city’s beating heart. We sample Mexican delights on a street food tour of Pilsen, tour and taste at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in the heart of the West Loop, and sample beers and spirits at Dovetail and Koval in Andersonville. For a touch of culture we follow in the footsteps of multiple movies that have been made in the city’s centre and visit the fascinating American Writer’s Museum. We rise up high to the Sky Deck in the city’s tallest skyscraper with its vertiginous and far-ranging views from the 103rd floor. And revel in Chicago’s gastronomic treasures, tucking into cuisine that spans the globe from Asian, Greek and Italian to modern and classic American. From the famous roast beef sandwich, hot dogs and ginormous deep pan pizzas to innovative modern fusion menus, it’s undoubtedly a

foodie paradise, no matter what your taste. Speaking of paradise, The Peninsula offers the ultimate in luxurious tranquility in the heart of all this action. Our deluxe room is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate with its plush seating area, giant bed, dressing room, sparkling marble bathroom and city vistas. Everything is controlled from the in-room tablets, from ordering room service to turning on the lights. And as you’d expect, the hotel food is fabulous too. Sumptuous a la carte breakfasts are served downstairs at European-style Pierrot Gourmet and the world-renowned Shanghai Terrace prides itself on its exceptional Chinese food. And then there’s Z Bar with its innovative cocktails, cuttingedge design and cool crowd. When evening falls we’re sipping cocktails on the terrace, watching that stunning skyline transform into a glittering light display like no other. Night or day, Chicago is truly dazzling.

C h i c a g o Fa c t B o x For information on what to do and where to go visit choosechicago.com We stayed at The Peninsula peninsula.com/en/chicago/5-starluxury-hotel-downtown-chicago We invested in a City Pass for discounted admission to attractions citypass.com/chicago RIVER TOUR architecture.org/tours/detail/ chicago-architecture-center-rivercruise-aboard-chicago-s-first-lady/ FOOD TOURS chicagofoodtours.com MOVIE TOURS chicagomovietours.com americanwritersmuseum.org

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LUXE • PARTNERSHIP

FOUNTAIN VIOLET

FEATHER DOWN FARMS

OFF-GRID

ADVENTURES Escape the hustle and bustle of life with one of Feather Down Farms blissful retreats

icture this: a sanctuary where the hustle and bustle of modern life fades away, replaced by the gentle sounds of grazing lambs, twittering birds, and the occasional curious wild deer. Welcome to Feather Down Farms, where luxury meets the great outdoors in 25 idyllic locations across the British countryside. Imagine your family immersing themselves in the rhythms of farm life, where each day brings new adventures and discoveries. Let your children roam freely, their imaginations ignited by the wonders of nature, while you unwind in a spacious canvas hideaway equipped with all the comforts of home. Embrace the simplicity of days gone by as you cosy up to the wood-burning stove, gathering wood and kindling fires, reminiscent of a less complicated time. And with no electricity or Wi-Fi, you will truly disconnect from the incessant

demands of work and enjoy precious moments with your family, without phones, interruptions, or distractions. But it’s not just about relaxation; it’s about hands-on experiences too. Join their farm tours led by knowledgeable farmers, where you’ll witness the magic of milking cows and learn the inner functions of a working farm. Watch as your little one’s dive into nature, connecting with the earth in a way that only farm life can inspire. And let’s not forget the little luxuries that make your stay unforgettable – from fully-equipped kitchens and wood-burning stoves for delicious family meals, to private showers and hot tubs (at selected farms) that blend seamlessly with the rustic charm of your surroundings. But the adventure doesn’t end there. Explore their honesty shops stocked with local delights and essential glamping gear, or indulge in extra activities unique to each farm, such as pony rides or hands on animal experiences. Don’t forget to savour

the delights of the brick-built pizza oven on-site, perfect for a Saturday night feast after a day of adventure. Plus, many of their locations are pet-friendly, so your furry companions can join in on the fun too. In a world consumed with busyness, urgent deadlines and constant contact, slowing down in our everyday lives can be a challenge. However, an off-grid experience is the perfect antidote, allowing you to clear your mind and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the British countryside. Switch off, breathe in the fresh air, and cherish quality time with your loved ones, as the days may seem long, but the years pass by in a blur. With farms just a short drive away from home (2-3 hours max), your journey to relaxation begins the moment you step out the door. Say goodbye to restless car rides and hello to unforgettable family memories. Because once you’ve experienced the magic of a Feather Down Farm, you’ll find yourself asking: “When can we do it all over again?”

WARREN FARM

F E AT H E R D OW N FA R M S Farms are located across the UK, from Scotland to Cornwall, Norfolk to Wales. With availability for peak holiday periods, and 3-night weekends starting from £475. Find out more at featherdown.co.uk

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comfortable peace of Cornwall.

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TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP

Dream DUNES How Moroccan Journeys can provide unique holidays you will never forget

"TAKE A SPECTACULAR JOURNEY THROUGH THE HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS INTO THE SANDS OF THE SOUTHERN SAHARA"

ake a trip to the ancient cities and untouched areas of the Sahara Desert in Morocco with Moroccan Journeys. This company is one of the leading Morocco travel specialists providing authentic, luxury holidays and bespoke, private 4x4 tours and adventures, off the beaten track, throughout the country. The company also owns Nubia Luxury Camp, a unique and beautiful Luxury Desert Camp in the secluded Erg Chegaga area of the Sahara Desert in Morocco. Take the spectacular journey through the High Atlas Mountains and down into the sands of the Southern Sahara to spend a magical evening under the stars, listening to traditional music. The camp is set at the foot of the high dunes where you can see the Sahara Desert undulating out into Africa, stretching as far as the eye can see. Take the boards to try Sandboarding down the small dunes before sunset drinks and dinner by candlelight.

With a team of experienced travellers and dynamic local guides with high levels of expertise and dedication, you are looked after from the moment you enquire and throughout your stay in this diverse and exciting country. The Moroccan Journeys travel consultants carefully create bespoke tours and holidays based on a personal conversation about what you want to experience and the locations, adventures and activities you want to include. Their team on the ground are passionate about showing you their wild and wonderful country and take care of all your needs. All members of the Moroccan Journeys team have a passion for Morocco and have travelled throughout this magical country so that you receive relevant, expert advice. They are dedicated to listening to what inspires you and the dreams of you and your group to create an exclusive journey every time. M O R O C CA N J O U R N E Y S Contact them now to create your Bespoke Luxury Holiday or Private 4x4 Tour in Morocco: theteam@moroccanjourneys.com moroccanjourneys.com 01223 968178

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Discover the Caribbean with

Sandals South Coast, Jamaica 7 NIGHTS FROM £1,579 irect flights, all inclusive beach resort and private transfers • Beautiful white sand beach • Three pools plus dive pool our acu is iving two per da or certified divers a ulous ed Lane pa® ca e ith railfinder to the id llic oa i o Sandals South Coast, positioned on a stunning 2 mile stretch of white sand beach, within 500 acres of a pristine nature reserve. hi l r all inclusive ad lt onl re ort o er exceptional service and a plethora of activities to ensure a romantic and memorable Caribbean eta a railfinder abo t e tendin an o o r holida tailor ade tra el o r a

ALL YOUR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS TAKEN CARE OF IN ONE PLACE Call TRAILFINDERS on 020 7368 1506, or visit your local Travel Centre Prices are per person based on a twin/double share & valid for selected September departures. Offers are subject to availability & restrictions may apply. Prices correct at time of going to print 15 Mar 24.

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“Truly excellent: patient, friendly, helpful & a mine of knowledge, tips and advice.”

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TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP

L I F E'S A

BEACH Exploring dream holidays in the Caribbean, made reality by Sandals and Trailﬁnders

LOCATED ON THE MOST EXQUISITE BEACHES IN THE CARIBBEAN

SANDALS ROYAL BARBADOS

o other place in the world captures the imagination more than the Caribbean. From Antigua, nicknamed the land of 365 beaches, and Barbados, where high tea and cricket mingle with rum and calypso beats, to the peaks of the Pitons providing a striking backdrop to Saint Lucia’s tranquil bays, a Caribbean holiday is one you won’t forget in a hurry. When it comes to picking a dream destination, Sandals resorts and Trailfinders holidays come together to offer an unrivalled choice. Sandals boast 18 resorts situated across nine islands in the Caribbean. Their all-inclusive resorts are set along the most gorgeous tropical settings and exquisite beaches in the Caribbean. Stay, play, and indulge to your heart’s content at any of their resorts and experience the best the islands have to offer – featuring unlimited specialty restaurants, unique bars, and every land and water sport, including complimentary green fees at their

THERE'S PLENTY OF CHOICE FOR COUPLES LOOKING FOR A ROMANTIC GETAWAY

golf resorts and scuba diving for certified divers. Here we take a whistlestop tour of four perfect examples of what awaits you.

SANDALS GRANDE Antigua Voted the “World’s Most Romantic Resort” year after year, adults-only hotel Sandals Grande Antigua is located on Antigua’s best and most famous beach, Dickenson Bay. Explore the Caribbean Beachfront Village, then step into a realm of chic sophistication where European grandeur unfolds from the hillside to villas-by-the-sea at the allsuite Mediterranean Oceanview Village.

SANDALS REGENCY LA TOC, Saint Lucia Embraced by lush tropical scenery, this destination epitomises luxury, showcasing the prestigious Sunset Oceanview Bluff Village – an exclusive resort within a resort. Known as the “Emerald of the Caribbean” because of its sparkling emerald waters, Sandals Regency La Toc hugs a magnificent half-mile, crescent-shaped beach.

SANDALS ROYAL Barbados Jet-setters flock to Sandals Royal Barbados for the sheer sophistication combined with unrivalled elegance. The posh amenities of this all-suite, all-inclusive Caribbean resort achieve an unprecedented level of extravagance.

SANDALS SOUTH COAST, Jamaica Set along a 2-mile stretch of the pristine south coast of Jamaica, this entire all-inclusive resort has been designed to embrace the coastline. Even its innovations are influenced by water, from Over-the-Water Butler Bungalows to an Over-the-Water Serenity Wedding Chapel. In total, Sandals has seven resorts in Jamaica, including Sandals Dunn’s River, their newest resort that opened in 2023. Speak to one of Trailfinders' travel consultants to book your dream Caribbean escape. The team are on hand 365/24/7 until you’re safely home and your money is completely financially secure. For more information call 020 7368 1506 or visit trailfinders.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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COTTAGES

YO U R H O M E - AWAY - F R O M - H O M E

Luxury Self-Catering Goodwood Cottages Enjoy the privacy and comfort of home, with all the luxurious amenities of The Goodwood Hotel. Settle in, put the fire on and curl up with a book or discover the diversity and delights that make Goodwood so unique. goodwood.com

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TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP

W H AT T H E H E A RT

DESIRES

“Aboremp orerisque et labor solo volorehenda Exploring the many different villa holiday eiunt, odiam fuga. opportunities courtesy of Simpson Travel quam eum volut”

TURKEY

PUGLIA

scape to the Mediterranean with Simpson Travel and embark on a memorable family holiday that offers something for everyone, whether your tribe are toddlers or teens, beach bums or foodies, adrenaline junkies or all of the above. Bringing together idyllic destinations, luxury accommodation and award-winning, personalised service, Simpson Travel go the extra mile to offer a holiday experience that is far more than just a week or two away – and their collection of villas highlights the point perfectly. With handpicked villas for two to 20, there is everything in place for the holiday to remember. Their Exclusive Collection is home to a handpicked selection of their finest properties; exquisite villas in outstanding locations, with immaculate interiors and matchless views. With a concierge to take care of the details from the outset and a welcome hamper to greet you at the villa, they go above and beyond.

A little childcare goes a long way to ensure your villa holiday is a restorative and enjoyable treat for the whole family. Their crèche and kids' clubs at Mousses in Lefkada are run by UKqualified nannies in the stimulating environment of a dedicated clubhouse, whilst in Mallorca and Corfu they work in partnership with two expert providers to bring babysitting and a private nanny service directly to your door. Perfectly private, wonderfully romantic and truly off the beaten track, Simpson Secrets are chosen for their bewitching setting as much as their style and character; serene hideaways for magical, get-away-from-it-all escapes. Whatever holiday you’re dreaming of, their villas for two offer the perfect base for a memorable trip. With a superb selection of smaller villas, promising privacy and independence both on and off the beaten track, you’re sure to find the holiday you’ve been yearning for. Examples include the magical pine forests of the Bozburun Peninsula and the chic rooftop bars of Kalkan, a paradise for those seeking romance, and the exceptional quality of their Turkish portfolio continues to offer excellent value. You don’t need to fly to the other side of the world to enjoy an idyllic holiday for two, with Corsica offering pretty hillside cottages and sandy beaches to rival anywhere in the Caribbean. From enchanting trulli houses to charming countryside retreats, Simpson Travel’s Italian villas promise stunning scenery and the opportunity to experience something a little different with a taste of la dolce vita.

Mallorca is renowned for its flawless beaches and historic towns. Meander the cobbled streets and stop off to enjoy a little tapas. Even some of Simpson Travel’s more petite properties feature spacious terraces and serene gardens. Foodies and thrill-seekers will love the diversity of their French portfolio, too. Whether you’re seeking an authentic rural hideaway or the glitz and glamour of a lively seaside town, Simpson Travel have villas in France to satisfy all tastes. This is just a snapshot of Simpson Travel’s offering – but whatever you decide on, it will be a holiday to remember. simpsontravel.com

IONIAN GREEN

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Your Next Chaper of Luxury Awaits EXPLORE MORE BELOW:

EMBRACE THE ELEGANCE of a Luxury River Cruise

WHO ARE UNIWORLD

WHERE DO WE SAIL

WHY A LUXURY RIVER CRUISE

Uniworld redefines all-inclusive luxury on the world’s rivers, boasting an award-winning fleet of floating boutique hotels. Each unique ship reflects its journey’s destinations with with one-of-a-kind lavish interiors and an average of just 120 guests. Enjoy bespoke experiences, gourmet dining, and unlimited fine-wines, ensuring every voyage is as exquisite as the unfolding landscapes you’re exploring.

Uniworld sails the world’s major rivers, including the Douro, Rhine, Danube, Main, and the enchanting Venetian Lagoon, plus three sailings along France’s beautiful rivers. Beyond Europe, our immersive journeys reach Southeast Asia, Egypt, India, and Peru, blending luxury river cruising with stays in world-renowned resorts for a comprehensive exploration of each unique destination.

An ultra-luxury river cruise is the ideal way to explore our beautiful world, oﬀering a blend of unparalleled comfort and adventure. Glide through stunning landscapes, immerse in diverse cultures, and visit iconic cities and hidden treasures, all from your ﬂoating boutique hotel. Unpack once, savour personalised service, and experience the globe in unmatched elegance.

THE WORLD’S MOST AWARDED RIVER CRUISE LINE WINNER

Best Luxury River Cruise Line

River Cruise Line of the Year

FOR MORE INFORMATION Uniworld has an average ranking of 4.8/5* based on 15,500+ independently veriﬁed customer reviews

VISIT UNIWORLD.COM OR CALL 0808 168 9231

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TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

RURAL E S C A P E

The Grove in Hertfordshire is a country retreat just 14 minutes from Euston By SA N DY CA D I Z- S M I T H

he Grove is an estate with a rich history, set in 300 acres of beautiful countryside in the heart of Hertfordshire. The Georgian mansion dates back to the 16th century and is now a fabulously luxurious five-star hotel with its own spa, indoor and outdoor pools, golf course and a range of restaurants. Just 18 miles from London, it’s the perfect and superaccessible destination for a restorative stay. Our journey starts with a short (14-minute) train ride from London Euston and an even shorter drive from the station. As we pull up at the elegant mansion and are welcomed in the flower-adorned reception, it’s like we’ve been transported to another world. Upstairs our junior suite awaits - one of 12 rooms that has recently undergone a complete renovation. It’s spacious and stylish with two comfortable seating areas, a huge bed in

the centre of the room with the crispest of linen and double windows overlooking the verdant green vistas and tempting terrace outside. The enormous ensuite in marble has a walk-in shower and the deepest of stand-alone bathtubs, fluffy bathrobes and towels and is well-stocked with all the hotel’s signature aromatic Bamford toiletries. We really don’t need to leave our room for the ultimate in relaxing breaks. But there’s plenty to explore outside. The Grove is the perfect place for enjoying outdoor pursuits. We soon discover the walking and jogging trails that wind their way through the serenity of the forest and start our days with peaceful countryside walks. We enjoy a round on the 18-hole championship course and go for leisurely swims and chill-out time at the large outdoor pool which even comes complete with its own beach area. Indoors we relax in the Sequoia Spa, named after the giant, magnificent trees that pepper the estate. There’s a dazzling

black-mosaic tiled indoor pool with plenty of loungers and a Jacuzzi the size of a small pool nearby, a total haven for wellness enthusiasts. Once we’re suitably chilled it’s time for an invigorating B Vibrant Ritual massage in one of the beautifully scented treatment rooms. We lunch at The Stables, a charming converted 18th-century building with a modern British menu designed using fresh ingredients for the walled kitchen garden on site. At night The Glasshouse puts on the grandest of buffets with myriad food stations serving up freshly prepared food from all over the world. There’s also an excellent Indian restaurant, Madhur’s, for a tasty spicy fix. The Grove captures the essence of English countryside at its finest. And all just a stone’s throw from the city. T H E G R OV E is a member of The Leading Hotels which has over 400 independent luxury hotels in its portfolio. lhw.com; thegrove.co.uk

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Award winning sun & swimwear for happy holidays! Learn UPF50+ sun to swim protection floatsuit with & warm in adjustable water buoyancy

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TRAVEL • LONDON

“Unparalleled convenience for both leisure and business travellers”

CITY BREAK

The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences: a luxurious retreat in Piccadilly

y recent stay at The Athenaeum Hotel in Piccadilly was nothing short of exceptional. Nestled in the heart of Piccadilly, this hotel offers unparalleled convenience for both leisure and business travellers. Surrounded by iconic landmarks, theatres, and upscale shopping destinations, exploring the vibrant streets of London was effortless. The room I stayed in was a true sanctuary amidst the bustling city. Impeccably designed with modern furnishings and plush bedding, it provided a perfect balance of luxury and functionality. The attention to detail, from the complimentary amenities to the soothing ambiance, truly elevated the stay. A view over Green Park from the floor-to-ceiling bay window added light and elegance to the room The hotel's dining options surpassed

my expectations. Whether indulging in a decadent breakfast spread or savouring exquisite dishes at the on-site restaurant, each culinary experience was a delightful journey for the palate. The impeccable service and ambiance added to the overall dining pleasure. The Athenaeum boasts an array of facilities designed to cater to every need. There is a well-equipped fitness centre with state of the art equipment (Technogym and Peloton) which, as a hotel guest you can access at any time of day or night. The refurbished spa offers a large bubbling hot tub, sauna, steam room, relaxation space and two spacious treatment rooms. Away from the hustle and bustle, it offers a tranquil oasis to indulge in a range of treatments using the fabulous Temple Spa range. From massages to facials, each treatment is tailored to provide the ultimate relaxation experience, leaving guests feeling refreshed and revitalised. The hallmark of any exceptional hotel is its service and The Athenaeum excelled in this aspect. The staff members were courteous, professional, and went above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. Their personalised attention and willingness to assist with any query made me feel truly valued as a guest. A flawless blend of luxury, convenience, and hospitality. Whether you're visiting London for business or leisure, I highly recommend this hotel for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Piccadilly. athenaeumhotel.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Luxury Holiday Rentals at Glenmor Make yourselves at home in the heart of Gleneagles The Gleneagles experience is one of a kind – you can now enjoy it from the comfort of a Glenmor luxury holiday home, located in the heart of Gleneagles. On your stay you can enjoy complimentary golf for one person, plus access to all of the leisure, dining and pursuits of the 5 star estate. We have 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties available, perfect for all the family. 3,750 2 , 4,720 3 5,180 4 7

Find out more: GLENEAGLES.COM/GLENMOR + 44 (0)1764 694321 OWN@GLENEAGLES.COM

IMAGES: BELDI COLLECTION

The Timeshare, Holiday Products, Resale and Exchange Contracts Regulation 2010 requires Gleneaglesto provide you with certain key information in relation to the proposed seasonal ownership contract. A standard information form which contains this key information in relation to that contract may beobtained by contacted us via the above methods.

Bespoke Luxury Morocco Tours & Holidays Beautiful journeys to the most unique and stylish places in Morocco Tailored Private 4x4 Adventures to our Sahara Luxury Camp Moroccan Journeys

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TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP

PEACH TREE COTTAGE

DOGS ARE VERY MUCH WELCOME

Complete

PA C K AG E Why The Goodwood Estate is the perfect escape for all the family, furry friends included

estled within The Goodwood Estate, the luxurious Goodwood Self-Catering Cottages are the perfect place to get away from it all and rest and relax in stunning scenery. With three beautiful cottages for you to choose from, 11,000-acres to explore and endless experiences to try, you are in the prime location to escape from day-to-day life. Located just a short walk from The Goodwood Hotel, you will find Peach Tree and Crab Apple Cottages. Downstairs, these cottages have an open plan kitchen, dining area and sitting room, complete with a roaring fire, board games and bunk beds for dogs. You’ll also find a utility room, downstairs bathroom and your own private garden to enjoy. Upstairs there are two bedrooms, one double and one twin, each with their own bathrooms. Situated on the famous Goodwood Hillclimb you will find The Pheasantry. This cottage is surrounded by stunning parkland with views that stretch across the estate to Chichester and the sparkling sea on the

horizon beyond. Sleeping up to six people in three bedrooms, The Pheasantry has a fully-fitted kitchen with a dining area, living room, snug and an impressively large garden. During your stay you will have access to The Kennels members club, The Goodwood Hotel and Goodwood Health Club where you can enjoy their leisure facilities. Enjoy

lunch or dinner, or simply relax having a cup of coffee at The Kennels and make sure you book yourself a table at their sustainable restaurant, Farmer, Butcher, Chef, where you can tuck into hearty Butcher’s Boards made up of lamb, pork and beef all reared on the estate. There are different activities for you to try, from adrenaline-fuelled experiences at The Goodwood Motor Circuit with their Driving Experiences or the Goodwood Aerodrome, where you can take to the skies in a Cessna. If you’d prefer something more laid back, visit Goodwood House for a guided tour followed by an afternoon tea. Or, you can just take in the splendour of the estate by walking around and enjoying the sights that are on offer. All of their self-catering cottages are the perfect base for a family holiday, which includes your four-legged friends. Your stay will include a dog bed and bowls to make sure your furry friends have a ‘pawfect’ stay. The estate is widely known for its dog friendly venues including the restaurants, plus their flagship event, Goodwoof. So, visit Goodwood for your private retreat and enjoy all of the benefits that the estate has to offer. goodwood.com

THE PHEASANTRY, PHOTO BY STEPHEN HAYWARD

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STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE Wetherby Preparatory School is an independent school for boys aged 7 to 13, providing exceptional education, a comprehensive co-curricular programme, and a focus on character development.

www.wetherbyprep.co.uk

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E D U C AT I O N

BRILLIANT FUTURES ROSEMEAD PREP

Rosemead Preparatory School & Nursery in Dulwich is an independent co-educational day prep school for children aged 2 ½ to 11. The motto, Inspiring Brilliant Futures, is at the forefront of everything they do, focusing on providing a unique education to every child, nurturing their individual strengths, interests and needs. rosemeadprep.org.uk .

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

“AS IMPORTANT AS ACADEMIC SUCCESS IS DEVELOPING PERSONAL AND SOCIAL SKILLS”

Building blocks for

SUCCESS At Wetherby School Kensington, a ﬁrst-class education develops conﬁdence and academic depth to give children a zest for life and a love of learning

etherby School Kensington is a pre-preparatory school for boys aged four to eight. The school shares the same curriculum as Wetherby School Notting Hill, with both known for across-the-board excellence when it comes to academic and pastoral care. Each individual boy really matters at Wetherby School Kensington and the school prides itself on developing confident and happy children with a zest for life and a love of learning. Each boy is encouraged to be the best he can be, and every staff member is committed to enabling students to fulfil their potential and achieve their goals. From their very first day in Reception, boys are taught a forward-thinking, holistic and academically challenging

self-awareness, communication skills, relationship skills and assertiveness. Maintaining excellent relationships with every parent, and providing outstanding pastoral care is central to the school’s success in producing happy, well-rounded and confident learners who are respectful, thoughtful and motivated Wetherby ambassadors. Thanks to this supportive, community network, boys develop lasting friendships, and are well prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. Limited availability for September 2024. For details of the school’s admissions process, visit wetherby-kensington.co.uk/admissions

curriculum, in a happy and vibrant learning environment, which prepares them for their next academic steps. For some, this may mean a seamless transition to Wetherby Prep and to Wetherby Senior School, while others choose to sit 7+ or 8+ examinations for entry to the top London Day Schools. Destinations of recent Year 2 and 3 leavers have included Kings College Junior School, Latymer Prep, St Paul’s Juniors, Sussex House, Westminster Cathedral Choir School and Westminster Under. As important as academic success is developing personal and social skills, integrity, kindness and good manners, which are at the heart of Wetherby School Kensington. Through the course of their time at the school, boys develop important life skills that promote positive mental health and social welfare, emotional literacy, critical and moral reasoning, self-esteem, A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO ENROL Enable your child to benefit from an exceptional education, Wetherby School Kensington has limited spaces available for September 2024. www.wetherby-kensington.co.uk

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EDUCATION • PROMOTION

S I Z E M AT T E R S Unlock your child's full potential in a supportive small school environment within a wider community at Fulham School

very parent aspires to provide the best possible education for their child. Not only to impart knowledge, but also to nurture individuality and help them reach their full potential. In pursuit of this dream, many parents are turning towards smaller, more supportive school environments. These smaller schools offer a more personalised education, foster a sense of community, and encourage each child to shine in their own way. Meanwhile, larger schools can offer a wealth of resources and diverse academic experiences. Striking a balance between the two can provide children with a unique and enriching experience that combines the best of both worlds, so a small school environment within a larger, all through school setting could be the perfect fit for your child. One of the key advantages of a small school is the ability to provide individualised attention. In a smaller setting, teachers can better understand the strengths and needs of each pupil, tailoring their teaching methods to suit individual learning styles, even through adaptive teaching within a given lesson. In a larger school, pupils have more opportunities for peer group challenges. A personalised approach that combines the two ensures that every pupil’s development and engagement is sustained, creating an atmosphere conducive to long term academic success. Pupils benefit from the best of both worlds

at Fulham School in London. Part of the Inspired Education Group, the School offers small campuses within a wider school community. The confidence pupils gain within nurturing classes gives them the ability to test themselves within a wider context and helps them to be more world ready. Smaller schools often have more flexibility in their curriculum, allowing for a more holistic approach to education. Teachers can incorporate real-world applications and tailor lessons to the interests of their pupils. This flexibility fosters a love for learning, as pupils are more engaged when the curriculum aligns with their passions and curiosities. At Fulham School, for example, flexibility in curriculum design ensures that lessons are not only academically enriching but also aligned with individual interests and passions. In a smaller school within a larger, all-through setting, a tight-knit community often develops. Pupils, teachers, and parents form strong connections, fostering a sense of belonging and support. This sense of belonging is crucial for a child's emotional and social development. Community is at the heart of Fulham School. This establishes an environment where pupils, teachers, and parents collaborate closely for the comprehensive development of each child. Being part of a larger, all-through school setting provides access to a broader range of resources and opportunities. Pupils benefit

from specialised facilities, extracurricular activities and a more extensive curriculum. Small schools are able to provide more personalised extracurricular activities, while larger schools can have access to a broader range of facilities. In a small school within a larger all-through school, you get a balance of the two. Whether it's sports, arts, music, or specialised clubs, children are able to explore their talents, discover new interests, and develop a well-rounded skill set that goes beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. Fulham School offers a diverse range of personalised extracurricular activities. The all-through school setting provides a unique advantage by allowing pupils to progress seamlessly from one educational stage to another. A small school environment within this larger setting ensures a consistent support system, making transitions between school years smoother. fulham.school A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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NURTURING GIRLS TO REACH THEIR POTENTIAL Pembridge Hall is an independent girls’ preparatory school that provides an exceptional education and prepares children for an ever-evolving world. www.pembridgehall.co.uk

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EDUCATION • PROMOTION

Tailored T O

F I T

How personalised learning is redeﬁning the educational landscape

n the ever-evolving landscape of education, personalised learning has emerged as a transformative force. This innovative approach tailors teaching and learning to the unique needs, preferences, and pace of individuals, providing a more adaptive and engaging educational experience. In this article, we explore how personalised learning in senior schools fosters a pupil-centric approach that prepares young people for the challenges of the 21st century. Departing from the conventional one-size-fits-all model, this innovative approach recognises individual strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences. Personalised learning paves the way for a more inclusive, adaptive, and effective educational environment, bringing about a shift in how we approach teaching and learning. Customised learning paths allow educators to tailor the educational journey to the individual needs and interests of each pupil, allowing pupils to progress through the curriculum at their own pace and to explore topics aligned with their unique strengths and aspirations. Customised learning paths not only

accommodate diverse learning styles but also empower pupils to take an active role in shaping their educational experience in a more engaging and relevant learning environment that fosters a deeper understanding of subjects. At Fulham Senior School, the scope of the curriculum and the level of support is tailored for each pupil. The school's small size means that pupils are known and cannot fall from the view of teachers and tutors. Visual, auditory, kinaesthetic and other preferences are meticulously considered when crafting instructional materials, ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to excel. Traditional assessment methods provide just a limited snapshot of a pupil's capabilities. Personalised learning introduces alternative assessment approaches that measure understanding, creativity, and problemsolving skills. By tailoring assessments to individual strengths and interests, educators gain a comprehensive understanding of a pupil's potential that extends beyond conventional academic parameters. At Fulham Senior School, blended learning is optimised to support the key examination years.

Personalised learning transforms classrooms into dynamic, pupil-centric environments where learners are active participants in their educational journey. At the heart of personalised learning lies the integration of adaptive technology. Learning management systems, artificial intelligence, and data analytics are indispensable tools for educators, enabling them to monitor pupils' progress, identify stumbling blocks and deliver tailor-made content in real-time. An ‘Inspired AI’ learning platform at Fulham Senior School gives opportunity for pupils to stretch their understanding. Personalised learning integrates crucial life skills beyond traditional academic subjects. Through project-based learning and real-world applications, pupils develop skills inclulding effective communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and time management. A perfect example of this is the Year 10 Independent Learning Project at Fulham Senior School. Pupils start with £10 and are given the task of creating a product to sell and raise charitable funds at the School’s spring fair. Executive Head Bex Tear says: “While it really relies on individual effort and group collaboration to shape their own mission, the teachers curate a series of lessons around teamwork, information on building a business, and entrepreneurial activities.” This approach underscores a commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in diverse environments. fulham.school A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

GLOBAL GAINS How Halcyon London International School embraces the world as its classroom By PILAR DELGADO SUAREZ

CANOEING IN THE RIVER JUCAR

“Language acquisition offers many lifelong beneﬁts” HALCYON LONDON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

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f you would like to know why Halcyon London International School offers an immersive Spanish language acquisition trip to Cuenca, the answer is simple. It is the most enriching and comprehensive experience that we can present to our students to learn about global engagement, intercultural understanding, and multilingualism. The International Baccalaureate (IB), taught at Halcyon, provides a platform for international trips, offering a window into the features, processes and craft of language, and the concept of culture, strengthening our understanding of the diverse ways of interpreting the world. The peaceful, welcoming and quaint city of Cuenca is the perfect setting for our students to develop IB learner attributes that some of them did not know they already possess – starting with being open-minded: they stay with host families, embracing this new “lifestyle” with curiosity and respect. Students expanded their knowledge of art, natural history and the environment when visiting the Museo Abstract and the Paleontological Museum. They connected with nature while canoeing in the river Jucar and glimpsing bears in the natural park and Biosphere Reserve, El Hosquillo. Having gained so much from Cuenca, students were keen to give back, addressing the core IB notion of Service Action. They visited ASPADEC, an organisation that successfully promotes the inclusion and professional development of the neurodiverse population in Cuenca. At Halcyon, our commitment to language learning goes beyond the school building and into the classroom of the world. We hope that our students will always

GLORIOUS CUENCA

treasure their time “living” in Cuenca as, of course, international trips run deeper than feasting on delicious street food. Language acquisition offers many lifelong benefits. An increasing list of studies have noted that healthy people who are bilingual have slower rates of mental decline in old age, they are less easily distracted, and they tend to have a better understanding of people generally, not just via the language they speak. Travel allows us all to see the world as it is: a beautiful array of cultures and customs. There is always something to be gained by opening our hearts and minds to the places in which we are lucky to find ourselves. Nestled in the heart of Marylebone, Halcyon London International School is a co-educational school for students aged 11-18. We deliver the IB Middle Years (11-16 years) and Diploma (16-18 years) Programmes and we are, proudly, central London’s only not-for-profit international school. halcyonschool.com

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Girls enjoying success INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 4-18

“The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent... The school successfully meets its ambition to empower pupils to become independent thinkers and fearless learners.” ISI Inspection Report

Visit our website to find out more:

www.channing.co.uk

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

Path to

SUCCESS Inspired launches the Nsouli Scholars initiative, paving the way for educational excellence globally with fully funded scholarships

nspired Education Group, the leading global group of premium schools, is delighted to unveil an exciting initiative that promises to transform lives. The ‘Nsouli Scholars Programme’ is an exciting global initiative that at any one time will provide 50 exceptional individuals a full scholarship for the duration of their education at any of Inspired’s prestigious schools worldwide. The ambition is that the scholarship will provide hundreds of children with an opportunity to receive exceptional, transformative education. This scholarship pays tribute to Nadim M Nsouli, the visionary founder of Inspired, whose commitment to redefining education has set a new standard for excellence in global education. The Nsouli Scholars Programme reflects Inspired’s dedication to providing world-class education through a holistic, progressive model. Nsouli Scholars will

be extraordinary individuals who, without this award, would not be able to access exceptional educational opportunities. This scholarship enables talented individuals to attend any Inspired Education school, including prestigious boarding schools, for the entirety of their senior school education. Nadim Nsouli, founder, chairman and CEO of Inspired, says: “At Inspired, we are building communities, and we’re committed to supporting them in extraordinary ways. Already, we support 2,200 students with scholarships and bursaries annually across our 111 schools. The Nsouli Scholars initiative goes beyond anything we’ve done before, reaching out to an even broader community of exceptional students who would simply not be able to access a premium Inspired education without full financial support. My ambition is that this programme will help provide hundreds of children around the world with a life changing opportunity.”

Together, the Inspired existing scholarship and bursary programmes and the Nsouli Scholars initiative will result in an annual €56 million of community giving by Inspired. Eligible students for the ‘Nsouli Scholars’ Full Scholarship must showcase excellence in academic performance and excel in at least one of the other two pillars defining an Inspired education: Sports, and Performing & Creative Arts. Additionally, applicants must be 13 years of age or above, and demonstrate strong personal qualities for future success, including integrity, leadership, ambition, and a capacity for hard work. In honour and recognition of Inspired Founder Nadim M Nsouli’s Lebanese heritage, a portion of these prestigious scholarships will be awarded to individuals of Lebanese origin. This gesture underscores Inspired’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that deserving individuals from various backgrounds have the opportunity to benefit from this life-changing scholarship. The Nsouli Scholars is not just an investment in education; it is a commitment to shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. Inspired invites qualified candidates to seize this extraordinary opportunity and embark on a transformative journey. For more information on the 'Nsouli Scholars' Full Scholarship and the application process, visit inspirededu.com/nsouli-scholars A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

SCHOOL FOR LIFE Katharine Woodcock, Headmistress of Francis Holland School, Regent’s Park, on beyondthe-timetable education that builds skills for life

he landscape of education is changing – and the speed of this change is accelerating – yet the way in which we assess the extraordinary achievements of our pupils has not. GCSE and A-level results still open important doors, but examination results are not the only important outcome of a 21st-century education that should be considered relevant. Character education, emotional intelligence, soft skills, creativity, a love of learning, digital literacy, to name but a few, are important for a holistic and well-rounded schooling. A curriculum for life is now integral to ensuring that pupils leave school with the requisite toolkit to thrive. This curriculum puts as much emphasis on the importance of what happens within the classroom and academic results as it does on what happens outside the classroom. At Francis Holland School, Regent’s Park, we strive to be strong in every area, be that music, drama, sport or the arts. Our sense of

“Every girl should be visible, celebrated for her individual strengths and not moulded into something she isn’t”

KATHARINE WOODCOCK WITH FHS REGENT’S PARK PUPILS

community and inclusivity comes from the belief that every girl should be visible, celebrated for her individual strengths and not moulded into something she isn’t. Lifelong friendships are forged at FHS, not just within year groups but across the years. All aspects of school life afford pupils with ways in which to develop selfconfidence and self-discipline, empowering them every step of the way. We want them to be curious and foster a lifelong love of learning, but also to be future ready and future proofed. A balanced and enriching co-curricular programme will only serve to enhance an education, tapping into talents and passions, whilst academic enrichment deepens knowledge, broadens horizons and provides invaluable time for critical thinking as well as healthy debate and discussion. The launch last year of our Hale Lecture Series, named after our first speaker and the first female President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, Baroness Lady Hale, enables our students to lead panel discussions on a range of important topics, whilst also bringing students together from a range of different schools. Sixth Form electives, our bespoke global horizons programme, financial and digital literacy sessions and opportunities to invent, innovate and design are all

examples of how education today is not only timetabled subjects, but also schooling for life. The values, culture and ethos of a school are also paramount and our four pillars of knowledge, compassion, perseverance and spirit underpin all that we do, ensuring that we are character building. Creativity and empathy lie at the heart of what it means to be human and we want our pupils to be the difference we need right now in the world: to be kind to themselves and others, to give back. Our Help Fund, which supports our chosen charities, encourages our pupils to do just this, and is complemented by our partnerships and outreach programme. Our goal is that pupils leave FHS with leadership, problem-solving and lateral thinking skills that set them apart, while also knowing the importance of compassion and humility in all that they go on to achieve. The landscape of education may be changing but it is a privilege and an honour to help the minds of tomorrow embrace this change, giving them the best possible springboard to future success and happiness.

K AT H A R I N E WO O D CO C K Headmistress FHS Regent’s Park A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN EVENING WEDNESDAY, 1ST MAY 2024 Wetherby Senior School is an independent day school in central London for boys aged 11 to 18, providing an outstanding education that prepares pupils to fulfil their potential and become citizens of the world. www.wetherbysenior.co.uk

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EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

CRITICAL SKILLS Sara Williams-Ryan, Head of Falcons School in Putney, on why inspiring curiosity and critical thinking are the best ways to develop truly ambitious learners

s the Head of Falcons School, Putney, I am determined that our students should be academically ambitious and take responsibility for their learning from the moment they join us. We know that this is the greatest accelerator of pupil progress, both academically and developmentally. We have, therefore, embedded the Thinking School approach – focused on critical thinking and curiosity – across our Nursery and Prep, so the boys and girls in our school can truly thrive and succeed academically. The introduction of critical thinking skills into school programmes is backed by evidence of its impact. As far back as the 1980s, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported the need for schools to produce independent thinkers and problem solvers, also questioning the long-term effectiveness of school initiatives. An inquiry by Exeter University’s Cognitive Education centre

“I hear this language of critical thinking echoing in the conversations between children and parents at the school gates”

PUPILS AT FALCONS SCHOOL

concluded that the issue lay not in the as their behaviour, both inside and outside programmes themselves, but with the way of the classroom. Difficult at first, but we in which they were being introduced into know that this practice has helped our school curriculums. This finding has deeply pupils become ambitious, independent influenced our thinking at Falcons School. learners with a growth mindset. Here, our methods reach far beyond We crucially extend our support to the National Curriculum, by systemically parents, sharing with them strategies such embedding the Thinking School approach as the Habits of Mind, Zones of Regulation across all areas of learning and at all age and Thinking Routines. This helps them to levels. This is so it has the long-term impact reinforce their children’s learning habits set out by the OECD. From Early Years at home. I am delighted that our parents up to Year 6, we have implemented a deep embrace this new way of teaching and range of age-appropriate metacognitive learning – and I hear this language of critical strategies and thinking tools into the thinking echoing in the conversations learning programme. Set between children and these alongside the academic parents at the school gates. rigour you would expect Falcons School is a from a prep school, and our testament to the fact that pupils can achieve truly education can be a powerful exciting learning outcomes. tool for positive change. When Guided by our school we start by sowing the seeds of values of ambition, resilience curiosity and critical thinking and respect, pupils are in the youngest of minds, encouraged to be reflective working step by step, we can SARA WILLIAMS-RYAN in their thoughts and actions then nurture a generation of Head and to take responsibility confident, independent, and Falcons School for their learning, as well ambitious future leaders. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

Money”; and our Sixth Form English students welcomed Professor Suzanne Hobson from Queen Mary’s University of London. And those are just a few of the highlights!

SOMETHING TO SAY

From a sense of social justice to climate concerns, the girls of Channing School are inspiring change, explains Head Lindsey Hughes Q What do you think makes Channing School different? A For Channing, the words ‘Girls Enjoying Success’ are so much more than a strapline; they are the shorthand for our unique educational philosophy. We have an explicit focus on developing 'Fearless Learners'; our teaching staff meet fortnightly to discuss our classroom practice and understand what the research evidence tells us works in encouraging our students to be that little bit braver. Our Unitarian values of free thinking, kindness and inclusivity mean that every member of the school is valued: our students are personally ambitious, but mutually supportive. We are a school for all faiths and none, open to ideas, able to engage critically with them and active in society and interested in the world. I have never worked in a school with such a strong sense of social justice: we have a FemSoc, Rainbow Soc, Amnesty Soc, environmental campaigns, and so much more. Our students leave us as confident, self-aware young women, ready to lead from the front, confront injustice,

spread kindness and take up their place in the world. I couldn’t be prouder of them. Q Do you make full use of your location? A The fantastic thing about being in Highgate

and just five minutes from two Tube stations is that our students have the whole of London on their doorstep. So they are able to visit all the top museums, art galleries and attractions that our capital city has to offer and it’s easy for visiting speakers to come into Channing. In the last month the Classics department took Years 10-13 to see Euripides' The Bacchae at the Bloomsbury Theatre; the Year 12 History of Art class visited the Wallace Collection and the National Gallery; Year 9 Geography students travelled to Battersea Power Station; Year 10 art students visited the Hayward Gallery; Year 10 GCSE French students went to the British Film Institute IMAX for a Study Day on identity and culture in French cinema; Paul Johnson, Director at the Institute of Fiscal Studies, came in to discuss some of the contents of his recently released Sunday Times bestseller, “Follow the

Q What have been the highlights of the school year so far? A Channing is such a busy and vibrant school that it would take forests of trees and gallons of ink to do justice to all the great things that are going on every day. If I had to pick just one or two I think one would definitely be the phenomenal school production of Chicago last term. I am in awe of the vision the performing arts team brought to the show, and perhaps even more in awe of the talents of our student performers, musicians and crew who brought it all to life. It was an extraordinary team effort, one that rivalled the West End for quality and ambition. And a second would be the fact that we officially declared a climate emergency at Channing. By declaring a climate emergency we wanted to recognise that climate change is a serious threat to the world and commit to act quickly to mitigate some of the consequences. Channing students and staff have announced that, in our small part of North London, we want to make a difference.

channing.co.uk

LINDSEY HUGHES

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