Monday 26 December 2016

STRAWBERRY HILL, JAMAICA

It's that time of year again! Christmas on my paradise island.

After months of being away from home I took two flights and I'm here, and now I don't want to leave. 

The past few days have been a whirlwind of family, parties, reggae music, sun and rum.

Strawberry Hill Hotel is a magical space perched high up the Blue Mountains above Kingston. This hotel has a really interesting history and is currently owned by Chris Blackwell - founder of the Island Records label. 

Blackwell is the music industry icon that released Bob Marley & the Wailers first album "Catch A Fire". According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, to which Blackwell was inducted in 2001, he is the single person most responsible for turning the world on to reggae music. 

Strawberry Hill has been a haven for musicians, artists and creatives from Bob Marley and Grace Jones to U2 and The Rolling Stones. 



The roads up the mountain are windy and have pot holes galore. It's a pretty intense drive if you're not used to it. As you climb up from Kingston the air gets very cool and the vegetation changes from tropical palm trees to rainforest firs and bamboo.




We drove up in the afternoon to have Jamaica's world famous Blue Mountain coffee and watch the sunset.





The property was designed by one of Jamaica's most respected architects - Ann Hodges. 

There are several secluded villas, a restaurant and beautiful spa, amongst other luxuries. I have been up here for a yoga class on the pavilion in the photo below, over looking a vast green valley. After yoga the hotel provided brunch and cocktails or coffee. 








First day back on the rock and it was magical. My little piece of heaven, I missed you. 

Sunday 11 December 2016

FEELING FESTIVE IN THE BIG SMOKE

The lead up to Christmas is the best thing about winter.

I'm a summer girl and was not made for the cold. To me winter is just... awful. Long nights, freezing cold mornings, dry skin, self diagnosed Seasonal Affective Disorder aka drama kween.

But Christmas is the silver lining in the dark sky, and London is so beautiful at this time of year.

Its easy to be cheesy and write about Christmas Markets and Winter Wonderland etc. as the pinnacles of festivity in this city, but to be honest, I don't like fighting through crowds in some park in the dark all while freezing my *** off.

So this is a list of my top 5 things to keep your spirits high and happy in December.

Christmas Lights

London is a visual feast at this time of year. No matter if you're East or West there is always something to see.

Oxford Circus/Soho

If you are visiting London then it's worth facing the crowds to see these streets. 




photo from google.com/images

Duke of York Square


photo from google.com/images
Somerset House


photo from google.com/images
Natural History Museum


photo from google.com/images
A few restaurants transform their interiors into Wintery forests. You can have the experience of stepping through the wardrobe and into Narnia without the need for a big fur coat. Even if you go for just one cocktail or some small snacks its definitely worth taking a peak at these spaces. 

Hot Chocolate

Selfridges roof top


photo from google.com/images

The Dalloway Terrace



Winter Cocktails & Red wine 

Sketch




Claridges



CLardige's photos from last Christmas

Shopping

I don't mean shopping for just yourself, although I would be lying if I said I haven't bought myself a some treats this season - I mean presents for family and friends... Of course...



Comfort Food

I will be going to Jamaica in a few days, and in Jamaica every season is bikini season. So I haven't been able to exploit this one as much as I would like.

For those of you who will be wrapped up in warm, cozy layers until the sun comes out again next year - CARPE DIEM! Eat EAT EAT. (Just bare in mind you will have to burn it off next Spring, but we got plenty time till then)

Dirty Bones - if you're committed to this comfort-food-baggy-jumpers-with-leggings lifestyle you gotta get the Mac N Cheese Burger & truffle with Parmesan cheese loaded fries. You just gotta.

Flesh & Buns - Korean BBQ wings are it. My bf will order 2 plates of this plus a side and then want more wings again. 

Shoryu Ramen - Noodles, soup...chicken... sake...hungry just thinking about it

'Ochi Caribbean' Take away, Netflix, blanket & fluffy socks. Nuff said. 

All in all this post is about indulging! Because when its cold as **** and you're freezing your nuts off that's all you can really do!