1) Paris
We have a special affection for Paris – we started our business with Paris apartments, and we love visiting Paris. It is easily accessible by Eurostar and, like a lot of European cities, if you stay somewhere reasonably central, you can see a lot of the city on foot... and Paris is undeniably a very beautiful city to walk around. I think for a very special stay, I would choose apartment Quai d’Anjou 2, situated on the Ile St Louis, so about as central as you can be in Paris – and an easy walk from both the many attractions of St Germain in one direction, and the trendy Marais area in the other. With its stunning interiors and private balcony directly overlooking the Seine, this apartment is absolutely perfect for a romantic weekend.
2) Venice
Also, right up there in terms of romantic cities, Venice is also home to some of our most beautiful city apartments, all very centrally located. We have added quite a few enticing new apartments recently, including three in a historic Palazzo, and located opposite the magnificent Santa Maria della Salute and the new Punta della Dogana museum, which houses the Pinault contemporary art collection. Moreover, there are stunning canal views, and guests will be just a short walk from Piazza San Marco. There are 2 x two bedroom apartments and 1 x three bedroom – which can be rented separately or together, and share a spacious, furnished rooftop terrace.
3) Paros
I have chosen Paros, not just because it is a beautiful island in its own right, but also because of its location in the Cyclades group of islands. Many of these islands are well connected with each other by hydrofoil and ferry services, enabling visitors to have a two-centre, or even a three or four centre holiday, including stays on Santorini, Mykonos and Syros – and we feature beautiful villas on all these islands. On Paros, this luxurious new villa, near the charming fishing village of Naoussa, ticks lots of boxes – fabulous swimming pool and sea views, peace and tranquillity, 5 minutes drive from Naoussa and 3 minutes drive from the beach.
4) Tuscany
Tuscany is always a favourite, not only as a countryside destination, but also as home to many of our loveliest city apartments in the centres of Florence, Siena and Lucca. Villa le Sorelle epitomises my image of a picturesque and absolutely charming Tuscan villa, situated in the Val d’Orcia, between the hilltop towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino. The interiors have been meticulously restored by the owners to create an authentic old farmhouse, yet with all modern amenities. Outside there are furnished terraces, flowers and vines, and a salt-water swimming pool (which can be heated on request). Moreover, these owners can arrange many extras for guests, including massage treatments, yoga, cookery lessons, and local wine and cheese tastings.
5) Rome
For those who love walking the streets of Rome, there is nothing quite like staying in a Palazzo right in the very centre, a two minute walk from the historic and atmosphere-filled (and busy!) Piazza Navona. This unique property, ideal for a family or group of friends, is just off the Via dei Coronari, near the Church of Santa Maria della Pace and Bramante Cloister. Moreover, the property benefits from a roof top terrace with outdoor dining area, justifying visits to the tempting food and wine shops nearby!
6) Cape Town
At this cold and dark time of year, the place I would like to be right now, is Cape Town, where we have a growing portfolio of amazing villas and apartments, mainly on, or close to, Cape Town’s magnificent beaches. This incredible villa at Clifton Beach, with its amazing sea views from every room (apart from the wine cellar and the cinema) says it all!
January 2018