A Travel Writer & Photographer Talks Hotels, Restaurants & More

The most memorable hotel I’ve ever stayed in was Hotel Du Couvent in Nice. It’s the next level of luxury, with beautiful and thoughtful design, all against an incredible food and drinks offering, which was the best I’ve experienced. They also have a library full of rare art books – an absolute delight to browse. Set at the top of the hill in the historic area of Nice, it felt extremely tranquil inside the hotel, with the best part of the city just a few minutes down the hill.

The most memorable place I’ve visited is Japan. I really want to go back – when I visited during university, I thought it was magical. I planned a return trip during Covid but it was cancelled, so it’s high up on my list. 

Growing up, my visits to South Africa to stay with my grandma were hugely impactful. I loved the monkeys in her garden, picking avocados off her trees, going on safari, and being somewhere that felt a world away from the English village I grew up in. It gave me the initial taste for travel, for wanting to explore and learn about places through meeting people and eating their food. 

My favourite place in Europe is Italy. My husband and I have driven all over the country (with lots more still to explore) and we love it more than anywhere else. It’s so easy to drive and every region’s food is so different. My favourite places are Sicily, Puglia, Milan and Florence. 

I’ve also been to a fair few cities across the US, from Nashville to New Orleans, New York to LA. New York has an amazing energy, but I found it hugely expensive on my last visit and the US isn’t my favourite place for food. However, I really want to visit Utah and San Francisco at some point. 

I love staycations. I just got back from Little Mill in Abergavenny, Wales. It’s a beautifully decorated cottage that’s perfect for a girls’ weekend. It’s tiny, cosy and feels like one big sleepover. Take books, your hiking boots and eat crumpets by the fire. It’s heaven.

Somewhere to book for a week away with friends is a Greek island close to Athens – stay in the capital for a night and then book a big villa somewhere else. The produce is always amazing, the sea is the best in the world, and it’s always warm. Big trips with friends are always best when there’s not lots of pressure – choose the right place to stay and then there’s not the desperate need to do much. I also stayed in an incredible house in Girona for my 30th birthday. My recommendation is to look on Outliers for big, gorgeous villas. 

There are some great hotels in London. On a budget, there’s Grand Hotel Bellevue – a great boutique option with very comfy beds and great breakfast. If you want to splurge, The Emory in Knightsbridge is extremely luxurious with amazing views over Hyde Park. The spa, beds and facilities are all incredible. 

My favourite place for a city break is Paris. I go at least twice every year, and there’s always a new restaurant to try and plenty of amazing art exhibitions. 

I recently visited São Lourenço do Barrocal in the Alentejo region of Portugal on a press trip. I knew it would be beautiful, but it exceeded my expectations. There’s an energy there that feels so special. It could be the natural beauty, the constant birdsong, the incredible food, or just a perfect mix of nature and hospitality. 

Although I’ve had some incredible times at Michelin-starred restaurants, my favourite meals are usually at a classic restaurant with buzz and great food and drink. My favourite restaurant in Mexico City was Contramar, and although it is extremely popular for its iconic dessert tray, it also has the best atmosphere, impeccable service, delicious food and incredible cocktails. We went back twice. It felt like the Mexico City version of St John in London. 

Ordering room service is one of my favourite things to do. If I’m feeling particularly exhausted and I have one night at a hotel, room service is heaven. There’s nothing quite like eating a portion of chips in a hotel bed, wearing a robe and sinking into a comfy mattress. I love to eat at restaurants and try new things but room service is a guilty pleasure.

If I had to live in a hotel, I’d pick Colombe D’Or in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. I just went there for a second time. It feels completely separate from everything in a magical way – you step into the hotel, and you’ve got everything you need: a heated pool, a sauna, excellent cocktails, priceless art to eat lunch under and generally perfect weather. Off season (end of March/early April) is a perfect time to go, when it’s not as busy but the weather is still good.