A few nights in Normandy

A friend and I decided to get away for a few days and head over to her place in Normandy to enjoy the autumnal views and cosy evenings over there as well as a spot of maintenance. So we sped over to Portsmouth straight after work to catch the ferry. Doing the ferry crossing overnight makes sense in terms of time saving, until you're woken up by strange music at 5am hammering right into your ears from right above your head! We then made the early morning drive to Boudet from Caen stopping for a French version of a cappuccino (a viennese coffee if you ask me) and a pain au raisin along the way to up energy levels.



One we arrived, I got the grand tour of all the buildings there, which centres around a beautiful grassy courtyard from its original farm days. The large house - originally the farm, sleeps 10 whilst the converted barn sleeps 8 (9 with the sofa bed) and then there's the cider press which sleeps a couple (at half board self catering.) They have all been done up in classic French country style of the area - surrounding Manche near St Michel with a few shaker fittings - minimlist but with sweet homely touches. Surrounded by apple trees with a couple of vines and pear trees, one really does get the feeling of being in rural France. Especially with the vast garden complete with pond and al fresco dining areas.



Supermarkets are not too far away so we stopped off at the nearest one in the closest town to choose a few things to eat for that day before coming back, eating and collapsing. I never sleep in the day, but by this point, I was so physically exhausted that I managed to sleep for around 3 hours until it got dark when we lit a fire and snuggled in front of it watching TV and flicking through magazines.


Being Autumn, rather cold, a little rainy, and me not feeling too hot, I didn't really want to venture outside too much, but had it been nice, it would have been a perfect opportunity to take the bikes out (kept in the shed - a traditional Norman bake house which all houses have access to) and see some of the Norman countryside in its glory. I hear that spring is a beautiful time here but for me nothing beats the wonderful colours of the autumn leaves turning on the trees. There's even a croquet lawn for the sunnier months.



One could have a really cosy time here a deux, as those who have already stayed in the cider press will attest to. It maintains many of the old features, giving the place a real character with a mezzanine bedroom nestled upstairs and open plan kitchenette in the main space as you open the large stable like doors. Or this could act as an overspill for parties for either or both houses, thus sleeping a maximum of 20-21 in total for a huge gathering - family, friends on holiday or for special occasions.


The properties are available to rent through http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/france/FR3608.htm

www.trisori.com

Holiday wardrobe - key pieces

Due to the amount of Travelling I have done recently my attention has been absorbed by the latest and hottest holiday wardrobes that are on the market right now. With that in mind I wanted to put together a go to guide on the must have items to suit a range of different trips:

City Slicker: The Bag

The most important item in your suitcase for a city break has to be the bag. It can make or break your city exploring. It is critical that both style and size is thought about at great length when purchasing your ideal bag... too small and you will find yourself carrying your guidebook around with you and yet too large and you accumulate unnecessary weight. The perfect city bag needs to be light, have a zip, look stylish yet be practical. It has to be large enough to carry your sunglasses, guide book, purse, tissues, make up, a good lip balm and suncream, and it should also have handles large enough to carry on your shoulder. In other words, it should be beautiful and not a burden.

My Fave: Lonchamp, Le Pliage, £48

Beach Chic: The kaftan

For hot holidays on desert islands it is all about the kaftan. Floaty, comfortable and light, the kaftan can hide a manner of all sins - perfect for long, indulgent holiday lunches. A dash of colour, print or all white, it is up to you and whatever look you are channeling. A bit of texture, such as beads or embroidery always works well on simple styles to give it that little bit of embellishment. The key thing about a kaftan is that they should be casual enough to wear on the beach over a swimsuit but also smart enough to team with jeans and espadrille wedges for drinks at sunset. Add an oversized basket for good measure and you have the perfect holiday beach combo.

My Fave: Melissa Odabash, Liz kaftan, £212.80

Jungle Fever: The Jumpsuit

Despite what many explorers would have you think, it doesn't have to be all khaki and ugly walking boots in a jungle environment. Believe it or not, you can actually look trendy - so those photos of you by that waterfall need not be restricted to a dusty album. Enter the jumpsuit. Made of light fabric, this outfit will restrict the amount of flesh on show resulting in better protection from nasty insects, whilst also keeping you cool. And the best thing about it? The nature of this all-in-one style means that you won't get any horrid spiders crawling down your bum crack!

My Fave: Topshop, Oriental Print Jumpsuit, Now only £20

www.trisori.com

Sicilian Holiday (Part 1): Taormina on a budget

Recently, a friend of mine asked me where to go in Sicily if you are not Donald Trump.
What a wonderful reason I have to publish a post in the blog about my lovely part of the world!

First of all, get yourself a bargain and grab a flight from London to Catania Fontanarossa. If you are lucky, you can get a return flight for less than 150 pounds with Easyjet. Alitalia does not fly direct and you don't want to buy an indirect flight: it takes forever to arrive to the final destination.


Now that you have your return flight to Sicily, where do you stay?

If you have 3 days
Rent a car at the Catania Fontarossa Airport and head north to Taormina. You need to be a good driver as Taormina has tiny streets, people drive like lunatics and parking space is impossible to find. If you are not, don't despair, you can take a bus from the airport directly to Taormina.


Once there, if you are on a budget, the wisest thing to do is to stay in Castelmola. which is a little town above Taormina. It's really close and 30% cheaper and hotels offer shuttle services to and from Taormina.
Book at Hotel Villa Sonia: Click here for the website of the Hotel which is nicely located and not too expensive.


You can spend 2 days relaxing in Taormina and 1 day doing an excursion to see Mount Etna.
In all honesty, with such a beautiful scenary and amazing hot temperature, you deserve a medal if you manage to go all the way up to Mount Etna in the summer! Every hotel organises trips to the surrounding cities/ natural reserves, just ask at the reception.


If you have a week or for something more luxurious, follow this blog next Friday!


Enjoy

Chill or Charge Your Glass....

If you like one place where you can do it all with minimum effort with maximum output, then Buddha Beach in Puerto Banus, Spain is your ideal location for holiday!

Whether you’re a serious tanner who turn every half hour or just like basking in the sun, you can take a lounger (with complimentary towel, water and fruit) or if you’re in a largish gang simply book a large ‘bed’ to hang in with your group of friends to soak up the rays.

If you’re hungry, you can have a bite to eat from the menu whilst posing around the pool, take a long, lazy lunch in the restaurant or simply sip on cocktails at the bar. House white wine is just too drinkable and if you don’t fancy a cocktail from the menu, then they will knock up whatever takes your fancy if they have the ingredients.

The menu ranges from starters of tempura and spring rolls and lighter options like fruit bowls to full on burgers, club sandwiches and delectable salads to satisfy your whim.

Staff are friendly and offer drinks or whatever you need around the pool or wherever you’re sitting. Alcohol seems to arrive before you can say sun but ask for anything else and it can take a few reminders.