Category: The Tastemaker’s picks

Ca Maria Adele, Venice

Some places hold a certain power of evocation. Their names conjure up an idea; their very utterance calls to the soul. The definitive example of this is bound up in two potent syllables: Venice. Think of the amphibious city and your mind projects images of gliding gondolas, festive masks and […]
Audubon Cottages, New Orleans

New Orleans is, without question, one of the great historical melting pots of the United States. As such, it is always a privilege to experience that well-cherished heritage through the lens of contemporary standards of indulgence. The Audubon Cottages collection specialises in filling that niche precisely. Beyond global centres of […]
The Hay Adams Hotel, Washington D.C.

Variety’s the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavour. The Task (1785)–‘The Timepiece’ (Book II, lines 606-7) It is perhaps at this point that I should mention that I am sipping on a tongue-teasingly delicious Hay Adams’ spin-off of a spicy Bloody Mary that has inspired […]

Grand Hotel Parker’s, Naples

Naples, high style If you are after stupendous views and heavy duty luxury, head straight to the Grand Parkers Hotel, a cool and elegant oasis in the pungent heat and bustle of Napoli. And what an oasis this is! Even by Italian standards the quality of the marble, which is […]
Salamander Resort and Spa, Middleburg, Virginia

Some places cannot be described; they need to be experienced. It is with this in mind that we will try to do justice to the Salamander Resort, in Middleburg, Virginia, a microcosm of all that is good and great in the world. The pianist’s fingers are jumping, the atmosphere is […]
Jade Mountain Review

Jade Mountain – the name itself has a certain totemic awe. After ascending from the ebon-wood reception, Jade Mountain first looms in front of you like a sun-gold monolith, a gigantic carved stone structure that, one might imagine, stands testament to humanity’s fervour and passion. As you rise up on […]