This Easter we were in such dire need of sunshine we decided to forgo our usual ski holiday and head instead to the fabulous Jade Mountain on St Lucia for a few days.

We’ve known the gorgeous owners Nick and Karolin Troubetzkoy for over 20 years. When they opened Anse Chastanet in 2000, we were first in the queue. And when they launched the adjacent Jade Mountain six years later, we were just as quick off the mark.

Not only are both resorts among our favourite beach holiday destinations on the planet, they feel a bit like home. The staff here have watched our daughter Skye grow from a baby to a teenager. We even go to church on Sundays with Peter the GM when we’re over.

St Lucia truly holds some amazing memories for all three of us.

Now we’ve all heard talk about a “room with a view”. But few can compete with those at Jade Mountain. Not that they call them rooms. These are ‘sanctuaries’ and boy is that a fitting description.

Each “sanctuary” has its entire fourth wall completely open to the outdoors. And with the Piton mountains right outside and the reflection of our very own infinity pool merging with the dazzling blue waters of the Caribbean, this is a view without equal.

A king size four poster bed and Jacuzzi bathtub adds to the experience. And best of all?  No telephones, no televisions and no clocks.

We spent our days sunbathing, snorkelling, sailing and having wonderful massages. We also enjoyed sampling the many talents of amazing new chef Stefan Goehcke who has worked with all the greats, Eric Chavot included.

A particular favourite of ours was the Saint Lucia-East Indian fusion menu at Anse Chastanet’s Trou au Diable beach restaurant. The Indian feast we enjoyed on the beach on Easter Sunday was an experience we won’t forget in a hurry.

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For those who don’t already know, I was born and raised in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. My mother’s family worked in the automobile trade (their business supplied the ‘Big Three’ – General Motors, Ford and Chrysler) so it’s fair to say I am a true native of Motor City! But it’s not just cars we’re famous for. Or for being the potato chip capital of the world. Detroit, and more specifically Berry Gordy, also gave the world Motown.

Feeling a bit homesick the other day I thought what better cure than a trip to Shaftesbury Theatre where Motown the Musical is playing to packed houses.

I can report that it was absolutely spectacular, a super slick extravaganza of a show celebrating the extraordinary life and career of Gordy – a household name back home but still less famous over here than his record label. Without Gordy, we may never have heard Diana Ross and the Supremes, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations or Marvin Gaye. And a world without the musical genius of those legends would be truly dull.

All these iconic tunes are played out against a backdrop of the civil rights movement and the assassinations of JFK and Martin Luther King as the show charts the highs and lows of Gordy’s musical empire and its stars. The boy playing the very young Michael Jackson really stole the show for me but really, all the performers were top notch – the actors playing Diana Ross (WHAT a life that lady has led), Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye were all perfectly cast.

Anything to do with my hometown will obviously hold a very special place in my heart, but if you’re a fan of Motown music (and how could you not be?), I highly, highly recommend catching Motown the Musical. Your feet will be tapping for weeks afterwards.

PS. I also LOVED The Bodyguard, which recently returned to the West End with Beverley Knight in the lead role. She’s amazing. Go see it before it finishes in January!

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OK, so in my last blog, I said London is awesome in the summer months. That’s a definite fact (London’s pretty awesome all year long, really), and it has been pretty nice over the last few weeks. But it’s not quite Ibiza. Sorry, London.

I’ve just got back from an idyllic week with friends and family, and if you haven’t experienced Ibiza in the summer, you’ve missed out on experiencing the pure joy and escapism of the island, and obviously, the stunning beaches.

We’ve eaten at loads of restaurants over the years but my top recommendation has to be Amante. It calls itself Ibiza’s most beautiful beach restaurant and this is no exaggeration. We enjoyed a long and lazy lunch overlooking the turquoise waters of Sol d’en Serra bay with its dramatic cliffs and swaying palm trees. Amante’s menu is exquisite – modern Mediterranean cooking, using only locally-sourced ingredients (many from their own garden) – as amazing to look at as it is to eat. An absolute must-visit for all foodies – they also have outdoor cinema nights that are on my to-do list for my next visit.

Another of my favourite places in Ibiza is Benirrás Beach, in the north of the island. While you can go any day of the week to paddle in crystal clear waters and watch the most breathtaking sunsets you could imagine, Sunday is really the day to come. Dozens of hippy drummers descend on the beach on Sundays to ‘drum down’ the sunset. It’s completely spectacular and unlike anything else in the world. It gets really, really busy (because it’s so amazing), so my advice is to get there early and relax all day on the beach. Tough life!

I also got the chance to channel my inner Ava Gardner when a friend invited me to spend some time on his yacht, Giriz II., a truly stunning vessel that once played host to the likes of Frank Sinatra, Kirk Douglas, Rex Harrison and the Warner Brothers. She’s been updated in more recent years but still has more than a hint of her midcentury roots. I could easily spend the rest of the year cruising around my favourite island’s dramatic coastline, but London came calling. Until next time, Ibiza!

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London in the summer months is awesome with no end of outdoor gigs and concerts and I was lucky enough to go to two in one weekend – the first of which was Florence & the Machine in Hyde Park.

Florence manages to achieve the almost impossible, combining sexiness with an ethereal quality. She sings healing songs from the heart, with beautiful messages that incorporate nature in a very special way.

Before she made her appearance we watched the Cuban Brothers on the Bacardi stage. They were hysterical. A bonkers medley of banter, break-dancing and beats that climaxed with head honcho Miguel Mantovani stripping down to his pants. You really had to be there! They lifted the whole mood and I for one can’t wait to see them again.

Bare foot as always Florence took to the stage in a diaphanous, and at times windswept, blue dress that magically turned into the same dress in red as the show neared its end. I’m on a mission to find out who made that dress as I want one.

The highlights were many, but my particular favourite was Delilah, the perfect showcase for her formidable, pitch-perfect vocals.

Beyoncé’s show at Wembley the next night was another story. A stadium not a park. And a spectacular stadium show. A production beyond belief, from the minute the star marched to the middle of the stage for Formation, dressed in that now-iconic funereal outfit, through to the rendition of Halo that brought things to a close.

Along the way we were treated to an amazing mix of the old and the new, with the likes of Lemonade’s Sorry and its now infamous line “You better call Becky with the good hair” closely followed by the decade-old Irreplaceable. The home videos of her husband and her daughter Blue Ivy added a particularly poignant touch.

Beyoncé is a world class super star for sure. The first time I saw her perform was 15 years ago at Party in the Park when she was still one third of Destiny’s Child. I remember saying to my husband then that she would be a massive solo performer. Maybe I should have been in A&R??

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I’ve been involved with the Hawn Foundation, the educational charity set up by my great friend Goldie Hawn, for several years now. So when I was invited to attend their annual fundraiser in Los Angeles last weekend I decided to throw caution to the wind and accept.

After all it’s such a good cause – and a full-on LA party is a hard thing to resist. As it was going to be a short break – I could only afford three days out of the office – we decided to book ourselves into the Beverly Hills Hotel.

The embodiment of Tinseltown glamour, with its iconic signage, Art Deco lobby and banana-leaf Martinique wallpaper, the iconic ‘Pink Palace’ is pure bliss.

To get the full-on experience we decided to have supper at the Polo Lounge, the favoured spot for generations of stars and Hollywood deal-makers. Our fellow diners were a super glamorous group that only the likes of Beverly Hills could produce.

The next morning I had a breakfast meeting with Hawn Foundation CEO Laurie Coots to discuss an upcoming event in London we are working on. Then it was time to hit Melrose Avenue for retail therapy courtesy of the likes of Fred Segal and Reformation, the hot new brand that everyone’s talking about.

In need of some much needed battery charging, we made tracks for Soho House on Sunset Boulevard where we enjoyed a seriously good lunch accompanied by spectacular views of the Hollywood Hills.

Back at the hotel we readied ourselves for the main event. Donning 60s-inspired outfits to keep inwith the party’s name – Goldie’s Love in for Kids – we headed to Ron Burkle’s Green Acres Estate in the heart of Beverly Hills.

As befits the home of a billionaire businessman it was a pretty spectacular affair, with its massive mansion set in eight acres of landscaped gardens that bore a passing resemblance to those at Versailles.

The evening was incredible. Brilliantly hosted by Chelsea Handler, whose new talk show debuts on Netflix this week, highlights included a moving performance by Kate Hudson of Prince’s Nothing Compares 2 U. At one point I found myself chatting to Sylvester Stallone who is exactly as you would imagine him. Then with Boy George working the decks, we danced until dawn.

Giving up a lie-in in favour of a shiny red convertible Mustang we set out for the Pacific Coast Highway where we ate a delicious lunch overlooking the beach and the ocean.

After a pleasant afternoon spent cruising the palm-tree lined streets of Beverly Hills, we ended up at Ago where we dined with another old friend, Britt Ekland. It was great to catch up as we haven’t seen much of each other since she moved to LA a couple of years back.

All too soon it was our last day. After a quick tour of some of the major sights – the Hollywood Walk of Fame included – we drove to Manhattan Beach for lunch with friends. Following a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk we drove to LAX and back to reality.

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It was my birthday recently and to celebrate my lovely family treated me to a surprise weekend away.

I had no idea where we were going until we reached Heathrow and I was given my boarding pass. Our destination was Seville – a city I’ve always wanted to visit.

Friends had told me that Seville was a place that had got enjoyment down to a fine art – and they weren’t wrong. This is a city full of culture and history that also boasts the best tapas bars in Andalusia and great nightlife. And I was determined to enjoy every minute of it.

Having checked into the Corral del Rey, a gorgeous boutique hotel just a five minute walk from the Cathedral, I awoke the morning of my birthday to be given the most delightful present ever. My daughter had written, played and recorded a song especially for me! I listened to it whilst enjoying a glass of champagne as the warm spring sunshine streamed through the windows. Not a bad way to start another year.

Feeling suitably refreshed it was time for some serious sightseeing.

First stop was the Plaza de España in the Parque de María Luisa. This is a real Marmite of a building. People either love its eccentricity or find it too overblown with its thousands of gaudy ceramic tiles. I was definitely in the first camp. In front of the building is a canal where we hired a small rowing boat. Great fun.

Behaving like real tourists we then took a horse and carriage to El Rinconcello, a tapas bar that lays claim to being the oldest in Spain. They’ve certainly learnt a thing or two over the last 350 years, as the food was excellent. In particular the tortilla de jamón and spinach with chickpeas were to die for.

Seville is known as the birthplace of flamenco, so that night we all headed off to Lola de los Reyes in the La Traina quarter to watch some traditional dancers in action. They were breath-taking. And to add to the enjoyment, the wine was ridiculously cheap!

The first port of call the next day was the Metropol Parasol, an amazing structure that divided the city when it was completed in 2011. Located in Plaza Encarnacion, in the heart of Seville, this modern icon was designed by German architect Jurgen Mayer H at a cost of nearly 125 million euros. Rising 30 metres into the air like giant wooden mushrooms, its organic curves are a true wonder to behold.

We then spent a lovely afternoon just wandering Seville’s winding, medieval lanes, drinking the local wine and soaking in the scent of orange blossom in the local plazas.

All too soon it was our last night. Wanting something a bit different from the traditional tapas we had enjoyed up until now, we decided to dine at La Azotea. Here we feasted on very contemporary concoctions like soy-marinated tuna belly and Iberian pork cheek in red wine sauce topped with goat’s cheese gratin.

Three nights in Seville was definitely not enough – my entire family and I are longing to return.

Finally, I must say a big thank you to the wonderful Mark Smith at Simplexity Travel for helping my husband organise the trip. Everything, from the hotel to the off-the-beaten track restaurant choices, was incredible.

www.simplexitytravel.com

www.corraldelrey.com

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With Easter fast approaching I am super tempted to escape for a few days to Perivolas on Santorini. The ultimate in laid-back luxury, this wonderful hotel is run by my great friend Costis Psychas and is a regular fixture on magazine covers around the globe. Small wonder Condé Nast Traveler readers have voted it one of the “100 Best Hotels of the World” for the last five years in a row.

This magical island is at its best at Easter time in March or April, before the madness of the summer season kicks in. Everywhere you look is a riot of daisies, poppies and wild violets. The views are breath-taking and the volcanic beaches are the perfect place to indulge in a lazy afternoon drinking chilled Atlantis rosé from the local Argyros estate. It’s not for nothing that Santorini can lay claim to the best vineyards in the whole of Greece.

The Greek Easter brings Santorini to life with a three-day celebration, full of colour and excitement, from glittering firework displays to foodie feasts.

The Good Friday procession is a true spectacle to watch and there is a beautiful night-time parade through the streets of Pyrgos (the highest point of the island) where every house, roof top and church in the village is lit up with candles. Truly an amazing sight.

Perivolas itself is a place for true rest and relaxation. Once the home of Santorini’s fishermen and farmers, Costis transformed this group of centuries old caves into vaulted rooms and suites, whose pure white sensually curved walls have become one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Luckily the hotel’s amazing infinity pool is heated so it’s possible to enjoy a dip even this early in the year.

Perivolas is definitely worth visiting at any point during the season, but at Easter this place has a special magic all of its own.

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Recently we were lucky enough to enjoy the hospitality of one of our new clients, Sanará, a luxury eco chic hotel on Mexico’s Maya Riviera.

I’ve known the owners for some time and I am thrilled to be working with them on this incredible project. Charlie Stuart Gay is an extraordinary person who is known around the world for his humanitarian endeavours, whilst his partner Daniella Hunter is passionate about well-being and healthy eating.

The opening of Sanará fulfilled their long-held dream of creating a sustainable business practice that would impact the local community and be friendly to the environment whilst at the same time expanding the consciousness of their guests.

The result is a luxurious hotel, world class wellness centre and innovative health food restaurant where one can relax and recharge batteries in wondrous surroundings. Without a doubt it will exceed guests’ expectations, as it did ours.

Sanará is located in a prime positon on the pristine white sands of Tulum Beach (no surprise that it was voted the third most beautiful beach in the world by TripAdvisor.) It is one of the newest of the many hotels that have sprung up in the area over the last decade or so.

Guests here have access to the most incredible facilities, including a spectacular yoga studio with breath-taking views. The ancient name of Tulum was Zama, meaning “place of the dawning sun”. And it certainly lives up to it. A yoga class at dawn, with the sun rising before us, was an experience I will always treasure.

The hotel recently celebrated the opening of its new beachside restaurant, The Real Coconut. Conceived by Daniella, dishes combine local fruit and vegetables with sustainable and consciously sourced fish, grass fed beef, organic chicken and eggs. Daniella herself has devised various signature creations, including the gluten- and dairy-free Real Coconut Quesadillas and a scrumptious coconut cheese dip. Who knew eating healthily could be so delicious?

Managing to tear ourselves away from Sanará’s charms one evening, we ate at Casa Banana, just a short walk away. This urban rustic Argentine restaurant serves the best steaks – all grilled on a wood-fired oven.

Once a sleepy outpost, Tulum’s pace has now quickened. You’ll find some really cool shops in town; a favourite of mine for beach wear and accessories was Caravana Montaecristo, owned and run by designer Jacopo Janniello Ravagnan. The nightlife was as full-on as you wanted to make it, with world renowned DJs like Solomun and Luciano adding the resort to their post Ibiza itineraries. And you won’t have to fight the crowds to see them either.

One of the many highlights of our trip was a bike ride to the local Mayan ruins. The best known of these is Temple of the Wind God. This ancient lookout post situated on the edge of a cliff, has become one of the region’s most famous images.

If you are in search of a truly restful and regenerative holiday, then Sanará is the destination for you. There is a direct Virgin flight to Cancun, followed by a short drive, and bingo you’re in paradise.

They say you should never take work home with you, but when it comes to our client, Michelin starred chef Ollie Dabbous, I will always be prepared to break that rule.

Ollie was asked to take part in a recipe shoot for The Times which would showcase one of his seasonal standouts.
Because the kitchen at Ollie’s restaurant, Dabbous, is so incredibly busy over the bustling Christmas period, I offered my home as a stand-in.

We all had great fun as Ollie, kitted out in his customary white t-shirt and blue striped apron, cooked up a brilliant feast.
Once the photographer had finished we were allowed to tuck into his amazing creations. The Buttered Kale with Toasted Chestnuts & Nutmeg was seriously tasty, so much so that I later sent the recipe to my mom in America (where we are heading off to spend the holiday season) asking if she could include it on her Christmas Day menu.

Also incredible was Ollie’s Lacquered Goose with Honey & Caraway. The warming, earthiness of the spice added a whole new dimension to the bird, deliciously counterbalancing the rich fattiness of the meat and making the taste buds tingle. Wow. No wonder this was the dish ultimately chosen by the editorial team.

You can check out the recipe – and perhaps try it yourself – in today’s Times (19th December).

Our new client Lalit, India’s largest privately owned hotel company, recently invited us to experience for ourselves some of their gorgeous five star properties.

So it was that my colleague and I embarked on a whirlwind tour which took in practically the entire subcontinent.

First stop was New Delhi, where the Lalit empire began back in 1988. Here we were treated to the same hospitality and level of service that we would find throughout the whole trip. Our short stay also gave us the chance to check out the brand’s award-winning Rejuve – The Spa and Baluchi restaurant, both of which will be showcased in the Lalit London which opens on the site of the former St Olave’s Grammar School near Tower Bridge later next year.

Here we met Chef de Cuisine Satyabir Singh Tyagi who will be part of the opening team in London. He introduced us to Baluchi’s delicious signature dishes including the dal which would become a firm favourite of mine throughout the trip.

An overnight sleeper train then took us 650 kilometres south to the Lalit Temple View hotel, which overlooks the awe-inspiring Khajuraho temples with their world famous artwork. (Take a closer look at the activities set in stone and you can see why Khajuraho has been dubbed the Home of the Kamasutra!) Equally thrilling was our safari drive through the Panna National Park where we were lucky enough to glimpse tigers, monkeys, deer and antelope.

Onto Kolkata and the iconic Great Eastern Hotel. Built in 1835 it has seen a host of famous guests check in over the years, Mark Twain, Mahatma Gandhi and Queen Elizabeth II among them. I loved how so many of the building’s original features had been retained, with the bakery restaurant including tables set in the original walk-in oven. The food here was incredible, drawing on many influences: Bengali and Nawabi delicacies, Anglo-Indian specialties and dishes inspired by Tangra, Kolkata’s Chinatown.
Our final destination was The Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal, a glorious resort in Kerala. Regarded as one of the finest spas in India, its 39 suites and one villa overlook the palm tree-lined river Nombili. The hotel is set on an almost deserted – and completely private – one-mile beach. The last night of our trip we watched the sun set over the Arabian Sea before enjoying another amazing feast – including of course my favourite dal. The perfect end to a brilliant week.

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