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Luigi Bocchi
Rome, Italy
Bouquets show an architect’s eye for form and a painter’s eye for colour; truly stunning wedding flowers and the Bocchis (father and son) do all of the best parties in Rome.
www.bocchifiori.it
+39 06 6889 2569
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Steven, our Brazil insider, guides us through the best of beaches and bossanova.
Start your day at the nearest corner juice bar- try a scrumptious banana and avocado smoothie. Then take in the sights of Rio on the invigorating walk along the beach from Ipanema to Copacabana. From there take a taxi to Santa Teresa, a glorious crumbling colonial neighbourhood of cobbled streets and Portuguese inspired mansions. Lunch at Bar do Arnaldo (2252-7246) for solid hearty Brazil stapples and freshly caught fish. After lunch head to Leblon, home to the world’s finest swim wear shops; try Rosa Cha (3322-1849) and Salinas (2274-0644). Head back down to Leblon beach to watch beach volleyball played at its most exuberant and to take in one of Rio’s spectacular sunsets.
Start your evening sampling the bewildering selection of caiprinhas at the Academia da Cachaca (2529 2680) before moving on to the trendy Bar d’Hotel (2540-4990) overlooking the beach. Dine at Carlota (2540-6821) for modern Brazilian food. After dinner make for Lapa, the most traditional neighborhood for bossanova clubs, dance halls and live Brazilian music-it is best to go with a well-informed local guide. Hop between the Rio Scenarium (2233-3239) and Carioca da Gema (2221-0043) for the best in live bossanova.
The code for Rio de Janeiro is +55-21
The Chedi
Oman
One of the “most marketed” hotels of recent times; often billed as “a peaceful retreat”… However, it’s directly under the flight path of the main airport- not my idea of a tranquil getaway! There’s also a big desalination plant right next door (the photographs looking towards the resort from the sea are always cropped so as not to show this!) Whilst the super-deluxe rooms in the villas are very nice; the “normal deluxe” rooms in the main building are real “air-conditioned boxes”, with no direct outdoor access - no terrace or balcony. Not ideal in a place that you go to for sun, beach and indoor/outdoor living - especially for $600+ a night. (*info provided by a well-traveled friend who visited in 2006)
Too many boutiques, not enough time! Here’s a quick guide to many lesser-known finds. Off to the races gals…
Reciproque
Fabulous designer cast-offs at amazingly knocked-down prices. Not one for impatient shoppers…but those who seek for long enough will find classics such as Lacroix evening gowns and Prada, Gucci and Chanel daywear.
Liste Rouge
Affordable but stylish bespoke shirts…great for the man in a hurry- once you have been measured you can order on-line. Easy or what?!
Lady Soul
Cute street-line from hip designer Zina Kachanoui. Expect simple, practical, chic separates. The trousers and stretch dresses are a snip at less than 100 Euros.
Number 44
Uber-cool Japanese concept cool. Go for the great range of own-brand basics for guys and gals and limited-edition books, CDs and accessories.
Anna Lowe
Half-price runway pieces from the last two seasons. If you’re in search of that timeless Galliano suit or Yves Saint Laurent Gown then look no further…
Fred & Alfred
Affordable, quality made-to-measure suits. In four weeks one of their expert tailors will make a suit for you for as little as 800 Euros. Form an orderly queue monsieurs…
Vintage Clothing
The place to go in Paris for glamorous ladies’ wear. Chic proprietress Brigitte Petit certainly has an eye for timeless class: take your pick from chloe, YSL and Guy Laroche.
Rodolphe Menudier
For glamorous foot-wear to go with that knock-out gown, head to this chic shoe shop… fab for killer high-heels and sassy summer sandals.
Also check out: Isabel Marant boutique for unique designs (16th rue de Charonne, 11th +33 1 43 04 12); Maison Goyard for timeless bags (233 rue St Honore, 1st +33 1 42 60 57 04) and Paul Bert Market on the weekend for antiques and vintage 1950’s American jewellery (St-Ouen +33 1 40 11 54)
Reciproque 88, 92, 93 & 95 Rue de la Pompe, 16th www.reciproque.fr +33 1 47 04 30 28
Liste Rouge 138 Rue du Faubourg St-Honore, 8th www.listerouge.fr +33 1 43 59 45 68
Lady Soul 31 Rue de la Ferronnerie, 1st +33 1 40 28 05 59
Number 44 59 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 11th www.n44.com +33 1 56 98 18 44
Anna Lowe 104 Rue du Faubourd St-Honore, 8th www.annaloweparis.com +33 1 42 66 11 32
Fred & Alfred 6 Rue Guisarde, 6th www.fred-alfred.com +33 1 46 34 68 10
Vintage Clothing 10 Rue Crussol, 11th www.vintageclothingparis.com +33 1 48 07 16 40
Rodolphe Menudier 14 Rue de Castiglione +33 1 42 60 86 2
La Casa Que Canta
Mexico
Justin (38), an LA-based executive television producer and trusted discerner tells us why this hotel is overrated: “It’s the type of place people like to write about because they’ve filmed movies there and it has a great view. It’s very pretty but it is very small and has no beach access. It’s a crime to be right by the beach but not be able to just walk onto the beach. To me it’s the place people stay so they can say they stayed there at a dinner party and not because its the best place. Even the food was only mediocre. Form over function.”
Insider: Someone with great taste, nice enough to provide the “inside scoop” so you can make like a local when visiting.
President of Production at Di Novi Pictures, Alison (34) has lived in Santa Monica for five years. Outside work, she practises yoga, and enjoys hiking, film and comedy. Before moving to LA, she lived in Philadelphia, Northern California and spent a summer in London.
My Los Angeles
For a first-time visitor, what is a must-do?
Must walk along the “strand” a path that hugs the beach and runs from Malibu in the North to Manhattan Beach in the south. Sunday Brunch at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel is glamorous and delicious. Another must do is the Getty Center perched atop a hill in Malibu, the Richard Meier designed structure is breath-taking and the views are equally pretty.
And what would you warn them to avoid?
Tourist traps like Hollywood Blvd / Chinese theatre / Santa Monica Pier.
What’s your favourite part of LA and why?
I love walking down the beautiful and green San Vicente Blvd. From Brentwood to the ocean you will pass others who feel the same. Really, anywhere I can see the water or the hills is my favourite part of town.
What are your favourite places to eat?
Il Sole simple Italian fare done very well, casual and hip (Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood) Katsuya sushi and fusion-Japanese - to die for! (Ventura Blvd. in the Valley; new Brentwood branch on San Vicente & Montana) A.O.C. amazing small plates and tapas; great ambience (West 3rd Street at Crescent Heights Blvd, West Hollywood)
What about some great places to meet for drinks?
Early Evening
Chateau Marmont the patio
Whist at The Viceroy hotel in Santa Monica
The OTHER ROOM - Abbot Kinney in Venice - the big floor to ceiling windows in the front allow for the ocean air to sweep through this wine and beer bar - casual and fun.
After dinner/Late
Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel (8358 Sunset Blvd. W. Hollywood) clubby, laid-back elegance.
Blue on Blue at The Avalon hotel (west Olympic Blvd) mid-century modern aesthetic, great crowd.
What’s your favourite place to shop?
Stroll along Robertson between Third and Beverly hit Curve, Madison, Diavolina, and American Apparel for yummy t-shirts and the softest of track suits; on Montana Avenue: Planet Blue, Jill Roberts Moondance, The Wagging Tail (for the ultimate in canine accessories and apparel); there are a lot of hip & cool clothing and furnishings places on Abbot Kinney in Venice, too many to name.
The best deli or food market?
Bristol Farms (several locations); Beverly Hills Cheese Shop; Whole foods; Stroh’s in Venice
Where do you go to keep yourself fit and beautiful?
Sports Club ask for Troy Todd to give you an hour of his time and you will get a great workout … but risk being sore for a week. (310 473 1447)
Yoga Works on Montana in Santa Monica. Roberta Lombardi’s class is an invigorating and inspiring experience.
(310 393 5150)
Face Place at 8701 Santa Monica Blvd. (310 289 1900) for galvanic facials.
Skin Remedies for photo-facials (ask for Carrie Edler) and a great cleansing facial (ask for Kelly T.) (310-453 6474)
Ona spa for pampering and relaxation. Ask for Natan who gives a terrific deep tissue massage and is also the spa’s acupuncturist. (323 931 4442)
What’s your favourite way to relax or escape?
Hiking Temescal Canyon or Runyon Canyon is a great two-hour respite from the hustle-bustle of the city. 20 minutes from Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach offers sand and sea that is quiet and calm, not as crowded as the beach in front of Santa Monica Pier.
What do you love to do with children?
DisneyLand is the classic destination of choice for kids. Mickey Mouse and the Magic Kingdom never fail to make me smile. Also fun is the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood which has live performances for kids. The La Brea Tar Pits gives kids a glimpse of what life was like for dinousaurs and creatures of the past.
What places represent “quintessential Los Angeles” to you?
Runyon Canyon is soooooo LA. It’s a great scenic hike uphill in Hollywood and you will undoubtedly hear snippets of conversation like “I just fired my agent” or “That executive gives the worst notes”. And you may want to rent a dog, as you will want to fit in with the rest of the hikers heading up the hill who lug their pooches with them. Then head to brunch at Ammo on Highland - great vegetable frittata and the muffins are heavenly.
What experience is authentically LA?
This is a tie. Authentic LA - A Lakers game at the Staples Center. Nothing like seeing Kobe own the home court. But, also as authentic, perhaps more relaxing - driving the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu and beyond. Stop for a beer and fresh fish (prepared any way you like it) at the Reel Inn.
Finally, can you share a best-kept secret that is known to locals but not outsiders?
One is the Malibu Country Mart on PCH. Grab a fresh sandwich from the stall, a Coffee Bean Ice Blended and hang out with the cute dogs and kids! Great boutiques there too.
Another: everyone assumes LA is sunny and gorgeous year-round. And we are blessed, but oddly enough, we get a bit of “June gloom” where the mornings are often misty and foggy, and temperatures sometimes only in the high 50s/low 60s.
Alison’s hotel recommendations