Richard James talks personal style: Part One

Richard James is renowned for leading a new wave of fashion-focused tailors and re-energising Savile Row with his bold suiting

My personal style signifier is one of my own two-button mohair suits. This slim‑cut design pretty much sums up the Richard James aesthetic and is all about the striking shade of blue. From £1,645; 29 Savile Row, London W1 (020-7434 0605; www.richardjames.co.uk).

The last thing I bought and loved was a set of small, delicate dishes by Tom Dixon.  They are quite fragile and have a lovely wash of gold. They are perfect for serving peanuts or olives. £65; www.tomdixon.net.

The Grill Room at the Café Royal in London’s Regent Street | Image: James Bedford

And the thing I’m eyeing next is a white Superoblong sofa by Jasper Morrison. It is part of a modular seating system and looks incredibly soft and comfortable. From £1,130; www.cappellini.it.

An unforgettable place I’ve travelled to in the past year is Lake Como. I travel to the area for business, but I recently visited the Canottieri Lario rowing club on the lake and it is spectacular. The main building was built in the 1930s and is the perfect modernist example of Italian rationalism. I found the overall setting to be just magical. www.canottierilario.it.

A recent find is the beautifully restored Café Royal in Regent Street. I especially like the Grill Room, with its red and gold hues and delicious champagne and caviar lounge. The building is very iconic, and the overall atmosphere incredibly pleasant. 68 Regent Street, London W1 (020-7406 3333; www.hotelcaferoyal.com).

The grooming staple I’m never without is Cleansing Foam by Shiseido Men. I also like the Moisturizing Emulsion.Both products are very fresh and light. Cleansing Foam, £23 for 125ml, and Moisturizing Emulsion, £35 for 125ml;www.shiseido.com.

Shiseido Men Moisturizing Emulsion, £35 for 125ml

The books on my bedside table are Vanished Years by Rupert Everett and The Russian Court at Sea by Frances Welch. The first is a wickedly funny memoir that people are raving about. The second is about the Russian Imperial Family fleeing their country for a new life. I’m finding it very sad. I tend to favour biographies, and non-fiction in general.

An indulgence I would never forego is the Sea Salt Organic Milk Chocolate Bee Bar from Rococo. I enjoy a little almost every day. £1.30; www.rococochocolates.com.

Vanished Years by Rupert Everett

My favourite room in my house is the top floor of my flat, located just off Regent Street. It has two glass walls and a partial glass roof, and is home to my kitchen and dining area. From this space I can look out over the rooftops of London and towards Buckingham Palace – where I can see the flags that let me know whether the Queen is in residence or not.

An object I would never part with is an oil painting by optical artist Bridget Riley that I purchased 18 years ago. It takes up almost an entire wall and features stripes in all sorts of colours. Her blues, oranges and purples just work beautifully together.

Rococo’s Organic Milk Sea Salt Chocolate Bee Bar, £1.30

The last meal that truly impressed me was at the small, rather simple restaurant La Petite Maison in Nice. It serves delicious fresh fish and also offers the perfect truffle sandwich on a baguette. It is unlike anything else I’ve ever tasted – my mouth is watering just thinking about it. La Petite Maison,11 Rue Saint François de Paule, 06300 Nice (+334-9392 5959; www.lapetitemaison-nice.com).

If I didn’t live in London, the city I would live in is Stockholm. It is surrounded by water and is the perfect place to wander. In addition, the food is wonderful and I love the restaurants, such as Lisa Elmqvist, which specialises in fresh salmon and prawns – all served with lots of dill. The shopping is fantastic, too, with design stores such as Svenskt Tenn, which has a lovely tea salon. For Scandinavian furniture and glassware, I like the auction house Bukowskis, and the Moderna Museet is a treasure trove of contemporary art. Bukowskis, Arsenalsgatan 4, 111 47 Stockholm (+468-614 0800; www.bukowskis.com). Lisa Elmqvist, Ostermalms Saluhall, 114 39 Stockholm (+468-5534 0410; www.lisaelmqvist.se). Moderna Museet, Exercisplan 4, 111 49 Stockholm (+468-5195 5200; www.modernamuseet.se). Svenskt Tenn, Strandvägen 5, 114 84 Stockholm (+468-670 1600; www.svenskttenn.se).

Richard James talks personal style: Part Two

The tailor’s second style instalment reveals Mark Rothko, Donald Sutherland and Diana Ross

My style icon is Donald Sutherland in the 1970s film Don’t Look Now. It is set in Venice – my favourite city – and his tweedy look was perfect for the times, but is also spot-on for today.

The sight that inspires me is that from the water in Venice. I go two or three times a year. In the winter I love to stay at The Gritti Palace, and in the summer at The Cipriani. I find that just sitting on the terraces and watching the world go by is very calming. The light in winter is particularly beautiful. The Cipriani, Giudecca 10, 30133 Venice (+39041-240 801; www.hotelcipriani.com). The Gritti Palace, Campo Santa Maria del Giglio 2467, 30124 Venice (+39041-794 611; www.thegrittipalace.com).

Donald Sutherland in Don’t Look Now, 1973 | Image: Rex Features/Everett Collection

The people I rely on for personal grooming and health are Kieran, my personal trainer at Home House, who leads me through mat exercises that are designed to strengthen my back, and Matt Mulhall, a stylist who has cut my hair for the past 25 years. Home House, 20 Portman Square, London W1 (020-7670 2000; www.homehouse.co.uk). Matt Mulhall, 020-7706 8200.

The one artist whose work I would collect if I could is Mark Rothko. His mix of colours is just magical; from the lighter, warmer periods to his later, darker works that feature deep violet, black and grey. I think his paintings are perfection.

The best gift I’ve given recently was a pair of Converse trainers that I decorated with Swarovski crystals. They were for a friend who lives in the South of France and are incredibly sparkly – perfect for going on boats. My intention was to make them as glam as possible. www.converse.com. www.swarovski.com.

And the best gift I’ve received recently was a pair of tickets to A Chorus Line at the London Palladium. They were a gift from a friend with whom I was reminiscing about the original production from more than 30 years ago, so these tickets were a lovely, thoughtful surprise. 8 Argyll Street, London W1 (0844-412 2957; www.londonpalladium.org).

View of the Piazza San Marco from The Cipriani Hotel, Venice

The last music I downloaded was Baby Love by The Supremes. I love anything to do with Motown and I think Diana Ross is fantastic. I once sat next to her at the Beverly Hills Hotel, so I am very happy to have this album on my playlist.

My favourite websites are focused on fashion and design. I visit Ten Magazine regularly for the latest trends and designer updates. I find the tone to be quite funny. I also like getting daily updates on everything from style to politics on British GQ. www.10magazine.com. www.gq-magazine.co.uk.    

Tiptree Gooseberry Conserve

In my fridge you’ll always find Skippy peanut butter – I alternate between crunchy and smooth varieties – as well as Poilâne bread. I also keep Tiptree Gooseberry Conserve on hand, as well as milk and a good bottle of sancerre. Poilâne, 46 Elizabeth Street, London SW1 (020-7808 4910; www.poilane.com). Skippy, www.peanutbutter.com. Tiptree, www.tiptree.com.

The best souvenir I’ve brought home is glassware from Venice that was designed by the late Gianni Versace. I purchased some of his colourful pieces at Venini and they serve as decorative objects in my home. San Marco 314, Piazzetta Leoncini, 30124 Venice (+39041-522 4045; www.venini.it).

The last accessory that I added to my wardrobe was a pair of proper leather brogues of my own design. These are heavy, dark-brown shoes that are perfect for winter. £365; www.richardjames.co.uk.

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city, I’d choose Mayfair in London. My shops are located there, but it is also home to wonderful purveyors such as Allens butcher on Mount Street, where I like to buy lamb chops. I also purchase unusual books at Heywood Hill, a well-edited shop with a pleasant atmosphere. And I am a fan of Dover Street Market – the Rose Bakery on the top floor is a wonderful find. Allens, 117 Mount Street, London W1 (0844-880 2460; www.allensofmayfair.co.uk). Heywood Hill, 10 Curzon Street, London W1 (020-7629 0647; www.heywoodhill.com). Dover Street Market, 17-18 Dover Street, London W1 (020-7518 0680; www.doverstreetmarket.com).

If I weren’t doing what I do, I would be a photographer. I studied it at art school and it was my first love. I am particularly partial to the work of Bruce Weber and Guy Bourdin. So if I weren’t designing clothes, I’d likely be doing some sort of fashion photography.

Connecticut’s cabinet of curiosities

From fossils to architectural fragments and colourful textiles, this shop’s curios make it well worth a detour

“I traffic in beautiful things,” says Michael Trapp, owner of his eponymous shop-cum-house in the picturesque town of West Cornwall, Connecticut. “Regardless of where these objects come from or when they were made, I am most interested in presenting something for everyone. Hopefully, my store is not off-putting or elitist, as you’ll find pieces ranging from $3 to $3,000 – with the $3 items much more difficult to source.”

On my recent visit, as I wove from corridors of wild plants in the lush gardens to between shelves of carefully curated collections of objects, I found fabulous pieces at every turn.  Michael Trapp is something of a well-kept “insider” secret, and I’m indebted to a tasteful friend who lives locally for the introduction to what can only be described as a magical, one-off emporium.

With his unerring eye for everything from 17th-century textiles to Dutch baroque furniture and antique glass (first picture), Trapp spends several months each year on buying trips in the Middle East and southeast Asia, as well as summer visits to the European markets of Parma, Avignon and Paris.

Stepping into his 19th-century space (third picture) you’ll see this worldview in the plants, light fixtures and assorted furnishings that are thoughtfully placed throughout. The inventory is constantly changing: “It’s not a museum after all,” he says, and each room has a fascinating yet comfortable feel that fuses high and low, ancient and new, intact and fractured pieces.

Highlights for the home include a Tsung Dynasty shipwreck vase ($525) covered in corroded coral and 17th-century Chinese granite courtyard tiles ($125) that are elegant in their simplicity. The garden is a particular focus for Trapp, and the environs of the shop – meandering streams, Italianate vistas – are full of flora in urns and planters of unusual shapes. Teak and woven bamboo Dutch colonial planters’ chairs ($725 each) contrast beautifully with contemporary teak and aluminium chaises longues ($1,900) and this juxtaposition encapsulates what makes Michael Trapp so special: all the pieces are best of breed, and all are unique and combined in unexpected ways.

Interiors – and textiles in particular – are a real strength and I found tufted silk cushions (from $28) and an Uzbek silk velvet ikat pillow ($135) that add brilliant dashes of colour to my otherwise rather beige surroundings. Some of my favourite pieces were Trapp’s decorative objects – a slate Borneo ceremonial disk ($245), geometric gathering baskets and Japanese glass fishing floats ($95).

Architectural elements are found in every corner of the shop and gardens, too: terracotta Corinthian capitals, an Indonesian sambal barrel ($650) and Provençal tiles (from $28 per ft) all contribute to a serene ambience.

A strand of Borneo trade beads (from $48, second picture) in cobalt blue (tangerine, aquamarine and violet, too) might not be precious jewellery, necessarily, but it makes a sculptural, bold accent piece that I thought would make the perfect gift for a friend. Trapp’s cabinets of curiosities display moths or beetles (both $245) as well as butterflies ($185), while a fossilised giant clamshell ($1,600) and delicate dolphin vertebrae ($28) are all wonderful examples of his quirky marine collections.

With wonderful natural light, muted fabrics and “finds” at every turn, Michael Trapp’s perfectly imperfect space has to be seen to be believed – I almost need to pay a second visit to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

Flower power

The scent of the Swiss alps in one anti-ageing-cream jar

New York City is an awfully long way from mountainous Megève – and in particular the idyllic Les Fermes de Marie, an Haute Savoie hotel with a classic ski-chalet vibe. While travelling away from the Big Apple, I had the chance to visit this rustic-chic spot – and its sensational Pure Altitude Spa – last summer, and it was here that I discovered a skincare line made up of simple alpine plants, minerals and nourishing antioxidants.

I am not typically a spa-goer, but the low-key nature of this particular spot enticed me, and Pure’s signature Crème Edelweiss No 1 (€50) has been a beauty staple of mine ever since. This protecting and hydrating cream is wonderfully lightweight and free of cloying scent, which means that I can use it year round – morning, noon and night. I have naturally dry skin and this edelweiss-infused potion provides instant hydration and appears (if my constant scrutiny has shown correctly) to have decreased the fine lines and wrinkles around my sensitive eye area.

The secret in this little wonder jar is the Swiss edelweiss that has been harvested by hand and later dehydrated and infused into all of Pure’s formulations, mixed in Valréas, France. I’ve come to learn that this hearty special ingredient – which is considered to have potent anti-ageing benefits – is especially soothing and protective to distressed skin that has been exposed to harsh pollutants (that would be mine), changes in weather and the sun’s harmful rays.

More than the pre-make-up mosturising benefits that the cream provides, I find this fresh, clean product to be emotionally transporting. I may be looking out over a bustling Manhattan skyline each day, but after a dollop of Crème Edelwiss No 1, the peaceful, pristine Alps don’t seem that far away at all.

Culinary California

A spectacular Santa Barbara restaurant nestled amid fragrant citrus blossom

“Spectacular” is a word to be used with hesitancy when it comes to food, for fear of diminishing its impact. Yet with regards to the culinary experience I recently enjoyed at The Stonehouse in Santa Barbara, California, it is certainly apt. Set in the Montecito foothills, this exceptional restaurant is housed in a 19th-century former citrus-packing house surrounded by orange groves and a sweeping ocean view.

Nestled amid the fragrant blossoms and quaint cottages of the San Ysidro Ranch, The Stonehouse is destination dining for locals and foodie pilgrims alike. The simple setting – think barrel-vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and flowering bougainvillea – is a fitting backdrop for the relaxed Californian cuisine. My evening visit began with cocktails under a canopy of trees strewn with twinkling lights, and moved onto a spacious patio with wood-burning fire and radiant heated floors designed to keep the slight evening chill at bay.

While the setting may be magical, it can’t steal the limelight from the food. Much of the ingredients for the menu are sourced from the chef’s organic garden – harvested every Thursday morning, often with guest participation. The result is appetisers ranging from a bright chilled yellow heirloom tomato consommé with fresh crab and lobster meat ($17) to hamachi marinated in chef Jamie West’s garden basil oil ($19), to crispy smoked Muscovy duck and avocado spring rolls ($17).

The Stonehouse’s signature entrée is a parmesan-crusted Alaskan halibut ($45) with housemade herb gnocchi, artichoke hearts and asparagus that was picked 200 yards away. The local fish was succulent, the Snake River Farms grilled pork chop with black mission fig jam ($41) wonderfully juicy. Sides of pomme purée ($10) and organic Brussels sprouts with sea salt ($8) were paired with Chardonnay by the glass ($18) from the nearby Brewer-Clifton vineyard – a rewarding choice. The Stonehouse offers more than 1,600 wines from around the world – with a strong emphasis on those from Napa, Sonoma and the Central Coast – and the sommelier is both knowledgeable and affable.

I’d recommend the Meyer lemon tart with a light lavender cream ($14) because, in the words of managing director Seamus McManus, “this dessert is the embodiment of the ranch” with its bright colour and light citrus flavour, courtesy of San Ysidro Ranch’s endless lemon trees. Who can say whether it’s true, but it tastes sublime.

Bee inspired

Exotic honeys from across the US are gathered in one inviting e-store

A growing appreciation of the importance of honeybees and the role they play in the health of our agricultural systems finds a sweet spot at Bee Raw Honey, an e-shop devoted to the mellifluous nectar (and the artisanal beekeepers who promote it). The unprocessed, unblended honeys on its site are sourced from all over the US, the product of family-owned apiaries from Connecticut to California. Each honey is made from a single organic or wild flower type that yields a distinct flavour and hue. All are extraordinarily tasty and beautifully packaged.

The e-store’s Raw Honey section contains a robust and rare selection of single varietals – from a light amber Aster Honey ($15), with hints of thyme and eucalyptus, to Blueberry Honey ($12) from Maine and a dark, complex Buckwheat variety ($12) from Washington State, which is perfect drizzled over plain Greek yogurt. The site also provides information about each grower and the honey’s floral source, as well as offering inventive ideas for cheese, fruit and tea pairings.

In addition to unique honeys, such as Sourwood ($14), Star Thistle ($14) and Meadowfoam ($15), there is also a large selection of assorted packages that allow for experimentation. The 4 Cheese Complementing Varietal Honey Flight ($45) includes four hand-corked vials presented in a sleek oak block, while the Six Times as Fun gift set ($79) offers such honey highlights as Florida Orange Blossom and New York Basswood – all presented in an understated, elegant box complete with Bee Raw’s signature cherrywood dipper ($12). The pièce de résistance, however, is the 9 Varietal Honey Flight ($78, second picture), a cross-country sampler of 1oz honey-filled tubes that are sealed with beeswax.

Tea lovers will delight in unusual pairings such as Karigane Kukicha Green Tea with Colorado Yellow Clover Honey ($30) – plus lessons on how to steep the perfect cup – as well as a Mount Olympus herbal variety with Wild Black Sage Honey ($28) that perfectly melds mild, smooth sweetness and a slight pepperiness.

With recipes for everything from cocktails to honey-peppercorn duck, not to mention ideas for easy entertaining and a subtle education on helping the environment, its hard not to take up this inspiring site’s motto: “Bee inspired”.

www.beeraw.com

Grandscale garden glory

Handmade customised ceramic vases with statuesque splendour

“Clay is amazing,” says ceramicist Philip Simmonds of the material he uses to craft bespoke urns and large-scale decorative pots. The Devon-based artist – who is a Chelsea Flower Show award winner for outstanding presentation – has carved a unique niche in the garden design arena, and his sculptural pieces can be found in spaces from London town-house gardens to the courtyards of palaces in the United Arab Emirates.

Indeed, with his predilection for traditional shapes with a contemporary sensibility, Simmonds’ pots make stunning centrepieces for a variety of settings. Strong, clean lines and hues that range from bronze to deep green to iridescent blue, allow his work to make an impact amid rolling hills and urban, architectural environments alike.

The process of creating the right piece for a particular location often begins with a look at his past projects – at the designs, colour schemes and textural possibilities exhibited in his Grecian urns and massive vases inspired by Cornish beach stones – such as the “serious and serene” Trust (£3,000-£5,500) and the “grandiose and statuesque” Majestic (£20,000). These exquisite objets d’art measure from 80cm in height to an impressive 1.7m, with spiraling stripes, concentric ripples and personalised messages ensuring that no two pieces are alike.

Simmonds works in specially blended British clay and he coils, throws and hand-builds each piece from scratch. Every grand pot is fired twice – with the second firing designed to enhance the nuances of colour as well as variations in glaze.

With Simmonds’ work much in demand – and with each vessel requiring meticulous attention to detail – commissions take between eight and 12 weeks to complete. And to ensure the personal experience runs consistently from beginning to end, he prefers to deliver and install the work himself, right down to the Bath stone plinths.

Revamped Land Rover Defenders

The classic all-terrain vehicles are customised with state-of-the-art technology and sumptuous interiors

When it comes to all-terrain vehicles, the sturdy yet stylish Land Rover Defender takes some beating. And while they are fairly commonplace in the UK, these vehicles – especially vintage versions – are more difficult to come by in the US because they simply haven’t been manufactured for that market. Luckily, a classic car (one that is 25 years or older) can be imported into the US, and this is where the just-launched West Coast Defender comes in.

Founded by car enthusiast Matthew Perlman, West Coast Defender scours both Europe and the US for classic 90 and 110 editions of these beloved cars and then sets about testing, replacing parts, and refinishing both their interiors and exteriors. Each of West Coast Defender’s vehicles is subjected to a rigorous 230-point safety and reliability inspection in the UK, where the technical staff is based, and each is guaranteed to be in top condition upon entrance to the US market.

Working closely with each client, a team of specialists ensures that everything from customised paint colours and carpets to exquisite leather interiors meets exacting client specifications. State-of-the-art sound systems, fog lights, grills, the latest navigational equipment and Bluetooth are all possible. West Coast Defender strives to “reimagine the original vehicle with modern amenities, while staying true to the Defender’s classic heritage”, explains Perlman.

With prices ranging from $95,000 for the classic two-door 90 Defender to $110,000 for the nine-seater 110, further customisations are priced on application and generally take between two and four weeks to complete. With a stellar safety track record over the vehicle’s 65-year history, the Defender is a machine that is clearly built to stand the test of time. The addition of West Coast Defender’s bespoke services ensures that they will endure Stateside as well – and super stylishly, no less.

A creative culinary crucible in Cape Town

Extraordinary food combinations, hip design and innovative flair distinguish this lively restaurant

The standard of cuisine in Cape Town – where farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced seafood and innovative chutzpah are commonplace – is exceptionally high. While I’d find it hard to pull out the very best restaurant from such a spectacular field, The Test Kitchen, by talented chef Luke Dale-Roberts, is certainly one of the most stellar. Located in the hip Biscuit Mill complex in the Woodstock area of the city, it has a winning mix of design-forward décor and wholesomely creative, market-inspired cooking.

Image: Michael le Grange

After a recent trip, I am still awed by all of the flavour combinations that Dale-Roberts and his talented team managed to bring together in one meal. Patrons can choose between three- and five-course options at dinner, as well as gourmand and vegetarian menus. Meanwhile, an à la carte option for lunch includes many of the chef’s signature dishes, such as pan-fried line fish with calamari, marjoram and cherry tomato ragout (about £9) and Luke’s Caprese (about £5) – the chef’s take on the traditional mozzarella and Roma tomato salad with added gooseberries in basil and black pepper syrup, stracciatella, yoghurt snowballs, olive tuiles and basil granite. The delectable beetroot mousse, slow-cooked baby beets, lemon and thyme purée, horseradish and mixed-nut crumble, fennel confit with puff shards is shown in the second picture. His are not traditional recipes passed down through the generations.

Our dinner group opted for the three-course menu (about £27.50), plus vegetarian extras. The menu presented a mouthwatering mélange of emulsions, purées, jus and salsas that added zest to the various cuts of meat and poultry. Starters of slow-cooked sweet potatoes with smoked goat’s cheese mousse, beetroot and apple purée and puff shards, and a fricassee of exotic mushrooms with a corn and miso velouté were light and delicious. Meanwhile, mains including South African speciality springbok – here pan fried with foie gras Catalan, black pudding and Jerusalem-artichoke-stuffed sprouts with beetroot and Jagermeister jus – were a symphony of contrasting yet complementary flavours.

I had a special penchant for the figs prepared two ways – one with an unlikely olive-oil ice cream and burnt nougat pairing, the other with yogurt curd, almond galette and fig vinaigrette – but the frozen cashew and cinnamon parfait with a saffron lassi foam and pineapple tarte tatin came a close second.

I am still trying to work out how the chef comes up with these extraordinarily colourful and characterful combinations that are incredible on both the plate and the palate.  

A New England hotel with old-school charm

The lavish renovation of a cosy, picturesque inn only adds to its rustic appeal

I am no great fan of change, especially where classic hotels and favourite holiday spots are concerned. So when I learnt about the planned $20m renovation of the beloved Weekapaug Inn in coastal Rhode Island, I groaned. A longtime spot for family reunions and beachy holidays, it was delightfully low-tech (make that no-tech), with an absence of televisions, phones, air-conditioning and just about any other modern amenity in its simple wood-panelled rooms.  

What it always had in spades, however, was incredible charm: a shingle-style main building (perfectly weathered by time), large communal dining tables, croquet games on the expansive lawn and the possibility for endless walks along the picturesque Quonochontaug Pond. In short, it possessed an entirely casual vibe that I was sure would be destroyed – or at least altered – by big city developers or the like.

I’m happy to report – after my recent stay – that the warm ambience of the Weekapaug Inn remains in tact and the entire guest experience has only been enhanced, and in subtle, sophisticated ways. The new inn has 27 guest rooms plus four two-bedroom Signature Suites, all with understated furnishings from the old property as well as newer pieces – sumptuous beds, state-of-the-art bath fixtures. The cosy New England feel thrives. Fenway Cottage is its new, fully-kitted-out fitness and wellness centre, complete with an outdoor 23m heated lap pool (virtually unheard of in this part of the world).

What hasn’t changed one bit is the wonderful white-sand beach, while the views of neighbouring Block Island and Montauk on Long Island remain breathtaking. Sailing on the three-mile “pond” in one of the inn’s restored Beetle Cats – locally made, gaff-rigged 4m wooden boats – is actively encouraged, as is borrowing bicycles to explore the area. A resident naturalist is also on hand to lead anglers to the best saltwater spots, while culinary classes and croquet clinics at its sister property, Ocean House in Watch Hill, are also on offer.

One of the most delightful changes at the inn relates to the food. Meals were always simple and straightforward – think big breakfasts, lunches of local lobster with drawn butter – but new farm-to-table menus offer imaginative interpretations of such New England classics as clam chowder and grilled tuna steak. I love the stone patio for al-fresco dining, but have my eye on the sprawling fireplace for a return trip in cooler months.

Here, at the Weekapaug Inn, I can truly disconnect, read good books, curl up and enjoy the views – it’s simple. It is an old-school hotel in the very best sense, and the makeover is elegant, not tarty. The only thing I worry about now is that this well-kept secret (an hour and a half from Boston, two and half hours from New York City) will spread like wildfire.

High-quality, high-perormance sea kayaks

Hand-crafted, sublimely elegant boats that are as glorious to place on a pedestal as to paddle

“There is a particular quality about a finely crafted wooden kayak; its motion through the water seems somehow smoother than other kayaks, and the sweep of the sheer and smooth arc of the deck draws the hand as well as the eye,” says designer Nick Schade of Guillemot Kayaks.

Based in Groton, Connecticut, he has been crafting high-quality, high-performance sea kayaks for nearly two decades, and his loyal following stretches from the rocky coast of Maine to the sands of Bondi Beach and the crystal-clear waters off Dubai.

Commissions for Schade’s custom kayaks take between three to six months – depending on the complexity of the project and the waiting list – and he enjoys working collaboratively with clients on the specifics of design. After taking into consideration how and where the boat will be used, Schade then sets about crafting a kayak by hand-fitting hundreds of pieces of wood (although he can work in Kevlar, carbon fibre or plastic if required). His Standard model kayaks (from $15,000) are strip-built, often made of red cedar or marine plywood, and feature surface-mounted deck hardware. Each exquisitely laminated vessel includes subtle accent stripes and is designed to provide responsive motion whether in high seas or calm inlets.

For all-around performance, the Guillemot ($15,000-$30,000) with its shallow V bottom and hard chine is the ultimate choice. Schade offers this kayak – complete with rich mahogany finishes, recessed wooden hardware and custom upholstery – in a range of sizes. Bespoke graphics are his specialty and he meticulously matches wood strips and incorporates inlaid marquetry.

Other customisable boats include the Night Heron (first and second picture, $15,000) – a hybrid stitch-and-glue construction with an elegant exterior – and the Io ($3,900), a good choice as a child’s first kayak. Rugged Coot dinghies ($10,000-$16,850), canoes ($10,000) and sculptural Petrels ($18,150-$28,850) for sheltered waters round out the offerings. Paddles are also made to order (from $500) to ensure proper weight and fit.

Despite subtle cosmetic differences, all of Schade’s kayaks are designed to be quick and efficient, to track straight, to turn easily and to stand the test of time. So sleek and chic are these boats, however, that many opt to simply display them as works of art in their great rooms – the Night Heron kayak is in the permanent collection of New York’s Museum of Modern Art.

Paradise Found: Sugar Beach, St. Lucia

Contributing editor Christina Ohly was on a Goldilocks quest for the sunny holiday getaway that fit perfectly. She found it in St. Lucia.

ST. LUCIA – I am forever in search of the perfect holiday destination. One that provides a bit of sun, offers plenty of activities for a diverse family of four (parents and two tweens), serves delicious yet uncomplicated food, and is serviced by large aircraft and doesn't require intricate changes of planes. I also try to avoid places with too much poolside politicking for chair and room. I don't want to fight for a sun lounger at zero dark hundred, which I've had to do too many times in the Caribbean and Mexico. Lastly (and I swear I'm not high maintenance), I prefer to stay for a shorter time — six or so nights, and not the ten-night minimum generally required at peak holiday times. Yes, it's damn near impossible to find a spot that ticks all the boxes.

I picked Viceroy Hotel's newest resort Sugar Beach (formerly Jalousie Plantation) on a lark after reading about it in an upscale but off-the-radar travel publication because I liked the sound of intimate villas in an informal setting. I was not disappointed. The recent $100 million+ redo has resulted in minimalist, tasteful cottages with plunge pools and all the amenities I've come to rely on (WiFi, flat-screen TVs, AC) as well as charming low-tech touches (ceiling fans and atmospheric mosquito netting canopies that are drawn each night).

Sugar Beach is a completely sybaritic experience. You're waited on hand and foot — and I mean this literally, as guests are driven everywhere in Mule carts. (Mere golf carts wouldn't cut it on the the resort's steep hills.) I'm generally a pretty hearty type, but after one round trip from my room to the beachside restaurant, I got lazy like everyone else and would simply call our butler (every house has a dedicated person on call) on the small mobile phone that they give guests to arrange rides and reservations. This was the first major holiday season for Sugar Beach (read: major crush time), but I was amazed by the friendliness and efficiency of the staff, to say nothing for their ability to whisk everyone around from room to beach to restaurant with never more than a 60-second wait.

The price tag, of course, is not for the faint of heart. But on the plus side, they don't nickel and dime you for things like WiFi, replenishing the drinks in the minibar, endless hours of Kids Club time, and snorkeling/sailing equipment. So while it is extremely expensive, you feel like you get what you pay for — quality fresh food and your every whim attended to, while keeping it all low-key and casual. There's not a lot of pretense, and that's exactly what I look for in a holiday.

In fact, they did everything right. Here's the highlights reel from my week in paradise.

The villa and its plunge pool.

DAY 1 - Decompress

Rest, recover, and enjoy exquisite views of the dramatic Pitons in the distance. Regardless of where you're coming from (direct flights from the UK on British Airways and Virgin; three hours from Miami on American; occasional direct flights from New York on JetBlue), St. Lucia is a haul, and simply sitting once you arrive feels pretty wonderful. Sugar Beach whisks guests from the airport straight to their suites — no check-in or paperwork necessary — where cold drinks and a butler await. I decline the unpacking service as I feel it might take my laziness to a whole other level (though I am totally tempted), but immediately dip into my serene pool to wash away the travel grime.

Bayside Bar.

We head to Bayside, the casual restaurant where you can watch fisherman haul in the catch of day. We devour wood-fired pizzas and ogle international passers-by. (Fathom fan Gywneth Paltrow, rocker Chris Martin, and their adorable kids prove impossible not to watch.) This a pitch-up-in-your-swimsuit kind of place, with terrific roti, sashimi, and assorted Creole specialties. The value-oriented consumer will appreciate the abundant lunchtime salad bar filled with beautiful, locally-sourced vegetables, mountains of marinated shrimp, and ceviche made to order. There is no rush here, and guests are encouraged to relax and listen to live music, even during peak lunch and dinner services.

With all the wonderful eating and lounging, a bit of movement is in order. Sailboats, sea kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear are all available, and brilliantly colored fish are just a gentle swim off the crescent beach. Full-on scuba trips, remote beach picnics, and water-skiing can be arranged, and the beach personnel are ready to grant your every wish (like cold Diet Coke) at the wave of a flag.

The Great Room, inside and out.

Dinner is in The Great Room in the original grand plantation building, where a more formal menu (chilled organic watermelon gazpacho, roasted snapper, steaks) is served on the sweeping porch. The best thing at the Sugar Beach restaurants is the local fish (mahi mahi, tuna, shellfish galore) served raw, tiradito, roasted, grilled, or barbecued.

Day 2 - Local Color

Days start with a breakfast buffet of local fruits, cereals, and freshly baked breads, eggs made to order, and the New York Times fax. Everything is extremely casual, and my kids loved the freedom to choose chocolate pastries, then wander over to the Kids Club to hang out.

Sugar Beach is wonderful for families. My kids generally bypass organized activities, but the people who run this Kids Club proved irresistible, with scavenger hunts, endless ping pong games, water balloon fights, and archery lessons. They won my MVP award.

The hotel pool, which was never crowded.

The pool is a large, sleek affair that, regardless of the time of day, is usually empty. The pool chairs are tasteful white, minimalist beds, and broad umbrellas allow for peaceful reading. After a morning of relaxing (are you sensing the theme?), we explored the surrounding mountainous rain forest: the drive-in volcano and a rainforest zipline tour. The excursions are a great change of scene and take about 45 minutes. I'm always a fan of local shopping — particularly at grocery stores — but I'd give it a pass here, except for a Saturday morning excursion to the nearby markets in Soufriere.

The drive-in volcano a short drive away.

A treatment room at Rainforest Spa.

Back to Sugar Beach for more pampering at the spectacular Rainforest Spa. Treatments run the gamut from hot rocks and scrubs to Ayurveda and are done in seven rooms suspended amidst the trees. I am generally one for massages and such, but this peaceful setting — and a therapist who taught me all about the island's history and the havoc wreaked by Hurricane Thomas — is unlike any other I've experienced.

Day 3 - In the Groove

Mornings are the best time for tennis (less intense sun, free courts). The kids love Titus, the local pro, so we often hit twice a day. The resort's gym — an air-conditioned house with plenty of equipment, yoga mats, and TVs — is next door and offers total privacy throughout the day. Fitness enthusiasts can take outdoor yoga classes, conditioning workshops, and hikes into the surrounding Pitons.

Another off-campus excursion worth the pricey cab ride takes us to lunch at Ladera, a resort nestled on the hilltop overlooking Sugar Beach. Their restaurant, Dashene, specializes in reinterpretations of traditional St. Lucian dishes made with locally harvested ingredients: jerk poulet sausage, sweet potato and coconut soup, and plantains with delicious rum sauce. This is not a light affair, and the views are spectacular.

Afternoons are spent in Sugar Beach's secluded gazebos or reading in any number of well-placed hammocks. The beachside bar has delicious snacks (fish tacos, pizzettas) and killer caiprinhas, so you can just park it and watch the world go by. People-watching makes for excellent sport on the small but lovely beach. The sand is imported from Ghana and the clientele that hails predominantly from the UK and Europe. I loved this global aspect of Sugar Beach best of all. We met friendly, interesting, and lovely people throughout our stay, and I felt as though we'd been to Europe as well. Bonus!

Cane Bar.

Nights are spent at the on-site restaurants, but I recommend the little-publicized Cane Bar, an impossibly hip new resort add-on with a pool table and ambient house music, for a local Piton beer and terrific sushi. It's also great for cocktails or a late night rendezvous, though I'd be lying f I said I had one of those during my stay.

Days 4-7: Rewind, Replay

The rest of the trip was a variation on a theme. If it's complete and total relaxation you're after, you'll have no choice but to do exactly that at Sugar Beach.

Fifteen back issues of The New Yorker and two novels later, I've never felt so completely Zen.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Fly: Hewannora International Airport (UVF) near Vieux Fort Quarter from Miami is a three-hour flight on American Airlines. JetBlue flies direct from New York (four hours), Delta flies from Atlanta, British Airways and Virgin Airlines fly direct from the UK.

FIND IT

Sugar Beach
Val des Pitons
P.O. Box 251 Soufriere
Saint Lucia, West Indies
+1-758-456-8000
sb.info@viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

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April Bloomfield’s New York

The Michelin-starred British chef co-owns New York restaurants The Spotted Pig, The Breslin, The John Dory Oyster Bar and the newly opened Salvation Taco

For many years I never had a weekend off, so when I opened my last restaurant, I decided to take them back for myself. Now those two days are my sanctuary.

I’m a big tea drinker and Saturday mornings begin with PG Tips – five large Le Parfait jars full of proper builder’s brew – and a browse through the Daily Mail and the Guardian on my iPad. Then, I like to walk through Madison Square Park down to the Union Square Greenmarket, where I stock up on fruit, vegetables and bread for the weekend. My first stop is always Berried Treasures, where Franca, the stall owner, sells my favourite things – shelling beans, pole beans and Jerusalem artichokes. She’s such a dear and always gives me punnets of delicious tomatoes or strawberries.  

After working up an appetite, I will often head to Saravana Bhavan, an Indian restaurant in my Curry Hill neighbourhood that specialises in dosas filled with spicy potatoes, onions, coriander and sesame seeds. If I feel like some vegetables, however, I’ll go for lunch at Eataly, where I sit at the counter and enjoy a good eggplant Parmesan with bitter greens, olive oil and lemon, and a glass of wine. It’s an ideal spot for people watching, and as I’m working on a cookbook about vegetables – ones with complex flavours – this is a great place to think about produce and recipes.

Saturday afternoon is the perfect time to browse for homeware. Sur La Table is wonderful for tabletop accessories, as is the flea market on West 25th Street, where I pick up kitchen things such as 1960s bowls and Dansk cookware. The shop I like best, though, is Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks in the Village for stocking up on gifts to give my staff.

Saturday nights involve a visit with friends to my local, the Waterfront Ale House, where there is an amazing selection of beers and cask ales. I’m partial to Oregon’s Rogue Morimoto Soba Ale, not to mention the delicious chicken wings with homemade hot sauce. From there we might head to Maialino, where I love the malfatti, a delicious pasta with suckling pig that is not at all heavy, and a side of crispy artichokes with anchovy dressing. If we’re feeling more casual, then we’ll go to Blue Smoke, also nearby, and have pulled-pork sandwiches. A lovely end to an evening is a movie – action, adventure or comedy – at the Angelika Film Center in SoHo, or a documentary from Netflix watched from my couch.

If I can sleep in on Sunday, I will. This is my day for washing, reading cookbooks and enjoying the sourdough loaf I bought at the Greenmarket. I love it toasted with lots of butter, sea salt and apricot or greengage jam from my friend Claire Ptak, who runs Violet Cakes in London. If I’m feeling in need of something more substantial, I’ll head to A Salt & Battery for an incredible sausage sandwich, before checking in on one of my restaurants to see how things are going.

When I am missing home and in search of comfort, I will roast a poulet rouge and some potatoes for a Sunday supper with friends. I love the smell of chicken roasting and we’ll likely combine that with watching a classic film such as Roman Holiday, or a bit of BBC America or Graham Norton, who I find hilarious.

At the end of the day, I like to enjoy a bath and a glass of wine – white, red, whatever I’ve got to hand. And in the summer I can take in the sunset from my rooftop. I tend not to think about work too much over the weekend, as I know that by 7am Monday morning the texts and emails will be pouring in. But by then I will be rested and ready to hit the ground running.

Francis Kurkdjian talks taste: Part Two

Krug champagne, Tokyo and unexpected parties round out the perfumer’s penchants

My style icon is my maternal grandfather. Both of my grandfathers were incredibly stylish, but my mother’s father had a separate dressing room complete with rows of white shirts and collections of hats and coats – everything was just perfect. His style was very Cary Grant, with a unique twist; he even wore sock holders, which I loved.

In my fridge you’ll always find Krug champagne, as well as a lot of food, because I love to cook. There tend to be dairy products – cheese, yoghurt – as well as filo pastry dough, as I like to make small, hot pastries filled with feta cheese. I also like making fruit compotes for dessert, so there are always plenty of apples around, too. www.krug.com.

A recent “find” is the new Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac in Pantin, just north of Paris. I met Thaddaeus at a dinner party hosted by Terry de Gunzburg many years ago and instantly became a fan. This space was once a heating systems factory and is designed to hold large-scale installations. 69 Avenue du Général Leclerc, Pantin 93500 (+331-5589 0110; www.ropac.net).

An Anselm Kiefer exhibition at Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac in Pantin | Image: Courtesy Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, Paris/Salzburg. Photo: Charles Duprat

The sight that inspires me is the rooftops of Paris as seen from the restaurant Georges, at the top of the Pompidou Centre. From here you have a 360° view of the cityscape, with its grey zinc roofs and the golden tops of monuments such as the Dôme des Invalides. These grey and gold hues are the inspiration for the colour codes of my Maison, and all of my perfumes. 19 Rue Beaubourg, Paris 75004 (+331-4478 4799; www.centrepompidou.fr).

The last meal that truly impressed me was at my friend Alexis Muñoz’s house. He is an amazing cook and manufactures his own olive oils. We sampled the various kinds, made from olives from different parts of southern Europe – some infused with lemon, some with mandarin orange – with a meal of simply grilled calamari, mixed lettuce, tomato and mozzarella. Sometimes less is more. From €11.40; www.alexismunoz.com.

The last music I downloaded was Bohèmes by my friend Béatrice Ardisson, a sound designer. She lives in London but whenever I need music for one of my in-store events in Paris, she is the first person I call. www.ardisong.com.

The Château Baccarat collection, with wine glasses from £64

The best gift I’ve given recently was a birthday party at my home in Paris, for a friend who lives in New York. Our group started with drinks, followed by dinner at a friend’s restaurant, before returning home for more champagne. It was a cool, unexpected party that lasted until 6am, and it was a great celebration.

And the best one I’ve received was an entire collection of new Château Baccarat crystal wine glasses. They are so pure and simple, and yet have a sophisticated design. From £64; www.baccarat.com and Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1 (020-7730 1234; www.harrods.com).

The last item of clothing I added to my wardrobe was a dark-blue, wool and cashmere striped suit by Boglioli. I bought it at Avedis, my favourite men’s tailor in Paris. It has a three-button jacket and is very stylish. Avedis, 354 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris 75001 (+331-5862 4937; www.avedis.fr). Boglioli,www.boglioli.it.

The Roses Costes Dani Roses boutique at Hotel Costes in Paris | Image: © Julio Piatti

My favourite room in my house is my kitchen. This is the place where I work, eat meals and host my friends for dinner. All parties – even ones with 50 people – always end up in the kitchen. The furniture is arranged in an L shape, which is inviting – as is the full bar area.

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city, I’d choose the first arrondissement in Paris, where my flagship store is located. I like Rick Owens’s shop for the overall atmosphere. Au Vert et Plus sells beautiful flowers, and I buy the special roses from the Roses Costes Dani Roses boutique at the Hotel Costes. Chocolatier Jean-Paul Hévin is also nearby; his creations are works of art, so I like to stop here whenever I am in the neighbourhood. And for lunch I’ll maybe have a chicken Caesar salad or a Casti burger at the lively Le Castiglione, just around the corner from the Place Vendôme. Au Vert et Plus, 14 Rue Saint Roch, Paris 75001 (+331-4020 4280; www.vertetplus.net). Jean-Paul Hévin, 231 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris (+331-5535 3596; www.jeanpaulhevin.com). Le Castiglione, 235 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris 75001 (+331-4260 6822; www.lecastiglione.com). Rick Owens, Jardins Du Palais Royal, 130-133 Galerie De Valois, Paris 75001 (+331-4020 4252; www.rickowens.eu). Roses Costes Dani Roses, 239 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris 75001 (+331-4244 5009; www.hotelcostes.co

The people I rely on for personal grooming and wellbeing are Cyril at Absolut’R for my haircuts, my personal trainer Stéphane Machovic, who comes to my home two mornings per week to work out, and physiotherapist Julien Montenot. I love a good massage, and Julien has the best hands in Paris. Absolut’R, 4 Rue Française, Paris 75001 (+331-4026 2464). Julien Montenot, +336-5002 6862. Stéphane Machovic, +336-4284 1393.

If I didn’t live in Paris, the city I would live in is Tokyo. I love the Japanese lifestyle as it is so out there – the fashion, the food, the colours; it really is a one-of-a-kind place. I always shop at Muji for things such as specially designed tableware and leather goods that I can’t buy elsewhere, and the Prada store is amazing architecturally. I like the Shinjuku area best, because it is very central and has amazing views. But while I love the cleanliness of the streets there, I’m still very happy living in Paris. Muji, Ginza Matsuzakaya, Matsuzakaya Ginzaten Honkan B2F, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (+813-3572 1111; www.muji.com). Prada, 6-10-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (+813-3575 9071; www.prada.com).

If I weren’t doing what I do, I would be telling stories in other creative ways. There is a narrative to each of my scents, so I assume I would work in a field such as dance, literature, or art – who knows?

Francis Kurkdjian talks taste: Part One

Paris-based perfumer Francis Kurkdjian has collaborated with many of the great fashion houses and founded his eponymous Maison in 2009

My personal style signifier is one of my many scarves, made of cotton, silk or cashmere, depending on the season. My favourites are from Faliero Sarti in Florence and are made of lightweight cashmere in solid colours. I have to protect my nose and throat for my work – getting sick is a big fear. From €160; Via della Spada 24/R, 50123 Florence (+3905-5239 6538, www.falierosarti.com) and branches/stockists.

Faliero Sarti scarf, €325 | Image: TheCorner.com

The last thing I bought and loved was a brown leather wallet from Isaac Reina, a designer based in Paris’s third arrondissement. He makes sleek, simple, elegant wallets, laptop covers and bags that are like Hermès in terms of style and quality, but with a modern twist. €469; 38 Rue de Sévigné, Paris 75003 (+331-4278 8195; www.isaacreina.com).

And the thing I’m eyeing next is a new dining table, but I need to commission it first. Ideally it would be a round or oval shape, as I think that’s more inviting, and it would seat 10 to 12 people in order to host dinner parties. And I’d like one with a wood or marble surface, as the sound of things being placed on glass is just annoying.

Isaac Reina wallet, €469

An indulgence I would never forego is a particular pastry called religieuse [French for nun]. It is made of two choux cases filled with coffee-flavoured cream and is delicious. The best are from Stohrer, a bakery that has been in business since the 1730s. 51 Rue Montorgueil, Paris 75002 (+331-4233 3820; www.stohrer.fr).

Formentera, Spain | Image: © Massimo Ripani/SIME/4Corners Images

The grooming staple I’m never without is basic Nivea Creme. My dermatologist recommended it once and, while I thought she was crazy, she is very well respected so I followed her advice. It is now the only product I use, besides the Invigorating Scrub Mask with white clay by Herboristerie du Palais Royal. Herboristerie du Palais Royal Invigorating Scrub Mask, €9.90; 11 Rue des Petits Champs, Paris 75001 (+331-4297 5468; www.herboristerie.com). Nivea Creme, from £1.50 for 50ml; www.nivea.com.

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

The one artist whose work I would collect if I could is Elias Crespin. I discovered him just a few weeks ago at the Galerie Denise René and his work Plano Flexionante Circular is pure poetry – so elegant and mysterious. His oeuvre lies somewhere between sculpture and installation, and looking at his pieces provides great moments of subtle joy and emotion. Galerie Denise René, 22 Rue Charlot, Paris 75003 (+331-4887 7394; www.deniserene.com).

An unforgettable place I’ve travelled to in the past year is Formentera. I have spent a week there with my closest friends every year for the past 10 years. We stay in a beautiful private house that was redesigned by Philippe Starck. It is an old barn in the middle of nowhere with grey concrete floors, and lots of white and blue elements mixed in. And the rooftop terrace is stunning. I think this is the perfect place to be.

The best souvenir I’ve brought home is dinnerware from Japan. It is exquisite and features various shapes, all in the loveliest pale-blue hue. I bought it in Tokyo, in the Ginza district, right across from the Kabuki-za theatre, at a store whose name I couldn’t understand.

The books on my bedside table are The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran and The Sower by Kemble Scott. I also like to browse magazines such as Stiletto that have a wonderful, large format. I tend to read more on planes now – especially Courrier International on my iPad. www.courrierinternational.com. www.stiletto.fr.

An object I would never part with is my Pleyel grand piano. It was my great-uncle’s piano, and he was a conductor, composer and pianist. I’ve played the piano since I was seven years old and I’ve always had this one in my life. Music is something I can’t live without, and I still play for an hour a day at the weekends.

My favourite websites are news-related ones such as Atlantico and The Huffington Post. For beauty, I like Into the Gloss, and I also enjoy Ma Récréation, a great lifestyle blog by Lili Barbery-Coulon, who is a journalist for Le Monde and a former Vogue Paris beauty editor. www.atlantico.fr. www.huffingtonpost.com. www.intothegloss.com. www.ma-recreation.com.

A picture-postcard-perfect New England winter getaway

In Vermont’s Green Mountains, discover hospitality from a bygone era

The first time I visited The Pitcher Inn – with my then boyfriend, some 15-plus years ago – we skidded off the road and ended up embedded in a snow bank. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful weekend and some years later that guy is now my husband and we’ve added two kids to the mix. When we were discussing a New England winter getaway – this time as a group – votes were cast for everything from snowshoeing to skiing off-piste to sitting quietly by a crackling fire, enjoying fine food and a hefty dose of tranquility (my request). The Pitcher Inn, with its porches and gables (second picture), spacious suites and old-world feel, ticked all the boxes – and then some.

In addition to being located in the picture-postcard-perfect Vermont village of Warren, complete with white church spires and a bustling general store, it is just minutes away from the downhill runs at both Mad River Glen and Sugarbush, two of the east coast’s best ski resorts.

After a lengthy drive (Warren is five hours from New York, three from Boston) we arrived late at night to a glowing inn that exuded warmth and charm. Originally a Civil War-era lodging house, the Pitcher Inn has been refashioned by local architect David Sellers, and the old – 19th-century oil lamps, vintage lift booths and toboggans – are seamlessly mixed with state-of-the-art technology and funky (at times) decor. Eleven guest rooms – each with a local theme such as Mountain (third picture), Lodge, or Ski (first picture; all from $325, including breakfast and afternoon tea) – offer vast beds with fine linens and all sorts of entertainments that kept everyone in our group thoroughly amused. Ours was the Ski room and, with its leather couches, vintage artwork and ski gear, not to mention a profusion of rough-hewn wood beams and birch accents, we felt utterly removed from city life.

Add to our luxurious surroundings incredible food and drink, and we’re talking one seriously restorative weekend. There are several dining options but my favourite was the casual Tracks tavern with its scrumptious Maplebrook Farm burrata with crostini ($14) and grilled-to-perfection Niman Ranch Steak with fries and aioli ($18). Despite its remote location, Vermont is a gourmand’s paradise (there’s a profusion of great, locally sourced produce – artisanal bakers, cheesemakers and brewers abound). The fine dining, fire-lit restaurant, 275 Main, was excellent, too. Noted chef Sue Schickler produced indescribably delicious seared sea scallops with a pistachio-English pea salad and lemon beurre blanc ($16) that I shall not soon forget. I won’t drone on about the desserts, but suffice to say, the hand-churned ice creams and pumpkin pot de crème ($10) were beyond compare.

With endless hiking trails, charming antiques shops and challenging slopes all within a hop, skip and a jump, this quintessential New England town has much to offer in any season, though I have a soft spot for a snowy winter stay. Regardless of time of year, what really sets The Pitcher Inn apart is the cheerful Vermonter staff. A visit there feels much like staying at an old friend’s house, albeit in a bygone era.

Mr Chow talks personal taste: Part One

Founder of his eponymous London restaurant, Mr Chow has overseen a global expansion that includes outposts in New York, Miami and LA

My personal style signifier is my pair of Mr Chow Spectacles by Cutler and Gross. They are based on the style worn by architects such as IM Pei, and I have worn them for more than 15 years now. From £299; www.cutlerandgross.com.

Hermès tape measure, £285

The last thing I bought and loved was a miniature oil portrait by Peter Blake, a canvas depicting a young girl, which I bought at Christie’s. It has a very special place in my collection. www.christies.com.

And the thing I’m eyeing next is a new tape measure by Hermès, to replace my old one. I carry this small, beautifully made leather measure with me wherever I go. £285; www.hermes.com.

The National Assembly Building in Dhaka, Bangladesh | Image: Getty Images/Science Faction

A recent “find” is the tiny Japanese restaurant Nishimura in Los Angeles. It is located in a serene little garden near the Pacific Design Center and was a completely unexpected surprise. They only serve sushi there, and it is delicious. 8684 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90069 (+1310-659 4770).

1920s Cla-Cla reading table by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann

The site that inspires me is Louis Kahn’s National Assembly Building in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This majestic parliamentary building is set on the water, and the scale is breathtaking. Also inspirational to me are the chapel of Notre Dame du Haut – or “Ronchamp” – by Le Corbusier, and Gaudi’s Casa Milà in Barcelona.

Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone | Image: Simon Watson

The best gift I’ve given recently is a 1920s Cla-Cla reading table by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, which I bought at DeLorenzo Gallery for my wife, Eva. I consider Ruhlmann to be the greatest furniture designer of all time and I used to collect his work extensively. 956 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10021 (+1212-249 7575; www.delorenzogallery.com).

Mr Chow’s ink painting by Qi Baishi | Image: David Ash

And the best one I’ve received is a felt and leather Hermès throw that was given to me by my daughter, China, as a birthday gift. It fits beautifully over the top of a Jean Dunand lacquered table in my sitting room. www.hermes.com.

In my fridge you’ll always find assorted crudités, as well as a bottle of Krug champagne, which I regard as a great luxury. There is also a selection of ingredients for making breakfast, including eggs and Cheddar cheese for the egg-white omelettes I eat every day. www.krug.com.

The books on my bedside table are primarily about art. I am currently reading Lucio Fontana: The Artist’s Materials, about the work of this Argentine artist, and several books about Yves Klein, including Yves Klein: With the Void, Full Powers.

The last music I bought was the CD Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone. Morricone wrote the scores for nearly all of Sergio Leone’s movies, and I’m a big fan of his work. www.enniomorricone.it. www.yo-yoma.com.

An object I would never part with is an ink painting by the man I consider to be the greatest artist of the 20th century, Qi Baishi. My father was a Beijing opera actor and Qi Baishi created this “six fishes” work as a celebration of his 50 years on stage. This artwork and its inscription are incredibly special to me.

An unforgettable place I’ve travelled to in the past year is Basel, a wonderful city that mixes historical architecture with contemporary culture. I loved everything from its grand hotels to the efficient tram system, which reminds me of Shanghai. Among my highlights was the Renzo Piano-designed Beyeler Foundation that’s just outside the city, looking out over rolling hills. It features an incredible collection of works by Calder, Klee and Monet. Most of all, though, I like that this is a city best explored on foot, which makes for a nice change from life in Los Angeles. Baselstrasse 101, CH-4125 Riehen, Basel (+4161-645 9700; www.fondationbeyeler.ch).

The grooming staples I’m never without are Sulwhasoo’s Essential Skin Refiner and Moisturizing Fluid. I am not particular about shampoos or soaps, although I do think that the shape and size of a bar of soap matters. Aesthetics are very important to me. Essential Skin Refiner, $60, and Moisturizing Fluid, $50; us.sulwhasoo.com.

Mr Chow talks personal taste: Part Two

Poker, da Vinci and Hong Kong conclude the restaurateur’s personal style file

My style icon is the late actor Gary Cooper. He was beyond elegant, women loved him and his style was eternal. His sensibility, his walk and the way he carried himself are unmatched to this day.

My favourite room in my house is the “gold room”. Gold is typically vulgar, but it isn’t in this sitting room, which contains paintings by Peter Blake, sculptures and an original Murano chandelier that is quite spectacular. This space is a jewel within my house, and it is big, functional, and very well used.

Gary Cooper | Image: Everett Collection/Rex Features

The last meal that truly impressed me was at Balthazar in New York. I went for dinner recently and the restaurant was incredibly lively, and the mix of people was just right. The menu isn’t huge but they do everything so well. We had fruits de mer and steak frites – simple food, but very nostalgic and delicious. 80 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012 (+1212-965 1414; www.balthazarny.com).

An indulgence I would never forego is the game of poker. I think art and poker have a lot in common: you get certain highs and lows from both, and they each force you to exercise your mind. Poker requires split-second decision-making, and I like that you play against yourself.

The one artist whose work I would collect if I could is Leonardo da Vinci. The depth and beauty of his creations is simply apart from everyone else.  

The last items of clothing I added to my wardrobe were six pairs of corduroy trousers in various colours that were custom-made for me by Hermès in Paris. All of those colours might have been a mistake... 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris (+331-4017 4600;www.hermes.com).

The 18th-century Murano chandelier in Mr Chow’s “gold room” | Image: David Ash

The people I rely on for personal grooming and style are Little Joe’s in Beverly Hills for my haircuts – his modest barbershop has a lot of history to it and all of Hollywood goes to him – and George Cleverley for my bespoke shoes. George Cleverley, 13 The Royal Arcade, 28 Old Bond Street, London W1 (020-7493 0443; www.gjcleverley.co.uk). Little Joe’s, 9602 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90210 (+1310-271 5363).

My favourite website is YouTube, which I like to look at because I am a very visual person. I prefer to read things in print, as I’m ancient and not well versed in computers. I am, however, young in spirit. www.youtube.com.

George Cleverley Finchley shoes, £2,650

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city, I’d choose the area surrounding the Spanish Steps in Rome. After setting off from the Hassler Hotel, I like to shop on the Via Condotti at boutiques such as Gucci. The Gagosian Gallery there is also wonderful, as is the Via Veneto nearby. This area is the heart of Rome and it makes me happy just thinking about it. Gagosian Gallery, Via Francesco Crispi 16, 00187 Rome (+3906-4208 6498; www.gagosian.com). Gucci, Via Condotti 8, 00187 Rome (+3906-6790 405; www.gucci.com). Hotel Hassler Roma, Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 00187 Rome (+3906-699 340; www.hotelhasslerroma.com).

The best souvenir I’ve brought home is a roof tile that I found in Shanghai. I left China as a young teen so, for me, this historical tile is very personal. I consider it a powerful piece of sculpture, as it has a beautiful shape and colour.

The Gagosian Gallery in Rome | Image: Luigi Filetici

If I didn’t live in Los Angeles, the city I would live in is Hong Kong. I just love the idea of it: the weather is great, you can eat the best food on earth and it has literally everything to offer. I like the Peninsula Hotel because it feels nostalgic, with its afternoon tea. I would love to live in The Peak area for the incredible views. Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong (+852-2920 2888; www.peninsula.com).

If I weren’t doing what I do, I would be a conductor, as I like both the precision of creating music of pure, perfect moments and the idea of rehearsals and collaboration. I would like to be Toscanini, but in a new way.

Angelika Taschen talks personal taste: Part One

Angelika Taschen has been a doyenne of international book publishing for 25 years

My personal style signifiers are a pair of dark-blue Acne skinny jeans, usually worn with a white shirt, and a ring that was made for me by the jeweller Otto Jakob. It is a chunky piece with a hand-cut, antique diamond. Otto knows so much about stones, and I think this has great energy. Acne jeans, from about £160; shop.acnestudios.com. Otto Jakob, Weinbrennerstrasse 40, 76135 Karlsruhe, Germany (+49721-855 911; www.ottojakob.de).

The last thing I bought and loved was a grey cashmere boyfriend sweater by J Crew. I think its president and creative director, Jenna Lyons, has great style, so I tend to like its clothes. I bought this particular sweater online, but I also stock up on them when I am in New York. £208; www.jcrew.com.

Mykita Maple sunglasses, £245 | Image: www.mykita.com

And the thing I’m eyeing next is a pair of sunglasses by Berlin designer Mykita, called Maple, from its Decades Sun collection. They offer a contemporary take on the Wayfarer look, and the gold shimmer is lovely. £245; www.mykita.com.

An unforgettable place I’ve travelled to in the past year is Stromboli, the small island north of Sicily. I stayed at a friend’s house nestled amid black volcanic rocks with a terrace that winds down to the sea. They had sun loungers at the edge of the ocean, complete with dramatic views of Mount Stromboli erupting in the distance.

The best souvenir I’ve brought home is chocolate from Antica Dolceria Bonajuto in Sicily. It is unlike anything I’ve ever tasted, as it has a wonderful sandy consistency and is very natural. I think it’s the world’s best chocolate. Corso Umberto 159, 97015 Modica, Sicily (+3909-3294 1225; www.bonajuto.it).

The grooming staples I’m never without are Dr Hauschka’s Regenerating Serum, which smooths wrinkles and hydrates the skin, and Frédéric Malle’s En Passant perfume by Olivia Giacobetti. Dr Hauschka Regenerating Serum, £54.45 for 30ml; www.drhauschka.com. Frédéric Malle En Passant, £125 for 100ml; www.fredericmalle.com.

Stromboli, Italy | Image: © Bartuccio Antonino/SIME

The last meal that truly impressed me was the vegetarian food at Ottolenghi in London. Yotam Ottolenghi cooks contemporary food with Arab, Mediterranean and Asian influences that is perfect for people who travel the world. It’s also ideal for those who don’t need too much protein or gluten – and, most importantly, it’s delicious. 63 Ledbury Road, London W11 (020-7727 1121; www.ottolenghi.co.uk) and branches.

The books on my bedside table include Stephen Greenblatt’s The Swerve: How the World Became Modern, and a German translation of Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert, which I have read over and over. In addition, I am working through the Steve Jobs biography by Walter Isaacson. I think Jobs was the most influential person of the past 25 years.  

Frédéric Malle’s En Passant by Olivia Giacobetti, £125 for 100ml

The best gift I’ve given recently was a small golden ring with a hanging heart by jeweller Sabrina Dehoff. I packaged it in a gold Jil Sander clutch and gave it to a girlfriend for a special birthday. www.jilsander.com. www.sabrinadehoff.com.

And the best one I’ve received was a series of beautiful bouquets of flowers by designer Mark Colle, who did these incredible arrangements in muted colours for my apartment. Augustijnenstraat 35, 2000 Antwerp (+323-232 2838; www.markcolle.com).

Old Ideas by Leonard Cohen

The last music I downloaded was Leonard Cohen’s Old Ideas. I have loved his music for 40 years; I think he gets better with age. And I also recently bought Dionne Warwick’s Greatest Hits 1979-1990, which I enjoy for its soulful vocals. www.dionnewarwick.info. www.leonardcohen.com.

My favourite websites are those of hotels and also fashion blogs. One of my latest finds is Boutique Homes, for house rentals and small hotels; Think Sicily and I Escape allow me to dream about where I would like to go next; and I also follow fashion site My Theresa and style blogger Garance Doré. www.boutique-homes.com. www.garancedore.fr. www.i-escape.com. www.mytheresa.com. www.thinksicily.com. 

Angelika Taschen talks personal taste: Part Two

German forests, Gerhard Richter and greengage jam conclude the publishing guru’s style bible

My style icons are Charlotte Rampling and Clarissa Dalrymple, because of their nonchalant elegance. They are my role models for ageing as they look incredibly sexy in their 60s. I also admire the styles of some of the young fashion bloggers, such as Hedvig Opshaug, Eleonora Carisi and Dana Roski, because they mix high and low fashion so well.

In my fridge you’ll always find homemade greengage jam from my uncle, who lives in the countryside, and a bottle of Larmandier-Bernier champagne. I travel so much that my kitchen isn’t well stocked, so when I do come home I tend to eat out. From £39.95; www.larmandier.fr.

A recent “find” is the hotel Palazzo Margherita, owned by Francis Ford Coppola, in Bernalda, southern Italy. I love this hotel for its beautiful design, its intimacy, and for the innocent, unspoilt village in which it is located. Another great discovery is the traditional Café Confiserie Fässler in Appenzell, Switzerland. I’ve never had a better coffee with whipped cream – true Swiss quality. Café Confiserie Fässler, Hauptgasse 16, 9050 Appenzell (+4171-787 1105; www.cafe-faessler.ch).Palazzo Margherita, Corso Umberto 64, 75012 Bernalda (+3908-3554 9060; www.coppolaresorts.com/palazzomargherita), from €360 per night.

The sites that inspire me are German forests, and the views, sounds and smells that can only be found in them. I grew up in the Bavarian and Black Forests, hiking and picking mushrooms and berries, and I find these places to be very secretive. One can forget everything there.

The one artist whose work I would collect if I could is Gerhard Richter. I particularly love his seascapes and cloud studies. www.gerhard-richter.com.

My favourite room in my house is my bedroom – always. It is tranquil, with a view into the green trees of the courtyard outside. It also has a balcony, and the space is very minimalist and Zen – free of clutter with just a bed, one side table, one lamp and two pieces of art.

The last item of clothing I added to my wardrobe was an Eres bikini, which I bought for a trip to Zanzibar. Its swimsuits always fit well, come in beautiful colours and are of a high quality. I also recently purchased two Jil Sander coats by Raf Simons for the harsh Berlin winter. One is double-faced wool and the other is down-filled, and both keep the wind out, even when I’m riding my bike. www.eresparis.com. www.jilsander.com.

The person I rely on for personal grooming is my hair stylist, Robert Stranz, for cuts and blow-drying. He has a tiny salon with just two seats and one mirror, and the whole feeling is very relaxed. Almstadtstrasse 48, 10119 Berlin (+4930-2462 8200; www.robertstranz.com).

And an indulgence I would never forego is a strong Thai or shiatsu massage at Traditionelle Thai Massage. Its treatments are better than any I’ve found at a five-star spa. If I have tension in my neck – especially after a long flight – a trip here is just perfect. Torstrasse 176, 10115 Berlin (+4930-2887 9400).

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city, I’d choose Berlin’s Mitte, because there is a great mix of unique shops with things you won’t find in any other city. A few of the best stores include International Wardrobe for ethnic clothing, Sabrina Dehoff for unique jewellery, and the concept store Wald-Berlin for little-known brands. I also love Nicole Hogerzeil’s shop, Schwarzhogerzeil, as well as Kaviar Gauche and fantastic bookshops such as Ocelot and Do You Read Me?. Do You Read Me?, Auguststrasse 28, 10117 Berlin (+4930-6954 9695; www.doyoureadme.de).International Wardrobe, Almstadtstrasse 50, 10119 Berlin (www.internationalwardrobe.com). Kaviar Gauche, Linienstrasse 44, 10119 Berlin (+4930-2887 3562; www.kaviargauche.com). Ocelot, Brunnenstrasse 181, 10119 Berlin (+4930-9789 4592; www.ocelot.de). Sabrina Dehoff, Torstrasse 175, 10119 Berlin (+4930-3229 70541; www.sabrinadehoff.de). Schwarzhogerzeil, Mulackstrasse 28, 10119 Berlin (+4930-2887 3868; schwarzhogerzeil.de). Wald-Berlin, Alte Schönhauser Strasse 32C, 10119 Berlin (+4930-6005 1164; www.wald-berlin.de).

If I didn’t live in Berlin, I would live in Chandigarh, a city two hours north of Delhi that was planned and built by Le Corbusier [who started on the project after the initial plan was prepared by the American architect Albert Mayer]. I love the houses there because they are made of handmade bricks and have a human touch, yet are thoroughly modern. In this city each sector is autonomous, with its own school and market, and there are endless trees and gardens. To me, it is the perfect combination of a place created by one of my favourite architects, set in the country that I love best – India.

If I weren’t doing what I do, I would be a florist. I would create stunning arrangements using a magical mix of everything from herbs to more formal flowers to wild varieties. I love that flowers are so temporary and I think that every stage – from blooming to decay – has its beauty.