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The Coronation of HM King Charles III - London/ Shrewsbury - May 2023

5/6/2023

On Coronation Day The Dorchester specially created a Veuve Clicquot champagne & Grey Goose vodka cocktail for me. Also note the Dorchester Collection Coronation staff pin I was presented with.

This week I will meet Chef Alain Ducasse and Chef Wolfgang Puck, Chef Elliott Grover & he will prepare my dinner together at 45 Park Lane.

Dorchester Collection, & Chef Tom Booton, played a significant role in my May 2023. Watching the Coronation flypast from The Dorchester roof, drinking Veuve Clicquot champagne in the rain, and a Coronation Day lunch in The Grill by Tom Booton at The Dorchester, with two appetisers and three desserts!

Four Seasons also played an important role with me spending Coronation Day morning at Four Seasons at Park Lane talking to a charming Saudi mother & daughter and Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square updating Issy's Beefeater outfit regarding our new King.

It was also a month where I was given Concorde glasses by another Barbican resident and sat next to a Concorde menu from 1977 at the second Veuve Clicquot Sunny Side Up Cafe. This led to a kind email from my friend Edouard de Nazelle in Reims.

I managed to visit Shrewsbury twice during the month. Dad losing his fight with Parkinson's, and mum's falls & diagnosis with dementia/ Alzheimer's, mean it was September 2022 when I last travelled abroad. Do not know what I would do without my friends. I look at a note from Tim in Houston each day and it helps gives me strength. Should also mention Jennifer at Naked Jam. Such a kind & talented lady and a good friend to mum & me. The good thing is mum seems far happier and less anxious. This means planning for my trip to Four Seasons Hotel Nashville can start.

Hope the photos below convince you it was a very special Coronation Day; Chef Tom Booton's breakfast is the best in London; mum is safe & being very well-looked-after; & the remarkable job Bruce did with my Barbican window boxes.

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How Quickly Things Can Change - Shrewsbury/ London - April 2023

8/5/2023

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I sent Easter lamb to Shrewsbury. This holiday was one of mum's favourites but I ended up spending 10 hours in A&E with mum on Good Friday, after she had another fall, getting out from a car this time.

A difficult time for our family has been exacerbated by Shropshire Council's Social Services. I am still unclear if they are incompetent or lack integrity, or a mixture of both.

There are now Royal Shrewsbury Hospital discharge documents for mum that misrepresented my views. This erroneous information must have come from ICS Social Services but they are now trying to distance themselves from the mess they have helped to create.

I have made numerous formal complaints to Social Services and PALS at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and a Freedom of Information Request to Shropshire Council.

Organising mum's care arrangements (including physiotherapists, that RSH should have arranged); visiting Shrewsbury, while constantly correcting Social Services and undertaking my Board role at Jordan International Bank Plc, has taken me near breaking point.

Hope the photos below evidence that I am still doing my best to maintaining a life for myself, while ensuring mum is well looked after.

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Another Unforgettable Birthday - Shrewsbury & London - March 2023

5/4/2023

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So proud to be a Four Seasons Brand Ambassador. Readership of #luxury #travelblog is up 68% on the day of this post.

What a birthday! Meeting Chef Wolfgang Puck again & him introducing me to his son; meeting my neighbour from Tucker's Town, Bermuda; balloons & champagne at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park; having Claridge's 'new' pool to myself; and a welcome at Four Seasons at Park Lane like no other.

I was given too many fantastic one-off gifts. A Mandarin Oriental leather notebook with my initials embossed on it; a Four Seasons at Park Lane leather wash bag; a cocktail shaker engraved with 45 Park Lane; and a teddy bear chocolate birthday cake & flowers from Four Seasons at Park Lane.

It was kind of 45 Park Lane to cover my Spago, Beverly Hills dinner bill & love the Gym Face products that were a gift from Claridge's.

Thanks to everyone who made my birthday so special (eg the magnum of Veuve Clicquot champagne) and hope you enjoy the photos below.

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Dad's Obituary - March 2023

3/4/2023

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Making Mum's 80th Birthday Very Special - Shrewsbury & London - February 2023

3/3/2023

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Mum looking Paul Smith fabulous on the day of her 80th birthday.

Mum's 80th birthday meant two trips to Shrewsbury in the month of February 2023.

The love mum's friends showed to her made me feel better over all we are dealing with at present. She was inundated with gorgeous flowers, countless cards and generous gifts. Welsh relatives ringing on the morning of mum's birthday , a cake from Shrewsbury Market Hall & an afternoon tea hosted by great friends of mum & dad made it a remarkable day for mum.

I did my best to spoil mum with a birthday cake; birthday dinner at Riverbank Bar & Kitchen (problems with their on-line reservation system) and Sunday lunch at The Armoury. The latter must be one of the best Sunday lunches in Shrewsbury.

This short month was, therefore, packed for me. Oliver from Shrewsbury School Foundation took me to lunch at St James's Hotel & Club; Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square served me caviar at breakfast; had a manicure with my haircut at Truefitt & Hill; ate Chef Elliot Grover's Wolfgang Puck Oscar menu at 45 Park Lane; enjoyed fish & chips at Four Seasons at Park Lane; and my work as a bank board member at Jordan International Bank Plc continued.

Hope the photos below do justice to mum's 80th birthday. My birthday again on 29 March. Chef Elliott Grover's Wolfgang Puck Spago Beverly Hills experience at 45 Park Lane is booked on 30 March and I will be staying at The Manor House Hotel in Moreton-in-Marsh in The Cotswolds at the start of April for another special lady's 80th birthday.

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The Legend That is The Dorchester is Back! - London - January 2023

1/2/2023

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I returned to London, after New Year, to find my Dorchester hotel hamper. It was a month dominated by the reopening of the ground floor of this iconic hotel.

The Pierre Yves-Rochon refurbishment of the Dorchester lobby & Promenade has to be seen to be believed. From Lalique glass columns under the Promenade's Artists' Bar; to Liberace's piano being played; to stunning original art from various exhibitions I have attended at 45 Park Lane. I found seeing it all the first time almost overwhelming.

It was a month where I met Chef Elliott Grover at 45 Park Lane & Dorchester Collection artist Jill Berelowitz. I also attended a Shrewsbury School (Old Salopian) Epiphany Service at St Mary-le-Bow in the City of London; met with the City of London Police again, as part of my Barbican role; had lunch with colleagues I worked with at the Bank of England in the 1980s; ate Louis Vuitton Yayoi Kusama from Harrods and savoured a delicious bacon chop at the Mount St Restaurant surrounded by Matisse, Lucian Freud, Picasso, Warhol etc, before a tour of their exceptional private dining rooms.

Chef Tom Booton at The Dorchester Grill's stuffed chicken; Chef Elliott Grover's Sunday lunch at 45 Park Lane; the Wolfgang Puck crispy fried beef & prawn wontons with honey spiced mayonnaise at 45 Park Lane; & the cream tea from Rick Stein at Home must all be tried.

Hope the photos below do justice to an unforgettable start to 2023. I am off to Shrewsbury again tomorrow, to help mum again.

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Christmas - London & Shrewsbury - December 2022

22/12/2022

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Sorry for the silence last month but mum & I have been struggling to deal with dad's death.

However, as you will see from the photos below, I intend to make it a good Christmas in Shrewsbury, despite everything. Hope you have a good one too.

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Dad - October 2022

13/10/2022

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"Grief is the price we pay for love.". We lost dad last night & this statement could not be more true about him. A larger than life character with a laugh to match.

Many people knew him as a superlative Veterinary Surgeon but to us he was a loving father & husband.

Feel so lucky to have had dad in my life.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their beautiful memories of him in Shrewsbury, Bermuda, Qatar etc today.

I am off to Shrewsbury tomorrow morning to ensure mum is OK.

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Life Continues - London & Shrewsbury - September 2022

24/9/2022

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Since I returned to London, so many people have been too kind to me.

This ranges from the mother of my godson, & one of my best friends, taking me to afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason to celebrate my new banking Board role; The Dorchester inviting me for a complimentary cocktail on their roof; and Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square treating me to 'free' Veuve Clicquot champagne & presenting me with a napkin 'teddy bear' embroidered with my initials.

I am off to Shropshire again next week to spend more quality time with mum & dad.

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Mandarin Oriental, Manhattan, A Dream Stay! - New York, USA - September 2022

24/9/2022

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A further stay at Mandarin Oriental, Manhattan was the perfect way to end almost a month travelling.

As soon as I got into the 2022 Mandarin Oriental Mercedes, and started chatting to Eddie the driver, I knew this would be another special stay. So glad I was staying there when I learnt about HM the Queen's death.

Hotel Manager Jeroen, & Director of Guest Relations Andres, were waiting outside to welcome me. I was in my 53rd floor suite before I knew it.

The intoxicating smell of the chocolate teddy bear cake; views of Central Park to die for; a glass containing a glass teddy bear and a special whisky & honey cocktail; a bottle of Veuve Clicquot on ice etc almost overwhelmed me.

From my suite's Toto Japanese toilet, to the pool with breathtaking views, the bed turndown lady bringing me a second special panda etc, I cannot say enough good things about this iconic Manhattan hotel.

Getting to sit and chat to General Manager Robert was the icing on a very special cake.

I know the photos below will convince you this was a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) stay. Witnessing sunrise over Central Park, from my 53rd floor suite, almost made me cry Tips: you MUST try their spicy wontons. If you visit The Lowell Hotel, have a cocktail but avoid the food in Majorelle at all costs. Yves Saint Laurent's memory should not be associate with this substandard product.

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The Aman, Manhattan, An Exquisite Tranquil Oasis - New York, USA - September 2022

23/9/2022

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A Mandarin Oriental, Manhattan Mercedes, with Eddie the legendary driver, drove me to The Aman, Manhattan.

The Weekend Financial Times described this new hotel as the "most expensive in New York" (more than double the price of the existing best Manhattan hotels) and it currently has a policy that only Aman members and guests of the hotel can enter the hotel.

Simon (Director of Marketing for the hotel) made an exception for me and I was mesmerised by all the elegance of it all.

This 83 suite hotel is just off 5th Avenue by Bvlgari. Simon and enjoyed a glass of champagne on the outside terrace with its water features & fire pits. It was a joy to chat with this hotel professional and he then took me on a tour of the Japanese restaurant, spa, pool etc

I was astonished by the quiet calm of the place and quality of the Japanese wood in the restaurant etc. At times you feel you are in an Asian resort, rather than in bustling Manhattan. Roland Fasel (who I know from his time as General Manager of The Dorchester) is COO of Aman Group. He was staying in the hotel & can be justifiably be proud of what they have achieved in Manhattan. A '7 teddy' hotel for certain. I have a candle from the spa to remember all this.

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Four Seasons Downtown New York - My Best Stay There EVER! - New York, USA - September 2022

22/9/2022

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I learnt about HM the Queen's death while having coffee at The Peninsula hotel in New York. This, & the subsequent mourning period, have left me in a strange state. Problems trying to send my niece in Moscow a birthday present have not helped.

Anyway, my latest stay at Four Seasons Downtown New York was so special, I cannot delay posting about it any further.

Despite being allocated suite 911, in a week when I was flying on 9/11, it was my best stay there EVER!

From Manager Pablo & Jessica, who originated from North Wales, welcoming me; to a suite with stunning views of The Oculus, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne, Steiff teddy bears & a rich chocolate teddy bear cake; the warmth of my welcome from the spa/ pool staff; finding Four Seasons Manhattan/ Midtown staff have found work at Four Seasons Downtown & Four Seasons launching their 'Luxury Is Our Love Language' while I was staying at the hotel, it could not have been a more perfect stay.

However, an evening that started with General Manager Thomas, where he pointed out the martini on the Wolfgang Puck menu had been named after me & played the James Bond 007 theme music, while the martini was prepared by our table, seemed impossible to improve. However, my hero Chef Daniel Boulud (who was staying in the hotel) then join us.

When I met Chef Wolfgang Puck at 45 Park Lane he talked at Daniel and then we meet a few months later. I ended that evening eating Wolfgang Puck Japanese Wagyu thinking life does not get better than this.

Hope the photos below help to explain why this was stay was a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) experience, despite Four Seasons Downtown not being in a New York location that is ideal for me. Tip: if you decided to visit Peter Luger's, take cash & do not expect WiFi. Their bacon is extraordinary but Mr Puck's steaks are far better.

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Bogota, Food on Another Level - Bogota, Colombia - September 2022

2/9/2022

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I tried restaurants Leo & El Chato in Bogota. They were different but I had some of the best meals of my life at both.

Leo is a temple to fine dining and Chef Leonor Espinosa was in the kitchen and very hands-on. Issy quickly fell foul of her strict "no toys or bags" rule.

I opted for the alcohol pairing and the meal was a succession of exquisite and mouthwatering small dishes with stories about antioxidants, potency & falling in love.

Dishes like the guinea fowl, tallo, maize & kipu seemed be a play on the classic chicken & corn. Strangely, I preferred the duck to the pork dish.

It was an interesting and fun culinary journey and made even better by meeting Sommelier Laura, Head of Social Media Juan Pablo and Chef Espinosa herself at the end of the meal at the bar upstairs. There I was made a No 10 Territorio cocktail. Everyone is amazed by my photo of that.

I intend to get the beautiful Leo menu framed, after I get back to London

El Chato is also a beautiful restaurant with playful & interesting waiters.

I had the shrimp & piangua (a mangrove swamp delight!) with black garlic paste & leeks as a starter and the paletero (shoulder) beef with romaine lettuce, culona (leaf-cutter) ants & native potatoes crisps. Both dishes were delicious & I wanted to lick the plate after the beef.

Tonight I take my perfect Panama host to Maito in Panama City, to thank him. It is said to be one of the best restaurants in Panama.

Hope the photos below illustrate why both meals were '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) experiences.

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Four Seasons in Colombia, A MUST Visit! - Bogota, Colombia - September 2022

2/9/2022

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My stay at Four Seasons, Casa Medina, Bogota warrants three cover photos. The warmth of the welcome from GM Mark & his team blew me away and it is a stunningly beautiful building.

As I told Mr Sharp, after my arrival, think my overall well-begin was improved by my visits to both Four Seasons in Bogota. Looking forward to a third Four Seasons in Colombia at Cartagena.

I have decided the food in Bogota justifies a separate post. The food at restaurants Leo & El Chato was out of this world

Despite the photos below, I have decided my stay was a '6 teddy' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) experience. No swimming pools; no bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne; & my lack of Spanish causing service issues, mean I cannot award a '7 teddy' score. Tip:- go downstairs for breakfast on at least one morning.

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Panama Part 2: Contadora in The Pearl Islands & Sailing The Panama Canal - Panama - August 2022

31/8/2022

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Following in the footsteps of Elizabeth Taylor, Christian Dior & the former Shah of Iran, we went to stay on Contadora in The Pearl Islands in Panama.

While a whale was spotted during our crossing, Contadora was a sad example of what closure of hospitality venues, and lack of maintenance during this period, can do in a tropical climate.

The island is used as a base for the 'Survivor' TV series in The Pearl Islands and so we were surrounded by staff working on this show during our meals.

Sailing on the Panama Canal was a complete contrast. A dream come true for me, a true '7 teddy' experience and brought a tear to my eye thinking how much my dad would have loved this experience.

Hope you enjoy more photos below.

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Panama City & Bocas del Toro. Watching Dolphins; Secluded Beaches; Lobster Lunches & Views To Die For - Panama - August 2022

25/8/2022

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Steamy tropical Panama. Visited here to stay with one of my special friends from Uruguay. His 25th Floor place in Panama City was a stunning apartment to stay in.

We were joined by another friend from Uruguay and we visited Bocas del Toro to swim in the Caribbean Sea and watch dolphins.

In Panama City I shopped in Ferragamo & Louis Vuitton and it was sublime to spend quality time with my friends.

I visited the JW Marriott, Panama & Waldorf Astoria, Panama City while in Panama City. The infinity pools at the former have to been seen.

Hope you enjoy the photos below.

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The TWA Hotel, A Stunning Building Beautifully Brought Back to Life - JFK, New York, USA - August 2022

22/8/2022

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The magnificent interior of the Trans World Flight Centre has to be seen

I decided to make the best over being stuck at JFK Airport on a sunny picturesque day and went for breakfast at the TWA Hotel.

The Trans World Flight Centre at JFK Terminal 5 has to be seen. Designed by second-generation modernists Eero Saarinen & Associates, who also designed the American Embassy in Grosvenor Square. It leaves you speechless.

The tunnel you enter by reminded me of the Concorde tunnel at JFK. TWA has a special place in my heart, as my father took us on TWA to California to visit Disneyland, when I was still at Prestfelde Prep School.

The design is breathtaking and it has all been beautifully brought back to life with iconic music playing; a collection of crew uniforms, they were wearing Ralph Lauren when we flew with them; and red carpets everywhere that accentuate the fluid lines of the building.

I tried the Jean-Georges Vongerichten breakfast buffet in the Paris Cafe. The food was exceptional and made even better by talking to Marco, my waiter from Ecuador, who now Follows me on Instagram.

I bought a TWA carry-on tote bag before leaving but, unfortunately, the zip on this broke in Panama City the next day and the hotel has not replied to my numerous complaints, a sign of service issues?

They were playing 'Moon River' (the 'Breakfast at Tiffany's theme music) as I was leaving, which I took to be highly auspicious

Hope the photos below explain why this was a '6 teddy' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) experience, the problems with my TWA tote, & the lack of any form of reply to my related complaints, mean I am unable give it '7 teddies'. I am left with lingering service issue concerns. Tip:- you must visit their Paris Cafe.

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British Airways Club Class, Returns to Being a Cutting Edge Product - New York, USA - August 2022

17/8/2022

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The White Company products; new suites on my 777; beautiful new glassware & friendly helpful crew. BA Club Class is a force to be reckoned with again.

My big trip to Panama, Bogota & New York started at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, drinking champagne from The Aubrey, London at breakfast. However, the taxi ride after, learning the driver had worked at The Bank of England in the 1990s, when I was also working there, made my day.

At Heathrow British Airways Club Class meant I breezed through with no problems.

Miss physical newspapers & magazines in the Galleries Club Lounges; the chairs & sofas in the lounges are starting to look a bit tired; and there should be charging points in all areas but it was fine. In fact the cold tuna pasta was excellent.

On the Boeing 777 the new Club Class suites look stylish and every detail has been improved (eg large better The White Company pillows) but I missed warm towels & at times the bulky new suites felt a little claustrophobic. However, with exceptional entertainment, and mouthwatering food, Club Class has returned to being a '6 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) product.

I am writing this post from my room at the Hilton New York JFK Airport, after a nightmare at JFK Terminal 4 this morning that meant I could not fly to Panama today. I want to thank Shanna here who could tell I had had too stressful a morning and gave me my room straight away. Cannot thank her enough. Now feel ready to meet my friends in Panama City tomorrow.

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Jordan International Bank Plc - London, UK - July 2022

8/8/2022

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Hair by Gino at Truefitt & Hill; tie from Hermes; shirt from Turnbull & Asser; suit from Ede & Ravenscroft and experience from the Bank of England; Bermuda; Qatar; Cyprus; Cayman Islands & at Citi

I am proud to be able to announce that in July 2022 I joined the Board of Jordan International Bank Plc. As an Independent Non-Executive Director, I Chair this UK bank's Audit Committee & also sit on their Risk Committee.

I view this as a great honour and a chance to fully utilise the experience I gained at the Bank of England; in Bermuda; Qatar; Cyprus; Cayman Islands and at Citi.

Next week I head to Panama; Colombia & New York. In Bogota I will stay at Four Seasons and in New York at Four Seasons, Downtown and Mandarin Oriental, Manhattan.

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Another Dream Comes True! London, UK - June 2022

29/6/2022

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I was introduced to Wolfgang Puck at 45 Park Lane.

I met Anthony Bourdain at the Ritz-Carlton in Cayman Islands; Marco Pierre White at the Threadneedles Hotel in the City of London; Gordon Ramsay at the Four Seasons in Doha; Tim Raue in Berlin; Antonio Guida from Mandarin Oriental, Milan at the Mandarin Oriental in Taipei; Eric Ripert at the Ritz-Carlton in Cayman Islands again; and was introduced to Wolfgang Puck at 45 Park Lane last week. I wonder which chef I will meet next?!

This evening I travel to Shrewsbury, Shropshire again. Family matters call.

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Flying in Saudia's First Class Suites from Riyadh to London, Heathrow - June 2022

27/6/2022

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I was shocked by how small & dated King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is. The Alfusan Business Class lounge was fine.

On the 777-300 the wood trim in my First Class suite looked worn. There were no menus and, despite an on-board chef & butler, I was told there was nothing on offer for dinner.

However, chef & butler were friendly & helpful and made my bed up for me. I put on my silky feeling Missoni pyjamas and got a few hours sleep.

In the morning there were some problems getting my bedding cleared away, with demanding Saudi passengers taking priority. However, I managed to get a second Missoni wash bag for my Panama host. It was another plane where the onboard WiFi did not work.

No menus made breakfast ordering complicated. With no alcohol served on these flights, I assumed fresh juices and the best of Saudi cuisine would be showcased. However, the orange juice served was low quality processed, the date dry & tasteless and the eggs dry & powdery. On the more positive side, the warm pastries were excellent and it was the first time I have been served coffee in a cafetière / French Press on a plane.

Hope the photos below explain why this was a '4 teddy' (🐻🐻🐻🐻) experience, despite my luggage being severely damaged. Tips:- specifically ask for the cafetière/ French Press, I was just given a cup of coffee until I asked about this. If you do not have coins for the luggage trolley at Paddington, ask a member of staff. They can release them for free. With a desert rose etc in my luggage, this was a godsend.

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Mandarin Oriental, Msheireb, Doha - An Exquisite New Doha Hotel - Doha, Qatar - June 2022

26/6/2022

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A combination of the refined taste of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser & the David Collins Studio mean Mandarin Oriental, Msheireb, Doha is a jewel of a hotel.

My stay blew my mind but I tried to do too much. I managed to meet a number of former colleagues, and important contacts, but there was no time to see Saif Al Thani, who I used to mentor. As I had to tell him, next time.

Still miss my butler Fiona; treasure my Mandarin Oriental yukata (Japanese robe); ate the best 'club floor food' of my life in the MO Club and cannot compliment hotel Manager Thomas enough. We first met at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok and he is a consummate hotel professional. It was also an honour to, finally, meet GM Martin. Lastly I HAVE to thank Chef Jonas for my personalised raspberry sorbet.

A '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) better than perfect stay. Hope the photos below explain this from the balloons in my Maybach; to the rose petals & Media Room in my suite; nitrogen frozen fruit treats by the pool; my face on the ice cream tubs and a farewell like no other. Tips: order the a la carte dumplings at breakfast; make sure you can use the MO Club and visit AmBAR & Gelato.

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Four Seasons, Doha Returns To Its Former Glory - Doha, Qatar - June 2022

23/6/2022

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I felt very privileged to be staying at Four Seasons, Doha, as Qatar prepared to host the 2022 World Cup.

This Four Seasons has a very special place in my heart. I moved to Qatar in 2005, just as it was opening and got to know Four Seasons legend Simon Casson, its first GM.

The Pierre-Yves Rochon refurbishment has lightened & refreshed the whole look and Hermes bath products are a welcome change. However, the refurbishment is not yet complete & so a detailed account is not appropriate.

I would like to thank Milos for looking after my friends & me so well, including refreshing my Veuve Clicquot champagne and GM Shadi for our fascinating chat.

I have sent the hotel some suggestions (eg reintroduce frozen grapes at the pool) and hope to stay again, after the Libary Bar & Cigar Lounge has reopened.

Hope the photos below explain why this was a '6 teddy' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) stay, despite the on-going refurbishment. Tips:- this is a resort hotel & so your sleep may be disturbed by music. If the lights from the new fire prevention systems cause problems, alert the hotel, they can do something to reduce this problem.

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'flydubai' Business Class Flight from Dubai to Doha - A Very Pleasant Surprise - Doha, Qatar - June 2022

22/6/2022

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Real champagne & this food on a less than one hour flight. Cannot recommend 'flydubai' enough.

My Burj Khalifa host in Dubai warned me not to expect much from flydubai Business Class on this short flight. I was thrilled to find that, for once, he was wrong.

The journey to Dubai World Central ('DWC')/ Al Maktoum International Airport is longer but was a dream in my Tesla Model X with Falcon Wing doors.

Check-in was COVID-19 stressful but, armed with perfect advice from Natallia at Four Seasons, Doha, it ended up being fine.

The 'flydubai' Business Class lounge at DWC was spacious with hot food, 'free' alcoholic drinks and spotlessly clean. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines at Schipol to note.

On the short flight the crew could not have been more helpful. Even helping me plug my iPhone 12 Pro into the power, without me having to ask. With real champagne and delicious snacks, the flight was too short.

At Hamad International Airport Immigration in Doha I had problems with the Iris Recognition again. After similar problems arriving in Dubai, I started wonder if the comments that my eyes being blue/ too small was an issue could be right.

The Four Seasons, Doha BMW was waiting for me at the other end and it all worked like clockwork.

Hope the photos below help to justify why this was a true '6 teddy' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) experience that I would strongly recommend. Tip:- get good COVID-19 advice before travelling and then stick to this, if challenged.

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Staying on the 70th Floor of Burj Khalifa; A Red Carpet Welcome at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach; Lunch at Burj Al Arab & Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai - Unbelievable Dubai - Dubai, UAE - May/ June 2022

7/6/2022

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When the 163 floors of the iconic Burj Khalifa were first being built, I never dreamt I would one day be staying in a friend's place on the 70th Floor. It is still the tallest man-made structure in the world. I took breakfast during the trip at Giorgio Armani's Armani Hotel Dubai on the concourse level of Burj Khalifa.

This Dubai trip was a whirlwind of special events and so, for the first time, rated three cover photos.

As in Perth, my host took me to a concert. This time at Dubai Opera with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra featuring cellist Narek Hakhazaryan. His performance was mesmerising; and birthday lunches at SAL Beach Club at Jumeirah's Burj Al Arab and Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen & Bar at Atlantis The Palm Dubai. It was an excellent Sunday lunch at the latter

I only gave Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah a few hours notice that I intended to visit them but they still rolled out the red carpet and Federico, Valerie & Nina entertained me perfectly in their Hendricks Bar and showered me with phenomenal gifts; and also need to mention GM Werner, Joachim & Kevin GM of Netsu by Chef Ross Shonhan at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. The Wagyu Truffle Sando was a Wagyu beef & truffles sandwich I am still dreaming about and talking to Kevin about his Beanie Baby collecting mother & Werner about Elbow Beach Resort & Spa in Bermuda were unexpected delights.

A true '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) awe-inspiring/ jaw-dropping experience. Need to thank my Barcelona & Burj Khalifa host and Four Seasons & Mandarin Oriental from the bottom of my heart. My Tip:- go at a cooler time of year. Hope you enjoy the photos below. I also have video of the Dubai Fountains etc

My red carpet welcome at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah. Thanks to Messrs Sharp & Casson, I first stayed at this Four Seasons before it was open to the public but even I was astonished by my welcome back on this trip.

Sally's birthday lunch at Burj Al Arab is an afternoon I will never forget. You can even spot my anti-Social Media Burj Khalifa host in this photo

The majestic Burj Khalifa. Photo taken from The Burj Club pool

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the luxury travel blog

The Coronation of HM King Charles III - London/ Shrewsbury - May 2023

How Quickly Things Can Change - Shrewsbury/ London - April 2023

Another Unforgettable Birthday - Shrewsbury & London - March 2023

Dad's Obituary - March 2023

Making Mum's 80th Birthday Very Special - Shrewsbury & London - February 2023

The Legend That is The Dorchester is Back! - London - January 2023

Christmas - London & Shrewsbury - December 2022

Dad - October 2022

Life Continues - London & Shrewsbury - September 2022

Mandarin Oriental, Manhattan, A Dream Stay! - New York, USA - September 2022

The Aman, Manhattan, An Exquisite Tranquil Oasis - New York, USA - September 2022

Four Seasons Downtown New York - My Best Stay There EVER! - New York, USA - September 2022

Bogota, Food on Another Level - Bogota, Colombia - September 2022

Four Seasons in Colombia, A MUST Visit! - Bogota, Colombia - September 2022

Panama Part 2: Contadora in The Pearl Islands & Sailing The Panama Canal - Panama - August 2022

Panama City & Bocas del Toro. Watching Dolphins; Secluded Beaches; Lobster Lunches & Views To Die For - Panama - August 2022

The TWA Hotel, A Stunning Building Beautifully Brought Back to Life - JFK, New York, USA - August 2022

British Airways Club Class, Returns to Being a Cutting Edge Product - New York, USA - August 2022

Jordan International Bank Plc - London, UK - July 2022

Another Dream Comes True! London, UK - June 2022

Flying in Saudia's First Class Suites from Riyadh to London, Heathrow - June 2022

Mandarin Oriental, Msheireb, Doha - An Exquisite New Doha Hotel - Doha, Qatar - June 2022

Four Seasons, Doha Returns To Its Former Glory - Doha, Qatar - June 2022

'flydubai' Business Class Flight from Dubai to Doha - A Very Pleasant Surprise - Doha, Qatar - June 2022

Staying on the 70th Floor of Burj Khalifa; A Red Carpet Welcome at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach; Lunch at Burj Al Arab & Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai - Unbelievable Dubai - Dubai, UAE - May/ June 2022

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