Blog Posts

Seat 1A in First Class had ample space for my 'www.sifrew.com gang from London' and me. Note my Four Seasons New York Downtown baseball cap.

Having flown on British Airways and Qatar Airways in First Class numerous times, and in 'The Apartments' on Etihad Airways, I decided I must try the American Airlines new First Class suites. My 15 hour journeys from Cayman Islands, at Christmas, seemed the perfect opportunity to do this.

I was impressed by the seat/bed, and crew, but once again the American Airlines First Class food let them down. Hence my '4 teddy' rating.

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Divine Christmas Stay in a Deluxe One Bedroom Suite at Four Seasons at Park Lane, London, UK - December 2017

29/12/2017

A Veuve Clicquot fridge was put in my suite with a magnum of Veuve Clicquot and so much fruit there were complaints from some of my Twitter Followers!

I have an incredible history with Four Seasons at Park Lane. I first stayed there as part of a Paris, New York and London Four Seasons 'themed' trip from Qatar. It had not been refurbished at that stage and I wrote to Mr Sharp (Founder & Chairman) saying it should not be part of Four Seasons. He wrote back 'agreeing' and it shut down shortly after!

I then stayed there again after the refurbishment, when they left Sichuan pepper and Parmesan popcorn in my suite, relating to an 'incident' three years before.

The service & attention to detail in this uber luxurious Four Seasons is legendary and I knew I must stay there on this Christmas trip to wish Four Seasons star GM John congratulations on his 35 years with Four Seasons.

I was so glad I did. My suite, with a working fireplace, took my breath away and everything about the stay was beyond perfection. An incredible way to end Christmas before flying back to Cayman Islands for a night before Four Seasons New York Downtown again for New Year.

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Christmas 2017: The Word 'Sublime' Cannot Do It Justice - Shrewsbury, Shropshire

27/12/2017

My friends & family were so thoughtful and generous with their presents.

Once again, despite Russian visa issues, my whole family was together for Christmas. I met friends from my Prestfelde and Shrewsbury School days; my mum cooked divine roast goose; my brother a roast turkey feast on Boxing Day; and I adored my cards & present from friends and family around the world.

It was truly a '7 teddy Christmas' and I was so lucky to spend it was my brilliant mum & dad and friends. It just went by too quickly.

Hope the few photos below give some flavour of the fun we had.

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My First Red Carpet Welcome @ Four Seasons, Ten Trinity Square, London, UK - December 2017

24/12/2017

The hotel literally rolled out the red carpet for me. With party poppers, a glass of cold champagne and a hug from F&B Director Antoine, it was an incredible way to return to this beautiful hotel.

I visited Four Seasons, Ten Trinity Square in London on the first day it opened, and have been shown their private members' club and residencies, and they had been storing Veuve Clicquot I did not want to take to Cayman Islands for 8 months. This was, therefore, the natural choice for my first hotel of Christmas 2017.

I wanted it to be a special start to Christmas and Four Seasons, Ten Trinity Square exceeded my expectations by far. It truly is a 'seven teddy' hotel now.

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The Sensational New American Airlines Flagship First Dining, Terminal 3 @ Miami International Airport, Florida, USA - December 2017

23/12/2017

Luis making me a perfect very dry Grey Goose martini. He was such a ray of sunshine to deal with that I gave Four Seasons: The Surf Club in Miami his details the next day.

After delays with my American Airlines plane from Cayman Islands, which culminated with an email warning me that I may miss my connection flight taking me to Christmas in the UK, the American Airlines Flagship First Dining experience was a much needed oasis of pampered luxury.

This First Class dining experience was superior to British Airways' Concorde Room dining and would be difficult to improve on. A 'seven teddy' experience, without doubt.

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Divine Steak, Tango & a Third Stay at Four Seasons Buenos Aires in a Mansion View Junior Suite - Buenos Aires, Argentina - November 2017

20/11/2017

Breakfast in 'Elena' at Four Seasons Buenos Aires showcases everything that is exceptional about this hotel. Argentinian details, sensational food and the best of Four Seasons staff. It was made even better by General Manager Tulio coming for another chat with me, on his way to the gym!

I have been visiting Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina for almost 20 years now and my association with Four Seasons Buenos Aires has been for just as long.

I had intended to stay with a special friend in his elegant Buenos Aires apartment but Tulio (the hotel General Manager) inviting me to stay for a night at the hotel meant I was too tempted and I was so glad I did.

Four Seasons Buenos Aires, like the whole of Argentina, has had to deal with so many adversities but does so with true 'Buenos Aires flair' and the staff exhibit all that is best about Four Seasons service.

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COT First Class, Vina Eden Vineyard, Otto etc - Punta del Este, Uruguay - November 2017

13/11/2017

My perfect host served Veuve Clicquot Rose to me in chilled Veuve Clicquot glasses on my first night. His exquisite home always takes my breath away.

My first 'proper' holiday, after 6 months living & working in Cayman Islands, had to be a visit to my unbelievable friend in Uruguay and his adorable dog Otto.

He now has a second dog, Otto's daughter Greta, and it was another stay I will never forget. Punta del Este really is home for me.

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An Indulgent La Prairie Manicure & Pedicure at the 'Silver Rain' Spa at Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands - November 2017

7/11/2017

I was thrilled to find all the products used during my manicure & pedicure were from La Prairie and was offered champagne.

I am now in full 'preparation mode' for my trip to Punta del Este and Buenos Aires next week.

I needed a manicure & pedicure and learning the Ritz-Carlton on Grand Cayman has a 20,000 square foot La Prairie spa made it the obvious choice.

The spa is called 'Silver Rain' and is themed around the "healing waters of Switzerland". I associate La Prairie products with sophisticated luxury and that is exactly how I would sum up this 'sanctuary spa' with excellent staff.

It was the perfect experience for me to relax after a busy day at work in Cayman Islands, with Annie's gentle technique and Martin talking about Ritz-Carlton Doha.

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A www.sifrew.com Perfect Weekend in New York - New York, USA - September 2017

27/9/2017

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The perfect way to start a Saturday in New York. The Weekend Financial Times, a swim at Four Seasons New York Downtown and chatting to the charming lifeguard.

The mother of my godson was going to be in New York and so I had to meet her there.

She ended up flying in on a private jet from London and we had a Wolfgang Puck dinner in Four Seasons New York Downtown with my incredible New York real estate friend. During that dinner infectiously cheerful Sommelier Sally made us laugh and General Manager Louis and his staff could not have treated us better.

I also found time to visit the original Four Seasons in New York where Olga on the bar welcomed me by name and looked after me so well. I made some fantastic new friends from LA there.

We finally managed to visit the 9/11 Memorial, an experience I will never forget; the North Cove Marina; Thomas the Manager at Four Seasons New York Downtown made sure I had an incredible stay again; and I bought an iPhone 8.

All done with only ONE FULL DAY in New York! I hope the photos below give a flavour of the fun I packed in there. New York is a '7 teddy city' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) and my friends are the best.

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Camana Bay Flavour Tour: New Friends & Sensational Food Made with Fresh Local Produce in a Beautiful Location - Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands - August 2017

31/8/2017

The exceptional choices of ice cream in Gelato & Co Cremeria Italiana blew my mind. A perfect last food stop on the Flavour Tour.

Hearing one of my best friends, who lives in River Oaks, Houston, was safe after Hurricane Harvey put me in such a good mood and so I booked the Camana Bay Flavour Tour. I was so glad I did, despite it being on a Wednesday night, when I have work the next day.

The tour involved a friendly eclectic group of Caymanians & tourists, enthusiastic Sam led us, Camana Bay looks stunning at night and we got to try some sensational food.

Another truly memorable evening in Cayman Islands.

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The 'New' Extra Brut Extra Old Veuve Clicquot Champagne Really Has Arrived in Cayman Islands - Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands - August 2017

23/8/2017

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The Cayman Islands flag, Issy and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Extra Brut Extra Old on Seven Mile Beach at sunset.

I always think of crisp green apples when drinking regular 'Yellow Label' Veuve Clicquot champagne but one of my friends finds it too acidic. Veuve Clicquot have found a solution to this by launching Extra Brut Extra Old.

This champagne will be available in Cayman Islands next month but my incredible friends meant I got to try some bottles this month.

Veuve Clicquot Extra Brut Extra Old is an 'assemblage' made only from reserve wines from years 1988, 1996, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010 vintages. It is 47% Pinot Noir, 27% Chardonnay and 26% Pinot Meunier, rather than the 2/3rds black grapes and 1/3 Chardonnay usual in 'Yellow Label'.

Extra Old is also 'double aged' with a minimum of three years in vats on lees and then three years in the bottle before release.

This slow maturing allows the wine to become soft & mellow and it met with my friend's approval with superfine bubbles and flavours of greengage plum, peach & spiced lemon with a hint of oak. It is far from a cheap champagne but you can certainly taste the quality.

🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻 - a '7 teddy' Veuve Clicquot.

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A Heavenly Sunday in Cayman Islands at The Westin, Grand Cayman being Pampered in their Hibiscus Spa and then Enjoying their Excellent Brunch - Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands - August 2017

21/8/2017

Issy & a friend from Four Seasons Dubai at Jumeirah Beach survey my seafood & sushi feast.

After various people had praised The Westin, Grand Cayman on Seven Mile Beach I knew I had to spend a Sunday at that exceptional property.

I booked a Paradise manicure & pedicure in their Hibiscus spa and it was one of the best treatments I have had. I followed this by trying the hotel's brunch and F&B Manager Norbert and his team could not have treated me better.

This a hotel anyone visiting Cayman Islands must try.

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My Second Houseguest in Cayman Islands Meant I Met Stingrays, Starfish & Turtles and Drank the New Veuve Clicquot Champagne - Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands - August 2017

14/8/2017

#travelblog www.sifrew.com gets 'up close & personal' with a stingray while his houseguest looks on.

My second houseguest in Cayman Islands used to work for Tony Blair in 10 Downing Street. I first met him when we were both living in Qatar.

His visit was an excuse to do so many things I have wanted to do (eg visit Stingray City & the Turtle Farm) and the long weekend went by too quickly.

It was a weekend that could not have gone better and I hope the photos below give you some flavour of it.

I am so lucky to have friends like this and live in Cayman Islands.

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Yara, The Global Steakhouse, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman - The Perfect Very Dry Grey Goose Martini in Cayman Islands - July 2017

3/8/2017

Exactly how a perfect very dry Grey Goose martini should look. Ice cold, a thin/delicate glass & none of the 'bubbles' or ice breakage/dilution caused by shaking.

Yara, The Global Steakhouse is a short walk from my condo on Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman.

My perfect very dry Grey Goose martini is stirred with a twist of lime and almost no vermouth. I do not agree with Four Seasons New York or the Four Seasons George V in Paris that there should be no vermouth in a very dry martini.

The barmen at Yara consistently execute these cocktails perfectly while keeping you entertained with their charming company.

🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻 (7 out of 5 ‘teddies’) - a '7 teddy' martini experience. My tip:- have a drink at the bar before dinner and engage with the barmen, you will not regret it.

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My First Houseguest in Cayman Islands - Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands - July 2017

7/7/2017

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My friend seated during our dinner in Blue Cilantro. He is always incredible company.

It was perfect that my first houseguest in Cayman Islands was the special friend who was a neighbour in The Barbican, visited me in Bermuda & Qatar and let me stay at his place in Punta del Este, Uruguay for two months after I left Doha.

My friend it such a charming guest and he helped me get my finances in better shape and think about my estate planning etc again. The visit has left me with unique memories and I hope the photos below give a little flavour of that.

I now need to diet & exercise before my next houseguest arrives on 10 August 2017.

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#travelblog www.sifrew.com and LVMH

4/7/2017

The big news is that we will be meeting one of the bosses of LVMH while he is in Cayman Islands.

Our relationship with Veuve Clicquot continues to bear fruit.

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Cayman International Film Festival 2017: Food, Fashion & Film Dinner At Blue by Eric Ripert in the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman - Cayman Islands - July 2017

3/7/2017

Another www.sifrew.com dream comes true, meeting Eric Ripert, and it would not have been possible without my Texan friends.

Friends have raved about Le Bernardin restaurant in New York and so I was thrilled to learn Chef Eric Ripert was headlining at CayFilm. When friends from Houston, Texas said they were attending a gala dinner at Blue by Eric Ripert, that Eric Ripert was personally hosting, I knew I had to be there.

It was such a special evening with divine food, superb company and film chat I will never forget. .

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The New Four Seasons: The Surf Club - 'Old World Glamour Meets Modern Sophistication' - Surfside, Miami - June 2017

6/6/2017

Fresh truffles, the Weekend Financial Times and GM Reed coming to chat to me. No better way to start a day in Miami. Four Seasons: The Surf Club is a piece of heaven.

Four Seasons: The Surf Club is now the fourth Four Seasons in the 'Sunshine State' of Florida. The Surf Club was opened by Harvey Firestone (the yacht owning tyre tycoon) at the northern end of Miami Beach on New Year's Eve 1930 and was the place to be seen. In 1946 Winston Churchill used to paint in one cabana and 'afternoon nap' in another!

Fort Partners have redeveloped it as a 77 room Four Seasons (spending US$700MN?). Having stayed at Four Seasons New York Downtown - the new New York Four Seasons - and Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square - the new London Four Seasons - and adoring the incredible staff at both - I was excited to try the new Miami Four Seasons.

I love smaller Four Seasons like Four Seasons Dubai DIFC and learning that the new Miami Four Seasons' General Manager (Reed Kandalaft) is from Syria meant I was thrilled I would be able to talk to him about my stay at Four Seasons Damascus. With all the Qatar related problems in the Middle East right now, I need someone to talk to about all that too.

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Update On My Move to Cayman Islands... - May 2017

10/5/2017

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I adore the Cayman sunsets so much I had to watch this stunning one with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot.

Today I moved into my new place on Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman and am so happy with it that I could dance. It is a beautiful place, with stunning views, and my first house guest arrives (my special friend from Uruguay) in July 2017.

My life in Cayman has already settled into an incredible routine with a memorable brunch at the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa, where my server used to work at Four Seasons Bahrain Bay, when I stayed there, and my manager at Elbow Beach, when I lived in Bermuda; fun walks home from work; and evening beach strolls watching gorgeous sunsets.

Readers asked for more photos and there are some below.

My goal now is to use my walks home, the pool at my place and a better diet from Kirk Market to drop some weight and feel fitter.

I am so glad I made the decision to move to remarkable Cayman Islands. Grand Cayman is definitely a '7 teddy' location.

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My Move to Cayman Islands - April 2017 to...

25/4/2017

The view from my place on Seven Mile Beach. I move in on 10 May 2017.

Just to let people know that my move to Cayman Islands has gone more smoothly than I expected. Everyone here has been so friendly & helpful and Grand Cayman is stunning.

I have started my job as a Banking Consultant in George Town. The job is extremely busy but I have breathtaking walks on Seven Mile Beach to clear my mind each evening, a new personal trainer at World Gym and the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman and Kimpton Seafire Resort at weekends.

Karen (the F&B Director at Ritz-Carlton) and Asli there have been incredible. The Weekend Financial Times is waiting for me at brunch on Sundays. There are a few photos below to give an idea of the astonishing beauty of Grand Cayman.

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A Si Frew Perfect Birthday - Paris, France - March 2017

2/4/2017

Eric Beaumard's wine book was such a thoughtful birthday gift picked by Jackie from the Four Seasons George V. He was the member of Four Seasons staff who introduced me to Edouard De Nazelle at Veuve Clicquot, which led to me becoming an 'ambassador' for that champagne brand and a great friend of Edouard's.

A Si Frew perfect birthday had to involve a visit to the 'Best Hotel in the World' and so I did travel to the Four Seasons George V in Paris. I also visit the Plaza Athenee, one of the Dorchester Collection's Paris hotels, and had a swim the Ritz, Paris pool.

A birthday could not have been better & I cannot thank Jackie at the Four Seasons George V & Louise at Plaza Athenee enough. A '7 teddy day' before I move to the Caribbean.

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London - Westminster Attack - 22 March 2017

22/3/2017

Just to let everyone know that Issy & I are safe. Stay strong London.

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Traditional British Food at its Best at Jason Atherton's Temple and Sons - London, UK - March 2017

14/3/2017

My dreamy sticky toffee pudding with Cornish sea salted caramel sauce being poured over the clotted cream ice cream.

Having met Executive Head Chef Paul Walsh at Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square, and adored Jason Atherton's Aberdeen Social in Hong Kong, I decided I must return to Temple & Sons with the Executive Search lady who has helped me.

It was the perfect British venue for two expats who have lived in Bermuda, Cayman, Qatar & Cyprus. I always get such a warm welcome from General Manager Nick Connolly, Bar Manager Callum Silvester looks after me so well and the quality of food at this Jason Atherton grill restaurant is excellent.

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Refined Elegance from Anne-Sophie Pic During Lunch at La Dame de Pic in Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square - March 2017

7/3/2017