My plans for Summer 2014 were nothing short of epic – I was really looking forward to the 5 fantastic trips I had planned for this season. But what I loved the most? The incredible memories that I made, alongside family and fabulous friends around the world. We stayed mainly in Europe, but our 2-week annual pilgrimage to California was one of our best ever. Needless to say, I am about to book the flights for next Summer…
Here are 14 moments to remember the Summer of 2014 (in no order, of course!)
1 – Priceless sister time at Herdade do Vau, Alentejo, Portugal
The most peaceful location in one of Portugal’s top wine regions. A little oasis.
Nothing beats some proper sister time.
2- The best sushi ever at Finca Cortesin, Andalucia, Spain
Once you have been cortesined, like I was last year for the first time, there is no going back. I adore this hotel and cannot wait to go back.
I was lost for words. It was incredible.
3 – The sweetest hotel welcome ever? Only at the Four Seasons Los Angeles in Beverly Hills, California, USA
More than just attention to detail…
And gin cocktails, I kid you not.
4- There are no beaches as civilised as in Portugal.
Yes, I am Portuguese and totally biased, but ask my British husband… decent space between chairs and outstanding beach restaurants with fresh fish and white wine sangria. Lovely indeed.
Oh Portugal, you can be so special…
5 – A 5-hour dinner on board the Belmond British Pullman
On a train to nowhere. It was an unforgettable experience.
Possibly one of the best ‘day-out’ excursions one can do if visiting England.
6 – A long walk to the beach at the Quinta do Lago, Algarve, Portugal
But possibly one of the prettiest ever.
One of my favourite beach walks ever…
7 – Finding a gin bottle the size of my head in Palm Desert, California
I am totally in favour of America super sizing gin bottles. This was a first for me.
If you look to my right, you will see that the Tanqueray bottle has a handle. God bless America. Our normal bottles look like mini bar ones. I wished I had space to bring them with me.
8 – Never travel light. Ever.
Even with 6 suitcases between us (4 of which were empty on our way out), we did not have room for the gin. But Christmas shopping has been taken care of.
Needless to say no one batted an eyelid at our ridiculous amount of luggage at the Four Seasons LA. It is totally normal.
9 – One of the prettiest hotel rooms ever at Rosewood Cordevalle, in San Martin, California
Due to the nature of our road trip, our visit was short but very very sweet. I adored this hotel and shall go back for more. A lot more. It was that good.
It wasn’t the jacuzzi or the champagne that made it special – this hotel was nothing short of perfection. And I loved how comfortable it felt. Only 40-something rooms…
10 – The awkward moment you realise your husband has an auto-parts empire and never told you..
We couldn’t resist this photo.
11 – A train with a difference. A wine train!
And possibly the best organised trip ever. Even with an earthquake before our arrival, I have to say, I was very impressed with the Wine Train team.
A very nice surprise in Napa, California.
12 – Going on BA001, the all business class flight from London to New York.
With under 40 passengers, it was a very good flight experience.
The most civilised flight ever, in my opinion.
13 – Ending summer with the best tan ever in Palm Springs, California
Where we have been going year after year for the last 9. And already thinking of returning. We love it there.
The best tan ever…
14 – Seeing San Francisco without clouds or fog.
It took us 5 visits and a few years, but it happened. Even if there was an earthquake the night before.
San Francisco on that clear day…
What were your favourite summer moments?
xo
Mrs. O
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