There’s really no escaping it – winter is coming. Don’t worry, we’re not talking about the scary, Game of Throne’s style invasion of Donald Trump onto the US-political scene, but rather cosy evenings by the fire, warm fashions and crisp mountain air. That’s right, over at BBB winter means one thing and we’re ready to yell it at the top of our over-excited lungs – ski season! In our usual style, we’d like to share our top tips and trade secrets for a truly magnificent, snow-capped adventure.
The will and the way
With the white stuff arriving early to much of Europe, dedicated hordes of snow bunnies commence their winter pilgrimage to the globe’s most difficult to reach destinations. If you prefer to swap hours in the airport for time on the slopes we recommend speaking to The Appointment Group to discuss your travel plans. Whether you revert back to the golden age of rail travel and experience all the beauty of a train journey through the Arlberg Valley or fly straight in via private jet or helicopter, these guys will maximise holiday time and minimise travel stress.
Contact The Appointment Group for any enquiries
The full package
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic first-timer, finding the perfect place to stay is a crucial decision. Our friends over at the Oxford Ski Company are the industry leaders in sourcing, booking and arranging holidays to the world’s most special chalets, hotels and resorts and offer a complete concierge service to create an unforgettable, tailored experience. With first-hand experience of the finest mountain-side chalets, guests can choose from properties with swimming pools, heated spas and even private ice rinks – removing all the hard graft and allowing you to focus on the fun.
Contact Oxford Ski Company for any enquiries
Stay in style
Luxury accommodation is never more appreciated than after a full day on the slopes, which is probably why ski resorts play host to some of the world’s finest accommodation. One of our all-time favourites has to be L’Apogée Courchevel, from the extraordinary setting, perched atop the former Olympic ski jump, to the rooftop Jacuzzis and chic interiors – this really is the crème de la crème of slope-side shelter. Whilst ski-in/ski-out access satisfies the thrill-seekers, snow safaris and opulent spa facilities are on offer for those who want Aprés all day every day. For children, the VIP club promises the most fun in Courchevel 1850, ensuring that the whole family is catered for.
Culture exchange
With the financial market still suffering from the Brexit-effect, it’s never been so important to get as much bang for your buck when travelling abroad. We recommend securing a good rate in advance through Investec who offer a wide range of Private Client Foreign Exchange services for clients looking to swap frequent or large amounts of currency, over and above £50k a year. With the sort of personal service you’d expect from private banking, the team can advise on the best way to keep control of your finances during periods of financial instability.
Staff your holiday
Don’t want to lift a finger on holiday? Then, as always, SORTED is here to help! We can source everything from experienced chefs to holiday nannies and private butlers, all designed to garnish your ski experience with an extra side of relax. Whether you’re after a fry up worthy of a Michelin star or the finest champagne picnic served slope-side, our chefs have the skills and experience to create unforgettable culinary experiences at any altitude. If you’ve ever wished you had Mary Poppins on speed-dial, we can recommend the best travelling nannies to lend a hand with everything from settling a toddler for an afternoon nap to giving the teenagers a run for their money on the slopes. We treat all requests as completely bespoke, so drop us a line and we’d be delighted to have a chat and find staffing solutions that work for you.
Contact SORTED for any enquiries
Secure assets
Whilst staying safe on the slopes is one thing, keeping your property and belongings secure is just as critical. Those lucky enough to own their own slice of slope-side paradise may only visit sporadically throughout the year, making it all the more important to invest in the right form of property security. We’ve got a great relationship with Blackstone, whose experience goes beyond the generic security concept to incorporate personal safeguarding or personal protection, building safety, asset security, reputation protection, surveillance and investigations. In short – whatever the brief, these guys will have got you covered.
Contact Blackstone for more details
Above and beyond
Get ready to ski where no man or woman has skied before! Ok, perhaps we can’t quite guarantee that, but what we do know is that if you’re looking for a winter adventure on a whole new level, our friends at Elite Ski may have just the answer: heli-skiing. With an ex ski champion as your guide, the team will literally go to new heights to ensure you experience the most incredible, fresh powder snow for the ultimate off-piste adventure.
Contact Elite Ski Team for more details
And chill!
If you’re looking for the coolest (!) new fitness trend, then you won’t want to stray too far from the slopes. Snowga (yep, that’s yoga in the snow) has amassed quite the following of snow-obsessed yogis who are willing to brave bracing temperatures in exchange for mindfulness and rejuvenation. With the natural environment playing a vital role, Elite Ski offer a range of destinations that have embraced the practice which is promoted as a great way to improve ski skills and feel grounded during the winter season. Namaste.
Contact Snowga for any enquiries
Household
Find your place
If every home starts with a good foundation then look no further than The Anello. This new development, set within an iconic former warehouse in the heart of vibrant Camden Town, consists of 20 loft-style apartments and two Penthouses available to rent from October 2016. Fully equipped and with an extensive range of services, including an in-house concierge managed by yours truly, The Anello is the hottest new addition to London living.
For all enquiries, contact bbb@sorted-pa.com
Raise your capital
Mortgages – just the word can send a shiver down the spine! What if we were to introduce you to someone who can guide you through the jargon, simplify the paperwork and ensure you get the best deal around? Well, Morrison Ward do exactly that, making simple work out of the mortgage minefield for everyone from first time buyers, upsizers, downsizers, landlords and everyone in between.
Make your move
Regardless of whether it’s personal or business, moving house is sitting pretty at the top of ‘life’s most stressful experiences’. Our advice is to take a load off (literally) and leave the detail to the experts, which is where our friends at Bespoke Moving Solutions come in. Whether it’s shifting an office across London, relocating an entire family to the other side of the globe, moving priceless antiques or beloved pets, they have got the whole experience perfectly packed and ready to go.
Dress your assets
We all know that some strategically placed artworks always make the right impression, but if you don’t know your Andy Warhol from your Wassily Kandinsky the whole purchasing process can be somewhat daunting. Gloucester Room is an independent art advisory firm who specialise in modern and contemporary works. Aside from helping you choose unique pieces, suited to a given space, they’ve got in-depth knowledge of the art market, ensuring that an investment is both beautiful and lucrative.
Compile your stock
Forget about property, art, jewels and cars, the investment trend of the moment is something close to all our hearts – wine. With specialist knowledge that goes beyond cracking open a good bottle of Sauvignon Blanc on a school night, Amphora offers a completely bespoke service covering everything from auditing an existing collection, to personal consultations, ensuring a portfolio is balanced and full of flavourful profit.
Finish your touches
Peonies, roses, hydrangeas or orchids, nothing says home like a vase of beautiful, freshly cut flowers. Unfortunately, for many of us that course in floristry (and the time to daily peruse the flower market) remains nothing but a pipe dream! Flowerbx is an online store that sells curated, fresh flowers, hand-picked by in-house specialists direct from the flower markets in Holland to your front door. With the click of a button, the finest, ready to arrange, stems will be delivered as often as you need – success has never smelled so sweet.Protect your passion
It doesn’t need to have turrets and a moat for your home to be your castle. As one of life’s most significant financial investments it’s essential to protect every precious commodity and prized possession. Lark Insurance are the experts in dealing with Private Clients and ultra-high net worth individuals. They will provide a made-to-measure solution that will suit you down to the ground.Source your dream team
A perfectly presented pile of bricks and mortar is one thing, but finding the right staff to keep it looking in showroom condition is entirely another. At this precise moment SORTED are in the process of placing a Russian speaking travelling nanny, a dedicated housekeeper-come-dog-sitter and a multitude of live-in chefs – primed to concoct mouth-watering dishes on a daily basis. Basically, whatever the need SORTED are the people who can find your perfect match – no swiping necessary.
Contact SORTED to discuss your staffing requirements.
Service your staff
As you well know, SORTED know a thing or two about sourcing amazing staff for all your private household needs, but it doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve got a ninja squad in place, we can introduce you to Plus HR – a savvy group of Human Resources professionals who take care of all the pesky admin, as well as the practical elements of managing and developing your dream team.
Arrive at your destination
There’s no doubt that owning a car in London can be more trouble than it’s worth – buying, insuring, parking, repairing, selling – it’s a high maintenance asset that can cause a real headache. Thankfully, the clever team at Spoke360 have made life a lot easier for the rest of us by creating a service dedicated to minimising the time, cost and hassle associated with being a car owner. The expert team can take care of everything for you, from admin, repairs, logistics, purchases, sales to everything in between. With Spoke360 you’re sure to get from A to B without a hitch.
Rural
It’s about Thyme
Calling all mini-breakers! If you’re looking for the quintessential English countryside experience, then look no further than Thyme – a boutique hotel located in a restored Hamlet at the heart of the Cotswolds. This picture perfect setting is where traditional cottages and an ancient tithe barn harmonise beautifully with a state-of-the-art cookery school and sophisticated cocktail bar. With eight bedroom suites, three cottage suites and two beautifully restored cottages to choose from, you’ll be living the bucolic dream in no time. What’s more, the entire complex can also be reserved for exclusive use – so gather some friends together and take staycationing to a whole new level.
Contact Thyme for any enquiries
To the manor born
If you’re truly sold on rural life then Knight Frank are the go-to experts for sourcing that dream country pad. Their 30 strong Country House department have a combined 300 years’ of experience covering everything from historic estates to chocolate box cottages. If you’re looking to sell, then the London-based team have the means and network to ensure they find the right buyer, be it sporting estate, equestrian property or weekend getaway.
Contact Knight Frank for any enquiries
Up your game
There’s nothing more satisfying than returning from a day out in the fields to some delicious home cooked grub. Obviously, we’re not suggesting you slave over a hot stove yourselves! Whether it’s a swift lunch between outings or the day’s prize hunt baked in a pie, SORTED have the scoop on the best Private Chefs around. Leave the hard work to us and you’ll be feasting around the table in no time!
Contact SORTED for more details
A superior marksman
When it comes to keeping up appearances with the country folk, there’s no greater asset than a beautifully crafted firearm. Holland & Holland take this one step further by adding unique artistry, such as engraving, to further personalise this lifetime investment. Anything from detailed patterning, to the inlaying of precious metals and jewels, can be added to set the scene for a truly unique piece of equipment, inspiring awe and impressing the stalwarts in your shooting party.
Contact Holland & Holland for any enquiries
A placement in the country
If you’re reading this blog, then chances are you know SORTED as the go-to peeps for placing the very best PAs and support staff in London town and other metropolises across the globe. Well it doesn’t stop there! Our network is just as strong in the Home Counties, Cotswolds, South Coast and West Country, where we regularly assign staff full time and part PAs to both private households and companies. So if you’re looking to retreat to greener pastures or need a team to support your existing country-based lifestyle – just drop us a line!
Contact SORTED for more details
Staff for all seasons
Finding the right staff to manage a large scale estate is a tricky business. Thankfully SORTED are on hand with their trusty network of contacts and mega skills in creating the perfect match. Finding the right staff to manage a large scale estate is a tricky business. Thankfully SORTED are on hand with their trusty network of contacts and mega skills in creating the perfect match. Whether it’s a live-in Couple who just happen to be looking to make a move to rural Shropshire or a Butler who’s also a Chef extraordinaire or an Estate Manager to oversee the whole shooting match, we approach these jobs on a case by case basis to ensure the best fit possible.
Contact SORTED for more details
The best accessory
If you’re serious about your country sports, then you will love just about anything from Blackwood & Locke. These guys produce the most exquisite made-to-order outdoor accessories, all handcrafted in their lovely workshop in the pretty Cotswold village of Woodchester. A bespoke service in the purest sense, every piece is tailored to the individual, from a completely fitted-out gun room to personalised gun boxes that can be used for shooting, racing, polo, rugby and more.
Contact Blackwood & Locke for any enquiries
The great escape
There’s no doubt about it, the UK’s rich and varied landscape provides ample opportunities for the perfect escape – with our humble little island host to some of the globe’s most celebrated sporting events, finest golf courses and country pursuits. Just ask our friends at VIP Escapes. They have built a business around creating and delivering customised experiences that encourage exploration of the great outdoors. From access to the finest, private estates to fishing, shooting, golf and other activities – with the great outdoors as a backdrop you’re sure to enjoy an escape to remember.
Contact VIP Escapes for any enquiries