By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
From antique rugs on the lawn pulled casually from drawing rooms to fully-realised dining tables in fields of wildflowers, the picnic, humble or otherwise, can take many forms. For the Instagrammers and Pinteresters amongst us, picnics provide the perfect opportunity to really hammer home an aesthetic. You can take your picnic design ideas to the nth degree with place cards and menus, little floral sprays in bud vases dotted down the table, and your most prized tableware (formerly for indoor use only).
But never fear, you don’t need to be a professional stylist to achieve the perfect afternoon picnic with friends and family or for date night. Beyond tasty food and cold drinks (that stay cold), there are a few hacks for making sure your picnic has a considered edge. Just a bit of housekeeping: Keep single-use plastic to a minimum, take any rubbish home with you, remember your SPF and add frozen fruit to your drinks instead of ice cubes, which will dilute your picnic tipple of choice.
In the age of curation, styling and photographing everything we do and eat, take some time to think about how your picnic will manifest itself, especially if you’re throwing it for a special occasion. A loose theme is a good start, even if it’s as vague as ‘Italianate dinner party’ or ‘English summer luncheon.’ Not only will this influence the colours you choose for the picnic blanket or the style of crockery you opt for, but it will also make menu planning easier. Bruschetta and Aperol, anyone, or perhaps it’ll be pâté and citron pressé?
The idea is not to do away entirely with tablescaping – just try your hand at blanketscaping. It’s about creating texture, layers and dynamic heights around a centrepiece, even if that centrepiece is a beautifully arranged tray of homemade sandwiches. Depending on how much you can carry (or how many hands on deck you can wrangle), incorporate the crockery and serveware you use inside at home to give the picnic a highly considered, even magical feel. A collection of mismatched plates and trays looks charming on your dining table at home, so imagine quite how gorgeous it would look laden with food on the grass in a more casual, relaxed setting. This also goes for cutlery and glassware. Bettina Ceramica has some beautiful options for ceramic serveware (above) – a fantastic spot if that Italian theme speaks to you…
It’s no secret that our summers here in the UK are getting warmer, so it’s time to invest in some proper outdoor cushions and a good-quality picnic blanket. Accessories like throws and cushions are not only essential for the comfort of your fellow picnic-ers, but they also add an almost dreamy, cloud-like quality to the scene, encouraging people to relax and recline. There are some absolutely exquisite outdoor cushions available these days, many of which could very easily pass for indoor cushions. For example, Liberty’s new outdoor fabric collection, The Liberty Garden, reworks the company’s iconic prints and patterns in polyester to make them picnic-safe, while Andrew Martin’s outdoor cushions (above) and rugs are almost indistinguishable from its interiors ranges.
As much as it feels like summer has only just begun, as we approach high summer, the days will start to shorten, so it’s important to consider a light source if you plan on extending your picnic suppers late into the evening. Candles, especially citronella, create a particularly useful and atmospheric feel, with the benefit of keeping away pesky mosquitos. So too do cordless lamps, of which there are many available today. Pooky (above) and Lights&Lamps have collections of long-lasting, rechargeable wireless lamps that you can take outside to keep the party going into the early hours.
Unique Experiences in the Maldives
By Amira Hashish
The Maldives is known for its picture-perfect coral islands, glistening waters and idyllic beaches but there is so much more to this dazzling destination than its romantic retreats. Whether you are seeking an action-packed adventure or a cultural getaway, this escape to paradise is brimming with special activities.
From a marine expedition with an OBE-awarded investigative journalist to getting up close and personal with the stars or a kickabout with Peter Crouch, here are some of the experiences you never expected to have in the Maldives…
See the Galaxy With a Sky Guru
Where better to expand your view of the galaxy than in an over-water observatory? Stargazing at Anantara Kihavah is a truly magical experience. The hotel’s Sky Guru Ali Shameem is a native Maldivian who spent his childhood mapping the constellations. He went on to become the protégé of Italian astronomer Dr. Massimo Tarenghi and has spent more than a decade working as a professional astronomer. He shares his passion and expertise of the constellations in weekly stargazing sessions. The proximity to the equator and its non-polluted skies means both hemispheres’ stars are clearly visible. Spot the pale yellow rings of Saturn or the counter-rotating zones and belts of Jupiter. Then peek through the telescope at the Milky Way’s Omega Centauri or Messier 13, a globular cluster of over 300,000 stars in the constellation of Hercules.
Book: anantara.com
Dine on Michelin-Star Cuisine in a Pop-up Residency
Eco-friendly luxury resort Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences is welcoming Cambridge-born culinary mastermind Luke French to its shores for an exclusive pop-up residency this October. Chef director of Kelham Island eatery and Michelin-recognised restaurant, JÖRO, French combines sustainability led, locally sourced ingredients with a forward-thinking approach to bring high impact international flavours. From 13-23 October, he will host a series of special gastronomic events, as well as leading one of the private island resort’s celebrations to mark 50 years of tourism in Maldives. What a backdrop for this foodie feast.
Book: amilla.com
Indulge in a Literary Festival
No other literary festival can offer the setting of JLF Soneva Fushi. Known as The ‘Greatest Literary Show on Earth’, it returns to the Maldives in 2023 and will no doubt feature another high profile line-up. Held across 10 days and two weekends, the programme combines literature with stimulating debates, dialogue and free speech. Each weekend comprises keynote addresses, gala dinners on the sand, live music performances, and film screenings at Cinema Paradiso.
Book: soneva.com
Play Football With Peter Crouch
Budding footballers have the chance to hone their skills with famous faces at Anantara Dhigu. The resort regularly hosts Football Escapes where the little ones can play the beautiful game with their heroes. Peter Crouch is the instructor from December 19 – 23. Little wonder tickets got snapped up in minutes but join the waiting list or check back for more big name announcements.
Book: footballescapes.com/anantara
Go Dancing With Manta Rays
The Nautilus is a beautifully-designed luxury retreat which prides itself on bespoke experiences. Take a trip to Hanifaru Bay, one of the largest manta feeding hotspots in the world, and witness the manta rays perform their mesmerising whirling dance. The Nautilus’s resident marine biologist will tell all about the magic of these beautiful creatures before your private guided manta experience, just 30 minutes from the super private resort via luxury speed boat. This visit to this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve will transport you to another world.
Book: thenautilusmaldives.com
Embark on a Marine Voyage With a Ground-Breaking Investigative Journalist
Vakkaru takes a deeper dive into ocean conservation with a week-long residency by Oliver Steeds OBE. Steeds is a former investigative journalist and the founder and mission director of Nekton, a science-based organisation that works with ocean nations to protect the seas and increase humanity’s knowledge of marine life. During the week, guests of all ages can participate in a variety of activities to learn more about ocean life and its conservation in the Maldives, with workshops, cinema screenings and two expeditions, as well as sustainably sourced dinners and cocktail evenings. From August 27 to September 2, A Deep Sea Odyssey will include two Young Ambassadors of the Ocean workshops designed for budding coral reef scientists and aquanauts aged between 7-11 and 12-15. Hosted by Steeds, budding aquanauts will also learn how submersible pilots operate, and how to protect healthy coral reefs.
Book: vakkarumaldives.com
Save the Turtles
From its Fab Lab, where kids can turn marine plastic into 3D-printed models, to free children’s diving lessons, Patina Maldives has rapidly become a standard-bearer for marine conservation in the area. It is also the first resort in the Maldives with a 100 percent solar-powered kids’ club, recreation and dive centres.
A sea turtle biologist is stationed on-island, acting as a guest educator and overseeing rescue efforts for any sea turtles that become entangled in so-called ghost gear. The resort is also facilitating a pioneering genetic research expedition to study the local Maldivian hawksbill sea turtle population. Conducted by registered turtle conservation charity the Olive Ridley Project, the pilot expedition will depart from Patina Maldives later this year on a mission to gather tissue samples that will unravel the genetic makeup of Maldivian hawksbill sea turtles.
Book: patinahotels.com
Stay in the World’s Most Private Hotel Room
According to Velaa Private Island, the resort has the most private hotel room in the world. Aptly named The Romantic Residence, it has uninterrupted oceanic views, its own personal gym, fully-equipped kitchen, personal butler and optional private chef. Meals are served over the water in a secluded dining gazebo, and sunsets come with luxurious daybeds on a sprawling terrace. Not forgetting the outdoor jacuzzi, infinity pool, secluded sundeck and sunken bath.
Book: velaaprivateisland.com
Swim to an Underwater Art Gallery
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi Resort, on the northern Shaviyani Atoll, has the longest infinity pool and biggest jacuzzi in the Maldives. Sirru Fen Fushi, which means ‘secret water island’ in the local Dhivehi language, is also home to one of the country’s largest resort lagoons and 112 luxury villas each with their own private pool. Stretching from one side of the tropical island to the other, the 200m pool is framed by swaying palms and leads guests to the Coralarium, the Maldives’ first and only coral regeneration project in the form of an underwater art gallery.
Book: fairmont.com
Why Now Is The Time To Explore The Cayman Islands
By Amira Hashish
With year round average temperatures of 28 degrees, crystal clear waters and intricate coral reefs the Cayman Islands are brimming with natural beauty. However, the destination has remained more under the radar than many of its Caribbean cousins…until now.
The jet-set in the know are flocking to the hottest new hotel opening in Grand Cayman and putting the dazzling beach retreat on the map. Palm Heights is introducing a contemporary travel crowd who have a deep appreciation for design to the picturesque island. Here is the lowdown on what to expect from the buzzy boutique hotel. Plus, ideas for experiences to factor into your itinerary.
Stay at Palm Heights
Paying homage to the glory days of Caribbean understated glamour, Palm Heights is making waves for all the right reasons. The hotel, perfectly positioned on Seven Mile Beach, has put the spotlight on the Cayman Islands amongst a cool crowd.
Gabriella Khalil, its creative director and founder, worked with designers Sarita Posada and Courtney Applebaum to develop the 1970s-era mansion aesthetic. The trio sourced pieces from Paris, Los Angeles and Mexico to decorate the property. Sandy yellows and bold blue tones, reminiscent of the beach, run throughout each of the 52 bedroom suites, all with ocean views.
Tillies, the hotel restaurant, is right on the sand and offers a culinary voyage through the Greater Antilles. The Coconut Club has a contemporary approach to food and drink; think healthy bowls and tacos. Meanwhile, wellness is celebrated as a social activity at The Garden Club. Modelled on a labyrinth garden, it is a botanical stage for an outdoor athletic club and spa. Leading trainers from around the world regularly take up residency. Straddling something between a hotel and a members space, Palm Heights is a reason alone to visit Grand Cayman.
Try Wellness With a Twist
There is a focus on wellness across the Cayman Islands with plenty of pampering alongside more hardcore fitness options. Vitamin Sea is all about water based fitness. Owner Kiristen Cousins offers paddleboard yoga classes which challenge your body and mind. Another popular activity is kayaking in Bioluminescent Bay. The bay takes its name from the Bioluminescent phytoplankton that live in the water which emit incredible flashes of light. Take a leisurely paddle from Rum Point to Grand Cayman under a blanket of stars for a workout you won’t forget, caymankayaks.com.
Go Horseback Riding in the Sea
Stretches of white, sandy beaches lend themselves to a dramatic horseback riding location in West Bay, George Town and North Side of Grand Cayman. You can go for a refreshing bareback riding dip in the sea or take a trail via Barker’s National Park. Families are welcome as there is riding suitable for all levels while couples might opt for the moonlight ride with a magical ambience, ponies.ky.
Embark on a Culinary Adventure
The Cayman Islands is not short of delicious cuisine. There are more than 200 restaurants across the three main islands ranging from beach vibes to fine dining. For an introduction to the local food scene, Chef Dylan Benoit has created Prime Food Tours which is ideal for groups looking to get to grips with what is on offer. He will tailor the experience to your taste and location, foodtours.ky.
Swim With Stingrays
Snorkel, wade or swim with the resident Southern Atlantic Stingrays which are in abundance at Stingray City; a group of sandbars nestled a short boat journey from Seven Mile Beach. The ‘City’ came to be several decades ago when local fisherman would throw the remains of their catch into the shallow waters, attracting rays who would gather for their feed. These days the majestic creatures will give you a warm welcome into their habitat.
Climb The Buff
Grand Cayman’s rugged sister island Cayman Brac is about a 30-minute flight away. With a population of less than 1500 it feels a world away from anywhere. The island is dominated by a cliff that rises with vertical walls to nearly 150 feet. Its craggy limestone ridge is a must for rock climbers and more seasoned hikers. There are around 110 routes with breathtaking ocean panoramas, climb.ky.
Dive 300M Into the Ocean
Little Cayman, close to the deepest point of the Caribbean called the Cayman Trench, is home to Bloody Bay Marine Park and a coveted diving destination. Plunging 300m, its coral and sea life is a sight to behold. Below the mustard-yellow tube sponges, deep red corals and purple-veined trees you will discover a deep void teaming with marine life, southerncrossclub.com/diving.
For more information head to visitcaymanislands.com.