The Wicklewood Blog
- 24 Aug 2020
- DESIGN INSPIRATION
Armchair Travel: Four colourful cities we love
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As we inch closer to the possibility of summer escapes, to whet our appetites, we’ve scoured our best holiday memories to round up four colourful cities we’ve visited and loved… Hamilton ‘Out of the seaplane and straight onto scooters to explore. Head to John Smith Bay - a tiny, sheltered cove, surrounded by rocks - think clear turquoise water lapping at whitest sand. Come lunch, try Devil's Isle, a farm-to-table spot for communal-dining brunch for a Nourish Bowl, their sublime cinnamon-spiced lamb lollies, or, of course, their fresh from the sea catch of the day. Lunch inevitably turns into sidewalk drinks - try the Rumballiach which is a boozier spin on a traditional Dark n’ Stormy. It’s no surprise that many of Bermuda’s hidden gems are underwater - the crystal caves is a popular spot, and for good reason - the submerged, softly lit chandelier clusters, stalactites and soda straws are other-worldly. For snorkeling, it has to be Jobson’s Cove’s pink sand and clear waters. At magic hour, head to Mickey’s - a low-key beach bar, right on the sand, to eat and drink under the stars. And for sleeping? Loren at Pink Beach is a stylish bet, or seek out an Airbnb for a truly local flavour - I love this Smith’s Parish hideaway.’ |
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Cinque Terre ‘The subject of many an Instagram snap, the sleepy Italian fishing villages that make up the colour-blocked houses of Cinque Terre are Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. We stayed in Vernazza, arguably the most beautiful of the villages (don’t miss the pretty yellow church), in this tiny studio, so small you could hardly turn without knocking something to the floor, but I loved every little inch of it. A stone’s throw from the main square and minutes from Vernazza’s tiny beach, we used to go for an early morning dip before grabbing a caffè and cornetto at the local cafe. We spent the days hiking between the villages; some arduous, some mere ambles - think olive groves, terraced vineyards and unspoilt coastline - and the nights eating spaghetti alle vongole and drinking incredible Italian reds at Al Castello Vernazza. Even after all the travelling I have been fortunate enough to do, this is one, if not the most memorable place I have ever been.’ |
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Charleston ‘Zero George Street is three historic single houses converted into a hotel, in the heart of downtown Charleston, surrounded by shops and restaurants. You’ll need a good night’s sleep for all the culture you’ll pack in… Don’t miss Gibbes art museum, the Aiken-Rhett house tour, and the wonderful plantations - Middleton and Magnolia are my favourites. And be sure to fit in a bike ride around downtown Charleston, to find your dream house, of course. For beachtime, Sullivans Island or Folly Beach are the hottest spots; copy the surfers and go early to beat the traffic. When you’ve worked up an appetite, try FIG, (yes, it lives up to the hype); head to Leon’s Oyster shop for oysters (of course), amazing fried chicken and the chilled out vibe, or 167 Raw for life-changing seafood. Watering holes are ten-a-penny - depending on my mood I head to the roof at Citrus Club for early evening cocktails and knockout city views, Vintage Lounge for a cosy nightcap, or the history-laden Blind Tiger for an afternoon drink in their roomy outside area. And to escape? Head up the peninsula to Hampton Park - beautiful, and tourist-free, shh…’ |
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Buenos Aires ‘BA is a colour-lovers dream. La Boca, the old Italian quarter is picture-postcard pretty - a riot of bold hues, especially around El Caminito - perhaps the most famous street and well-worthan morning amble. Save some energy for an afternoon of culture - Boca is packed with art galleries - Museo Bella Artes, Fundacion Prao, Usina del Arte. We stay across town, at Legado Mitico in Palermo. It’s no secret that Buenos Aires’ largest barrio, or neighbourhood, is a shopper’s paradise. On weekends, the markets bustle with eccentric vendors hawking artisanal wares. After hours scouring the markets with a few coffee breaks to watch the tango dancers take to the streets (touristy but mesmerising), we head to Parque Tres de Febrero. Explore the multiple gardens - rose, Japanese, poets, on foot, by bike or pedal-o. Come evening, buzzy Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo is my favourite spot for an early evening drink - head to the busiest of the bars that line the square. End the night with steak and red wine poured from porcelain cows, at El Desnivel - make like the Argentines and go late.’ |
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