What makes us unique?

With the Cheltenham Festival less than a month away, you might well be looking ahead at the Flat racing season with an element of anticipation. After all, there is nothing quite like a day at the Races – it’s one of those occasions when heritage meets high fashion and so, who better to advise you on what to wear at the Races than the Official Luxury Fashion Partner of The Jockey Club, Holland Cooper. Here we’ve teamed up with the luxury British heritage clothing brand to offer you 10 suggestions to help you be among the best-dressed guests on the turf. When you are designing for Holland Cooper, what is the ‘one golden rule’ you keep in mind to ensure an outfit is both practical for the elements and high-fashion?”   “My golden rule is simple: practicality should never compromise style. I always design with real life in mind, layering is absolutely essential. Beautiful, purposeful layers, starting with a great roll neck, mean you’re prepared for every element while still looking effortlessly polished. Footwear is just as important, a chic flat boot is perfect for long race days, and I always love finishing with leather gloves, which are both practical and such a timeless accessory. It’s all about feeling

The Stubai Valley is only a bus ride from Innsbruck but it is a journey into another world. A world where the traditions of the Tyrol thrive amongst the pretty Alpine villages strung along the floor of this valley. A valley that is a haven for lovers of winter activities. The Stubai Valley Since the Romans established a trade route along the Stubai Valley, and through the Brenner pass Emperor Maximilian, metal workers, pilgrims, spa visitors and walkers have made their way into the valley. Ease of passage was greatly increased by the establishment of the Stubai Valley Railway, the Stubaitalbahn in 1904. This eighteen kilometre scenic route connecting Fulpmes with Innsbruck is still popular today. The railway brought more visitors to the Stubai Valley that was already becoming known as a popular summer destination. By the mid-nineteenth century the Austrian Alpine Club had begun training locals as porters and mountain guides, building huts and creating trails. As the infrastructure improved the valley attracted more visitors but it was not until 1960 that ski tourism began to develop with the construction of a ski lift in Fulpmes. Fulpmes and the Schlick 2000 ski area Since the fourteenth century Fulpmes has been

For decades, the casino resort was the ultimate getaway. Neon lights, late nights, endless buffets, headline acts and the promise that, just maybe, lady luck would smile upon you. In the 1990s and early 2000s, these venues were to go-to for weekend getaways and short leisure breaks worldwide, especially within domestic travel markets. They were self-contained worlds, designed to keep you entertained without ever needing to leave. Then, quietly, they fell out of favour. As travel tastes evolved, casino resorts began to feel too structured, too noisy, and at odds with those who wanted a more flexible experience. Online gambling also helped to remove the need to travel to the casino floor. Boutique hotels, wellness retreats, AirBnB and more authentic travel experiences promised something casino resorts simply couldn’t provide. Despite this, something interesting is happening again. Across the world, entertainment destinations are finding relevance again by broadening their appeal. The casino itself is rarely the main attraction anymore but rather just one option among many. As a born and bred South African, a recent trip to Carnival City, just east of Johannesburg, brought these thoughts to the forefront of my mind. The golden era of the casino complex At their

Johannesburg’s Sandton area is known as Africa’s financial hub, and at the heart of one of its grandest suburbs lies one of the continent’s most revered hotels. Once a prestigious private home, Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa has for the past 25 years, welcomed guests from around the world, including a fair share of distinguished names. Having visited the hotel several times as a Johannesburg resident a decade ago, I eagerly anticipated my latest visit: having concluded a month of travel around South Africa, the Saxon would be my final treat before flying out. The welcome Driving through the leafy suburb of Sandhurst, there are occasional glimpses through the topiary of the palatial homes behind, until the near-Jurassic-size wooden gates of the Saxon come into view. After confirming the booking name, they glided open, and we meandered through the lush, manicured gardens until stopping at the hotel entrance. Already waiting for us, the staff whisked away our bags, and after signing the welcome sheet, I heard the words every weary traveller wants to hear: “Can I escort you to your room, where sparkling wine and a hot bath are waiting?” The walk to the room offered glimpses of the recently