Kerala – The Heart Of Ayurveda
Stepping from the airport into the already dense morning heat of Cochin, the capital of Kerala, my better half, Tony, and I were greeted by Jithin, our smiley representative from the Kerala Travel Centre. He grabbed our bags and ushered us through the throngs to our awaiting car. After loading our bags into the boot, he presented us with two exquisite-smelling jasmine leis. Popping the cool blossoms around our necks, we entered the air-conditioning of our white Renault, complete with immaculate white cotton seat covers and bottles of chilled drinking water at the ready. Our driver greeted us with a broad grin and the customary head wiggle. His name was Joy – and what a joy he was. He told us he was to be our driver for the next eight days as we toured the sites and delights of Kerala, known as ‘God’s own country’.
While a girl’s night out is fun, a girl’s night in is so right now. And let’s be honest, while a night of kicking back the slippers and sinking into the sofa can be right on the cards, sometimes a girl’s night in under a five star roof can be even better. 
The Greek islands have enchanted people for many years with their sparkling blue green water, dramatic coastlines and sunny climes. Kefalonia was the first Greek Island I ever went to, many years ago, and while I was captivated by it’s allure then, I felt that I had to visit other islands before I could really decide that this one was my favourite. 
Going to the spa at Urban Retreat Harrods is always a treat – from the calm waiting room opposite the perfume emporium and the professional staff to the delectable array of products that entice you as you try to leave. However I wasn’t feeling particularly relaxed when I went recently, I was stressed, frazzled and it was all showing on my face (when my mum told the teenage me I would grow out of breakouts, she was lying!). 
What is it that makes career-driven women so set on scheduling that all-important spa treatment into their monthly diary?
If you could experience pure indulgence in the city of your choice, where would it be? A luxury spa within a Hammam of Marrakech, a sommelier’s vineyard in a Lyon chateau? Or a Buddhist retreat in Bangkok? While a trip to Sydney might conjure up cliché connotations of Vegemite, beer stubbies and Ugg Boots, the largest city in the Land Down Under does indulgence oh so well. 
The late Sir Norman Wisdom will always be remembered for his unique brand of subtly sophisticated comedy. So it is only fitting that his name should appear on a blue plaque attached to the Hotel du Vin in Cheltenham, as it is a phrase that applies just as equally to the 4-star residence. 
So the suitcase is back in the loft and the tan-prolonging aftersun you’ve been applying daily is down to its final squeeze. Brown crunchy things that look suspiciously like autumn leaves keep appearing in your garden and nights are drawing in. Friends and colleagues have now stopped telling you how ‘well’ you look. It’s all a bit grim. 
Belle About Town is for the woman who is time deprived but style rich.
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