Discover rustic chic at La Bastide de Marie, a relaxing and inspirational place for romance, from pre-wedding to honeymoon Entering the tranquil countryside of Provence, there are many special locations for a romantic getaway. Facing the mountain range of Luberon in Ménerbes, I find the charmingly restored 18th-century farmhouse of La Bastide de Marie. A well-kept secret, this house oozes authenticity and comfort, allowing guests to forget about the world outside. From the entrance to the living room, it is impossible to be indifferent to the environment with its fine combination of traditional and modern. Vintage furniture and antiques enhance the décor, giving a home away from home vibe. In the rooms and suites, each is designed with its own colour theme. They tell a different story though the delicate fabrics and little details, yet all express comfort and romantic harmony. Around the house, every “salut” comes served with a kind smile and attentive discretion. Serenity lives in every corner, beside the pool, in the shadow of a terrace garden tree and amongst the vineyard paths. I am visiting in autumn and the 23 hectares of vineyards look truly magical. The changing colours of the leaves create the perfect scenery for relaxation. We are sheltered inside with warmth and comfort, whilst the last sunbeams fall across the landscape. It is simply enchanting. Treat Yourself With the house green tea, a chocolate cake, or seasonal truffle. Pair the treats with a fruity rose Marie wine Wine & dine The cuisine at La Bastide de Marie is delicious. Every week the chef prepares an innovative menu, cooked with passion and creativity. Each dish focuses on quality, using the freshest products in the region at the time of year. Not only was the gastronomy rich in flavour, it was also presented beautifully. Overall, this made the food even more appetizing. As a famous wine-producing region, Provence boasts wines as flawless as you would expect, and La Bastide de Marie is no exception. The in-house wine, named Domaine de Marie, is made from eleven vine varieties and possesses a spicy, fruity flavour. The wine is an ideal accompaniment to salads or starters. However, if you’re opting for haute cuisine, the premium wine, Nº1, is recommended. Refined and elegant from 25-year old vines, these wines balance richness, finesse and complexity. PRE-WEDDING The surrounding area offers many options for couples getting ready to say, “I do”. Feel the fresh air on an electric bicycle ride and see the landscape up close, without a guide or time limit. On your travels, don’t miss the pretty village of Ménerbes. A beautiful stone commune built upon a rocky hill, the village is the perfect stop for a break with wine and truffle tasting. Another option is to venture to the tradition market in Gordes, where you can find lovely pieces of pottery, special condiments and spices. Here, you can also allow yourself to be seduced by the natural aroma of handmade soaps. For some décor inspiration, shop in the small town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where you can find extraordinary antiques and a Sunday market. Every object tells of a different story and the market stands showcase some of the best flavours in the region. If you have time, visit the Edith Mézard shop for customisable linens and local souvenirs. Return to La Bastide de Marie at the end of the day and relish with a facial detox, pampering treatment, or massage at the Pure Altitude Spa. The in-house products use a selection of rare and natural ingredients from extreme environments, offering effective care for face, body and mind. WEDDING day A glorious venue for an intimate wedding, La Bastide de Marie is the perfect place to accommodate your guests. Spread across multiple levels, the 14 rooms allow everyone to stay in same space whilst maintaining a sense of privacy. You can declare your vows in any corner of the garden, surrounded by vines, olives and cypress trees. Alternatively, an indoor wedding at La Bastide de Marie is equally beautiful. Why not get married in the Vermentino Room with panoramic window, just a few steps from the main house? The panoramic views of the vineyard and access to the wine cellars make it an ideal location for lovers of the beverage. Saunter between the cellar and large terrace, an area enriched by the daytime sun and glistening stars at night. La Bastide de Marie is encompassed by the fragrant tones of lavender, serene beiges from the ancient stones, and purifying greenery. From sweet pastel colours to vibrant yellows, whatever your wedding theme or colour palette, it will look picturesque amongst the stunning backdrops. Honeymoon After a romantic wedding ceremony and reception, why not extend your stay for the honeymoon? Enjoy the sun by one of the outdoor swimming pools, or take a stroll around the vast garden. Rest on the terrace and take in the purifying breeze and gentle sound of the fountain. For more privacy on your honeymoon, stay in the Gipsy chic caravan. This nomadic abode is located in the garden and allows you to imagine a carefree lifestyle, free from modern constraints. Alternatively, at the end of the property is Villa Grenache, a house with five rooms, private terrace and heated outdoor swimming pool. It offers the same attentive hotel services as La Bastide de Marie, with the intimacy of living in your own private residence. This charming Provencal setting is the ultimate place to recharge your batteries before returning to daily life as a newly married couple.

What can happen when you have five days off, no plans, but a desire to do something different? Refusing any kind of plan, I picked a random destination, booked the flight from a remote airport, and prepared myself for any situation. But before Edimburgh My great mistake Stockholm was the intention, but due to a booking mistake, I ended up travelling to Edinburgh first. It was a positive surprise, and despite the cold, the trip was full of warm memories. It was the last day of a cold November and I was waiting at Victoria Station for an overnight bus trip to Edinburgh. Just me, my 8kg rucksack containing essential items for survival and a big desire to escape from my routine. At 7am, before sunrise, I’d arrived in Edinburgh and had already climbed the Carlton Hill to see the first light of the day at a historical and mystical place. The rain wasn’t strong enough to stop me from wandering and getting lost among the hills, castles, old villages, museums and streets adorned with Christmas decorations. A few years ago, if someone had told me that one day I’d be having breakfast in a cemetery, I’d have thought it was a joke. In fact, it was the perfect spot to imagine the experiences of the people whose names were engraved on a tombstone. It was also the closest place to wait for the opening time of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. In front of the museum was a welcome garden – a meaningful place, as the lawn was landscaped by Charles Jencks, inspired by the chaos theory. Perhaps the only theory that can sum up my trip. For the first time, I saw the life-size “Ten Marilyns” by Andy Warhol. I love pop art, Warhol’s irony, impact and his reflection on repetition. That exhibition – “I want to be a machine”– proved to be an inspiration for my upcoming projects. At the Scottish National Gallery, I was invited by chance to participate in a pop-up “Can-Can” dance experience, as part of the Toulouse-Lautrec exhibition. The class was a funny cinematographic episode with a cardio and laughing exercise. And to complete the Lautrec experience, there was some lemon crepe tasting and French music, which made me feel like I was on my way to Paris instead. Back in a British mood I couldn’t avoid the Christmas market, enjoying the warming happiness of the festive time, and of course, I didn’t miss having some haggis at the pub before my departure to a Scandinavian land. Finally Sweden Why not start with my first mistake upon arrival to Sweden? Buying fizzy water as I didn’t understand the language. It was not funny. I really hate fizzy water. The city of islands Stockholm is divided but also connected by different bridges. A perfect combination of waterways and green spaces, romantic human-made sceneries and natural, landscaped views. It is calm – perfect for relaxation. The serenity of the water and the silence of cold air made me fully aware of my deep breath. Even though it is a capital city, busy and active, the routine and people’s movements looked like they were in slow motion. I was surprised by the architecture. The charming houses in the middle of a forest are a perfect illustration for fairy tales. Forgetting the Royal Palace or the monarchy’s icons, it’s still possible to feel enchanted and it’s a brain wave for any romance. Even the brief appearance of sunlight can move us into another chapter. At some points, it is impossible not to dare to dream. The Nordic winter days are quite short, but we don’t need to rush. Plus all the Christmas illuminations help us to enjoy the city at night as well. The best way to beat the low temperature is to always hold a hot drink, enter into all the traditional shops and be inspired by the amazing Scandinavian style. As an art and design lover, I couldn’t miss the Moderna Museet. After finally meeting some of my art history references, I discovered the Olafur Eliasson work and fell for his concept. Last but not least, my recommendation is to embrace the local vibe by trying to understand and use the Swedish word FIKA. The word means, ‘Take a break for a coffee and a bite to eat.’ It is the concept of enjoying the moment, slowing down and appreciating the good and simple things in life. After all that, I completely forgot the typical souvenirs (maybe because I took on the minimalistic Scandinavian style to focus only on essential things). Somehow, I did finish my experience regenerated, as a detox trip. All the time without witnesses or great photos to prove it, but instead, memories to feel the experience and a story to tell later. And that is what really matters, isn’t it?