Lauren Bacall travel tips

A few fashionable streets away from the stucco-fronted The Kensington Hotel, in South Kensington, culturalists have been lining up at the V&A to take in its blockbuster Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto exhibition. One of the most popular exhibits in recent years, and the first UK exhibition dedicated to the work of ‘Coco’ Chanel, it chartsthe evolution of the designer’s iconic design style and the establishment of the House of Chanel. With over 200 pieces, it charts Chanel’s meteoric rise, from the opening of her first millinery boutique in Paris in 1910 to the showing of her final collection in 1971.

Belmond, the luxury company behind the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), made a historic announcement this week that will delight those who love luxury European luxury train travel. The company said that in June 2024, the VSOE will travel to the Italian Riviera for the first time on a three-night experience that links Paris and the Ligurian coastal resort of Portofino. Once in Portofino, guests check into the Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, for two nights.

There’s no shortage of chic hotels in Paris. But very few offer the comfort and intimacy of a luxurious Parisian apartment coupled with the five-star service of a top hotel. That is, except for the Hotel San Régis, the iconic 100-year-old gem in the tony eighth arrondissement that’s hosted the likes of Richard Avedon, Lauren Bacall, Gene Kelly, Louis Malle, Jacqueline Bisset, Romy Schneider and more.

The V&A’s new blockbuster exhibition is the first in the UK dedicated to the French couturier Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel – and it is selling out fast. The show is fully booked until Christmas, but at the time of writing there was still plenty of availability in January and February. The exhibition charts the history of the House of Chanel, from the opening of Coco’s first millinery shop in Paris in 1910 to her final collection in 1971, and her legacy today. There are almost 200 looks on show, including a piece from 1916 and outfits designed for Lauren Bacall and Marlene Dietrich, plus accessories, jewellery and perfume. Until 25 February, £24 adults/£16 children/under-12s free, vam.ac.uk

This weekend, London’s Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), pioneer of global art, design and performance, celebrates the unveiling of Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto. This exhibition is the UK’s first dedicated solely to Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, the iconic French couturière, who redefined the art of fashion. Spanning styles from her first Parisian boutique in 1910 to her last collection in 1971, the exposition vividly traces Chanel’s evolution and unparalleled contribution to fashion.

When it arrived in Málaga, Spain, 17 years ago, Finca Cortesin set a new standard for Andalusian hotels with its sumptuous design and vast swimming pools. Now, with Grand Hotel Son Net, the brand has done the same for Mallorca. Designer Lorenzo Castillo oversaw the transformation of the storied palacio that has seen aristocrats, royals, and Lauren Bacall walk its cobblestoned patio. The richly patterned upholstery, 18th-century tapestries, majolica-inspired wallpaper, and shimmering antique mirrors may compel guests to accessorize to match the decor. Here, a few smart choices: