This summer embark on a gin safari in London, note the Cartier Polo has moved to the Saturday and book yourself into a luxury suite on Sardinia
A gin safari in London
The Goring Hotel has partnered with Hepple Gin to create a living botanical bar and gin safari this June. The Goring Gin Garden will also feature a gin-inspired menu, with dishes created by the hotel’s executive chef Shay Cooper and TV chef Valentine Warner, co-founder of Hepple Gin. See how Hepple Gin fares in COUNTRY LIFE’s Great British Gin Awards 2016, in association with Fever- Tree, in our July 6 issue (020–7396 9000; www.thegoring.com)
Beautiful British watches 
Watch out Switzerland; British luxury watchmaking is on the up. Founded in 2014 by David Brailsford, collector and luxury timepiece consultant, and Simon Michlmayr, second-generation watchmaker and restorer, Garrick crafts unique timepieces with modern flair by hand in its Norfolk atelier and also offers a bespoke service. ‘From the start, our motive was to champion home-grown talent and create a new chapter in British watchmaking history,’ explains Mr Brailsford. ‘These are timepieces for purists.’ The Norfolk, Garrick’s latest model, is inspired by maritime instruments and features a fired-enamel dial, from £2,395 (020–88191460; www.garrick.co.uk).
Silk ties for gents
Gentleman can be sure of brightening any get-up with one of these jolly silk ties from Beaufort & Blake, the brainchild of two friends from Cirencester’s Royal Agricultural University. Having revived the age-old tradition of the patternedback dress shirt, the company has since branched out into accessories. Ties £55 each (020–3793 2867;
www.beaufortandblake.com)
Cartier polo moves to Saturday 
Celebrate The Queen’s 90th with a glamorous day out at the final of the Cartier Queen’s Cup polo tournament at Smith’s Lawn in Windsor Great Park. Usually on the Sunday, this year, the final is on Saturday, June 11. Annually enjoyed by members of the Royal Family and plenty of well-known faces itching to tread in divots, the tournament at Guards Polo Club is now in its 32nd year of sponsorship by Cartier. Tickets from £55 (01784 437797; www.guardspoloclub.com)
Take time out on the Costa Smeralda (image above)
Escape the cares of the world on Sardinia’s beautiful Costa Smeralda in one of Hotel Pitrizza’s unique, luxury, brand-new suites, with views overlooking the crystal-clear, blue Mediterranean. With a 24-hour butler service, total privacy from other guests and a private solarium and pool, I challenge you to remember those everyday niggles when enjoying a cocktail and admiring such beguiling vistas. Suites from £4,724 per night (www.pitrizzahotel.com)
Scents inspired by tea
Jo Malone’s new collection, Rare Teas, is inspired by teas from around the world, with six evocative and uplifting scents. My favourite is Darjeeling Tea—lightly floral with a hint of sweetness— and the statuesque bottles have a touch of the Orient, doubling as dressing-table ornaments. £240 for 175ml (0870 034 2411; www. jomalone.co.uk)
Get ready for Royal Ascot
Luxury hair salon Richard Ward of Duke of York Square, Chelsea SW3, has joined forces with boutique hotel, 11 Cadogan Gardens (left), to create a bespoke Royal Ascot package. Enjoy a night for two sipping complimentary Champagne in one of the hotel’s elegant suites, before preparing for the races in the salon, where you can get your full make-up done, as well as a manicure and hair treatment, creating a bespoke style to accommodate your hat. Available from June 15–19, £1,200 (020–7730 7000; www.11cadogangardens.com)
