Unlike some Caribbean holiday destinations that don’t always live up to the paradisal connotations fed to us through the Malibu rum TV ads of old, Barbados, in real life, really is that beautiful, that hot and that laid back..

As memorable dining experiences go, sitting inside a giant red Christmas tree bauble under a crystal chandelier – a jazzed up version of Jingle Bells trumpeting away in the background – has permanent place in the brain bank…

“When I recall hotels I’ve visited in the past, it’s the ones that made an extra effort on the design front that I’ve particularly loved.”

“Think back to the last time you booked a holiday. It was likely done online; an enthusiastic task to start off with, exciting even…” Gabrielle leaves the planning to a concierge for a weekend in Bray…

“‘Aprils have never meant much to me, autumns seem that season of beginning…’ My sentiments exactly Mr Capote, for there is something fresh and exciting about this time of the year…”

“It’s 295 miles to Truro. We’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of Twiglets; it’s dark and we’re wearing sunglasses…” Gabrielle discovers the child-like delights of Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula…

“Croatia’s five-star boutique Hotel Monte Mulini was quite an understated first sight for this shamefully quick to judge traveller. A momentary opinion, thankfully, swiftly dispelled by the view that filled my eyes…”