August Issue
Hello everyone and welcome to the August Issue.
In the last two and a half months, a Croatian villa, a beach on a Greek island and dinner in Provence became manageable reality for some of us, but gosh, we needed luck with travel this summer, navigating the combination of testing and entry requirements and facing changes in the traffic light system. Come autumn, another problem will be added to this list: all European beach destinations will go out of season, leaving us, the sun chasers, with a dilemma: to go on a long-haul flight to somewhere sunny or not to go. Speaking from experience of my recent trip to Barbados, it’s still a huge risk. Is this risk worth taking?
Travel Pick - Barbados
With its pristine, empty beaches, Barbados is one of my favourite islands in the Caribbean. It’s friendly, safe and laid-back. Barbados has something for everyone: East coast for windsurfers, South coast for poolsiders, Platinum coast (West of Barbados) for those in search of luxury and perfect swimming conditions.
Luckily, Barbados is situated off the main hurricane path (no major incidents in the last 50 years) which makes it an attractive Caribbean destination in the months of September - November.
In theory, travel should be easy for the double jabbed, but the truth is, it isn’t.
A PCR pre-departure test is required, taken no earlier than three days before travel. Three days mean three days, not 72 hours: for example, if you fly out on Thursday, you can take your test any time on Monday, regardless of what time your flight lands in Barbados on Thursday.
Another PCR test must be taken (free of charge) at the airport on arrival to Barbados. About an hour’s wait to be tested, results within 24 hours ( in reality 7 to 14 hours). Alternatively, you can prebook a private test in your hotel for an extra charge. While waiting for the results, you need to quarantine at your accommodation (can’t go to the beach or swimming pool, but can use restaurants and bars). As soon as your negative results arrive by e-mail, you are free to go.
The big risk is, if during your flight you had been sitting in a close proximity to someone who then tested positive on arrival, you will be pinged and ordered to self-isolate for 5 days regardless of your vaccination status and two negative PCR tests. In these unfortunate circumstances you will be confined to your room for the duration of the quarantine. On the 5th day, another PCR test will be taken, and, if negative, you will be free to enjoy the rest of your vacation or whatever is left of it by then. More to it, Covid travel insurance doesn’t cover this scenario.
To fly back home, both American and British travellers will need to take a pre-departure test. A lateral flow test will do, however, the only government facilities for a rapid antigen test on the island are a complete shambles, avoid. Instead, book a private PCR test in the hotel for the departure. You will pay more for it, but it’s worth every penny.
If all the above haven’t put you off Barbados, go for it, but don’t forget to pack some luck along with that white shirt of yours, the season’s fashion favourite. Speaking of which, I can’t wait to show off mine. Details in my next Pick.
Brand Pick - Prisé Switzerland
The person behind this brand is Priska Bruegger, an Indonesian born, Swiss Designer whom I’ve been following from my early days on Instagram. Amazing, how the making of the brand has unfolded in front of my eyes, et voilà, I am wearing one of Priska’s creations - the asymmetric white shirt.
Prisca’s aesthetics have always appealed to me: minimal, wearable cuts, perfect in their simplicity, yet offering something special - a signature style. I was also delighted to know that sustainability counts as a core value of the brand.
According to Priska, she uses the mix of European and Asian fabrics as “a fusion of her identity”. I was truly impressed with the quality of cotton of my white shirt - strong, but super smooth and soft, the fabric feels luxurious. That being said, it comes as no surprise to me, that Prisé Switzerland has been featured in @britishvogue and @vanityfair. It is, undoubtedly, the brand to know.
Shopping Pick - Two Things I Would Buy In August
Beachwear - as summer comes to an end, the latest swim styles go on sale, just in time for your autumn and winter escapes. Check out offers at Beach Cafe
Winter coats - perfect time to buy a new season’s coat. Many on-line retailers are currently offering an incentive of 10-15% off the new season. Invest in a good quality cover up while discounts last and be the first one to parade it when the temperatures plummet. My pick would be the Jacquemus Soco coat, also available as a jacket
That’s all for today. Enjoy the last weeks of summer. Back in September.