Editor's Letter: April

Is anyone else feeling the urgent need to get on a plane for a change of scene? If, like me, the pull of a holiday is overwhelming, you’re going to love April at SL, where travel is top of the agenda. On site, we’re covering everything from Paris newness to Somerset boltholes, London staycation destinations to what’s hot in Barcelona. There is, of course, more Middle East content coming, including a Jeddah guide and what to know about in Dubai over the next few months – plus, we’re taking a deep dive into the best road trips and names to know just outside NYC. I recently spent three glorious days at Wildflower Farms – for log cabins, steaming saunas, roaring fires, toasted marshmallows and excellent hiking, it doesn’t get better. I’m excited to see the other places upstate that the team recommends. 

Closer to home, have you seen our latest TikTok series where we give you our best foodie reccs in our respective London neighbourhoods? My guide to Notting Hill has everything – from Spanish specialist supermarkets to Italian hidden gems, whilst Nana’s East episode included Jolene, Brat, Smoking Goat, and many more destinations on my wish list. 

We can finally declare April the start of a new season, and the fashion team are embracing it with an extra dose of inspo. I can’t wait to watch Lu dive into Lucy Williams’ impossibly cool wardrobe on the SheerLuxe Show later this month – plus, there’s a special shoot showcasing all the key spring trends. We’re also gearing up to announce the winners of our 2024 Beauty Awards, complete with a podcast starring the biggest names in the industry. Elsewhere, the LGs are launching a fresh podcast series, spearheaded by new face Amber Milligan – I don’t want to reveal too much yet, but I’m so proud of the 20-something girls in our team who are not only unafraid to have hard conversations, but who embrace them as opportunities to help others. 

Personally, April is bringing with it two hen dos and a wedding – I’m currently eyeing up this mega ME+EM find for the occasion – as well as a trip to Paris. The blow of being in the city exclusively to watch my husband run the marathon is softened by a stay at the beautiful Martin Brudnizki-designed La Fantaisie. I’m going to try to find some time to go back to Gaia, London’s coolest new Mediterranean-Greek restaurant this month too – the seabass carpaccio, served with three olive oil varieties will live rent free in my head for a long time. Plus, as NYC’s beloved abc kitchen finally comes to the UK this month thanks to new hotel The Emory, I’m excited to be able to enjoy a taste of The Big Apple on home soil.

Have a very happy April,