Insider Video:  Making A Stefano Ricci Tie

"His seemingly simple designs often incorporate as many as 14 different shades even if the eyes only register five or six because the additional colors are used as shading around stripes and other designs to give texture or a three-dimensional effect. Likewise, many of Ricci’s small neat prints appear remarkably clear and precise, even under a microscope, because the designer insists that the silk screens used to print them be thoroughly cleaned after every six meters of cloth,” writes Robb Report. The Financial Times concludes, “Stefano Ricci purveys luxe elegance.” See how Stefano Ricci’s ties are made by hand in the video below:

While we personally like visiting Stefano Ricci’s inviting castle-like boutiques around-the-world. We’ve stopped by in Doha, Shanghai, Florence and New York, you can also buy at the online Stefano Ricci boutique as well.

Hotel du Vin & Bistro

Overview: 

Unless you are coming on business, Scotland’s plentiful network of airports suitable for private aviation means it is easy to bypass Glasgow. However, the city, which was a European Capital of Culture in 1990, is definitely worth a look, and Hotel du Vin & Bistro is a good choice for a couple reasons.

First of all, you can search high and low, and you will be hard pressed to find a hotel situated in such beautiful Victorian townhouses. The five connected townhouses are endless fun for youngsters twisting and turning between the connections up and down half flights of stairs. It might remind you a bit of Amsterdam. For those of you who appreciate the architecture of bygone times, the ultra high ceilings, decadent wood paneling and huge bay windows provide stunning views onto leafy green streets. You will wake up thinking you are staying in a friend’s suburban home. 

The hotel is in Glasgow’s West End and is only 30 minutes from Loch Lomond and about 15 minutes from the city center. In addition to its bistro, there is a bar that feels more like a private study. There is also a cigar shack and whisky room. The hotel is a particularly good venue for meetings as well as celebrations. Most of all, its staff delivers friendly Scottish hospitality, highly professional, but happy to engage guests who want to have a wee chat as they enjoy a drink or espresso.

The hotel has free WiFi and also 24-hour room service and same day laundry. Its celebrity guest list includes George Clooney, Britney Spears and Lionel Richie.

One challenge in choosing rooms is no two are the exact same, although all of the ones we looked at were of ample space and had high ceilings and detailed finishes. Some 90% of the reviews on Trip Advisor are Excellent/Very Good. The negative reviews revolve mainly about waiting to be seated in the dining room, dark rooms (we suspect there are some) and lapses at the reception. This is a bit of a weak point. The one or two people at the front desk can be overwhelmed. When we asked to research specifics on room sizes and categories (the website is poor), the fellow had to search through files of papers in seemingly now particular order. It took two days to get us room sizes. If you are arriving early, we suggest you reserve your room the night before as it isn’t necessarily easy to switch like for like accommodations.

Accommodations:

Krug Townhouse Suite

Krug is an 861 sq. ft. Luxury Town House Suite with a king size four poster bed and a separate living room with dining area. It features a large bathroom with a marble surround jacuzzi bath, aqua TV, large walk in monsoon power shower and sauna, plus a separate shower room and private gym area (The hotel does not have a gym.). This suite also overlooks the hotel’s “secret garden." Like all accommodations, the elevated beds feature handsprung mattresses, and Egyptian linen, plasma TVs, and Nespresso machines.

Domaine Georges Vernay

Domaine Georges Vernay is a 559 sq. ft. duplex suite with a king size bed and separate conservatory lounge area leading to a private patio overlooking the hotel’s terraced garden. 

The bathroom on the lower level comes with a cast iron roll-top bath and walk-in twin monsoon power showers. 

Chateau Bauduc

Chateau Baudac is a 592 sq. ft. one-bedroom Townhouse Suite with king size sleigh bed and a separate lounge with a total of two rooms and an oversize bathroom. Located on the ground floor it has access to the “secret garden” at the rear of the hotel. In the bathroom you’ll find a deep bath tub surrounded by marble, a walk-in monsoon shower, and aqua TV screen. There is also a large plasma and a Nespresso machine. 

Toques & Clochers

At 807 sq. ft, Toques & Clochers features a king size four poster bed and separate lounge/living room with a dining table at the window. There's also a shower room ensuite to the bedroom with a walk in monsoon power shower. Like Bauduc, there is an oversize bathroom with deep marble surrounded tub, and walk-in monsoon shower. The suite is good for young families too as it has two pull-down single beds in the living room. There is a large plasma TV and Nespresso machine.

Vettriano Suite

The Vettriano Suite is a 645 sq. ft. open plan Grand Duplex Suite housing a king size bedroom, featuring a free-standing roll-top bath and Jack Vettriano prints. On the lower level is the bathroom complete with walk in twin monsoon power showers.

Chateau de la Roulerie

Chateau de la Roulerie is also a 592 sq. ft. Duplex Suite. With a large open plan king size bedroom featuring free standing roll-top bed and like Vettriano Suite also has a bathroom on the lower level with walk in twin monsoon showers. 

Dog Friendly Rooms

There are two Superior (Planeta and Veuve Clicquot), one Classic (Conch Y Toro) and one Grand (Pol Roger) room that are designated dog friendly.

Restaurants and Bars

Bistro du Vin

The 3AA Rosette bistro is an elegant setting for lunch and dinner good for both business meals and celebrations. The large chandelier and oak-paneled walls compliment a Scottish and international menu focused on fresh, seasonal, locally sourced and,   wherever possible, organic produce by Executive Head Chef Barry Duff.

The One Devonshire Gardens Tasting Menu comes with wine pairings by Sommelier Antonio Belzunces. Examples from a recent menu are hot and cold smoked salmon, cucumber, apple & crème fraîche; confit rabbit terrine, poached loin, sauternes jelly, golden raisin purée, celeriac remoulade, brioche; squid ink monkfish, saffron noodles, chorizo, coconut & mussel broth; and Newtonmore venison loin, root vegetables, fig, chocolate and chestnut purée, spinach, wild mushrooms, pommel Dauphine 

Private Dining

There are three private dining rooms:  Glenlivet (up to 50 for dining), Ardbeg (16 people), and The Glengoyne (10). 

The Bar

For afternoon tea or drinks, the cozy bar is a good place for a drink before or after dinner.

Meetings

Rooms range from the largest, Glenlivet, full of original Victorian features to the Macallan room, with large comfy chairs and the Secret Garden, perfect as a breakout area. For privacy, there’s exclusive use of Townhouse No.5, with its own private meeting and event rooms, breakout areas, private garden, and 12 luxury bedrooms and suites. Glenlivet which can accommodate up to 70 in theatre style seating.

Contact:

Telephone: +44 141 378 0385