This Weekend’s 3 Big Questions

Writing from Bath this weekend,(full write-up with pictures coming next weekend), and I’m gearing up for Ascot week, which I’ll be diving into for Wednesday’s post.

But for now, grab a coffee, and let’s dive into this weekend’s 3 big questions. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

1. The Luxury Island Escape: Where is Europe’s Best Kept Secret?

I am looking to book a surprise week away this September for my wife.

We are looking for a bit of luxury, great beaches for her, and deep history and brilliant walking trails for me.

Now, I absolutely love Sicily, but our last visit felt a bit overrun—dare I say, the “White Lotus effect” has taken over!

Madeira is another firm favorite of mine, and we’ve done Crete to death.

These are a few we’ve tried!

If you want luxury paired with some of the most dramatic coastal walking in Europe.

The northwest coast of Mallorca is unbeatable. September is the “Golden Hour” for the island, the heat has dipped, and the mountains are inviting.

• The Vibe: High-end, boutique, and creatively inspired.
• For Her (The Beach): Stay in Deià and head down to Cala Deià. It’s a rugged, rocky cove with crystal-clear water and two incredible seafood restaurants built right into the cliffs.
• For Me (History & Walking): You are in the heart of the Tramuntana Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage site). The “Dry Stone Route” offers miles of ancient paved paths with views over the Mediterranean.

The “Miniature Dubrovnik”: Korčula, Croatia

Croatia’s islands are spectacular, but Korčula stands out for history lovers. The main town is a tiny, walled medieval peninsula often called “Little Dubrovnik,” but without the cruise ship swarms.

• The Vibe: Sophisticated, historical, and deeply Mediterranean.
• For Her (The Beach): The island is famous for its secluded pebble bays and the sandy beaches of Lumbarda, surrounded by vineyards.
• For Me (History & Walking): Explore the Venetian-style old town (the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo). For walking, the island is covered in pine forests and olive groves with ancient stone paths connecting the small hamlets.

The “Island of Beauty”: Corsica, France (Bonifacio)

Corsica offers a very different kind of luxury—one that feels wilder and more exclusive. The southern tip around Bonifacio is one of the most visually stunning places in the Mediterranean.

• The Vibe: Dramatic, rugged, and chic.
• For Me (The Beach): Just a short drive from the luxury hotels of Bonifacio are Palombaggia and Santa Giulia—stunning white sand beaches that look more like the Caribbean than Europe.
• For You (History & Walking): The citadel of Bonifacio is perched on 70-meter-high white limestone cliffs. The coastal walks along the cliff tops offer dizzying views across the Strait of Bonifacio toward Sardinia.

I would vist any of these again, but would love to visit somewhere new.

So, I need your hidden gems.

• Over to you: Where is your ultimate European island destination that offers luxury without the massive tourist crowds?
• Give me your best travel nuggets!

2. Club vs. Country: Where does your passion really lie?

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup currently underway across the US, Canada, and Mexico (having kicked off on June 11), the excitement is officially building. England’s campaign gets started very soon—their first group stage match against Croatia is locked in for Wednesday, June 17 at 9:00 PM BST.

Whether they can go all the way is the ultimate question.

The talent pool is arguably the best it has been in a generation, but tournament football always comes down to fine margins, tactical management in the knockout rounds, and handling the immense pressure.

It will be interesting to see if Thomas Tuchel can get us over the line, or did Gareth Southgate do much better than a lot of us give him credit for.

The Time Zone Dilemma & The Passion Debate

Because the tournament is hosted in North America, many games are kicking off late in the evening or in the early hours of the morning for UK viewers.

Watching from the comfort of your own sofa is going to be the default choice for those midnight and 2:00 AM matches!

The debate between Club vs. Country passion is a fascinating one that always divides football fans:

Perspective	The Argument
The Club Traditionalist	Club football is an everyday, lifelong commitment. The tribalism, the weekly routine of supporting your team through thick and thin, and the shared local identity often breed a deeper, more consistent intensity than international fixtures.
The Country Patriot	Nothing unites a nation quite like a World Cup summer. The stakes feel monumentally higher because it only happens once every four years, turning casual viewers into die-hard fans and creating unforgettable, collective cultural moments.

3. Elevating the Summer Salad (Need your recipes!)

With the weather warming up, I’m looking to ditch the boring lettuce-and-tomato routine and master 3 high-protein, substantial summer salads that actually keep you full.

I’m currently experimenting with:

1. The Tuscan Grilled Steak & White Bean Salad

• The Protein: Sliced lean sirloin paired with creamy Cannellini beans.
• The Base & Toss-ins: Wild rocket (arugula), halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and shaved parmesan.
• The Dressing: Extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, and cracked black pepper.
• Why it works: The combination of beef and legumes delivers a massive protein punch, while the rocket adds a sharp, peppery bite.

2. The Mediterranean Shredded Chicken & Chickpea Crunch

• The Protein: Roasted shredded chicken breast and seasoned, roasted chickpeas.
• The Base & Toss-ins: Chopped Romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
• The Dressing: A light Greek yogurt-based tzatziki dressing with fresh dill and lemon.
• Why it works: Using Greek yogurt in the dressing adds an extra hidden layer of protein, and roasting the chickpeas provides a fantastic, crunchy alternative to croutons.

3. The Seared Salmon, Edamame & Quinoa Bowl

• The Protein: Fresh pan-seared salmon fillet, shelled edamame beans, and a base of cooked quinoa.
• The Base & Toss-ins: Shredded red cabbage, grated carrots, and sliced avocado.
• The Dressing: A savory ginger-soy vinaigrette with a touch of sesame oil.
• Why it works: Quinoa is a complete protein on its own, and when paired with salmon and edamame, you get a beautiful balance of clean proteins and heart-healthy Omega-3 essential fats.

• Hit me with your best food tips: What is your go-to ingredient to turn a basic salad into a high-protein masterpiece?

to exclusive, upscale beach coves (calas) down below.