Thames Water has been thrown a cash lifeline that will tide the troubled utility giant over until October next year.
The UK’s biggest water group has secured a loan of up to £3bn following fears that it would run out of funding by Christmas.
People close to the deal said it was signed on Thursday evening and shows there is confidence that new and existing investors can reach an agreement to secure the company’s future.
Thames Water’s huge debts have led to speculation it could be taken over by the government, although this would not affect any supplies.
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Meanwhile, Thames Water’s 16 million customers are facing a steep rise in bills.
In July, the company had told water regulator Ofwat that it wanted to increase annual bills by 23% between 2025 and 2030.
Since then, Thames has said it needed to raise them by 59%.
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
Three journalists were killed in an Israeli air strike as they slept in a residential compound housing media workers in southern Lebanon in the early hours of Friday, an attack condemned as a war crime by the Lebanese government.
Those killed include cameraman Ghassan Najjar and broadcast engineer Mohammad Reda, who worked for Al Mayadeen, a pro-Hizbollah and pro-Iran Lebanese TV channel, the network said. Hizbollah’s Al Manar TV said its camera operator Wissam Qassim was also killed in the air strike.
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Local media broadcast live from the scene in Hasbaya, showing multiple bungalows reduced to rubble, with several cars visibly marked “PRESS” crumpled among them.
The attack is the latest indication that Israel has widened the scope of its targets in Lebanon beyond Hizbollah military infrastructure, striking rescue workers, financial institutions and journalists as well as local government buildings.
Israel stepped up its offensive against Hizbollah in September, initially saying its goal was to push the group back from the Lebanese border to ensure that about 60,000 people forced from their homes in northern Israel by rocket fire would be able to return. But after killing much of Hizbollah’s leadership, Israel appears to have expanded its goals, launching air strikes across the country and invading the south.
Hasbaya, an area of mixed religions, had largely been spared from Israeli air strikes. Many of the journalists covering the fighting had moved from the nearby town of Marjayoun, which has been targeted by Israeli war planes in recent weeks.
Three other people were also wounded in the attack, Lebanon’s health ministry said.
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“The Israeli enemy waited for the journalists to rest to betray them,” said Ziad Makary, Lebanon’s minister of information.
“This is a war crime,” he said, adding that there were 18 journalists staying on the compound from seven different outlets. They include Lebanese stations as well as Sky News Arabia and Al Jazeera.
“The occupation’s [Israel’s] targeting of the journalists’ residence was deliberate,” Ghassan bin Jiddo, director of Al Mayadeen, said on the channel’s X account. “We hold the occupation fully responsible for this war crime.”
There was no immediate comment from Israel.
The strike came as Lebanese authorities reported another 24 hours of intense air strikes and shelling across the country, which killed 19 people over 24 hours and raised the death toll to nearly 2,600 since October 2023 — the majority of those in the past four weeks. The fighting has also displaced more than 1mn, triggering a humanitarian crisis.
The Israel Defense Forces issued evacuation orders for several areas in south Beirut and said it struck about “200 terror targets” in southern Lebanon over the past day, killing a local commander of Hizbollah’s elite Radwan force.
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Ten Israeli soldiers were also killed during the fighting in southern Lebanon, Israel said, bringing the toll on the Israeli side to 27 deaths since the IDF invasion of its northern neighbour. More than 80 Israeli soldiers and civilians have been killed over the past year in northern Israel and during the ground incursion into south Lebanon.
Israel has been criticised for striking hospitals, schools and Lebanese army soldiers who are not party to the conflict, as well as UN peacekeepers. But it says its attacks are targeting Hizbollah militants and military infrastructure, and accuses them of using civilians as human shields.
On Thursday, an Israeli air strike killed three Lebanese soldiers as they tried to evacuate wounded people from the border village of Yater, the army said. Israel did not comment on the attack.
Friday’s attack came a day after an Israeli strike hit one of Al Mayadeen’s offices, located in a six-storey residential building in southern Beirut. One person was killed and five were wounded in that strike, Lebanon’s health ministry said.
Five journalists have been killed in the past year of fighting in Lebanon, including two of Al Mayadeen’s journalists who were killed in southern Lebanon in November.
The Committee to Protect Journalists said at least 128 journalists and media workers have been killed since the start of the war in Gaza, most of them Palestinian, making it the deadliest period for journalists since the CPJ began gathering data in 1992.
TESCO shoppers have just weeks left to spend millions of pounds worth of Clubcard vouchers before they expire.
The UK’s largest supermarket has warned customers to use their rewards points before midnight on November 30.
Over £18million in vouchers still need to be used before the end of next month.
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Shoppers on the Clubcard scheme receive vouchers after spending in-store or online, with every 150 points worth £1.50.
These vouchers can be used on your weekly food shop and with any number of Tesco‘s partners including PizzaExpress and Hotels.com.
Any vouchers spent with a Tesco partner are also worth two times their normal value.
You can swap vouchers for money off your Tesco Mobile bill too.
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However, vouchers expire after two years so you risk losing them if you don’t redeem them.
Luckily, you can extend their expiration either online or on the Tesco Clubcard app.
You can then either make a small purchase on the Tesco Clubcard Rewards page with the remaining balance will transferred back as points.
You can then swap your points for vouchers, which will be valid for two years.
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Pick something with a low value, such as a 50p restaurant voucher.
It comes as Tesco unveiled its top 10 Halloween deals to use your Clubcard vouchers on.
Customers with vouchers can swap them in for tickets for the below days out.
Haunted Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire with English Heritage
Meet the Wookey Hole witch
Summon up Marvel Television’s Agatha All Along with three months of Disney+
Journey through the city’s dark past at Edinburgh Dungeon
Creepy Halloween at Castell Coch with Cadw
Scarefest at Alton Towers
Horror Season at Cineworld
Death by Chocolate at Choc on Choc
LEGOLAND® Windsor ‘Brick or Treat’
Fright Nights at Thorpe Park
Tesco Group Membership and Loyalty Director Lizzie Reynolds said: “When it comes to treats for all the family this Halloween then Tesco Clubcard will do the trick.
“Everything from scary rides to spooky shows can be summoned up with Tesco Clubcard.
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“When you unearth a reward from our Reward Partners vault you get 2x the value of the vouchers- and that is a frighteningly good deal, especially if you are a Clubcard member with vouchers that are due to expire.”
How does Tesco’s Clubcard work?
You earn points as you shop, which can then be turned into vouchers for money off food or with Tesco’s partners.
You earn one point for each £1 spent, and each point is then worth 1p.
So 150 points gets you £1.50, and you would have to spend £150 to get 150 points.
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You need a minimum of 150 points to request a voucher.
Any vouchers are worth their face value when used in-store at Tesco.
But you can double their worth by spending them at one of the supermarket chain’s partners.
There are over 100 partners you can spend your Clubcard points with, including the RAC, Disney+ and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
TESCO’S Clubcard scheme allows shoppers to earn points as they shop.
These points can then be turned into vouchers for money off food at the supermarket, or discounts at other places like restaurants and days out.
Each time you spend £1 in-store and online, you get one point when you scan your Clubcard.
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Drivers using the loyalty card get one point for every two litres spent on fuel.
One point equals 1p, so 150 points gets you a £1.50 money-off voucher, for example.
You can double their worth when you swap them for discounts with “reward partners”.
For example, £12 worth of vouchers can be swapped for a £24 three-month subscription to Disney+.
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Or you can swap 50p worth of points for £1 to spend at Hungry Horse pubs.
Where you can spend them changes regularly, and you can check on the Tesco website what’s available now.
Tesco shoppers can also get Clubcard prices when they have the loyalty card.
The discounted items change regularly and without a Clubcard you’ll pay a higher price.
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These Clubcard prices are usually labelled on shelves, along with the non-member price.
But it’s worth noting that just because it’s discounted doesn’t necessarily make it the cheapest around, and you should compare prices to find the best deal.
You can sign up to get a Tesco Clubcard in store or online via the Tesco website.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Wealth management for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) is not a one-size-fits-all service. It requires tailored strategies that address specific financial needs and goals. HNWIs often deal with complex financial portfolios that include investments, real estate, and business interests. Therefore, expert wealth managers create customized financial plans to ensure their clients’ wealth grows, is protected, and is transferred efficiently. Personalized wealth management also involves tax planning, estate planning, and risk mitigation, all crucial for preserving and enhancing wealth over time.
Key Services in Wealth Management
Wealth management for HNWIs encompasses a range of financial services designed to meet unique requirements. These services typically include investment management, financial planning, and estate planning. Wealth managers also provide advice on tax efficiency, retirement planning, and philanthropic activities. Investment strategies are especially important, as they involve balancing risk and return to achieve long-term financial goals. Comprehensive wealth management goes beyond simple oversight; it ensures that all aspects of an individual’s financial life are integrated into a cohesive plan.
Tailored Investment Strategies
Tailored investment strategies are a fundamental aspect of high net worthindividuals wealth management. Each client’s financial objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon are considered when creating a personalized portfolio. Wealth managers often incorporate a mix of asset classes, including equities, bonds, real estate, and alternative investments, to diversify risk. They also regularly review and adjust the portfolio based on market conditions and client goals. These strategies help ensure that investments align with long-term financial objectives, maximizing returns while managing risks effectively.
Tax Planning and Optimization
Effective tax planning is a vital component of wealth management for HNWIs. With higher incomes and more complex financial portfolios, tax efficiency is essential to preserve wealth. Wealth managers work with tax specialists to develop strategies that reduce tax liabilities while complying with regulations. These strategies may include tax-loss harvesting, charitable donations, and retirement account contributions. By taking advantage of tax-efficient investment vehicles and structures, high-net-worth individuals can maximize their after-tax returns, ensuring their wealth continues to grow without unnecessary tax burdens.
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Estate and Legacy Planning
Estate planning is crucial for high-net-worth individuals to ensure the smooth transfer of assets to heirs or chosen beneficiaries. Wealth managers collaborate with estate planning attorneys to create comprehensive plans that minimize estate taxes and protect family wealth for future generations. Key elements of estate planning include wills, trusts, and charitable giving strategies. Legacy planning also involves preparing heirs to manage inherited wealth responsibly. By addressing these aspects in advance, HNWIs can protect their legacy and ensure financial security for future generations.
Risk Management and Asset Protection
Wealth managers prioritize risk management by developing strategies that protect assets against potential financial threats. For high-net-worth individuals, this may include diversifying investments, obtaining appropriate insurance, and setting up legal structures like trusts. These measures help mitigate risks associated with market volatility, lawsuits, and other financial threats. Wealth managers also conduct regular reviews to ensure that their clients’ risk exposure aligns with their financial goals. By incorporating comprehensive risk management, HNWIs can secure their wealth against unforeseen circumstances.
Philanthropic Planning and Charitable Giving
Many high-net-worth individuals integrate philanthropy into their wealth management strategies. Wealth managers offer guidance on charitable giving plans that align with the client’s values while also providing tax benefits. Charitable giving strategies may include establishing donor-advised funds, private foundations, or direct donations. These approaches allow individuals to support causes they care about while also receiving potential tax deductions. Thoughtful philanthropic planning ensures that charitable donations are structured to maximize both the impact of the gift and the financial benefits for the donor.
Retirement Planning for HNWIs
Retirement planning is another critical aspect of wealth management for high-net-worth individuals. Unlike traditional retirement planning, which focuses primarily on income replacement, HNWIs often have more complex considerations, such as maintaining a lifestyle, managing multiple properties, and funding philanthropic endeavours. Wealth managers create strategies that ensure clients can sustain their desired lifestyle throughout retirement while continuing to grow their wealth. This involves balancing income generation, tax efficiency, and risk management to create a retirement plan that meets both current and future needs.
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Diversification and Alternative Investments
High-net-worth individuals often have access to a broader range of investment opportunities, including alternative investments such as private equity, hedge funds, and real estate. Wealth managers guide clients in selecting strategic investments that complement their existing portfolios and align with their risk tolerance. Diversification is crucial in protecting against market volatility and ensuring that wealth grows steadily. By incorporating alternative investments into a diversified portfolio, wealth managers help clients achieve superior returns while mitigating the risks associated with traditional asset classes.
Financial Planning for Business Owners
Many high-net-worth individuals are business owners who face unique financial challenges. Wealth managers offer specialized services that address both personal and business financial needs. This includes succession planning, liquidity management, and tax-efficient strategies for managing or transferring business ownership. A well-structured wealth management approach ensures that business owners can maximize the value of their business while protecting personal assets. By integrating personal and business financial planning, wealth managers help clients navigate the complexities of wealth preservation and growth.
Family Governance and Wealth Education
For many high-net-worth families, maintaining and growing wealth across generations is a significant concern. Wealth managers assist in creating family governance structures that establish clear guidelines for managing family assets and decision-making processes. Additionally, wealth education programs help younger generations understand the responsibilities that come with managing significant assets. By promoting financial literacy and open communication, wealth managers ensure that family wealth is preserved and responsibly managed for future generations. Family governance structures help maintain family harmony while fostering long-term financial success.
The Role of Technology in Wealth Management
Technological advancements are transforming the wealth management industry, offering high-net-worth individuals greater access to financial tools and insights. Digital platforms enable wealth managers to monitor portfolios in real-time, adjust investment strategies, and provide detailed reporting. Wealth management firms also use advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to optimize financial strategies and predict market trends. This integration of technology enhances the decision-making process and allows wealth managers to offer more personalized and effective services. As technology continues to evolve, it will play an increasingly important role in wealth management for HNWIs.
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Conclusion
Wealth management for high-net-worth individuals requires a comprehensive approach that addresses investment strategies, tax efficiency, risk management, and estate planning. Tailored financial solutions ensure that each client’s unique needs are met, whether through diversification, strategic investments, or philanthropic planning. By earning clients’ trust and offering expert guidance, wealth managers help HNWIs protect and grow their wealth, ensuring financial security for both current and future generations. The strategic integration of technology and professional expertise allows for more effective wealth management in today’s evolving financial landscape.
I’m hoping this official stamp of approval will prompt more of my city slicker pals to (finally!) make the journey up the M11 to see me and experience the magic of Norfolk.
I get it – prior to moving to Norwich accidentally during lockdown, I was never leaving London, having lived there with my husband and dogs for 15 years.
Despite being my husband’s hometown, we only ever visited fleetingly, making pretentious city folk jokes about coming to the end of the line and nothing working on Sundays.
But four years, 1500sqft, and one wild dog later and here I am, having moved to Norfolk and raving about how amazing it is.
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Later today I’ll be headed to Fritton Lake for a sauna on the lake and a bracing wild swim before pitching up in front of one of the log fires for a couple of hours’ work.
Then after ditching my Dryrobe (an important part of Norfolk life – Dryrobes and dogs) I’ll head to Norwich to meet some friends, maybe taking in a HHIP class (the very new and trendy Hot High Intensity Pilates class with James Jackson at Yantra Studio that I don’t think even London has yet).
I’ll probably swing by the quirky Book Hive independent book store to find (another) title to add to my TBR pile, and definitely ending up for food at Yarm, a buzzing food hall featuring lots of humans and an exciting mix of food from around the world, including Thai, African, Mexican and Korean.
Because that’s the thing about Norfolk, once you know where to look, you can create your perfect blend of yin and yang, peace and pace, town and country, Dryrobes and dancing shoes.
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Moving here during lockdown means that I’m still getting to grips with the best bits of the county, and I love seeking out the cool new stuff as well as the gems I missed on previous visits (Norfolk Uncovered is my go-to for ideas off the beaten track).
And here are some of my favourite spots to date (and being less than two hours from London on the train, there is no excuse….)
Inside picturesque UK town that has doubled for Netherlands in movies – including amazing James Bond chopper scene
Where to eat and drink in Norfolk
Local bakery Bread Source is a Norfolk institution, with THE BEST sourdough and locations throughout Norwich (the Cathedral Cafe location is really special)
The Grosvenor Fish Bar is the city’s trendiest chippy (gluten-free available!)
Eric’s Fish and Chips is a staple for glampers and beach-lovers in North Norfolk
Head to Meadowsweet in Holt for a special occasion (advance booking 100% needed and you can book one of the bedrooms upstairs for a super special occasion)
Take your mates and your pup to The Brisley Bell in Dereham for an all-day Sunday roast
And The Cricketers on the Green in Aldborough is a critics fave for food and atmosphere, also dog-friendly and they host all kinds of fun events
Back in the city you’re spoiled for choice for dinner; from the tasting menu at Benedicts (owner and TV chef Richard Bainbridge is a local foodie superstar), to handmade pasta at Benoli, an intimate tasting experience at The (teeny) Corkscrew, and cocktails and trendy turkish food at Haggle.
Also in Norwich we love the cheese room at Jarrolds department store (because… a room full of cheese), brunch at Cafe 33 (two locations, no bookings but worth the queue) and The Ivy Brasserie for a glamorous lunch.
Cake-lovers need to track down Matilda Rose Bakes (available at various establishments around Norfolk), and cruffins from the the microbakery at Hempnall are a total Saturday morning treat (the only day it’s open!)
For fun vibes head to Yarm in the Royal Arcade for two-floors of street food, craft beers, self-service wine and the best in mixology or Junkyard Market for more street food and drink and live music events.
And a Norwich night always seems to end with a nightcap at Gonzo’s Tea Room.
Norfolk’s best nature and wellbeing activities
In Norfolk you literally can’t get any further east, meaning we are the BEST place to see the sunrise in the country – the First Light Festival celebrates the summer solstice every year with a free festival on Lowestoft Beach
Paddle board on the canals and broads (hire your board at The Red Lion in the city or The Rising Sun on the broads – the city waterways get busy but you can find peaceful spots further out)
Take part in a powerful full moon sauna experience with the Sauna Box crew at Sea Palling beach
Spend the day getting your om on at the Norwich Yoga Festival (August 2025) try yoga on the beach (May-Sept) with Norwich Yoga Central or steamy hot yoga classes in the city at the glossy new Yantra studio
Take a well-being class at the serene The Space in Burston
Spend the day hiking the pine forests and epic beach at Holkham
Take a more sedate stroll through the East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden
Check out the brilliant Feel Good Norfolk directory for full listings of Norfolk well-being bods you can visit during your stay
Where to shop in Norfolk
Visit Upper St Giles Street for stylish pottering (delis, coffee, plants, interiors)
The Lanes in Norwich is full of independent fashion and beauty boutiques
Jarrolds is a sumptuous department store experience (with restaurants on each floor for pit stops)
Aylsham auctions is the place for antique hunters (check the website for auction dates and find a friend with a van)
And Looses Emporium on Magdalen Street features 60 homeware shops and stalls under one roof (check the FB page for the latest drops)
Eat, shop AND chill at The Painted Barn in Barnham Broom; interiors inspo with a side of brunch and brilliant fitness classes
Where to stay in Norfolk
Fritton Lake (immerse yourself in nature in one of the woodland cabins on a beautiful lake…. with all the comforts of a members club within walking distance)
Blackwood Norfolk (a chic woodland retreat in North Norfolk)
Nor-Folk Stays (a stylish water cabin in the heart of the Broads National Park)
The Gunton Arms (a gastropub + bedrooms in a jaw-dropping setting with the odd celeb spot)
Get your glamping on in one of the safari lodges at Wild Luxury in North Norfolk
My personal style signifier is a sort of casual work uniform: a pair of high-waisted Jesse Kamm trousers with a Jungmaven hemp T-shirt. Keep it easy – denim downstairs, white up top. I also love Chloé, velvet details, a little gold Lurex at night – and anything vintage because the pieces feel unique. I have a belted brown suede YSL jacket that I love. My wardrobe is completely sustainable – I hang onto pieces forever!
The last thing I bought and loved was a pair of chocolate-brown suede and leather Chloé boots that I found on a trip to Los Angeles. They have a little gold button on the back and a 1970s Kenny Lane backstage look. I’m also constantly buying pieces by Australian brands All That Remains and Lucy Folk – both embrace colour and are inspired by travel, which I love.
The best books I’ve read in the past year are children’s books. One I’d recommend to all parents is Need a House? Call Ms Mouse! by George Mendoza and Doris Susan Smith. Henrietta Mouse designs these elaborate homes for her animal friends – rabbits, frogs, a mansion for a lizard that looks like it’s in Big Sur. You know it’s an American book because it features hedgehogs, squirrels and otters – things we don’t have in Australia. The illustrations are very intricate and it’s a wonderful intro to architecture and design.
The place that means a lot to me is the ocean near my home in Byron Bay, New South Wales. I’m a water baby and if I can get my kids – ages five and eight – to watch the sunrise with me in the morning, no one is in a bad mood. I particularly love Belongil Beach and Broken Head, but all of the beaches are fantastic. The minerals, the salt, the sand… this is my home.
And the best souvenir I’ve brought home is a heap of Japanese earthenware pottery, which we eat and drink out of every day. I also love buying fake jewellery – big crystal earrings, chunky necklaces, statement bangles – and have brought lots home from the flea market in downtown Los Angeles.
My biggest adventure was a girls’ trip from Burning Man in Nevada to New York City. We rented an RV and had a crazy week of theatrical costumes and endless dancing in Black Rock City, then on to the Grand Canyon and New York, meeting so many beautiful people along the way. There were flat tyres – all eight of them at once in a car park – but the trip was outrageously good fun.
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The hotels I am dreaming of checking into are all over the world: the Dexamenes Seaside Hotel in Kourouta, Greece, which overlooks the island of Zakynthos and the Ionian Sea; Soneva Fushi in the Maldives; Wild Coast Tented Lodge on the coast of Sri Lanka, which is next to a National Park for safaris and a beach; and the 15-room Hotel Corazón in the mountains of Mallorca.
My style icons are Old Hollywood film stars. I like that uniform look of a James Dean – denim and a white tee – or a Paul Newman. Just simple. I also love the effortless look of model and Chanel muse Caroline de Maigret. She wears great pant suits with button-down shirts, and her hair is flowy and loose, but with an edge.
On my Instagram you’ll find a lot of images of Sun Ranch, the boutique hotel I run with my partner Jamie Blakey. I spend a lot of time posting pictures of the spaces, the food, the beaches, the horses and the pool. The whole thing is inspired by 1970s California ranch houses, so I try to show that vibrant colour via the app.
My playlist is influenced by my kids: there’s lots of Taylor Swift and Harry Styles in our house
And a country on my bucket list is Sri Lanka. My husband and I are heading there next month for the rainforests and jungle areas, surfing and food.
The last music I downloaded was Dua Lipa’s album Radical Optimism. My daughter Delilah and I love her so much; we watched her on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury. My playlist is influenced by my kids: there’s lots of Taylor Swift and Harry Styles in our house.
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In my fridge you’ll always find duck eggs because we have pet ducks. You’ll also find lettuce; herbs such as dill, parsley and basil from the farmer’s market in Bangalow; and a selection of cheeses. We always have a big block of parmesan for grating over pasta. Local apples and blueberries, coconut yoghurt and wine – both red and white – from Jilly Wine Co are on hand, too.
I’ve recently rediscovered Japan through my kids’ eyes. I have visited many times before, but being at the Shibuya Crossing with my kids was magical. Tokyo provides so many aha moments for young people. Kyoto, too – those early jet-lagged mornings when the streets are empty and you can hear the echo. Even watching cats in windows was amazing. I try to take my kids to places that are culturally interesting. We stayed at the Hoshinoya hotels in Tokyo, Mount Fuji and Taketomi Island, and in a Shimaya Stays serviced residence near Kyoto’s Gion district.
I’m not sure I believe in life after death. I recently lost my father, who was a staunch Scot and would emphatically have said “no!” to this. It would be nice to have a choice – as in Buddhism, where you can come back as an animal. Maybe it’s there if you want it? That concept is a big part of Indigenous culture here, and I like that way of thinking.
The things I couldn’t do without are sunglasses, because it’s always bright at the Sun Ranch Pool Club. I never leave home without my favourite tortoiseshell Marni glasses that my partner gave me for my birthday. They are wide at the sides and I just love them.
The beauty staple I’m never without is a hairbrush. I always have one – usually a Koh-I-Noor one that’s hand made in Italy – with me as my hair tends to get knotty from swimming in the ocean. I also swear by an earthy lip colour by the Aussie brand Booie – it’s very out-the‑door easy – and a matte red Mac lipstick for a night out and that margarita. Booie Where The Hell Is My…? Nourished Lip Stick, £16. Koh-I-Noor hair brush, £49.99, zarahome.com. Mac MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick, £25
The best way to spend $20 is on a Mush Luv and a pastry at High Life café in Byron Bay. It’s a mushroom tincture – like a golden milk – that’s a coffee alternative. On a Friday, however, I’d spend the $20 on a Margarita at You Beauty in Bangalow.
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The last item of clothing I added to my wardrobe is a pair of dusty-pink button-fly Levi’s from Mr Vintage in Byron Bay. They’re fantastic – comfortable, cool. I’ve also recently acquired a long trouser suit – well, a top and trousers – in raw silk by All That Remains.
If I were travelling to a desert island I would bring great friends with wine in their pockets. You’re probably going to die out there, so why not have fun?
In my suitcase you’ll always find swimsuits by Lucy Folk and Matteau, a great pair of leather sandals and luxurious wool pieces by Nagnata. They use Australian wool that is comfortable and great-looking for workouts, restaurant settings and everything in between. I also carry a calming Souq scented oil by AYU, for behind the ears. AYU Souq scented oil, £34 for 15ml
The one artist whose work I would collect if I could is Jedda-Daisy Culley, a Sydney-based painter who creates bold, out-of-this-world work – think female aliens with oversized breasts and psychedelic cowboys.
The works of art that changed everything for me weren’t so much a particular painting, but my mum’s colour wheel. She dabbled in interior design and always inspired me. It’s because of her that we have “personality chairs” – all different kinds, sizes, textures – throughout the hotel. Our African chairs made from timber and woven straw are a personal favourite – they remind me of a vibrant, sassy bird of paradise. Such fun!
My favourite app is the Bureau of Meteorology website. I also like an app called AmiGo that offers snippets of information on various cities: where to eat, the best coffee or hidden park. The best travel tip was the Sublime Comporta Beach Club in Portugal – fantastic food.
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When I need to feel inspired, I walk on the beach and take a swim in the ocean, which gives me space to think. But travel inspires me more than anything: seeing what artists are working on, what people are wearing, different foods. I look for turn-off-the-phone moments.
An object I would never part with is my wedding ring – actually, my wedding ring and engagement ring, which were both designed by my husband. The wedding ring is gold with a midnight-blue sapphire and smaller diamonds, and when the two rings are worn together they make an evil eye. I’m often asked about them.
The best gift I’ve received was a massage given to me by a girlfriend last Wednesday. She just said “your appointment is at 4pm today” – no scheduling – and it was fantastic. That’s my love language. I also received a beautiful, framed artwork from my son Alby.
I have a collectionof coffee-table books. I have a semi-obsession with them, which is torturous when I’m travelling as they’re so heavy and impractical. I am especially focused on art, architecture and interior design. A recent favourite is a monograph of artist Vincent Namatjira’s work.
My favourite room in my house is the kitchen, the heart of our home. Our kids are getting involved in the cooking now, so we all chop, cut and grate together around the big central island. I also love our veranda, which looks out towards the ocean. If you look closely you’ll see the whales breaching in the distance.
My favourite building is the Sydney Opera House. It’s such a stunning piece of architecture and to listen to musical performances there is mind-blowing. Another favourite is the Paradero Todos Santos, a boutique hotel in Mexico. Its concrete structures are beautiful – kind of reminiscent of Georgia O’Keeffe – and have a warmth to them.
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My wellbeing gurus are Aysha, a massage therapist who comes to my home once a month, and the people who work at the Comma day spa in Byron Bay. I like to go for a 90-minute sauna/ice bath/massage session. In terms of exercise, I just want to be outside in nature, walking or jogging solo.
In another life, I would have been a painter by the seaside in Greece. I would have lived in a little oikos, and I would have pottered all day long, eating fish fresh from the sea, drinking wine, making music and staring at the moon.
The best bit of advice I ever received was from my late father. His last words to me were “be good and look after Mum”. What he meant was “be kind, it’s your superpower”.
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