Passionate about style, spirituality and sustainability, Lou Stokes is not only our resident style guru for our LUXE Picks column – she’s also our eyes and ears on the ground in Madrid as our resident editor. The fashionable stylist and confidence coach shares her top travel highlights of 2021, fave haunts in Madrid and where she plans to go this year in our latest edition of Talking Travel With.
What was your travel highlight of 2021?
I didn’t have any major travel plans for 2021, but I visited Mallorca three times over the summer. It’s one of my favourite places in Spain and has always felt like home. I love its nature and the incredible beaches, plus it has some amazing restaurants – El Camino is my top fave right now.
My absolute favourite hangout in Mallorca is the Maricel Hotel. It’s perfect place to indulge in a massage (with a glass of cava) at their summer spa, which overlooks the ocean. Later in October, I visited London for a music event and travelled to the south of England for Christmas break, where I was lucky enough to enjoy the incredible nature of the South Downs, Beachy Head and the cosy British pubs.
Something new you discovered in Madrid during COVID?
I rediscovered Casa de Campo park, which is a beautiful urban park that’s somewhat like a forest. It’s the perfect place to get a breath of fresh air and enjoy a pincho de tortilla in one of the restaurants around the impressive lake.
Your current fave hangouts in Madrid:
Slow Cafe Madrid: I love this place, it’s got such a peaceful ambience with amazing coffee and an exquisite brunch menu.
Magro & Cardona for their incredible “Made in Spain” shoes. Honestly, I could purchase every single pair!
La Galería Canalejas food hall, especially 19.86 by Ruben Arnanz (the youngest chef to be awarded a Michelin star) with his new Castilian cuisine.
You can’t beat Casa Jaguar for Latin American cuisine and incredible cocktails – the Bloody Mary has to be the best I’ve ever tried. I’m also a big fan of El Camaoti for delicious Argentinian food and wine.
For staycations in Madrid, I love Only You Boutique Hotel in Calle Barquillo, and just down the road, Barquillo Hot Yoga for my daily stretch.
What are your lockdown essentials:
- Good soul music
- A recipe book to explore different nourishing foods
- Daily movement, yoga and strength training
- Meditation and breathing exercises
- A good red wine
- Long chats with friends over Zoom
Book/podcast/show recs?
When it comes to books, I really enjoyed Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes by Dana Thomas and The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck.
A few podcasts that I love right now are Reframe by Jenna Zoe on human design and The Crash Course Fashion podcast.
Tips for travelling during COVID?
Be organised in advance and know what you need for the place you’re travelling to. And of course, be open to things changing at the last minute.
Any travel plans for 2022?
I’m off to London and will definitely be back in Mallorca in the next few months. Fingers crossed in May that I’ll be jetting off to Ibiza for an event. I’m also considering a trip back to New York and the Caribbean… let’s see, I’m not a massive planner when it comes to travel!
Follow Lou’s adventures on Instagram @byloustokes and read more of her articles on LUXE!
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