If there’s one woman who reminds me that dancing is vital for the soul, it’s Carmen Avilés.

She dances in a slip, in a dress, barefoot, on stage, off stage, everywhere. It’s raw. It’s instinctive. And it’s real. Dance isn’t a performance for her, it’s a pulse, a way of being. Flamenco runs through her veins, and you feel it in every movement, every flick of her hand, every stomp of her foot.

We don’t dance enough.
We scroll. We pose. We rehearse a TikTok move for likes.
But what happened to dancing just because the music was good?
After dinner. In the living room. At breakfast even.

Dance, like Carmen does, for yourself.

There’s something deeply moving about how she honours flamenco’s gypsy roots, not just in the dance, but in the clothing too. Long, sweeping skirts, earthy colours, bold confidence. It’s a world away from trends. It’s heritage in motion.

Carmen reminds me that being alive is not about how we look, but how we move.

Go follow her.
And more importantly: put on a song tonight and dance your heart out.

IG: @carmenaviles13

This month, we fell head over heels for RIKA STUDIOS in the 9 Straatjes. The shop itself is a masterclass in elegant restraint - fresh flowers, curated art, and garments that felt thoughtful and timeless.

Shoes, perfumes, a few pieces of clothing - not much, but everything spoke volumes. Proof that simplicity can still inspire you to want it all.

Nestled along the Prinsengracht canal, the Rosewood Amsterdam is a quiet triumph of elegance and design. Set within the former Palace of Justice, the building has been reimagined after a decade-long restoration, blending Dutch heritage with refined modernity.

Designed by Piet Boon, the interiors are minimalist but warm, with 134 serene rooms — many overlooking the city’s iconic canals. A curated collection of over 1,000 artworks replaces the usual hotel clichés, giving every corner a sense of purpose and calm.

For those in search of wellness or indulgence, the Asaya Spa and three dining venues (including the Advocatuur bar, a subtle nod to the building’s legal past) offer thoughtful luxury in every detail.

We were fortunate to visit with Anne-Marie Ruijs, a dear friend who used to work in this very building during her years as a public prosecutor. Seeing it through her eyes added a quiet gravity to its transformation.

Whether it’s for drinks, design inspiration, or a future stay , Rosewood Amsterdam is worth the detour.

“In our universe, flowers will always be in fashion.” – Lisette Scheers

I’ve always had a soft spot for flowers and scarves. So when Moss and Bella, brought me back a hand-embroidered scarf from Seville, I was completely taken.

It’s called a Mantón de Manila, made of silk, embroidered by hand with bold flowers, and finished with long flowing fringes. The colours are so distinctly Spanish, vibrant, fearless, full of life. Just like the flamenco music that surrounds it.

The scarf may be part of Spanish culture now, but it actually traces back to 18th-century China. It travelled to Spain via the Manila galleon trade and was later reinterpreted by Andalusian artisans into what we know today.

Mine lives on the couch now and every time I walk past it, it makes me happy.