The summer holidays have officially kicked off – and, in all honesty, they’re well deserved for all the kids. For the parents, though, it’s quite the balancing act.

This month, along with Ella Alexander, I spoke to some brilliant mums about the mothers they thought they would be, versus the mothers they actually became. Each and every answer resonated on such crazy levels. I found myself identifying with every single one, and if you’re in the same position, I suspect you will too (a weekend read!!)

We head to the beach this month, and the possibilities are endless. Whether we’re off to the Med, the Caribbean or the Indian Ocean (and yes, we’ll be pointing out our comparisons), it’s an amazing time to be by the water. We kicked off the season with a gorgeous lunch at Il Gattopardo hosted by D Maris Bay, the incredible property perched on Turkey’s unspoilt Datça Peninsula, where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean. With six private sandy beaches, pine-clad hillsides, and a roster of restaurants that reads like a greatest-hits list – Zuma, Nusr-Et, the Greek taverna charm of Manos – it’s little wonder it’s become one of the most talked-about summer destinations on the Turkish Riviera.

Speaking of the best in travel, I’ve been putting Wheely to the test, and the ease of it all has been a revelation. Chauffeured journeys with car seats sorted and zero stress at the kerb: exactly what holiday logistics call for.

I also enjoyed a wonderful evening with AIRE Ancient Baths, the candlelit thermal sanctuary hidden beneath Covent Garden, to celebrate the launch of their first-ever limited-edition gift box, created with the fantastic British illustrator Jo Bird. Her exclusive artwork – inspired by the journey from the bustle of London down into subterranean stillness – makes gifting the AIRE experience feel like an event in itself. One for the birthday list, I think.

Elsewhere, we’re looking at beachside essentials, our pick of the season’s swimsuits (and if you’re not sure what your style is, here’s a guide to help you decide), tried-and-tested jet lag cures, retreats you can actually take the kids to, and our guide to the Greek Islands – with thanks to our resident ex-Greek resident, Katie Silcox, who knows those shores better than anyone. Are you having a Euro summer? Here’s what to wear and how to enjoy it. If you’ve got football fever, make sure you’re ready for match day viewing, all top picks in this article. And the biggest nail trend of this summer, read about it here. And if you want to hear all about the team’s upcoming exciting travel plans, make sure to sign up to our newsletter!

Finally, don’t miss our competition with The Luminaire, the incredible travel company reimagining what a journey can be – think deeply personalised trips in the company of the world’s leading minds, from explorers and historians to artists and archaeologists. It’s travel for the truly curious, and this is one prize you won’t want to let slip by.

Wherever this summer takes you, I hope it’s filled with sun, sand and just enough calm to enjoy it.

Happy reading,

With love,