Hello

Amber Shaw here – let me tell you about my column. Because I divide my time between my Cotswolds cottage and London pièd-à-terre, the lovely people at MARQ have tasked me with the rather enviable chore of trying out heaps of nice cars and reporting on the array of spas, restaurants, hotels and shops I encounter on my travels.

Now here’s a curious story. My fiancé doesn’t drive. I know... what was I thinking? But that’s just it. I was thinking control, freedom and ultimately power. Let’s face it, he can’t slip out the front door, skid up the gravel drive and flounce off to the London apartment for some metro fun. I can.

I choose the car, I choose when to change it, I choose where and how I park. With adorable sat nav systems, I don’t even need a route meister. And if I want to stop on amber, I can. Sometimes I don’t. It’s all up to me. OK, so I have to pay for it and sort out my own insurance, but – guess what? – shopping’s a major forté of mine too.

Anyhow. Kicking off as I mean to go on, read all about my instant seduction by the Jaguar XKR coupe. It was divine. And so perfectly suited to my incessant yo-yoing along the M4. I dare anyone to be unimpressed.

So bring on the XK, Jaguar. Pleeese…

Now Calcot Spa is my local. But I so recommend a few days at the Calcot Manor Hotel so you can make full use of the spa’s facilities. Massages, facials, flotation wraps. An outdoor, fireside hot-tub. You’re bound to bump into me.

Recently I was a guest of Cadillac and Corvette Europe who let me road test their new range. They are real power machines with a distinctive look. And if you want to stand out you’ve got to get yourself one of the very cool Corvette C6s.

The trip to the environs of Royal Leamington Spa was made all the more splendid with an overnight stay at the grand Mallory Court hotel with its excellent, and Michelin-starred cuisine courtesy of renowned chef Simon Haigh.

Lately I’ve been running about in a Mercedes SLK 280. And very slick it is too. So much presence for a small car. Fits perfectly into the minimalist parking bays of Holland Park for a romantic dinner at Julie’s. Stay tuned.

Fondest regards
Amber

amber@marqmagazine.com

PS Don’t forget, sisters, to take part in MARQ’s survey to find out how you feel about cars and driving. There’s a free prize draw for some amazing goodies.

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