Summering in Style: Notes from Mallorca

Sun-drenched days, secret coves, and the scent of European summer.

There is a particular magic to summer in Europe—one that I find impossible to replicate anywhere else.

The first thing I long to do is dive into the Mediterranean. There is a little cove I’ve discovered, tucked away from the world, where the water is as clear as glass. When I swim there, the experience is almost transcendent—glorious sunlight glistening on the surface, the gentle saltiness of the sea, and the rhythmic sound of waves lapping against the rocks. It sounds dramatic, I know, but I could cry with happiness in those moments. It feels like pure freedom.

Afterwards, there are the long, languorous lunches that stretch into the golden hours. A simple tomato salad, bursting with sweetness; a perfectly grilled piece of fish; a chilled glass of rosé that beads with condensation in the heat. And to finish, something utterly decadent—perhaps a tiramisu, because summer deserves a touch of indulgence.

Evenings are reserved for getting ready slowly—sun-kissed skin making every outfit look that little bit more chic, hair that seems to fall naturally in place, as if by magic. Then, an elegant night out, where laughter spills into the warm evening air and conversation flows as easily as the wine.

There is a certain ease to European summers that feels like life distilled to its most beautiful form: carefree afternoons, good food, and the company of those we love most. I truly adore summering in Europe.

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This Week’s Elegant Picks

A Bag I Adore
I recently discovered a bag from Zoë de Givenchy that captures the essence of summer elegance—simple, structured, and timeless. It’s the perfect companion for sun-drenched days and chic evenings. You can also have it personalised, which I love.

A Fragrance for the Season
I’ve been wearing Neroli Voyage by Floris—a fragrance that smells of that perfect moment when you leave the crystalline sea, the sun warm on your skin, and the day still brims with golden light. It opens with citrus and sea breeze, flows into gentle neroli and jasmine, and settles on a comforting bed of oak and musk. For anyone who has swam in a hidden Mediterranean cove, this is that feeling bottled.”

A Book to Treasure
On my holiday, I revisited a classic: Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen. Few books capture the poetry of place quite like this one. It’s lyrical, atmospheric, and deeply moving—a perfect companion for a quiet afternoon in the shade.

Tomato & Watermelon Salad with Feta, Pine Nuts & Mint

A refreshing, sun-kissed salad that captures the essence of a Mediterranean summer—vibrant, light, and utterly elegant.

Serves: 4

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

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Ingredients

• 300g ripe mixed tomatoes (heirloom, cherry, and plum for colour and texture)

• 300g seedless watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 100g feta cheese, crumbled

• 30g pine nuts, lightly toasted

• A handful of fresh mint leaves, torn

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp red wine vinegar

• Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Method

1. Prepare the Tomatoes
   Slice the larger tomatoes into wedges and halve the cherry tomatoes. Place in a large serving bowl.

2. Add the Watermelon
   Gently fold in the watermelon cubes, being careful not to crush them.

3. Make the Dressing
   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, a pinch of sea salt, and a twist of black pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss lightly to coat.

4. Add Feta & Mint
   Scatter the crumbled feta and torn mint leaves over the top.

5. Finish with Pine Nuts
   Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant (2–3 minutes). Sprinkle them over the salad just before serving.

6. Serve Elegantly
   Arrange the salad on a beautiful platter or in a shallow bowl. Serve immediately while the flavours are fresh and vibrant.

Nicolas’ Tip for Elegance:

Use a mix of red, yellow, and green tomatoes for a painterly effect. A few edible flowers—such as nasturtiums—would look stunning for a summer luncheon.

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What I wore

There’s something so liberating about dressing for a European summer. Clothes seem to fall just right, every fabric catching the light as though made for these sun-drenched days. Perhaps it’s the confidence that comes with a golden tan, or the carefree spirit of the Mediterranean, but getting ready for long lunches and elegant evenings feels almost like a ritual. Mallorca has a way of making even the simplest outfit feel impossibly chic.

As always, thank you for spending a little time with me here. I hope these notes bring you a touch of Mediterranean sunshine, wherever you are. I’d love to hear from you—what makes summer special for you? Do you have a favourite ritual, a fragrance that reminds you of the season, or a place you long to visit? Simply hit reply and share your thoughts—I truly enjoy reading your messages.

Until next time,
Nicolas