Picturesque corners
ROSSELLA BEAUGIE • The Thinking Traveller
WORK • Wednesday Routine
ROSSELLA BEAUGIE • founding director • The Thinking Traveller
Neighbourhood you work in: Shoreditch
Neighbourhood you live in: Muswell Hill
It’s Wednesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
Wednesday is lively in our office, located in the buzzing Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch. The courtyard hums with activity, and inside, the atmosphere is filled with energy and the irresistible aroma of treats brought back by team members returning from holidays or trips to our Thinking Traveller villas and destinations.
What’s on the agenda for today?
A couple of meetings with owners of aristocratic mansions in the Sicilian or Puglian countryside, or villas nestled in the most picturesque corners of the Greek islands, all hoping to join our portfolio. Later, an interview with international press or answering queries from our villa specialists about Mediterranean destinations, photography, or branding.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
We celebrated our eldest daughter’s 21st birthday this weekend with a surprise dinner at Coya in Mayfair. While we usually opt for Japanese or Italian, her love for Machu Picchu after a gap year trek inspired us to try Peruvian cuisine this time.
How about a little leisure or culture?
We’re avid fans of the dance shows at Sadler’s Wells — Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is a favourite.
Any weekend getaways?
In the UK, we love quaint villages like Burford in the Cotswolds or Frome near Bath, combined with countryside walks. For a more exciting escape, we head to Paris, Menorca, or my native Sicily for sunshine and a rejuvenating swim.
What was your last great vacation?
Indonesia with the family last summer. From majestic volcanoes and ancient temples in Java to world-class scuba diving on secluded islands surrounded by turtles and vibrant coral reefs, it was awe-inspiring. It reinforced my gratitude for our planet’s beauty and the urgency of protecting it.
What store or service do you always recommend?
Prezzemolo & Vitale for the best Sicilian food. It was my go-to deli in Palermo for bread, cannoli, cheese, and specialty meats. I was thrilled when they opened in London — a lifesaver for impromptu dinner parties and whenever we miss a taste of home.