Olive Club: May 2008

Laura Pollard delves into the weekend bag of Tamara Heber-Percy, founder of exclusive online boutique hotel guide 'Mr & Mrs Smith', and finds luxurious pamper destinations, an empty cosmetics case and hundreds of free hotel toiletries

"My partner James and I love precious time away at weekends in the UK, but we were always disappointed by the quality of the hotels.  They show fantastic pictures but when you get there it's covered in paper doilies.  We have great hotels in the UK but nobody covers them and so we wanted to find them.

"The website is all about couples getting away so the hotels need to have style.  We never feature corporate hotels and large chains; the ones we review are stylish and sometimes old-fashioned, but with a contemporary feel.  They have personality and are usually independently run.  We try to find the hidden little gems that don't have huge marketing budgets.

"As a couple we look for different things.  I'm interested in the toiletries and James is interested in the bar.  We look at everything from the welcome we receive to the surroundings – they all make up the perfect weekend away.  You want to be made to feel special.

"Have I ever taken toiletries from the hotel?  Absolutely!  I've stayed in 300-400 hotels, so I've got hundreds at home now!  I've got so many that I've actually stopped collecting them.  Poole House in America gives away gorgeous little organic products in their bathroom suites made by a San Francisco company.  It's great to see hotels use local suppliers and homegrown ingredients.

"You need to feel special.  It has to be better than being at home, or else – why bother?  Nowadays, people work so hard they don't have time to pamper themselves.  It's nice to lie back, luxuriate and find yourself again.

"I don't use any products on my skin except moisturiser, which I apply morning and night.  I use an eye cream as well to lift my bags and feel fresh, and try to use a scrub once a week to clean my pores.  On the whole though, I think that a splash of very cold water makes for good skin.

"I don't wear make-up either, not even on a night out.  It's great when you're travelling a lot like me, as you don't need to worry about fitting a huge cosmetics bag in your case.  However, I always use a protective sun cream and some days I'll apply a bit of powder if I'm a little shiny.

"I've picked up lots of tips when it comes to travelling and taking care of your skin.  Lots of moisturiser, water spritzers and eye creams are essential.  They're great when you get off the plane and have to go to a meeting as they make you feel revived and awake so you're on the ball again.  I'm also into aromatherapy body oil at the moment.  They come in tiny capsules so I can take them away with me and use them after a shower when I'm in a rush.

"For complete relaxation, I'd return to where we went for our honeymoon – Royal Malewane in Kruger National Park, South Africa.  I'd combine a safari with the spa, which is in a serene setting and offers amazing body treatments, a huge pool and local minerals.  Elton John has stayed there!"