I must admit spending time in Lima over the holidays was a lot of fun. Not only this city has lots of culture but lots of friendly people, great food and great fashion.

The fashionistas Sole, Anny and Jeani were the greatest hosts and they showed me around as if I was one of them. Everywhere we went was FAB and therefore you need to know about it.

Foodies out there, if you haven't been at least at one of Chef Gaston Acurio restaurants, then you haven't really tried the essence of Peru. Here people pay tribute to the Chef religiously. He was the one who brought back to the country the love for food and the curiosity to try new things, and his meals reflect it.

I suggest Panchita for anticuchos, Madame Tusan for chifas (that is fusion between Asian and Peruvian cuisine) or La Mar for great seafood dishes like ceviche.

However, there are other great options as well. Popular in Larcomar has a great seaside view and is perfect for a gals brunch; and so is Cosme in front of the beautiful store Isidra in San Isidro neighbourhood.

Speaking of shopping, I must admit Peru has great talents! I managed to meet in person the jeweller and shoe designer Ariana Santillana and she is such a babe! Not to mention her designs are super dreamy. If you are looking for minimal yet trendy items, she's your gal. If you are looking for something more querky/vintage...then you have Jessica Butrich. Watermelon bag? Check. Watermelon Heels? Check Check. And then you need a bikini, of course. For that, the one and only choice you should go for is Capittana.

There are many more designers worth having a look and they probably have a store in Miraflores or San Isidro, fashionista spots in the city.

Barranco is also a very hip neighbourhood. Mario Testino recently opened its own museum there! Not to mention the area is full of artists and street art. Yuppie.

All in all, you've got a couple of busy days in the city to go for.

I certainly enjoyed it. I hope you do too.

TCB xx