Guatemala is an eclectic place. First you are greeted with massive billboards and giant buildings as you leave the airport in Guatemala City.

However, drive for about 45 mins and you’ll end up in Antigua, a small colonial town with a lot to offer.

I was taken over to Guatemala by rum maker Zacapa. They wanted to show us the heritage, history and process involved. They did this by flying us via helicopter from the hotel to the sugar cane fields and distillations factories. I’ve never have flown in a chopper before so that was a wonderful experience. We landed in a football stadium with loads of people watching our arrival as dust blew in their amazed eyes. Sun shining, glasses on. Rock stars would have been envious of our entrance.

Rum is made over a five step process. Sugar cane, fermentation, distillation, ageing and marrying. The time and passion put into creating the perfect blend is rewarded with the taste at the end. Carmel’s, chocolates, fruits and spices can all be found on the tip of the tongue with wood and earthy tones through the nose. American whiskey, charred and sherry barrels playing a role in aroma and taste as much as the region the sugar cane was grown. “Each barrel is like a person to me,” says Lorena Vásquez, master blender for Ron Zacapa. “We pamper and nurture each one to get the best out of them”.

During my time there I stayed at the five star Casa Santo Domingo hotel in Antigua. This hotel use to be a monastery and all the old unique aspects remain. There is a museum, bars, swimming pools, inside and outside dining areas and rustic rooms with wooden beams and LCD televisions. A lovely juxtaposition. There are even skeletons on show. Poor chaps condemned to an eternity in a glass box. If that was me I would be rather annoyed.

We even got to climb an active volcano. I consider myself to be in pretty good shape but this trek would of had Haile Gebrselassie chucking up and gasping for air. If possible get a horse to do the leg work or at least get a stick for support from one of the kids renting them. The hike wasn’t helped by our guide who decided to race to the top rather than just walk at a normal pace. However the extreme work out was worth it as at the very top you could see active lava pouring out. As I got closer the ground opened up beneath me and I partly fell in scratching and toasting my left leg slightly. The guys helped pull me up and I was left with a little war wound and a dinner party anecdote.

As the years pass the tale will get more epic, I imagine. Thirty years from now I will be telling my grandchildren about how whilst I was at the top of the largest and most dangerous volcano on Earth, there was an eruption and I fell into it. Plunging hundreds of feet I managed to grab onto a ledge, a river of lava flowing underneath my feet. Pulling myself up I was confronted by a huge fire breathing demon. We duelled to the death and I tossed his fiery carcass back into the flames from which he came, climbed to safety and had a glass of rum.

–Andre Mcleod, Red U.K. Editorial Staff

–Photo credit Julius Honnor, http://www.juliushonnor.com

Whenever I’m asked what my favourite city is I always give the same answer. Sao Paulo. People tend to think of London, New York and Paris as the main cosmopolitan hubs of the world, however I found that Sao Paulo was a vibrant fast paced and exciting city that infuses contemporary modern architecture with brilliant bars, restaurants and shops.

A smorgasbord of ideas and individuals you could say.

Walking about there is so much to do and see. Notably shopping on Rua Oscar Freire. This street is like the Rodeo Drive or Kings Road of Sao Paulo. Stores like Louis Vuitton, Armani, Dior and Montblanc all have shops where the well healed ladies and heavy walleted men do their best to tackle the credit crunch.

I stayed at the five star Unique hotel. Now, I’m going to try and write about this hotel without using any clichés. For example, ‘this hotel is unique by name and unique by nature’. I think it would be time to hang up my keyboard if so. Located right in the heart of Sao Paulo, the Unique hotel stands out a little. Well, as a building that looks like Noah’s arc would do.

Inside the staff are all dressed in black and the décor is as modern as the outside. Glass, steel and wood gliding seamlessly in and out of one another. The rooms are lovely and continue the theme, though the view doesn’t compare to that at Rio. There is also a dividing window between the bathroom and the bedroom. I wasn’t sure why anyone would need to look from the bathroom into the bedroom.

I soon found out the advantages.

On the rooftop not only are there amazing views of the city but an equally impressive pool and bar. At night people come from around the town to hang out there and enjoy a beverage or two.

On my last day I was planning to watch a game of premiership football but I also wanted to use the Jacuzzi facilities in the bath. Opening up the bathroom divide I was able to do both. This is truly a unique place.

Darn, so close . . .

–Andre Mcleod, Red U.K. Editorial Staff

Recently I had the pleasure of being invited on a two week press to Brazil. How this came about was rather random though. I went to a club night hosted by a friend of a friend. The person that I knew didn’t turn up so as I was there I went anyway and didn’t know a single person.

It also turned out that it was a gay night. I’ve never been brought so many drinks before. Anyway, got chatting to a lovely female PR and Brazil was mentioned. We swapped cards, and a few months later I got the invite and was on my way.

This trip took me to three destinations over there. Rio, Sao Paulo and the Pantanal.

Rio was amazing of course. I could talk all day about the views, the food, drink and people. I stayed at the Rio Othon Palace hotel which is located right next to Copacabana beach. The first morning I woke up there I drew back the curtains and had the sun, sea and beach as my view from the balcony. Incredible.

I’ll write about Rio and Sao Paulo in more detail at some point, however I would like to start with my time in the wetlands.

From the urban metropolis we flew to the Pantanal which is located near the Amazon and experienced the complete polar opposite to the hustle and bustle of Sao Paulo. After landing we embarked on a 4 and half hour journey to our base camp, Araras eco lodge (www.araraslodge.com.br). Before us the road stretched infinitely melding into one with the horizon.

After we had left civilization behind and the birds that flew overhead were vultures, we stopped at a little roadside café. I ordered burger and chips but what came instead was a massive steak covered in onions and gravy with chips. Not complaining I tucked into what can only be described as the best steak I have ever eaten. I have subsequently gone to five star hotels and some of the best restaurants around the world and no steak was as good as that little place in Brazil.

We then left the tarmaced roads and headed onto the dirt track. Mile after mile of jumping and pumping in the back seat. Daylight departed and we drove through fields and saw the eyes of creatures glisten under the headlights. Apparently pumas roam these areas. My door was locked and ipod was ready as a weapon. Jab to the ribs would show them.

Over the next few days we explored the area by foot, car and boat searching for creatures and plants. One day we even went fishing for caiman or crocodiles to you and me. He had to use a piece of meat to catch a piranha and then use that piranha to catch a croc. I’ve never been so intrigued, excited and scared before. We also drove down the river on an old speed boat as chimps watched us odd humans go by from the trees. I would say that Brazil is somewhere that you should visit at least once.

I should be going back out there next month, and when I arrive it will be like going home.

–Andre Mcleod, Red U.K. Editorial Staff

The fields are being prepared. Wellies and tents are getting aired out. Tickets are getting snapped up. This can only mean one thing. Festival season is nearly upon us.

Well there’s still are few more months till it’s in full swing but I thought I would let you know about my favourite festival from last summer called Lovebox.

Originally a club night held by the dynamic duo that is Groove Armada, Lovebox has grown into quite a musical beast. More ravenous than ever the Lovebox weekender rolled into Victoria Park with its unique and eclectic line up of musicians with the likes of Manu chao, Groove Armada, Lightspeed Champion and Ladyhawke gracing the eight stages. But the question is could this wiley fox be tamed?

Firstly I must admit from the start that due to excessive queuing I was unable to truly see all the acts I really should have. The wait at the blue bar ranged from an hour and half to two hours. This was time wasted that could have been spent watching good bands or queuing for jerk chicken.

But hey, let’s not dwell on the negatives as this year’s event amalgamated dance, indie, rap and rock all within spitting distance for any Londoner.

Ladyhawke was on there. The kiwi elctropop act are having a very busy and successful 09. Playing tunes “Paris is Burning” and “Back of the Van” Pip Brown and the lads gave a master class in 80’s inspired pop and effortless cool that could only be followed by pioneers of the scene The Human League.

Not wanting to be out done by the young upstarts before them the trio played songs old and new, but to be honest it wasn’t until I heard the lyrics “You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar” that I and everyone else really started to listen.

If you were lucky enough to have the appropriate wristband or look for the VIP area it came equipped with a roof terrace that allowed you to watch the regular folk go by, bar (thankfully no queues) and BBQ tents, indoor and outdoor seating and dance floor which included Daisy Lowe busting a few moves. There was even soap in the toilets.

But my favourite spot was tucked away in the corner of the site. Entering the Stockade you step through a wooden enclosed area and were transported to a forest enclave like the Ewok’s home. Full with age old oak trees and foliage surrounding you and dance music thumping through giant speakers. There was even a giant disco ball hanging from the branches overhead.

As the sun set and our time here together came to an end I couldn’t help but feel that I never truly got to grasp with the beast that is Lovebox. It may have got the best of me last year, however beware Lovebox 2009. I will be fitter, stronger, faster and a little wiser. You will be tamed, stuffed and hung on my wall.

That is a promise mon ami.

–Andre Mcleod, Red U.K. Editorial Staff.

I have found two spots that have absolutely blown me away recently and shown me what London should really be like. They are At Proud in Camden and the Roof Gardens in Kensington.

The Roof Garden is a rather unique as it has one and half acres of land six stores up in the heart of Kensington. When you have to get up top via a lift you know that something cool is going down.

The club itself is nice and spacious, but it’s when you go outside and see palm trees and grass you’re aware of how special it is. Up there you’ll even find flamingos and a BBQ that goes on till 2.30am. It’s like you’re in St Tropez or some other foreign destination and should definitely be enjoyed. Though the 20 odd quid entry on weekend nights is quite steep, this is another fine venture by Sir Richard Branson.

At Proud is set inside The Horse Hospital which is an old horse stable and is one the most unique venues in town. Amongst the chatter from the revelling masses I swear I heard the sound of hoofs cantering around the premises.

Something else that struck me was the sheer volume and beauty of the barmaids. Never before have I seen so many attractive women serving beverages with such speed. Also service with a smile and a little banter chucked in. Wonders will never cease. Normally in other bars it’s some bloke with a sense of humour bypass who can’t make eye contact for fear of actual customer interaction.

Another attraction at this venue are the stables. You can hire out a stable and have your own little private area amongst the madness surrounding you. I had a little chat with Mark Ronson and Sam Sparro there once. Obviously the stables are now filled with comfy seats and tables instead of mounds of manure.

Looking down from the celestial equine plains I’m sure a few of the former residents doffed their manes in appreciation at one of the best nights out in town in their old home.

–Andre Mcleod, Red U.K. Editorial Staff

I’ve had the same barbers since the age of six.

Through Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle themed birthday parties, school trips to the countryside, first day at secondary school, date with a girl in the year above, getting into a club, internships, freshers ball, 21st celebrations, funerals, graduation, press trips abroad, weddings and after parties.

I’ve only had it cut elsewhere once in all that time and that was whilst I was in LA a few months ago. I was staying at the Standard Hotel on Sunset Boulevard and they had a barbershop. They were different, exotic, new and exciting. They even laughed at my jokes. I was young, naïve and unshaven. It didn’t last that long but I regretted it straight away. As soon as I got back to London I told them what had happened. We decided that 18 years together meant something and that we could work through it.

So it was with some trepidation that I made the journey to Sharps barber and shop which is on Charlotte Street, just off Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road. Their first shop has been open here for about a year and a half now but the brand has been going for several years in New York. “It all started with them making hair care products but we decided we wanted to bring back old school barbering” said head barber Paul dos Reis. “The type of shop your old man would be happy to get a trim in”.

Sharps definitely offers a barbering experience of a bygone age with a contemporary edge. People not only come for the cuts but also the chat. Banter flies across the four chairs as men discuss their work, plans for the weekend and the occasional offside as LCD screens adorn the walls in the well lit main room. This all happens whilst you’re seated in a Belmont chair. A vintage yet modern quintessential classic. They can range from £5-6k new or less if reupholstered and seem timeless like an Aston Martin or Marilyn Monroe’s cleavage.

A dry cut starts at around £21 but the real draw is a wet shave. Have you ever had one? Sharps believe this is a service that everyman deserves no matter how you look or dress. “We’re not like some hairdressers where you can walk out with highlights you never wanted. What we do is 21st century barbering for the modern everyday man,” says Paul as we stand in the hair washing room with Oliver Reed on the wall looking down on us seemingly approving.

If I were ever going to stray again this would be the place, but I’m not that guy . . . anymore.

I’m taken.

www.sharpsbarbers.com

–Andre Mcleod, Red U.K. Editorial Staff

Over the past few months I have been on a mission around our capital city trying to find the coolest and most exclusive nightlife spots, no matter how hard they hide.

A little like Columbo but without the false eye and the “one more thing”. Through this investigation I have seen the good, the bad and the downright terrible.

Last Friday I was invited out to a venue called Taman Gang. A Pan-Asian restaurant by day which becomes a club by night. Located on the top of Park Lane, you can’t miss it as there are a couple burning torches outside illuminating the night sky like the star of Bethlehem.

Now this venue has the potential to be great but was sadly let down by a few key issues. Namely staff. Outside as you would imagine are bouncers and a lady with the list. Scowl on face and proud of their queue as if it were their son taking its first steps. The guys behind the bar were modern day Dick Turpins making off with our cash. Paid £14 for two bottled beers. My friend had a table and loads of vodka, which balanced that out but still felt like I’d been mugged on a highway.

Finally for the dreaded man in the toilet. After washing my hands, he handed me a piece of paper. When I tipped him a quid he looked at me as if I had punched his granny in her hip. You don’t see the Dyson hand dryer asking for anything after it’s done its job.

And now the sublime. Recently I went to the launch of a new hotel in Barcelona called Me Barcelona. They have a bar inside called Angels and Kings which is run by Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy fame. Inside the décor is black and red and pictures of celebrities’ mug shots decorate the walls. Outside is a rooftop pool area with views that overlook the city.

At the launch party they had four floors all with different events going on simultaneously as over two thousand of Spain’s most wealthy and influential inhabitants partied the night away. The after party was held in Angel and Kings and Fall Out Boy played some emo hits on the rooftop. Thankfully I managed to resist the urge to jump off. After that I was parting with the American crew and this beautiful girl came up to me and said something in Spanish.

When I said I’m English and didn’t understand, she asked if I would like to dance. I took her by the hand, spun her around and said I would love to. We drank and danced till about 9am the next day. Had to be up at 10am for a press conference.

Gave that a miss.

–Andre Mcleod, Red U.K. Editorial Staff