Alexandra Delf - House Of Coco Magazine

Destination Inspiration April 6, 2020

Travel To Enjoy From Your Armchair – The Destinations Bringing Travel To You

Transport Tuscany to Your Kitchen With Live Cooking Classes and Wine Tasting with Tuscany Now and More

Bring a taste of Italy to the table and learn to cook Tuscany’s favourite comfort food and taste Italy’s best wines through digital cooking and wine tasting classes from Tuscany Now & More’s Instagram account.

The special series will be available through Tuscany Now & More Instagram account @tuscanynowandmore and will include expert pasta making, cooking and wine tasting. Following the first live session on Sunday 29th March, a masterclass pasta course from Chef Francesco Maruccelli, Resident Chef at The Estate of Petroio is now available on Tuscany Now & More’s InstaStories. With a list of ingredients also available online, the easy-to-follow video showcases traditional Tuscan dish, Pici Al Pomodoro. The next cooking class will be Tiramisu ready for Easter weekend!

Tuscany Now & More will continue with classes every Sunday throughout the Spring and Summer. Ingredients and wine choices will be posted each Wednesday. All classes will also be available in the Tuscany Now & More Instagram stories, for anyone that cannot tune in live.

Enjoy the magic of Tuscany from afar and be inspired at home to try your hand and some classic Italian recipes #italycomestoyou. Follow @tuscanynowandmore for updates.

Live 360 Footage of the Mountains with Courmayeur Mont Blanc

Courmayeur Mont Blanc is situated on the Italian side of Mont Blanc (the sunnier side!) and is a traditional yet sophisticated resort full of history and charm and surrounded by spectacular scenery. Only here, do visitors have full access to Skyway Monte Bianco, a 360 degree cable car which transports people up 3,500m up the Mont Blanc. Courmayeur Mont Blanc has granted us all online access to their exclusive webcam. We can now see live footage of the resort, our favourite ski slopes and the SkyWay experience from the comfort of the comfort of our home. If you simply can’t get enough of mountain life, comforting Alpine favourites are also available for you to recreate at home.

Visit www.courmayeurmontblanc.it

Mindful Colouring with MarBella Collection

MarBella Collection is now offering mindfulness colouring-in of images of their three beautiful hotels and their surroundings, including their new property MarBella Elix opening Summer 2020 in Parga. Let your imagination run free and dream of travel in stunning Greek nature.

In the current climate, whisking yourself away to your dream location for a spot of yoga on the docks or paddleboarding on the calm sea feels like a distant dream. But with MarBella Collection’s new mindfulness colouring, they’re bringing these dreams to life and to your own home. Colouring books for adults emerged as a trend early last year and now there are colouring books for practically any interest – and travel shouldn’t be left out of that. Take a step away from your home working desktop and into a true travellers dream that’s personalised by you with your favourite colours, painting the picturesque surroundings of Corfu and Parga. Download the colouring sheets from www.marbellacollection.gr

Get Ready for the First Ever Derry Girls Tour

With season 3 of smash hit Channel 4 show, Derry Girls on the horizon and predicted to land on our screens by May, now is the perfect time to squeeze in a new series – and look forward to a visit to the set later this year. Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland, has unleashed a brand new tour package experience devoted to the show, where fans and to-be fans can watch now, travel later. Brush up on your knowledge now and get ready to walk in the footsteps of Erin, Michelle, or even the wee English fella later at key locations from the series such as the Guildhall and Dennis’s Wee Shop.

On this tour you will get to see where key scenes took place during a Walled City Walking Tour where visitors can walk through the life of a true Derry Girl and hear about life in the Bodside during the troubles from an expert local guide. The tour finishes at the famous Derry Girls Mural where guests can take a selfie and be pledged as a Derry Girl, or boy. Derry Girls is available on Netflix and All4.

Get Fit From Home with Quinta do Lago’s Live Fitness Classes from The Campus

As millions of us now sit at home, sequestering ourselves to help stop the spread of coronavirus, we need now more than ever an easy, quick fix, for keeping fit. If you’re looking to run away from your desktop disasters or children tantrums you can release tension with Quinta do Lago’s brand new virtual classes. Now live streaming, you can experience the same high-performance facilities as top athletes Rio Ferdinand and the entire Irish rugby team who have used The Campus. So jump up, put your indoor trainers on, turn up the heat and imagine you’re training at the heart of Portugal.

The Campus is a state of the art sports facility with beginners’ clinics, private professional coaching and sunshine all year round. They offer fitness classes and activities which can be done by the whole family. The Campus offers a wide array of fitness classes from Barre Fitness to Express Boxfit and Yogalates. Check out www.quintadolago.com

Longevity Wellness Worldwide’s Playlist – Wellness Soundtrack for Working from Home

The normal work day has taken a different form, bringing its own pressures and tensions. As a result, Longevity Wellness Worldwide has introduced a new work from home playlist to help de-stress and relax. A leader in spa, health and integrative wellness services, Longevity’s new playlist brings the relaxing and nurturing atmosphere of these three wellness hotels in the Algarve right to your door.

Longevity Wellness Worldwide’s has curated a playlist that includes a range of music from relaxing summer songs that recreate the Portuguese holiday experience; to spa relaxation music; and to Portuguese artists, including Bernardo Sassetti, Salvaor Sobral and Luisa Sobral. Visit the instagram @longevityalvor for more information.

Australia February 7, 2020

Best Places to Escape for Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and there’s nothing we love more than an excuse for a weekend or week away. Try the following short breaks to celebrate love, on Valentine’s Day or any day of the year.

Venice

Twenty minutes from Venice’s magical St Mark’s Square, The Dedica Anthology’s Grand Hotel dei Dogi combines an authentic sense of nobility from its 16th-century origins with a modern attitude to life and thoughtful, highly personalised service. Although the hotel is located within the magical and romantic canals of Venice and just a short distance from the tourist beats, guests can get lost in one of the city’s largest private gardens and experience the true romance of Venice.

Grand Hotel dei Dogi has produced a Romantic Secret Map for Valentine’s Day – a handy insider guide to their favourite romantic spots in the city. With intimate squares, flower-filled parks and breath-taking views to discover, you cannot fail to feel the love.

Istanbul

Once known as Constantinople or City of the World’s Desire, Istanbul blends two continents. With a history as poetic as that, romance can be found in every corner of the Old City.

An artisanal gem, the five-star AJWA Hotel Sultanahmet blends the finest elements of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture with modern luxurious hospitality, creating the perfect backdrop for the ultimate romantic getaway. The hotel’s location in the fabled Old City of Istanbul, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so couples can explore the major mosques, museums and bazaars, which are only a short distance away, before returning to the spectacular hotel. Couples can book in for a private treatment at the exquisite hammam or take the views from the rooftop whilst enjoying an intimate candle lit dinner.

Maldives

A myriad of blue and picturesque islands, the Maldives is romance personified, a tranquil escape with uninterrupted ocean and pristine turquoise lagoon views.

For Valentine’s Day, the spa at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo is offering a special Valentine’s Day package that includes a 30-minute coconut and sea salt exfoliation, 60-minute heavenly signature body massage and a soaking bath tube experience with a bottle of wine. For couples staying at the resort during Valentine’s Day, they have the choice of two incredible food and drink offerings. The Valentine’s Kaiseki Dinner is a five-course dinner at The Pearl, the resort’s elegant speciality Japanese restaurant.

Alternatively, guests can enjoy the Starlight Escape Dinner on Sunset Beach, which includes a five-course dinner and one bottle of champagne. Guests can also add a floating breakfast in the morning with two glasses of champagne to this package for the ultimate Valentine’s Day experience.

Northern Ireland

The Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, one of Hastings Hotels’ seven properties in Northern Ireland, is situated on the idyllic seashores of the Irish sea on Newcastle Bay. The hotel looks out to the Mountains of Mourne with spectacular views across the Royal County Down Golf Course. Set in six acres of beautifully kept private grounds, the property is famous for its expansive and luxurious spa. Guests can escape to a cocoon of calm and melt away their stresses with over two floors of tranquility, including a magnificent 20 metre swimming pool and Vitality Pool, amethyst steam room and high-tech fitness studio.

This Valentine’s, spend a romantic dinner overlooking the Mourne Mountains, complete with dinner, a glass of prosecco and spa access during your stay. Plus of course a Hastings rubber duck created especially for Valentine’s Day for those bubble baths for two.

Vietnam

Salinda Resort is located on the serene island of Phu Quoc, where the breathtaking location, authentic Vietnamese touches and impeccable service are ideal for a Valentine’s Day break. With three spoiling restaurants to choose from, an enchanting Thai Spa, and the incredible famous ‘purple sunsets’, Salinda Resort offers a charming tranquil island retreat. The hotel boasts a fantastic selection of exceptionally designed venues to inspire love. .

Wow your loved one with a stunning, serene and beautifully set up dinner, featuring a glorious sunset as your backdrop or a dinner nestled in lush greeneries of the mango garden. Experience romance with a 3-course gourmet meal as your private waiter provides attentive and solicitous service for you to celebrate love. Alternatively, working alongside your Valentine, Chef Long will walk you through a culinary celebration of your favourite Vietnamese dishes. The chefs will demonstrate how to make the quintessential Vietnamese meal step by step, and then you can dine on your creations for lunch with complimentary refreshments and chef’s recipes to take home.

Tuscany

What could be more beautiful than gazing at the stars with your loved one? Tuscany Now & More, the exclusive villa rental specialists in Tuscany and beyond, is delighted to announce its collection of properties that boast awe-inspiring panoramas for Valentine’s Day, creating the perfect locations for stargazing and admiring the sun set to form a spectacular night sky. Guests can experience stargazing with an expert astronomer at a traditional Tuscan farmhouse, stay in a villa on its very own secluded hilltop, or sit on their terrace on the edge of a medieval village and gaze at the starlit night sky above.

Located in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, Colli Fiorentini is a spectacular stone farmhouse that is surrounded by sweeping hills, blanketed with vineyards and olive groves. Due to the villa’s remote location, the constellations are incredibly visible from the garden, allowing guests to experience a truly magical and unique Tuscan experience.

Lisbon

Tivoli Carvoeiro invites you to celebrate love with a customised programme designed for St. Valentine’s, being the perfect excuse for a romantic weekend, in one of the most elegant resorts in the Algarve. With a contemporary and warm design, inspired by the tones of the sea, and tucked onto a cliﬀ-hugging coast of picturesque fishing villages, Tivoli Carvoeiro is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. Some highlights of the programme include dinner for two, with the sound of the Atlantic waves and candlelight, a walking tour of the Seven Hanging Valleys with a specialized guide to help couples unveil the secrets of the landscape, fauna, flora and local culture. The Valentine’s Day program includes an offer of 20% for the couple treatments at the Tivoli Spa. The romantic treatment for two combines a facial with a massage and ends with a bath of rose petals, strawberries with chocolate and sparkling wine.

There is a strong belief that the Trojans were originally Greek, including some of the scholars who worked at https://madeinturkeytours.com/troy/ site.

Lifestyle January 11, 2020

Top 10 Travel Safety Tips for Solo Travellers

Whether travelling for business or pleasure, it’s important to be prepared, not only making sure the simple things are covered such as remembering where you have hidden your passport or booking travel insurance, but also considering your safety in transit and at your destination.

The number of global travellers increases significantly each year and small changes in the approach to a trip can make a big difference for work and play. We got the inside information from experts in the travel security sphere for their top tips on how to stay safe when travelling.

Anna-Liisa Tampuu, Founder of SheTravel comments, “The modern world has transformed the way in which we work and travel. More often, business and leisure trips take us to destinations where the culture and traditions differ from our own, sometimes to remote locations which carry higher risk to personal safety. The key to safe travel is knowledge and research of the destination, maintaining situational awareness and understanding the environment.”

SheTravel has created a women only network for modern business travel, allowing its members to share information, destination guides and key tips to aid safe travel wherever the destination. By not only giving tips and advice but also creating a platform for women to ask questions and find advice from the community this is creating an open and safe forum for women who travel.

However, safety whilst travelling is not just a key concern for women but relates to anyone who travels whether they are backpacking, staying in 5* property or a corporate traveller.

We also got the inside information from Global Secure Accreditation (GSA) a company which is spearheading a new revolution in security in the hospitality industry. Working alongside the security teams at key hotels around the world it has introduced the world’s first truly independent system of hotel security accreditation. It has been established and operated by highly experienced former senior UK police officers, counter terrorism specialists, UK military and international security experts.

We asked David Wood, Managing Director of GSA to share his quick and simple top 10 tips on security when travelling, whether you are male or female, here is ten step accessible guide to keeping safety a priority when travelling, wherever your destination.

You might just find yourself adding something surprisingly simple into your hand luggage for your next trip!

• Dress modestly and appropriately to blend in, this doesn’t have to be excessive but just be aware of the cultural nuances of your destination

• Carry rubber doorstops to put under hotel room door and any adjoining door to prevent access from the outside if you feel you need an extra level of security

• Place chain on room door at all times

• Copy passport and keep paper and electronic copies with you or in a suitably safe location

• Do your homework, understand the culture, dress code and rules for the country you are visiting and be aware that these may differ for males and females

• If possible, request a room above ground floor, near the lift but away from stairwell/emergency exit

• Use an app-based taxi service which tracks journey, predicts price and takes money direct rather than cash. This then makes your location known and avoids the possibility of detours in a location you may be unfamiliar with

• Ensure others know your travel plans and are aware of your location

• Always buy your own food and drinks

• Be discrete about where you are staying and discussing your room number in a public forum

For further information visit gsaccreditation.com or shetravel.co.uk

Food & Drink July 14, 2019

Best Places to Stay In and Around Cape Town

The Silo Hotel

Situated in the heart of the Mother City, The Silo Hotel combines a fascinating array of art and design with extreme wow factor. Located in a historic converted grain silo which also holds the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, The Silo commands impressive views across the V&A waterfront. The opulent interior design of the hotel and inclusion of pieces of art from key African artists throughout the rooms, suites and public areas creates an Aladdin’s cave of treasures to admire. Works by fascinating artists including Athi-Patra Ruga can be found in both The Silo and The Zeitz Museum, meaning you may find yourself loitering in the hotel corridors for an unusual length of time. Setting a new standard for luxury in Cape Town, pillowed glazing panels give an immediate contemporary feel to each of the rooms and don’t forget to stop by and appreciate the sunset from the multi-level rooftop terrace. theroyalportfolio.com/the-silo

Tintswalo Atlantic

Tintswalo Atlantic is a haven, designed to satiate cravings for tranquillity and privacy, blink and you will miss the turning as you snake your way towards Chapman’s Peak Drive. An all-suite hotel with impossibly beautiful views over the Atlantic Ocean and Sentinel Mountain Peak, Tintswalo Atlantic is oceanfront chic at it’s finest, with every suite unique in its theme and design. Tear yourself away from some of the most beautiful views Cape Town has to offer to spend some time on the private pebbled beach. Alternatively relax in the expansive lounge area with an Amarula iced coffee in hand, surrounded by the beauty of the Table Mountain National Park. tintswalo.com

Bordeaux on Britannia Villa

The newly opened Bordeaux on Britannia Villa offers a fantastic beach front location on Golden Mile, just out of the hustle and bustle of Cape Town, but within easy reach of the action. Hit the surf or simply enjoy the beach directly in front of the villa. Lovingly designed and constructed, the laid-back beach chic vibe has been curated by the owners who took inspiration from Morocco and Greece, with the inclusion of key pieces from Marrakesh and even a skateboard half-pipe. With a driver on hand, take advantage of the incredible selection of restaurants available locally, including no less than Wolfgat, which has been awarded World Restaurant of The Year from chef Kobus van der Merwe. In a charming touch, the wine loving owners have created their own blend of Red Bordeaux named Maiden, which you can find stocked in the private wine cellar at the villa. bordeauxonbritannia.co.za

The Belmond Mount Nelson

The grand dame of Cape Town, Belmond Mount Nelson is a rich and storied property, counting John Lennon, Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill as previous residents. Painted pink in 1918 to signal the coming of peace, this is an oasis of calm within the city. Extensive gardens surround the property in which to enjoy afternoon tea and meticulously renovated rooms maintain an air of old-school grandeur. For a unique stay, opt for one of the cottages which come complete with a small English country garden and white picket fencing. Step back into modern day Cape Town with a visit to either nearby Kloof Street or Long Street which offer a selection of lively and artistic cafes, shops and galleries. Belmond.com

Dog-friendly May 21, 2019

#CocoCountryside: FISHMORE HALL

While there are many options for a couples retreat, especially over a long luxurious bank holiday, no need to jump on a plane to escape the city, Fishmore Hall is closer to home, allowing you to stay in the UK and make the most of the beautiful English summertime (fingers crossed!). So grab your favourite travel companion and prepare to be pampered.

A privately-owned country house hotel offering 15 bedrooms, the atmosphere at Fishmore Hall is welcoming and relaxed, surrounded by peaceful countryside and a short walk to the centre of the market town of Ludlow. Weekly local markets and an excellent selection of restaurants mean that even if you don’t want to wander far, there is a lot to try. For nature lovers, the Shropshire Hills, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are a short drive away allowing excellent access to an assortment of beautiful hiking trails. Feel free to bring any four-legged friends, as the property is dog friendly.

Situated in a location with such excellent gourmet credentials, the restaurant at Fishmore Hall does not disappoint. Restaurant Forelles offers a diverse and intriguing menu, with the option of either a tasting menu or a la carte. Head chef Joe Gould is at the helm, previously winner of the ‘Chaine des Rotisseurs UK Young Chef of the Year’ in 2015. The use of local produce is a key distinguisher throughout both menus at the restaurant and even extends to the bedrooms in the form of tempting snacks from local producers such as The Ludlow Nut Company. Pre-dinner drinks included an excellent gin selection and a relaxed and intimate setting in which to enjoy them. Dinner itself was outstanding, with delicious concoctions including Jerusalem artichoke custard with nigella seed bread and mushroom salt. In addition the main course of red mullet with mussel ravioli and kohlrabi was a delicious combination. The must try for the evening however was the apple tart tartin for two, ideal for sharing and even if you aren’t hungry, sit back enjoy the views through the French windows and then order it, you won’t regret it.

Rather than lingering for an after dinner drink, if you are keen to recharge, one lovely touch at the property was the bespoke box of Elemis products left in the room for bedtime. This little box of joy included delightful sleep-inducing products such as a bath soak, temple balm and pillow spritz. This gave us all the excuse we needed to try out the generously sized bath tub….it’s a hard knock #robelife! With sleep regimes and winding down before bed trending at the moment, this was ideally placed. It also allowed both myself and my very jet lagged other half a wonderful opportunity for a moment of calm before bedtime, something I have been attempting to recreate at home ever since!

For a couples retreat the spa at Fishmore Hall really is delightful, only moments from the main building and set within beautiful gardens showcasing views over the Shropshire countryside, the SPAshell offers a very private and deceptively extensive relaxation area. Through a light and airy reception was my favourite area of the whole property. Boasting a hot tub, relaxation hammock and chairs perfectly big enough for two, this deliciously private area allows uninterrupted countryside views whilst giving a cosy feeling of an intimate space, not overlooked by the rest of the hotel. This is an area to while away the hours in the sunshine or take some time for peaceful contemplation after a treatment at the spa. The dedicated couple’s treatment rooms allow for maximum privacy and the spa menus is focused around the Elemis product line, also mirrored in the bedroom amenities.

I plumped for one of the Lava Shells® massages, which came highly recommended as an unusual alternative to a hot stone massage, combined with Elemis products. Lava Shells® are the world’s first self-heating massage tool, releasing heat throughout a 60 minute massage, helping to release tensions and relax muscles to allow a more effective massage. The heat was soothing on the neck and shoulder muscle tensions from too many hours at the computer, and the experience was extremely relaxing. On reflection, although soothing, I can’t say I personally felt that the tension relief was significantly more effective with the inclusion of the Lava Shells®.

The whole ambience of Fishmore Hall is relaxation in the heart of the countryside, from the helpful yet unobtrusive nature of the team at the hotel to the peaceful surroundings filled with birdsong and the opportunity for long leisurely walks. An idyllic location to get out of your usual routine, relax, recharge and be surrounded by nature and your perfect plus one.

Food & Drink April 1, 2019

Best Cherry Blossom Experiences in London

I have an admission to make, I love this time of year, spring has well and truly sprung and the blossoms are in full bloom. From the incredible display of colours in the parks to the unexpected delight of wandering into a side road to be greeted by rows of pink and white beautiful petals cascading down from blossom laden branches, London has never looked more beautiful.

These incredible signs of spring are of course not limited to the UK but seen all over the world, most famously in Japan where Sakura or cherry blossoms are celebrated with abandon. From Sakura festivals (Hanami) in the street to every type of blossom flavoured items from pastries to tea, Sakura fever takes over. The blossoms are symbolic of fleeting beauty as they only bloom for such a limited time, this acknowledgement that nothing lasts forever has been celebrated for thousands of years and London is now also in the grip of Sakura fever. So if you are a cherry blossom lover, give these limited edition events a try this spring.

Chotto Matte, Soho

Already well known for its delicious light Nikkei cuisine boasting a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours, Chotto Matte is effortlessly cool and has upped its game this cherry blossom season with an incredible floral menu. Blossom brunching has never been easier with Ebi Blossom Tempura, Hiroshima Spring Maki and even Raindrop Jelly complete with edible flowers and Cherry Ripple Ice Cream. Available from 31st March 2019 – www.chotto-matte.com

Nobu Hotel, Shoreditch

Get outside and make the most of spring with Nobu Hotel, Shoreditch. Head for the terrace and dine under a canopy of pink blossoms. Nobu has something for every cherry blossom lover and has partnered with The House of Suntory to create a selection of cocktails, afternoon tea and an a la carte menu. From Samurai California Roll to Sushi Rice Pudding with Pecan Candies, these delicious bespoke dishes can be enjoyed with exclusive cocktails. Try a Kinto cocktail which features Old Java Kinto Brew Coffee to put an additional spring in your step! Available from 5th April 2019 – www.nobuhotelshoreditch.com

Zuma Restaurant, Knightsbridge

For a bar fit to burst with blooms try Zuma in Knightsbridge which has transformed its already fabulous sake bar to celebrate the Sakura season. The speciality cocktails feature spring botanicals such as the Kyushu Fizz and Frozen Hana with plum sake. Artist Ivvo Zerou has created a beautiful real blossom tree for the central attraction which sets the scene perfectly. Available from 31st March 2019 – www.zumarestaurant.com

Australia February 4, 2019

Best Wellness and Spa Breaks in the UK

January is through and spring not quite just around the corner, but the evenings are definitely getting just that little bit lighter. If you aren’t quite ready to jump on a plane to an exotic location to escape the cold, why not treat yourself with a little pampering closer to home. Here at #TeamCoco we believe you can never have too many spa days, so take inspiration from the following best in class spa offerings right here in the UK. From chocolate meditations to healing rain, these spas stand out from the crowd.

Floating Spa

Opening this month, you can try the first of its kind ‘floating spa’ in the UK from Monkey Island, a private island in the River Thames. This bespoke barge will offer voyages rather than treatments on the river, based on the power and healing qualities of water. A total of three treatment rooms will be on offer at the bespoke custom-made barge spa. Try the floating massage, mirroring the movement of water or even a chocolate meditation! Many of the treatments are inspired by ancient recipes brewed by the monks who were Monkey Island’s first recorded inhabitants in the 12th century. Monkeyislandestate.co.uk

Sleep Ritual

Located on the idyllic seashores of the Irish Sea on Newcastle Bay, the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa looks out onto spectacular views of the Mountains of Mourne. Set in six acres of beautifully kept private grounds, the property is famous for its expansive and luxurious spa. Guests can escape to a cocoon of calm and melt away their stresses with over two floors of tranquillity including an amethyst steam room. The sleep ritual available at the spa is the ultimate unwind, allowing the body to relax and renew. Performed in calming, candlelit surroundings, breathing and visualisation techniques release physical and emotional anxiety and restore energies. Deep-seated muscular tension is relieved using a combination of hot stones and warmed fragrant ESPA oil. Drift off in one of their famous cloud beds for sweet dreams guaranteed. Hastingshotels.com

Bathing Rituals

Kohler Waters Spa at the Old Course Hotel, St Andrews offers a range of bathing experiences designed to increase mood and boost energy levels during the colder months. The only Kohler Waters Spa outside the USA, this luxury spa retreat in the heart of Scotland has a focus on hydrotherapy and organic treatments. #TeamCoco loves the bathing treatments include a relaxing, 90-minute Soak Overflowing Bath, which involves floating in a continually over-flowing bath tub filled with seaweed. Alternatively try the Lavender Rain treatment where warm rain pours down from the Kohler Custom Vichy shower. Oldcoursehotel.co.uk

Natural Healing

The new Falls Spa at Lodore Falls Hotel is nestled in the heart of the Lake District’s beautiful Borrowdale valley. With panoramic views of Derwentwater and the spectacular Catbells Mountain Range, The Falls Spa offers guests a cosy, Scandi-inspired retreat from which to enjoy and harness the healing powers of nature. Fancy trying something different? The Falls Spa is the only spa in the north to offer the La Sultane De Saba Akwaterra Massage, a full-body experience using ceramic ergonomic Akwaterra tools filled with hot water. If it’s a luxurious winter spa break you need, the spacious Spa Suites with floor to ceiling windows, walk in wardrobes and lake views should do the trick! Lakedistrictspa.co.uk

Meditation Caves

If a meditation cave sounds like your idea of a blissful retreat, the five-star Gainsborough Bath Spa is the spa break for you. Crystal Sound Baths have become incredibly popular due to the mental and physical health benefits and now you can experience a private Crystal Sound Bath session in the tranquil setting of a meditation cave. Pure quartz crystal bowls are played at different vibrational frequencies. The combination of sound and vibration releases tension, and lowers the heart rate, balancing the energy centres of the body on a cellular level and inducing a sense of deep peace. Get prepared for some serious relaxation. Thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

Fitness January 8, 2019

COCOFITNESS: Top Fitness Trends for 2024

In the dynamic realm of fitness, staying abreast of the Top Fitness Trends is crucial for maximizing results and enjoyment in one’s exercise routine. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) continues to reign supreme, offering a time-efficient yet intense workout experience that torches calories and boosts metabolism. Functional fitness emerges as a frontrunner, emphasizing movements that enhance daily functionality and prevent injuries, appealing to those seeking practical and sustainable fitness solutions. Moreover, the integration of wearable technology into workouts has become ubiquitous, providing real-time feedback and personalized insights, revolutionizing how individuals track progress and stay motivated on their fitness journey.

Mirror Mirror On The Wall, Who Is The Fittest Of Them All?

With flexible working hours and the dark mornings and evenings leading to a lack of motivation, working out at home has never been easier or more convenient with tech. The mirror is at the cutting edge of the future of fitness, known as a ‘nearly invisible interactive home gym’, when off it’s a full-length mirror, when activated it’s the gateway to any type of fitness class you need. An interactive workout platform which offers classes 24/7, perfectly placed to suit any workout schedule. With cameras and speakers included there are 50 new classes a week and a whole library of on-demand workouts available. In addition to this, you can also interact with Mirror, opting in to update your fitness profile to track your progress and your workouts. Not cheap, but in comparison to an ongoing gym membership, it could be justifiable. With real-time instruction, the option to include your own soundtrack and an interactive community at your fingertips, this is sure to be a hit with fitness fans.

Credit: Mirror

Eat, Sleep, Row, Repeat

Rowing saw a big boom in 2018 and that is set to continue through 2019. Popping up through the country dedicated boutique rowing classes including The Engine Room and Core Collective’s Lift & Row are now readily available. Rowing has been shown to be one of the best exercises you can do boosting aerobic fitness and metabolism in one huge boost. Working 85% of the body’s muscles, that’s a full body workout and cardio session in one.

Credit: The Engine Room London

Shorter Classes, Faster Recovery

Lovers of Savasana rejoice recovery is a high priority in the fitness world for 2019. Undertaken a mean HIIT class, training for a marathon or sweating it up at Bikram Yoga? We are all used to pushing ourselves in our workouts however research shows that recovery can be one of the most important parts of your daily workout, no matter what your favourite way to sweat is. Opt for a shorter class, to ensure reduced cortisol production and more recovery time. Intensify your recovery with floating tanks or the sauna.

Exercising For Your Mental Health

Exercise has always been linked to positive mental health as a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment. Known to relieve stress, encourage better sleep patterns and act as a natural mood enhancer through the release of endorphins, fitness trends in 2019 are focusing on enhancing these positive qualities through fitness. Mental and physical fitness will come together in 2019 through apps such as Headspace which offers guided runs with motivation linking into mindfulness.

Looking to stay updated on the “Top Fitness Trends” while embracing a healthy lifestyle? Check out our curated list of the “Best 5 Fitness Tips for a Healthy and Happy Lifestyle” for valuable insights and actionable advice.

DNA, What Are You Made Of?

From what food to eat, to tracking your ancestry, our DNA has become the focus of research and a key form of personalisation across industries including fitness. In a race to offer the best and most effective workouts, 2019 sees exercise personalised to your DNA. From the effects on your metabolism and injury prevention to what form of workout is best for you, testing is becoming more accurate and more mainstream. There are a variety of options available to allow the experts to analyse your fitness profile and create a personalised workout plan based on your genetic profile. Usually linked to a corresponding diet plan, you can even take this to the next level with a DNA bootcamp!

Australia November 19, 2018

#COCOCOUNTRYSIDE: AMANO KENT

A menu bursting with fresh Italian produce, hand-made pasta from a dedicated pasta cellar and a tiramisu that nonna would approve of. When in Rome? Not quite. However with Roman Head Chef Fabio Moschini behind the menu at Amano Kent, this is the place for a taste of Italy a little closer to home.

A recently converted historic pub in West Malling, Kent which has been re-incarnated as an authentic Italian with four boutique rooms, ‘Amano’ from the Italian ‘a mano’ or by hand, definitely has the personal touch. After living in Italy for many years my love of pasta is ingrained, however getting a fix of authentic Italian food in the UK is not as easy as it may seem. Amano offers not only authentically Italian pasta and pizza (made from award-winning dough no less), but Italian attitude, hospitality and bar menu complete with Crodino spritz too. Welcomed by Leon and Alessia we were made to feel at home immediately.

Promoted as a neighbourhood restaurant, the atmosphere at Amano was friendly and buzzing on a Friday evening with regular locals who clearly know the menu by heart, mingling with those who have stopped by to savour this unexpected taste of Italy. Ferns and greenery creep up the walls of the restaurant offset by neutral tones and splashes of black and white through the tiling and table tops. Bringing the outside in creates a relaxed yet chic Mediterranean atmosphere.

With an impressive gin selection and knowledgeable barmen Silvio and Sergei on hand, we sampled a variety of Italian gins, as well as being educated on the Italian roots of gin. The cocktail list ranges from bespoke in-house creations such as the tiramisu martini and chiaro di luna ‘moonlight’ cocktail to the more traditional Crodino Spritz, which is highly recommended as an excellent aperitivo.

Head chef Fabio Moschini is seriously dedicated to his pasta and fresh produce. Not only did he search his native Italy for over a year pre-opening to ensure the best Italian products have pride of place on the menu, but the fresh pasta is created daily on the premises in a dedicated pasta cellar. These flavours shine through a menu which encompasses classic Italian dishes and more modern Italian cuisine.

The ‘Calamaro Grigliato’, grilled squid was a stand out dish from the selection of antipasti, a generous portion of tender, meaty squid, grilled to perfection. Offering the ideal taste bud jarring twang of charcoal combined with rich olive oil, lemon and aioli. The rich and creamy burrata and prosciutto was a close second. The classic option of ‘Spaghetti alle Vongole’ was simple yet satisfying and the pasta was ideally textured and firm. Head Chef Moschini is a fan of using traditional flours dating back to Roman times and this dish with its simple flavours really places the focus on the pasta as the star of the dish. However for a rich, warming plate ideal for the winter months the ‘Pappardelle ai Funghi di Sottobosco’ was excellent. A recommendation from one of the Amano team Joe, this dish was truly mouth-watering; featuring wild mushrooms and truffles, it was a delicious seasonal combination of flavours. A traditional, thick and creamy tiramisu was an overindulgent end to our Italian journey.

Above Amano and conveniently located for those who may need a lie down after a pasta fuelled evening, lie four perfectly formed boutique bedrooms, each one has been carefully restored with a modern design and personal touches by Nick Levantis and Darryl Healy who are behind Amano and sister property The Swan. Previously a historic pub, the restaurant and rooms have been adapted to the architecture of this Grade II listed building so the bedrooms are all unique in size, shape and design. Our room Isabella was warm and welcoming with a small set of stairs leading from the entry into the main bedroom, giving a feeling of a snug apartment. The window seat offered the perfect place to curl up with a cup of tea and a fresh batch of amaretti. Small details available in-room included a well-stocked mini bar complete with Italian treats, a generous amenities selection including eye masks and ear plugs for light sleepers and indulgently fluffy towels and robes. The bathroom was well-appointed with a selection of Green and Spring products. Green and Spring is a nature inspired British wellbeing brand using herbs and flowers native to the British Isles, which fits well with the countryside location.

Speaking of which, for a countryside getaway Amano is perfectly located. Under an hour via train from London Victoria and a leisurely 10 minute walk from the station, West Malling is extremely accessible. This historical town, visited by Charles Dickens and also known as the location for the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour film is a delightful place to stretch your legs. Take a leisurely stroll through the shops, cafes and restaurants or further afield take in a vast selection of wonderful walking and biking opportunities direct from Amano’s doorstep which include Manor Park Country Park. If you are thinking of making a weekend of it, schedule in a brisk walk to take in the scenery, but more importantly to ensure you have enough room for another slice of dolce vita (or tiramisu!).

For more information or bookings visit amanorestaurant.co.uk