Anji McGrandles - House Of Coco Magazine

Destination Inspiration November 9, 2023

unwind in the lap of luxury

If you are looking to shed stress, eat clean and chill out then retreat to the secluded, less commercial south side of Mauritius for a rejuvenating wellness break at Anantara Iko Resort. With powder white sandy beaches and lush tropical landscapes, guests seeking the ultimate wellness escape can take their foot of the gas, switch off and relax by taking full advantage of the three- and five-day wellness experiences.
This tranquil resort is located on the authentic, untouched southeast coast of the island which is a million miles away from the west coast where you’ll find back to back resorts and street vendors. Here the vibe is laid-back and serene, surrounded by the ocean and nature it’s the perfect place for weary travellers to unwind.

Inspired by nature, it has been designed to complement its stunning surroundings by using lots of natural, locally sourced materials around the property. Recycled stone, driftwood and water features set the calm tone and as soon as you arrive at Anantara you feel the pace of life slowing down.

The new wellness programmes use restorative Ayurveda treatments alongside local ingredients such as Tamarin salt from the village on the western coast and spices including turmeric and ginger. Self-healing, restoration, improved energy flow and calming rituals are the foundation of each wellness package, created with health and wellbeing conscientious travellers in mind.
The five-day wellness programme incorporates the following treatments:

Day 1:

Start the day with a traditional Tai Chi session to connect the body and mind. This moving meditation enhances muscular strength, joint flexibility, calms the senses and soothes the soul.
Supporting the actions and benefits of Tai Chi, a restorative 90-minute Ayurveda massage follows. Benefits of Ayurvedic massages include: improved blood circulation to help blood reach nerve endings, toning of muscles, calming the brain and body, lubricating and strengthening joints, increased mental alertness.

Day 2:

Known for its self-healing benefits, the touch therapy of Abhyanga massage aims to balance dosha types using oils mixed with herbs for maximum benefits which stimulate the nervous system, enhance coordination between sensory organs, while strengthening muscles. This massage supports healing, boosts energy, reduces recovery time after an injury, eases pain, and enhances relaxation, mood, and wellbeing.

Day 3:

The ancient self-healing practice of Qi Gong creates a calmness of the mind while powering the body with movements that improve joint flexibility and muscle strength. Qi Gong also supports balance and harmony within the body, improves digestion, and can be an effective treatment for insomnia and many other sleep disorders.

Day 4:

The Ayurvedic therapy Shirodhara, which is a Sanskrit word coming from shro (head) and dhara (flow), involves gently pouring herbal oils over the forehead. This is ideal for those with a vata-pitta imbalance as it can harmonise the body’s energy, awaken intuition, improve memory, support sleep, focus attention and improve concentration.

Day 5:

Round up the five-day programme with a choice of Tai Chi or Qi Gong to absorb and reinforce the full benefits of the wellness programme. Through moving meditation, you maximise the calming effects on the mind and physical benefits to the body.

Embrace the outstanding views of Le Chaland Beach and nourish your body with fresh, organic, vegan cuisine at Bon Manzer restaurant. This clean-eating restaurant will inject some joy and flavour into your palate. There’s an extensive offer of healthy dishes, all freshly prepared in front of you, using local, sustainable produce. Choose from wheat- and gluten-free options, as well as low-calorie wines, raw foods and nutritious smoothies and juices.

The stylish, contemporary, island-chic resort offers a range of activities outside of the programme so you can continue your wellness journey. Take a bike ride along the stunning, unspoilt coastline, soak up the sapphire hues of the ocean with a beach walk or if you‘d rather take some time out to relax then make the most of the hotel’s 30-metre ozone-based swimming pool, one of the many sustainability initiatives at the property.

Each of the 164 stylish rooms and suites are spacious and sophisticated with clean lines and minimal décor enhanced with a splash of ocean blue and wood making it feel relaxing and calm. Start your day taking in the views of the Indian Ocean or flourishing tropical gardens direct from your day bed on the balcony. Just 100m from the beach and with an array of facilities to help you dial it down a notch, Anantara is the ultimate chill out destination.
A room at Anantara Iko Mauritius starts from £335 per room per night on a half board basis. Wellness packages start at £330.
www.anantara.com/en/iko-mauritius

Designer November 9, 2023

#Cocofashion: the sustainable, stylish brand you’ll want to be wearing this summer

Here at House of Coco we are always on the lookout for stylish brands making an impact in the fashion industry. If you haven’t come across Asquith London yet I guarantee once this conscious fashion brand is on your radar, you’ll be spotting it regularly in your yoga class, on the school run and in your local coffee shop.

Founded by Alice Asquith in 2002, this yoga and activewear range combines high quality with style and best of all this ethical, eco-friendly brand is not just for the yoga mat, it can be styled for a more relaxed day look. Alice who was taught to ‘make and mend’ by her grandmother has always made her own clothing, when we meet at the Asquith Eco Summit, she is sporting a stylish floral jacket she made in her 20’s and it still looks chic and timeless on her. She greets me like an old friend and wants to know what I think of the brand. I’ve got to be honest, hands up, I hadn’t come across Asquith until recently. My yoga kit is mainly dominated by Nike staples and the odd piece of Lulu Lemon however I’ve a feeling this is about to change.

The new collection is a range of wearable staples, beautifully designed with soft, durable fabrics. It’s inspired by Alice’s love of Miami and its Art Deco buildings. Pops of blue and white are scattered throughout the pieces. Asquith’s style is classic yet flattering and multi-functional, you can easily take it outside the studio. I have to be honest, I live in my Asquith Harem pants and have my eye on their jumpsuit, ideal for travelling in.

The range features two core fabrics, Bamboo and Bambor (a natural performance fabric Alice developed and trademarked). Both are ethically made in a Global Organic Textile Standard approved factory in Turkey. Bamboo is an environmentally low-impact and sustainable fabric, it’s ideal for activewear as it’s breathable, naturally anti-bacterial and wicks moisture from the body to the exterior of the fabric so it can evaporate more easily. Asquith is always innovating and looking for ways to increase their sustainability taking cues from leading fashion brands; “Stella McCartney is leading the way when it comes to sustainable fashion, says Alice. She lives and breathes sustainability with her brand. And I love her use of modern, innovative fabrics and technology and focus on a more circular economy”.

It’s evident that Alice is on mission to produce stylish pieces that are made with love and you can feel that her new collection is a labour of love. Asquith is not just about the environment, its about the people. Alice regularly visits the factory in Turkey that makes her collection, run by a strong female matriarch character. “It’s like one big family, we lunch together, swap recipes and there’s a real sense of togetherness” she says.

Asquith is a brand that produces gorgeous clothes with a conscience. For more information on the collection visit www.asquithlondon.com

City breaks November 9, 2023

Here’s a sneak preview of the brand new cocktail menu at the iconic Waldorf

Nestled in the iconic Waldorf Hilton Hotel in the heart of London is The Parrot, a stylish tropical hideaway with a brand-new cocktail menu bursting with a selection of tasty tipples. The bar, just a stone throw from some of the major West-End theatres is a great location for a pre-show drink.

The bar’s exotic namesake is alluded to in the interiors, from walls lined with bespoke, hand-painted palm wallpaper to lush foliage and an abundance of greenery planted throughout the space. The plush velvet seating in rich turquoise and midnight blue alongside metallic and rattan detailing draw on the opulence of the historic hotel. The bar front itself is decorated in luxurious teal fish scale tiles beneath exposed Edison filament bulbs, conjuring the moody, atmospheric feel of the speakeasy.

The Parrot’s Bar Manager, Massimiliano Terrile, has designed a menu jam packed with tropical-inspired coolers with fresh and zesty flavours to suit every taste. Team Coco was invited down to the launch party and got to sip and shimmy the night away while nibbling on some delish dishes such as Wagyu beef with pickled enoki, wasabi & pineapple and poached lobster with mango, served with edamame beans, macadamia nuts & yuzu and Quinoa with avocado, sesame, pomegranate & mango, bringing light, exotic flavours to this stylish, tropical venue. Here’s some of our favourite cocktails.

Parrot Puffer
Made with Absolut Elyx Vodka, seasonal fruits and vanilla ice cream, the Parrot Puffer is drizzled with syrup and served in one of the bar’s Instagram-worthy parrot shaped glasses.

Blossom Parakeet
Made with Auchentoshan double oak infused with plum, camomile cordial and ginger ale.

Cockatoos
Made with Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka, bitter XO, cider evaporation and cardamom syrup.

Book your table at The Parrot via www.theparrotldn.co.uk

Fitness November 9, 2023

Why marbella is a perfect destination for a wellness weekend

Holidays are no longer all about excess food, drink and sleep. Health and well-being are high on the traveller agenda, as bookings for wellness experiences soar. According to TripAdvisor’s Experiences Trends Report, global traveller bookings for wellness experiences jumped 69% year-over year as holidaymakers are looking for an all-round healthy break.

The Amare Beach Hotel Marbella is the perfect place to stay for a wellness weekend. They combine an amazing spa, good food and fitness making it the ideal destination for keeping active as well as unwinding. You can design your break to be as active or relaxing as you want. Team Coco opted for a combination of both.

Start your day on a chilled vibe with beach yoga. Guided by Amare teacher, Soledad Jimenez Mateos, this class is aimed at all abilities. Set on the harbour at the front of the hotel you loosen up as you’re taken through some gentle stretching, gradually moving into downward dog and warrior pose. The advantage of doing yoga by the sea is that you breathe in clean air, feel the gentle morning sun on your face and the sea breeze in your hair. The sound of the waves gently crashing on the harbour wall create a real zen moment and I quickly switched off from any busy thoughts just concentrating on the slow, rhythmic movements of my body. Afterwards I recommend you head to the hotel patio to soak up the gorgeous beach views and refuel with a healthy, fresh breakfast buffet.

If you are looking for something a little more adventurous than yoga, then canyoning in nearby Benahavis will get your adrenaline pumping. Travel through the foothills of the mountains and experience unspoiled beauty. The canyons are made up of a series of beautiful rock passages carved and sculpted by water over millions of years. There is a mix of activity including swimming, jumping and abseiling using ropes cascading down white water chutes.

Canyoning was a bit too much for me so I decided to take it down a notch and experience some of the best views of the Costa Del Sol with a hike high up into the Andalusian mountains. There’s a number of trails you can take depending on how far you want to go. This experience is a must for those that enjoy nature and want to experience a perspective of Marbella that few often see. My guide collects me early in the morning and drives up towards the Sierra Blanca. It’s a clear day, the sun is shining so I’m guaranteed some epic views. I opted for the two-hour hike starting at Juanar and heading towards La Concha. The route loops round and takes in olive groves, walnut and pine trees and halfway in we are joined by a wild goat. As we hike further towards the top of the mountain the viewpoints get even better. On a clear day you can see the North African coastline and Gibraltar.

The fresh air and brisk hike left me with an appetite, so I made my way to Amare Beach Lounge for an al fresco lunch. Set on the beach, with a casual Mediterranean vibe the menu includes some tasty tapas staples as well as fresh salads and poke bowls. I went for a selection of traditional Andalusian tapas and a glass of Albarino.

All the hiking gave me a perfect excuse to hit the hotel spa and ease any aching muscles. The spa menu is centred around mind, body and spirit. It features some real treats like the Balance Concept Ritual, which combines an innovative therapy and massage to combat stress. I highly recommend the Sleep Ritual Massage, using essential oils and a range of holistic, calming and relaxing movements your mind and body instantly feel soothed and peaceful, perfect for the end of all long day.

If you are looking for a wellness break in the sunshine, then the Amare Beach Hotel is the perfect spot, reached in just two and a half hours from the UK, with daytime temperatures exceeding 20 degrees from April to October.

Team Coco travelled to Marbella courtesy of Amare Beach Hotel Marbella. For more information visit www.amarehotels.com

India November 9, 2023

Improve your wellbeing with Ayurveda

Set at the foot of the Himalayas, overlooking the spiritual Ganges river, world renowned wellness retreat Ananda is the ideal destination to discover the ancient Indian practice of Ayurveda.
Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest wellbeing philosophies, originally developed in India over 5,000 years ago this holistic mind-body health system is based on the body having the correct balance of nature’s basic elements – earth, wind, fire, water and air.

By understanding our bodies more and making some small adjustments to diet and lifestyle, wellness experts believe it can help manage everything from stress, weight through to the menopause.
Team Coco got to spend some time with Ayurveda Physician, Dr Matthew to find out more about the practise. Dr Matthew, told us “Ayurveda focuses on providing specific advice and guidance on how to maintain physical and emotional health. In Ayurveda, every individual is unique and there is no diet or lifestyle routine that works for everyone”.

The practice is based on the principles of three doshas: Vata – space and air, Pitta – fire and water and Kapha – earth and water. “Doshas are the energies that make up every individual, which perform different physiological functions in the body. ‘Prakruti’ recognises that each of us is born with a unique combination of doshas, and that this is responsible for the mental, physical and emotional differences between us” explains Dr Matthew.

Pitta types literally have more fire in them than other people, so can be hot headed, aggressive and impatient, as well as being intelligent and sharp. The Pitta dosha controls digestion, metabolism and energy production. The primary function of Pitta is transformation.

Vata governs movement in the body, the activities of the nervous system, and influences thoughts and feelings. Vata types tend to always be on the go, with a fast, energetic and creative mind. As long as the Vata is in balance, they’ll be lively and enthusiastic.

Kapha governs the structure of the body. It is the principle that holds the cells together and forms the muscle, fat, bone and provides immunity. The primary function of Kapha is protection.
Kaphas are affectionate and forgiving.

After a consultation with Dr Matthew he confirmed my prominent doshas were Pitta and Vata (there are lots of questionnaires online if you want to find out more about your dosha type). To keep my doshas in balance I was given some small lifestyle tweaks and changes to my diet. The practice is focussed on listening to your body and recognising the changes so you can adjust your lifestyle to attain optimum wellness.

At Ananda there are number of retreat programmes which are tailor made for guests’ individual dosha and health goals. At the retreat they first establish your dosha balance then ensure your programme and diet reflects it.

Ananda’s Stress Management programme supports a well-balanced, healthy life by reducing stress and relaxing the mind. There’s a customised holistic programme of Ayurveda, Yoga, Tibetan and International experiences with Reiki Healing. The whole programme is designed to provide tranquillity to the stressed body and mind and to bring back the natural rhythm of the psychosomatic system.

If you feel like you’ve lost your mojo and need to reset then the Ayurvedic Rejuvenation programme will help you restore vitality to the body by eliminating toxins through traditional Panchakarma treatments and by enhancing the body’s immunity through a combination of Ayurvedic treatments, body type based diet and Yoga. The programme includes stimulating and purifying therapies, daily Yoga and Meditation and dosha-specific Ayurvedic diet to help reduce stress, improve health and address common ailments or simply delay the aging process.

Beyond the retreat you can indulge in mountain treks, guided nature walks and white water rafting. All of the wellness programmes follow a holistic approach towards achieving the best results in a safe, nurturing atmosphere expertly guided by a team of expert Ayurvedic doctors, skilled therapists, nutritionists, yogis and spa cuisine chefs.
For more information on the retreats at Ananda visit www.anandaspa.com
Ayurvedic Physician, Dr. Shijoe Mathew is Ayurvedic Consultant at The Circle, Brighton.

Fitness November 9, 2023

say hello to MICRO:The hottest new wellness trend for 2020

2020 is the year of MICRO – Making Incremental Changes to Reconnect Ourselves

A new year and decade welcome the opportunity to evaluate our wellness and identify new ways of boosting our mind, body and spirit. The wellness industry is booming and is set to continue trending well into 2020 as it’s no longer seen as a niche market. People are looking for ways to be their ‘best self’ and want simple techniques to incorporate wellness into their daily routines.

The last decade has been all about going hard and fast with the rise of HIIT and restrictive diets like Keto. But 2020 sees a shift in direction, with an increasing trend towards technology and personal experiences to enhance both our physical and emotional state. Global technology leader, Huawei, in partnership with trend intelligence experts, Stylus, has identified the most exciting wellness trend for the new decade – MICRO – Making Incremental Changes to Reconnect Ourselves.

This new approach to wellness focuses on making small, smart and simple adjustments to lifestyles with the help of the latest tech.

In 2020, hard core fitness regimes will be shunned for a softer and more holistic approach to wellness activities, underpinned by wearable technology to track vital statistics and audio experiences.

MICRO has been identified at a time when the complexities of balancing work and life, as well as the pressure to succeed, has caused increased millennial fatigue and burnout [1]. With new activities like HIIPA, mobile-meditation, micro-dosed nature, sound-baths and recovery-focused studios opening around Europe, it’s clear that a cultural shift towards wellbeing is on the horizon.

Those at the forefront of this wellness revolution are adopting a #GoMICRO way-of-life. Dr Frank Lipman, a pioneer and specialist in functional and integrative medicine, known for his celebrity clientele including, Gwyneth Paltrow, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Arianna Huffington said: “HUAWEI has identified a shift away from the one-size-fits-all approach to wellness – which does not take our individual needs into account. The MICRO trend promotes a bespoke manageable regime that utilises technology and supports a desire for simple, integrated activities that produce real results.”

I like the sound of MICRO, mainly because it appears easy to stick to. I find that when we set ourselves big wellness changes they’re harder to sustain but because this trend encourages small and easy changes that weald big results you’re less likely to give up. MICRO is definitely the way forward for me.

To find out more about the MICRO trend and the drivers behind it head to https//consumer.huawei.com/uk/

[1] In May 2019, the World Health Organisation added burnout to its International Classification of Diseases – meaning that as of 2020, it will become a globally recognised occupational phenomenon.

Fitness November 9, 2023

experience St Lucia’s most iconic nature trails designed by your very own ‘Hiking Butler’

Jade Mountain, St Lucia, has launched a ‘Hiking Butler’ service for adventurous guests wishing to experience the island’s most iconic and scenic nature trails. Set on its own private 600-acre estate, Jade Mountain’s guests can choose from a large range of unspoilt hiking trails.

During a one-to-one consultation with the hotel’s resident hiking concierge, guests will be provided with an extensive ‘hiking menu’, from which a medley of intrepid trails can be chosen.

Guests will be safely guided and informed with fascinating knowledge about the island by the resident butler, who will then prepare a champagne-gourmet picnic which can be enjoyed at one of St Lucia’s many breath-taking spots.

Jade Mountain’s recommended hikes, available to book now, are tailored to all fitness levels, ranging from beginner and intermediate, through to advanced:

For the easy-does-it hiker: Guests who wish to soak up the beautiful scenery at a dulcet pace can book the popular Anse Mamin Plantation Walk, which visits the lush coastal jungle, adjacent to the resort’s second beach, Anse Mamin. Nature lovers will be led through the leafy terrain by their butler, who will provide an illuminating account of the history behind the 18th-century ruins of a historic sugar plantation, as well as the myriad of exotic foliage and wildlife present on the land.

For the can-do-attitude hiker: Outdoor enthusiasts who prefer a more exhilarating hiking experience can enjoy the Morne Lastic Walk, a three-hour trek which takes participants up and over the undulating mountains into the town of Soufriere. Along the way, guests will be treated to fabulous views of the world-famous Pitons and Soufriere Bay, during which time the butler will explain the history of the quaint fishing town below. Post-trek, tired hikers will have the chance to relax their weary muscles on a scenic boat trip back to the resort.

For the lion-hearted hiker: Advanced hikers looking for the ultimate physical challenge can choose to undertake the infamous ‘Piton climb’ to the top of the island’s Gros Piton. A world heritage site, guests will enjoy spectacular 360-degree views from the twin mountains that form the trademark landscape of St Lucia. The Hiking Butler will be on hand to help guests through the testing climb, safely guiding them through the best possible route.

Nightly rates at Jade Mountain start from $1,110 (£840*) per sanctuary based on double occupancy. Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 10% VAT. For more information or to book visit www.jademountain.com.*Prices in pound sterling accurate according to today’s exchange rate. Guests can book the Hiking Butler service and all nature trail excursions upon arrival. *Price in pound sterling accurate according to today’s exchange rate.

City breaks November 9, 2023

upgrade your holiday with our round up of the most glamourous places to stay this summer

If like Team Coco, when it comes to travel you like a bit of glamour and luxury then you’ll love our round up of this summer’s stylish stays. From beachside villas in St Tropez to luxury apartments in Rome, perfect for a cultural getaway, we have selected the most exclusive and luxurious places to stay.

Located in an exclusive residential area in the prestigious Baie de Canebiers area of St Tropez, Villa Canoubwest, is a grand Mediterranean masterpiece. Its peaceful setting amongst 8,000 square metres of perfectly manicured gardens with rolling emerald lawns fringed by tropical flowers and palms and with direct access to the sea, offers the perfect backdrop for sophisticated garden parties and large family gatherings. The villa’s modest traditional terracotta exterior is a stark contrast to the opulent interiors, where gleaming marble, soft Italian stone and elegant parquet is adorned with sumptuous furnishings, stylish finishings and fine art. Features include a 20-metre outdoor heated pool, specious terraces overlooking the azure blue waters, ample parking and a staff apartment. It is also possible to moor a boat within view of the property at nearby Plage des Canebiers, where there’s also a secluded stretch of sand.
France, St Tropez: Villa Canoubwest- Five bedrooms, sleeps 10; price from £52,577 per week

Classic Renaissance architecture complete with a Baroque inspired palette blends seamlessly with modern Italian glamour and elegance at this newly renovated apartment, which stands regally on the famous Piazza Navona. Stunning Michelangelo-style frescos feature on virtually every ceiling whilst independently commissioned furnishings adorn each room like works of art. The apartment features two stunning master bedroom suites at either end of the property, each with luxury bathrooms and impressive views. The Pope’s bedroom offers a king-sized bed, theatrically placed centre stage on a raised platform, surrounded by luscious velvet curtains. The communal rooms, which separate the bedrooms include a sophisticated dining room, a music room complete with grand piano, a library and a bar with lounge and TV area. There’s also a studio, kitchen and staff quarters.
Italy, Rome: Apartment Sant’ Agnese- Two bedrooms, sleeps four; price from £46,200- £62,000 per week

Situated above a private stretch of beach and featuring a show stopping infinity edge pool overlooking the deep blue Ionian Sea, Royal Infinity Villa, with its exotic architecture, is quite simply a masterpiece. Packed with state-of-the-art amenities and bespoke luxury furnishings, the villa comprises an entrance hall, two master king-size bedroom suites with walk-in dressing rooms, a spacious living area which can be converted into a sleeping area, three bathrooms, two Jacuzzi, a work-space and kitchen. A private staircase from the infinity pool area leads directly to the sandy beach where each villa has its own private area complete with sunbeds and umbrellas. In-villa dining and spa treatments are available or guests can enjoy use of the resort’s Waterfront Spa and restaurants.
Greece, Zakynthos: Royal Infinity Villa– Two bedrooms, sleeps 7; price from £34,767

This beautiful lakeside villa offers the best of both worlds – an intimate bolthole combined with five-star hotel service. The Mosaic House is situated within the grounds of the Villa d’Este hotel estate and as such, guests benefit from access to the many bars, restaurants and wellness facilities located onsite whilst the hotel’s staff are on hand to provide attentive service to villa guests. Recently restored from top to bottom, the modern villa offers stunning views of the surrounding landscaped grounds and the calm waters of Lake Como from every window. The king-sized bedroom suite features an opulent marble bathroom and floor to ceiling windows, with direct access to a private outdoor terrace – the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast.
Italy, Lake Como: Mosaic House is sold on a weekly basis only and the starting price is 2,800 Euros per night (approx. £2,480)

Peacefully nestled amongst the vineyards and olive groves of a private estate and nature reserve that rests on the borders of Umbria and Tuscany, Villa Piantaverna offers a luxurious farmhouse experience, ideal for groups of adults and families. There’s oodles of space both inside and out across the three-acre plot plus plenty of rustic charm which is complemented by modern amenities and sumptuous furnishings. Facilities include a stunning heated outdoor infinity pool, wine cellar and impressive kitchen with separate larder for those wishing to self-cater. The estate also has a private restaurant and kitchen, the Osteria, serving a menu of delicious dishes made from fresh organic produce from the estate and wider area. It also serves hand-picked Italian wines, including its own called San Giovese.
Italy, Umbria: Villa Piantaverna– Four bedrooms, sleeps six; price from £13,100 per week

All of the properties featured can be booked through Firefly Collection. To view the full collection, visit Firefly Collection at www.firefly-collection.com

Afternoon Tea November 9, 2023

Take a tour of London’s famous landmarks over Afternoon Tea

Town House at The Kensington launched their new London Landmarks Afternoon Tea this week on board one of the cities infamous icons, The London Eye and Team Coco were invited along to try the menu.

Following the success of their record-breaking Tale As Old As Time offering, the new Afternoon Tea takes inspiration from London’s most recognisable and historic landmarks, taking diners on a tour of the capital’s most famed structures.

On board the London Eye we were served a selection of sandwiches to start, so far pretty standard but the jewel in the crown of this Afternoon Tea comes in their sweet offering. High above the Thames with views stretching as far as Wembley we were served architectural triumphs such as The Gherkin, crafted from White Chocolate with a Dark Chocolate Ganache and The Shard made of Carrot Cake & Milk Chocolate. Alongside an iconic London Telephone Box imagined in Rhubarb Mousse and Big Ben-inspired Lemon Curd Tart, the new London Landmarks Afternoon Tea menu is complete with London’s quintessential treat, Scones served with Heather Hills Strawberry Jam & Clotted Cream. The design and creativity behind the menu is fantastic, these tasty sweet morsels look too good to eat. Town House has successfully captured the London skyline on a plate.

General Manager, Francesco Sardelli told us how his cycle route around London which takes in some of the city’s iconic sights, influenced the menu design. Town House’s new skyline of scones, sandwiches and sweets is available to book now. Paying homage to the capital’s famous buildings, London Landmarks is presented on a London Eye-inspired tea stand. The Afternoon Tea is served alongside a bespoke map of London, beautifully illustrated by Eleni Sofroniou. This pretty pocket map is a cute take-away for guests, highlighting Kensington Palace and The Tower of London as well as archetypal spots such as Covent Garden and Big Ben.

The entire new menu, carefully crafted by Head Chef, Adi Mandokhot is a celebration of London, with guests also able to enjoy a selection of savouries: a cockney staple Steak & London Ale Pie and a Colston Bassett Stilton & Broccoli Quiche alongside a bite-size Crab Cake with Tartare Sauce & Caperberries. Highlights of the sandwich selection include Smoked Salmon, Lovage Pesto & Cream Cheese on Brown Bread, Egg and Cress Bridge Roll using eggs from Heritage breed Copper Marans hens, Coronation Chicken Sandwich on Brown Loaf.

This menu is bound to be a big hit with Afternoon Tea aficionados who are looking for something special. Town House is the signature restaurant at The Kensington hotel and is spread across three classically designed drawing rooms, serving locally-sourced, seasonal modern British cuisine. Nestled in the heart of one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods – complete with stylish décor, hand-picked furnishings and open fireplaces it’s the perfect setting to indulge in this offering of sweet and savoury delights.

London Landmarks Afternoon Tea Menu is available now at Town House, The Kensington Hotel, £42 per person or £54.50 with a glass of Perrier-Jouët, Grand Brut NV Champagne.

Arts November 9, 2023

Experience A-list treatment at Toronto’s most stylish and chic hotel

Nestled in the trendy Yorkville district and overlooking the fashionable boutiques, bars and restaurants you’ll find The Hazelton Hotel. The hotel is a sophisticated retreat from the city, showcasing a selection of Canadian artwork throughout, it oozes glamour and feels almost like a private members club minus the stuffiness. It’s easy to see how this place attracts the glitterati, low lighting combined with discreet dark colours and plush fabrics gives it that vintage, Hollywood vibe. The hotel has hosted the likes of Gaga, Justin Timberlake and Naomi Watts and home-grown talent like Drake and Justin Bieber are often spotted in the bar.

While this place oozes style you don’t feel like an outsider, the staff and team under General Manager, Hani Yousef are friendly, relaxed yet professional. As soon as I arrived, I was given an A-lister welcome, the concierge and front of house team are attentive, nothing is a problem and they make you feel you’re just as important as the celebrities that regularly frequent the place.
With just 77 rooms there’s a real boutique feel to the hotel. My room didn’t disappoint, a large and contemporary space with lounge area and comfy king size bed backed with sumptuous leather surrounds. I had my own large dressing area made of zebrawood and with floor to ceiling mirrors, I felt every inch the celebrity. The bathroom was the jewel in the crown, complete with heated floors, an LCD television built into the mirror, separate deep soaking tub & rain shower and a selection of, L’Occitane goodies to pamper myself with.

Executive chef (and Top Chef Canada judge) Mark McEwan oversees One at The Hazelton Hotel, this is the place to be seen so book your table in advance as it’s popular with locals and visitors. The menu combines French and Italian flavours with some of the best local Ontario produce. Team Coco was lucky enough to be invited to a private dining Style Plate with Canadian menswear designer Christopher Bates, to celebrate Toronto Fashion Week. The dishes were excellent, the Eggplant Arrabiata combined fried eggplant, ricotta, buffalo mozzarella dressed with aged balsamic, pickled onion and basil. This was followed by a Sweet Pea Falafel served with pomegranate yogurt, apple, on a soft, fluffy bed of couscous with a coriander dressing. While we are talking food, I have to mention the breakfast, I like to think of myself as an avocado and poached egg on toast connoisseur, it’s my go-to breakfast and brunch choice and the offer at One was the best I’ve ever tasted. The plumpest green avocado was smashed on freshly toasted sour dough with juicy red cherry tomatoes, a sprinkle of red chilli and a soft poached egg. It was divine!

The hotel has an amazing cinema room, the 25 seater theatre draws all the film stars during Toronto International Film Festival, perfect for a private screening. During the festival guests have included Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, Reese Witherspoon and George Clooney. The room has a 16-foot high ceiling and mohair wrapped walls for extra soundproofing. Then there’s all the cool gadgets and gizmos like super surround sound and a high-tech digital projection system. If you are looking for Hollywood movie star treatment the team at The Hazelton will arrange for you watch your favourite film along with the obligatory popcorn.

If you want to relax and unwind you can visit the Spa by Valmont and try one of the luxurious treatments using their luxurious Swiss skincare line. The spa offers world-class facial treatments, luxurious body treatments and specialised massages designed to release stress and toxins. I opted for their signature massage, I literally floated out the door and it was much needed after a long flight and lots of walking around the city. You can also take advantage the 24-hour gym as well as a heated saltwater pool.

The Hazelton manages to tick every box, it has that welcoming home from home vibe with that touch of glamour. I really didn’t want to leave but rest assured the next time I’m in Toronto I’ll be checking in.
Team Coco travelled to Toronto courtesy of Tourism Toronto www.seetornotonow.com
For more information or to book a room visit www.thehazeltonhotel.com