Soak up all Sin City has to offer, and secure your seat at the hottest shows in town!

With its endless stream of new and exciting shows, Las Vegas is a city like no other. From The Colosseum at Caesars Palace to the T-Mobile Arena, this is the place to catch the biggest and brightest stars from around the globe. No wonder they call it the entertainment capital of the world!

Whether you love live music, theatre, dance, or all of the above, read on for House of Coco’s top picks for 2023.

Spellbinding shows

iLuminate:

Hailed the ‘Best Act in America’, ‘one of the coolest shows on the Las Vegas strip’, and ‘the most fun you can have in the dark’, iLuminate is certainly causing a stir! Since winning America’s Got Talent, the iLuminate collective has combined dance, illusion, and seriously spectacular lighting to create a one-of-a-kind visual experience.

Book your spot at www.thestrat.com

Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil:

This thrilling concoction of acrobatics, dance, and comedy tells the story of the Big Apple, so it seems only right that the latest string of performances will occur at Las Vegas’ New York-New York Hotel and Casino. Grab a drink at the stunning bar beforehand, and prepare to embark on a night of magic and music!

Grab your tickets at www.newyorknewyork.mgmresorts.com

Awakening:

For lovers of drama, theatrics, and Anthony Hopkins. Yes – you read that right, but don’t worry; you won’t catch the Oscar winner in a leotard!  Instead, he narrates this breathtaking tale of beauty, love, and adventure. Awakening has been heralded ‘a visual spectacular not to miss’, and we couldn’t agree more.

Check out the trailer at www.wynnlasvegas.com

Musical Residencies

A Las Vegas residency is a badge of honour reserved for only the most colossal pop superstars. Free from the cost of touring and the limitations of hitting a different venue each night, they can go to town and put on the most spectacular shows of their careers!

Here are some of the heavy hitters limbering up for residencies in the City of Sin this year.

Katy Perry:

For 14 camp and colourful nights, Katy will bring her unique style and energy to Resorts World Las Vegas. The show has reportedly been in the works for some time, and amongst smash hits including ‘Firework’, ‘Roar’, and ‘California Gurls’, we’re expecting plenty of outfit changes!

New dates for ‘Play’ were recently announced at www.katyperry.com/tour/

Usher:

Delighting fans with his signature, smooth brand of R&B since 1994, Usher has been going longer than you might think! Today, the Grammy Award winner’s Las Vegas residency is all about having fun and doing things his way. Expect sizzling dance moves, snappy suits, and seriously impressive rollerskate choreography!

Grab tickets for Usher’s ‘My Way’ residency at www.parkmgm.mgmresorts.com

Adele:

After a slew of sell-out shows, Adele surprised fans by announcing the extension of her Las Vegas residency. It seems 34 nights in front of 4,000 fans wasn’t enough, and we’re here for it! Her upcoming performances at the Colosseum Theatre at Caesars Palace will be recorded and released on film, but obviously, nothing can top being there.

Find out more about ‘Weekends with Adele’ at www.adele.com

Bruno Mars:

Bruno Mars may have been ‘Locked Out of Heaven’, but he’s more than welcome on the Las Vegas strip! The pint-sized R&B sensation has had a massive impact on modern music and will return to Park MGM’s Dolby Live later this year.

Tickets are available now at www.bigstub.com/Bruno-Mars-Tickets/Las-Vegas-NV

Kelly Clarkson:

After winning the first-ever series of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson has gone from strength to strength. 23 years later, ‘Chemistry: An intimate night with Kelly Clarkson’ is a must-see for fans of her unique blend of pop, country, and rock and roll.

Experience the chemistry yourself at www.kellyclarksonvegas.com.

So there you have it! We hope you enjoyed this whirlwind trip through the hottest new shows to hit Las Vegas in 2023.

Whether you sing your heart out at one of the iconic theatres or experience something unusual on the big stage, don’t forget you can find plenty more Vegas hidden gems in our archive.

Hands down, one of my favourite movies of all time is Pretty Woman. I was probably far too young to watch it when I first fell in love with the enigmatic romance of Julia Roberts and Richard Gere on screen, but ever since, the story of unlikely love and dreaming of the fairy tale has stuck with me. So, when I was treated to seeing Pretty Woman the Musical on stage this December at The Savoy Theatre on the West End, I couldn’t wait to see its brilliance brought to life on stage.

As a drama graduate and scriptwriter, I am aware of the trappings of adaptations and how a certain spark of the original can be lost through reinterpretation. Would it still be the telling of Edward and Vivian’s week-long happenstance turned into forever? Would I still be able to quote “BIG MISTAKE, HUGE!” and every other line I use far too much? The answer was yes, and even more!

First developed for Broadway, Pretty Woman the Musical doesn’t shy away from the original script and builds upon the original narrative with grace, humour and meaningful lyrics that seem to have always fit the part. But the lead, Aimie Atkinson, playing Vivian Ward, stole the show. I didn’t believe anyone could quite top the performance of Julia Roberts in the film, but honestly, I feel like Atkinson knocked it out of the park so well that I could have watched and listened to her for hours on end. She conveys Vivian with depth, tenacity, and complete raw wit that you’ll want her to rescue you right back by the end of the show.

If you’re planning a trip to London soon, I could not recommend seeing Pretty Woman the Musical enough. It’s a fun night out in an intimate setting where every seat in the house guarantees a fabulous time.

You can book your tickets here!

When I first visited Florida as a little girl with my family, I was besotted by all things Disney, as I’m sure most people are when they visit Florida. It’s a wonderland for those young or old who want to live out their fairy tale fantasies or escape to a different realm from a much-beloved film. For me, Florida signified family. It would become our staple holiday destination for years and has always been where I hold dear memories. Naturally, when the opportunity arose for me to revisit Florida this year, I was itching with excitement to board the plane!

But it was time for a completely different, unseen Florida – Culinary Florida. As of this year, MICHELIN Guide is putting Florida on the map for its exquisite eats across the state. Packed with MICHELIN Stars, Bib Gourmand Awards and MICHELIN recommendations, I advise packing loose-fitting clothing if you embark on a trip to Florida. By the end, you’ll be in food heaven and experience some of the best cuisines from around the world and Floridian dishes you’ve never tasted before.

What struck me most were a couple of locations I couldn’t help but shout about, mainly because they dug into my sentimental side and left a lasting impression. As I said, Florida means family to me, so when I visited the family fruit stand and market Robert is Here, Miami and Richard Gonzmart’s family empire of restaurants in Tampa, it felt like I was home.

Robert is Here – Miami, Florida

You think Miami; you think parties, beaches, and Miami Vice. But a short trip from the coasts will land you at Robert is Here, a fruit stand and farm market founded over sixty years ago by Robert Moehling. At six years old, Robert was instructed to sell a surplus of cucumbers his father couldn’t get rid of. A standard dilemma for any six-year-old. Today it is an all-encompassing fruit stand, market, and farm. Run by Robert and his entire family, grandchildren included, Robert is Here has made the MICHELIN Guide as a must-stop location in South Florida.

It’s a perfect Sunday morning spot for lazing around and picking out the freshest produce to take home for the week. Their milkshakes and smoothies have a reputation for themselves, being a popular choice for a mid-morning pickup or late-afternoon refreshment. I enjoyed a nourishing smoothie packed with berries, vitamins, and everything my body needed to feel boosted. The market also offers a delectable range of condiments, cooking sauces and locally grown fruit and vegetables that support the community. If you’re travelling as a family, there is also a delightful farm where you can feed the animals, all lovingly rescued and cared for by the Robert is Here team. With plans for expansion in the coming years, nothing stops the dreams of one family who started with little more than a bunch of cucumbers.

Robert is Here is located at 19200 SW 344th St, Homestead, FL 33034. They are open daily, 9 am – 6 pm, including Sundays.

The 1905 Empire

Richard Gonzmart is one of those people that when he walks into a room, you know he’s someone you must talk to. I was lucky enough to do just that.

(Pictured above: The legend himself, Mr Richard Gonzmart)

Across Tampa, but spanning the reach of the entire Florida state, the 1905 collection of restaurants has a reputation that speaks for itself. So much so that they all caught the eye of the MICHELIN Guide, and with good reason. I visited three 1905 restaurants on my trip; Ulele, The Columbia and Goody Goody Burgers. Richard is the 4th generation co-owner of the 1905 collection, but he prefers to call himself the “4th generation caretaker” as this title means so much more to him. And yet, he is one of the most prolific restaurateurs your will meet. Richard took over the restaurant empire from his late father, Caesar Gonzmart, and has served delicious dishes to locals and tourists his entire life, starting as a humble pot wash as a teen.

During a tour of the Columbia, Florida’s oldest restaurant, Richard told of how he met his future wife there as a teen and how he was confident he would spend his life with her. He did just that! It was clear as he spoke that family is at the heart of all they do, even in how they treat their employees, including many who have worked at the restaurant for over 30 years! The food at the Columbia is rich in Columbian heritage, with dishes that sing to the family’s deep history and love for cooking. A particular highlight of the menu you must try is their famous Cuban sandwich; you’ll be pressed to find better elsewhere.

(Pictured above: The stunning mosaic designs of Columbia restaurant)

If you head to Ulele, you can sample 1905’s brewed beers, with selections that suit every taste, from crisp pale ales to fruity beers. I also delved into a burger bigger than my head that left me in a minor food coma afterwards!

(Pictured above: Gigantic burgers at Ulele)

And on the subject of burgers, you can’t visit Tampa without stopping by Goody-Goody Burgers, an all-American diner with pumpkin pie to die for. Their signature hamburgers make McDonald’s look like amateurs in the burger game, and we were sure to order a second right after finishing the first – that’s how good they were.

(Pictured above: The entrance to a quintessentially American diner)

Find Columbia Restaurant at 2117 E 7th Ave, Ybor City, Tampa, FL 33605.

Find Ulele Restaurant at 1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602.

Find Goody-Goody Burgers at 1601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606.

Miami is world famous for its nightlife, white sands and good times. And Miami has never shied away from the big and small screen.

In fact, the list of TV shows and films shot in Miami is endless; from Miami Vice, Dexter, True Lies, and Baywatch, to The Godfather Part II, Only Fools and Horses, and not forgetting the legendary CSI: Miami…yeaaaaaaaaaah.

But on my latest adventure, I got up close and personal on the set of the newest adaptation of the 90s classic Father of the Bride. Little Havana is the hub of Cuban culture in Miami, making it a perfect location for Father of the Bride (2022), starring two of the most renowned Cuban-American actors, Andy Garcia and Gloria Estefan.

This romantic comedy follows the struggles of a father (Andy Garcia) who is coming to terms with his daughter growing up and ultimately leaving the Cuban-American family nest for good. Gloria Estefan plays opposite him as his heartbroken wife, who has decided that divorce is their only option after months of fighting in couples therapy.

The question is: Can they keep that choice from their huge Cuban-American clan until after the wedding celebrations? Well, I’ll leave that for you to watch and see.

But if you have already enjoyed this delightful film that focuses on the unmatched bond shared between a father and daughter, you’ll know the significance of this domino park I am standing in front of.

Domino Park, Little Havana, is deep-rooted in Cuban culture and was one of the first spots to find its home before Little Havana became what it is today. The scenes in the film where Andy Garcia escapes the family’s trials and tribulations to play dominoes are exactly the scenes you will see each day in real life at Domino Park.

It’s a meeting spot for friends, family and strangers to play, converse and pass the time as a community. In the movie, it signifies a beautiful camaraderie between father and daughter as they both figure out who they are and what they want. But also how important were the efforts of the Cuban people who moved their lives to South Florida in hopes of a better future for their families, much like Andy Garcia’s character reminisces on throughout the movie.

It’s clear Domino Park will always be significant in Little Havana’s history.

And while you’re passing through Little Havana, you must stop by Ball & Chain, a bar that is infamous in itself but that can be spotted in the opening scenes of Father of the Bride.

If you want somewhere where live music echoes through the streets on a Monday afternoon while people dance and sing with one another, having only just met, then Ball & Chain will have your heart in seconds. Plus, the mojitos are simply to die for on a hot Miami day.

And don’t worry if you get peckish; Little Havana is packed full of the most authentic Cuban food you could wish for…but I’ll save those secrets for my next article on culinary capers in Miami.

Stay tuned until then,

Demi x

Do you like scary movies?

That movie quote had me not answering the phone after dark for many years in fear that I’d be starring in my own horror film.

As it’s certified spooky season and as House of Coco’s film and telly buff, I’ve weaved a web of blood-curdling classics and some charmingly creepy family watches to have your Halloween weekend brimming with fear.

Here’s your Halloween Weekend Watchlist:

The Haunted Mansion

This is a cracker: As a kid, I was obsessed with the Haunted Mansion at Disney World, and I was sad not to visit on my recent trip to Orlando (more on that coming soon!), but I indulged in The Haunted Mansion film on Disney+ this week. Any movie with Eddie Murphy is sure to pack a barrel of laughs, and this one comes with a fair few haunts too.

If you’re into sinister Butlers who are up to something and mysterious ghouls with unfinished business, The Haunted Mansion is where it’s at. It’s a fun family watch and an easy lone watch if you don’t quite feel like having sleepless nights.

There’s also a 2023 adaptation in the works because Disney love repurposing their classics – Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Winona Ryder, Dan Levy and Jamie Lee Curtis are rumoured to be cast, so I’ll report back next year on how this new story ranks against the original.

There’s no denying it’s a star-studded cast; let’s hope they can fill Eddie Murphy’s shoes!

Streaming on Disney+

Hocus Pocus 2

I’m going to level with you; I haven’t watched the first Hocus Pocus movie or the second – I know, lock me up and throw away the key! How I managed to navigate my entire childhood without indulging in the brilliance of Bett Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy is beyond me.

However, with the release of Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+ this year, I think it’s time to break that spell, and you should too – though, at this point, I’m assuming I’m one of three people who hasn’t yet seen it!

The first film was released in 1993 and is a fantasy comedy that follows the dynamic yet wicked trio after they accidentally resurrect a teenage boy (as you do). Twenty-nine years later, the Sanderson Sisters have been resurrected to wreak some havoc, and revenge is on the menu. That sounds like my idea of a good time!

Both movies are streaming on Disney+.

Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

The one everyone’s been talking about, and for a good reason. This is one strictly for the strong stomached of you; if you can make it past the first episode, congratulations, you’ve clearly digested too many true crime documentaries (no pun intended).

Dahmer is the life story of one of the most prolific serial killers in American history, Jeffery Dahmer and is told from the perspective of his victims. This isn’t a show for the faint-hearted, and it deals with real-life events, albeit through the gaze of an adapted fictional narrative.

Dahmer is a 10-episode mini-series that you can surely binge over Halloween weekend, and Evan Peters (American Horror Story) gives one of his most chilling performances to date – and he’s done a few at this point.

I’d advise staying away from the snacks during certain points, though – you’ll understand why.

Streaming on Netflix

The Haunting of Bly Manor

If you loved The Haunting of Hill House, released in 2018, you must watch The Haunting of Bly Manor. Bly Manor did crawl onto our screens in 2020, but I think it’s worth adding to any Halloween list for years to come.

Following the new hire of an American nanny at a gothic English manor, Bly Manor is an aesthetically rich romance drama full of twists and turns to the very end. It features some exceptional performances from Victoria Pedretti and the magnificent Rahul Kohli. Even though it will leave you feeling on edge, it also makes you feel rather warm inside – love a story with layers!

Streaming on Netflix

Jeepers Creepers

If you’re looking for the heebie-jeebies and to gain a fear of road trips, why not treat yourself to a night in with Jeepers Creepers?

I first watched this as a kid (thanks, Dad!), and it scared the daylights out of me. It’s a simple thriller/horror that will have you guessing “WTF?” the entire way through. It gives Predator mixed with Silence of the Lambs vibes and will have you questioning every desolate church you see on your travels.

Released in 2001, Jeepers Creepers is a bit of a cult classic to this day – “Every 23rd Spring For 23 Days, It Gets To…Eat”.

EAT WHAT? Ah, now that would be telling. Give it a watch and find out!

Available on Amazon Prime

Dawn of the Dead

Okay, so following on from the “films that scarred me as a child”, zombie movies have consistently ranked the highest in terms of not being able to sleep ever again after watching.

For some reason, the 2004 remake of George A Romero’s Dawn of the Dead left me questioning the existence of humanity. It also led me to hide my DVD copy in the fridge, like Joey’s copy of The Shining in Friends.

Zombies, to me, have always been the most realistic ghoul and, therefore, the scariest – and I’m not talking about the ones that crawl out of the ground. I’m talking about the ones that can run and rip you to pieces, like the Dawn of the Dead ones.

Set in a shopping mall in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, the original film was a statement on the consumeristic nature of humanity – I anticipate we’ll see a similar story about our use of social media soon.

I’m still not over my irrational fear of zombies, so I won’t be watching Dawn of the Dead anytime soon, but it’s a cult classic for cheap thrills that should be on your list this Halloween.

Available on Amazon Prime

The Return of the Living Dead

A comedy. Depending on how you feel about the undead.

I completely forgot about this film until I was compiling this mini-list, and then I remembered how much I loved and simultaneously hated this movie. The Return of the Living Dead is one of the greatest films of its genre, horror-comedy, and if you don’t believe me, check out its 91% Rotten Tomatoes score.

My friends and I were obsessed with this film when we were teenagers, mainly because we couldn’t determine if it was serious or a spoof – which somehow makes it even funnier.

Looking back, it’s quite clearly a comedy, but it’s still creepy as all hell.

Released in 1985, The Return of the Living Dead follows a bunch of teenage delinquents who get caught up in the aftermath of a medical supply warehouse spilling vapours that cause the dead to rise as zombies.

To quote the original movie advertisement, “they’re back from the grave and ready to party!”.

Available on Amazon Prime

I love horror as a genre, and I could make a never-ending list of spin-tingling films and shows, but for now, these will have to do.

Whatever you’re up to this Halloween, make it outrageous and remember, all work and no play make Jack a dull boy!

Demi x

Serving Up Fun

Upon arriving in the exquisite paradise that is Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, it was clear that service was of the highest importance to everyone we interacted with. Although, there was one more operative motive to the hosting approach in the Dominican, and that was fun.

If you’re looking for stuffy and bland service that is all about getting the job done, then you will be disappointed by what you receive at TRS Turquesa Hotel. If you’re looking for excellence infused with personality, enjoyment, and genuine care, then you’ll get bucket loads.

As part of the wider Palladium Hotel Group and situated on-site at the Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts, TRS Turquesa is an adults-only, five-star hotel that will leave you wanting for nothing. Each resident has access to their own butler service, which left me feeling like I was in an episode of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – tell me that’s not dream living?

And there was something extraordinary about how TRS Turquesa looked after their guests; they have the saying of turning “guests into family”, and from the moment I stepped onto the property to the moment I left, I felt this welcoming warmth – like I was home. And when you’ve travelled halfway around the world to a brand-new destination, this is precisely what one needs.

My butler Randy was exceptionally attentive to ensure I always had anything I could need, from a daily itinerary of all the activities the hotel had to offer to on-site restaurant recommendations and even weather updates – an essential addition given the changing nature of the Caribbean heat.

Sleeping in Paradise

I had the privilege of staying in one of TRS Turquesa’s Junior Poolside Suites, which to my surprise, also included an ocean view. With my luggage carried up to my room, a bottle of champagne opened, and luxury chocolates to dive into, I was in heaven from the get-go.

The Junior Suite is beyond spacious, adorned with a private balcony overlooking fantastic views and your own lounge area with a table to dine at should you wish to take advantage of the in-room butler food service for those quieter nights. If you’re away but can’t leave your work at home, then you can easily set up a mini office on the generous desk space provided, which I happily took advantage of on many early mornings!

And as for sleep, the TRS Turquesa beds do not lack one thing most, and that is space. As a five-foot-nothing woman, I felt like I could starfish in all directions and never quite find the end of any part of the bed, and each night their gracious turndown service left me chocolates and honey shots to ease a restful night’s sleep.

Exactly what you want after a long day of Caribbean excitement in the DR!

The rooms also come complete with a whirlpool bath and shower and other amenities such as a daily refillable mini bar included in your room price, a clothes steamer, a safe and laundry service should you need to use it.

Dining Destinations

If you’re anything like me, you’re a complete foodie who uses your holiday time to experience as much cuisine as humanly possible – well, TRS Turquesa and the Grand Palladium Hotels & Resort have got you covered. With over 40 restaurants and bars on-site alone, you need never leave the resort to get your fix of everything your cravings could desire.

Helios beach club fast became my haunt of choice, especially for breakfast and lunch, serving up a luscious buffet of charcuterie meats, tuna sashimi, cheeses from across the globe and all the fresh fruit and roasted vegetables you could desire. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner service, you can also order from an al a carte menu if the buffet choices are not to your taste or you fancy something a little more classic like a burger and fries. Lunch service at Helios is where the food shines, each day offering something new and exciting, whether it be seared Octopus, Dominican-style barbequed pork hot off the coals, or Spanish Paella prepared in front of you.

Suppose variety is the spice of your life. In that case, you can experience TRS Turquesa and The Grand Palladium’s ode to Japanese and Asian fusion cuisine by spending an evening at the restaurant Kusko and Sumptuori. The food presentation was out of this world, with sushi served in all the rainbow colours and even on steaming mini boats while fried rice and stir-fry are cooked in front of you as you delve into conversation over your favourite cocktails.

And if fish isn’t your thing, La Paisana, the Argentinian-inspired restaurant, will soothe those meat cravings like no other. Here you’ll find classic beef and vegetarian Spanish empanadillas, charcuterie, delicate cuts of sirloin steak, and slow-cooked beef short ribs with the extra comfort of mash and sweet potatoes. By the end of this trip, the food coma was creeping in, but it never stopped me from indulging in a bite of dessert – La Paisana’s warm caramel cookies were definitely one to remember!

Dancing in the DR

If there’s one thing I will take away from visiting TRS Turquesa Hotel, The Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts and the Dominican, it’s that people know how to move. Dancing is embedded in everyone’s spirit, and their exertion of utter joy is mesmerising and infectious.

At TRS Turquesa and The Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts, I was invited to dance on a rooftop to a live saxophonist, then on stage following the Chic Cabaret performance and to take in the Dominican party spirit at The New 20s party – an event you can attend each week. If you enjoy making a fool of yourself as I do, you’re also free to have a dance-off at Hemingway Bar.

Without a doubt, the fun experienced and laughter shared were out of this world – back home in the UK, it’s easy to feel reserved and hold back, but in the Dominican, they are in the business of a good time, and my word, that’s exactly what you get. An extra special shout-out to Santos and Yoan from TRS Turquesa for keeping the fun flowing from start to finish!

Outside of this exceptional complex, however, I implore you to go on an excursion to Isla Sahona. Around a sixty-minute drive to the port and a thirty-minute cruise to the island, you’ll experience paradise’s true meaning. We stopped for a quick snorkelling session in between, followed by much-needed refreshments and music in a stunning natural pool, and then onto the picture-perfect private beaches of Isla Sahona. On many occasions, I had to rub my eyes to check that I wasn’t looking at a postcard. Isla Sahona’s beauty will take your breath away, and if you don’t return feeling utterly relaxed, you might have to move to the DR permanently!

Experiencing Excellence

The best thing about staying at TRS Turquesa Hotel and The Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts, though, is that you need never leave the property if you so wish. The amenities and activities available to guests are abundant, and you feel like you’re co-existing with a small village of escapists. However, the vast expanse of the properties means you never feel imposed upon and have plenty of space to explore. Activities on offer include blissful morning yoga on the beach and heart-pumping Bachata dance lessons. If you fancy soaking up the sun, there’s an endless run of private beach for you to walk at your leisure. If you’re up for getting out on the water, I recommend the group paddleboarding – it’s far more challenging than it looks, but you’ll have a great time working up an appetite!

For those who want the added splash of luxury and zen, you can disappear into Zentropia Palladium Spa and Wellness for an afternoon, where you’ll find all the usual spa amenities such as a cold-water plunge pool, hydrotherapy pool and cabanas to lounge with a glass of fizz. Zentropia offers a host of treatments, from massages to facials and even hair care.

You’ll experience many things at TRS Turquesa Hotel and Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts, but boredom is not one of them.

Don’t forget me, Dominican.

Everyone knows that the Caribbean is the epitome of paradise, but there’s something quite special about the Dominican, and I wholeheartedly believe it’s the people. The Dominican Republic’s culture embraces everything it means to be human, and I genuinely feel nothing is done without love in this beautiful country.

With great thanks to TRS Turquesa and The Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts for helping me fall deeply in love with this stunning island and its people.

Until next time,

Demi x

TRS Junior Suite prices start from $150 per night per person – this is an all-inclusive rate.

It’s hard to turn any corner in London without stumbling upon an iconic backdrop to some of your favourite TV shows and films. Which is precisely what happened when I found myself bounding up the steps to Southwark Bridge to take this shot – see, for a second, I wanted to experience my own Luther-esque moment, contemplating life’s many problems and how I was going to navigate myself out of them.

But alas, my name is neither John Luther nor Alice Morgan, but this bridge still offers incredible significance to one of Britain’s best crime shows of the 21st Century. It’s also a sensational tourist spot where you’ll see almost everything London offers, from the Southbank, Tower Bridge and The Shard, to St Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, The Tate Modern, and the London Eye – there are views for days.

Luther first graced our TV screens back in 2010 and honoured us with five seasons of intense, grotesque and sometimes downright terrifying crime fighting by none other than series namesake and antihero DCI John Luther – a wayward London detective who notoriously finds himself in one too many sticky situations. And not to forget, all whilst being spun around in a cat and mouse chase with long-term murderous frenemy Alice Morgan. Southwark Bridge, as seen here, was their preferred aloof rendezvous spot to discuss their hate-love relationship or plan out their next bad-guy busting move.

Given that the series ended almost four years ago, people are still hyped for the return of DCI John Luther to the big and small screen – but where on earth are you, John?

I’m glad you asked; speaking in a recent press junket, lead actor and Luther himself, Idris Elba, revealed that they have, in fact, wrapped up filming for the latest instalment of the heart palpitation-inducing series. But this time, we’re not getting a new series or a one-off episode; no, it’s going bigger and better!

Thanks to the mega powers that be at the BBC and Netflix, Luther is getting its very own feature-length affair in which we are guaranteed more twists and turns than you’d expect to get driving in London – let’s say, I imagine this is a film that is going to be bonkers from start to finish in all the ways we love an epic crime show to be.

When we last saw Luther and Alice, things weren’t looking up for the pair following a gun battle between the two, Luther was caught getting a little too personal for his good with a well-known crime boss, and almost everyone he had loved was now dead – so, not the best position to be in really!

What this does mean, however, is that Luther, the movie is set up to be a rollercoaster of emotions as it attempts to answer, “what next for DCI John Luther?” – All I can say is, it doesn’t look like he’s in for a good time, but I very much suspect we will be.

The feature-length Luther is now in the editing process and was rumoured to be released in September 2022 – however, this isn’t looking likely, and we may be heading into 2023/24 territory before we get our next fix.

I’ll keep you updated!

If you’re anything like me, as soon as September 1st strikes the calendar – the knits come out, the candles get lit, and it’s time to get cosy.

We’ve had a belter of a Summer here in the UK this year, and in most places, the temperature isn’t letting up either.

But enough is enough, and it’s time to get excited for Halloween, Bonfire Night and dare I say, Christmas!

And if you’re looking for TV shows to wrap yourself up with, I’ve got an autumnal spiced jam-packed list for you to sink into.

Let’s toast some marshmallows…

Gilmore Girls

If you missed the late 90s and have yet to come across the absolute joy of Gilmore girls, then this one should be at the top of your list for autumn 2022.

If you have basked in the delights of this show, then you know exactly what I mean when I say it’s the most aesthetically pleasing TV show for this time of year.

The show surrounds the unconventional, fast-talking mother-daughter relationship of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. It’s a small-town big humour show and wholesome in every way.

I’ve binged watched Gilmore Girls so much that it has fast become my comfort show and it’s a binge-watching rule in my house come September 1st!

Great British Bake Off

Roll on 13th September; it’s time to get your pinnies out and oven gloves on!

GBBO has become a staple part of British society as autumn approaches; who doesn’t enjoy getting a cuppa and sitting tensely in anticipation of a few soggy bottoms?

This is the perfect combination of cooking competition and quintessential Britishness.

Personally, it gets me inspired to start my Christmas baking early and often makes me feel better about my dismal attempts at “cooking”!

Stranger Things

I know, I know, Demi, you’re late – season 4 has been out over a month now…

Well, I am yet to finish it, and for good reason. It’s perfect build-up-to-Halloween viewing!

If you haven’t started it yet, Stranger Things is 80s nostalgia on steroids mixed with the perfect combination of spooks and thrills. The first two seasons aren’t all that scary, but as you progress to seasons three and four, I’d buckle up because it gets…let’s just say Shaggy and Scooby would be quacking in their boots.

Creators, The Duffer Brothers, are huge fans of 80s horror, and you can see their inspiration infused in every detail of this show.

It’s a wild ride but one you’ll enjoy every second of.

More Autumnal Viewing

If those don’t tickle your fancy, here are some other TV shows and films that make me feel all warm inside (if not a little spooked in places!):

• When Harry met Sally
• Sabrina The Teenage Witch
• Vampire Diaries
• Twin Peaks
• Practical Magic
• Sweet Home Alabama
• St Elmo’s Fire
• Matilda
• Sleepy Hollow
• You’ve Got Mail
• Casper

Enjoy cosying on down to these, and I’ll be sure to compile a heart-beat-skipping list just in time for Halloween!