Ibiza is the ultimate social chameleon. Want to dance until dawn? She’s here for it. Sunrise yoga more your thing? There’s nowhere better to try it. I’ve experienced Ibiza in all her guises. A cava-laden hen ‘do, a culinary-led couples holiday, a soul-enriching yoga retreat – and every time I love her a little bit more. So naturally, I jumped at the chance to return to the White Isle, this time for a heady dose of (just one) of the things Ibiza does best – pure, unadulterated hedonism.

Amàre Beach Hotel is nestled in San Antonio Bay with a sprawling, white-washed complex that encapsulates the bohemian vibe that’s typical of Ibiza. It’s less than 10 minutes away from San Antonio itself by water taxi and a 35-minute drive from the airport.

So let’s start with the credentials. There are three lounging areas – rooftop, main pool and beach – where DJs and live singers provide mellow Balearic beats and higher-tempo tunes as the sun goes down.

There’s also a 24-hour gym offering complimentary yoga and HIIT classes on alternate days, as well as a lush Germaine de Capuccini spa with soothing treatments to lull even the most stressed guest into a state of calm. Perfect for weary travellers.

But, let’s face it, it’s hard to be stressed at Amàre, with every convenience catered for and a real focus on comfort and ease. Sit back and relax on a plush sun lounger while attentive staff deliver tasty delights like melt-in-the-mouth sushi and expertly-crafted Aperol spritzes.

Our package included access to ‘The One’ lounge, which soon became my happy place. As well as tasty snacks – think mini salads, savoury bites, brownies, pastries, fruit and cute little cakes – there’s an open bar where you can help yourself to coffee, juices or an afternoon G&T if the mood strikes. With views out to the sea and across the glistening pool area, it’s the perfect place to take a minute to unwind, refuel or share a moment with your fellow holiday goers.

In terms of the culinary offering, Amàre excels. The breakfast and dinner buffet goes far beyond the usual offering, with station after station of local and international cuisine. Pan con tomate – a local dish of freshly baked bread topped simply with olive oil and garlic and juicy grated tomato – became my breakfast obsession.

For those in search of a little luxury, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant offers stunning views and a menu crafted by Michelin-star chef Mauricio Giovanini. Hayaca serves up extra special dishes like citrus-infused ceviche and tender wagyu steak for a fine dining experience.

Of course, balance is key and our time at Amàre wasn’t all sushi and pool-side spritzes. One of the highlights of the hotel is the stunning views from its rooftop pool, situated next to a terrace that’s perfect for a morning yoga session. After a night of indulgence and a quick trip to the San Antonio strip that involved a rather questionable variation on a Long Island Iced Tea, a gentle and calming yoga session was most welcome.

If you want to venture outside of the hotel, there’s plenty to discover. Ibiza is legendary for its stunning beaches and hidden coves – and there’s no better way to discover these than by boat. We boarded the Salvador Ibiza and had the whole boat to ourselves, monopolising the playlist with feel-good tunes and feasting on Spanish tortilla and rosé wine – hedonism at its peak.

There’s also Ibiza Old Town within easy reach, where you can discover the more cultural side of the island. During our visit, there was a Medieval Market taking place, a spectacle typical of this area.

Dorthraki-style men and women wearing tribal face paint and feather headdresses paraded through the streets beating drums and calling out to the crowds, while market sellers – always in character – looked on from behind stalls offering gifts and trinkets, from fine cheeses and home-made liqueurs to vintage-style jewellery and hand-crafted leather bags. After a little retail therapy, there are plenty of spots along the cobbled streets where visitors can enjoy a few sundowners and escape the afternoon heat.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m here for wellness and balance, but sometimes letting loose can be the best form of self-care. I urge you to find a few days to savour the indulgent food, enjoy the extra-long massage and dance all night under the sunshine. It sure does feel good.

Rates

Rooms at Amàre Ibiza start from €139 per room, per night on a room-only basis, €155 per room, per night on a bed & breakfast basis, and €185 per room, per night on a half-board basis. This is based on two people sharing an ‘I Was Here’ room.

For a ‘Keep The Secret’ room, prices start from €169 per room, per night on a room-only basis, €185 per room, per night on a bed & breakfast basis and €215 per room, per night on a half-board basis, based on two people sharing a room.

For a ‘Oh Là Là The One’ room, prices start from €255 per room, per night on a bed & breakfast basis and €285 per room, per night on a half-board basis, based on two people sharing a room. The price includes access to The One lounge, with snacks and drinks from 11am to 9 pm and a 10% discount at a wide range of local businesses.

For more information and to book, go to amarehotels.com or call 0800 084 3493 or email booking@amarehotels.com

The grandeur of Zafiro Palace Andratx washes over you as soon as you enter the vast five-star resort, with a backdrop of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains surrounded by glittering sea; a combination unique to the area that makes for some incredible sunset viewing.

The hotel is nothing short of spectacular and its various pool areas and dining options really make the most of those stunning vistas, whether you’re looking out to the coast, or into the dense woodland that sits below the mountain tops.

But what makes this hotel special – views aside – is its attention to detail when it comes to an all-inclusive offering. Gone is the notion that a package of this kind means a mediocre buffet dinner with some questionable family entertainment and in its place are chic dining options in an assortment of exciting restaurants.

Sure, buffet fans can get their fill at breakfast with a vast array of hot and cold options. But when it comes to the evening meals… there’s sushi, there’s steak, there’s innovative Italian cuisine. Not to mention little touches, like a free minibar that’s restocked daily and delicious treats (think chocolate-covered strawberries and colourful macarons) left before bedtime. We came, we saw, and we feasted like never before.

While Zafiro Palace Andratx is one of 12 Zafiro hotels in Mallorca and Menorca in the Balearics, it’s (currently) the only one offering All Inclusive Redefined package.

In terms of the location, one of the benefits of staying at Zafiro Palace is how close you are to both the beautiful coastline and also incredible mountain trails if you’re feeling adventurous.

The hotel sits on the edge of the Camp de Mar resort next to the Andratx golf course. Should you want to leave the resort (though I’d stress there’s plenty here to keep you occupied!) Andratx Port, with its numerous restaurants, bars and shops, is four miles away.

So let’s talk restaurants. There are four à la carte restaurants to choose from Caliu Steakhouse, Tastes & Sushi, La Veranda and Mare Nostrum – the hotel’s most gourmet offering. There is also a popular breakfast and lunchtime buffet restaurant, The Market, available to guests with a vast assortment of international and local dishes, with cooking stations for fresh options.

An extensive cocktail menu is available both poolside and at various bars across the resort – with alcoholic and non-alcoholic creations that go above and beyond the typical holiday Sex on the Beach or Tequila Sunrise (though I’m not knocking the classics). For me, it was a smoky margarita that became my sundowner of choice.

A culinary highlight was Mare Nostrum, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant with a creative menu. The dishes at Mare Nostrum were creative and unusual; think citrus-infused lobster with black rice or a chocolate cigar filled with mojito-flavoured cream.

Visually it was a delight, enhanced by a welcome glass of cava to start the experience. The views from the restaurant were also some of my favourites, looking out into the surrounding woodland.

Tastes & Sushi also offered an extensive selection of Asian fusion dishes, with mouthwatering sushi platters and yet more tasty cocktails.

The decor is miles away from the sterility many of us have come to associate with all-inclusive dining rooms, with linen-covered tables and elegant table settings, including pretty coloured glassware that adds some flare.

Rooms are chic and minimal, with local artwork adding warmth and character. All rooms include a super comfy king-sized bed, as well as luxurious extras such as a Nespresso coffee machine and clothes steamer, as well as cosy bathrobes and slippers.

My room had the added benefit of a small private pool with mountain views, and a hot tub on the terrace that offered a blissful end to the day.

There’s also a desk in each room in the property, which while that may not sound too exciting for some, for digital nomads like me who are always taking half an hour to write up some copy, having a space that’s set up for this is really beneficial. Oh, and the complimentary 24-hour room service also helps if a snack attack happens in the process.

There’s plenty to explore outside of the hotel, too, with surrounding Palma and Sóller within easy reach. I’d highly recommend taking the old-fashioned train from Palma to Sóller for an unforgettable slow travel experience. There’s also the option of zipping around on a scooter, which can be arranged by the hotel.

The region is also famous for its wine, with tasting experiences on offer. We visited the Son Juliana vineyard and sampled some delicious local wines, as well as an unusual light red from Montenegro that I’m still thinking about. There’s also a fabulous shop where you can stock up on souvenirs to enjoy after your trip.

And after a day of exploring, nothing quite beats indulging in one of The Gem Spa’s many treatments by Germaine de Capuccini. I opted for a decongesting facial to tackle the damage caused by the London pollution I deal with daily and left feeling relaxed and glowing – just in time for another sundowner to soak up some last views.

Nightly rates at Zafiro Palace Andratx start from £440 per room on an All-Inclusive Redefined® basis. B&B and half and board options are also available.

Find out more and book at zafirohotels.com

People say you are what you eat, but at House of Coco, we believe you are what you read. A good book feeds our brains, whether that’s with some much-needed escapism, an inspiring autobiography or self-development.

When it comes to books that help us improve our lifestyle, there are tons to choose from – so where should you start? We asked an expert, award-winning Career Coach Brooke Taylor, about the books she rates for self-development and boosting fulfilment. Invaluable reading incoming!

1. Steering by Starlight: The Science and Magic of Finding Your Destiny by Martha Beck

This is the first book I recommend to every one of my clients that I work with. Equal parts science and spirituality, psychology and practicality, this book outlines the practical tools for finding what Beck calls “your stargazer self” or your internal guidance system and instilling in you the bravery to follow it wherever it takes you.

A message I believe wholeheartedly is that success is an inside job and true fulfillment can only be found by following your internal guidance system. This book is perfect for anyone who feels lost or needs some help discovering what’s next.

2. The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control by Katherine Morgan Schaffler

Perfectionism is a superpower to be harnessed, not a weakness to be overcome. As a psychotherapist and former on-site therapist at Google (and also my former therapist!) Schaffler helps us to see perfectionism as a power to be harnessed and embraced.

Men are never called perfectionists disparagingly; rather they are celebrated for their pursuit of excellence and high standards. So too should we celebrate rather than pathologize female ambition.

This book is laced with compassionate reframes, actionable insights and endless gold nuggets that every woman needs to embrace her ambition and her power.

3. The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leaders: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success by Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, Kaley Klemp

This book is required reading for anyone who wants to lead. We have a crisis of unconscious leadership on our hands- leaders who are operating from fear, scarcity, greed, and selfishness, mostly completely unaware they are doing so.

Conscious leaders, on the other hand, practice 15 powerful commitments, or behaviours, that can radically change how our organizations and teams operate.  I love how this book presents truly paradigm-shifting lessons in very simple language while providing specific actions all people can take to lead and live better.

4. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

This book has radically changed how my clients pursue success. The core idea is that by focusing only on what is most essential at work (and in life) we can enjoy greater success.

For example, choosing only one-two primary objectives for the quarter, doing those exceptionally well, and then adding another priority or goal.

This eliminates the noise, focuses the mind, and allows for rigorous prioritisation. I especially recommend this for working moms, or people with portfolio careers who are juggling multiple priorities.

5. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown

This list wouldn’t possibly be complete without Brené Brown. Too often the fear of failure keeps people stuck and separate from their dreams. Brown boldly asserts that it is only through vulnerability that we can become whole, create authentic connections, and live the lives we were meant for. 

My clients who read this book often see failure completely differently and take a new approach to living “in the arena”.  In its namesake quote, Brown cites Theodore Roosevelt in saying “It is not the critic who counts… the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena… who at the best knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”

Award-winning Career Coach, Brooke Taylor, is a global speaker and transformational career coach supporting conscious female leaders and the globe’s leading tech and financial organizations.

Brooke was awarded LA Weekly’s Career Coach to follow for 2023, and The Top Career Coach by The Australian Business Journal. She has helped elevate and transform the lives and careers of over 5,000 women across the globe

Firstly, I don’t want to throw shade at the original Camden Market. Bold, brash and always charming, it was London in a nutshell for me and a much-loved spot in my twenties, serving up an ever-evolving – and always eclectic – selection of foods, art, crafts and gifts.

But all of us have to grow up sometime and as I (mostly) graduated from the basement bars and questionable career moves of my 20s, Camden Market has also, seemingly, grown up.

Camden Market started off as a small arts and crafts fair with only 16 stalls in the backyard of Dingwalls, only open on Sundays. But its popularity soon grew, along with its opening hours, and it became the biggest and boldest market in London.

Of course, there are still remnants of its former self, with a focus on independent brands, retaining that community feel. The market is still laid out within Grade-II listed buildings and cobbled squares that pay homage to its history and are home to the historic Lock and Stables markets.

But the whole place has undergone somewhat of a refresh, with shiny new fixtures and a fresh lick of paint, not to mention plenty of exciting new vendors and the development of Camden Market Hawley Wharf.

Camden Market Hawley Wharf is a focal point for the area. Revamped in 2020, this canal-side multi-story complex sits opposite Camden Lock Market and houses delicious eateries, super cool bars and breweries and independent retail, all bringing something unique to the area.

We went along on a sunny day in May to sample the goods and these were just a few of the highlights.

Juice Junkierz

If you’re looking for food and drink with a side of sunshine, this is the place. With blended juices and retro cocktails served in carved-out fruit and delicious tropical-inspired food, the serotonin boost is instant. The pan-Asian menu includes the likes of sweet chilli fried chicken, vegan bang bang shrimp and vibrant veggie rice.

Chimney Cake Lady

The Chimney Cake Lady has become somewhat of an Instagram sensation with her unique sweet treats. This traditional Hungarian traditional pastry is made with coils of freshly rolled dough that are toasted for a crispy outside and soft, doughy inside, then filled with the likes of chocolate or custard.

3 Locks Micro Brewery

Beer enthusiasts, this one’s for you. With a delightful setting next to the canal, this passion project offers a tasty range of craft beers, all made on-site in a microbrewery under the arches.

Baba Dhaba: Pakistani Street Food

For an indulgent twist on Pakistani cuisine, try Bab Dhaba; a family-run food outlet with a street food theme. We loved the loaded fries!

The Black Cow

The Black Cow is Camden Market’s fine dining option with a beautiful setting in which to enjoy some delicious food. Turning the concept of a traditional American steakhouse on its head, the menu incorporates Middle Eastern influences with innovative and visually impressive cooking techniques. You’ve got to see it to believe it!

Other attractions at Camden Market Hawley Wharf include Flip n Sear: The Wagyu Experience (delicious burgers), Camden Coffee Roastery (charming local coffee shop), Khaao (incredible Indian Street food), A’do’Re Fritto (deep-fried pizza goodness), Wing Lab: Chicken Wings (a vast assortment of tasty wings) and Babylon Park (an underground mecca of arcade games and rides that’s perfect for kids).

To find out more, visit Camden Market Hawley Wharf.

While there are plenty of fine dining restaurants in Bangkok, I’d argue as a seasoned traveller to the city that the best food to eat in the area is undoubtedly the street food you can pick up roadside for less than a British pound.

Bangkok is hectic, vibrant and bold, much like its culinary offering, packed with flavours that envelop the senses. You’ll find vendors on every street corner, offering typical dishes such as Moo Ping, sticky grilled pork on skewers served with sliced cucumber, or Som Tam, a fresh papaya salad and, of course, classic Pad Thai noodles. All washed down with fresh passionfruit juice or an ice-cold Chang beer.

Part of the fun of Thai street food is watching the chef expertly craft dishes with very little in the way of equipment in a makeshift al fresco kitchen. The fierce heat. The fragrant smells. The clattering noises. It truly is a spectacle.

Bangkok is the motherland of Thai street food. But while it might not be hard to come across plenty of options organically, knowing the best spots in the city will help you uncover the tastiest and most authentic Thai street food.

Best spots for street food in Bangkok

Boat Noodle Alley at Victory Monument

One of the best – and most picturesque spots – in the city for street food is the Boat Noodle Alley at Victory Monument. This quaint and pretty spot is the best place to pick up some delicious noodles, with so many tempting options on offer. There is every kind of noodle dish you could imagine here, from thick and heavy rice noodles, to thin vermicelli-style drowned in a spicy sauce. The street stalls are lined up along the length of a small canal, making for an iconic street food experience.

Yaowarat, the capital’s Chinatown

If you can only visit one place in Bangkok for street food, Yaowarat is the place to go. The Chinese influence on Thai cuisine goes back centuries, making for an exciting blend of cultures when it comes to culinary offerings.

Here you’ll find expert chefs masterfully cooking dishes on the streets, sizzling meats over charcoal, with flashing neon lights in the background. The place to go to get that fix of bustling city life.

Nang Loeng Market

For a more peaceful street food destination, Nang Loeng Market is a bit of a hidden gem, situated close to the hectic Khao San Road, but a million miles away in terms of its peaceful vibe.

Enjoy authentic, fresh dishes like green Thai curry, drunken noodles and Thai sausage on skewers. Plus an array of delicious desserts; the steamed coconut cups, sweet Thai crepes and griddled, sticky bananas are just a few of the highlights.

Old City

Take a wander around the pretty winding streets of Bangkok’s Old Town for a true culinary adventure. Here you can get pretty much any Thai food, from curry and rice to soups and seafood, as well as fish dishes, meat on skewers and Thai-style omelettes. The choice is huge!

As a huge massage fan, I’ve tried the experience all over the world. The expensive London hotels where you are swathed in expensive fluffy towels and heated blankets, the beach-side rubdowns in Goa that cumulate in oily – and euphoric – head massages, my salt-soaked hair bound into tight plaits, or the firm strokes of a Balinese massage in a rickety and charming roadside salon.

But one of my all-time favourites has to be the bend-you-everywhere Thai massage; the ultimate stretch and, in my opinion, a thoroughly body-calming experience. In Thailand, wellness is a very serious business, with massage regarded as an important part of Thai medicine.

The technique actually reportedly came from India originally, as Thai Massage and Thai Medicine are said to have been founded by legendary physician Shivago Komarpaj, who honed his craft over 2,500 years ago. Shivago Komarpaj originated from northern India and was said to be the personal physician of Buddha himself.

For those who haven’t tried the experience themselves, Thai massages are traditionally carried out on the floor on a firm mat rather than a massage bed, and the technique is markedly different to the Swedish or deep tissue massages we’re accustomed to in the UK. Oil isn’t used and the muscles aren’t worked as deeply. Instead, the therapist will use their hands, thumbs and elbows to stretch, pull and gently rock the body.

These are the best spas in Thailand for an authentic Thai massage.

Best spas in Thailand

Six Senses, Yao Naoi

Perhaps the most luxurious place this Team Coco member has ever stayed, the spa at Six Senses Yao Noi is next level.

Enjoy holistic treatments in individual treatment salas set on the tropical hillside, with a Thai-inspired long house and open-air yoga studio with a jungle backdrop. Heaven on earth.

sixsenses.com/en/resorts/yao-noi/wellness-spa

Amanpuri, Phuket

A real show-stopper of a spa, that centres around ‘immersions’ that have been dreamt up by Aman’s CEO, wellness expert Vladislav Doronin.

The spa features a hideaway setting, made up of traditional villas nestled in a former coconut plantation. Thai massages are a holistic experience here, teamed with pioneering fitness classes and meditation sessions for a 360-approach to wellness.

aman.com/resorts/amanpuri

Chiva-Som, Hua Hin

Perhaps the daddy of all Thai spas, Chiva-Som is a complete sanctuary, where you’re guaranteed one of the best Thai massages in the world. Winner of numerous accolades, this really is the spa to beat. Their wellness philosophy centres around a complete approach to wellbeing – mind, body and spirit – and their excellent massages follow suit.

chivasom.com

Kamalaya, Koh Samui

Centred around the Indian philosophy we’ve learned is an integral part of Thai wellness. This Thai spa is the product of two powerhouse leaders – John and Karina Stewart.

John spent 16 years as a monk in the Himalayas and brings this knowledge to the spa, while his wife Karina is a Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Expect a Thai massage with some serious credentials to back it up.

kamalaya.com

Thailand has it all; rich culture, stunning landscapes, rustic beaches and some of the most delicious cuisine in the world. But what makes Thailand truly magical is its hospitality, with warm and friendly people who will share stories about their culture and plenty of advice on the best places to visit while you’re in their corner of the world.

The Thai islands each offer a slice of Asian paradise, each with its own individual personality, whether you want to learn how to dive, explore jungle terrain, party until dawn or enjoy a wellness retreat. With dozens to choose from, picking the right one can be a little daunting. These are our expert-approved tips on finding the right Thai island for you – take it from someone who’s returned to the region time and time again.

Koh Tao

For laid-back beach vibes head to unspoiled Koh Tao. A diver’s paradise, the opportunities for scuba diving around the island are unmatched in Thailand.

Koh Tao also has a great party scene – though not quite as raucous as neighbouring Koh Phangan. Experience the famous Fishbowl Bar that sits right on the beach looking out to sea, with nightly singers and bands and a lively crowd any day of the week, or wander along the beachfront to dip into chilled bars playing laid-back tunes as the sun sets.

Expert tip: Fisherman Koh Tao is a beautiful hideaway hotel on one of the most beautiful parts on the island with friendly bar staff, great cocktails and perhaps the most delicious pineapple fried rice on the island.

Koh Phangan

Don’t be fooled by Koh Phangan’s party reputation, there’s much more to this paradise island. Over on the north side of the island, you’ll find beautiful beaches with quiet coves and serene resorts, usually with on-site massage centres and wellness boltholes to experience some zen – particularly useful if you have braved one of the island’s full-moon parties in Hat Rin.

For some Thai luxury, head to the Anantara Rasandana Spa where you can experience relaxing treatments, world-class restaurants and an authentic Thai cookery school.

Expert tip: Bring your hiking boots – unspoiled tropical forest makes up over 90% of the island and makes for some spectacular trails.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is often dismissed as the resort-heavy ‘Brits-abroad’ Thai destination, with a lively strip peppered with karaoke bars, dance shows and open-air clubs lined with fire-breathing acts, tacky tunes playing loud. But while this (in my opinion actually rather charming) party scene is part of Samui’s identity, this vibrant Thai island has plenty more to offer.

Fishing village Bohput has a bustling night market where you can listen to live music with a beer and sample simple – but delicious – Thai dishes cooked in front of customers in minutes, as well as street food bites washed down with bottles of refreshing Chang. Just moments away on the seafront you’ll see a mix of more upmarket Ibiza-style beach bars and traditional Thai restaurants if an evening of luxury is on the agenda. The beach comes alive at night, with fire pits and various acts, with spectators sipping cocktails on comfy beanbags.

Expert tip: Head to Treetop – an incredible treetop restaurant overlooking the stunning Samui coast in Chaweng.

Koh Phi Phi

One of the most talked about of the Thai islands by tourists and backpackers alike is the beautiful Koh Phi Phi, famed for its laid-back ambience and warm, friendly atmosphere. The beach bars here are legendary – making it the perfect place to visit if you’re travelling solo or with friends.

There are plenty of activities on offer, from diving and snorkelling to jungle hikes and authentic Thai cooking classes, but we wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t leave the beach bar…

Expert tip: Take a boat trip out to Koh Phi Phi Leh, a small cluster of uninhibited islands off the coast of Koh Phi Phi to experience its raw natural beauty.

Booking your dream trip in one fell swoop is the thing organizational dreams are made of.

Enter Orbzii, whose tagline is to ‘Dream, Plan and Book’ your next adventure using one convenient app. Sounds ideal? This is how it breaks down.

Orbzii is essentially like Tinder for travel if you’ll forgive the crass comparison. Users of the app are shown inspiring pictures of destinations from all over the world. Once you see one that’s worthy of a right swipe, the app suggests different areas of that destination where you can find out more about the neighbourhoods, culture and general vibe.

The plan section of the app allows you to create a travel plan for your dream trip, which you can share with travel buddies, or just keep to yourself for a solo adventure.

Then the book function details all the (verified – no pesky last-minute loading problems) flights and hotels in your chosen area.

The three steps for finding your dream destination and executing it from start to finish are as follows:

DREAM – swipe through thousands of travel photos for some inspiration for your next trip. Orbzii’s algorithm quickly learns what you love, and shows you your dream locations.

PLAN – swipe right on places you want to visit, and left on those you don’t, to plan and store future trips.

BOOK – the app’s trusted booking systems show you the best value and quality deals on your perfect holiday, with more than 300K destinations and 350K hotels to choose from.

SHARE – the app has functionality so that you can link up with friends and family to plan group trips together, without having to make yet *another* WhatsApp group.

Find out more at orbzii.com.

London’s iconic hotels are part of its identity, but with new visions of what an exciting hotel looks like launching over the last decade, it’s time to add some new contenders to the list of must-visit hotels in the city…

Now, this isn’t to knock the likes of The Dorchester, Claridges or The Langham – these timeless hotels are certainly also worth a visit. With the sweeping marble entrances, impressive festive displays and doormen with impeccable manners wearing impeccable suits and top hats; it’s impossible not to be charmed.

But sprawling London with its diverse cultural landscape is home to much more than the quintessential high-society hotel. There’s the sexy one (Mamma Shelter), the cool one (The Nomad), the one with the most Instagrammably interiors (The Resident) and even the one that will transport you to the middle of the jungle with its inside-outside bar and restaurant (The Mandrake). These are the under-the-radar hotels you need on your list.

Mama Shelter, Shoreditch

Playful, fun and full of character, French-born brand Mamma Shelter knows how to break out of the constraints of the traditional hotel and offer a completely different experience, from its all-you-can-eat brunches to its saucy Mamma Shelter Sexcation package to enjoy as part of a couple or for some pleasure-inducing alone time. The decor is loud and proud, with a homely vibe and an outdoor terrace serving cocktails all day and night. Located just off Hackney Road, in easy reach of Bethnal Green, Cambridge Heath, and Broadway Market, it’s easy to tick off the east London nightlife spots. Oh, and there’s late-night karaoke – need we say more?

mamashelter.com

The Nomad, Covent Garden

Comparatively relatively new on the hotel scene launching back in 2012, The Nomad has already secured its place as the hotel of the moment for those in the know. Not only is its impressive, almost-other-wordly restaurant one of the top-rated food spots in the city (hello Michelin star), but its snug and sumptuous bar Common Decency begs for long nights spent propping up the (very stylish) bar with a cocktail in hand (also very stylish – we’re talking embossed ice-cubes, flavoured foams and temperature contrasts via the most decadent interpretation of an espresso martini we’ve ever tasted). A far departure from traditional London hotels with their pomp and ceremony, The Nomad manages to impress on a completely different level, its spaces feeling more like a contemporary art gallery than an old-school hotel. This is what luxury looks like in the modern age.

thenomadhotel.com

The Resident, Victoria

The Resident manages to be classic and modern all at the same time, fusing its period features with luxe decor straight out of an interiors magazine; think bespoke artwork and special edition Paul Smith Anglepoise lamps, with sumptuous textiles made using natural fibres woven on the Isle of Bute in Scotland. Located just moments away from Buckingham Palace, this hidden gem is tucked away from the crowds in bustling Victoria, but still within easy reach of the action. To really accentuate the home-from-home feel, each of the 73 rooms features a mini-kitchen.

residenthotels.com/victoria

The Mandrake, Soho

Dark and sultry, a visit to the Mandrake is a sensual experience, with dimly lit spaces to enjoy drinks or dinner, atmospheric music and artwork to set the tone and a huge courtyard, Jurema, serving south American dishes in a jungle-like setting. The hotel promises its guests an “immersive” experience – and we’d have to agree that it succeeds. Try the Voodo cocktail and a dozen oysters at Waeska for a truly enlightening experience.

themandrake.com

The Pilgrim, Paddington

At The Pilgrim, absolutely every last detail is tastefully done, from its impeccable Lounge to the cosy, comfy rooms decked out with amenities like a Marshall Bluetooth Speaker, refillable water bottle, and a beautiful selection of books and magazines, real plants and feature pieces the hotel’s unique collection of original artwork. It’s stylish, it’s understated and undeniably cool but still manages to feel welcoming and homely, making the Pilgrim an ideal base for exploring West London.

thepilgrm.com