Vanessa Gainford - House Of Coco Magazine

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

#CocoFood; Wine Tasting 101

As you may know #TeamCoco are a bunch of foodies, no matter where we are in the world, alongside our passion for travel and adventure, is a need for cuisine; whether that be street food, canapés or a seven course Michelin star taster menu. Yet, there is one thing that tends to go in hand with each meal… drinks. From coffee to champagne, the right drink can make or break the food you’re eating.

The main drink that trips us up however is wine. Whether you’re in a bar, restaurant or fancy establishment, you are normally presented with a glass of the wine in which you are expected to commence the see, swill, smell and sample routine. For a while we had no idea what we were actually doing and if you’re thinking ‘I literally have no idea what I’m meant to do’ then keep on reading! As to master this little trick has widened our horizons and has totally changed our perspective on wine and our palette!

The traditional explanation of this routine is that you are tasting the wine to make sure it’s not corked, which is odd nowadays as this rarely occurs and also seems a bit pointless if the bottle doesn’t even have a cork… Originally the ‘head’ of the table tasted the wine to prove that it is safe to drink, which is why the person buying the wine is usually presented it first.

So with these two points essentially being null, why do we still go through this little ritual? Well its all part of the experience. Swirling the glass draws oxygen into the glass and aerates the wine, enhancing the scent. Smelling the wine allows you to draw on certain ingredients within the wine which will essentially intensify the flavour.

Swirling the glass also makes the wine slosh around, leaving residue on the sides of the glass, this is because the wine is evaporating. It’s at this point people utter phrase ‘it’s got good legs’ which for us was a moment where we would just nod and agree.

The legs of are the droplets left on the side of the glass after you have swirled the wine. The legs often indicate two things; alcohol content and sweetness. The more droplets the higher the alcohol content, which often results in a warmer sensation in your throat after drinking. The slower the droplets drip down the glass, the sweeter the wine.

After these little assessments is when you take the first sip, simply take a sip, open your mouth slightly and let the wine rest in your mouth for a few seconds to let it oxidise and release its aromas and flavour before closing your mouth. This is your chance to speak up and let them know if the wine is not to your taste, is faulty or has been corked, if you leave it until you’ve drank half your glass, the waiter/sommelier won’t take you seriously. If you think it’s great then let them know and drink up!

These few tips are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to wine tasting so if you truly want to be a wine connoisseur, then we definitely recommend booking a wine tasting session!

If you’re lucky enough to escape for some winter sun, you are bound to find family vineyards, authentic wineries and more! If not then although the UK may not be the first place that comes to mind for a wine tasting but the cold winter months can be the perfect time to discover a new hobby and finally master the art of wine tasting.

Beauty November 9, 2023

#CocoBeauty: In-Flight Beauty Regime

So #TeamCoco are constantly racking up our air miles, which means we’re becoming pretty pro at flying. Flights are sort of second nature to us now. Gone are the days where we would board and realise something we needed was in our case rather than our and luggage. We have the essentials in our hand luggage, liquids separated in plastic bag, flight socks, ear plugs and face masks all tucked away in our holdalls. When it comes to in-flight routines, everyone differs, yet one thing we highly recommend is having an in-flight beauty routine.

Cleanse, exfoliate, face mask, moisturise, lip balm; the lot. As no-one likes to arrive looking bedraggled, dehydrated and sleep deprived, plus, if you look good/put together, you’ll feel it right?

Below are a few of the #TeamCoco holy grails for in-flight beauty. Yes, you may take up sometime in the toilet but if you’re on a long-haul flight, you and your skin are worth it. More often than not, we’ve commenced our beauty routine at our seats, water and cotton wool pads at the ready, there really is no excuse! Please also note that we are so over what people think at this stage, you may look insane on the flight but when you arrive at your destination you’ll look radiant; worth it.

Cleanser – Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser £15

Some people like to rock up to the airport sans make-up, some like to turn up contoured to the max, whatever your preference we recommend Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser. When applied to damp skin, this literally dissolves make-up and grime. It has five skin conditioners but is also tough on impurities, leaving skin super clean and soft.

Exfoliator – Fresh Sugar Facial Scrub £52

This is a must-have and not just for flights, most exfoliators now are enzyme or chemical but this pot of goodness from Fresh is made with brown sugar which seals in moisture whilst buffing away dry and dull skin. The scrub also has plum seed oil, grapeseed oil and wild strawberries, is packed with vitamin C, helping to brighten, hydrate and soothe the skin too.

Mask – Charlotte Tilbury; Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask; £60 pack of 4

No matter how hard you try, you cannot escape Charlotte Tilbury hype and these masks are no exception. This mess free, completely dry face mask has become a staple in my beauty collection. It hooks over your ears to keep it in place, I often pop the mask on with my sleep mask over and have a nap or listen to some music with it on. The only downside is you do sort of look like something from a horror film with it on so be sure to warn the people in the seats next to you before use. The active ingredients in the masks reduce wrinkles, smooths, brightens, lifts and hydrates for immediate results. Oh and one last bonus, each mask comes in a re-sealable pack and can be re-used up to three times,

Mist – Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Facial Mist; £50

This mist was inspired by the Queen of Hungary water, the worlds’ first recorded perfume formulated in the 14thcentury. The scent of this neroli and rose scented mist is enough to refresh your senses and just a few spritz’s over your face is the perfect pick me up as it’s both purifying and hydrating.

Lips – Dior Lip Glow; £26

Another addiction I have, mainly thanks to duty free, is Dior’s Lip Glow. I now forgo lipstick and lip gloss and totally rely on this little lip balm to keep my lips hydrated with a pop of colour. The lip balm is available in a variety of shades that go on quite subtly but then adjust to your lips before releasing its colour to match. Sounds like a marketing ploy but seriously for me, the lilac goes on very sheer and within about 10 minutes is a beautiful lilac/pink that keeps my lips moisiturised and tinted for hours. It has an SPF of 10 and the formula has wild mango and luffa cylindrica to protect and moisiturise lips. Meaning your lips won’t be all dry and cracked when you land, they will feel hydrated and look as though you’ve got gloss on minus the sticky texture.

Hands & Feet – Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Touch Hand Cream £15 & Samba Foot Cream; £20

After the launch of its Bum Bum Cream (pronounced Boom Boom) this Brazilian brand launched both a hand and foot cream and we are so happy about it. The hand cream conditions and strengthens nails; perfect for after using the drying soaps often used by airlines. The foot cream comes with a little surfboard which helps get rid of any dry skin, please don’t be that weird person and refrain from using that on the flight, just use the cream before your flight socks go on! Both are enriched with Cupuaca butter, Acai, coconut oil and Brazil nuts so will leave your hands and feet soft and beach ready. They also both have the brands signature pistachio and salted caramel scent, which smells like holiday.

Serum– MZ Skin Lift & Lustre; £210

Whether you choose to apply this mid-flight after your routine or as you land, this antioxidant serum formulated by Dr Maryam Zamani is a golden elixir that leaves skin radiant. The rich formula deeply hydrates and adds a soft focus luminosity to the skin, meaning you can go without make up and let skin breathe. If you don’t feel okay enough to go sans make up, then your concealer and foundation can be applied over the serum and you can even add a few more drops of Lift & Lustre over your make-up. Just dab onto the cheekbones, cupids bow and brow bone to lock in moisture, give a subtle highlight and embrace glowing skin as you land.

Voila! In-flight beauty regime complete, just ensure you also take up flight attendants on any offer of water and buy one in duty free to take onboard to keep hydrated within. You and your skin should feel revived no matter how long your flight!

Beauty November 9, 2023

Meet MZ Skin.

MZ Skin, you won’t have heard of this brand yet, as it only launched exclusively in Harrods last week. However it’s a brand you need to familiarise yourself with and fast, as we can guarantee you would love this luxury skincare collection to feature on your dressing table.

Known for our love of luxurious things, there’s no surprise that we fell in love with MZ Skin. Founded by Dr Maryam Zamani; a highly respected Ophthalmologist, Oculoplastic surgeon and leading aesthetic doctor. Dr Zamani was inspired by advanced clinical techniques and driven by the frustration of not being able to find skincare that she loves putting on her skin, that looks pretty and that actually works.

Maryam’s extensive experience with oculoplastic surgery and dermatology provides the perfect blend of facial aesthetic treatments that deliver the most natural results, combine this with Maryam’s genuine interest in her clients and you have the perfect formula. What’s more is Maryam has become and advocate user of her collection and recommended routine!

Formulated with research, innovation and pioneering ingredients, partnered with established, trusted actives, to deliver the essence of beautiful skin. The MZ Skin collection features five founding products that form a day and night routine; Cleanse & Clarify, Lift & Lustre, Hydrate & Nourish, Soothe & Smooth and Rest & Revive. All created for a simple yet effective skincare routine. The collection also features Hydra –Bright Golden Facial Mask, Hydra-Bright Golden Eye Mask and a natural Konjac sponge. These eight products are all you will ever need for glowing luminous skin; all under 100ml, perfect for jetsetters or those on the go!

Our writer, Vanessa, had the chance to sit down with Dr Zamani to discuss all things MZ Skin.

What is it for you that makes MZ Skin stand out from other skincare brands?

My products, work, they have specific targets and I’m working from first-hand experience. I’ve worked with damaged skin, I’ve seen the after results of surgery but I’ve learnt that prevention is the key. You don’t need to be 25 to have healthy glowing skin; you just need the right products. I’ve worked endlessly so that I will provide my clients with just that. MZ Skin is a luxury medical skincare brand that works, with feminine glamorous products; it fills a gap that was in the market.

Some of your products have unusual ingredients for example in Rest & Revive, there is placenta? Why have you chosen certain ingredients?

I wanted to ensure every ingredient made a difference to the skin; I didn’t want excess ingredients that had no purpose. I have been researching for years and taken many clinical trials, so for the placenta, stem cells rejuvenate the skin, so to apply this as your night cream, helps your skin heal and recover from the day.

Regarding ingredients, I suffer badly from eczema around my eyes, each one of your products has worked wonders for this, is this something you had in mind or just an added bonus?

Yes, this is definitely something I had in mind, I wanted everyone to be able to use and benefit from MZ Skin. The reason these products are working for your skin, is that the ingredients in them retain and maintain moisture; the ingredients are also of the highest grade and quality. Cleanse & Clarify is also a gentle exfoliator so removes unnecessary layers of skin and dirt without stripping away necessary oils. Hydration is key; especially living in an urban environment. All MZ Skin products have a minimum SPF of 30, as I think this is a factor that is so easily overlooked.

Obviously MZ Skin is a huge part of your life, how do you balance this, along with a family?

It’s very difficult, as I do a lot myself, I’m very hands on. I take my children to school, head to the office, pick my children up from school, do general mothering duties and once they’re in bed at 8pm, I exercise. It’s my release. Then from 9.30pm until around 12am, I work on MZ Skin. It’s busy but satisfying, I have a great team and I’m a multi-tasker, I love it.

Do you struggle to switch off from work?

In London, it’s very rare I switch off; I end up emptying my email inbox before bed. On holiday however, that’s when I truly disconnect from work and relax.

With such a busy schedule, what’s your favourite way to pamper yourself?

Sleep. Sleep is so important, that’s a real luxury to me. I also have a manicure and pedicure every week, that’s my little treat, it keeps me sane!

So, basically, MZ Skin is the perfect combination of science and beauty; created from a medical and experienced dermatology background, it not only feels glorious on the skin but it works wonders, is beautifully packaged, by a woman for women. This is the skincare collection you don’t want to be without.

Lifestyle November 9, 2023

#CocoAdvice; How To Stay Together When Everything Is Falling Apart

Have you ever felt that everything always happens at once? It’s great when what happens is good but when it’s well, not so good, it can all become a little overwhelming. Family debates, relationship woes, work problems, friendship tension, money worries; the list of reasons of why life can get you down can be endless, so when everything is falling apart how can you stay together?

After having her fair share of hard times and then completely changing her life around to the amazing whirlwind it is today, we turned to our editor-in-chief, Laura, to ask her advice on how to do just that.

How do you stay positive when life gets a little overwhelming?

‘I make sure that I avoid negative situations, I don’t watch the news and I try to keep in control of what outside influences I let in. For example, I put my phone on airplane mode each evening so that when I wake up in the morning I am not letting negative notifications depict the start of my day.’

What do you think is the key to your success and positive mind-frame?

‘I think the key to success is making sure that you never quit! There will be failures along the way but as long as you consistently work on your idea, always believing in yourself, then you’re likely to reach success.’

How do you deal with negativity?

‘I try to surround myself with positive people. If I spend time around negative people or friends, it doesn’t take me long to make the decision not to see them again. ‘

How you do control your emotions and channel them into something productive?

‘I am not a very emotional person anyway, I tend to keep life in perspective so if for example I am having stresses at work or money worries, I remind myself that nobody died and that everything else is trivial!’

If you could only give one piece of life advice what would it be?

‘Be true to yourself!’

So there you have it, our ed’s top tips on how to keep yourself together! Of course it’s a little by little, day by day process but focus, perspective and positivity can do wonders on making the much needed progress to pull your life together again.

Beauty November 9, 2023

SPA Social at Mondrian London

Here at House of Coco, we are known for our love of good cuisine, our ability to work hard and relax even harder. So when we heard about the new concept Mondrian London have recently launched we were beyond thrilled. SPA Social at agua Bathhouse & Spa is the stuff of dreams.

With fitness, health and eating well becoming more and more of a lifestyle choice rather than a trend, people are becoming more conscious of what they do to and put into their bodies. So, the idea is designed to bring people together through health, wellness and social interaction.

There isn’t one of us that doesn’t love a spa day or eating out and catching up with friends but who has the time to balance it all? Spa Social allows you to, in the evening and on a week day.

The spa itself is a blissful getaway from London life, tranquil and with all the facilities you could possibly need. From steam rooms, mud masks and massages to manicures and waxes, you can fully pamper yourself in one place in one evening.

The food available is from Sea Containers and is unbelievably delicious and healthy, with Skinny Champagne available; you can have a guilt free evening.

The lounge area boasts a water feature, ambient lighting, comfy sofa beds in which you can either seclude yourself with a curtain (to finally read that book you have been trying to finish for months) or there are sofas and bean bags were you can truly make yourself at home and socialise, all whilst in a fluffy bathrobe and slippers.

SPA Social is definitely a different approach to anything we’ve experienced before; you can experience treatments solo, book couples days or even book a group slumber spa.

So if you’re in need of a weeknight re-boot or just a re-boot in general, we advise making your way to SPA Social. You’ll wonder how you ever made it through a week without it.

Uncategorized June 1, 2022

Competition Time: Win A Dream Holiday With Cora Cora Maldives

Would you describe yourself as an inspirational person? Or does someone you know constantly inspires you or others?

If so the trip of your dreams could be within reach if you enter Cora Cora Maldives’ latest competition. From today (1st June) until 30th June 2022, this five-star luxury Maldivian resort is open to entries in their search for a UK Inspirational Idol.

What is an Inspirational Idol? An Inspirational Idol is someone who has overcome challenges and through perseverance has found freedom for themselves, and even motivated others to change their lives for the better. So if you feel that describes you and you want to tell your story or even that of a friend, colleague, relative or loved one, then Cora Cora Maldives wants to hear from you.

Whether your passion is art, music, performing arts, folk tradition, sports, science or travel, you could win the trip of a lifetime which is worth over £10,000.

Renowned for its tagline ‘it’s Freedom Time’ Cora Cora Maldives allows guests to rediscover themselves and enjoy complete freedom on a small island in the Raa Atoll; snorkel, jet ski, visit the spa, indulge in the cuisine, hit the gym, attend a yoga class or just lose yourself in a book poolside.

Cora Cora Maldives will gift the Inspirational Idol winner a one-week all-expenses-paid trip to their slice of paradise on a Premium All-Inclusive – Gourmet Meal Plan® basis for two adults including return economy flights, return seaplane transfers.

To apply, visit Cora Cora Maldives and agree to the general terms and conditions, meet the eligibility criteria, and complete the registration form.

Attach a 500-word description of your path to inspiration along with a one-minute video as to why you should become the “Cora Cora Inspirational Idol 2022”. For a bonus point, post the video to your Instagram account and use the hashtag “#CoraCoraInspirationalIdol” and tag the resort @coracoramaldives.

Cora Cora Maldives will shortlist candidates once the application process has been closed and will contact the shortlisted candidates via the provided email address with further details. The winner will be announced on 31st of July. The chosen winner will receive an agreement that must be signed prior to the public announcement.

Note: Winners will be asked to assist Cora Cora Maldives whilst on holiday with some promotional activities which will include: two to three photoshoots with approval from the winner to use and publish taken photos for marketing activities in online & offline sources.

Italy June 1, 2022

Cora Cora Maldives: Where Freedom And Luxury Entwine

The Maldives: two words that have you daydreaming of paradise in an instant. A bucket-list destination that oozes luxury and relaxation. Vanessa Gainford explores the idyllic Cora Cora Maldives.

As someone who loves to be sunbathing on the beach with a book but only for a day or two before I find the need to explore, I was ecstatic to be going to the Maldives yet part of me was a little concerned about being ‘stuck’ on one small island for a whole week. However, Cora Cora Maldives proved in an instant that I had nothing to worry about.

Once arriving in Male the Maldives’ experience began, greeted by the only Maldivian all-female airport team, and escorted via a five-minute minibus to the seaplane terminal. A 45-minute seaplane journey with an aerial view of the Indian Ocean and different Atolls is a sight to behold. From the moment you step foot on the island Cora Cora Maldives promises to be unlike any other Maldivian resort. With the tagline, it’s freedom time, this idyllic escape offers a new form of luxury to guests. Compared to our usual level of luxury, Cora Cora Maldives isn’t what we’re used to. However, the resort offers a different type of luxury, freedom. After a global pandemic, freedom is what we are all yearning for. The resort’s main concept of freedom makes it the most luxurious place of all. As our view on luxury has shifted, yes, we still want luxurious places, but we also want to escape, and after being restricted for so long we want to live life on our own accord. Unlike many Maldivian getaways, Cora Cora Maldives has a relaxed yet fun vibe and the resort embraces island life, so much so that at the end of our trip having to wear shoes was a reality shock.

Situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean in the Raa Atoll on a natural lagoon just 750 metres long and 500 metres wide is Maamigili Island – home to Cora Cora Maldives. The décor and colour palette alone showcase the vibe of the resort; a vibrant and colourful dose of escapism, in idyllic contrast to the blue skies, white sand, and turquoise waters. Upon arrival, you are designated a ‘Freedom Coach’ and asked to download the Cora Cora App. The App is ideal for those who like to control their own time, to make an excursion, water sports, spa, salon, and restaurant bookings along with looking at activity schedules. If you’re happy for someone to take over then decide what you would like to do and leave it to your Freedom Coach to create a bespoke itinerary. The idea of a Freedom Coach is to take all stress away from you and in my case, everything from reservations to PCR tests and broken suitcases were handled on my behalf without me even having to think about it. This was just the start of experiencing true freedom.

THE FOOD AT CORA CORA MALDIVES

The premium all-inclusive concept means you can enjoy all the food and drink you like at any time of the day. The food is most definitely a highlight, as Head Chef Muath Abu Diab oversaw the five restaurants. Acquapazza®, the resort’s Italian, is home to an Italian chef who has only cooked pizza for the last 15 years – and it’s the best pizza you will ever have. Acquapazza® is also the place to go for pre-dinner drinks or after-dinner entertainment with the resort’s in-house violinists and DJ. Tazaa® has an expansive menu and has its very own ‘curry master’ who specialises in creating 50 curries ranging from Indian to Maldivian. Two restaurants that require reservations are, Teien®, a Japanese restaurant that offers an array of dishes and even vegan sushi, and Ginger Moon®, where the cuisine is inspired by Asian street food.

The culinary team make every dish unforgettable, as they cater to a range of dietary requirements; opt for vegan meals, refined sugar-free treats, or teetotal drinks. For a more secluded and romantic dinner setting, book dinner in a cabana on the beach or even ‘in’ the beach, where a table is carved into the sand. With a menu curated especially for the occasion, a private dinner makes the perfect experience for a special occasion, or even to just enjoy each other’s company, the sea breeze, and the night sky lit by candles alone. One thing to note is that room service to your villa is non-existent unless you opt for a romantic floating breakfast. Why isn’t room service an option? After being isolated for so long, Cora Cora Maldives believes interaction is essential, and eating out is what dreams are made of. However, if you fancy eating in your robe and slippers as you watch the sunset, or having lunch as you lounge by your pool, then you can pop to My Coffee®, the resort’s 24-hour coffee shop. Place your order from the ‘food to go’ menu and stroll barefoot back to your villa with your food in hand.

VILLAS AT CORA CORA MALDIVES

Accommodation on the island comes in the form of villas – 100 of them ranging from beach villas and overwater villas to a two-storey family villa complete with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a private pool, and a slide for easy-yet-fun access to the ocean. All villas are equipped with open-air bathrooms, complete with hammocks hanging over the ocean, his and hers vanities, eco-friendly locally made toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, Cora Cora Maldives branded flip-flop, beach bags, a fully stocked minibar, a king-sized bed, most also have a private pool and overwater villas have steps down to the ocean. The artwork on the outside and on the inside of the villas is also all local and, if you’re lucky, a wander down the beach by the main reception can lead you to an art class with the very artist!

EXPLORING THE ISLAND

With a private pool and ocean access, the idea of leaving your villa may seem futile, yet this tiny island has a lot to offer. If you’re searching for bliss then head to the Moshka Spa, where a tranquil reception greets you with open doors leading to the beach and overwater huts where you can indulge in an array of treatments; massages, facials, and beauty treatments to bespoke packages tailored to focus on your area of concern. The resort proudly celebrates the culture and heritage of the Maldives with an on-site museum and heritage site. The island is home to two extremely rare ritual baths from pre-Islamic times, along with an array of artefacts from throughout the ages – a haven for history lovers. On-site archaeologist Umair Badheeu is happy to talk through any item of interest and even hosts fun excavation sessions for children. There are other ways to explore paradise further. A private jet-ski tour around the Atoll, or a sunset cruise around the island onboard a traditional Maldivian Dhoni allows you to marvel at the resort and its surroundings from every angle.
A day trip to ‘Ghost Island’ means you can sail the ocean in the hopes of spotting a dolphin before disembarking on Kandholhudhoo, an island that was devastated by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and is worth visiting to understand the life of Maldivians and their emphasis on using every bit of their resources. A short 15-minute speedboat trip can take you to a private sandbank where the team leave you to while away the hours in the sunshine in your private slice of paradise, before coming back to take you deep-sea snorkelling. Fun on the island itself is easy to find – just head to the beach hut and opt for a variety of watersports, from paddle boarding and glass-bottom canoes to flyboard lessons, or even just a relaxed snorkel in the home coral reef just metres from the beach. You’ll never be bored.

However you choose to spend your time at Cora Cora Maldives, you’ll leave with lasting memories, feeling rejuvenated, upset about the return of reality and with food cravings that won’t be satisfied until you return.

France February 1, 2022

In The Spirit Of Valentines Here Are 5 Love Inspired Fragrances

We all love a love story, whether its our own, in a movie, a novel or even one of our friends. Love is present in our lives in a multitude of ways, both platonic and romantic, love is good for our mind and body

Our sense of smell plays a huge factor in how drawn we are to someone, whether we like or dislike them and in some cases can strengthen the bond of love. We associate certain scents with those we love and specific fragrance notes can ignite fond feelings.

Yet fragrances don’t just create attachments and memories, along with making us smell and feel good, many of them have a story or association to love. So gifting a fragrance doesn’t just have to be a luxury it can be a continuation of a love story or the start of yours.

J’adore – Dior

The iconic J ‘adore by Dior translates to ‘I love’. Created by perfumer Calice Becker and release in 1999, J ‘adore has become an opulent staple on many women’s’ dressing tables. With top fruity notes of pear, melon, peach mandarin and bergamot, the fragrance is sweet before transcending into more sensual notes of jasmine, tuberose, freesia, rose and orchid before drying down with notes of musk, vanilla, blackberry and cedar; comprise a feminine and sophisticated scent.

Love Relentlessly – Tory Burch

Aiming to capture the feeling of falling in love Tory Burch released Love Relentlessly in 2016. A fruity floral fragrance with top notes of pink pepper, raspberry, grapefruit and lemon; middle notes of rose, iris, litchi and jasmine and base notes are patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood and amber.

Love – By Kilian

Love by Kilian is an amber fragrance that launched in 2007. Top notes of neroli, bergamot, pink pepper and coriander; blend with middle notes of orange blossom, jasmine, honeysuckle, rose and iris; before drying down to seductive base notes of sugar, caramel, vanilla, musk, civet and labdanum. Brand owner, Kilian Hennessey, alongside perfumer Calice Becker created a fragrance that embodies love in its most sensual form

Love in White – Creed

Since 2005 this fragrance has often been selected as a wedding day scent; Love in White by Creed was inspired by a sunny day drive through the tree lined streets of Provence. An elegant bouquet created by Olivier Creed and Erwin Creed in 2005. A top note of orange peel blends with middle notes of magnolia, rice, jasmine, and Bulgarian rose that dries down to base notes of ambergris and sandalwood.

Shalimar – Guerlain

A flora, amber, woody scent that was originally released in 1921 by Jacques Guerlain and was reformulated in 2005, Shalimar, is a tribute to the ultimate love story. Shah Jahan was mesmerised from the moment he met his wife Mumtaz Mahal, a besotted couple with a tragic ending that led to Shah Jahan building the Taj Mahal in his wife’s memory as a sign of their undying love. Shalimar is one of the best selling fragrances of all time and is composed of lemon, bergamot, jasmine, rose, opoponax, vanilla, balsam, amber and vanilla.

Fashion December 8, 2021

The hat trends that will revolutionise your winter wardrobe

The primary purpose of a hat is of course to keep you warm especially in the bitter winter months, yet the AW21 shows proved a hat can easily elevate an outfit.

The headwear on the runway this year was an eclectic mix from simple and practical to fur laden and extravagant. So House of Coco have curated a list of the 5 hat trends that fall somewhere in the middle; stylish and warm.

Bucket

The 90’s still reign supreme here, the bucket hat is still a trend this winter; in heavier and ‘fuzzier’ fabrics than those we’ve worn in the summer months. Shows including Off White, Celine and Tommy Hilfiger showcased this nostalgic trend.

Baker Boy

Ralph Lauren, Etro and Dolce & Gabbana brought back the beloved baker boy hat; the chicest way to upgrade any outfit is to add this style of hat. Along with featuring in an array of runway shows, Taylor Swift was pictured wearing one earlier this year so that’s enough convincing for us.

Beanie

The beanie, simple, practical and warm. Yet this season, the beanie is back, embellished, flower adorned or even with a brand logo, a beanie has the ability to pull together any outfit. Altzurra, Coach and Chanel featured the cozy hat style in their collections.

Beret

Who doesn’t love a beret? A childhood nostalgia inducing style of hat that is super chic and having a come back and not just because of Emily in Paris. The hat was also in the shows of Anna Sui, Margaret Howell and Vivienne Westwood.

Trapper

The trapper hat is an item of clothing we tend to associate with the colder of climates; adventure films where they are lost in the snowy wilderness. Yet Tod’s, Burberry and Dior have ensured the hat have become covetable this winter. Burberry made the hat futuristic and more streamlined showcasing that the trapper hat has so much versatility.

Couples Travel November 12, 2021

Cora Cora: It’s Freedom Time!

House of Coco have been lucky enough to experience many wonderful launches, places, and products. Most recently #TeamCoco were some of the first guests and UK press to experience a new resort in the Maldives: Cora Cora.

So, here is a whistle-stop summary of the new resort. Be sure to keep an eye out for the full feature in our next print issue to find out why your next booking should be Cora Cora.

Compared to our usual level of luxury, Cora Cora isn’t up there. Yet the resort offers a different type of luxury, freedom. After multiple lockdowns and what feels like a never-ending global pandemic, freedom is what we are all yearning for. So, the fact Cora Cora’s main concept is freedom, makes it the most luxurious place of all.

The resort is situated on Maamigili Island in Raa Atoll, a natural lagoon in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Cora Cora is the vibrant and colourful dose of escapism in a place full of blue skies and turqoise waters. The resort offers 100 villas ranging from beach villas to a family villa complete with pool and slide into the ocean.

Cora Cora has a premium all-inclusive concept meaning you can enjoy all the food you like. The package also includes a few complimentary resort experiences.

The food at Cora Cora is most definitely a highlight as Head Chef, Muath Abu Diab oversees the four restaurants. From Acquapazza, an Italian restaurant, who’s chef has only cooked pizza for 15 years. To Tazaa a restaurant that has a ‘curry master’ that specialises in 50 curries from Indian to Maldivian. The curated culinary team is set to make every dish unforgettable. They also cater for a range of dietary requirements; opt for vegan meals, refined sugar free treats, or tee-total drinks.

For a small island there is a lot to do at Cora Cora. Have a massage at the Moshka Spa, snorkel in the home coral reef just meters from the beach, have a fly board lesson or simply while away the hours by the pool.

The resort celebrates the culture and heritage of the Maldives with an on-site museum and heritage site. The island is home to two extremely rare ritual baths from the pre-Islamic times. Along with an array of artefacts from throughout the ages; a haven for history lovers.

If guests wish to venture off the island there are excursions ranging from jet-ski tours to other islands and sandbank picnics. There is also the option of a boat trip to Ghost Island, an island left abandoned by the 2004 tsunami.

In the evenings relax after dinner with a few drinks and live music or opt for a romantic evening with beach cabana dinner. There is even the option to watch a film of your choice with a private ‘cinema on the sand’.

However you choose to spend your time at Cora Cora, the team will ensure you enjoy your freedom time and leave feeling rejuvenated.