Culture vultures looking for a splash of authentic Mallorcan art can check into the Kimpton Aysla Mallorca and immerse themselves in their very own art exhibition. Situated in the town of Santa Ponsa, only 14 km from Palma de Mallorca and 20 minutes from its airport, guests of Kimpton Aysla Mallorca can enjoy its incredible on-site facilities while soaking up a plethora of outstanding artwork.
This stylish hotel, designed by architect Guillermo Reynés, opened its doors in October and is the backdrop to a Contemporary Art Collection commissioned by ABA ART LAB. The five-star property showcases 700 pieces of artwork from photography, sculptures, paintings and installations. Each piece has been created by a local artist and has been featured due to its Mediterranean, pure, timeless and cosmopolitan qualities. All the artists and designers stand out for their solid artistic career and their presence in various important collections of contemporary art.
Explore the hotel and you will stumble across stunning paintings, unique sculptures and installations that all weave organically into the fabric of the building. From the moment you enter the hotel your visual senses are stimulated as you are greeted by a showstopper piece, hanging behind the reception desk. Created by renowned Catalan artist, Regina Gimenez, ‘Door to light’, is a stunning textile mural using natural fibres, fabrics and wool from Mallorca transforming the space with neutral, white and toasted tones. With different textures, light layers and warm shades that create depth is easy to see why this takes pride of place in the lobby.
Throughout the hotel you will spot works from the likes of Mercedes Laguens, Antoni Pedraza and Bàrbara Juan. In each of the bedrooms the back wall displays a striking piece of art and the shelves are dotted with vases and sculptures bringing creativity to the heart of the property.
You’d imagine that so many pieces of artwork would bring chaos to the hotel aesthetic and design, but Reynes and ABA ART LAB have ensured that each work slots into the hotel design and is sympathetic to the space.
ABA ART LAB is an exhibition, curatorship and production of contemporary art company founded in September 2004, in Palma de Mallorca. They have their own exhibition and gallery space and curate, as well as produce some of the most important collections for private clients, companies and luxury brands.
This impressive property close to Palma, embraces the local art scene while combining the luxury and style that is synonymous with Kimpton, a must stay for design lovers.
To book a room visit Kimpton Aysla Mallorca prices start from €350 per night during winter and from €600 per night during summer season.
While gluhwein and mulled wine are served in abundance over the festive period, there is nothing quite like popping a cork or discovering a brand new bottle of your favourite type of vino. Rosé is often heartbreakingly overlooked during the holiday season and so with that we have rounded up the best bottles of 2022 to give to your wine loving friend or family member, or simply to enjoy yourself! It’s Christmas after all…
Castillode Ibiza
In summer 2022, Castillo de Ibiza rosé launched in the UK. Inspired by the sunset and the slow living of the Balearic Islands, the gorgeous wine will warm your cockles, especially with the colder weather in December! The wine is carefully crafted from Tempranillo and Garnacha with the saignee method in Navarra, the cradle of Spanish rosé. The beautifully unique Castillo de Ibiza bottle design makes this the perfect gift idea for Christmas.
Pale and pretty in colour, but vibrant in taste and perfect with Christmas smoked salmon, Campo Viejo Rosé expresses the lovely aromas of cherry, citrus, strawberries and rose petals. This wine now holds the gold 2020 award within The New York International Wine Competition, a perfect accompaniment to have with any celebration.
Rosé lovers may have already spotted Pink Diesel at some top London bars this year as well as the Barn’s Larder, Chichester, The Phoenix, Stratford-upon-Avon, and the Horse & Groom, West Sussex but now it can be ordered for the festive season to your home. One of the most exciting launches of 2022, fill up your stockings with this delicious light, crisp and dry tipple created by British entrepreneurs Amy Gatehouse and Marina Ayton.
The award-winning family-owned UK winery, famed for its still and sparkling wines made the initial steps in 2008 by planting the very first vineyard on some of their farmland. For something more decadent this Christmas, this case of three still (2021) and three sparkling (2019) pink wines truly push the boat out. The team at Hattingley Valley have won the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championship Award for ‘Best Vintage Rosé in the world’ and so you know you will be drinking the best come Christmas Day.
A trek to Everest Base camp involves a fair bit of preparation, even more so if you are not going with an Expedition company (I chose G Adventures). Being a novice to multiple day hikes (even summiting Mt. Fuji was just overnight), I knew I was going to have my work cut out for me. Luckily, I had the help of a good friend who was more well versed in the great outdoors than me. This roundup is a joint effort with input from my friend of over 20 years and now trekking partner in crime, Kathy. For review – the trek to Everest Base Camp is a total of 12 days. It takes 8 days (including acclimatization days) to reach Base Camp and 4 days back. Our group ended up losing a day due to bad weather, but made up for it by trekking for longer periods during our descent. Here are the essentials and comfort products I took on the trip:
The Essentials:
The Layers
If you know anything about long distance activity, it’s all about the layers. And with that, the fabrics and materials become especially important. As a rookie, I knew this – but did not fully understand how important it would become. Let’s start from outside looking in:
The Shell Jacket
It boggles my mind how the lightest, thinnest jacket is also the most expensive. It has to do with the intense layer of GORE-TEX that coats the shell. The Rab Women’s Kangri GORE-TEX Jacket has 3-Layers of GORE-TEX waterproof technology (70D) with a recycled outer fabric. There is a nice fleece lined chin guard for comfort, the adjustable two-way zipper is great for those with a short torso. And it’s totally waterproof.
Compact Down Hoody Jacket
For the record, I love hoodies. They provide extra warmth in a pinch. Once we passed Namche Bazaar (3440 m), the mornings were chilly until the sun came out to say hello. For the majority of the ascent, I wore the Rab Women’s Microlight Alpine Down Jacket. It’s tried and true – wear it on the mountain or in the city. Besides the quality, I appreciate the Rab’s colorways. If you like something with a bit more of a shine, try The Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer/2™. It has a flattering waistline with the best fitting hood ever. As an added bonus, both of these hoodie’s fold into small packs (included) which can double as a neck pillow.
Pants
I knew at some point, my normal exercise tights were not going to cut it. I was going to need something that was waterproof. These Mountain Hardware Women’s Stretch Ozonic™ Pants fit the bill. And since these were my only pair of fully waterproof pants, I wore the same outfit 4 days straight. I liked how the side zips made it easy to de-layer mid-trail so that I did not have to take off my boots in the process. They also kept my tights clean underneath from all the dust and were easy to clean post trek.
Mid and Base layers
The mid-layer, Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Hooded Half-Zip Jacket was great over my T-shirt during the day, or over top layers at night in the Tea Houses. The kangaroo pocket is the best. Useful for hauling your cell phone, the enormous key for your Tea House room and a travel adapter all at once. I love the Cotopaxi’s vibrant colourways. Besides being made from recycled fleece, the polyester taffeta accent is recycled from other companies’ deadstock fabric supply.
The last time I wore a base layer, I was in grade seven, cross country skiing. So yes – it’s been a while. Merino in all forms is the way to go which I rotated throughout the trip. The Rab Women’s Forge Long Sleeve Tee is a lightweight Merino blend base layer, great for warmth, breathability and to add a punch of color to your outfit.
On day 5 or 6, I switched it up and wore the MAMMUT’s Trift Long Tights under my exercise tights. I found it too hot, but perfect under my thinner waterproof trekking pants. Their tailored shape conforms to the body eliminating the need to pull them up over time. The insulating tights have merino wool which helps regulate body temperature and inhibits odors.
From the waterproof Gore-Tex® membrane to the secure-grip vibram® tread outsole, these MAMMUT Yatna II High boots worked well on the 12-day trek. Taking a short period of time to break in (less than a month), not one blister was found after the Everest Base Camp adventure. The boots retain their shape and can be resoled.
Bags
This vibrant Del Día collection from Cotopaxi turns deadstock material from other brands into backpack and packs. This Coso 2L Hip Pack – Cada Día has more pockets than a substandard zip fanny pack. The two zippered pockets connect and have a helpful reservoir for easy access to your water bottle. Perfect for the acclimatization hikes when our group did not need a full pack. It was extremely comfortable worn crossbody or around hips.
I wanted a pack that checked the boxes – light, supportive and had had tons of storage potential and found all that and more in the Mountain Hardware Scrambler™ 35L Backpack. The 4-Layer Dimension-Polyant™ fabric is durable and lightweight surviving the literal throws of a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. All the zippered pockets were great for stashing passports and visas while we were in transit. I was concerned that I didn’t have a rain guard for my bag, but thankfully the bag is waterproof.
Eyewear
I knew we would need to have some quality eyewear, something that looks as good as it functioned. SMITH delivered on both of the styles that I sported throughout the trip. The first is the Bobcat, with a slight wraparound fit, with ChromaPop™ lenses. The nose pads were secure and provided the best comfortable non-slip grip ever. There was minimal fogging even when I wore my neck buff. The Bobcat’s hardshell case is big enough to carry a few pairs of shades; I fit three! The SMITH Embark are equally stylish shades with cool white frames and ventilated side shields. I wore them in low lighting, mostly on the descent. Highly recommended for any sport requiring eye protection from the glaring rays.
Trekking Poles
The Mountainsmith Halite 7075 are my first pair of trekking poles. The updated version is built with aluminum and is collapsible to 16”. The wrist straps and the EVA handles are comfortable, even with gloves. Being a newbie, I really appreciated the YouTube video on how to adjust your poles. All Mountainsmith products come with the Forged for Life Guarantee, the official Mountainsmith lifetime warranty. Used more than not, I found them helpful on the descent with the uneven rocks and stairs.
Socks
I first learned of this company a few years ago, but if you are a regular to the outdoors then, you should not be a stranger to Darn Tough Vermont socks. Available in different heights and cushions (I went for midweight), the socks are guaranteed for life. Conveniently available in multipacks, like the Women’s Hiker Cushion Quiver 3-Pack. They kept my feet warm in the frigid cold nights and dry during the day. For half the trek, I wore the Arc’teryx Merino Wool Lightweight ¾ Crew Sock. I was pleasantly surprised about how well they fit well in our hiking shoes, the support given and how well they wash.
Headwear
It was after the second day when I decided it was time to start wearing some head protection. On colder days, I would wear The Reflective Lid by Smartwool. Made from Merino wool, it also has an interior headband liner which helps wick away the sweat. On warmer days, I wore the Arc’teryx RHO LTW BEANIE which had a lighter weave and accented my Rab down jacket well. After taking a few warm showers and then having to retreat in the freezing cold to get back to the room, I started to wear The Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Headband to bed. It was great to keep my damp hair at bay and my ears warm.
Gloves
Although you didn’t need gloves throughout the trek as much as I thought, the Rab Women’s Power Stretch Contact Grip Glove was very comfortable. Made with Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro fabric, the grippy palms made it easy to grab phones and water bottles without removal.
I ended up doubling up on the two coldest days with the MAMMUT Astro Glove. The Gore-Tex Infinium™ Windstopper® material on the back of the hand is windproof and breathable, the synthetic leather across the palm is robust and abrasion-proof. The weather was constantly changing by the hour and by the afternoon – they found themselves back in my pack. The clip is a nice feature to keep the pair together.
The Comforts:
Although our group was not camping along the trail to Everest Base Camp, our Tea House quarters were simple. All rooms had a single bed with a mattress, with some bedding provided. Some rooms had insuite washrooms, with cold water showers and others had outdoor communal bathrooms which included squat toilets (arguably more sanitary than regular toilets). All Tea Houses required you to have your own supply of toilet paper and soap (but available for purchase, should you run out).
Speaking of sanitation, along the trek, shower costs would range from $2.50-10.00. These showers were heated by gas and were relatively accessible. I never went longer than two days without one. I used a healthy amount of hand sanitizer and wet wipes, and probably could have brought more.
Après Trek:
For sleep, I used the Rab Silk Ascent Hooded Sleeping Bag Liner. Silk is a natural fiber that makes a great base layer,dispersing heat and keeping your whole body warm. It also helped to keep the sleeping bag clean. The liner protected the bag from any sweat or oils too. I found that it enhanced the insolation of the sleeping bag and was easy to pack within my bag every morning.
The Rab Down Hut Slipper was a nice addition to my après trekking look by the fireplace in the common rooms. Made with 100% recycled down and a 100% recycled Pertex® Quantum outer. Read: The slippers were toasty. There were nights when my feet felt like they were so cold (probably just more a side effect of the altitude sickness medication I was on, which affected my circulation) that I would wear them to bed and then kick them off in the middle of the night because they were so hot.
Water:
The Himalayas are known for many things, but safe drinking water is not one of them. Besides obvious particulates that can be found, the water can contain many germs and contaminants which I treated additionally with drops . Our group got efficient at treating the water to keep up with our demand on the trek.
I had the CamelBak Eddy® + filtered by LifeStraw®, 32oz Bottle with Tritan™ Renew in one side pocket of my pack. This lightweight bottle filtered the water twice to remove bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, and reduce lead, bad taste, chlorine and other unwanted chemicals. I was being hyper vigilant and would treat my water with drops even before putting it through the treatment system in the bottle. The straw cap is spill proof and easy to prime before taking it on the journey.
In the other side pocket of my pack, I had the LARQ bottle. Every LARQ Bottle utilizes PureVisTM purification technology to eradicate up to 99.9999% of bacteria, viruses and protozoa. When set to Adventure Mode, the bottle purifies water in 3 minutes. Although I could have left the drops out, I still used them regardless. I did not want to take any chances of getting sick. It was nice to have the UV-C filter as an added level of protection, as the one charge lasted the entire 12-day trek.
Snacks/Food:
It was important to support the local Tea Houses when our group could, through the purchasing of food and supplies. While food and snacks were available at every Tea House, variety was lacking. Some of the snacks were expired and the price steadily increased as our group went up the mountain.
On our trek I carried a handful of various snacks including the Herbaland Active Electrolyte Gummies and from their Snacks with Benefits line, Shroom Power,Coconut MCT Oil. Each snack tasted like candy, which was a nice change from the more robust protein I was devouring. Each has their own added benefits including essential electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, mushroom varieties like, Turkey Tail, and Cordyceps, and well known MCT and coconut water/oil. My favorite was the Shroom Power which was flavored lemon and black tea. Throughout the hike I was craving an ice tea and ginger ale to no avail, so these were a welcomed treat. All flavors are high in protein, and fiber to help sustain energy.
After our daily trek, I had my fill of Dhal Bhat and at some points, just boiled potatoes with Yak butter depending on how I was feeling. I also brought a few freeze-dried meals including Happy Yak. Our challenge was getting hot water, well -hot enough to adequately cook our meals. But once hot, they were delicious and hardy. My favorites included the Mandarin Beef and Rice and the Granola Raspberry and Vanilla for breakfast.
Tech:
At the airport, I purchased a N-Cell SIM card which helps me stay in touch abroad and keep up on social media. Once our group was up the mountain, I purchased an Everest Link, which covered spots where the N-Cell SIM card would not work. Charging was not always free and so I relied on a few tech supplies.
The BioLite Charge 80 PD, USB-C PD Powerbank was helpful. First off, you are able to charge multiple devices at once – so I was able to charge the powerbank and charge my phone all at once. There are 2 USB-A Quick Charge Out ports available and 1 USB-C PD port which is more than sufficient for charging our phones constantly. As it got colder, I would keep the charger in my sleeping bag to work more efficiently. For the entire 12-day trek, I recharged the battery once. In a sea of black USB cords, the blue BioLite one was a strong advantage.
To utilize the charger, you need a travel adapter. Mine of choice was the Samsonite World Wide Power Adapter. It fits outlets in Australia, China, US, Europe and the UK. Nepal uses UK plugs. It has a built-in USB as well, which makes it easy to charge more devices at once. It’s red and black exterior makes it easy to spot travel essentials.
Our group were told that if the weather permitted, we could do the extremely challenging hike to Kala Patthar – (at 5,644.5 m it would have given us additional views of Everest, and neighboring mountains Nuptse and Changtse). This trek would require a reliable headlamp. I chose the BioLite HeadLamp750 (800 is now available). Unfortunately/fortunately the weather turned and we were unable to do the additional hike. I still made use of the HeadLamp750 in a few spots up the mountain, notably Dingboche (4,410 m) where the restrooms were outside in pitch black. It has an incredibly comfortable headband. The RunForever pass-thru charging feature enables you to use the headlamp and charge at the same time.
Utility/Organization:
Anyone who sets foot outdoors on an adventure knows the Victorinox Signature Lite Swiss Army Knife is a must-have with many iterations depending upon your needs. On the trek, the most useful function was the pen, which was helpful when changing SIM cards. The sharp scissors came in handy for cutting anything including our dehydrated food packets, to loose strings. The nail file helped my mid-trek jagged nails.
The GoCup and Go Bites Quattro from San Francisco’s Human Gear really put form and function together. First the GoCup, is a collapsible cup made from FDA food-grade silicone. I used it more than I thought, from brushing my teeth to drinking muscle recovery powder drinks. A press-fit lid keeps things clean during transport and features an integrated pill holder. It’s 100% BPA-free, PC-free, and phthalate-free. Having a set of utensils, like the Go Bites Quattro, was incredibly helpful. The carry case made it easy to keep the entire set together. The set includes full sized chopsticks (instead of a knife found in the Trio) and a hidden toothpick.
While Porter’s carried up 22 kg of our belongings in a duffle, I wanted to keep things organized. The AWAY Clear Pouch Set and the AWAY Insider Packing Cubes fit inside my enormous dry bag, which then fit into my duffle. The porters skillfully tied each duffle with heavy duty rope and anything could have busted under the pressure. I lost a few toiletries this way. The pouches and cubes are easy to clean post trip and can work with any sort of adventure – be it city or country.
Inside one of my pouches, I stored my mini pharmacy where I used the Human Gear GoTubb 3-Pack, to keep Tylenol and Benadryl. Though the containers are quite small they are easy to open with one hand. Although I used them for pills, they can be used for other small items like spices (or you have a scenario like mine, where periodically you keep finding chili flakes in your belongings because there was a hole in the Ziploc bag).
Skincare:
My usual routine was trimmed down as getting up early and realizing on the second day, the sun was more potent than I imagined it would be. In fact, my nose is still burnt. I was able to carry both these items from MD Solar Sciences. The Daily Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 30 was a great first layer of hydration and protection. Since I have eczema, I find that some sunscreen can either irritate my skin or dehydrate it. This one is a nice balance. To even out my skin tone, I would use the MD Mineral BB Crème SPF 50 in medium. This BB Cream feels nice and velvety smooth on your skin. It’s made with naturally-derived Eco-cert Zinc Oxide, and infused with caffeine and niacinamide to help minimize discoloration and redness.
When it comes to London brunch locations you can’t beat Madison. With rooftop beats, views across the city’s skyline and a versatile menu it is the perfect spot to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Nestled on the top floor of One New Change, Madison brings the Manhattan brunch scene to London and as the glass lift climbs its way to the top I am reminded why I love this city. I step on to the terrace and am instantly hit by the buzz and atmosphere, wine glasses chink, waiters flit between the two outdoor terraces and the resident DJ is pumping out tunes that give me all the weekend feels.
The day I visit there is a clear blue sky accompanied by a bright winter sun. I managed to bag a table on the coveted terrace facing St Paul’s Cathedral so I sit back and take in the views while the waiter heads off in search of a bottle of Albarino. Despite it only being lunchtime Madison is radiating party vibes. Glamorous groups laugh and chat over the music inside and out of the restaurant. Couples knock back shots and girlfriends are cracking open the bubbles in between snapping selfies.
Madison is an Instagrammers paradise. As well as the stunning views across the Capital, the terrace is decorated with autumnal inspired floral displays and hanging lanterns. The space is heated so you don’t have to worry about getting cold. Inside the restaurant, large leather sofas and seating are surrounded by floor to ceiling windows that wrap around the edge of building so where ever you are sitting you still get to take in the sights. A long bar dominates the back wall, here the mixologists get to work creating signature cocktails – make sure you try the Deluxe Porn Star Martini. It’s an upgrade on a regular one and is a delicious mix of Rosé champagne, Sauvelle vodka, passion fruit, egg white, vanilla and apple topped with white chocolate angel wings and 24k edible gold.
Madison offers a New York Roof Top Brunch menu with two or three course options. It’s a combination of tasty small bites like Ceviche, Poke bowls and Falafel or more substantial plates like Lobster Benedict and Flat iron steak. Our waiter recommends the Crispy fried chicken and waffle, so my date and I decide to share this along with a selection of lighter dishes. The Iberico ham croquetas are a big hit, served with a saffron aioli they have a golden crunchy exterior and rich fluffy centre. The creamy Burrata is the perfect compliment to the beets and pesto it is served with. Our Fried chicken waffle comes with a fried egg and chilli glaze. The chicken is succulent and juicy with just the right level of seasoning. I’m glad we decided to share as the portion sizes here are large and along with the side of Mac and cheese I ordered, I think it was probably a bit too much. However, I’m glad I did as it was to die for.
As the sun goes down the crowd pile onto the viewing platform next to the bar to get the ‘money shot’ of the iconic London skyline. The music goes up a notch and the brunch crowd get their grove on.
The New York Rooftop Brunch at Madison is £35 for two courses, £39 for three courses and add free flowing bubbles for £35. To book visit Madison.
Not all snacks are created equal, and for travel, you want ones that don’t take a lot of room, not high in salt (to add to the potential dehydration) or sugar and after all – still tastes great. Snacks, as you know, are better shared and so this was a taste test between myself and a few of my work team members: Jessica, Megan, Bre, Yasamin and Jeremy. Here are a few snack companies to consider the next time you are flying the friendly skies or find yourself on the go:
If you followed me this summer, you may have noticed I took a trip to Jackson Hole. While in the very beautiful, small airport I came across Pan’s Mushroom Jerky in one of the two airport shops. From the time between landing in San Francisco and arriving home, I was hooked on Pan’s.
This Malaysian family recipe found its way to ABC’s Shark Tank and now is being sold in over 3,500 stores in the United States and counting. Overall, the mushroom jerky was “meaty” without being salty or too sweet. It was the perfect texture for jerky, not too tough or dry like how sometimes real meat can get. It would be a great addition to noodles or salads. My favorite flavors are a tie between Salt and Pepper and Teriyaki.
Known for their popcorn, LesserEvil’s Sun Poppers are now available in a variety of flavors including Himalayan Pink Salt, Sour Cream + Onion and Vegan Nacho Cheese. The Poppers are made from organic watermelon protein, organic pumpkin seed protein powder. Both Jeremy and I felt that the Poppers were lightly seasoned with flavor. With Jeremy adding that they had a “nice puffy crunch” and was a hit with his daughters and neighbors’ young kids.
Let’s be honest. It’s hard to find a keto bar that suits everyone’s tastes. Odds are someone (Megan) is not a fan of artificial sweeteners, or in the case of Bre – finds they smell/taste “soapy”. However, the majority of the group enjoyed the Keto Krisp Bars. Yasamin said, “I love almond butter but have difficulty fitting it into my macros [nutrients] so this was a delightful way to enjoy it. Most plant proteins have a dry chalky texture but this one was light and crisp.”
On a recent United flight leaving Vancouver to Denver, SkinnyDipped nuts were offered as a snack option. I loved the strong lemon tart flavor with the crunchy almond. In fact, across the board, all my teammates were sold on the SkinnyDipped products as well. Megan thought the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Almonds were “like a crunchy peanut butter cup.” She also valued them as Keto friendly but without the sweeteners. Even the discerning Bre, gave SkinnyDipped a thumbs up.
My coworker Jessica, was on board her Delta flight to Paris when she sent me a photo of Bobby Sue’s nuts. At first, I didn’t think that nuts would be that exciting. Yet, the team had overall positive feedback on Bobby Sue’s Nuts. Megan liked the Original savory and sweet combo and thought they would be a great addition to salads. Already a fan from her flight, Jessica thought the ‘Nuts over Olives’ had a nice ratio of olive to complement the nuts. I really like the serving size of the snack packs and how there is minimal worry of crushing the snack in transit.
We are nearing that holiday season where chocolate is basically everywhere; I think the UNDERCOVER Chocolate Quinoa Crisps can be a nice addition to a grazing board for upcoming gatherings. I’m partial to anything mint chocolate and found them light and crunchy. Healthwise, Quinoa is gluten-free, full of protein and fiber which can make shoppers skeptical of the taste. Yet, between Jeremy, Yasamin and Jessica they all enjoyed the crunchy texture and the balanced flavor of the chocolate between each bite.
Take flight with Etihad : Fly Business Class to Abu Dhabi…
From the seamless check in at London Heathrow right through to when we touched down on the tarmac at Abu Dhabi, our business class flight with Etihad was of the highest standard, from start to finish.
You’ll be welcomed on board with warm faces of the Ethiad cabin crew; bringing you fresh drinks and ensuring your comfort throughout the flight, it’s like they truly can’t do enough to help you.
Kick back and relax in your seat, tune into some of the latest films, TV series’ and music albums whilst you enjoy your flight with Etihad. I’ve never felt so taken care of on a flight and I couldn’t wait to fly home just to spend another 7 hours in Etihad business class – it really is another world!
Business class – What to expect on board?
Business class flights with Etihad from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi start from £2,787. On board you’ll find A la carte dining from a delicious ever changing menu, an Acqua di Parma toiletry bag, fresh drinks upon boarding, wellness kits and cosy blankets.
Nervous flyer? Etihad has the Calm app in flight to help you relax!
Need to know?
Opt for additional extras such as lounge access and chauffeur services to ensure your journey is even more seamless from start to finish.
Flying Economy:
Return economy fares flying from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi start at GBP 554 and fares flying from Manchester start at GBP 603. When flying from Ireland, economy fares from Dublin start at EUR 796.
Etihad’s economy cabins provide reclining seats, full-sized blankets and pillows, alongside in-flight meals and drinks included in the fare. Travelers can also enjoy hundreds of hours of on-demand movies, boxsets, music and live TV on E-BOX.
Economy seats can be upgraded to Economy Space, providing the passengers with extra legroom or Economy Neighbour-free to grant an entire row to themselves.
Flying Business Class:
Return business fares flying from London Heathrow start at GBP 2,787 and fares flying from Manchester start at GBP 3,263. When flying from Ireland, return fares from Dublin start at EUR 3,643.
Etihad’s business class cabins provide a variety of luxuries, such as a 22” wide reclining lounge chair, which can be converted into a flat bed, encompassed with electronic seat controls and an in-seat massage. A turn-down service is available on long-haul flights. Passengers also receive a range of storage, with an ottoman with carry-on stowage underneath and a side stowage cabinet. Travellers can enjoy on-demand entertainment on an 18” monitor with noise-cancelling headphones.
Business class includes a dine anytime service, with a dedicated food and beverage manager. Passengers also receive brand-name amenities with skincare products, dental kit, socks, eyeshades and earplugs on selected flights.
In the past, throwing a house party was an admirable way to socialize with friends. Today, parties are more popular than ever. A house party gives people an opportunity to unwind and have a good time without any social pressure. For example, guests can eat, drink, and talk without feeling guilty about it. Drinking and hanging out at a house creates a great atmosphere for making new friends and boosting self-confidence.
First and foremost, throwing a house party requires planning.
It’s easy to get carried away with the fun parts and overlook the preparations. It’s important to plan your party well in advance of your guests’ arrival. This gives you time to prepare food and beverages and decorate your home. Each aspect of your party needs to run smoothly so your guests have a positive experience and will want to return for more parties in the future.
Next, outgoing people should plan the party’s activities.
Hosts should organize games, dance competitions, or other activities for their guests to participate in. This boosts everyone’s morale and builds camaraderie among the attendees. Active hosts also ensure their guests are having fun, so they don’t feel like they’re intruding on someone’s house. In fact, having activities ready with the help of an online party shop in case some guests need a break from drinking helps enormously here.
Then, plan how much to spend on decorations.
A few hours before the ruckus starts, place a diffuser in every room. Don’t buy new lighting if you don’t have to. Repurpose lamps, candles, and table decorations. Select warmer hues; yellow, in particular, would be a good choice. Everyone will be able to see properly, and it will seem like the holiday decorations are perfect. In photographs, yellow tends to make things seem warmer and friendlier. Spend your money on nice serveware instead. You may make serving platters, wine glasses, beer mugs, and dip bowls an aesthetic aspect of your home’s design. Make a point to choose some offbeat ones.
Finally, remember that planning is just half of the job; you also need to plan for fun while hosting your party.
Organizing games yourself is one way to stay busy. Alternatively, you can hire a DJ or musician for the event and let everyone jam out to their favorite tunes. Food also plays an important role in keeping people busy during party time. Food that energizes, like spicy foods, keeps people going while hosting activities, which is especially helpful for hosts who drink during their parties.
Summing Up
Planning a house party is a great way to unwind from the stresses of everyday life while meeting new people. Enterprising people make great hosts because they know how to throw a party that will be both fun and structured well enough to please guests’ expectations. Guests will feel comfortable attending your party if you have activities ready and will have lots of fun while impressing you with their camaraderie with other attendees. As previously mentioned, planning is half the fun—so make sure you’re ready when your guests arrive!
If in the run up to Christmas, you are looking for a dose of goodness and a sprinkle of zen, we’ve got you covered. Check out our round up of the best wellness advent calendars.
This December, start each day with a bit of positive-tea with the ‘Sip the Future Hello’ advent calendar from Aussie-born tea specialists, T2. Available in two limited editions, as easy to brew teabags or loose-leaf blends, the ‘Sip the Future Hello’ advent calendar will delight any tea connoisseur. Visually stunning and guaranteed to raise a smile with its cheerful design, the ‘Sip the Future Hello’ advent calendar folds out to reveal small daily suggestions to inspire you and help boost your daily brew.
Discover a wellness goodie guaranteed to bring a little calm to your day with ESPA this advent. Each day of December begins with a harmonising gift of luxurious textures, soothing scents and powerful ingredients through the selection of 25 luxurious full size and deluxe minis, from invigorating cleansers to lavish creams and rich essential oils.
Myprotein is back with another calendar for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious shoppers looking to stay on track during the festive period.
Each door contains a delicious snack, vitamin or pre-workout, but also a daily challenge, wellness tip or nutrition titbit to help keep you active and motivated during a time when it becomes easy to remain sedentary. Some of these include encouraging you not to count your macros, doing a random act of kindness, trying a plant-based meal and doing fifteen repetitions of any exercise.
Myvegan has launched a vegan alternative designed for those who want to partake in a plant-based diet or those looking to cut down on animal-based products. The advent calendar is the first of its kind for the brand, containing 24 vegan snacks and indulgent treats helping gym-goers and conscious eaters to stay on track during the festive period.
Countdown the days of Christmas with the Yankee Candle Advent Tree. Each door reveals one of their much loved and new fragrances, including White Night Stars and White Spruce & Grapefruit. Expect an array of candle care accessories, frosted glass tea light holder, silver wick trimmer and snuffer.
This beautifully curated advent calendar includes sustainable, natural products as well as access to insider practices and transformative tools from experts such as Deepak Chopra, Katie Brindle of Hayo’u Method and astrologer Shelley Von Strunckel. Nurture your mind, body and soul this Christmas.
We all know Earth Day should be more than just a single day. That’s just a fact. To move the needle on any sort of systemic environmental change, a company should invest in these social responsibility measures from the start. It should not be a disingenuous afterthought.
A popular term you many have heard floating around in the fashion world is deadstock, which is a way of upcycling. Deadstock refers to existing fabric/material that did not sell, was produced in surplus or from previous collections that can end up in the landfill if not reused. Gaining in popularity, a British company is simply named Deadstock Fabrics. Companies use deadstock and re-create these landfill-destined fabrics into brand new products. What’s old is new again for these brands helping to slow the roll of the fast fashion engine. Below I am listing a few of the more notable one’s for you to follow:
Who knew that making clothes from deadstock saves about 10,000 pounds of CO2 emission each year? Jordan Nodarse, the Founder and Designer and his team at Boyish did. Designed in Los Angeles, Boyish uses ethical and sustainable practices when developing and manufacturing their jeans. They hunt for vintage rolls of eco-friendly fabrics to create their jeans and full collection of apparel. I myself adore the Joaquin, which can serve double duty and be worn as a dress or a jacket. To certify their sustainable efforts, Boyish has invested in metrics that reflect this effort. To achieve this, they focus on using a transparency supply chain platform, Retraced, utilizing the international Global Recycle Standard (GRS) that verifies the third-party certification of recycled content and finally measuring/scoring their sustainability performance through the Higg Index (developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition). The Boyish site also has a Consignment Shop that ensures that your pre-worn items will also have another life. In return, you earn money towards a new pair. Every purchase on Boyish is a win-win, as they plant a tree for every purchase on our website through 1% for the Planet and One Tree Planted.
Sustainable French fashion brand Gaâla was founded by husband-and-wife duo, Kelly de Gaâlon and Alexander Zhalezka. Being one of 8 siblings, Kelly is not a stranger to upcycling clothing. Hand-me-downs were simply a way of life. Cut to her time in Shanghai, where Kelly took her hobby and expanded it into a career. Developing Gaâla to fill a gap in the market; classic French styles made from high quality fabric sold at accessible prices. This is thanks to their team of talented tailors and cutters, who work in the small-scale workshop with ethical standards including compensation with an above living wage.
Maintaining a quality standard, Gaâla handpicks their deadstock material from around the world. From Italian fashion houses for the luxury leftover cotton, viscose and wool to Hangzhou, China, for the traditional silk.
Years ago, I came across All Things Mochi and their collection that celebrated cultural, traditional methods of embroidery all around the world. I purchased a beautiful green off the shoulder top complete with embroidered mirrors on it, and it’s definitely one of the most unique items in my closet. It’s been almost a decade since All Things Mochi started showcasing different cultures through the handicraft of local artists for a contemporary market. Since then, founder and Designer of Mochi, Ayah Tabari and her team have re-framed their business’ fast fashion model to a slowed down, refined approach. All Things Mochi now has three collections: Mochi Reconstructed, Mochi Signatures and Mochi Finds.
Mochi Reconstructed, includes repurposed pieces and Mochi fabrics from previous collections combined into one-off creations. Mochi Signatures, includes unique favorites from Mochi’s most coveted collections (much like my mirrored top). Finally, Mochi Finds are a curation of vintage classics. Same Mochi flair with and fresh new focus.
Ever since my good friend gifted me a reusable nylon bag last year, which I carry in my work bag daily – I am hooked. Since then, I have purchased a few of their well-designed/fitting masks (the adjustable nose piece, straps and neck underlay makes it the most comfortable ones I own to date!). BAGGU was created to eliminate unnecessary waste, and has made a commitment to never incinerate or landfill their deadstock products.
I find myself frequently perusing their online store for products in their coveted strawberry print. I also love that BAGGU launched a series of deadstock bags using half and half prints. They also have reusable bags are assembled from one continuous piece of recycled nylon material, with the neck of the bag used to construct the carrying pouch. And when your bag is all worn out – you can recycle it with BAGGU for a discount off a new one.
