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Girlbosses of Great Britain : The One That Protects You Even When you Forget

Here at House of Coco, travel is in our DNA, we do it on the daily and can often be found jetting from hot destination to another in a heart beat. As much as we try and remember the important things, like sun screen, we can somethings get waylaid with cocktails and parties to remember to look after our skin. Cue Sunsibility, the brand that has UV protection built in to it’s clothes to protect you even when you forget.

Founded by Angeli Jackson, her journey has been filled with rejection but it has spurred her on even more to make a success of her brand, and that she has. Here, she tells us more about the brand and her plans for the future…

Tell us about the journey that lead to you launching Sunsibility…

I was studying a BA(Hons) Product Development for the Fashion Industries at The London College of Fashion and wanted to create a functional and practical range for my final collection.The initial idea was a ladieswear collection for Lupus patients (65% of Lupus patients are sun sensitive ).This has now evolved into a one stop shop for UV protection including men’s and childrenswear but also sunsuits, sun creams and window films for general everyday protection.LCF wouldn’t support me as they didn’t think it was commercially viable which made me even more determined.I worked so hard and when I did graduate, the college were there supporting the project as it was a successful idea.The following year I gained a start up loan from The Princes Trust and began to turn the dream into a reality.

What is the importance of UV protection?

UV Protection is a MUST HAVE.A very large proportion of our customers are sensitive for various medical reasons so UV protection is essential and preparation is key, not getting caught out on those warmer days.Handy accessories can make all the difference.A wrap, sunglasses, hat and a compact umbrella are ideal products to keep to hand.All our clothing is made to order and provide a UPF50+ factor preventing 97.5% of UVA & UVB rays.With clothing, customers do not have to worry about any absorption of any ingredients into the skin but it is very important to apply sunscreen to those areas exposed regularly.

We have a range of timeless classics, gorgeous beach and resort wear ( many multifunctional ), that can take you day into night and keep you safe from the sun.Health is Wealth, so invest in yourself and in your skin whether it’s for protection, against skin cancer ( rates just continue to keep rising ), anti ageing or vanity don’t let it be too little too late. It’s good to be outdoors and needs to be encouraged, we all need vitamin D it’s essential for good bone health and just makes us FEEL GOOD it’s about getting a good balance.

How does the process work when making new designs?

New designs usually come from a purpose or a request it is vital we listen to our customers, their needs and desires.However, I always have a pen and paper handy as new ideas may come to me at any time, especially on holiday as you are watching people at leisure and hopefully protecting their skin or not, as is often the case.Our products are about making sun protection easy and hassle free but it is imperative to look and feel great.We only ever work with our specialist Italian fabric which is a stretch fabric but I don’t really use it in a fitted way, a lot of our designs are loosely cut unless stated otherwise.The fabric is just brilliant and I really did search worldwide for it.It’s cool to wear, breathable, machine washable and quick drying. These fabulous features contribute to any new ideas as its so travel friendly and virtually crease free.I will usually sketch something up and then send it to our pattern cutter.A sample is then made up on site and together the tailors and I will tweak how we’d like it.Once happy we will then put it into production and photograph it as soon as possible.

Looking back, is there anything you would do differently?

I don’t believe there was any other way.I’ve always given it my all but certainly for the first six years, I had 3 jobs whilst trying to build the company.You do what is necessary.I am a great believer in everything happens for a reason. Although one thing I would have liked along my journey and even now would be a mentor.

What is your mission?

To provide quality stylish sun protection and make it easy to wear for all whatever age, genre and wherever you are in the world.UV Protection is for everyone but can also be life changing for those who are sun sensitive.Being highly regarded in the industry is very important and we have some of the best medical and sun protection specialists in the world recommending our products.That to me already means we have done as we set out to do but need to let more people know we are around.

In five years time, where do you hope to see the brand?

Into the new decade with a great focus and plans.We sell direct to the consumer so just expanding our awareness internationally is a focus for the next five years.I have some interesting developments I’m working on but am keeping those close for the time being but do keep in touch with SunSibility so we can update you on new products and services.I am always aiming to bring the best & innovative concepts to our collections.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

I wake up and feel thankful for the health of myself and all those around me this isn’t a ritual but a thought at the beginning of the day along with my two must have milky coffees ( which my husband makes ) to kick start my morning.I also do try and be grateful for all I have & enjoy life !

I have two gorgeous girls, Atalya 9 & Elysia 2 so the school run is first thing and then either onto nursery or my parents who are brilliant and presently help me 3 x a week.They have always been a massive support & strength for me.My working hours are 10 – 5 so once in the office there is a never ending list.My office is attached to the house but completely separate so I go to work like anyone else and come home at the end of the day.Every day is different there is always so much to do.I do wish there were more hours in the day, more days in the month, and more months in the year – There never seems to be enough time !!

What quote do you like to read when you are lacking motivation…

“You can do anything you want to when you put your mind to it – and there is no such word as No !”This is up on my office wall and something I try and teach my children too.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your Bucketlist?

Oooh what isn’t ?I love to travel.My promise is to show the children as much of the world as I possibly can.The world is such an amazing place and so inspiring.I used to do a lot of my design work on the plane prior to having kids – that’s virtually impossible to even think about now I don’t get a very time free flight these days !Every time I see / read about somewhere I’d like to visit I put it in my travel box and tick the places off as I go.Long flights presently aren’t ideal but Aruba Cuba and Mexico are on my list for about 10 years time. In the meantime I’d love to explore more of the Greek islands and Italy over the next decade but also more of England too.I live and breathe my holidays I could be in Barbados, I could be in Bognor it’s all about quality time with those you love & creating memories.

How much has social media played a part in your business?

Up to now to be honest very little but now we are present and consistent over several platforms the future is exciting.It is a very powerful tool.It’s a great and speedy way to communicate with our clients.

For anyone thinking about launching a brand, what advice would you give?

A belief in what you do has to be at the forefront of your business and the passion behind it because when things do get tough that is what will always keep you going.You have to enjoy what you do.Everything else is secondary.

What’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

This sounds crazy but is the absolute truth.I read a book called Flossie Teacake when I was a kid and she puts on a fur coat and turns round three times in the mirror – she can be anything she wants to be !…and honestly, that’s all I ever needed to know and just to believe in myself and what we do!

Visit us at : sunsibility.co.uk

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Telephone us :+44 (0)208 224 2299

Contact me direct at info@sunsibility.co.uk

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Barbados

The Ultimate #CocoCouples Getaway at Sandals Royal Barbados

Sandals Royal Barbados, an all-new retreat in the spirited St. Lawrence Gap area, offers undeniable luxury with inventive accommodations spanning three unique villages, world-class cuisine with international appeal, including a festive Indian cuisine restaurant, and innovative bar and pool designs. Our Chief Laura Bartlett recently went to unwind to the relaxed calypso beat, enjoy the sun & surf and explore the sexiness of their suites, an abode designed with your utmost comfort in mind and featuring everything from ocean views. Here’s how that went…

Anyone who knows me, knows how in love I am with Barbados. The very mention of the name makes me want to float away to the sound of gentle waves and the smell of that tropical sea breeze. And the rum, don’t even get me started on the rum.

But before the powder white sand beaches, the turquoise waters, the heritage, the culture, the food (and rum) – the thing I like the most about Barbados is the people. A few years ago, while visiting the Sandals resort in Barbados, I met a man named Rodney. I never told him this, but he made me fall in love with the place. At that point I knew I had to be back, and it had to be here.

Straddling the white sands of Dover Beach is Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal, two connected resorts which are easily accessible to one another, meaning you get a giant mega-trip for the price of paying for just one resort. Combined, Sandals encompasses six pools, five whirlpools, 12 bars and an astonishing 18 restaurants – which means an average two week trip would literally not have time to dine in a different place each evening, and that’s before you’ve even left the resort.

Usually, that’s what we’d condone, a bit of exploring, but there’s a magic at Sandals that draws you in. It’s also completely all inclusive, and it would take a few village worth of people to drag me away from a bottomless bar.

The resort is a beautifully landscaped Eden of glittering pools (do like us and make a B-Line straight for the pool with the bar inside), with waterfalls and hibiscus growing everywhere you look. Poolside fire pit and swinging love seats certainly make for a romantic getaway, but it’s not too much that you’d feel awkward sat on one with your Gran. Sandals Royal (the newer side of the resort) is also a first for many things, including a rooftop pool (an infinity pool, no less), a bowling alley, a craft beer garden and even a donut shop. Fun fact, out of all the Sandals resorts throughout the world, it’s this one that comes top of the popularity list with the Brits… that’ll explain the bowling alley.

Room types come in 14 different categories, but luxury is a standard throughout. Even the most basic rooms here are easily on par with the more expensive offering from other hotels. Every room is a testament to Barbados, with cool sea blue soft furnishings and prints of little green monkeys on the walls.

Depending on which room you stay in, the hotel will give you a phone which accesses your very own, round-the-clock butler to summon for your any need. It sounds a bit la-de-da, but staff at Sandals resorts worldwide have a can-do attitude in a league of its own. The butlers are actually trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers whose alumni host guests in some of the lavish hotels in the world, London’s The Ritz and the Bellagio in Las Vegas to name a couple.

The only stressful thing about the resort is trying to decide which luxurious restaurant to eat dinner at, although if you ask nicely, your butler can probably just decide this for you. Sandals is completely void of pretension, so when nighttime comes, it’s completely your call. One night you can be dining in a luxurious high end restaurant, dressed up to see where the night will take you, and the next you can be chilling by the pool eating chicken from the jerk shack.

It’s safe to say that when there’s a party in Barbados, everybody gets involved, and nobody loves a party more than the Sandals staff. Pool parties are sure to include all the reggae music you can dance to, and when the music stops you’re encouraged to keep your own party going. Ours was in the form of a travel speaker, but it didn’t stop our favourite staff from joining in the fun.

One of these favourites was Raquelle from the bar. The only thing more fun than her were the cocktails she was shaking up. If there’s a ‘must-try’ here it’s got to be the appropriately named Bob Marley, full of bright colours and lots (and lots) of rum.

As much as Sandals love a party, it’s also a perfect place to relax. Also, when they say all-inclusive, they mean the activities too (minus spa treatments, and diving is only included for qualified divers), so we had our own masterclass with a sailboat. After a lesson with a qualified pro, the boat is yours for the taking which makes for an incredible, and sometimes slightly surreal, memory. If you need a little more throttle between your legs (pardon the pun), you can swap the sailboat for a jet-ski with the help of some of the locals, which is a slightly different, higher energy experience.

But above everything – above the cocktails, the infinity pool, the sailboats and the gourmet food, it’s the memory of being reunited with my old pal Rodney that will stick with me forever.

Well, until next time anyway.

www.sandals.co.uk

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Accessories

Designer Spotlight: Emilee Troulan on capturing breezy Barbados Style

Waking up to the pristine coastlines and white sandy beaches of Barbados is an absolute dream; and it is from this island paradise that Emilee Troulan has taken inspiration from for her brand – Tru. Team Coco catches up with Emilee right off her latest pop-up at Topshop in Oxford Circus. In conversation with Emilee, we chat about her love for Barbados, the fantastic support she gets from the local community, the inspirations behind her latest collection – and of course, what it takes to kill it as a GirlBoss.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start Tru?

Growing up in Barbados has made me always think bigger, because although life here is great, there is so much more out there and so much more room for growth as an individual. I always had a thing for retail, so I started work at age 16 in the UK and thats when I learned that I loved the retail world and I wanted to own my own store one day.

Coming back from the UK after three months, I managed a new boutique here in Barbados and that lead to meeting a Bajan designer, who I then opened a store with in Barbados a year later. After meeting her, I realised that maybe I should take a swing at creating my own brand because I always found myself looking but never finding clothes that really suited my lifestyle here. There was a void in the market that TRU has now filled. The great thing about TRU is that nobody wears the same pieces in the same way.

What is it like living in Barbados? Tell us about what an average day is like for you?

Living in Barbados is like nothing else! I haven’t travelled as much as I’d like to yet, but from the places I’ve been, there is really nothing like Barbados. Life here is the definition of being on ‘island time’ — which can be good and bad.

An average day for me is waking up and having a coffee on my balcony which looks out to the west coast. (yes, I see the sea from my home, yes it’s amazing and yes you can be jealous) I sit and enjoy my coffee and think about what I have to do that day, I say some morning affirmations and have some alone time to just wake myself up, get into the right mindset, and inspire myself to see beyond Barbados. It’s very easy to just settle here, but I’m not like that – I crave more for myself and my brand.

I also meet up with fellow business/brand owners for a coffee and have a brainstorm session on growth, brand identity and everything in-between. I am so grateful to be surrounded by like minded people, it has really helped me grow as a person and a brand. No day is the same for me, because one day I may feel super creative and bang out a new collection, new blogpost, plan my social media for the month, plan an event, plan the next pop up. I’m always on the look out for something new and exciting that can better TRU. I usually end my day with some exercise and at night I like to make my list of things that I need to do the next day. Other nights I binge watch Netflix until my eyes burn, it’s called balance!

In what ways does island life in Barbados inspire your designs?

I would say I get inspired by the way people feel and look when they’re on vacation here. There’s a certain style for a Barbados holiday, it’s effortless and laid back. There is something about dressing minimalistic but making it look so clean and put together, like as if the outfit was thought about the night before. For example; the MARI tank — this tank top is in the colour Coconut Milk – which already makes you feel like you’re on holiday, pair with our denim shorties and a lace bralette, and head to the East coast to explore. It’s just pure island style, no doubt.

Congratulations on your recent pop-up with Topshop! What was it like working with such a big high street giant like Topshop?

Thank you so much! It was such an amazing experience, and I’m still lost for words. It was so interesting to see how people shop in London, because it’s totally different to how people shop in Barbados. In Barbados people want your opinion, they want to learn about the brand — in London however, everyone had their earphones in and were simply just buying things that they liked! It was great to watch people just come and pick up my designs. I was a bit nervous when I was first faced with how people shop, because there is a story behind each piece and so many ways to wear everything. I did however meet many people who were shocked at the fact that I designed everything and it was my own brand. Most people just thought I was hired to work the booth! So this was fun to see their jaws drop as I talk about TRU and how it all started and life in Barbados. I will definitely be back, it was so amazing and really opened my eyes on how TRU can grow internationally.

Talk us through your latest collection, the inspiration behind it, and if you have a favourite piece?

From a personal level, I designed this collection to have a bit more variety. Yes, TRU is known for luxury tees because that is how the entire brand started, but it was time to grow the portfolio and create a collection that really touched every part of what you will need on your Barbados holiday.

That is how I designed Island Breeze. I wanted to create a collection that included pieces that you could wear so many different ways, to make packing an Island Breeze (see what I did there? Yes, I’m super cheesy) — plus when I travel, I take an absurd amount of shoes, so this creates even more ways to wear everything! I would say from the entire collection that my favourite piece is the TESSA dress — this dress is like, wow, it can be worn so many different ways and it’s not just a holiday essential, but a life essential! When I got the sample, I played with it so much and came up with so many ways to wear this piece.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become a GirlBoss like yourself?

1. Set goals. I start with writing down a major goal and then I write a list of things I need to do in order to make that goal/dream become a reality. Also make sure to add a timeline — this keeps you on track.

2. Be careful who you share your goals and plans with because not everyone will be supportive, you’ll be told that it’s not possible, to proceed with caution, or that it’s too risky. But one thing that I’ve learned is that I can reach any goal that I set my mind to, I just need to keep at it and work towards it.

3. Always believe in yourself – I know this all sounds very cliché but it’s the honest truth. Girl, if you don’t believe in yourself, who will?

4. Another important tip is to always have a backup plan — if one way doesn’t work, don’t give up, just find another route — there’s always a way and trust me you can do it!

5. Be prepared to work, all day, everyday, work towards your goals. I have been running this brand solo from the start so that I learn about every aspect of the business so that I know what’s going on and what should be done and how it should be done. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had many breakdowns when it all becomes too much and I want to just give up, but persistence is my friend. It’s important that when it all becomes too much, to take a step back, go for a run, a walk on the beach, a swim, anything that can distract you for a bit and come back. Work will always be there and although you set a timeline, it’s okay and sometimes it’s actually best to sometimes have to reschedule, you’ll feel a hell of a lot more productive!

What is next for you and Tru Wear? Any new & exciting projects or collaborations in the pipeline?

I have so many plans and goals for TRU – some things are a little too soon to share details but I will say, you’ll be seeing us doing more pop ups around the world in the coming year! We are also going to be working with a really cool company from the US which actually specialised is working with micro brands to help them stand out and start strong with wholesaling their collections! This will be coming in 2019 and I am so excited about this. We have connections with some brands from Barbados that we are always collaborating with like Something Samarah, The Loft, & Sea Reinas. We always have ‘meetings’ that turn into brainstorm sessions on how we all can grow the ‘Barbados Brand’ name and image. I can’t explain how great it is to be surrounded by like minded people who think bigger than Barbados.

Catch up with Emilee and Tru on trubarbados.com
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Barbados

Royal by name, royal by nature – Royal Westmoreland, Barbados

Some say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but everyone knows that Barbados has it all. Powdered sandy beaches, turquoise blue seas and pink skies at sunset make for a place as close to paradise as you’ll ever get.

The West Coast of the island has, over the years, become a hub of glamorous vacations and luxury homes, and for the past 25 years, the proud home of the Royal Westmoreland resort.

Royal Westmoreland is the only gated resort on the island, encompassing 250 beautiful homes, alongside world class amenities – a fitness centre aptly known as ‘The Sanctuary’, a world class par-72, 7,045 yard golf course, designed by acclaimed course designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. and complete with beautiful club house; tennis court (the only clay court in Barbados) and saltwater pool.

When it comes to deciding where to stay at Royal Westmoreland, you’re spoilt for choice. Holidaymakers like us can choose between the unique Royal Apartments; lavish Townhouses; Golf Cottages adjacent to the award-winning course, and exclusive Villas which are individually styled, privately enclosed, and complete with pool and sun terrace.

As well as being an incomparable holiday destination, the lucky ones amongst us consider Royal Westmoreland their home. In celebration of its silver anniversary, Royal Westmoreland launched some of its most impressive homes to date across four new exclusive developments offering something unique and special to each owner’s bespoke wants and style.

From the finest in luxury design on Lancaster Drive, to the contemporary, clean style of Mahogany Heights and the secluded, private serenity of Jasmine Grove, the resort provides the perfect luxury investment for anybody looking to purchase their own paradise home. Royal Westmoreland’s existing villas range from £1.1million to £4.9million, or you can even stretch the budget further with a bespoke architecturally designed property.

During our stay, we were given the opportunity to visit 20 Lancaster Drive, one of the specially commissioned villas which was built in 2019 to mark the 25th anniversary. Located on the most desirable ridge of the resort, 20 Lancaster Drive – boasting both a main house and guest cottage – was designed with the island’s natural elements in mind. Arranged over two floors, this beautiful reversed living, fully furnished home features four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms in the main house – all accessed by floor to ceiling sliding glass doors. The private verandas spill onto the large pool deck boasting panoramic sea and fairway views – dreamy!

For those looking to test the waters of owning their own property, the Fractional Ownership model has been proving its success at Royal Westmoreland for several years. Many owners at Royal Westmoreland first dipped their toes in the tranquil, blue seas as holidaymakers before falling in love with the island, the perfect year-round weather and the world class amenities of the resort. Fractional Ownership presents an opportunity for those visitors to purchase part of a luxury villa on the resort for a set number of weeks, giving the comfort and reassurance of your own beautiful home to visit year on year, without the additional responsibility that comes with full ownership.

If that wasn’t attractive enough, Fractional Ownership includes Club Membership to allow you and your guests to enjoy the world class amenities while securing the long-term benefits of owning a villa. One-week ownership of a gorgeous Royal Apartment starts at £9,000, with a two-week ownership for one of the fantastically located Golf Cottages starting from £28,000, and a two-week ownership of a Royal Palm Villa costing from £81,000.

There are no restrictions on renting your villa or sending friends and family to enjoy it, and what’s more, owners can access the highly flexible Par Points internal exchange system, allowing them to spend the value of their ownership like money on any of Royal Westmoreland’s rental properties at any time of year, if their allotted time of year doesn’t suit them in any given year. After we heard about the fractional ownership model, the only thing we were left wondering was where we could sign up!

The properties alone leave plenty to marvel at Royal Westmoreland but of course, there is much more to the resort and to the beautiful island of Barbados than stunning houses and golf course. The nearby Mullins Beach in the parish of St Peter has, quite deservedly, earned the reputation as ‘the place to see, and to be seen’. The Royal Westmoreland Beach Club sits pride of place on Mullins Beach in a private area which is reserved exclusively for guests and residents to experience the beach in its true relaxing atmosphere, and of course with an expert mixologist on hand to make sure you never get thirsty. Better yet, there’s a dedicated transport service to take you from the resort to the Beach Club, so no need to worry about over-refreshing on the rum.

Where to eat

Royal Westmoreland Beach Club:

Head to the Royal Westmoreland Beach Club, set on the famous Mullins Beach. to enjoy a beach-side meal overlooking the Barbados sea. Perfect for a light lunch, divine three-course dinner or even to enjoy watching the beautiful sun go down, the resorts award-winning chef and his team are sure to cook up a feast to make your Caribbean adventure even more wonderful. Enjoy anything from the famous chicken roti, to catch of the day cooked to your liking, wonderful pasta dishes, risottos and delicious salads.

The Club House:

The resort’s Club House is a bar and restaurant with a menu of some of the best Bajan lunch dishes and international flavours. The outside terrace is the piéce de resistance, overlooking the golf course and the Caribbean Sea beyond, making it the perfect place for drinks, whatever time of day. From January 2020, the Club House will be offering up a quintessential British classic in the form of a very elegant Afternoon Tea (on Thursdays) for anyone who wants to enjoy a slice of home.

The Rum Shak:

Barbados is 19 miles long and 6 miles wide – that’s pretty small right? Mind-blowingly, the island has over 1500 rum shacks dotted around – so you’re never too far from a drink. In fact, there’s one right in the resort!

The Rum Shak is Royal Westmoreland’s answer to relaxed food and drink where you can, quite literally, drink rum by the bottle. Local rums are the go-to here for most guests, with a side of coke and a bucket of ice. The Rum Shak is also the one-stop-shop for casual Bajan dining, with a menu of Bajan fishcakes, flying cutters and Caribbean chicken roti. This is also one of the best places on the island to catch a hearty breakfast before the surf.

In your villa:

If your holiday mode is at 100 and you have no desire to venture out, there’s an option the resort will arrange for the ultimate fine dining experience, with your own private chef cooking for you in the comfort of your luxury villa. While you sip champagne and watch the sun go down on your balcony, your chef will whip up whatever your heart desires, be it a selection from Royal Westmoreland’s set menu, or a suggestion of your own choice. They will even source and provide the ingredients for you and your chef without you having to lift a finger!

What to do

Animal Flower Cave (21KM from resort):

The Caribbean is, without a doubt, picture perfect, but few spots demand such attention as the Animal Flower Cave. Located at the northernmost point of the island, in the parish of St Lucy, the cave is a hotspot for some of the best views (and the coolest geology!) around. The name of the site comes from the walls, which are brightly coloured from oxidation and form unusual animal shapes. The cave opens up to breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean – perfect for that all-important Instagram shot.

Mount Gay Rum Distillery (10KM from resort):

Rum is the fuel that ignites the very passion of Barbados. Mount Gay is known internationally as one of the best rums in the world – and their home is right here on the island. Tours are guided through the original distillery where it all began over 300 years ago, right up until the present day with the fully operational rum making empire.

Silver Moon Catamaran Cruises (13KM from resort):

Silver Moon sets sail at 9am every day for five hours of luxurious catamaran cruising. Swim with sea turtles, or dive deep into a 19th Century shipwreck to explore the marine life of the coral reef. For a more laid-back approach to the day, you’re also quite welcome to sit on the deck with a cocktail and work on your tan. Silver Moon limit their cruises to just twelve people, so making friends is encouraged unless you already have enough to fill the whole boat. This is a must for unmissable exclusivity and privacy.

Bathsheba Beach (23KM from resort):

Bathsheba is a town on the rugged East Coast of Barbados. Its name comes from an old bible legend which said that Bathsheba, the wife of King David, used to bathe in milk to keep her skin beautiful and soft. The name was given to the area for its white waters and golden sands, which are said to resemble Bathsheba’s bath by giving good health to anyone who visits.

For further information please visit www.royalwestmoreland.com or call the team directly on 01524 917316.

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Barbados

Getting in the Christmas spirit with Miracle at Henrietta Hotel

The Experimental Group’s fabulous Miracle pop-up has landed at Henrietta Hotel bringing enough Christmas cheer to brighten up even the dreariest of Decembers. #TeamCoco babes Hannah Tan-Gillies and Hannah Gregory checked out Covent Garden’s most festive pop-up, which transformed the hotel’s mezzanine into a wonderfully whimsical winter wonderland.

Described as the ‘perfect pitstop’ for a Christmassy cocktail, the Miracle pop-up is a fully-immersive space that transports visitors back in time to a 70’s Christmas home. Upon climbing up the stairs you are greeted with an appropriately over the top lighting display, larger than life Christmas tree, and every single retro Christmas decoration ever invented, creating a wonderfully kitschy escape from the realities of daily life.

At the bar, Santa’s little helpers (or in this case Miracle’s expert elvish mixologists) conjure up some fabulously festive cocktails with names to match. The ‘Christmapolitan’ – a crowd favourite — combines Vodka, Elderflower, Dry Vermouth and Spiced Cranberry Sauce. Meanwhile, the ‘Yippie Ki Yay Mother F*****!’ is another cheeky concoction of Barbados rum and rum Agricole, with hints of coconut and pineapple juice that proves (once and for all) that Die Hard is indeed a Christmas movie. There are also ‘Nice and Naughty’ Shots – depending on how naughty you’re feeling during your visit.

There are plenty of festive nibbles too. The Italian Charcuterie is perfect to balance out the sweet flavours of Miracle’s holiday-themed cocktails, while Lamb and Cumin skewers with spicy mayo offers just the right kick to add a flavour punch to your meal. The Wild Mushrooms and Cheese croquettes, our personal favourite, are hearty bite-sized treats that pair perfectly with a serving of Miracle’s ‘Jingle Balls Nog.’

So, whether you’ve been naughty or nice, if you’re looking for an experience to ramp up the Christmas vibes, then definitely head over to the Miracle pop-up at Henrietta Hotel. You’ll get enough Christmas cheer to last you another year (at least!).

To book visit www.henriettahotel.com

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Barbados

From Barbados to London with TRU The Label Founder Emilee Troulan

Sometimes we get the chance to interview amazing women, this was one of those times. Emilee Troulan recently gave us an insight into her fashion brand TRU The Label, where we learned about her Bajan background, her business aspirations, and why she wants potential shoppers to touch her gorgeous fabrics.

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand TRU the label…

As a young girl I always knew I wanted to work in fashion and have my own store, I just always thought it would be a multi-brand store. Being born and raised on a small island like Barbados, the shopping and fashion scene was not where it is now – it was either super expensive and not the best quality or it was super cheap and bad quality. All this to say, it’s 100% better now and you can find some amazing pieces in Barbados, the talent on the island is crazy!

After leaving school at 16, I came to the UK to gain some work experience in the fashion industry, I then moved back to Barbados after 3 months and managed a new boutique which was opening a few months after I returned, after 1 year I partnered up with a local designer, Isabelle founder of Sea Reinas Swimwear and we opened her first flagship store in Limegrove which is a very well established lifestyle centre in Barbados – it was really Bella who got me thinking to start TRU, she mentored me and guided me through the starting phases, without her I really wouldn’t have known where to start.

I have a strong love for good denim, soft tees and pieces that are timeless and essential so I knew that if I were to start a clothing brand, it would need to reflect my style and who I am, which is why TRU is the brand that it is, a luxe essentials clothing brand from Barbados. Always inspired by the simplicity of island living!

I knew that my brand would need to be slow fashion by using responsibly sourced fabrics, amazing quality that actually lasted after 10 washes, have a sense of community as a customer base and also attention to detail- like the vegan leather embossed tags on each of the pieces. I always had a vision for the end goal for TRU, I still have it in my head and I TRUly feel like I’m on the right path.

From launching my first three styles in Barbados I then went out on my own to do my first popup shop at Topshop on Oxford Circus for two weeks in August 2018 with an entire summer collection – what an experience that was! I knew from then exactly where I needed to be and where I could actually take the brand. It took a few years to make the move to London, but now I’m here with my first flagship store in Boxpark Shoreditch! This is only the beginning and I’m so excited for the future of TRU.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

I would say taking the leap and trusting in myself – this being said for moving from Barbados to London and also even just by launching a collection. There’s a lot of self doubt that comes with entrepreneurship and having a clothing brand, but you have to remember why you’re doing what you’re doing, remember that you bring something unique to the world and that the world deserves to see your talent! So go for it, know that not everyone is going to like it but be okay with that, you’ll find your people and they will be there for you no matter what!

If you were to describe your business mantra in 3 words, what would they be?

Authenticity, Ambition, Confidence.
Our mantra is our brand hashtag #TRUTOYOU – meaning to be the most authentic you there is, unapologetically.

What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the clothing and fashion industry?

I would say be patient when it comes to growth, have a strong passion for the brand you’re creating if not you’ll lose motivation quickly, have a plan but also have the mindset to adapt and pivot when things don’t go the way you necessarily want them to, understand your customer and listen to them (notice I said customer and not just ‘people’), pay attention to details because that will set you apart from the competition and remember that done is better than perfect, anyone can make up excuses as to why they haven’t launched yet or find a fault that prevents them from actually going for it, remember nothing is perfect so best to get it done and change it up than never do it and live in a ‘what if’ scenario – lastly, make sure it’s slow fashion, we have enough fast fashion in the world…

Talk us through an average business day in you life….

Wake up around 7am and always make my bed (routine is important to me), gym at 7:30, come back home and have a coffee while listening to a podcast (my favourite for the morning is Mindset Mentor) this is really my time to connect with myself and get in a good mindset for the day ahead, then I get ready around 9:30am to head to the shop to open for 11am – some days when it’s nice and sunny I’ll walk to the shop which takes about 45mins and open up – while at the shop between clients I am working on all the behind the scenes- mostly marketing, orders, customer service, design and buying new bits for the shop to complement TRU. I usually leave the shop around 7:30/8pm and head home to relax for the evening- this sometimes includes a glass of wine with dinner. If it’s coming up to launch I sometimes bring work home with me, but I really try not to.

Business can be an upward struggle at time, what do you do to stay positive?

I remember that everything happens for a reason and that there are no wrong decisions just lessons to be learnt. I always look at my vision board both personal and for my business and I remember what my goals are and brainstorm how I will get there – it makes me excited for what’s to come and keeps me on track.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

I wouldn’t say it’s a quote but a reminder to myself to take a break, do something for myself and then come back to the task with a fresh mindset. Burnout is something I suffer with a lot, and I always need to remember that it’s actually OKAY to take a break.

How much has social media played a role in the success of the brand?

Social media is a big part of our marketing and community for sure, particularly Instagram – it’s the platform that I feel is the most ‘in-the-moment’ and authentic – we always get the most engagement from posts that involve behind the scenes or the not so glamorous side of the business, which is why I love the TRUPER community so much because it really is all about being #TRUTOYOU

How do you want people to feel when they first see and try your clothing?

I want people to pass by the store, see the clothing hanging on the racks and feel the need to touch the fabrics, because they are indeed as soft as they look! I always encourage customers (TRUPERS) to try the pieces on because not only do they feel and look great on the hanger, but they feel and look even better on your skin! I make luxe essentials, which is exactly what it sounds like- pieces that are essential in your closet that actually last. I want all my customers to feel confident and comfortable not just in the clothes, but in themselves.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list and what TRU clothes would you take with you?

Italy (no doubt in my mind) preferably the Amalfi Coast – I’ll be taking the Lia Skirt, Stephanie Tee, Vero Top and Tessa Palm Dress – and maaaaybe (absolutely) the new pieces launching soon which are a denim set in an eco friendly tie dye wash.

What’s next for your brand?

I’ve got some big plans and goals for TRU, but I would say the 10 year goal is to have the ultimate TRU store of my dreams- but for right now it would be establishing the flagship store in London, doing more popup shops in London and other parts of England to get more brand awareness, expanding the TRU•MAN range to have more styles and then launching more capsule collections to keep things fresh and fun!

Where can people find out more about TRU The Label?

Everything there is to know if on our website TRU The Label – or if they are in the area pop in to the shop at Boxpark in Shoreditch to hear the brand story from myself or Jasmine who has been working with TRU since 2018 when I first started doing popup shops in London!

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Girlbosses of Great Britain : The One with The Boxed Sized Hugs

Chloe Rann is the founder of Boxed Sized Hugs, the exact brand that we all need to bring a little bit of joy in to our lives. A University dropout, Chloe is the exact type of woman that we turn to here at House of Coco when we are looking for inspiration and ready to level up in life. From suffering with mental health to growing a wildly successful business from her bedroom, if Chloe Rann isn’t on your radar, you’re doing something wrong.

We spent some time with her to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand Box Sized Hugs…

From packing boxes in my bedroom, to turning over 6 figures within the first few months, it has been one crazy journey.

I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason, at the right time in your life for you. After dropping out of university and not knowing my purpose or plan I was scared to go against societies expectations and conformities, you know, the journey where you get good grades, go to university, get a good job, then work for 50 years just trying to get by.

I hit a real low and struggled immensely with my mental health as I knew that I had bigger dreams and expectations for myself.

It took a long time, but I finally started accepting where I was and decided to start working on my intentions and my bigger ‘purpose’. After working on myself, learning who I was and who I wanted to be, Box Sized Hugs was born from my bedroom, I had an idea and an intention to make the world a slightly happier place during Covid 19. I don’t really believe in luck, but I feel as though when I launched this business something started aligning in my life and I quickly started to believe this would be something big.

What has been the biggest learning curve since launching the business?

My biggest learning curve throughout this journey, has been to trust my own boundaries and intuition. One of the hardest things that a lot of business owners may agree with me on, is when you’re in the process of building a team, it is really hard to differentiate between being a friend and being a boss. For me, I have always thought of myself as wanting to be there for everyone and being kind, understanding.

However, I quickly learnt that some employees could take advantage of my kindness or act a certain way. This lead to me having to quickly learn how to have difficult conversations and trust that as a CEO, I have the businesses and employee’s best intentions at heart, but I would not stand for certain things.

I would always advise any business owner that they need to do the internal work on finding out who they are and what they will settle for. Once you are really clear on who you want to be and your intentions, then everything can start aligning and becoming clearer for you.

You’re very open about your personal journey with mental health and you have partnered with Mind, why was this important to you?

Everyone, at some point in their life, will struggle with their mental health. Depression and anxiety are at an all time high and we need to be able to speak out to try and crush the stigma around feeling a certain way. As I have experienced both the empty hopelessness of depression and the constant buzz of anxiety, I feel I have a responsibility to share and connect with people, to show them that I am able to come out the other side with a bang and so can they. It is still a constant battle though, I wake up and have bad days but it is learning to accept that I am feeling a certain way and moving forward. To try and make the loving voice in my head so much louder than the negative.

There are multiple mental health charities that are currently doing amazing work, trying to raise awareness and be there for people when they don’t even have the words to describe how they feel. I believe these charities and even the NHS are one of the reasons I was able to get through a dark time in my life and they should be celebrated and supported due to their constant efforts. That is why donating a proportion of my profits to these charities will always be of utmost importance to me.

Who’s involved in the brand and what roles do they play?

I have quickly been able to build a great team due to the rapid growth of Box Sized Hugs. I am extremely grateful to my wonderful boyfriend who helped start this Box Sized Hugs journey with me and helped me create a dream that I didn’t even know was possible. When it comes to business and growth we really are a team and even now when I own 100% of shares in the business, he will still go above and beyond to help us grow.

My friends and family have always been there for me, offering support, comfort and excitement, to feel this journey with me.

Again, I would not be able to do what I do without my employees, they work so hard and to such a high quality that I can really trust them in creating a strong brand. Recently, we signed a huge deal with an online retailer where they ordered 20,000 boxes from us, and my employee’s have nearly finished packing the 20,000 to such a high standard.

What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to become an entrepreneur?

My advice would be, only do it if you can commit. If you can handle everything going wrong all at once and still being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. When something goes wrong, you cannot get upset, you must always have the mindset that there is a solution. You must constantly be working on yourself because I am a strong believer that being an entrepreneur is a mindset above anything else.

You have to be willing to grow, to fail, to make mistakes and to constantly get back up. It is hard, but it is so rewarding and exciting. There are honestly no ceilings with being an entrepreneur, the sky is the limit, you can grow to heights you never would have thought were possible.

Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?

I would say no, because I trust in the situations and my journey. I think everything has happened for a reason and the only reason I am who I am today is because of everything that has happened during this journey. It has all unfolded in the way it should have, to bring me to where I am now.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

Everyday is different! But I tend to get into work around 8, get everything planned out for the day, go down into the workshop and make sure my employees know what they are doing for today and targets we are aiming to hit. Then back up to the office to do all the work that goes into running a business, meetings with my accountant, brand building, forecasting, organizing pallet collections and deliveries, creating new ideas, working with other business owners and the general damage control as there will always be something going wrong!

One of the great things about having a team that you trust is I may be able to slip off for a cheeky afternoon tea as and when as well!

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

HUGE! Social media has been our biggest driving force when coming to sales. The majority of our sales come through Facebook/Google Ads, as well as large retailers contacting us through different social platforms. It is also a great way to connect with many of the brands we work with and to share inspiration and ideas.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

Like everyone I have been dreaming about travelling again after over a year in lockdown! My next number one destination is Barbados or Bali!

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

I still feel that sense of fear that exciting buzz in my chest that knows I am constantly taking risks with my career and my life. I like to remind myself daily that:

“If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re too small”

What’s next for the business?

Since signing a deal with a large online retailer, we are looking to push the supplier side of things as well as we continue to grow and build a reputable brand. I also have a few exciting projects and businesses launching this year, that I am very excited about!

What does self care mean to you?

Self-care to me, means looking after the internal you. Yes self-care may also mean looking after your skin, hair etc. But for me it means caring for your soul, feeding your inner world each day with positivity and connecting to the greater why.

Where can people find out more?

Visit our website www.boxsizedhugs.co.uk or follow us on socials @boxsizedhugs

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Puerto Rico, the best kept secret in the Caribbean

There’s no secret that we love the Caribbean here at House of Coco magazine, it holds a special place in our heart. From Barbados to Nevis, we’ve explored most of the islands and Puerto Rico was a place that we fell in love with instantly. Puerto Rico is packed with hidden gems – music fills San Juan’s streets, rare endemic species await discovery in the El Yunque rainforest, thrill seekers can enjoy epic adventures surfing and ziplining, and luxury hotels line the stunning beach fronts. As an archipelago, Puerto Rico also offers a plethora of island escapes offshore for guests to visit tropical beaches and wildlife wonders. Below are the top experiences that make Puerto Rico the best kept secret in the Caribbean and highlight why it’s the ultimate Island destination to visit in 2021…

Adventure in El Yunque rainforest

Located on the east side of Puerto Rico, El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service and is a rugged heart of adventure in Puerto Rico. The abundant natural area is extremely biodiverse with 240 species of lush trees and bushes, along with bountiful waterfalls, rivers, creeks, and streams. A multitude of hiking routes guide adventurers through the rainforest, with dips in cooling natural pools along the way. El Angelito is a popular action-packed route, with a 4km hike that rewards visitors with a lagoon rope-swing at the end. Ziplining amongst the green canopies and chirpy parrots is also highly recommended for nature loving, thrill seekers!

Blissful beaches to suit any taste

With nearly 300 beaches and 270 miles of Caribbean coastline, sunseekers are spoilt for choice in Puerto Rico. A world-renowned beach heralded as one of the best in the Caribbean, Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island extends for a mile and is framed by dramatic hills and tropical palm trees, with peaceful turquoise waters ideal for snorkelling. Domes Beach, on the northwest tip of Puerto Rico, is a surfer’s paradise and welcomes a number of international surf competitions throughout the year. Famed for its waves, Domes Beach offers thrilling surfs in winter when waves are at their biggest. For sheer beauty, Mar Chiquita, which translates to Little Sea, is unquestionably unmissable. The awe-inspiring spot is a natural pool with azure waters and intimate beach, protected from the Atlantic sea by two limestone outcroppings. A firm favourite on the Island, Mar Chiquita is an Instagrammer’s paradise.

A Caribbean hotbed of culture, art and history in San Juan

Puerto Rico’s charming capital, San Juan, is one of the Caribbean’s most exciting and historic cities, celebrating its 500th anniversary this year. Few landmarks represent Puerto Rico’s legacy within the Caribbean and the Americas quite as well as El Morro, an epic fortress built in 1533, that transports visitors back in time. Seamlessly balancing the old with the new, San Juan’s Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico, is one of the largest art institutions in the Caribbean, housing contemporary art from Caribbean and Latin American and is a must-visit for culture vultures. Music lovers will also be drawn to the capital, where the streets come alive to the sounds of bomba, reggaeton, salsa, merengue, and Latin pop. La Placita is a local hotspot for dancing and socialising, with bars and restaurants that spill into a lively main square, creating a melting pot of live music beats.

Wildlife in abundance in Guanica Dry Forest and El Yunque

Although small in size, Puerto Rico’s wildlife offering is anything but! The tropical climate makes it a hive of activity for endemic birds, singing frogs and rare reptiles. In the remote Guanica Dry Forest, near-extinct plants thrive in the forest’s dry conditions and attract over 130 different species of birds. Nine of Puerto Rico’s endemic bird species can be found here, including the prehistoric Puerto Rican nightjar. With as little as 1,500 in existence, to spot a nightjar is the ultimate twitchers prize. The El Yunque rainforest is another wildlife hotspot, welcoming hundreds of species who prefer wetter environments. Thirteen different species of coquí frog, the characteristically vocal tree frog, can be seen clambering up trees or taking shelter on the forest floor, whilst fascinating reptiles such as worm lizards, skinks and galliwasps dart across the jungle.

Golf courses galore

Home to several award-winning courses each set against a stunning backdrop, Puerto Rico is the perfect place for golf aficionados. Golfers can take their pick from just shy of 30 golf courses across the Island including greens with cliffside ocean views on the west coast, or bunkers with the backdrop of El Yunque rainforest at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve’s Championship Course. Coco Beach, where the 2019 PGA TOUR Puerto Rico Open was hosted, is also an Island hotspot, and Bahia Beach Resort’s 18-hole fairway is renowned for its perfectly nuanced layout designed by expert architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. The variety of courses on offer cater to every type of player, from novice to pros, and a range of prince points. Combined with expert design and unparalleled picturesque views, it’s no surprise the Island is known as the golf capital of the Caribbean.

Luxury Caribbean coastal escapes

To unwind after a day on the golf course, travellers can head back to one of the island’s sumptuous hotels and relax in laidback luxury. Isla Verde is Puerto Rico’s premier beach destination, and with close proximity to the heart of San Juan and crystal clear Caribbean sea views, the palm tree lined haven is home to many luxury hotel hideaways. In particular, the Ritz-Carlton San Juan is one of the most incomparable luxury resorts on the Island. The hotel boasts a two-mile stretch of golden sand, pools aplenty, exquisite dining options and a soothing spa. Also in San Juan, the Caribe Hilton is another iconic hotel, famously known as the home of the Piña Colada, Puerto Rico’s national drink. In 1954 the hotel’s barman, Ramón ‘Monchito’ Marrero, created the cocktail to capture the essence of the Island in a glass, and the original recipe is still served at the property today.

Island hop to discover hidden gems

When most people think of Puerto Rico, they think of a singular tropical island. However, Puerto Rico is actually an archipelago, made up of many islands, cays and islets. While there is no shortage of adventure and discovery to be had on the eponymously named Island of Puerto Rico, by island hopping offshore, visitors will enjoy some of the country’s incredible hidden gems. Vieques is the peaceful, unexplored island, where wild horses roam and the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay can be found. Mosquito Bay’s neon blue waters glow in the dark as millions of microorganisms, called dinoflagellates, light up at night when motion is detected. Heading out on a glass-bottomed kayak once the sun has set is the best way to experience the natural phenomena. Alternatively, Culebra Island is surrounded by barrier reefs, and the exquisite Carlos Rosario and Tamarindo beaches are an idyll for swimmers and snorkelers.

Sustainable initiatives and cultural immersion for all

With such a diverse landscape, it’s only natural that Puerto Rican locals take care of the destination’s delicate ecosystems, which visitors can support through local sustainable initiatives whilst on their trip. In San Juan, where beaches nestle against a vibrant cityscape, travellers can help protect the habitats of endangered sea turtles by working to repair and preserve natural nesting areas on the city’s beaches. Of course, Puerto Rico’s local communities are also at the heart of the destination, and Loíza, a town just 20 minutes from San Juan, is a historic hub of Afro-Puerto Rican culture. Since Loíza is the birthplace of bomba, visitors can join locally-led dance workshops that not only provide fascinating insights into the area’s rich history, but provide locals with the income needed to preserve and protect the town’s cultural identity.

For more information, visit www.DiscoverPuertoRico.com

For more information on visiting Puerto Rico go to DiscoverPuertoRico.com or follow Discover Puerto Rico’s social channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Photos : DiscoverPuertoRico

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10 Top Tipples for Spring Picnics

With last week’s freak heatwave catching some of us a little off guard, we’re adamant that we’ll be prepared whenever the next one decides to grace us with its presence. While pubs are on the brink of reopening their beer gardens (hurrah!) we know on a sunny day we won’t be able to get a table for love nor money, so we’ve rounded up some of our favourite tipples to stock up on ready for the next park picnic. Now we just need the sunshine…

1. A Funkidory Cocktail Delivery

Peckham bar and record store Funkidory has a slew of slick serves for collection or delivery, perfect for garden entertaining. Their bottled cocktails include an Oolong Martini made with Fino Sherry and New Zealand Waikato Oolong, their most recent creation Bandito, a tequila drink made with pink peppercorn and hibiscus cordial, is currently available on Drinks Drop.

2. Otterbeck Distillery’s Cotton Gin

Distilled in the Yorkshire Dales in an 18th century cotton mill, Cotton Gin (£37.95/70cl www.otterbeckdistillery.co.uk) uses locally foraged botanicals to create a creamy and rounded spirit, perfectly balanced and incredibly smooth with a hint of citrus and fragrant earthy pine notes.

They recently teamed up with TV’s Andy Clarke to create a new Martini recipe, a mix of tantalising tarragon, zingy pomegranate, rosé vermouth and crisp Cotton Gin that we can’t wait to try. Chill two Martini glasses before shaking 3 Parts (150ml) Cotton Gin, 2 Parts (100 ml) Londinio Rosé Vermouth, 1 Part (50ml) Pomegranate Juice and a large handful of ice in a cocktail shaker, for 20 seconds or until the shaker condensates and is extremely cold to the touch. Pour into your glasses and decorate with pomegranate seeds and tarragon leaves; summer in an instant.

3. Pack a Punch with a Pocket Negroni

Aberdeen based distillery, Porter’s Gin, which launched its letterbox gift delivery service, Send A Negroni last year is now offering its popular Negroni recipe in perfectly portioned and transportable small cans that fits in your pocket. The renowned Negroni recipe from Send A Negroni is available pre-batched into individual servings ready to be enjoyed in your garden as well as perfect for summer picnics and parties, once lockdown restrictions are lifted. Available to purchase at ShopCuvee.com (RRP £5)

4. Take It Easy With Mother Root Ginger Switchel

For a midweek tipple with all the taste and none of the booze, Mother Root’s Ginger Switchel. Inspired by an age-old American recipe, this all-natural infusion of pressed ginger juice, blossom honey and organic apple cider vinegar will excite your tastebuds and leave you feeling revitalised. Check out the website www.motherroot.london for a host of delicious recipes, we’re looking forward to trying the fruity Switchel Cobbler on a balmy summer’s evening. £19/480ml, www.motherroot.london.

5. Sip On A Dutch Beer from Lowlander

The pioneers of botanical brewing from the Netherlands, Lowlander Brewing, has added two new low alcohol expressions to its range, just in time for spring. Sitting at 0.3% abv and 4% abv, Lowlander’s 0.3% IPA and 4% Cool Earth Lager is are made using Lowlander’s unique botanical brewing method; a hybrid infusion of botanicals and beer, as well as herbs, spices and fruits. Available exclusively from www.sainsburys.co.uk and in 70 stores nationwide.

6. Smarten Up Your Tin Gin

Now we all love a gin in a tin, but with Slingsby Gin’s new ready to serve options, it might be time to elevate the experience from the supermarket own brands. The Slingsby Solo is a pre-mixed G&T, while the Slingsby Spritz is a combination of Slingsby premium gin, sparkling water and a burst of fruit flavours. Both new products can be purchased from the Spirit of Harrogate website and from the Spirit of Harrogate experience store. Available for a trio pack at £7.50 or treat yourself to a full case of 12 for £30. We know what we’re going to be stocking up on…

7. A Taste of the East from Lanique

Made by steam-distilling thousands of hand-picked rose petals sourced from the East, Lanique is perfect paired with prosecco for a unique fizz, served simply with a squeeze of lime, or added as a splash to prosecco and tonic for a rosy twist on the classic Spritz. It’s definitely one to liven up cocktail hour. £29 from www.lanique.co.uk

8. Indulge in an English Wine from Hattingley Valley

Family-owned Hampshire winery Hattingley Valley, has added its first-ever white wine to its collection of award-winning English sparkling wines. The 2020 Chardonnay joins the brand’s STILL By Hattingley range that includes a 2019 Rosé and 2016 Pinot Noir, both released last year. Available online now (£19.50) the new release is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes with clean, fresh palate, with green apple flavours, and a creamy texture that is nicely balanced with its natural vibrant bright acidity. A fine and rich mouthfeel, with a long dry finish, the Chardonnay is perfect for alfresco drinking, pairing beautifully with barbecued monkfish or chicken – a crowd-pleaser when entertaining in our gardens this spring/summer. www.hattingleyvalley.com

9. Spice Up Your Summer With Spirited Union Rum

Balmy evenings in the garden call for a sexy spiced rum and the range from Spirited Union will be calling our name this summer. We’re desperate to try the Spirited Union Queen Pineapple & Spice Rum (£27.50/70cl) is made by macerating the flesh of the fruity Queen Victoria pineapple in Panamanian Rum. The Spirited Union Spice & Sea Salt (£29.95/70cl) is a smooth cask-aged Barbados rum infused with five delicate spices, including Guatemalan cardamom, Madagascan cloves and vanilla for a sweet spice aroma, as well as Peruvian cacao adds a deep richness and moreish honey-nut finish, enhanced with a pinch of Añana sea salt.

10. Embrace the South of France with Domaine du Météore

This dreamy rosé is the stuff holiday dreams are made of. The delicate blend is a mix of organic Cinsault, Grenache Noir and Mourvèdre; dry and delicate, it has aromas of raspberry, strawberry and grapefruit, with a hint of white pepper, while round, smooth and fresh. It’s dangerously drinkable, utterly delicious and desperately moreish. £15.50 at www.domainedumeteore.com or £93 for a case of six… which we’d recommend investing in as a bottle won’t last long.

Ok…We’re adding one more for luck…

Get the Taste of Italy with Hotel STARLINO Rosso

It might still be a little while until we’re boarding a flight to Italy, but with Hotel STARLINO Rosso Vermouth we can recreate the experience in the garden. Launched in the UK last year, it’s a blend of Italian white wine Sicilian Ansonica, Catarro wines and Marsala wine blended with a careful selection of botanicals including wormwood, bitter orange and cloves. The Red Vermouth is then aged in ex-Kentucky Bourbon Barrels for six months to give a rich, spicy, vanilla flavour. £19.84 at www.masterofmalt.com

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Sandals Resorts encourages holidaymakers to donate sanitary products to vulnerable women in the Caribbean

This past week has been a rollercoaster for women all over the world but hearing about positive initiatives is always a great reminder that there is always good to be found in this world. Our friends at Sandals Resorts are calling for guests to bring sanitary towels, tampons, and hand sanitiser with them on holiday to help vulnerable women in the Caribbean.

Guests visiting the brand’s resorts in Jamaica, Barbados and The Bahamas, when international travel resumes, are urged to bring a small number of products with them in their luggage which can be donated to local women’s centres via the Pack for a Purpose initiative.

Heidi Clarke, Director of the Sandals Foundation, the Company’s non-profit organisation, says: “Period poverty is a problem all over the world and now, more than ever, disadvantaged women in the Caribbean are finding it difficult to access the products they need. By bringing one or two packs of sanitary towels or tampons with them and signing up to the Pack for a Purpose programme, Sandals guests can do their bit to help women who are living difficult lives. What’s more, they weigh next to nothing, so guests don’t need to worry about exceeding their luggage weight allowance.”

The Sandals Foundation distributes products donated by guests chosen from the Pack for a Purpose site to local women’s centres and programmes in the Caribbean, giving them much needed support.

Projects that benefit from the programme include:

Jamaica:

  • The Women’s Centre of Jamaica provides a second chance at education for adolescent mothers. With seven main centres and 11 outreach stations across the island, the facilities serve 200 young mothers through continued educational instruction, group and individual counselling, mentorship programmes and vocational training. Holidaymakers can help young mothers secure a better future by bringing feminine products that are a necessity but can sometimes be inaccessible due to no or low-income.

The Bahamas:

  • The PACE Foundation in Nassau, The Bahamas provides access to continued education programs for 25 teen mothers. In addition to helping with coping mechanisms, the Centre prepares its student mothers academically and socially for re-entry into secondary school, a technical and vocational centre or the job market. Guests can help prevent absenteeism that can interrupt their developmental progress by donating feminine care products, which are sometimes expensive and out of their reach.

Barbados:

  • In Barbados, Jabez House, a non-profit partner of The Sandals Foundation serves as a haven of hope and empowerment for female sex workers, facilitating their transition from the sex industry through educational and vocational training. As the women of Jabez House carefully map the road to their new lives, lowered earning power can prevent them from adequately meeting their basic needs. Guests’ donations of feminine products on their next trip can help eliminate one more barrier.

To take part in the programme, travellers just need to visit the Pack for a Purpose website, select the resort that they’re visiting from the ‘destinations’ list and pack the chosen items they wish to donate before they travel. Items are then delivered to the hotel’s front desk on arrival.

For more information about the Sandals Foundation and other projects supported by it, visit www.sandalsfoundation.org. For more information about Sandals Resorts visit www.sandals.co.uk.

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