Category

Coco Couples

Category
Coco Couples

Fun Date Ideas that Won’t Break the Bank

Getting to know and dating someone is sometimes hard, whether you’re in Tampa or anywhere else. Thanks to matchmaking services, it’s now easier to find someone who you can click with. But staying together requires more than just romance. Both parties should be able to make their partner happy. That can be done by doing something you both enjoy or going out on dates.

Regardless of how long a couple has been together, dates are still important to the equation. However, some may feel discouraged about going out frequently due to financial issues. Don’t let that stop you. Here are a fewbudget-friendlydate ideasthat you can consider.

Try Food Tripping

A way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. If you and your partner aren’t watching your weight, you should try going to food fairs. It can be a sort of adventure where you try various foods and experience different tastes. Fairs have a nice, lively energy. While exploring, enjoy the fun atmosphere and tasty fare.

Besides food fairs, you can also try going to breweries. A few are open to the public, and if you’re lucky, they offer tours. If you’re of legal age, you can even try some of their beers.

Appreciate Nature

The great outdoors can give you and your partner a fun nature experience. Schedule a day where you can go out on a picnic and look at flora and fauna. If you prefer moving around more, go on a nature walk. You can also try fruit picking or wind down and relax by sitting by the pond and feeding the ducks.

If you’re feeling more active, try activities such as going for a run in the park. If you want something more strenuous, try hiking. Take this as a chance to admire the wildlife you come across during the climb. In the end, your effort will be rewarded by the amazing sight that greets you at the summit.

Appreciate the Arts

If you’re both interested in paintings and sculptures, consider visiting a nearby museum. Check if their admission fees are free, if not cheap. Some museums even offer drinks, which you can sip while wandering around. Other museums are located along streets populated with more museums and excellent restaurants. This way, you’re able to relax and rest after your stroll.

If you’re more into the performing arts, the theater is also an option. Watch a play that you both enjoy. You can also volunteer to participate in a local play if that’s more to your liking.

Take a Breather

When life gets too hectic, that’s the best time to take a breather and disconnect. Go out of town for a while with your partner or plan a staycation. Take this as a chance to do the stuff you’ve both been wanting to do for some time. Go on a sightseeing tour, or get some quality rest by planning a spa day. What matters is that you both get a chance to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.

With these date ideas, make sure to plan your date with your partner so that you’ll both have a great time. Dates are a good way to bond, but keep in mind that the more expensive ones are not always the way to go. The more pricey ones might be fun, but if they exceed your budget, you won’t be able to appreciate the date. What matters is how enjoyable the experience was for both of you and how you were able to relax in each other’s company.

by
Keep Reading
Coco Couples

Lanzerac: A wine-lovers dream honeymoon in Stellenbosch, South Africa

If like me, you love a glass of wine almost as much as your husband or wife to be, South Africa’s Cape Winelands are an easy choice when it comes to planning your honeymoon. With its vine-striped valleys and white-walled Cape Dutch architecture, it has enough vineyards and restaurants to keep even the most seasoned wine-loving couple happy.
Just 40 minutes from Cape Town, this is the country’s wine capital and while you could (and absolutely should) spend days dotting between the top-class wineries, nothing feels quite as indulgent as staying on one – which is why we headed to luxury hotel and working vineyard Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch to beat our post-wedding blues.

Dating back to 1692, Lanzerac Wine Estate is of the oldest and most luxurious estates in the area, combining all the pedigree you’d expect of a 326-year-old working winery with the sumptuous surrounds of a five-star hotel and spa. Perhaps most famously, it is also the birthplace of the first bottled Pinotage – a cross between a Pinot Noir and Hermitage and South Africa’s first unique, indigenous wine grape variety.
Tucked away in the foothills of theJonkershoek valley, you’re just a few kilometres outside of leafy Stellenbosch town, yet the estate feels like another world entirely. Driving down the oak-lined dappled driveway is like taking a step back in time.

With its Dutch gabled exterior stark white against a bright blue sky and dramatic mountain backdrop, this is one special corner of the Cape. Having been preserved for decades (and now designated as a Provincial Heritage site) the iconic Manor House and Werf buildings make up the centre of the estate, while a series of white-washed cottages make up the 53 rooms and suites.
Sadly, a fire in 2017 caused extensive damage to the property, causing it to close its doors for a year. While it may have been a tragedy, the new interiors are astounding – fusing the period grandeur of the previous property, with its rough stone walls and exposed beams with contemporary elements like the walls in the grand dining room. You can practically see the history as you step from one type of flooring to the next, across different generations.
The estate is expansive, and we get lost several times, but it’s a joy to uncover all the different corners. The fountains, the courtyard rose gardens shaded by ancient oaks – one of many pools flanked by white loungers and backed by plane trees.

The gardens are immaculate, enveloping you in blooms and different scents as you walk to your room. While the rest of the estate may be beautiful, it’s just a warm-up for the rooms – which are the real show stoppers here. No two are the same, with four different categories ranging from classic to a suite, but all offering huge ceilings, chandeliers and romantic bathtubs.

Our pool suite is really more like a house – with an entrance hall and study leading onto the bedroom and living room. To one side, a marble-clad bathroom with steamy rain shower and rolltop bath stand next to shuttered white french windows that pull back completely to reveal a garden full of pink roses. Even the toiletries are in keeping, with Merlot bath gel and Sauvignon Blanc shampoo which smell so good I stash a couple away to take home.

Sliding doors from the living room opens up onto the prettiest courtyard, with a white gazebo and private pool and loungers for two, with a view right onto the vines and mountains beyond. Breakfast is included in our stay, so naturally, we order it to the Gazebo, where we eat in contented silence as the morning mist burns off the slopes. The mini-bar is also included, which, given that it is stocked with plenty of the estate’s own wines, means we’re a little loathe to leave this haven of a hideaway.

Unless of course, it’s to check out the Lanzerac Estate Winery – of which a cellar tour and wine tasting come included in our stay. The cellar tour is informative – our guide Nyameka giving everyone from the more expert to beginners a chance to learn about both the wines and the historic estate, whose rich winemaking history can be traced back to the early 1900s, when the first Lanzerac wine was bottled from grapes harvested on the farm.

After the tour, we’re given a choice of 5 wines to taste on the terrace upstairs, accompanied by a huge platter of cured meats, cheeses and chutney from Lanzerac’s deli. One of our favourites is the Mrs English Chardonnay – named after one of the property’s most influential owners, Elizabeth ‘Kitty’ English, who bought the estate in 1920, changing its name to Lanzerac, rumoured to be after Charles Lanrezac – a French General, after whom the red blend Le Général is also named. Mrs English passed away in 1929, but not before transforming the estate into one of the most modern wineries in the Cape, laying the foundations for Stellenbosch’s world-renowned wines, which continues today under the leadership of Cellar Master Wynand Lategan and Viticulturist Danie Malherbe.

For dinner, the more formal setting of the Manor Kitchen offers multiple courses of classical, contemporary dishes – from pan-fried scallops to venison loin. But wanting to enjoy the mild weather, we opt for a seat under the stars on a pretty corner table on the terrace at Taphuis, one of the property’s most historic spots whose wood-panelled walls have been housing thirsty guests since the 1960s. The pub-style tapas menu champions home-grown ingredients from local suppliers, with options like Smoked Snoek Mousse with Cape gooseberry compote and the Braai Broodjie (a South African BBQ sandwich) with Huguenot cheese. After dinner, cocktails in the Craven Cigar lounge are the order of the day, reminiscent of an old-boys club with its roaring fireplace, stags horns and selection of whisky and cigars which keeps my husband particularly happy.

The next day, with the use of the spa facilities also included in our stay, we head down to for an afternoon pamper session. The whole spa is bliss – a wellness retreat in its own right, with a glass-ceilinged heated indoor pool which leads right out onto sunbeds facing the vines, where I channel Ab Fab while waiting for my other half, cocooned in a dressing gown and sunglasses. A calming palette of white walls and tropical plants, there is also a bubbling jacuzzi, full gym and therapy rooms where you can choose from a range of treatments from facials to pedicures. We opt for the AromaVine Pinotage Massage – which uses antioxidant blends containing pure grapeseed oil and natural botanicals to help relieve stress and muscle tension.

Despite Lanzerac’s hideaway feel, the restaurants and bars of the lively yet leafy university town of Stellenbosch are just 5 minutes away via complimentary transfer. Yet in truth, we barely leave the estate – with all we could seemingly want for right here on our doorstep.

Hopping over the fence at the bottom of our garden, we take a sunset walk through the vines, with a bottle of our favourite wine from our tasting. It’s a rare feat, but Lanzerac Wine Estate is a place where old meets new, not in a collision but in a complement – contemporary, five-star facilities coupled with an extraordinarily rich Cape heritage that leaves us hoping for another visit.

To book, visit Lanzerac www.lanzerac.co.za

by
Keep Reading
Coco Couples

Wake Up Here: The Silo, Cape Town’s Hottest Design Hotel

Re-invented from its industrial roots as a 1920s grain Silo which towers over the historic V&A Waterfront, this design hotel has been labelled as Cape Town’s most luxurious since its opening. Instagram-worthy interiors, roll-top bathtubs, a roof-top pool and spectacular floor to ceiling geometric diamond windows billow out offering views of The Mother City’s harbour and cloud-clung Table Mountain. But is this Cape Town’s best hotel? We sent our girl Beth to check it out.

When this monolithic structure first opened in 1924, it was the tallest building in Sub-saharan Africa – towering over Table Bay, grain from here was exported throughout Europe. But today, this industrial shell has been re-imagined entirely, its stark silhouette now a work of architectural art, housing some of Africa’s most celebrated creative design.

Thoughtfully brought to life by Thomas Heatherwick of Heatherwick Studio, London, the historic building’s lower half is now home to the world’s largest collection of contemporary African art, the Zeitz MOCAA. We, however, are ushered into a grand double-height entrance to one side – a chamber of concrete and marble, where a sculptural chandelier by Haldane Martin hangs suspended and walls are brought to life by huge artworks, from Mohau Modisakeng’s Ditaola series to commissioned pieces by Jody Paulsen.

Swept up the elevator to the sixth-floor lobby – The Silo hotel is a hive of activity. We’re served a glass of champagne while we settle in Willaston’s bar to wait for our room. Drop wrought iron chandeliers are countered with comfortable touches like velvet teal sofas, creating an opulent yet lived-in aesthetic. In keeping with the world-class museum downstairs, the space is dotted with African art, from acclaimed Zimbabwean artist Kudzanai Chiurai to bold photography portraits by one of South Africa’s most influential photographers Pieter Hugo.

The interiors only serve to highlight the building’s astonishing architecture – with double-height diamond windows curving outwards all around the walls. There are 82 pillowed glass windows across the 6 floors of the hotel, each with a total of 56 panels of glass. Inspired by grain kernels, their geometric shape and diagonal steel lines seem to draw the views of Table mountain even closer. The whole result is quite simply, stunning. Intriguing – but not overwhelming, detailed, yet not overdone. As the creative force behind the hotel’s eclectic interiors, it’s easy to spot owner Liz Biden’s fashion background and eye for the unusual – something which runs throughout the property. Each of the 28 boutique rooms is unique but unmistakably decorated in her signature style – a colourful yet carefully orchestrated mix of everything from Asian antiques to French tables, punchy African art and patterned silk upholstery. If it were all in one room together it would look bizarre, but somehow it all just works.

We could have soaked in the scenery here all day, yet are quickly breezed away to our room despite our early arrival, all the way up on the 9th floor, to one of two ‘Royal Suites’. Entering room 905/906 we find two triple aspect bedrooms leading off from the main lounge, with a balcony and bifold doors that run the length of the room offering sweeping views out across the Atlantic ocean and Robben Island. At 132 square metres, it’s more than double the size of our London apartment.

Inside, pink mirrored cabinets, bold floral sofas, pastel rugs and drop chandeliers in every room create a lavish vibe, with a bottle of fizz on ice and cut-glass sweet jars and a coffee table overflowing with books and magazines.

Handpicked artworks chosen by Liz’s careful eye for the suite include Seated woman with a pearl necklace by Carla Kranendonk which complements the bright colour palette, as well as pieces by Zambian artist Sibley Mcadam and Kenyan Cyrus Kabiru.

To the right, the master bedroom is the last word in luxury – with two jewel-like geometric windows billowing out over the harbour below, ant-like tourists going about their business along the waterfront, tiny toy boats tracing in and out. The oversized bathroom is just as big, with early morning light spilling in through another diamond window onto a free-standing tub big enough for two. There are blinds if you’re feeling shy, but as the highest building on the waterfront, there are no neighbours to peek into your window.

The second bedroom offers the same spec with different views, this time of Table Mountain and the slope of Lions Head, which we’d climbed up earlier in the morning, the city snaking below the blanket of clouds creeping over the tabletop.

The suite is so special that we spend most of the day enjoying it. In a region that suffers so badly from drought, we make sure to only fill the bath up a few inches, but enough to enjoy the decanters filled with salts and bath oils.

Snack boxes in the cupboard come filled with goodies and Alice-in-wonderland-Esque ‘Eat me’ labels, while the whole mini-bar is included with your stay, and comes stocked with delicious wine from the hotel’s sister property La Residence in Franschhoek. Just two of the four properties which make up The Royal Portfolio – an ultra-stylish collection owned by the Biden family which also includes a Safari Lodge in Kruger and beachside Birkenhead House in Hermanus down the coast.

While the location on the waterfront is well placed for a wander around the V&A with its tourist-focused restaurants and shops, as well as the ferry out to Robben Island, for dinner we head downtown to Kloof Street for more of a buzzy local scene. Handily, the concierge gives us a lift right away, stopping in to chat with the staff at old Victorian Manor turned restaurant Kloof Street House to snag us the best table in the garden, despite having no reservation.

If the Royal Suite is a show-stopper during the day, the real magic happens when the sun goes down – when the glass-domed windows turn from pink to black and the Mother City’s lights start to twinkle. We fall asleep with the blinds wide open, waking up to the sunrise casting a crimson glow across the horizon.

Breakfast is served in the Granary down on the sixth floor and includes freshly-squeezed juice, and an actual carousel of a continental breakfast wheeled right up to your table to choose from, followed by an a la carte option and one of the tastiest eggs benny’s we’ve ever had the pleasure of eating.

The pièce de résistance is perhaps glass-sided rooftop pool, which we spend the next day lounging beside. The tallest building on the V&A Waterfront, the vantage point offers unrivalled views of the city, from Table Mountain right across to the Atlantic. It’s the ideal spot for some people watching with a glass of local Sauvignon or some snacks.

The Silo is so much more than somewhere to sleep, it’s an experience in art and architecture. Thanks to both its bold design and Liz Biden’s eye for quirky interiors, its rooms have the feeling of a carefully curated home, a treasure trove of worldly collectables designed to take you on a journey through contemporary African art. It’s a place of old meets new, where stark modernity meets plush opulence. The history of the old grain tower may have been one of oppression, but the reimagining of this building is now one of celebration, championing African art and home to what is in our opinion, Cape Town’s most iconic hotel.

For more information or to book The Silo Hotel visit www.theroyalportfolio.com/the-silo; Rooms start from R13,500 / ca. £680 incl. breakfast

by
Keep Reading
Coco Couples

48 hours in the Highlands with Links House, Dornoch

In the heart of the Highlands, there’s a house that’s been proudly perching on the Scottish coastline for the best part of the last two hundred years.

Throughout its different purposes over the years, Links House has always remained first and foremost, a home. It was fully refurbished in 2013 to its current grandeur as a deluxe 15-room hotel, surrounded by the magic of the Scottish countryside, and run by people who were born with whisky in their veins.

It’s around 45 minutes north from Inverness, perfectly positioned right in the thick of the Highlands, which makes good for the amount of extra activities the hotel staff can arrange for you during your stay.

Before all of that, we need to talk about the rooms. There are three categories, with every one more indulgent than the last. Deluxe Rooms are enough to blow any 5-star country house hotel out of the water – with beds that come by royal warrant to the Queen, and Penhaligon’s toiletries in the bathrooms. As a nod to the local countryside, each room is named after iconic Highland salmon rivers. There are also two private apartments – Mallart and Laxford – which are known as the finest accommodation in the Highlands. The Mallart comes with its own private breakfast porch to enjoy the best views in Dornoch, and even has its own private library – something you didn’t know you needed until now.

With the Highlands literally on the doorstep, menus are geared around local seasonal delicacies like Dornoch mussels, lobster and langoustines from nearby Portmahomack or game from Bonar Bridge. Dinner service is done well, with the choice between A la Carte or a 7 Course Tasting Menu. Not ones to get FOMO about anything, we went for both (on separate nights obviously, we’re not animals). Next year, with 2020 Scotland’s year of Coast & Waters, the Restaurant will lean heavily towards the bountiful array of seafood which is on its doorstep whilst continually respecting the plentiful highland larder of game, beef, lamb and wild foraged goods.

A lady who works at the hotel is actually the granddaughter of one of the owners of the main house, and delights with stories from the past about growing up at Links House. The house, the grounds and the food are all stunning, but what strikes above everything else here is the sense of home, and family.

Things to do nearby

Links House is proud to have on board their very own Head of Highland Experiences, Alastair, who is happy to arrange nearby attractions and adventures.

Highland Shooting Centre

The family run Highland Shooting Centre is a great way to blow off some steam. Hand-eye coordination may not be a strong point at first, but the guys will teach you how to actually shoot clay pigeons (successfully) which works out as a good party trick, should you ever need to use it.

Falls of Shin

The Falls of Shin are famous in the Highlands for being one of the best places to check out Scotland’s infamous leaping salmon. ‘Fish watching’ on first thought, sounds like something that might be a little dull, but it’s actually mesmerising, and the surroundings are beautiful too.

Clynelish Distillery Tour

Checking out the Scottish Highlands without dipping your head in whisky, or at least, touring around one of the many distillery, is sacrilege. Using the water from the Clynemilton river, Clynelish distillery produces a fruity, waxy, slightly smoky, sea-spicy single malt.

Aspen Spa Dornoch

Understandable that the excitement of the Highlands gets too much, so it’s important to balance outdoor pursuits with the serenity of a spa. The Aspen Spa at Carnegie Courthouse (a family run business), has everything for this – face treatments, massage, nail and grooming.

by
Keep Reading
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

by
Keep Reading
Adventures

6 Reasons to Visit Pontresina Switzerland

If St Moritz is all about glitz, its pretty Swiss neighbour Pontresina is the antidote to this excess, with chocolate-box chalets, pastel-painted walls and a traditional alpine atmosphere. Located at 1805m above sea level, this postcard-perfect Engadine village may only be 10 minutes by car but feels a world away from the prying eyes of see-and-be-seen St Moritz.

Here are 6 Reasons to Visit Pontresina Switzerland.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqsP9dmngeG/

1. Getting there is half the fun…

My childhood memories of skiing always involved some awful winding bus journey for hours up through the mountains. Thankfully, visitors to Pontresina have a better alternative. Despite the alpine village being located at 1,800m – guests can reach this ski destination via train. The UNESCO-listed Bernina Express connects Chur in Switzerland to St Moritz and Pontresina, crossing the Swiss Engadin Alps. This means you can travel directly from Zurich to the Swiss Alps, changing at Chur to board the nostalgic red train which will whisk you up through snow-covered scenery, over arched bridges and past bleak mountain peaks in a total of 3 hours 45 minutes. Think Hogwarts Express with alpine vibes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlIIFifBGwZ/

2. Stay at the Grand Hotel Kronenhof

The only five-star hotel in Pontresina, the Grand Hotel Kronenhof is an alpine institution in and of itself. Dating from 1848, a stay at this historic hotel is a definite highlight – all fin de siècle grandeur, elegant interiors and a lavish spa. A neo-baroque beauty with a Wes Anderson feel a stay at this hotel recalls the glamour of a bygone age, with three gourmet restaurants, a palatial dining room, formal dress and an exclusive clientele – read our full review here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2RvYqqo4sc/

3. Eat at Kronenstubli Restaurant

Within the walls of the Grand Hotel Kronenhof, you’ll also find the award-winning gourmet restaurant Kronenstübli with its cosy wood-panelled walls and exceptional tasting menus. Awarded 16 Gault Millau points, this Swiss pine parlour is headed up by chef Fabrizio Piantanida and his team, serving classics of French cuisine from Canard à la Presse to crepe Suzette, both prepared tableside in a theatrical culinary feat.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs3UHs4nFpY/

4. Head for a Hike

In both summer and winter, Pontresina is known for its hiking. The Muottas Muragl funicular and the Alp Languard chairlift reach many different trailheads, for beginner and advanced ramblers alike. Whatever route you choose, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping mountain views and the odd charming mountain chalet offering snacks and hot chocolates. The staff at the Kronenhof are more than happy to recommend a route based on your fitness level and the time of year – you may even spot some Ibex grazing in the hills overlooking the village.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfnBHOng6_Z/

5. Cross Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing is best described as much harder than it looks. But the instructors at the local ski school Schweizer Langlauf- und Bikezentrum Pontresina can get almost anyone (even me) around a simple course after an hour or so of lessons. It’s hot work, but one of the best ways to explore this snowy snowscape, with the track running alongside the pretty river that cuts through the town.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B55sWGdnd-D/

6. Spa at The Grand Hotel Kronenhof

In a fusion of old meets new, an enormous glass-walled modern spa sits attached to the Kronenhof, housing a huge indoor pool and spa. Ensconced within its glass walls looking out over the snow-covered scenery, you have your pick of a dedicated women’s sauna and all-gender Finnish Sauna as well as a pine-scented relaxation room. The real highlight here though are the massages, which match you with an element like fire or water to determine what is best suited to you. Bliss.

Winter room rates at Grand Hotel Kronenhof start from CHF565 for two people sharing on a half-board basis; book online at www.kronenhof.com. (For information, summer rates start from CHF445.)

For more information on Switzerland visit www.MySwitzerland.com

Swiss International Air Lines – one way fares start from £67, visit www.swiss.com

The Swiss Travel System provides a dedicated range of travel passes and tickets offering unlimited travel on consecutive days, for more information visit www.swisstravelsystem.co.uk.

Cross Country Ski School visit https://www.pontresina-sports.ch/langlaufzentrum/allegra-langlaufzentrum

If you’re seeking an elegant skiing experience, look no further than St. Moritz, Switzerland’s most glamorous resort. Check out our article on Ski in St. Moritz to discover why this destination is a must-visit for ski enthusiasts.

by
Keep Reading
Coco Couples

Honeymoon like a Rockstar at Elton’s Franschhoek favourite, La Residence 

Tucked away in Franschhoek’s vine-covered foothills in South Africa’s Cape Winelands, five star La Residence embodies the kind of levels of luxury other high-end hotels can only hope for. Set across a 30-acre wine estate, you might recognise it from the BBC series ‘Amazing Hotels’ but consistently placed among the world’s best places to stay, and a personal favourite of Sir Elton John himself, ‘amazing’ is just the beginning – as our girl Beth discovers.

With its gabled Dutch homesteads, quaint avenues, quirky galleries and sprawling vineyards Franschhoek has its Huguenot heritage to thank for its peculiarly French feel. This is the South of France meets South Africa – a foodie hot-spot where world-renowned restaurants, fine wines and an upmarket artsy scene come together. A feast for the senses, the delights of the Franschhoek Valley are all somehow distilled into our guest experience at La Residence.

Just five minutes drive from the main street, a grand driveway transports you to a tranquil haven of manicured lawns surrounded by vineyards, orchards and flowers, where grazing Springbok, Antelope and miniature ponies add to the fanciful feel.

Drawing up in our dusty rental, we spot the sienna walls of what looks from the outside, like a grand Tuscan-style manor, against a movie-set mountain backdrop.

Greeted by a beaming host of staff, you enter into a world of decadence and intrigue. A black and white marble floor spans the length of The Grand Hall, chandeliers hanging from triple-height beams of the vaulted thatch. French antiques and a vintage writing desk hold chalices overflowing with the largest floral arrangements I’ve ever seen in a riot of crimson and purple.

Ahead, a wide veranda opens up to a palm-lined avenue, a water feature leading us down the lawn to a heated half-moon infinity pool that seems to stretch right into the vineyards and mountains beyond. Yellow and white striped loungers and beanbags make for a Soho House vibe, while the odd roaming peacock adds to the whimsical.

With glasses of delicate house-grown Rose shiraz pressed into our hands, we’re given a tour of the grounds – from a private wine cellar in which you can request a personal tasting, to the palatial gardens filled with roses and vineyards beyond. As well as the 11 suites in the main building, we’re also shown around the 5 vineyard suites with private pools, better suited to those with children as the main hotel is (blissfully) an adult-only zone.

It’s all so decadent, yet with an eclectic, almost french-inspired bohemian charm – owner and interior decorator Liz Biden’s speciality. Part of the Royal Portfolio – a collection of iconic hotels and private residences in South Africa owned and run by the Biden family, art and design is deeply ingrained into the property’s character – reflecting owner Liz and Phil’s keen eye. Drawing inspiration from their travels, lavish interiors are complemented by exotic antiques and artefacts from far-flung destinations, as well as by an astonishing collection of South African art.

Even our key is extra – a huge plush tassel, I think as we open the door to our room, number 7 – The Pink Suite. Opening onto a sunny verandah with views out over the lake, it’s a treasure trove of the fantastical. From Provencal antiques to a pink chaise longue upholstered with the flamboyant tropical print, fantastic local artwork and plush Persian rugs. Our mirrored bathroom is as large as our bedroom, with a feature roll-top bath looking out over the grounds. With velvets, silks and spoiling details like complimentary wine from the estate’s vineyards as well as crystal decanters filled with dessert wines, and the rooms here were made for romance.

One of 11 suites in the main building, each room has its own distinct personality – from our girly boudoir to the palatial honeymoon suite which is decked out in white marble. The Maharani Suite’s Indian-inspired décor, dual aspect balconies and steps up to the bed happen to be Elton’s favourite. He liked the hotel so much that he gave the beautiful Jacaranda trees that surround the dam as a gift.

But the thing about La Residence is that you don’t have to be Elton John to get the rockstar treatment. In keeping with a gastronomic capital like Franschhoek, the food is world-class – with the opportunity to dine at the Chef’s table, or alternatively, a complimentary car will whisk you the five-minute drive (instead of a 20-minute walk) to reservations one of the top restaurants in town. The breakfast ‘buffet’, a huge spread laid out in the Great Hall complete with a cheese trolley and multi-tiered stands of goodies, is perhaps the best I’ve had, and even comes with an a la carte option to follow.

With 11 hectares of vineyards yielding Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, the hotel also offers a total of 8 ways to taste wine, including a helicopter tour.

But the devil is in the detail. Like the staff, who remember that I like my chardonnay unoaked. Who bring a huge table across the lawn complete with flower arrangements so we can lunch while admiring the view. It’s picking up our rental to find it’s been valeted, always knowing your name, encouraging you to stay well beyond checkout and the free-flowing service from a warm, sincere staff.

We take one of the wine bottles home as a honeymoon present. It’s sat in the corner of our little London apartment, waiting for an occasion. Until then, I’ll look at that bottle of La Residence Nicole Charlotte 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon and be glad to be reminded of our time in this most special corner of the Cape, the kind of place where everyone from us to Elton, can come to feel like a rockstar.

La Residence www.theroyalportfolio.com/la-residence; rooms start from R6150 / ca. £261 per person incl. breakfast

by
Keep Reading
Coco Couples

Wake Up Here: Honeymoon at Birkenhead House, Hermanus

Less than 2 hours drive from Cape Town, in the South African seaside town of Hermanus, you’ll find a honeymooners dream hideaway – boutique beach retreat, Birkenhead House.

From the moment you enter the pastel yellow walls of the elegant collonaded main house, you begin to understand what has earned this chic beach hotel such wide acclaim. The laid-back beachy vibe is unassuming yet upmarket with sumptuous interiors and with just 11 decadent individually decorated rooms, feels more like a sprawling private villa than a hotel. Add to that the unforgettable clifftop location and there’s no better spot to hunker down with your other half and watch the waves roll in.

With glasses of champagne in hand and smiles on our faces, we descend through a central courtyard, past a tiered pool flanked by smart pillars, pink and white striped sun loungers and decadent floral arrangements. Looking back, the Mosselberg Mountains rise behind the roof. An art-deco inspired dining room and lounge area open out over Walker Bay, a smaller infinity pool and sun loungers making the most of the all-encompassing ocean views from the vantage point above two sandy coves.

Between June and November, Southern Right and Humpback Whales can be seen migrating through these waters, but on this sunny December day, we watch the surfers ride the swells below us. Adding to the home-from-home feel, rates here are all-inclusive, which means that we can enjoy the scenery while taking in some of the local produce, namely some fantastic local wine, which is served by an ever-smiling staff who ensure your glass is never in any danger of being empty. We spend hours relaxing on the loungers here, just enjoying the salty sea breeze and fine Chardonnay.

Thanks to owner Liz Biden’s signature design, the hotel interiors more than match the beauty of this sweeping Atlantic setting. Marble floors mix with contemporary artworks, ornate chandeliers, Persian throws, french antiques and touches of the orient to create a whimsical feel. It’s rather like being in the beach house of a well-travelled relative with impeccable taste – each piece of art hand-selected, each antique or coffee table book picked up from some far-flung corner of the globe and carefully curated in this collection of snoop-worthy artefacts and artistry. The creative force behind the Royal Portfolio, whose properties also include The Silo and La Residence, Birkenhead House was converted from the original Biden family beach house and still retains its low-key charm alongside its luxurious design.

The common spaces in the hotel are executed with panache, but Liz’s eye for the unusual is unleashed in the individual design of each of the suites. Ours is located on the first floor, offering ocean views and a full balcony overlooking the pool and out to the ocean. It’s seriously seductive – with a roll-top bath, white shuttered windows to let the ocean breeze flow through, and a huge bed with some of the best sheets I’ve ever had the pleasure of sleeping on. I loved the quirky artwork – like the series of cheeky cartoonist drawings over the bed and the little touches, like the eco-friendly aluminium water bottles and free-flowing minibar. Some of the rooms even have their own private pool, but I wouldn’t have traded ours, with its sunset views.

The design is staggering, but what truly sets Birkenhead House apart are the staff. It’s all the service you’d expect from a five-star hotel and more. Like when we mention it’s our honeymoon and return after dinner to find a candlelit bubble bath with chilled fizz and chocolate-dipped strawberries laid out for us. Or when I (ever graceful) manage to cut my finger – not only did a first aid box appear from nowhere, but they even packaged up a gift bag with bandages and antiseptic for our journey.

The attention to detail is so apparent, even our dinner menus have our names printed on them. With an all-inclusive rate, you can indulge in everything from speciality cocktails to the devilish cakes that are laid out to tempt you in the afternoon. Lunch is a tapas-style menu, perfect for long afternoons spent overlooking the ocean. With an abundance of regional produce on offer, it’s not surprising that the menus are sensational – from local seafood to mussels picked fresh from the rocks right below the hotel. Our personalised dinner menu features hearty soups, fresh seafood, and the seabass for me and steak for him, paired with wines by the glass from nearby Hemel and Aarde Valley. But breakfast, with a spread of pastries, quiches, oysters and even a side of cured ham, followed by eggs benedict and a glass of pink fizz – as suggested by the ever-thoughtful staff, was my personal favourite.

While the town of Hermanus may be sedate, it offers some of the most pristine beaches on the Western Cape. As well as the two sandy coves below the hotel (accessed via a winding stone staircase hewn into the rock) guests can also walk around the headland on a footpath to Grotto Beach, where you’ll find 18km of white wind-swept dunes between the mountains and ocean – perfect for running off all aforementioned cakes.

For the more adventurous, Hermanus boasts activities aplenty including whale watching, shark cage diving, golf, horse riding on the beach, hiking, surfing as well as mussel picking and foraging for the foodies among you. I’m a little ashamed to admit that we didn’t indulge in any of these extra activities, not because they don’t sound brilliant, but simply because Birkenhead House is quite so special, you’ll want to spend every minute possible there.

An eclectic blend of beach house cool meets the Hamptons this sleepy surf-swept spot in Hermanus is just the place to hideaway with your other half and take in the many joys of the Western Cape.

To book Birkenhead House visit www.theroyalportfolio.com/birkenhead-house; rooms start from R4150 / £157 per person on full board basis

by
Keep Reading
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.

by
Keep Reading
Coco Couples

9 of the UK's Dreamiest Outdoor Bathtubs To Inspire Your Next Glamping Staycation

There’s nothing like being stuck inside to make you appreciate the great outdoors. So while COVID-19 may mean we are unable to travel at the moment, it won’t stop us dreaming of our next glamping getaway. Whether it’s a cosy cabin, whimsical treehouse or bedecked bell tent, these unusual staycation choices are not only eco-friendly but will support local businesses when it is once again safe to travel. Add to that an outdoor bathtub for an alfresco soak, and there’s nowhere we’d rather get off-the-grid and back to nature.
While we may not be able to travel right now – companies like Canopy and Stars also do gift cards, so you can support businesses in the short term and plan your trip for when it is safe to travel. In the meantime, here are 9 of the best outdoor bathtubs in the UK to inspire your next staycation – whenever that may be. 

The Woodman’s Treehouse , West Dorset

Set high in the oak canopy, this stylish treehouse tucked away in ancient Dorset woodland is a design-lovers dream getaway – having been featured on both Grand Designs and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. A kingsize bed, rotating fireplace, hot tub and even a slide are just some of the features in this high-end hideaway, while a double-ended freestanding copper tub provides the ultimate canopy views.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkRzh7nHz1U/

The Old Piggery, Windout Barn Exeter

Set among centuries-old buildings in the rural Devonshire hills, this open plan barn hideaway was made for lovers – with side-by-side “his and hers” claw-foot bathtubs that sit on a private deck overlooking the apple orchard.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9GfKuUFec2/

The Lakehouse at Coddington Mill, Cheshire

This luxurious lakeside retreat is nestled on a stretch of Cheshire countryside in the grounds of the historic Coddington Mill. Dark woods and rich textures inside ooze romance – while the copper tub on the decking is the ideal place to watch for wildlife darting across the waters. Funds from your stay will go to the restoration of the mill and preservation of its surroundings, so you can relax knowing you’re making a positive contribution to this ecosystem.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8thZjPJIQd/

The Nook, Coleman’s Farm, Essex

This tiny wooden house in the Essex countryside exemplifies small but perfectly formed in the cosiest escape imaginable – a snug complete with mezzanine beds, wood burner and tin hot tub. Within just an hour of London, even the most stressed-out city slicker has no excuse not to unwind here.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhxBHVcgrr2/

Cleave Treehouse, Devon

A nordic inspired A-frame treehouse tangled in the treetops overlooking Dartmoor National Park – this super secluded hideaway takes laid-back luxe to new heights. A birch plywood interior creates a calming Scandi-chic vibe, with dramatic double-height ceilings, cosy log burner and huge windows to take in the forest views. On the deck, a claw foot tub big enough for two overlooks the canopy.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B29D_Xvh_35/

Cheviot, Huts in the Hills, Northumberland

Located in the rugged hills of Northumberland National Park, Cheviot is one of four luxury shepherds huts on a traditional working hill farm with cattle and sheep. Made from solid reclaimed oak, these huts are designed to take you back to nature – but not without a few luxuries, like the private deck complete with free-standing tub, or sky window above the bed – perfect for gazing up at Northumberland’s dark skies – renowned for their stargazing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6yLgJCA24C/

Hill Cottage, Croft 103, West Sutherland, Scotland

Set on the shores of Loch Eriboll near Durness in North West Sutherland, these low impact buildings are designed to reflect this bleakly beautiful landscape, with rough-hewn honey-coloured stones. Inside, sleek, modern finishes and every creature comfort awaits – including two baths, one inside and one outdoors on the terrace, overlooking the sea.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6d7hOdjm54/

Willow The Wisp Cabin, East Sussex

Tucked away in five acres of woodland in East Sussex, this fairytale cabin is a cosy escape for two, with a wood-burner and outdoor wood-fired Hikki tub.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4vbN44AiOb/

The Hide Roundhouse, Somerset

Set on an organic farm, this adults-only glamping retreat has just two yurts and two wooden roundhouses. Hide Roundhouse boasts chic white-walled interiors that wouldn’t be amiss in a beach house in Tulum, with an ensuite bathroom, underfloor heating, clawfoot bath and rain shower – while an outdoor bathhouse surrounded by twinkling fairy lights is nestled in your own private garden.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxJs_UzA8gs/

by
Keep Reading