Couples Travel - House Of Coco Magazine

Adventures July 28, 2022

Madeira: Rural tourism showing the key to sustainable travel

Madeira has long been popular with the fly and flop generation and the cruise crowd, in particular, fantastic Funchal with its countless exotic gardens and historical monuments. However, there’s so much more to see on the island apart from the capital. With an increasing focus on sustainability, discerning travellers are increasingly opting to visit the more rural parts of Madeira. Boutique hotel options are boundless depending on what you are looking for. Below, we’ll consider options for food lovers, imbibers and environmentalists.

Gastronomic enthusiasts should put the newly opened Socalco Nature Hotel high on their list of places to stay at. It is situated in Calheta with many points of interest like the lighthouse, Ponta do Pargo and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Casa das MUDAS. The latter is a curious architectural entity that looms over Calheta like a bond villain lair. The hotel is owned by renowned chef Octávio Freitas, who is a true champion of Madeiran regional cuisine. There is a vineyard on site and they’ve recently bottled their first vintage. Most of the vegetables and fruits used at their restaurant are grown on-site. You can partake in jam-making, and bread-making masterclasses and you won’t find a menu on their website, as they are printed daily depending on what seasonal ingredients they can find. It has spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and you won’t fail to be amazed at the ingenuity of Madeirans, who manage to grow countless crops on such steep slopes.

Wine connoisseurs should consider booking into the homely, informal, Quinta das Vinhas. The hotel includes a historic 17th-century house,15 cottages, 2 outdoor swimming pools and an organic vineyard that spreads across most of their 30,000 sq m. They can arrange for a tour of their vineyards where you can learn about the popular Madeiran grape varietals like Verdelho, Malmsey and Bastardo. Their restaurant and wine bar are perfect for conducting wine tastings of Madeira wine or enjoying local specialities like their grilled sea bream. There is a breathtaking view as it is situated on top of the Quinta and you have uninterrupted views of the vineyard and the ocean.

If you are looking for luxury along with sustainability, then the hotel to check out is Quinta da Serra. They proudly proclaim themselves as a bio hotel and you can’t argue with that when you’ve won countless environmental awards such as the green key award. It’s not just about installing solar panels and using wastewater for irrigation but also preserving historic trees, they have monumental eucalyptus trees that are over 200 years old. They also grow plenty of fruit trees and vegetables to ensure there are minimal miles travelled for the ingredients used in the restaurant.

Apart from Madeira wine, the local drink to try is Poncha. It’s a very summery concoction of citrus juice, honey and aguardente. It is typically muddled meticulously in front of you. Most of the aguardente is made with sugar cane from the island which is in abundance along with bananas. The drink is the ideal Dutch courage before you partake in any adrenaline-inducing activity.

In every corner of the island you will encounter dramatic scenery, but none more so than Fajã dos Padres. It is an organic farm and restaurant that is only accessible via cable car. The ride takes you down a 300-metre steep slope where you can admire the beauty of the southern coast of Madeira. Before reaching their restaurant, you will walk through their farmland with countless mango trees (over 20 different varieties), avocado and banana trees. They even grow more tropical fruits which are harder to find in the rest of Europe such as araçá, Suriname cherry and tabaibo.

Their restaurant is all about letting the ingredients speak for themselves. It’s mostly gently grilled local fish like scabbard accompanied by produce from the farm like banana or mango. Tuna fish and octopus are equally popular whilst shellfish lovers will rejoice at the sight of periwinkles and limpets on the menu. The latter items are such a rarity on British menus but they are inexpensive and very much in abundance and should be considered a more sustainable food source.

The cable cars stop operating at 18:00 during the winter and 19:00 during the summer, so if you want to observe the mesmerising sunset, then you should stay at one of their homely cottages. Alternatively, you can hire a sailing boat with the likes of Happy Hour Madeira who can pick you up from the pier and take you on a scenic cruise to Funchal. You will pass the majestic cliffs of Cabo Girao which are some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

If you head to the north coast of Madeira, you will come across an even more stupendous landscape which is more reminiscent of scenes from Jurassic Park. One of the most popular beaches on the island is Seixal beach. The fine black scene beach with the lush green surrounding mountains is one of the most photographed beaches on the island. You might spot adventure-seekers learning how to surf there or if you are lucky like us, participate in a yoga class with such a remarkable backdrop. Another must-do activity is to swim in the volcanic, lava-rock tidal pools there. It is a very calming experience, sheltered from the open sea breeze. It is one of the best free experiences on the island especially since there are convenient changing facilities at a nearby bar, Clube Naval do Seixal.

Driving around Madeira sightseeing is one of the true highlights of exploring the rural countryside. With over 44km of tunnels around the island and over 100 tunnels with the longest being 3km, traversing the island is a much speedier process than previously. Whether you want to visit Calheta or Seixal, it takes very little time from Funchal. Increasingly more and more tourists are opting to have a slower pace of holidaying and enjoying the delights of the rural Madeiran countryside.

https://www.visitmadeira.com/

Adventures July 21, 2022

THE PERFECT SUMMER WEEKEND AWAY IN SAINT-GERMAIN, PARIS

Paris is yours this summer, and quite literally – with many Parisiens flocking from the centre to other parts of France during the warmer months. We jetted to the City of Light for the perfect weekend and swapped dreary London for shimmery Seine boat rides, brasseries and long lunches in the sun.

We touched down with British Airways Holidays right in beating heart of Paris in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th Arrondissement. We were transported from the UK and arrived right in the centre of Paris in a few easy hours. With everything from anique stores, museums, boutique shopping, cosy bars and buzzy restaurants on our doorsteps and having been to Paris countless times previously, we decided to keep it local and uncover everything that was on our doorstep.

First things first was to check into our centrally located hotel, K+K Hotel Cayré, just a stone’s throw from the Latin Quarter and then head for coffee. The chic and comfortable hotel was typically Parisien and the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Louvre Museum were all within walking distance. For an afternoon pick-me-up we chose the historic Les Deux Magots, just a short stroll away. The cafe was first established in 1812 at Rue de Buci and moved to the current address in the 1870s, in the period when the elegant and wide Paris boulevards were being built. Famous amongst the literary set back in the day, we feasted on buttery croissants and steaming black coffee whilst watching the world go by all around us.

Saint-Germain’s major Metro route, Line 4, stops at Saint Michel, Odeon, St-Germain-des-Prés, and Saint-Placide. Line 4 is the link between the north and south of Paris stopping at three of the major Paris train stations — Gare de Nord, Gare de l’Est, and Gare Montparnasse, making it easy to travel just under an hour to the nearby wine regions, the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the summer. We headed to Reims in the Champagne region (45 minutes from Paris) from Gare de l’Est and then onto three Champagne houses for a taste of the good stuff and an introduction to winemaking by lesser-known vineyards and wineries. After a few tipples of the freshest bubbles we have ever tasted it was straight back to the city to put our new-found knowledge to the test at the bars and restaurants by our hotel.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN SAINT-GERMAIN

LATE NIGHT DRINKS & PEOPLE WATCHING: Atlas, Saint Germain
FLORAL BRUNCHES: Maison Sauvage, Saint Germain
WHITE TABLE CLOTH FAMPOUS BRASSERIE: Les Deux Magots, Saint Germain

HOW TO GET THERE

British Airways Holidays offers two nights, at the 4* K+K Hotel Cayré, from £319pp, travelling on selected dates between 1 August – 31 August 2022 inclusive. Includes economy return flights from London Gatwick Airport, 25kg luggage allowance and accommodation. Book by 30 July 2022 at www.britishairways.com/france. Further information on British Airways Holidays can be found here.

WHY CHOOSE BRITISH AIRWAYS HOLIDAYS

Package deal: customers can save time and money when they book their flight + hotel or flight + car together
Product range: British Airways Holidays offers customers an extensive flight network and over 10,000 carefully selected hotels and villas. It also supplies straight-forward car hire and a range of experiences, transfers and insurance
Flexibility: travellers can create a personalised multi-centre holiday with ease. They can book and combine flights in and out of different airports, choose multiple hotels and select car hire for any part of their holiday
Low deposit: travellers can secure their holiday with a low deposit (starting from £60pp) and can pay the balance in as many instalments as they want
Booking security: for extra peace of mind British Airways Holidays offer a 24-hour helpline and ATOL protection
Earn: travellers can collect Avios on flight, hotel and car bookings

Adventures June 11, 2022

Come and discover the Emerald Coast, Florida – South Walton

South Walton, affectionately known as 30A by locals, is the more upscale yet still relaxed part of the Emerald Coast. If you are a fan of the Truman Show, you might know the film was shot on location at Seaside, one of the 16 renowned beach neighbourhoods of South Walton. The perfectly manicured lawns with clean, white picket fences and perpetually stunning blue skylines are what make the location ideal for depicting the quintessential Americana dream town in the film. Here, you will not find a molecule of litter on their pavements.

Any chaos in South Walton is strictly reserved for the countless pieces of artwork you will encounter in the area. Artists thrive in this environment, none more so than the master of sculptural painting, Justin Gaffrey. The acclaimed, self-taught painter specialises in a signature heavy textured style, so there’s 3-D quality to his work. Objects like the sun and flower petals have a meringue-like appearance that helps to bring them alive. I was fortunate to have convinced the owner to sell me one of his signature sunflower paintings.

You can discover his work at the local airport and restaurants such as FOOW (fish out of water). One look at the spectacular gulf views at FOOW will help you appreciate where Justin gets his inspiration from. There are no high-rises in South Walton, just immaculately designed buildings that blend in with the surroundings. Next to the restaurant is a handy boardwalk that transports you onto the sugar-white sandy beach. The food is of an easy-going variety including the likes of shrimp po’boy, niçoise salad and the omnipresent plump gulf oysters.

Apart from appealing to art lovers, the scenic surroundings are also a haven for sports lovers catering to all levels of difficulty. You can go on an e-bike tour of the surrounding area with the likes of Pedego. They are Emerald Coast’s first all-electric bicycle shop, and you can cycle past the numerous celebrity mansions that occupy South Walton with occupants such as Cher and, unsurprisingly, Jim Carrey. This is also the best area in the world to learn paddle boarding at Grayton Beach. The area has consistently been voted as having the most picturesque and pristine beaches in the United States. Coastal dune lakes are only found in very few places around the world, and the shallow nature of the water makes it ideal for beginners to learn to paddle board. The 15 freshwater lakes in South Walton are also a vital habitat for the likes of coastal birds, which you can spot during your water adventures.

There are a thousand and one ways of admiring the Emerald Coast, but my favourite way has to be a beach bonfire with 30A Blaze along with beach side picnic. They provide everything from immaculately presented charcuterie boards to the most romantic of place settings. They can supply live music whilst you prepare your s’mores. All the hassles of providing deckchairs, and clearing out the rubbish are all taken care of. All you have to do is enjoy the memorable moment with a lullaby of Floridan waves, the finest of beach sand on your toes and a South Walton sunshine that will touch your heart.

You might be wondering where is the best place for accommodation – and what about retail therapy? Rosemary Beach should be high on your list. It has the perfect combination of new urbanism and a calming West Indies style. New Urbanism is an urban design philosophy, which focuses on an environmentally-friendly design where walkable neighbourhoods are created. The poster child of this movement is Seaside and the concept has subsequently been refined at the likes of Rosemary Beach. There are independent, boutique stores dotted along their high street selling everything from breezy Floridian clothing to ornate kitchenware.

The Pearl at Rosemary Beach is arguably the most luxury hotel in the vicinity. The iconic peaked clock tower, pointed turrets, and black and white striped awnings are an unmissable part of the town. The suites are designed in an elegant coastal style, often with splashes of marine blue to remind us the Gulf of Mexico is only steps away. If you are looking for more choices, then Sandestin, a golf and beach resort area is just the place with countless premium private rentals and luxury hotels. I would particularly recommend, Hotel Effie. It has the only rooftop pool and lounge in northwest Florida and a celebrity chef in Hugh Acheson cooking exquisite creations at Ovide. His steamed littleneck clams with shallot, dry vermouth and Aleppo chilli is arguably the finest seafood dish you will find in Florida, if not the US.

Whilst the Truman Show might be a work of fiction, the all-perfect American dream town might be closer to reality than you think. If you take a trip to South Walton, you might discover a land where the sun is always shining and the food is always plentiful.

https://www.visitsouthwalton.com/

Couples Travel June 5, 2022

TeamCocopup: A relaxing dog friendly getaway at The Bradley Hare

Our roving doggy rePAWter TeamCocopup and doting dog mum Hannah Tan-Gillies have checked into The Bradley Hare for a relaxing weekend getaway in Southwest Wiltshire.

The Bradley Hare, located in the quiet yet charming village of Maiden Bradley, gives you the familiar feeling of a traditional village pub but with a twist. Forget your preconceived notions about traditional country inns because The Bradley Hare is that and so much more.

Located in the wildly picturesque grounds of the Duke of Somerset’s estate, The Bradley Hare benefits from and is inspired by the gorgeous pastoral landscapes that surround it. The rooms, which are warmed by roaring fires in the winter months, have been designed by James Thurstan Waterworth, ex-European Design Director of Soho House.

While boasting some handsome 18th and 19th-century furnishings, each of the 12 individually-designed bedrooms exude a muted yet contemporary vibe, elevating the rural chic interiors. Picture glorious free-standing baths, Egyptian cotton sheets, Siberian goose down duvets and a colourful array of contemporary artwork – that is exactly the aesthetic at The Bradley Hare.

We stayed in one of the five generously-sized dog friendly bedrooms in the Coach House. Opposite the pub and with plenty of space to roam, these gorgeous farmhouse style rooms are the perfect place to relax and unwind amidst the sounds and scenery of the great British countryside.

Guests who are staying at The Bradley Hare can expect a complimentary continental breakfast, which exceeded our expectations of continental meals. While hot breakfasts incurred an additional charge, the continental, which offered delicious homemade granola, pain au chocolate, ham, fresh juices, coffees and freshly-baked sourdough with homemade jams and yoghurts will soon make you forget about the lack of a full English.

We were lucky enough to visit during a sun-soaked weekend and so our lunch was enjoyed in The Bradley Hare’s garden. Here, both locals and tourists come together to enjoy delicious food and great company. Inside, the pub’s bar area is dog friendly – perfect for well-behaved dogs like TeamCocopup. The Bradley Hare boasts an ever-changing seasonal menu that makes good use of the fresh and local ingredients to reimagine pub classics. The Bradley Hare is a champion of zero-waste and tries to minimise food waste as much as possible.

This is best exemplified by the ‘Crumbled Pig’s Head’ which is a delicious appetiser made with the offcuts of a pig – ensuring that the whole pig is used. The Pork Belly with anchovy sauce is crispy, tender with the anchovy sauce offering a surprising yet delightful twist to the pub classic. We also liked the cod roe with asparagus and chervil sauce, and the Hake with artichoke heart. All this is paired with a fabulously eclectic wine list and cocktail list. The Bradley Hare was also very accommodating of our dietary requirements, making it a suitable place for those suffering from food allergies and intolerances.

If, during your visit, you only have time to do one thing in Maiden Bradley, then definitely spend the day at Stourhead. This gorgeous National Trust property is just a seven minute drive away from The Bradley Hare and boasts 2,500 acres of unspoilt countryside and breath-taking gardens. There are Palladian structures that add majesty to this place, shady pathways and even a hidden grotto. The gardens are dog-friendly, offering the perfect day out for families and four-legged friends.

Back at The Bradley Hare and run a relaxing bath in your room. It is the best way to recharge after a day of exploring. Between the tranquil interiors, excellent service and even better pub food – there’s plenty to love at The Bradley Hare. We shall surely be returning for another relaxing and magical weekend in Maiden Bradley’s best kept secret.

Fore more information visit thebradleyhare.co.uk

Adventures June 4, 2022

Come and discover the Emerald Coast, Florida – Panama City Beach

When you think of Florida, most people will immediately conjure up images of Miami or Orlando. However, for a state with the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, it has a multitude of scenic regions for tourists to discover. Over the next few weeks, I’ll introduce you to some hidden gems along the Emerald Coast, which might be well-known to local Americans but as yet undiscovered by the British and European contingent.

Our first destination is Panama City Beach. An area that promises sun, sand and seafood is never going to disappoint travel-goers. Whilst they do have a major shopping and entertainment hub in the form of Pier Park, the focus here is on the unspoiled natural surroundings. On either side of the long stretch of beach are protected state parks with St Andrews State on one side and Camp Helen on the other. The latter is particularly popular with hikers, swimmers and fishermen and also borders Lake Powell, which is the largest coastal dune lake in Florida. It’s a great spot for kayaking or paddleboarding.

Marine life is a key fabric of society in Panama City Beach and one of the must-do activities is to go dolphin watching with operators such as Paradise Adventures. There are several species in the local area, but the most common type you will come across is the highly intelligent bottlenose dolphins. You will see their playful nature out in the wild as opposed to seeing them in an aquapark. Whilst on the tour, there is also time for swimming to uninhabited islands and appreciating the pure white, fine dunes that populate all their beaches.

If you are a fan of beach life, then you should check out a particular Floridian speciality: beach bonfire for hire. Companies like Endless Beach Rentals, help you arrange all the pesky details like bringing in deckchairs, hammocks, bonfire equipment and the icebox for your bottles of wines. You can also try that ever-popular American classic, s’mores which consist of toasted marshmallows and a layer of melting chocolate sandwiched between pieces of graham cracker. Is it a culinary classic? Possibly not, but as a great campfire treat and bonding experience with your family and friends, it is impressively unbeatable.

What the Emerald Coast does offer is world-class seafood. Oysters might be a delicacy in the United Kingdom, but over in this part of Florida, it’s a staple of life. Oyster bars are frequently spotted as you drive along the motorways and one of the most iconic seafood restaurants in town is Capt. Anderson’s. It has been serving seafood and steaks for over 50 years and has won countless accolades and with a seating capacity of 725 people, there’s little doubt about the freshness of its ingredients. The specialities I would recommend include their crab fingers (the crab claws are de-shelled) and their truly jumbo-sized sea scallops. It’s hard not to be jealous of the locals who have been blessed with such an embarrassment of seafood riches.

Breakfast is also a much-loved institution with the Floridians. They have hip coffee bars like The Pour that offer trendy iced lattes matched with almond butter and banana toast. And more substantial offerings like Andy’s Flour Power which offers the classic biscuits and gravy to vegetarian-friendly offerings like their colourful vegetable frittata. I wouldn’t normally recommend ordering a cocktail for breakfast but their world-class breakfast martinis are not to be missed. Their secret ingredient is their orange marmalade, which makes it taste that much healthier with inviting citrus notes.

A great place to enjoy the scintillating sunset is Runaway Island. It’s a relaxed, casual beach bar and grill with live country music daily. It has a boardwalk that extends directly to the sandy coastline. You can arrange your beach bonfire right there for a post-dinner rendezvous. The food is on the no-fuss spectrum of restaurant menus, but you can sample local specialities including the blackened Mahi, creole redfish and something you rarely see on British menus, Alaskan snow crab. The latter is a particularly meaty but fiddly affair, so make sure you are dining with patient guests if you are ordering the dish.

In some respects, Panama City Beach is the polar opposite of Miami. It’s not about dressing to impress, putting on makeup and fussy fine dining. It is all about being a family-friendly, all-inclusive experience. Outstanding natural ingredients are given a chance to shine in their own right without overcomplicated preparation work.

Next up, we’ll be visiting art-focused South Walton, which is affectionately known as 30A by the locals.

https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/

Couples Travel May 29, 2022

MarBella Elix: A natural paradise in Corfu

MarBella Elix may be a bit of a treck away from Corfu and sister properties MarBella Corfu and MarBella Nido, but is well worth the visit especially for travellers looking to get lost in Corfu’s majestic natural landscapes.

The hotel blends modern architecture with natural materials and sits discretely atop a pine-forested hill. Unlike other hotels, MarBella Elix benefits from a unique location that blends fresh mountain air with sandy beaches, offering the best of both worlds in terms of Parga’s unique topography, which is located in the mainland across from Corfu.

Heinz Troll photoshooting October 2020

From the outside looking in, the hotel’s decidedly modern façade looks like it could be the final stage of the latest Bond Film. Inside, you will see a subtle blend of Greek, alpine and even Turkish touches – that is sleek, sexy yet approachable.

A live olive tree sits in the middle of the lobby and serves as a metaphor for the hotel’s indoor meets outdoor design concept. Here, the lines are blurred – and you are never quite sure where MarBella Elix ends and nature begins.

We stayed in one of the hotel’s generously-sized superior suites. The suite is understated and contemporary, yet features some welcome cultural touches like Turkish tapestries decorating the walls, and the fabulous hand-crafted wooden headboards and wardrobes. Our large balcony overlooks the Karavostasi beach and offers breath-taking views of the Ionian Coast.

In fact, every room at MarBella Elix offers the same sea incredible sea views, regardless if you are in the standard room of the amazing two-story terraza suite.

The Terrazza Suite, the crème de la crème of suites at MarBella Elix, is a sight to behold. Double height ceilings, a generously-sized bathroom and the most incredible infinity pool we have seen will welcome guests here looking to elevate their visit to Parga. Priced at around €500 during low season and over €1000 at high season, the infinity pool alone is worth splashing out.

MarBella Elix has three restaurants, each inspired by a different colour. Saffron is the main buffet restaurant and takes its name from the rare spice; Indigo is inspired by the colour of the hotel’s incredible infinity pool, Black Pearl the fine dining restaurant that welcomes a rotating roster of star chefs, and Aquamarine – the beach club. Each one offering a different colour and flavour perspective to Mediterranean cuisine.

The hotel’s show-stopper is of course the incredible pool deck. Located on the sixth floor, and home to three different pools, this is the perfect spot to luxuriate under the Mediterranean sun. On a clear day, you will even see the nearby islands of Paxos, Antipaxos and Corfu.

While MarBella Elix may be a bit more isolated in terms of location, there’s certainly no end of things to do to entertain guests. We recommend doing a fitness class with Chrysa, the hotel’s resident fitness expert, on the outdoor viewing deck. Because whether you’re doing a relaxing sunrise yoga session, or sweating it out with a HIIT workout – I can promise you won’t find a better backdrop for a workout anywhere else in the world.

For those looking for more exclusive experiences, search for Stamatis in reception. MarBella Elix offers a curated range of exclusive experiences that will certainly make any stay at Elix unforgettable.

For more information visit marBella.gr

Coco Couples May 29, 2022

A Greek romance at MarBella Nido

A part of the Small Luxury Hotels, what MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas may lack in size, it certainly makes up for in class.

Located just beside the larger-than-life MarBella Corfu, MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas is an adult only boutique that adds romance and elegance to any Greek holiday.

This intimate hillside hotel was inspired by a traditional ‘Corfiote’ or Greek Villa and is filled with inviting home touches that makes it feel less like a hotel and more like the stylish holiday home of a beloved family friend. Check-in is done at the beautifully appointed orangerie, complete with a flight of Corfu-themed welcome drinks – a great first impression and a precursor to the kind of attention to detail that would define our fantastic stay.

Like the name suggests, there isn’t a main building at MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas. Instead the villas are scattered across the hill and guests are shuffled around in buggies that climb the zig-zagged cliffside. We stayed in the Junior Suite, which was beautifully designed, blending rich textiles with traditional patterned tiling, a large, free-standing bath and panoramic sea views for days. The Junior Suite was a glorious retreat and filled with an air of serenity. So much so, it was hard to leave.

Outside, we had a breath-taking veranda, complete with private hot tub, that always stayed at just the right temperature. Two small bottles of Greek wines greeted us and the rosé was a delicious complement to a sunny afternoon spent on the veranda.

Aquavit, the hotel’s poolside restaurant, is also an excellent spot for lunch, with incredible views of the bay, while the Ala Carte restaurant offered some elevated classics that would impress even the most discerning connoisseur. As part of the hotel’s half-board or full-board package, both breakfast and dinner is served at the main buffet style restaurant.

Don’t let the word ‘buffet’ fool you, because if there was ever such as a thing as ‘fine dining buffet’ it would surely be this. Here, guests can enjoy dinner by candle light overlooking the sea below, while being tantalised by the culinary sensations available. Live mandolin music adds drama to breakfast, so you can enjoy your pancakes in a rarefied atmosphere unlike anything else on the Greek peninsula.

One of the advantages of staying in a boutique hotel over a larger property is the bespoke service. However, the team at Nido, led by General Manager Amarylise takes this up a notch – to astounding effect.

Amarylise knows every guest by name and often greets guests as they come for dinner. F&B Manager Achilles greets you with a smile (and a fistbump) whenever you visit the main restaurant, and the Head Chef will go above and beyond to cater to even the most exacting dietary requirements.

Heinz Troll photoshooting May 2018

Even going so far as to taking this picky eater through all the buffet items that I could have and making specially made desserts that were dairy, egg and gluten-free (a challenge for any pastry chef at short notice).

With amazing, truly personal service like this, it is easy to see why MarBella Nido is part of small luxury hotels and a firm favourite of honeymooners looking to create magical moments in a destination that is simply a cut above the rest.

For more information visit marBella.gr

Couples Travel May 29, 2022

MarBella Corfu: A family-friendly getaway in Corfu

Whatever pre-conceived notions you may have of what a Greek holiday may look like, think again, because a holiday at any one of the MarBella Corfu, part of the MarBella Collection hotels will surely go beyond all of your expectations.

Forget the blue and white-tinged architecture that comes to mind when envisioning a Greek holiday, because Corfu, which is a blend of Greek, Venetian and even Turkish influences is anything but. Corfu old town, which at first glance looks like a city in Tuscany (thanks to the 400-year Venetian occupation of the region), offers lesser-known Greek history, culture and flavors – but is well worth the exploration.

Just 30 minutes from the town is MarBella Corfu, a sun-soaked Mediterranean paradise in a world of its own. The hotel is located in the beautiful Agios Ionannis Peristeron, which is characterised by tranquil waters and gently curved coastlines, and could not be better placed as a quintessential Greek paradise.

MarBella Corfu is vast with endless outdoor spaces, restaurants and amenities that cater to its diverse clientele. This includes pools a plenty, a spa, a tennis court, a fully-equipped fitness centre with plenty of classes to choose from, exclusive excursions and a new aqua park. There’s plenty to feast on here for adventure-seeking guests looking to go beyond the ‘fly and flop’ holidays that the Med has become synonymous with.

The over-300 room hotel is spread across the hillside and has generously-sized rooms all offering incredible views of the Ionian sea. We stayed in one of the superior suites, which came with a glorious wraparound balcony and private hot tub, a perfect complement the mild chill of evenings in the Med.

MarBella Corfu has four restaurants which include a main buffet style restaurant, a Greek, Italian and newly-opened pan-Asian and French style restaurants. There is also a beach club in a private man-made beach, that is the perfect spot to relish in the gentle lapping of the waves of the Ionian sea.

The fabulously family-friendly hotel offers great value and visitors who take the Ultra All-Inclusive package means families can relax and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at any of the hotels food & beverage establishments for €69 per person.

After spending the day by the pool, exploring nearby Paxos in a private yacht, or maybe indulging in a pampering treatment at the spa, venture into the hotel lobby for some live music and dancing, that brings the hotel’s diverse cast of guests together. There is a sense of community here, helped by the friendliness and efficiency of the staff, and the magic of this place. It is clear that while guests book a stay at MarBella Corfu for the sun and sea, they come back because they become part of the MarBella family.

For more information visit marBella.gr

Couples Travel May 8, 2022

THE OTHER SIDE OF TUSCANY: WHERE TO GO THIS SUMMER

Beyond the gorgeous coast and the quintessentially Tuscan towns of Pisa and Florence, there is plenty to do in the much-loved region of Tuscany. Travellers can find so much more in store to explore, travelling beyond the gateways with ease to quaint and quiet corners to the lesser-known hidden gems of Lucca and Barga.

LUCCA

Time travel to the Renaissance era

Near Pisa and Florence, lies Lucca, the city of a hundred churches. Visitors can enjoy walking along the historic city walls and explore the gorgeous gardens and squares. Travellers will fall in love with the city for its sights but also for its flavours when visiting local markets and wineries. To experience the city just like the old times, Grand Universe Lucca offers a tour by horse and carriage with an aperitif (from £41 per person) or ‘bike & bites’ for a walk on the walls that surround the city with a typical (and delicious) local snack.

Book the ‘Summer In Lucca’ package directly through Marriott (www.marriott.co.uk) for a four-night stay for two at the Grand Universe Lucca. The package includes accommodation in a king-sized room on a bed and breakfast basis and a wine tasting experience for two from £1,542. Based on June travel dates.

Live concerts in the square: Lucca Summer Festival in Piazza Napoleone

The most anticipated musical event in the Italian summer is back this year in Lucca, a Tuscan city with a long musical tradition. The month-long Lucca Summer Festival from (25 June – 24 July 2022) features legendary artists from all over the world, performing across the city in historical venues and public squares. The 2022 line-up already features Justin Bieber, John Legend, Liam Gallagher, Zucchero. The Sommita’ Martin Orsyn Champagne rooftop at the Grand Universe Lucca is the best-hidden spot to soak up the atmosphere with a glass of champagne.

Expedia (www.expedia.co.uk) offers a 3-night stay at Grand Universe Lucca during the Lucca Music Festival in a king-sized room with city views priced from £960 for two people over the weekend that John Legend is performing. Based on travel from 8 – 11 June, for two adults sharing.

BARGA

Discover Barga, Italy’s most Scottish town!

Head to Barga for an escape that feels like a home away from home. Largely still under the radar, Barga proudly prides itself on being ‘the most Scottish place in Italy’. Whilst the destination looks like a classic medieval Italian town with its Duomo, red-roofed houses and cobbled streets, surprisingly it has very strong Scottish connections going back to the turn of the last century. Guests can discover the beautiful historic centre, the vineyards and olive groves and join traditional folklore events.

Marriott (www.marriott.co.uk) offers ‘the Summer In Tuscany’ for weekend stays Friday to Sunday for two people at the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa. A two-night stay including daily breakfast, dinner and one bottle of wine per day for two is priced from £555 based on June departures. Excluding flights.

Explore Il Ciocco, a biker’s heaven

Nature lovers will fall in love will Il Ciocco, an off-the-beaten-track destination in the heart of the Serchio Valley. This is a fascinating part of Tuscany, nestled in the Apennine Mountains straddling the regions of Tuscany and Emilia. Locals consider Il Ciocco a mountain bike haven for its evolving network of bike routes with kilometres of itineraries in the woods for every riding style. Not a bike fan? Trekking is also high on the agenda here and visitors can look for wild herbs and seek out breathtaking views.

Thomas Cook (www.thomascook.com) offers a three-night stay at Reinassance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa in a double room priced from £956.75 for two adults sharing, including flights from London Stansted with Ryanair. Based on a 1 July departure.

Detox on a spa resort with an Italian touch

Travellers looking to break free from the stress of daily life should look no further than the Tuscan countryside. Surrounded by 1,700 acres of gorgeously landscaped grounds is the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa with luxury rooms and suites with spectacular valley views. Guests can refresh in the sparkling waters of two pools, or rejuvenate at the resort spa. Some of the spa’s highlight treatments involve local products such as the wine ritual with Tuscan grapes and the cabernet scrub with a grape marmalade.

Expedia (www.expedia.co.uk) offers a three-night stay at the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa in a king-sized room priced from £582 for two people over the weekend. Based on travel from 10 – 13 June for two adults sharing.

Couples Travel March 21, 2022

Lindos Grand Resort & Spa: the adults-only celestial city with views of the Aegean

Lindos Grand Resort & Spa is perched just above Vlycha Bay, one of the most peaceful pebble beaches in Rhodes. On arrival to the hotel, guests are welcomed into a bright lobby and outside terrace with soaring views of brilliant skies and large infinity pool, one of the largest on the island – which takes eyes directly to a vast stretch of the Aegean beyond. The property is the fifth and latest from the Minettos family owned high-end chain, Lindos Hotels Group.

Chic, contemporary and sparkling white, the five-star hotel offers an ethereal feel on the hilltop with plenty of room to roam, beautiful manicured gardens to unwind in and a tranquil spa. Rooms and suites are modern and relaxed, with hugely comfortable beds, a muted colour palette in the well-appointed bathrooms and floor to ceiling windows allowing the natural light to stream into the space at sunset. For the majority of the 189 rooms at the adults-only hotel, the turquoise private pool that curves around each offers a complete slice of heaven. The rooms are designed in such a way that guests feel like they are in their own secluded villa with complete privacy but yet are just moments from the hotel’s sensational restaurants, two buzzy bars and expert concierge services.

The dining at Lindos Grand Resort & Spa is famed throughout the island and is the envy of other hotels in the region. The key component being the skill and artistry of Executive Chef Stavros Manousakis. Chef Manousakis has been a part of Lindos for 11 years, truly a family affair. He has travelled extensively and works with local children in addition to his work at the hotel to ignite a passion for all things culinary.

Three à la carte restaurants offer an exquisite variety of cuisine and there are plans to open other concepts in 2022. There is the Mediterranean-focused Acqua e Sale and the fine dining Greek Restaurant, Thalatta which explores the rich culinary heritage of the Dodecanese Islands. Time honoured recipes are given new life thanks to the creative flair of the expert chefs in the hotel’s kitchen. Fresh produce from the island is cooked to perfection and all washed down with wines so local and golden, it is unlikely you will ever sip them again, unless you sought them out. The Japanese Yume Mou is an omakase experience that is simply breathtaking with the cobalt sea in the foreground and the chef preparing delicious morsels in front of your eyes. Chef Manousakis will take epicureans through each exquisite dish and his culinary journey as to why each ingredient is served on the special menu, from dashi to Red Snapper, sushi and fresh oysters. The main restaurant, Terra Mare offers views of the ocean and serves up breakfast from 5:30am – 11:30am, for those early birds or late risers and a buffet-style, laid-back dining experience in the evening. Guests also have the option to order breakfast directly to the room, at a small surcharge.

Just a stone’s throw from the relaxed vibe around the pool and chilled music at Atmos Lounge is Vlycha Beach where there is a dedicated section of hotel-owned loungers just by the lapping shores. If a spot of culture away from the hotel is on the agenda, the property is just minutes from Lindos Old Town located at the foot of the acropolis that dates back to 300BC. To burn off all the delectable food served by the charismatic Chef Manousakis, guests can ascend to the top of the hilltop and enjoy otherworldly views of the Aegean, as far as the eye can see that will truly make your soul soar.

Also not to be missed is the Medieval City of Rhodes which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved and largest inhabited medieval towns in Europe. Visitors can immerse themselves in a bygone age and explore the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, get lost along quaint cobbled streets, dine in the flower-filled gardens of unassuming restaurants such as the superb Marco Polo Mansion and browse artisan market stalls selling local wears. Back at the hotel, Lindos Grand will be hosting Ceramic and Cooking classes this summer and offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture of Rhodes and return home with a traditional Grecian skill.

This year, all roads are leading to Rhodes.

Rates for Lindos Grand Resort & Spa start from £200 a night on a B&B basis staying in a Deluxe Double Room, Garden View. To book, visit www.lindosgrand.com