Hotel d’Inghilterra has always been the hotel of choice for Rome’s movers and shakers as well as Hollywood stars for the past 160 years. The beautiful building has a history that dates back to the sixteenth century and was originally the guest quarters for visitors to the palazzo directly across the cobbled street, belonging to the noble Torlonia family. Hotel d’Inghilterra takes its name from the poet John Keats who, together with Lord Byron and Shelley, made it their top destination when visiting the city on their grand tours.
Aristocrats and celebrities alike have entered through the soaring grand doors, paused in the breathtaking lobby and dined in the suave bar and restaurant. From Hans Christian Andersen to Henry James, Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, Elizabeth Taylor and Gregory Peck. If walls could talk. Nestled in the historic quarter in the centre of Italy’s capital, just a stone’s throw from the Spanish Steps, the property has been a stalwart for Roman society and is a timeless luxury hotel in the Eternal City.
84 rooms and suites are each seeped with their own style, identity and charm and each offer 24-hour room service. The decor is elegantly put together with antique furnishings and contemporary finishes, creating the perfect synergy of majestic meets modern. For an additional dose of decadence, book one of the Executive or Penthouse Suites, renowned for being some of the most iconic hotel rooms in Rome. The Executive Suite boasts a luxury furnished dining room, a lavish bathtub and sauna, two bathrooms in total, an ultra-comfortable pillow menu, sitting area, kitchenette, dressing room and a French balcony offering soaring views over the rust-coloured ornate Roman roofs. The exquisite Penthouse Suite offers an enormous private terrace with views over the city, the ideal spot for a private dinner or sunset cocktail. When dust descends, Hotel d’Inghilterra also offers a panoramic rooftop overlooking the city.
The best way to get tips and tricks for the day ahead is to eavesdrop on conversations at Café Romano where sensational breakfasts and steaming coffees are served up on monochrome tables that spill out onto the street. Discerning guests who know Rome like the back of their hands discuss those under the radar historic monuments, authentic espresso bars in Trastevere and off the beaten track restaurants peddling the best pasta in Lazio. Café Romano also serves dinner and is filled with epicureans seeking delicious Mediterranean cuisine as well as a selection of local delicacies.
The restaurant is perfectly positioned for watching the lively Via Borgognona and admiring elegant Romans sauntering past on their way to an Aperitivo hour in the afternoon. For additional expert information into the best sites, restaurants and shopping spots in the city, the hotel’s multi-lingual concierge team are on hand to fulfill every wish.
With a major renovation in 2022 but with its soul remaining intact, a new wave of guests will experience the beautiful hotel for the first time with a new look, as well as devoted visitors who venture back to Rome and stay at Hotel d’Inghilterra, time after time.
Superior Rooms at Hotel d’Inghilterra Roma are priced from Euro 326 per room per night on a bed and breakfast basis. www.starhotelscollezione.com
There is something about Cambridge that instantly makes you fall in love. Maybe it’s the punters, drifting along on the River Cam, maybe it’s the allure of the city’s cobblestoned streets, or even the hallowed halls of the numerous famous universities that call it home. Whatever it is – TeamCocopup certainly felt the love during our dog-friendly visit to the Graduate Hotel Cambridge – which takes all these elements and turns them into a truly unique hotel stay.
Part of the wonderfully quirky Graduate Hotels Group, Graduate Hotel Cambridge is an idyllic retreat located on The River Cam that was inspired by this university town’s rich traditions. Academic influences are rife, with plenty of handsome leatherbound books occupying the shelves a hanging double-helix centrepiece, and 100 year-old punting boats hung gleefully on the walls.
Colourful college crests adorn the main desk in the lobby which is manned by the lovely hotel staff. Beyond that is the Garden Bar, a striking wraparound bar, with leather barstools and cosy booths and plenty of charm. There is a broad range of cocktails and bar snacks on offer here, plus a vast array of specialty beers. It is also dog friendly – and perfect for well-behaved pooches like TeamCocopup.
We stayed in one of the hotel’s Graduate Riverview King rooms with a balcony. Overlooking the River Cam, the rooms offered all the creature comforts – with plenty of vibrant design details. An Indian-inspired headboard is matched with a bright green armchair, with punter-inspired shelving and checked curtains. The mish-mash of colour, texture, and print works very well here – and envelope you in a comfy and quirky atmosphere.
The Garden House, the hotel’s main restaurant, boasts a delectable seasonal menu that celebrates the best of East Anglian cookery. Helmed by Executive Adam Wood, this open grill kitchen is a cacophony of aromas as soon as you enter. For starters, we sampled the grilled cockles, which offered just the right kick. This was followed by the delicious, glazed beef short rib with brussels and celeriac, and impossibly-tender grilled Herdwick lamb, salsify and quince. Paired with a bottle of the restaurant’s gorgeous Argentinian Malbec and you would be hard-pressed to find a better spot for a romantic Valentine’s Day meal.
This fabulously dog friendly hotel is perfectly situated in the town’s historic centre, within walking distance to all the tourist sites, local pubs and colourful shops.
We recommend visiting Cambridge Wine Merchants for its diverse range of wines and spirits – or better yet book in for a tasting. The Old Bike Shop is an excellent, dog friendly spot for lunch and the Cambridge Botanical Garden is also another lovely dog friendly day out.
You can’t go to Cambridge and not go punting and Scudamore’s station on Granta Pi is right next to the hotel. Here you can see the Mathematical Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs and all of Cambridge’s most idyllic sites.
There is no better way to end the day than at The Graduate’s own garden, which is situated right on the River Cam. Charlie loved sitting in the freshly cut grass, while we enjoyed a nice pot of tea watching the punters slowly drift by, as they have done for hundreds of years. The Graduate is truly an idyllic retreat on the River Cam – and the ideal location for a Valentine’s Day staycation that’s more than a bit extraordinary.
For those thinking Hungary is just about goulash and Tokaji dessert wine, it is high time they took a visit to this stunning country in central Europe which is only 2 hours by plane from London. The capital of Hungary, Budapest has no less than 7 Michelin-starred restaurants. Since Hungary won Bocuse d’Or Europe in 2016 (the Olympics of the culinary world), they’ve been going from strength to strength and they will be hosting the European final of the Bocuse d’Or in March 2022.
The Bocuse d’Or Hungary success was down to Tamás Széll at Stand Budapest, which is also Michelin-starred (Tamás is now also the trainer at the Hungarian Bocuse d’Or Academy). Securing a table at Stand can be a tricky affair as they are busy on all days of the week. Whilst seasonal changes do occur, they’ve always kept Tamás’ award-winning dish, sterlet with cucumber salad and clam sauce topped with caviar. It’s decadent and it encapsulates the best of Hungary, with sterlet traditionally caught from the Danube. One thing to note is their vegetarian tasting menu which is quite an advancement for a nation that thrives on meat-eating, especially mangalitsa pork.
Café culture has been a crucial part of the Hungarian way of life and particularly since the end of communism in 1989. The New York Café is one of those iconic venues you must book in early to savour their world-famous afternoon teas.
Michelin-starred dining isn’t all about glitz and glam, you can get equally inventive food in a relaxed brasserie-style environment at Borkonyha Wine Kitchen. The key to Michelin success is often championing local ingredients, so at Borkonyha you get an extremely refreshing sturgeon with grapefruit and dashi. You will also often find beetroot in Hungarian dishes, so at their restaurant, it is served up to compliment quail and black salsify. The saturated colours make the dish visually appealing but the sweetness is the perfect foil for the mildly gamey flavours of the quail.
The wine industry has come on leaps and bounds since communism ended in Hungary in 1989. Arguably their most famous export is Tokaji dessert wine and dining at the fine dining restaurants mentioned previously, you’ll learn they are rated from 3 to 6 puttonyos. The higher the number, the higher is the sugar content and generally more valuable. Although you have to give careful consideration not to pair the sweetest dessert with a 6 puttonyos wine.
Much like the English wine industry, Hungarian sparkling wine is experiencing a booming market. One winery tour I would strongly recommend taking is to visit Kreinbacher estate in Somló. You get to sample exquisite wine with wonderful minerality due to the volcanic heritage of the area but also admire the stunning award-winning architecture of their winery with buildings that seamlessly blend in with the natural surroundings.
Why not combine winery tours with a spot of sightseeing? The ideal place for this is the historic town of Pannonhalma. The Benedictine Pannonhalma Archabbey and the accompanying library is one of the most impressive destinations in Hungary to visit and being situated on a hill in a relatively flat landscape, means you get unrivalled views of the countryside. Wine-making started here in 996 by Benedictine monks and has since been revived again post-communism.
The other destination to consider whilst you are exploring the scenic countryside is Lake Balaton. It is the largest lake in central Europe and where plenty of locals have their second homes and decamp over the summer months. A ferry ride across the pristine lake whilst admiring the sunset is one of those bucket list moments you will remember for the rest of your life. There are worthy dining options to consider in the area including the restaurant Kistücsök, which arguably started the modern Hungarian culinary revolution back in 1992. You can try classic Hungarian street food dishes like lángos, which is a deep-fried flatbread, and Mangalica ham.
Finally, if you are concerned about the calories, there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities to burn off the excess energy, particularly in Budapest. Budapest has one of the most spectacular parliament buildings in the world. Their grand staircase is truly a sight to behold and the best thing is they offer regular guided tours for you to enjoy. You get to tour half of the parliament building which used to be the House of Lords but that was abolished in 1945.
The other must-visit historic part of Budapest is the Buda Castle District filled with superlative attractions like the Moorish-influenced church Matthias and the recently renovated, St Stephen’s Hall of the Royal Palace. And you can’t say you’ve been to Hungary without having visited their world-famous bathhouses, like Spa Széchenyi. It’s the largest medicinal spa in Europe, the most visited attraction in Budapest, it has 18 pools and 10 saunas/steam cabins. This is just the kind of destination that reminds you why you’ve missed travelling so much in the last few years.
For more information on their beautiful country, please check out https://visithungary.com/
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, don’t get caught up making last minute plans. We’ve rounded up some of the most exciting special events in some of London’s most romantic restaurants, so you can wow your partner this V-Day.
A cosy dinner at Kutir, Chelsea
Behind the doors of an elegant Chelsea townhouse, acclaimed restaurant Kutir boasts beautifully decorated interiors in an intimate, cosy setting that is perfect for a lowkey Valentine’s Day meal.
Chef Rohit Ghai has created a 6-course Valentine’s Day menu of signature dishes, including masala prawns and pheasant with beetroot chutney. The menu is priced at £80pp with additional wine pairing options, and a vegetarian menu is available too.
A romantic meal in private booth at The Colony Grill Room, Mayfair
Transport your date back to the roaring 20’s at The Colony Grill Room, the Beaumont Hotel’s glamorous 20’s-inspired restaurant. The restaurant is led by Chef Ben Boeynaems and offers an incredible menu of transatlantic dishes. Finish off with drinks at Le Magritte which offers creative cocktails inspired by René Magritte and can be enjoyed alongside a luxurious Oysters & Caviar menu.
Champagne and Caviar at Trivet, Bermondsey
For a truly exceptional dining experience, look no further than Trivet, the first solo restaurant from Fat Duck alumni Jonny Lake and Isa Bal. Here, you can enjoy stand-out dishes, including the signature ‘Hokkaido Potato’ dessert, as well as exquisite wines from the 350-strong wine cellar.
For added luxury on Valentine’s Day, indulge in champagne and caviar – in the form of a buttermilk fan-tan with cultured butter and caviar – can be arranged on arrival on February 14 for £95 per couple.
Drag Bingo at Double Standard, King’s Cross
Valentine’s Day certainly doesn’t have to be a drag – especially if you’re going to an incredible night of drag bingo at the Double Standard.
This month’s Valentine’s special will be held on February 14, and will be hosted by long-term host Grace Shush, who will be accompanied by fellow drag superstar, Sue Gives a Fuck. Perfect for those looking for a non-conventional Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s puddings at The Proof, East London
Tantalise your partner’s sweet tooth this Valentine’s Day with a visit to East London bakery, The Proof. This year, The Proof is offering a range of special Valentine’s Day pudds including the L’Amour cake and Profiterole Heart.
The Proof will sculpt their signature profiteroles into heart-shaped wreaths, each pastry filled with crème Chantilly and topped with dark chocolate and gold leaf.
The L’Amour cake features three layers of sponge – either chocolate or vanilla – and is topped with red and white Swiss meringue buttercream. Perfect for a sweet ending to Valentine’s Day.
Dress to the nines at The Ninth, Fitzrovia
Perfect for a romantic meal, The Ninth is a Michelin-starred restaurant that encourages intimate dining with a sharing plate menu, which focuses on simple yet refined Mediterranean-style cooking made with the best seasonal ingredients.
This contemporary French restaurant is a beautifully decorated, sophisticated spot on Fitzrovia’s Charlotte Street, perfect to ramp up the romance on Valentine’s Day.
Leave room for the dessert menu, which includes Chef Jun Tanaka’s signature Pain Perdu.
Native at Browns, Mayfair
The epitome of sustainable chic, Native at Browns sees the foraging-focused restaurant take residency in one of Mayfair’s most luxurious department stores. So, you can finish off your next Valentine’s date with a little retail therapy.
Perfect for treating your eco-conscious partner, small plates to share include wood pigeon kebab with Native harissa, while dessert-lovers can indulge in the signature Marrowmel – a bone marrow and white chocolate caramel. Natural wines and cocktails made with foraged ingredients complete the date. Romance and sustainability going hand in hand – now that’s something we really love. While Native isn’t open on 14 February, it’s open on th 12/13th of February making for a perfect romantic date spot on Valentine’s Day weekend.
Go on a culinary escapade from Italy to Japan at Angelina, Dalston
This Valentine’s Day, guests can enjoy a 10-course Italo-Japanese omakase tasting menu at cult Dalston restaurant Angelina. Dishes include chawanmushi (savoury egg custard)andhamachi with truffle and handmade pasta, all served up in the intimate, candlelit dining room.
For a real celebration, match the menu with Angelina’s ‘rare and old wine’ pairing, showcasing a hand-picked selection of unique and exceptional Italian wines.
Authentic and intimate Italian dining at Luca, Clerkenwell
Clerkenwell’s much-loved Luca is one of London’s most beautiful restaurants and the ideal spot for an intimate dinner on Valentine’s Day.
You can start the romance at Luca’s gorgeous bar for a cocktail and plate of their signature parmesan fries, before moving either into the main dining room or to dine al fresco (if you dare to brave the weather).
The secluded terrace surrounded by olive trees and jasmine is warmed by the open fire, and makes for an idyllic spot to enjoy dishes of rigatoni with pork sausage ragu or taglierini with black winter truffle. It’s amore!
Disclaimer: While Luca isn’t open on 14 February, the restaurant is operating on th 12/13th of February making for a perfect romantic date spot on Valentine’s Day weekend.
Spice up your night at Decimo, The Standard, Kings Cross
Spice up your Valentine’s Day at Decimo which is widely hailed as one of London’s sexiest restaurants. Decimo is the ultimate date night spot, thanks to a mix of incredible Spanish-Mexican cuisine from Michelin-starred Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, playful drinks, plush interiors and unmatched views across the city.
Unmissable menu highlights this Valentine’s Day include the iconic Spanish tortilla (with a caviar-topped version available for those looking to indulge), gambas rojas and chistorra and black bean tacos. While Decimo may not be open on 14 February, it is open on th 12/13th of February making for a perfect romantic date spot on Valentine’s Day weekend.
Chotto Matte is putting on a luxurious Love Parade on Valentine’s Weekend to celebrate love in all its formsincluding love for your girls. The incredible activation has been designed for everyone to enjoy and it’s perfect for a Galentine’s night out!
The event will see the return of the brand’s entertainment programme Chotto Lates, with flamboyant live shows and sensual acts inspired by the wild bird love parades of Peru, perfect hot spot to celebrate love with friends or loved ones.
Sumosan Twiga invites guests to fall truly, madly and deeply in love this Valentine’s Weekend!
On Saturday 12th, guests will enjoy celebrations late into the night at the famous Sloane Street location. Live entertainment throughout the night will feature the best of Cabaret, from pin up singers and cancan dancers to trumpet players, drummers, and even a mime, captivating the audience all night long.
Meanwhile, on Monday the 14th of February, Sumosan Twiga will ensure guests have a wonderfully romantic experience with live music, saxophone players and an incredible tango duo to set the mood alight.
The earlier sitting, costing £120 per person, will welcome guests from 6:30pm with a glass of Kir Royale followed by a selection of Sushi and Maki Rolls, carefully chosen by Chef Alessandro Scala.
Enjoy a ‘Lovestruck’ cocktail composed of Beefeater pink gin, sour mix, strawberry puree and topped with basil leaves alongside a three-course set menu (£24.95) including Bill’s infamous Crispy Chicken and Sesame Dumplings.
No Valentine’s meal is complete without dessert, opt for either the Sharing Profiteroles, complete with vanilla ice, hot chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of gold glitter, or the ever-indulgent Carrot Cake Doughnuts.
If you’re looking for a special place to celebrate with your partner or gather your best friends for that ‘Galentine’s Day’ experience, Bill’s is ready to treat you to the most romantic evening.
House of Coco have been lucky enough to experience many wonderful launches, places, and products. Most recently #TeamCoco were some of the first guests and UK press to experience a new resort in the Maldives: Cora Cora.
So, here is a whistle-stop summary of the new resort. Be sure to keep an eye out for the full feature in our next print issue to find out why your next booking should be Cora Cora.
Compared to our usual level of luxury, Cora Cora isn’t up there. Yet the resort offers a different type of luxury, freedom. After multiple lockdowns and what feels like a never-ending global pandemic, freedom is what we are all yearning for. So, the fact Cora Cora’s main concept is freedom, makes it the most luxurious place of all.
The resort is situated on Maamigili Island in Raa Atoll, a natural lagoon in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Cora Cora is the vibrant and colourful dose of escapism in a place full of blue skies and turqoise waters. The resort offers 100 villas ranging from beach villas to a family villa complete with pool and slide into the ocean.
Cora Cora has a premium all-inclusive concept meaning you can enjoy all the food you like. The package also includes a few complimentary resort experiences.
The food at Cora Cora is most definitely a highlight as Head Chef, Muath Abu Diab oversees the four restaurants. From Acquapazza, an Italian restaurant, who’s chef has only cooked pizza for 15 years. To Tazaa a restaurant that has a ‘curry master’ that specialises in 50 curries from Indian to Maldivian. The curated culinary team is set to make every dish unforgettable. They also cater for a range of dietary requirements; opt for vegan meals, refined sugar free treats, or tee-total drinks.
For a small island there is a lot to do at Cora Cora. Have a massage at the Moshka Spa, snorkel in the home coral reef just meters from the beach, have a fly board lesson or simply while away the hours by the pool.
The resort celebrates the culture and heritage of the Maldives with an on-site museum and heritage site. The island is home to two extremely rare ritual baths from the pre-Islamic times. Along with an array of artefacts from throughout the ages; a haven for history lovers.
If guests wish to venture off the island there are excursions ranging from jet-ski tours to other islands and sandbank picnics. There is also the option of a boat trip to Ghost Island, an island left abandoned by the 2004 tsunami.
In the evenings relax after dinner with a few drinks and live music or opt for a romantic evening with beach cabana dinner. There is even the option to watch a film of your choice with a private ‘cinema on the sand’.
However you choose to spend your time at Cora Cora, the team will ensure you enjoy your freedom time and leave feeling rejuvenated.
Hannah Tan-Gillies and our intrepid doggy reporter #TeamCocopup Charlie checked into the Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison, just two weeks after its official opening to experience everything that this all-apartment boutique property has to offer.
Tucked away in a quiet cul de sac in South Kensington, Lexham Gardens is the newest boutique property by the prestigious Cheval Collection and undoubtedly one of London’s most luxurious homes away from home.
We were only the second-ever humans (and first-ever dog) to stay at our Burgundy-themed luxury two-bedroom apartment. From the outside looking in, Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison and its white-columned façade, blend into the other pristine buildings on the crescent. Inside, however, the property is the picture of contemporary, understated luxury.
Experience Modern Luxury at Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison
The striking lobby, which is more akin to the stylish lounge of your most fashionable friend, is simultaneously warm and grandiose. Here, we were greeted by the lovely Milena, who made sure we had everything we needed for our stay. The check-in process was easy, and smooth and also included a temperature check – making our stay safe, comfortable and free of COVID woes.
Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison offers 30, individually designed one or two-bedroom boutique apartments, with each one offering its distinctive take on modern-day luxury.
We stayed in the Burgundy-themed apartment on the second floor. The dazzling space is characterised by deep burgundy walls, chevron-patterned wood flooring, white marble, and plenty of rich textures in neutral tones. The muted colour palette of the soft furnishings, balances the bold hues of the wall, while deep gold and bronze accents add panache to an already stand-out space.
We were greeted with a delightful welcome hamper, complete with Champagne, canapés, freshly-baked bread, and everything you need to enjoy a glorious summer picnic at the nearby Kensington Gardens. Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison doesn’t offer breakfast, and while the British summer weather didn’t allow for an outdoor picnic – our hamper certainly offered plenty of breakfast fare to feast on during our stay.
Unparalleled Comfort and Convenience
The fully stocked kitchen has everything you need for an extended stay too. It is complete with all cutleries, plates, and glasses, and comes with a toaster, coffee machine, fridge freezer, hob, and oven. The TVs are also Chromecast-enabled, perfect for a Saturday night.
The two generously-sized bedrooms were undoubtedly luxurious, but equally inviting. The master bedroom has an en-suite of course, which was also equipped with heated floors and an electric toilet. An indulgence, I thought was only ever available in Japan.
Our apartment, like all other apartments in Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison, was dog-friendly. Charlie was greeted with a dog bowl, doggy treats, and a (if ever just slightly too small) dog bed and felt very welcomed by the staff.
Exploring South Kensington
While it may seem counter-intuitive to leave the comforts of your apartment, there’s plenty to explore in South Kensington that’s walking distance from Lexham Gardens. Kensington Gardens is just a 15-minute stroll away, and the ideal spot to exercise overly energetic pooches like Charlie.
In front of the park, there is Publiq which is more than just your stylish neighbourhood local. Envisioned as a modern public house, Publiq offers sensational British sharing plates, natural wines, and fabulous alcoholic slushies in a casual yet cool atmosphere. Publiq was built on a People, Produce, Positive mantra and this ethos certainly reflects on the quality of the food on offer.
One thing that sets Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison apart from other boutique properties, is its ability to make you feel absolutely and authentically at home. After our two-night stay, leaving felt like saying goodbye to a place that we have cherished for years. It is a feeling of warmth and conviviality that not a lot of luxury properties can boast, and one of the many, many reasons we shall be returning.
One-bedroom apartments start from £260 per night. For further information about Cheval, visit www.chevalcollection.com
Croatia is on the UK’s elusive green list and is a travel destination unlike anything else in the world. Croatia is a blend of Central European and Mediterranean culture, offering endless coastlines, beautifully-mild weather, plenty of history and some excellent cuisine too. One of the best ways to explore Croatia is by luxury Croatia cruises where you will not only enjoy this luxury experience but also get to explore the unique coasts and waters of Croatia – from visiting beautiful islands and discovering ancient towns, to embarking on thrilling water sports in the sparkling Adriatic Sea. A Croatia cruise is an opportunity for travelers to be completely immersed in the beauty of Croatian culture and nature, as well as relax and indulge in luxury during their travels.
If you’re planning to visit Croatia for a last-minute late summer retreat, our editors at House of Coco have curated the very best and most sumptuous private villas and hotels this beautiful country has to offer so you don’t have to.
The stunning new Villa Nai 3.3n is unlike any other luxury property in the world. The villa is ‘born in nature and made in nature’ and is located in the alluring and secluded island of Dugi Otok. This newly-opened property is now a member of the Leading Hotels in the world and features just eight beautifully-designed rooms and suites, brought to life by renowned Croatian architect Nikola Bašić.
Villa Nai 3.3 blends in with its natural surroundings and combines nautical inspirations with the ultimate luxury design details. This incredibly unique property was constructed from excavated stone and is surrounded by olive groves. It also has a stunning restaurant offering delicious Croatian cuisine and a phenomenal spa and wellness facility.
How: Prices start from €721.00 per night for a Grove View Deluxe Room, based on two adults sharing, including breakfast.
The Luxury Travel Book has a wonderful selection of luxury villas in Dubrovnik, Brac and Hvar offering secluded yet stunning homes away from home for those travelling with family and friends.
This expansive holiday villa is nestled right at the centre of Duboka Bay in the island of Brac and offers plenty of glorious privacy. Surrounded by pine trees, olive groves and picturesque gardens, and with beach access too – this villa is the perfect spot to get back in touch with nature. The main villa has three bedrooms, each one with its own veranda. The Duboka retreat also has its own separate guest house with views of the gardens and the sea beyond. Oh, and did we mention it also had a pool?
HOW: Duboka Retreat is available from £12,550 per week (plus £2,555 for the additional apartment accommodation). For more information visit www.theluxurytravelbook.com
Villa Hvar is right at the centre of the historic centre of Hvar. The villa is located just 20 metres from the waterfront and is a quick walk away from all the cultural and historical sites of Hvar’s main town. This gorgeous, Gothic house dates back to the 1600s and comes with its own heated pool (which can be transformed from indoor to outdoor). It also has generous outdoor seating, a sauna, jacuzzi, and a wine cellar complete with a curated selection of first-class Croatian wines.
Just a ten-minute drive from Dubrovnik, Villa Zaton Bay combines a stunning seafront location with total privacy. This handsome villa was originally built for aristocrats in Dubrovnik and is a marvel of Croatian renaissance architecture. So much so, that it is a registered Croatian National Heritage monument.
Inside, the villa has been renovated to all its former glory, retaining beautiful structural features like the original stone staircase, while also featuring modern luxury comforts and contemporary design. There is also a swimming pool and a private chapel in the garden.
HOW: Villa Zaton Bay is available from £9,500 per week. For more information visit www.theluxurytravelbook.com
Maslina Resort is a Relais & Chateaux property that ticks all the right the boxes. This five-star property is ideally located near Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in the Eastern Adriatic. Maslina Resort has mindfulness at its centre and offers 50 generously-spaced rooms and three luxury villas. It stretches across two stunning hectares of pine forests and blends contemporary design with an ethos of mindful luxury. What is ‘mindful luxury’ you say? This means that every design detail and service foster a sense of wellbeing and connection with nature, making Maslina an incomparable ecological retreat. Need we say more?
HOW: Prices start from €240.00 per night for a Garden Suite, based on two adults sharing, excluding breakfast.
As the Olympic Games opens in Tokyo this summer, get a little taste of Japan here in the UK at The Prince Akatoki, the only 5-star Japanese hotel in London. Drawing inspiration from Asia, this is the perfect destination to relax and experience Japanese culture. House of Coco was invited to try the hotel’s Taste of Japan package, designed to create an authentic, memorable stay.
The experience starts as you check-in to one of the luxurious rooms, where you are welcomed with special Japanese inspired comforts including a traditional tea set so you can create your own tea ceremony and Yukata robe laid out on your bed, which add a little Asian fusion to your stay. All of the bedrooms are spacious however we were lucky enough to be upgraded to one of the suites. This zen sanctuary oozes style and elegance, combining neutral tones and minimalist lines, synonymous with Japanese interiors. A clean, fresh, light aesthetic is continued throughout the hotel. Soft white walls and natural wood run throughout the space. As well as a large bedroom and bathroom, the suite includes a kitchen and living space, ideal for relaxing in. The floor to ceiling windows in the bedroom floods the room with natural light. A stunning fusuma panel inspired wall is the focal point of the suite bringing an accent of colour to the room. There are touches of the Far East scattered all around the hotel including the beautiful Ikebana style floral displays.
After checking in we went for a stroll. The hotel is perfectly located for anyone who wants to explore London. Hyde Park is on your doorstep, and it is a short walk to Oxford Street and Bond Street.
After a couple of hours shopping and taking in the sights, we were ready to relax so went back to the hotel for a drink and dinner. It is wonderfully calm in The Prince Akatoki and you instantly feel a million miles away from the bustling London streets.
Superb sake is the name of the game at The Malt Bar and you can’t stay here without sampling the Japanese homegrown sake. Located on the ground floor of the hotel, this sophisticated, grown up bar has a serious selection of rare Japanese whiskies and spirits. Whisky fans can purchase their own premium bottle which will be housed in the bar’s secret vault that only you can access with your own key as and when you fancy a tipple. A full bloom cherry blossom tree has been installed in the corner and is the perfect backdrop to sip Sakura inspired cocktails. We sampled some of the extensive cocktail menu, I opted for a Momo Martini, a blend of Haku vodka, St. Germain, lychee water, peach honey and yuzu.
After drinks we head to TOKii restaurant for some authentic Japanese cuisine. The space is contemporary, dark timber joinery, screen divides and low lighting create an intimate atmosphere. The A La Carte menu has something for everyone with signature dishes, lighter bites and sides as well as a full menu of Nigiri, Sashimi and Sushi Roll options. The dishes served are like works of art and pretty enough to fill any Instagram feed. We opted for a bit of everything and were not disappointed, every dish was delicious. TOKii’s menu is modern, fresh and combines the best of Eastern and Western flavours. Highlights include the lobster croquettes, crisp and delicate with a perfectly balanced ponzu and mango salsa. The crispy pork belly was rich in flavour and the Cornish crab mayonnaise was not only an array of mouth popping tastes, but it was also beautifully presented, so much so I felt bad eating it. Our waitress insisted we try the wagyu beef with spicy ponzu sauce and I am so glad we did, it was ‘melt in your mouth’ tender and bursting with flavour. I would come back here just for the dining experience.
The Japanese pride themselves on service and the staff here are excellent, the attention to detail and level of hospitality was faultless throughout our stay. The hotel offers guests a chance to explore a culture rich in unique experiences set in a luxurious, relaxing space. The Prince Akatoki is a staycation that will whisk you to the other side of the world, without having to travel abroad.
Nightly rates at The Prince Akatoki London start from £229. A Taste of Japan Experience also includes a sushi masterclass and Ikebana flower arranging, which you can take home as a souvenir. To celebrate their post lockdown reopening, The Prince Akatoki is offering Sakura Season experiences, for more information and to book visit theprinceakatokilondon.com
Two new hotels to incorporate into your staycation itinerary this summer are the Graduate Cambridge and The Randolph Hotel. Both open July 1st 2021 and are part of the Graduate Hotels collection whose design is inspired by the unique heritage of university towns and cities. #TeamCoco got a sneak peak of these stylish abodes ahead of their opening next month.
The Graduate, Cambridge
Positioned along the idyllic banks of the River Cam, the Graduate Cambridge is surrounded by the University of Cambridge, within walking distance of several colleges, and a stone’s throw from the city’s best restaurants, bars and shops.
The hotel’s design incorporates the history of the city, making the river the focal point with various accessible views, especially in the lobby bar. Colour palettes, patterns and textures in the public areas reflect the green surroundings of fields and the glorious English countryside. With the punting boat rentals located just outside, the design brings local inspiration into the hotel, with punting boats incorporated in the bookshelves in the lobby, an installation by local craftsmen. The lobby is home to a hanging DNA installation to celebrate Rosalind Franklin, a pioneer in the development of DNA at the University of Cambridge. The guest rooms have an abundance of “Cambridge Blue”, with wallpaper replicating school gates, punting boats on either side of the bed, whimsical lamp shades in the shape of a penny coin and striking wood and leather desks to give a studious library atmosphere. The bathrooms have scenic pastoral wallpaper and mirrors in the shape of the university crest.
Garden House restaurant is nestled on the banks of the River Cam. Adam Wood, formerly of London’s award winning Perilla will lead the kitchen with his focus on open-flame cooking and seasonal East Anglian produce. Garden House will be a relaxed, and seasonable contemporary restaurant in one of Britain’s best loved and historic cities. Graduate Cambridge will comprise Garden House and Garden Bar, as well as a café and flexible social space. The Graduate is the perfect base for anyone looking to explore this vibrant city over the summer.
Located in the city’s cultural epicentre, The Randolph is situated within the University of Oxford and its iconic colleges, including Trinity and St. John’s. The hotel is on the doorstep of St. Giles Street and its bustling restaurants, bars, as well as the world-famous Radcliffe Camera and Ashmolean Museum. The design of the 151-room hotel takes inspiration from the university’s history, paying homage to its storied innovators and alumni.
Interior design details include bold hues, textural elements inspired by the region’s natural resources and local art which will tell the narratives of Oxford’s past. Previously the Macdonald Randolph Hotel, the property has been renovated and transformed throughout, all the guest rooms, the lobby and social spaces ooze a preppy college vibe. Guests can relax in the intimate snug, a cosy nook between restaurant and private dining with a bohemian spin on a traditional English library space. The Morse Bar is a nod to the iconic 90’s TV detective show that was filmed at the hotel and is the ideal place to kick back with a drink after a day discovering Oxford.
Just 20 minutes outside of London, located on the edge of St Albans, is Sopwell House, a luxury country house hotel. This hidden sanctuary is home to The Club at Cottonmill, the first private members’ spa offering a vibrant haven combining the serenity of a spa with the buzz and vibrancy of a private members club sans all the stuffiness.
When Cottonmill invited House of Coco to spend the day at The Club we jumped at the chance. Cottonmill at Sopwell House, is tucked down a quiet lane in the sprawling Hertfordshire countryside within grounds surrounded by lush gardens and green fields, the perfect place to relax and unwind.
A magnificent white washed, Georgian House steeped in history, Sopwell is far from stuffy. High ceilings, velvet armchairs and vast open fireplaces are juxtaposed with sleek lines and clean simplicity. This continues through to The Club at Cottonmill.
Upon arrival I was greeted by a friendly team of hosts who get to work showing me around, giving me the low down on the facilities and my itinerary for the day.
After dropping my bag into the super swish dressing room, I headed to the Garden Room, a glass walled, chill out space perfect for relaxing in. Large, comfy loungers look out to the pretty garden while hanging egg chairs surround the statement fireplace. Here you can access the indoor-outdoor thermal pool as well as the Salt Steam Room and Organic Sauna. This is the ideal location to kick off my day and I spend an hour reading and sipping herbal tea as the sun sneaks through the glass walls, warming by skin.
By mid-morning I was looking for a change of scenery so ventured into the gardens. Designed by Anne-Marie Powell, a global medal-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show designer, the spa gardens are a great space to put your feet up. I find myself a cabana just in front of the infinity thermal pool. Soothing bubbling water features, day beds, hot tubs and fire pits are scattered around the garden. I feel like I am at cool LA roof top pool bar. While the space is relaxing and chilled there is a social buzz too and as I look around several guests are clutching a chilled glass of Rosé. I slip on my shades and spend the next couple of hours flicking through my magazines and people watching. Every so often I slope out of the sun into one of the hot tubs or the thermal pool. This is bliss!
By midday I was feeling guilty for loafing about, there is a gym and studio in the club, but I fancied something less strenuous so had a quick swim before making my way over to the restaurant for lunch. The lunch menu for spa guests is three courses. There is plenty of choice including vegetarian and healthy options. I had the baked salmon fillet with quinoa, saffron, capers and currants served with an olive and pine nut salsa. It was delicious.
The zen vibes continued throughout the afternoon with a spa treatment. The spa menu combines advanced skin solutions with restorative treatments designed to deliver a sensory experience, soothing both the mind and body. I opted for the Amber and Quartz Body Restore Ritual. The treatment uses a heated bed of amber sand and quartz to deeply relax the body. Sand has lots of healing properties – the ancient Egyptians used hot sand baths to alleviate aching joints and muscle pains. There is a thin sheet between you and the sand bed, so you don’t have to worry about getting sand everywhere. Cocooned in the warm, amber sand, the quartz bed gently vibrates relaxing your back and neck area. The treatment begins with the chiming sound of singing bowls which are placed on your back and around the room. The harmonising chimes is intensely soothing. I instantly sink into the bed while the therapist provides an aromatherapy massage. Halfway through the massage the bed tilts raising my feet, this is to encourage blood flow. Its then tipped the opposite way while the therapist massages my shoulders and scalp. I must have drifted off to sleep because I am woken by the singing bowls.
I floated out of the treatment room straight into the Deep Relaxation Room. This zone is ideal to unwind, with heated loungers that gently vibrate and change colour. I don’t think its possible to feel this calm and peaceful. I do not want to leave but sadly I must. I headed home for an early night and had a sound nights sleep.
As it’s a private members spa, The Club area is only accessible to members and those who book Club Spa Packages. To take advantage of all the facilities I’d highly recommend upgrading to a Club package. Sopwell House offers a number of spa packages starting at £70.
