Croatia

Croatia June 1, 2022

All Aboard Cruising with MSC Virtuosa

Multiple destinations in one trip with zero airport queues? I’m in.

I must admit, up until this year, I cannot say I had ever considered a cruise holiday. I was always under the impression that cruises were the preserve of an older, wealthier crowd, where my Zara wardrobe would be too low-key and the trip itself, well, out of my price range. However, All Aboard Cruising with MSC Virtuosa has completely changed my perspective. However, around 2018, I started noticing a shift on social media: young people, people a good decade or so younger than myself, cruising. Instagram snaps of smiling millennials drinking pina coladas in the golden hour sunlight. Long, gushing captions about waking up in a new destination every day. And if that wasn’t enough to make me green with envy: no airport queues.

With “revenge travel” (the new buzzword for catching up on all the trips you’ve missed during the pandemic) being such a huge thing right now, airports are overloaded. Flights cancelled, missing luggage, archaic scenes at security and queues of biblical proportions, it’s no wonder that nearly 40% of 16–34-year-olds are considering taking a cruise in the next few years. The joys of being able to visit many destinations without packing and unpacking repeatedly mean you can make the most of the journey without the stressors of multiple airports. So, in the name of travel journalism, I embarked on MSC Virtuosa for my very first cruise.

MSC Virtuosa is one heck of a vessel: carrying up to 6,200 passengers at full occupancy and serviced by 10 restaurants, 21 bars, a shopping galleria, multiple theatres, waterparks, an arcade, a world-class spa, and, if you’re so inclined, a gym, there’s little risk of being bored. For those wanting to avoid the hustle and bustle, an upgrade to the MSC Yacht Club provides access to the suite-only section stretching across the three decks at the front of the ship. With a members-only lounge, a restaurant with sweeping views and a glittering Swarovski staircase, and a private, adults-only sundeck, MSC Yacht Club provides an excellent option for those lusting after a little more exclusivity.

Embarkation

If you think there’s not much difference between a cruise ship and airport check-in, then think again. Once you’ve checked in and gone through security, your luggage will magically find its way to your cabin. You are free to board the ship, where you are met with a sparkling lounge and welcome drinks. Your holiday starts here.

Cabins

The cabins are clean and spacious, with excellent storage facilities plus room under the beds for storing cases. Each cabin has a ZOE speaker for playing music or audiobooks, and a large television that can be used to access your billing information in addition to the normal channels. The beds are incredibly comfortable, and the bathrooms have more than enough room for manoeuvrability (which is shockingly lacking in many ships). If it’s within your budget, an outside cabin with a balcony is a real treat, especially in the evenings. There is nothing quite like sipping wine as you watch the sunset, excited for your next destination tomorrow.

What about entertainment?

This is where MSC Virtuosa really shines. Entertainment onboard includes:

The Galleria Virtuosa contains an abundance of bars, shops, restaurants, and evening entertainment options. Cast your gaze upwards to view the 80-meter-long LED display that morphs and changes throughout the trip.
Indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, surrounded by an array of sun loungers for catching those rays between ports.
An incredible spa featuring a salt-walled relaxation room, ice therapy, multiple saunas, and my personal favourite, mist showers. Whilst you’re there, treat yourself to a gloriously relaxing deep tissue massage. You will be floating back to your cabin in no time.
Matinee and evening shows including magic, musicals, and all manner of top-class performance art in the ship’s theatre and Carousel lounge.
A well-equipped gym with ocean views, plus running and walking tracks around the deck.
For the high rollers, there is an extensive casino complete with both electronic and table-based games.
Finally, for the children, there is a games arcade, rope walk, basketball court, and a LEGO-themed kids club.

The ship also provides a jam-packed daily itinerary including yoga, dance classes, karaoke, and quizzes, perfect for the longer days at sea.

Dining around

There is a general assumption that it’s easy to pop on a few pounds during a cruise and I can completely understand why: The options onboard are plentiful and delicious, and it took every ounce of self-control I have not to go all out and do my best Pac Man impression eating my way through everything the ship has to offer. The buffet restaurant provides an impressive spread of international cuisines, sides, and desserts. The speciality restaurants such as Butchers Cut Steakhouse, Indochine (a French-Vietnamese fusion), Hola Tacos, and Kaito Sushi & Teppanyaki are all worth a visit, just make sure you pre-book as soon as you can as they fill up pretty quickly.

There is a drinks upgrade package available if you are partial to a high-end tipple, and an abundance of options available if you’re saving your cash for on shore. With 21 bars on board, including one staffed by a robot bartender, there’s no excuse not to get that perfect iced cocktail shot for the ‘gram.

Insider tips:

Book a balcony cabin at the back of the ship for a hypnotic view of the wake trailing through the water.
Keep an eye out for dolphins: They love ships and can often be spotted frolicking past.
Book a massage and/or time in the spa. Your back will thank you for it.
Visit the chocolatery at Galleria Virtuosa for some tasty treats and souvenirs for friends and family back home.

How to book:

Bookings can be made directly with MSC here. Alternatively, call 0203 893 4203 or request a call back via the website. Current deals include a 7-night Northern Europe cruise from the UK for only £449pp (see website for full details).

Croatia April 18, 2022

Wake Up Here: Regent Porto Montenegro

A young country with an old soul, welcome to the best kept secret of the Balkans

The tranquil emerald waters of Boka Bay catch flecks of gold as the sky puts on a show of burnished orange, pinks and violets. The early evening air heavy with the scent of salt from sea and butter from bakery, the only sounds being the clinking of champagne glasses and the slow, low beat of jazz from a yacht being prepared for an evening sail. Serenity. I take a sip of my mimosa and take in the brooding mountains, their rugged silhouette breaking up the dazzling waters below and hypnotic light show above. This is no unpredictable event, no twist of fate or great kismet on my part. This is a regular evening at Regent Porto Montenegro.

A Different Energy

The atmosphere, the energy here, it’s different. You know that feeling when you’re meeting up with friends after a long period of absence? You know, the warmth, the familiarity, sharing in-jokes as you uncork the wine and settle in for an evening of updates and anecdotes? That’s Regent Porto Montenegro. Behind the elegant, Venetian-Renaissance architecture is a tight-knit team of creative, diligent staff, committed to ensuring that your stay is as exceptional as it is relaxing. Sure, the overriding experience is one of luxury, but the approach is that of the warm aunt making cocoa for her guests at the end of a long day. The substance exceeds the style, no mean feat given the style is, well, off the scale.

Where is it?

Regent Porto Montenegro sits proudly on the waterfront of Tivat, its grand Italianate facade looking out onto the 460-berth super yacht marina and snow-tipped mountains beyond. Located 15 minutes from Tivat airport and with a flight time just shy of 3 hours from the UK, Regent Porto Montenegro is an excellent choice for anyone looking for luxuries most often found further afield, but with a substantially shorter flight time. Those looking for something a little more rustic can take a short 4 mile drive to Kotor, the UNESCO World Heritage site boasting narrow streets of charming stone buildings, ancient churches, and many, many cats. Additionally, Perast, and it’s mysterious Lady of the Rock (a little church with a big history), can be reached in under 30 minutes. With an abundance of walking, hiking, and cycling routes available, Montenegro is more than gleaming yachts and designer shopping. With average coastal temperatures of 28C in the summer and a pleasant 17C in the spring, the climate here offers the perfect vacation weather for sailing fanatics and sun-worshippers alike. I’m not sure what else I could ask for, but I’ve no doubt if I could, the staff would have it to me in two shakes of a lambs tail.

A Masterclass in Design

A proud tribute to their Venetian roots, Regent Porto Montenegro pays homage to its Italian history whilst creating a new, contemporary style of it’s own. Designed by Tino Zervudachi of MHZ, the interiors are stylish and uncluttered, allowing the sweeping views to do all the talking. Thoughtful, yet comfortable, the public areas of the hotel boast electrifying Italian style with the comforts and luxuries synonymous with many of the super-yachts moored outside. If Venetians made cruise ships, this is what they would look like.

The crisp, clean craftmanship spills out of the hotel interior and into the perfectly manicured gardens, outdoor seating areas, and many, many infinity pools on site. The beautifully refined Beach Club features cabanas curtained with crisp, white linen, and a multitude of pools directly overlooking the marina and bay beyond. If sundowners and good conversation are more your thing, Onyx Bar, with it’s delicate water features and fragrant shrubbery faces out to the west, meaning you can enjoy your Aperol beneath one of those trademark Montenegrin sunsets.

What about the rooms?

With the palm lined bay to the front and majestic mountains to the back, each of Regent Porto Montengro’s 175 rooms, suites, and penthouses evoke a feeing of quiet luxury. The accommodation is spread across three wings, each with its own distinct flavour: Venezia plays tribute to Montenegro’s nautical past, whilst the Regent Pool Club Residences feel more reminiscent of the Italian Riviera. The dazzlingly diverse views of both land and sea mean you could stay a dozen times and experience a different vista on each occasion. Views aside, the quality of the interiors remain uniform across all classes of room. Irrespective of whether you’re staying in a room or a penthouse, the beds are marshmallow soft, the linens impeccable, the bathrooms unscrupulously clean. For those staying with family, the penthouses offer ample space for excitable children and tumbling tots, whereas couples may prefer the discreet luxury of a suite complete with oversized rainforest shower and deep ceramic tub with an optional bath butler service.

Whilst some rooms include cooking facilities and refrigerators, the comprehensive room service menu means you don’t have to leave the comfort of your bed for breakfast or quit sunbathing on your balcony if you get a bit peckish. Lovely jubbly.

Food & Drink

Not many hotels boast a restaurant that could survive and thrive as a stand alone entity, but Murano at Regent Porto Montenegro is certainly one of them. Headed up by Chef Marko Zivkovic, Murano is quietly creating impeccable dishes with an attention to flavour and flair synonymous with the quality and grandeur of the restaurant interior. With a focus on Adriatic seafood and local, seasonal ingredients, this is the closest you will get to Michelin Star quality dining outside of a Michelin Star restaurant. The dishes pack a punch whilst retaining simplicity, the balance of land and sea harmonised on the plate. The dining room, with its high ceilings, chandeliers, and opulent Murano glass artwork is the perfect setting for a three course feast, whereas the outdoor seating in the Italian Garden provide a more relaxing al-fresco option for the warmer months.

For a more casual affair, Gourmet Corner is the go-to restaurant for a breezy lunch or afternoon treat. The sweeping glass counter filled with all manner of cakes and pasties is impossible to resist (trust me, I ate four in one sitting), the menu offering light bites such as creamy croquettes and peppery steak sandwiches. If it’s a tipple you’re after, the Library Bar, reminiscent of an old London gentleman’s club, can serve you a dram of classic malt or shake up a custom cocktail whilst you sink into one of the many sumptuous wing-backed chairs. Alternatively, the expert mixologists at both The Onyx Bar and Pool Bar offer an array of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails alongside a variety of light bites. You are in no danger of going hungry here.

A Little R&R

Step out of the second-floor elevator and you’re greeted with the drifting scent of eucalyptus and camomile from the world-class spa facilities. Here, relaxation is serious business: whether you’re indulging in a Finnish sauna, Turkish Hammam, or custom massage treatment, your serenity is their priority. The therapists act with a sense of care and calm, drawing from the gentle, nurturing energy that seems ever present throughout the building. With a selection of treatments available, including Ayurvedic massage, rose infused facials, and revitalising body scrubs, you’ll be floating back to your room for the best night’s sleep you’ve had in recent memory.

If you’re already fully de-stressed, the spa is also home to a 20 metre indoor pool and oversized mosaic-lined hot-tub, each with awe-inspiring views of Boka Bay. If you fancy a bit of fresh air, you can slip outside to the secluded infinity pool on the second floor balcony. The perfect place to quietly drink in that sunrise.

Insider tips

While the bay view rooms are fabulous, don’t dismiss the mountain facing rooms on the opposite side of the building. The mountain views are magnificent, especially during the cooler months when they’re topped with snow. Try both for a unique travel experience.
There are numerous luxury boutiques on site, including Dior, Rolex, and Zimmerman. Bring your chequebooks.
Try the ceviche at Murano. More importantly, book Murano before the rest of the world finds out about it, so you can brag that you got in before the waiting list.
The indoor hot tub at sunset is a special experience indeed. The mosaic glows during the golden hour, and the spa is generally quite empty as most guests are at dinner.
Take a day trip to Perast and visit The Lady of the Rock. You don’t need to be Catholic or indeed religious to enjoy the architecture and story of this unique spot. If you think on, book a table at Conte for lunch afterwards.

How to book

Bookings can be made direct with the hotel here. Accessible and inter-connected rooms are available upon request.

Regent Porto Montenegro is located at Obala BB, Porto Montenegro Village, Tivat, 85320, Montenegro.

Telephone: +382 (0) 32 660 660

The nearest airport is Tivat, less that 5km from the hotel. You can also arrive via Dubrovnik and Podgorica airports, each one located about 90 minutes drive away.

Gallery:

Travel October 28, 2021

Top 5 Destinations for Incredible Last-Minute Honeymoons

Planning a honeymoon could be as stressful as planning a wedding. You’re often hard-pressed to pick a place that ticks off all points in your bucket list without breaking the bank. And the timing has to be perfect. Indeed, some couples choose to delay their honeymoon for a number of reasons. But you can’t postpone indefinitely, or else it will be no longer be a honeymoon.

Yet even if you’ve planned everything right down to the last detail, there is always a chance that something could go wrong. Think of cancelled flights, schedule conflicts, natural disasters, and, more recently, travel restrictions. Would you stall your honeymoon, or would you switch to plan B?

Whether you’re making 11th -hour changes to your plan or finally going on a honeymoon after several delays, you shouldn’t settle for a lesser experience. Here are five incredible last-minute honeymoon destinations that don’t feel like last-minute options.

Egypt

Positioned where the ancient and the contemporary intersect, Egypt stands as an emblem of historical grandeur, making it an enchanting destination for honeymooners. It’s not just the allure of the Great Pyramids of Giza or the mystical Sphinx that captivates; Egypt is also a land of romantic Nile cruises, vibrant bazaars, and expansive deserts under starlit skies, offering an ideal backdrop for love and adventure.

Embarking on an Egypt honeymoon tour opens up a realm of experiences. Couples can enjoy serene Nile cruises, marvel at ancient temples, or dine under the vast desert sky. The juxtaposition of ancient wonders against the backdrop of the Nile’s tranquility offers a unique setting for romance.
Egypt’s Red Sea coastline is unparalleled for beach enthusiasts, boasting world-class coral reefs and luxurious resorts. Destinations like Sharm El Sheikh combine relaxation and adventure with their pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, perfect for diving and snorkeling.

Historical explorations in cities like Luxor, known as the world’s most excellent open-air museum, offer a deep dive into ancient Egypt’s marvels. Walking through the Valley of the Kings or the grandeur of Karnak Temple allows couples to immerse themselves in the richness of Egyptian history.
Incorporating a honeymoon tour in Egypt means weaving together moments of awe and affection amidst the country’s majestic landscapes and monumental legacies. It’s an invitation to experience the magic of a civilization that has fascinated the world for centuries, creating memories that are as timeless as the land itself.

Set on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is one of the foremost destinations for beach lovers. If you love soaking up the sun and watching sunsets, this beautiful Balkan country is for you. Croatia boasts 2715 hours of sunshine a year and some of the best sunsets in the world. The beaches themselves are not only stunning but something you are not likely to find anywhere else. One of its most famous beaches, Zlatni Rat, shifts in colour and shape depending on the wind.

Sailing is one of the best activities to do in Croatia. You can join an open-for-all yacht party or splurge on a private tour. After all, the waters surrounding Croatia are stunning and peppered with over a thousand islands and isles. There are ones with big names such as Brac, Krk, Hvar, and Veliki Brijuni, which hosted celebrities Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Sophia Loren. Others, such as Mjet, Dugi Oto and Vis, are less known but equally charming and offer a crowd-free getaway.

For a bit of history and architecture, stroll on Bogovićeva Street in Zagreb, explore the Old Town of Dubrovnik, visit Diocletian’s Palace in Split. And what is a honeymoon without wine? Sample the finest wines the country has to offer, including Plavac Mali, Malvazija Istarska, and Borgonja. While you are at it, try licitar, heart-shaped honey dough biscuits, given as declarations of love.

Ireland

The Emerald Isle is notoriously known for its rain. But what it lacks in sunny days and balmy beaches, it makes up for its charismatic culture, captivating countryside, and charming castles – lots of them.

In Ireland, you can experience royal accommodations, literally. Stay in a restored castle and feel like you are living a fairytale happy-ever-after. If you like some light adventures in the great outdoors, the country has plenty to offer, including fishing and paddling in the lakes or biking and hiking on the quiet country lanes. The long stretch of Irish coastline features hidden coves and sandy bays, perfect for lounging and beachcombing.

See as much of the country as you can on a scenic drive along the coastal Wild Atlantic Way or around the Ring Kerry. Be amazed by the rugged and lush coastal landscape dotted with sleepy seaside villages and free-roaming wildlife. Make a trip to the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher, the limestone pavement of Burren, the Kylemore Abbey in Connemara, and the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. Drop by Killarney National Park to explore its collection of hills, mountains, lakes, woods, and waterfalls.

When in Ireland, you should not miss touring Dublin, or at least the Guinness Factory, famous for its historic brewery, liquor tastings, and rooftop bar. For an upscale date night, dine at the two Michelin star restaurant, Patrick Guilbaud.

The Galapagos Islands

Do you love nature? There is nothing more romantic than going on a luxury cruise to one of the world’s best destinations for wildlife exploration, the Galapagos. Located roughly 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, the archipelago is isolated and makes the perfect setting for a quiet and intimate getaway.

On a small cruise ship, supplied by a reputable river cruise company, like Rainforest Cruises, you can reach the remotest places of the islands and discover an unspoiled wealth of incredible flora and fauna. There are sea lions sunning on the shores and marine iguanas diving into the sea. You will find giant tortoises that weigh up to 660-lbs and grow 4-ft long and the Galapagos penguins, the only species found north of the equator. You can watch blue-footed boobies dancing to attract their lifetime mate and spot elegant pink flamingos catching fish in a saltwater lagoon.

There are other exhilarating activities on the islands, including snorkeling, diving, biking, and hiking. While the Galapagos is widely known for its wildness, it never lacks luxuries and the finer things in life. After a long day of excursion, head back to your luxury lodge or beachfront villa, dip in the pool or go for a relaxing massage before enjoying a sumptuous dinner under the stars.

Mexico

From sun-drenched beaches to scenic landscapes and sinfully delicious flavours, Mexico is the perfect setting for beating all that post-wedding stress. The country has a plethora of honeymoon destinations and picking one could be challenging because you would want to experience it all.

Head to Acapulco if you want somewhere laid-back with hidden coves and small islands accessible only by motorboats. For an adrenaline-pumping adventure with a touch of history, go to Cancun and enjoy its variety of water sports, including scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and windsurfing. You can also explore the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Uxmal-Merida, swim with dolphins at Xcaret Waterpark or venture into a 1,700-feet-long underground river.

For a secluded jungle retreat, visit Sayulita, where you can stay in a treehouse suite overlooking a vast canopy of trees. Travel to Playa del Carmen and indulge in ultimate luxury aboard a lavish yacht. Take a trip to the UNESCO-listed colonial city of San Miguel de Allende to delve deeper into Mexican culture and history. If you want thrilling sea adventures, check out Holbox, where you can swim with sharks between May to September. If you’re looking for an adventure on your trip, consider heading to Isla Mujeres. You can charter a private catamaran from Cancun. You will have plenty of time explore this beautiful island and learn about its history through tours included with your charter.

The Lake District

There was a time when only nature lovers, avid hikers, and families on a day out visited the Lake District. Now the Lakeland is emerging as a premier getaway for newlyweds, with honeymoon tours becoming more popular and in demand.

You can bask in the romantic ambiance of the Lake District by merely visiting the home of poet William Wordsworth or retracing his steps around Lake Grasmere. Enjoy a dreamy cruise on a Steam Yacht Gondola, take afternoon tea in a country house, or indulge in a spa break in Windermere.

For an action-filled adventure, climb to the peak of Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, or conquer the Helvellyn summit via the dramatic Striding Edge. Get on the lakes and paddle in Coniston Waters, kayak in Ullswater, or wild swim in Derwentwater. For a mesmerising panoramic view of the district, float over the region on a hot air balloon Fortunately, you have plenty of choices, from waterside cottages to country houses to glam boutique Lake District hotels. Because you are on your honeymoon, it matters where you stay in the Lakes.

Croatia October 18, 2021

Discover the Most Luxurious Yachting Escapes in the Mediterranean

Are you looking for the best type of holiday in the world? If you’re considering renting a yacht, you are on the right track. Renting a yacht means you get the best of both worlds—a luxury private resort and the freedom to explore, change destinations and be your own tour guide. If this sounds like something you would like to try as soon as possible, before you book your charter, here are a few exclusive destinations in the Mediterranean you might put on your map:

The Balearic Islands

Once upon a time, the Balearic Islands were reserved only for young and crazy kids who love to party for days. Groups of (rich) kids would gather in Ibiza, dance their hearts out and struggle to remember where they are staying when it’s time to go home. However, these wonderful islands are so much more than just a party destination—they are a hidden gem of the Mediterranean and all the luxury escapes.

In reality, all of the islands have a wild side and a much quieter side, especially the islands of Minorca, Majorca and Formentera which are perfect spots for luxury family vacations or couple escapes. Some of the more scenic regions have great spots where you can anchor your yacht, as well as super lux villas to stay in. Also, Spaniards are well-known for their food, so expect to enjoy some of the best cooking in both exclusive restaurants and private family-owned taverns.

French Riviera

This is a region that’s never getting out of fashion for people who enjoy luxury. It’s one of the most exclusive and exciting places in the Mediterranean, and now might be the perfect time for you to sail there and see why. The French Riviera offers beautiful beaches, blue waters, 5-star dining and entertainment and an overall air of luxury and elegance.

And the French Riviera is yacht-friendly to the max (many people who stay there have access to boats) and you can drop your anchor basically wherever you want, hit any random seaside town and explore its many beauties at your own pace. If you’re looking for a perfect itinerary, some say that you should start your voyage in Perpignan right at the Spanish border, then sail to Beziers and Agde, all the way to Montpellier, Marseille, Cannes and finally Nice. This way, you’ll see all the gems of the French Riviera and enjoy luxuries you can’t imagine.

Croatia

While you’re visiting the Mediterranean, don’t even think about leaving without chartering a yacht in Croatia, one of the biggest up-and-coming destinations in the world of tourism, especially yachting. In many ways, Croatia is a gem of the Adriatic, because it has everything a vacationer might want—picturesque seaside towns, gorgeous nature, great food, friendly people and breathtaking islands, many of which can only be accessed by a private yacht. And finding a Mediterranean yacht charter in Croatia is super easy and fast. Plus, you’ll get a full crew service and an experienced captain who can take you to all the best spots along the coast like Pula, Rijeka, Dubrovnik, Krk, Cres and Losinj.

Venice

No matter if you’re cruising or traveling by any other means of transport, make sure to include Venice in your itinerary. Lucky few who choose to take a nice sailing trip around Italy can start their voyage in Genoa, sail down towards the “heel” of Italy, and in the meantime drop anchor in Pisa and have a nice Florence excursion. After spending some time in Rome, venture into the Adriatic Sea on the other side and visit Bari, San Marino and finally romantic and mysterious Venice.

Venice is made up of 100 islands, so it’s naturally very accessible to yachts. Soon you’ll have to replace your exclusive yacht with a traditional gondola if you want to cruise the canals and waterways and slide under the stone bridges of this floating city. If you manage to hit Venice in February, you will join thousands of people attending the annual costumed and masked Carnival.

Santorini

Greece is one of the best places not only in the Mediterranean, but in the whole world to take your yacht for a spin, but there’s one spot that’s more exclusive and luxurious than all others—Santorini. Get ready to enjoy the most picturesque beaches, discover ancient ruins and climb charming hilltops to reach cute little villages—Santorini really offers the best Greek experience. And make sure to say goodbye to the Sun from your boat every evening, since Santorini’s sunsets are truly iconic and available to only the lucky visitors of this island. Thanks to its exclusivity, Santorini is still not overrun by tourists, so you can enjoy traditional tavernas, the best authentic seafood and romantic beaches in peace.

There’s no better feeling than enjoying the Mediterranean from your private yacht and soaking up the sun. Make sure to turn one of these Mediterranean gems into your next yachting destination!

Croatia September 23, 2021

Women Worldwide : The One Who Turned Her Hobby in to a Business with One of a Kind Designs

Over the course of the last 18 months, lot’s of people have used the slower pace of life to their advantage by finding out where their passions truly are and for Michelle Davidson, she turned that passion in to her pay check.

Here, we delve behind the brand, One of a Kind Designs, and get to the heart of what makes Michelle the force to be reckoned with that she is today…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand, One of a Kind Designs

I think everyone would agree that the last 18 months have been a little bit odd to say the least, and like many of your readers who are ‘solopreneurs’, I started painting furniture as a hobby. In fact, it all started with a beautiful Victorian wooden chair that I had acquired, with lofty plans for a grand transformation. A chair became a chest of drawers, a writing bureau, a drinks cabinet and, frankly, anything else I could get my hands on!

I never dreamt that one year later I would be selling my furniture on my own website, having attended the first ever UK Furniture Painters Business Academy Conference or have my story published in an international lifestyle magazine! It’s been a whirlwind of a year.

Not long after picking up my first paintbrush, I knew that I had found my passion! I discovered my love for creating unique designs with vintage furniture and around the same time I also realised that I was not alone in my passion. I started to get lots of interest on my personal social media pages when sharing my transformations and I thought that there may be an opportunity to work on other people’s household projects.

It quickly grew into more than that as people have come to me looking for inspiration, or for me to help them realise their own vision. From then on, it seemed that there was a market for creating bespoke vintage furniture.

Before long I was considering the real impact of my work. I was rescuing beautiful furniture that was often destined for landfill and turning it into something that would be loved and treasured for many more years. This was eye-opening for me.

My mission now is to provide an alternative to mass-produced, fast-furniture, which is often made up of poor quality materials making it just another aspect of our wasteful, ‘throwaway’ culture, and if I can inspire others to do something similar, I will have achieved something wonderful.

How did you discover your passion for creating bespoke furniture?

By accident actually. I was looking for a new creative outlet. Over the years I had tried tapestry, dress making, candle making and as much as I still love to do all those creative hobbies, once I picked up a paintbrush and saw the effect that I could have on an old piece of furniture, I was sold!

I love taking an often unwanted piece of quality vintage furniture and transforming it into a statement piece for the modern home. These pieces are full of history and character. What I do doesn’t take away from that, I am conscious of the nature of the piece and whether it is a restoration project or I paint and decorate it, my goal is for the piece to be loved and used for many more years, rather than it being left to ruin.

How do you want people to feel once they purchase your furniture?

It’s actually remarkable how emotive a wonderful piece of furniture can be. I have had customers tell me that opening up the packaging and taking off protective bubble wrap to get to their piece reminds them of childhood Christmas mornings. You can’t quantify that emotion or put a price on it, the excitement is unique to every individual, to see their vision realised and the feelings that it creates is something very special.

I want people to be impressed and love the piece as much as I have loved creating it. I want them to feel proud of their decision to choose a sustainable way to furnish their home, recognising the positive impact that decision has had.

I have met so many people who never knew that painting furniture was even an option. This has opened their eyes to being able to get a creatively bespoke piece of furniture to their exact specifications, you can’t get that on the high street.

I pride myself on working closely with clients, listening to what they require and using my professionalism and creativity to exceed their expectations. I love seeing the excited expressions on their face when we are discussing colours and designs, then the happiness when they receive their piece delivered direct to their home.

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

No, everything has happened exactly as it should have. I’ve made mistakes and learned from them. I have learned that I need to trust in myself, my ability and the processes I go through. I am a big advocate of just putting one foot in front of the other, it doesn’t matter how small those steps are, if they are a positive action, they will get you to where you need to go.

Tell us more about your interior style at home…

It’s a work in progress! We moved into our family home 8 years ago and everything needed refreshing. I was pregnant with our twins at the time, so we kept a simple design at first, cream walls and cream carpets throughout. Now we are taking it room by room, injecting our personality into our home. Last year we completely renovated our kitchen, it now fits what our family needs – a large cooking area, dining area and comfortable seating area for those infrequent quiet moments! It goes without saying that my business has infected the whole household and my twins have their own pieces, painted by their own hands in their bedrooms, I wouldn’t say they are immaculate finishes but they are certainly unique and loved by my two crazies!

If you to describe your brand in three words, what would they be?

Wow, can I use nine words please:

Unique, sustainable, creative, personable, friendly, inspiring, passionate, transparent and quality.

What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to launch a business?

Focus on a few things at a time, don’t stretch yourself too much or you will get overwhelmed. The first year is tough, but if you do it right by working smarter, not harder, the rewards are exhilarating. Trust your instincts, ask for support and be open and honest. People need to know and trust you so don’t be afraid to be yourself.

How would you describe your personal style?

I’m not an extrovert, my style suits my mood and my diary, I love to dress up all glam and head out on date night, but I also love my ‘slouchies’. Most of my casual wear is paint splattered and I’m okay with that, it’s who I am now.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

I have 7 year old twins, Murray and Isla, 4 cats and a dog, a 20 year bank career and a new business. Life is busy. Each day I try to build in self care, it’s so important. If I don’t function well, everything else suffers. I feel more focused and in control if I can meditate first thing in the morning. I also enjoy getting up early to walk the dog before everyone else is about. I have the most amazingly supportive husband, we definitely share the house work and childcare. I work for a bank during the day and the evening and weekends are my One of a Kinds Designs time.

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

It’s massive. Social media has opened up my business to groups of people I could never have dreamt of reaching without it. It gives small businesses like mine a platform from which to shout about our business, showcase what we can offer, reach and engage with customers and build relationships.

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

Great question! I love to travel and I have a few favourite places that I would love to visit again including Lake Garda in Italy, South of France and Croatia. I went on my honeymoon to Egypt and my husband still teases me that I didn’t go into the Great Pyramid at Giza so that could make it on the list. I’m not really a sun worshipper so one destination that I would love to visit is Scandinavia and Russia. The scenery, culture and architecture would be amazing.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

Practice makes progress, this is a big motivator in our house. It’s about continuing to put one foot in front of the other. My husband always says ‘A march of a thousand miles begins with the first step’, I like that.

What’s next for you and the brand?

To share my passion for refinishing furniture. I want to teach others. I run online courses and workshops and I offer 121 programmes as well.

What does self care mean to you?

Looking after yourself by doing what you need to do when you need to do it. It’s about being attuned to your body and mind so that you recognise when you need to take action for yourself. For me this can mean a walk, meditation, yoga, or spending time with my husband and family.

Where can people find out more?

If you head to my website www.oneofakinddesigns.co.uk you will see my furniture collection. There is also information there on the training courses and workshops I offer.

I am also on Instagram and I have a Facebook page and two groups which you can join to learn more about what I do or to learn to paint furniture yourself.

City breaks August 5, 2021

Why Croatia should be your next luxury green-list travel destination

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.

Villa Nai 3.3, Dugi Otok

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.

Duboka Retreat, Brac

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, Hvar

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.

HOW: Villa Hvar is available from £6,500 per week. For more information visit www.theluxurytravelbook.com

Villa Zaton Bay, Dubrovnik

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, Stari Grad

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.

Croatia July 28, 2021

Interview with Jodie Salt of Ladies Life Lounge

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand Ladies Life Lounge with your business partner Roxy…

We were both busy women running our businesses and families (I’m an Assertiveness/Executive Coach for women Roxy is a Mental Health Therapist) and felt we were spinning 27000 plates a day and not really taking care of ourselves. We wanted to be fit & healthy, feel less stressed/more calm, look & feel good, grow our businesses, be more confident, have better relationships etc but there just wasn’t the time or the money to do it all e.g. Get a PT, work with a personal stylist, have therapy, work with a sleep coach, get help with our hormones etc. So we decided to create it all under one roof and accessible to all women from the comfort of their sofa 24//7, 365 days a year!

We’re passionate about women not just being known and judged for what they look like and more for the value and contribution they make. We decided that we wanted to turn the notion of being ‘pretty’ on it’s head. So we have 7 secrets in the Lounge – Pretty Confident; Pretty Healthy (mind & body); Pretty Calm; Pretty Assertive; Pretty Ambitious; Pretty Stylist & Pretty Personal.

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

We decided to take LLL out as a LIVE event and hosted the biggest female empowerment & lifestyle show outside of London, in Manchester over the weekend of International Woman’s Day 2020. It was called Womanifest. We brought together over 1000 women to experience an uplifting weekend of workshops, keynote speeches, fun, entertainment and a huge showcase of products & services that help women live a happy, fulfilling & successful life (and lots of prosecco!). Pulling that off was the hardest, and most stressful thing we’ve ever done, especially as it was the last weekend before lockdown hit in England. We delivered this with sheer determination and commitment to reaching more women with an empowering message and by the support we received form the female led businesses that exhibited. It was a true example of collaboration and what great things women can achieve when they pull together.

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

Empowering, Educational, Liberating

What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of coaching?

Whilst it’s highly rewarding, it can take a lot out of you so being able to keep your own cup topped up is important. Being a coach doesn’t make you perfect either so don’t put it off if you’re being held back by thinking you having coaching needs yourself. Every coach should have a coach (or a few!). I’d also recommend doing some formal training and qualifications. The coaching industry is currently unregulated meaning there’s a lot of people out there marketing themselves as a coach without really having the skills – these people are really mentors as they’re sharing their experiences and learning to support others that are about to embark on a similar journey – that’s ok but it’s important to distinguish the difference.

Talk us through an average business day in your life…

I’m a relatively late riser at around 8am (Roxy is the opposite at 5am). A cup of tea is always first on my list, followed by walking the dog and then drop the kids at school. I start work at 9.30 ish. My day will involve a coaching client or two on zoom, maybe some LIVE’s on social media, creating some content for our members, a spot of lunch with a fellow business woman perhaps, a podcast interview in the afternoon then I stop and sort he family out between 3.30 and 6.30pm. I then might host a masterclass online in the evening. I love my sleep, a good 10 hours to for so I’m usually off to bed by 10pm with a bit of meditation to wind down. I never work on a Friday, that’s a commitment I made to myself when I became an entrepreneur. Friday mornings all about yoga.

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

Having a busines partner is everything to me. I would never want to do this alone. What keeps me motivated is having someone else to bounce off when the going gets tough. We have it down to a fine art in sensing when each other are ‘off’ and being able to support each other or take the load if we need a bit of space. We even synced menstrual cycles! And we live a 2-hour drive apart!

What is your go to quote when lacking motivation?

My fave quote of all time is “If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun”.
I tend to lack motivation when I take things too seriously or the pressure is a bit intense. That’s my signal to lighten up and take some time out for a bit of fun. We have laughing as one of our KPI’s!

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

It’s been EVERYTHING! Our business revolves around social media. It’s made it so easy for us to connect with the women who need us most, especially through a pandemic and numerous lockdowns.

How do you want people to feel when they first become a member of Ladies Life Lounge?

We want them to feel important, noticed, that they matter and they’re worth it!

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

I love to travel too. Top of my list is Hawaii. We get to make work out of travelling by running retreats twice a year. We’ve recently taken groups of women to Croatia; we’re off to Marrakech this October and in June 2022 we’re going to Santorini. I’d love for our next one following that to be in Hawaii.

What’s next for you and your brand?

Next for us, is to grow the membership so that we can positively impact more women like us. I’m also a mum to three daughters so it’s super important to me to create the right culture for the next generation and so I’d love to take what we do into secondary schools so they have the skills for life to set them up for success, not just be tested on knowledge to gain a qualification.

We’ve heard on the grapevine that you’ve got a book coming out soon; can you tell us more about it?

Yes! It’s called Woman Up. Its predominantly about helping women to be more assertive in life and work. It aims to liberate women to own their space, decide what they deeply desire, shamelessly declare it to the world and go out and get it. It’s out on 2nd September 2021.

Where can people find out more about Ladies Life Lounge and your forthcoming book launch?

If you want to be added to the waitlist for the book launch and be the first to hear of its release with exclusive access to goodies and freebies follow this link to Subscribe, alternatively check out any of the below options to find out more.

Web – Ladies Life Lounge
Book – Woman Up
Facebook: Jodie
Facebook – Ladies Life Lounge
Instagram – Jodie
Instagram – Ladies Life Lounge

Beauty July 22, 2021

Lucija Kračun offers an insight to DALÚ Natural Skincare

We were thrilled to be offered an interview with DALÚ Natural Skincare founder Lucija Kračun. Lucija is one of those few women that has successfully managed to launch a brand within the very competitive beauty and skincare industry. We couldn’t wait to find out where the brand originated and where it’s at today.

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand DALÚ Natural Skincare…

It all started 3 years ago on holiday in Croatia where we go every year with my family. We have friends there. One day my friend, who is a pharmacist came to me and inspired me about the Immortelle which is an amazing regenerative and anti-ageing plant native to the Mediterranean. Together we started mixing creams for self use but as our friends tried out the products they were enthusiastic about them. What started as mere experimentation rapidly consumed our holiday, and my life.

I never set out to establish a skincare brand. Originally we created for ourselves and then friends. In 2019 I developed my first collection of products that combined my medical, dermatological and aesthetic knowledge with natural, organic, cruelty free, and vegan ingredients. My goal was to create science-based proven effective natural skincare free of all chemicals. All our products are dermatologically tested and have clinically proven results. The studies were conducted in an internationally esteemed lab. Not only did I want to create scientifically proven skincare that gives results, but as a brand also make a commitment to a sustainable lifestyle. Every single step we take in making our products is taken with ethics and integrity in mind.

In short DALÚ Natural Skincare is a synergy of medical knowledge, scientific knowledge about skin, knowledge about medicinal plants and their effects on the skin, and of the love towards nature and our planet.

We have new products coming up really soon that will complete our skincare must haves.

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

The biggest challenge was to create natural skincare that will have scientifically proven results on skin and will feel and smell as good as any other luxury skincare which is not natural. That is the challenge that we have successfully overcome and I’m very proud of it. The formulations are a result of my medical knowledge and my friend’s pharmaceutical knowledge.

Tell us the process behind launching a new product?

DALÚ Natural Skincare

First there is an idea of a product that I think is useful and will benefit skincare and personal wellbeing. Then I start creating formulation according to the demands of the product e.g. hydrating product for sensitive skin. I always study the ingredients that I will use into detail to achieve the final result. Once on paper the mixing starts. Usually many corrections follow to achieve the best possible texture and smell. Once I’m satisfied with the product and the product passes stability and microbiology challenge tests we invite volunteers to do the first testing. In this phase we are very alert to any comments our volunteers might have. If there are any comments or side effects we try to correct them.

In the next phase dermatological and clinical tests follow. The product is tested in J.S. Hamilton Lab. The testing on people is blind. So they do not know which product and which company is behind the product. That is how we get objective results. All these phases usually take few months. In the meantime we develop packaging design which is sustainable and meets the product requirements. It also ensures efficient and highly aesthetic recognisability of our products and carries a clear message. The final phase is filling the packaging and put it out on a market. The launch of the product, marketing activity, social media etc is very important for success.

Have you had your own personal skincare issues over the years and if so, how did you overcome them?

I have a very sensitive and dry skin so the first products I made were tailored to my skin. While practicing aesthetic medicine and skincare in my spa centre I had experienced many skin problems and solutions for the problems. I got to know many skincare brands very good, also bad, so in the past 15 years I have learnt a lot about skincare and what is missing although there are so many products on the market. I tried to tailor the skincare to the problems people have.

Talk us through your skincare routine…

My skincare routine starts in the morning when I wash my face with cold water to improve circulation. Then I use our Hyaluronic acid youth elixir serum which is a must have serum for any skin type or gender. It improves hydration and reduces fine lines. Good hydration is essential for slowing down the ageing of the skin. After that I use our Immortelle timeless cream which is rich in texture and appropriate for sensitive skin. In the summer I always use SPF 30 to protect my skin from the sun. I usually don’t use powder. In the evening I clean my skin with micellar cleansing water and apply the Immortelle cream again. Once a month I use retinol serum. My skin is dry so it does not allow me to use it more often. Once every 2 weeks I make myself a peeling and twice a week a hydration mask. I have to mention also vitamin C serum which I try to use regularly. At the moment I’m developing a perfect vitamin C that will also provide intensive hydration (2 in 1). I’m looking forward to launching this product by the end of the year.

How do you want people to feel when using your products?

I want their skin to feel pampered, soft and radiant. I want them to create their little personal wellness due to our intoxicating scents. Most of all I want them to radiate happiness and beauty because they are aware to be contributing to a nicer healthier world.

DALÚ Natural Skincare

Our typical shopper : “She cares for clean beauty with visible proven results. She cares for sustainability and the future of our children. She appreciates products that are well made, fairly priced and of exceptional quality, produced with ethics and integrity in mind. She is naturally beautiful, intelligent and compassionate. She is a doer.”

If you to describe your personal style in three words, what would they be?

Elegance (timeless), comfortable, confident

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

Work hard and dream a lot to bring your ideas into life and never give up. Nothing will happen by itself. There will be ups and downs which is normal. The crucial thing is to stay focused and not to be disturbed with little things. And of course a little luck is necessary!

Talk us through an average day in your life…

I get up at 7.00 and start my day at the doctor’s office. I still work in medicine and I will do so for as long as it will be possible. I like working with people and helping them solve their medical issues. 3-4 times a week I work in my aesthetic spa centre. Almost every day I work on my formulations usually late at night because all is silent and I can focus and concentrate. I have my family and friends standing next to me and helping me to deal with it all. After 16.00 it is family time. Sometimes I work long hours, sometimes I leave early, depends…

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

Social media are very important for building up brand awareness, we use them every day. In COVID times it was the only possible promotion. We launched our first products at the beginning of COVID. Very hard for a new skincare brand. You know we are still people and we need to smell, feel and touch. This can not be avoided.

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

I love to travel and I have seen many beautiful places but my absolute winner is Mauritius. Mark Twain once said, “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and then heaven was copied after Mauritius”. I just love it there.

What is your go to quote when lacking motivation?

“ Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts “

Winston S. Churchill

What’s next for you and the brand?

By the end of the year we will launch at least two new products and by the end of spring 2022 another three products. My next goal is spa skincare.

What does self care mean to you?

Self care is a balance between physical and mental health that you are able as an individual to create for yourself. It starts with respecting and taking care of your body and skin, your soul and your spirit, your finances, your career.

Where can people find out more?

Website – DALÚ Beauty
Facebook – DALÚ Natural Skincare
Instagram – DALÚ Natural Skincare

Cambodia May 4, 2021

Six indulgent wellness breaks to book this summer

There is nothing more energising and restorative than a spa break; and with a year like we’ve had – we certainly deserve one.

They say that just the act of planning a holiday does wonders for your mental health, so even if we can’t hit ‘book now’ just yet – we’ve curated some of the most luxurious spa breaks in the world to inspire all of your future travel plans and hopefully restore a little bit of your wanderlust too.

The Culloden Estate & Spa, Northern Ireland

The five-star Culloden Estate & Spa — flagship property of Hastings Hotels — has just completed a £750,000 renovation of its wellness space. The new spa now boasts a linear vitality pool with floor-to-ceiling views of the hotel’s breathtaking gardens. It also features a ‘Tylarium,’ which combines the benefits of both a sauna and a steam room. The Spa at Culloden has also revealed a new purpose-built facility called ‘The Hollywood Private Clinic’ which features a physio room and offers laser and advanced cosmetic treatments too. Not to mention, the hotel has also launched a Bridgerton Inspired Afternoon Tea – which offers a delectable menu that would surely impress even the great Lady Whistledown herself.

Maslina Resort, Croatia

A new Relais & Chateaux property, the Maslina Resort in Hvar Croatia is a mindful luxury oasis, further enhanced by the opening of its new ‘Pharomatiq Spa.’ The 650 sqm wellness space was designed with a ‘garden-to-skin’ concept that maximises locally-sourced herbs, essential oils and natural healing techniques.

The spa offers five treatment rooms including a sound healing room, fitness rooms, and activated LED light therapy showers. It also offers treatments by luxury skincare specialists L’aventure en Primitivance. In addition, all products are 100% natural and cruelty-free in-line with the hotel’s sustainable luxury philosophy too.

For those looking for a wellness overhaul, the Pharomatiq spa also offers the immersive ‘The Cure of the Adriatic Sea’ package, a four or nine-day programme which includes full-body assessment, mindfulness & movement sessions, and daily therapies tailor-made to suit each guests wellness needs.

Hotel Lou Pinet, Saint Tropez

Maison Pariente’s stylish Hotel Lou Pinet has just unveiled a new wellness partnership that adds more lustre to its already stellar Tata Harper spa. Ahead of its reopening on 13 May, the Saint Tropez hotel is welcoming Parisian beautician Martine De Richeville to offer her iconic ‘Remodelage technique’ to lucky guests. The treatment has been coined as the beauty world’s ‘secret weapon’ to a youthful and energised physique. It is non-invasive and releases the body’s cellulite strongholds and gets rid of toxins too. Perfect for ridding yourself of all your COVID-19 sins.

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva Som, Qatar

While Qatar is not yet open to tourism, there’s no reason we can’t pre-pre-plan an epic wellness getaway to a hotel that has been hailed as the ‘World’s Best New Wellness Retreat 2020’ by the World Spa Awards UK. Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva Som is spread across 280,000 sqm within a private enclave north of Doha and promises a fully immersive and transformative wellness experience. We can’t wait to give it a try.

Jamaica Inn, Jamaica

With the Caribbean well on its way to the UK’s green travel list, the Jamaica Inn should certainly be on your radar when booking your next spa getaway.

The property sits just east of Ocho Rios on a striking 700-foot white sand beach. Beyond the beach, it also offers plenty of relaxation at the Ocean Spa, where guests can enjoy treatments while hanging over the sea. One of the highlights is a new CBD Massage, which will certainly wash away all of your COVID-19-related anxieties. The hotel also has a digital detox philosophy and foregoes hi-tech amenities for Jamaica’s natural wonders – and we’re all for it.

Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang, Cambodia

The Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang is part of the world-renowned Zannier Hotels portfolio and was designed to pay homage to Angkor Wat’s ancient architecture. The Spa Temple has seven treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, yoga pavilion and 50-metre outdoor infinity pool. The treatments are all designed to help rebalance the mind and body and were inspired by the culture of the Khmer Empire. One of the highlights is the ‘Touch of Cambodia Massage’ which combines lime leaves and lemongrass with deep-tissue massage therapy to improve flexibility.

Croatia March 29, 2021

Uncover the best places across the globe to discover spring, once and “flor-al”

Earlier this month we attended a virtual event with our friends at ToursbyLocals, we got to explore Dubrovnik and a few other delightful destinations and it was the exact amount of armchair travel that we needed. As we begin to look ahead to travelling in a post-pandemic world, the new season gives us a sense of hope, positivity and a new lease on life. With a spring in our step and the help of ToursByLocals, the world’s leading online marketplace for private tours, travellers can look forward to discovering the fresh face of travel. Uncover lesser-known locations across the globe, be re-inspired by domestic destinations, or delve deeper into a firm favourite with a local guide. From admiring the stunning flower stalls in cosmopolitan Barcelona to celebrating the Jinhae cherry blossom festival in South Korea this bloom season, the guides on ToursByLocals provide a selection of tours to uncover the best destinations to experience spring. The company enriches the travel experience with 4,800 guides leading tours in 190 countries, and counting.

Capture the spring blooms in Washington DC

Over a century ago, the mayor of Tokyo gifted the Capitol with over 3,000 flowering cherry trees, bringing a piece of Japan to the USA. Each year the blossom gives the city’s monuments a feathery and ethereal pink hue. Peak bloom time is April each year and provides an interesting juxtaposition of nature and the iconic American buildings known all around the world. On the ToursByLocals platform you can access local experts like Ken, who is the author of countless guidebooks and has been living in the capital city for over a decade. Travellers will be able to get off the beaten track, immersing themselves fully in the local culture, street music, art and quirky alcoves which make Washington DC a world-class city. Discover the National Mall and the Old Downtown as well as locally favoured spots such as Barracks Row, charming and postcard-perfect Georgetown and Dupont Circle fountain – a great place to enjoy a picnic.

Book the six-hour Washington Walking Tour priced at £353 per tour for up to eight people on the ToursByLocals website. Includes guiding services.

Celebrate the Jinhae cherry blossom festival in South Korea

Every year, the largest cherry blossom festival in the world takes place in spring in Jinhae, a small and unassuming naval city located in the south of Korea. With the expertise of local guide BK Jung, who has many years of experience tour-guiding in Seoul, take a leisurely stroll under the floral ceiling of pink cherry blossoms as South Korea transitions into spring. Head to one of the cherry blossom hotspots, the Yeojwacheon Stream which features the iconic Romance Bridge made famous by the Korean TV drama, Romance. Situated in the heart of the city, the Jinghae tower symbolises a Korean naval warship and stands at the top of a 365-step staircase overlooking the city and its coastline. The Jinghae museum is located on the first and second floors and is home to a collection of cultural relics relating to Korea’s historical past.

Book the eight-hour Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour priced at £312 per tour for up to eight people on the ToursByLocals website. Includes guiding services and private transportation.

Discover the blooms in Barcelona at traditional flower stalls

Barcelona is best known for the spectacular architecture of Antoni Gaudi, its modern art museums, golden shoreline and tapas bars but many do not know about the plentiful flower stalls and markets which align the famous avenue, Las Ramblas. The Flower Rambla was very important during the 19th century as it was the only place in the city where you could buy flowers – it is the only street like this in the world. Explore the city on foot with local guide Mar who has been a tour guide since 1994 and visit the main square Plaça Catalunya and the Boqueria Food Market – home to over 200 stalls from delicious fruits and aromatic spices to freshly-caught seafood. Spend the afternoon soaking up the culture of the vibrant bustling city and explore Barcelona’s old Jewish Quarter and The Gothic Cathedral which was built in 1298, with Mar showcasing endless local knowledge, tips and tricks.

Book the three-hour Barcelona City Tour priced at £213 per tour for up to nine people on the ToursByLocals website. Includes guiding services and free map of Barcelona.

Wander through the lavender fields in Provence and visit a floral distillery

Neighbouring the UK, France is just a short ferry ride and a perfect getaway for those wanting to stay a little bit closer to home. Your guide Nathalie was born in Luberon, a beautiful region located between Aix-en-Provence and Avignon and was an English teacher for 16 years before qualifying as a tour guide. Enjoy a scenic drive through the mountain road of Lourmarin and meet a local producer at a lavender distillery who will share their secrets including the numerous medicinal and practical uses. Stop along the way to photograph the rows of lavender and then follow the country roads to the “capital” of Lavender: the village of Sault. Capture the incredible colours of the lavender blossoms and feel re-energised by the enchanting scent of Provence’s iconic flower.

Book the eight-hour Lavender Luberon-Sault Tour priced at £531 per tour for up to seven people on the ToursByLocals website. Includes guiding services and private transportation.