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Czech Republic

Jersey is Open : Escape to the Club Hotel & Spa

Here at House of Coco we’ve always had a love affair with Jersey, the island has a real sense of luxury and joy that we’ll never tire of. So hearing the news that from 26th April, the island will be open to visitors from the UK once more, we had to start planning our next visit.

Luxury destination The Club Hotel & Spa and its Michelin-starred restaurant Bohemia in St Helier stunning new packages are perfect for an idyllic summer getaway. With Michelin-starred beach dining, sensational summer spa packages and fabulous family-friendly breaks, there’s something for everyone.

The Ultimate Jersey BBQ

For adventure-seekers and gourmands alike, The Ultimate Jersey BBQ Package combines a one-night stay with an al fresco dining experience like no other. The day starts with an accompanied kayaking adventure that takes guests on a breathtaking exploration along Jersey’s east coast. From there, it’s a trip to The Ecrehous, a cluster of tiny, picturesque islands off where, on a secluded islet beach, your own private chef from Bohemia awaits with an incomparable three-course lunch and fine wines – this has to be the most luxurious way to social distance. Priced from £1,999 for two people including an overnight stay and breakfast.

Time to Relax

Boasting world-class spa facilities and indoor and outdoor pools, book a stay in one of the hotel’s beautiful bedrooms or suites before slipping into total relaxation mode at The Club Spa. An extensive treatment list will leave you spoilt for choice and ensures pampering from top to toe. The Cleansing Spa Retreat (from £478 B&B) is perfect for those seeking deep restoration. Head to the spa where your experience will start with a full body brushing and exfoliating with sea salt and seaweed, before enjoying a warm body envelopment of rich stimulating algae and essential oils.

A mineral hair treatment with tension relieving massage is next, followed by a blissful full body massage using lemon and juniper, and then a gentle cleansing facial to leave you glowing and radiant. To finish, a Tibetan foot massage offers deep cleansing and exfoliation, leaving you silky smooth and totally refreshed. Spend the night in one of the hotels beautiful bedrooms and enjoy a delicious breakfast the next morning, before you head out to explore all that Jersey has to offer.

A Family Friendly Getaway

If you’re travelling with little ones, The Club Hotel & Spa offers everything you need for a luxury family break. With swimming pools, beaches within walking distance and Jersey Zoo and the ‘aMazin’ Adventure Park there’s plenty to do. Family rooms are suitable for two adults and up to two children, and VI(Little)Ps are well catered for with access to games and books and a welcome gift of the Club Teddy Bear. Essentials, including cots, bouncy chairs, and changing mats are all available and children are more than welcome at Michelin-starred Bohemia.

The Club Hotel & Spa – the staycation destination that has it all.

www.theclubjersey.com

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Czech Republic

Romantic Seclusion and Peaceful Pastimes: The Perfect Post-lockdown Staycation at Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts

Seclusion, jeep safaris, and virtual wine tastings? Count us in.

Lockdown got you feeling a little boxed in? Would the sound of silence be music to your ears right now? Then how about booking a secluded post-lockdown staycation at the tranquil Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts?

Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts are set on a family farm near Aldington on the Romney Marsh, a sparsely populated wetland area in Kent that’s designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but often slips under the radar. The two traditional shepherds’ huts – Rumwold and Lookerer – have been designed as romantic rural retreats that incorporate a touch of luxury and offer couples an idyllic place to relax, recharge and get back to nature amidst vast open skies and miles of countryside.

The cosy huts are the perfect romantic hideaway for couples post lockdown and come fully equipped with a double bed, kitchen including hob and outdoor fire pit, a built-in toilet and shower room and toiletries from the family’s sister business – Romney Marsh Wools. On arrival, couples can also opt to have their Hut stocked with locally sourced breakfast produce.

The Huts’ owners Kristina and Paul Boulden family have lived and farmed on the Romney Marsh since 1882 and have over 130 years’ experience of the area. The Marsh has a diversity of habitats, extensive coastline and rich history. Today the family farm across just over 3,000 acres across the Romney Marsh growing crops as well as keeping a small suckler herd of cattle and keep circa 1,000 indigenous Romney ewes, also known as ‘Kentish Sheep’ who graze on our clover rich pastures. The family are delighted to be able to share the landscape they manage within this peaceful countryside which is a paradise for walkers, cyclists, and explorers of historic towns, quaint villages, ancient churches and wildlife.

For travel in April 2021, a two-night stay in the Lookerer Hut is priced from £321 for two adults sharing. For travel in May 2021, a two-night stay in the Lookerer Hut is priced from £332 for two adults sharing.
To book, visit www.kentandsussexcottages.co.uk or call 01580 720 770.

Wait, there’s more:

Creative, Foodie and Active Adventures available to guests at Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts

Since the launch of the Huts in 2018, the owners have worked to build relationships with a range of local business owners and artists who offer numerous creative and active/adventure/outdoor activities which guests can enjoy during their stay. Optional add-ons include:

  • Marsh Jeep Safari with Channel Bike Hire from £45pp for a half-day tour including lunch at a locals’ favourite eatery – tours take place on the Romney Marsh and around Dungeness in Kent. Note, the same supplier also offers bike hire from £20pp per day (bikes can be dropped for free to guests at RMSH and then left at an arranged meeting point to save guests having to actually return the bikes) – naturally, only a beginner level of fitness needed for any bike hire
  • Craft and felting classes with a local textile artist and designer Rachel Murrell where guests can learn the art of needle felting using pre-dyed wool from the Romney sheep on the family farm so as to make their own gifts and Christmas decorations (for 2021) – priced at £60pp for 3hrs including refreshments, cake and biscuits or £70 to include a Ploughmans lunch. Guests will also receive a Romney Marsh Wools felting kit (worth £20) to use on the day and take home to continue their new found skill. Crafting photos included within WeTransfer link below. More information here
  • Photography sessions with a local photographer and artist Casey Brett who will teach guests how to capture the spectacular views of the Romney Marsh from £25pp for a 2.5 hr lesson – all from the comfort of their Hut. Alternatively, guests can spend a day learning analogue and camera lens techniques such as cyanotypes and Lumen printing at Casey’s studio in nearby Evegate. Priced at £60pp with all equipment and lunch included. More information here
  • Art tutor classes with RMSH’s Artist in Residence Steve Thomson who has over 40 years experience to including a role as Head of Art at the prestigious English College in Prague. Priced at £30pp per hour or a cheaper rate of £25 per hour for longer periods (e.g. an afternoon session), Steve provides guests with all materials needed including painting surfaces (canvas, paper etc). He then meets guests staying at the Huts at a pre-arranged location on Romney Marsh (eg. one of the churches, seafront etc) and they undertake a painting session together with Steve giving guidance throughout supported by demonstrations of methods and techniques plus feedback. The aim is to encourage course participants to make work that they are pleased with and which enhances their holiday break and creates a memory. Classes are fun and include some context and background on the location. They are suitable for complete beginners and those with some previous experience
  • Virtual wine tours with Wine Tours of Kent are also available from £75pp (for this, wine will be delivered to your Hut from participating vineyards). In-person tours are also available (post lockdown) from £93pp

After a busy day of crafting, guests staying in the Huts can opt to dine on a pre-ordered three-course Gourmet Dinner Service from Kentish Home Feasts. Made locally by experienced caterer Sinead Bailey, meals are delivered directly to the guests’ Hut all ready to be heated up and enjoyed. Priced from £30pp. BBQ packs and picnic hampers are also available on request. Then, as the sun sets, guests can settle in for a night under the stars by the fire pit, or cosy up with the log burner on the go.
More information: https://romneymarshshepherdshuts.co.uk

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Afternoon Tea

WAKE UP HERE: A STAYCATION AT MAMA SHELTER LONDON

After (who knows how many) months of lockdown, three postponed destination weddings and one cancelled romantic getaway (with my better half), to say I was excited when I was invited to review the cheeky London outpost of Mama Shelter in Hackney, is an understatement! It’s been on my bucket list for some time and it didn’t disappoint.

On arrival, I was instantly greeted by all of the things that helped propel Mama Shelter as one of the world’s leading hotel brands: bombastic décor, welcoming and knowledgeable staff and of course, incredible location in London’s culture hub of Hackney. Needless to say, it offered a more subdued version of its usual self, but that’s fair given it now has to operate in a COVID-19 world, but they still did well to retain the playful personality it’s known and loved for. This included the team’s mandatory face masks, each emblazoned with its own unique mouth design (tongue out, lip biting, smiling with braces) turning a dull and restrictive item into a fun and desirable accessory.

The overall style of the played on its location in the heart of trendy east end with a mixture of mid-century and vintage furnishing throughout. The ground floor was a kaleidoscope of colours with a mish-mash of lampshades, long tables (which also double-up as great workspace), booths and chalkboard ceilings, along with an open plan kitchen. The Greenhouse, where I was met by their resident mixologist trying out new concoctions, was airy and bright with a retractable roof – a perfect space for dining with friends and drinking cocktails al-fresco. In winter, I can imagine it also offers a cosy alternative.

My room was 70’s inspired with playful little touches, including a novel corner booth with lush velvet emerald green cushions, super comfy bedding and perfectly proportioned (and very well lit bathroom). The room also had a great view over the old gasworks synonymous with nearby Regents Canal. And of course, it wouldn’t be a stay with Mama without their lovely selection of Mama Organic Skin Range (along with their suggestive namesakes, ‘Mama wants to cream you up’).

My beautiful room overlooking the famous gasworks on Regent’s Canal

After unpacking and freshening up, I headed to the Greenhouse for dinner. The (paperless QR) menu offers generous family-style dishes with some Turkish influences. My favourites: the burrata with borlotti beans, golden raising and gremolata and the simple (but delicious) cured sea trout with heritage beetroot, horseradish and lime. For the main, I devoured the Chicken Za’atar with harissa yoghurt, pickled cucumber and pistachio. The downstairs space and Greenhouse would also make a great brunch spot – the fluffy American pancakes were incredible! – with your friends or family and ideally located for exploring the area after.

As a former Hackney resident, I know the neighbourhood well and I couldn’t recommend it enough for readers looking to discover a new part of London or just fancied a fun night out without the hassle of getting a taxi home later. The hotel is perfectly placed between bustling Broadway Market (for lazy Saturday mornings) and Columbia Road (the infamous flower market runs on Sunday’s) and about a 15 minutes walk from Shoreditch High Street, offering endless art galleries, contemporary furniture and clothing stores and live music venues (although this is on pause for the time being).

Mama normally offers an unmissable program of events (currently on hold due to government guidelines) which has helped it to create a great sense of community among locals. Downstairs, Japanese-style karaoke rooms – they often host drag karaoke nights – are decked out with pinball machines, retro video games and classic 50s-style microphones and are available to hire for groups. Guests can also create personal souvenirs of their Mama Shelter experience with the photo and video booths, via the brand’s social platforms.

My first Mama experience was in Paris for my birthday a while back. It was one of their first hotels – Mama Shelter East – and I remember thinking then that it was ahead of its time, offering an affordable boutique hotel experience with all the trimmings you’d expect from a five-star hotel: great food, buzzing atmosphere, service and modern design (but without the hefty price tag).

The Mama Shelter journey started in 2008 with the launch of Mama Paris East. Founded by the Trigano family – co-Founder of Club Med – and world-renowned designer Philippe Starck, Mama Shelter believed in launching in lesser-known, ‘out of the way’ neighbourhoods in iconic cities, allowing guests to discover new creative corners with Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, Belgrade, Prague and Toulouse soon added to the group’s portfolio. Today, MAMA’s international footprint continues to grow, with hotel openings in Lille and Paris West this year, and properties in Luxembourg, Dubaï, Santiago de Chile, Lisbon and further locations set to open by 2022.

It was lovely to see Mama’s managed to retain her charm even after global domination.

To celebrate their reopening, Mama London is offering stays from as little as £49* per night. The only condition is that you have dinner in their restaurant or via room service – seems fair to me!

For more information please visit: www.mamashelter.com/en/london/special-offers/staycation

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Czech Republic

#CocoFood: 6 Food & Drink New Releases

What better way to celebrate summer being on the horizon than by sampling a nibble of something mouth watering or by pouring a glass of something exciting to drink outside?

#TeamCoco are into all things new, from travel and experiences to food and drink, so the team have compiled a little list of some totally gorgeous food and drink releases, perfectly in time for the end of spring and the start of early summer 2019.

Food

Lily O’Brien’s Desserts Collection

The award-winning Desserts Collection by Lily O’Brien’s is a box of 18 scrumptious chocolates, inspired by the world’s best-loved dessert recipes. It is the perfect after dinner indulgence. The delicious range includes all-time favourites such as Hazelnut Torte, Passion Fruit Posset, Banoffee Pie, and Crème Brulee, giving a wide variety of delicious flavours to enjoy.

Priced at £7 (230g), available in major retailers and online from Lily Obrien’s

Nairn’s Oat Bars

Harnessing the power of wholegrain oats, these gluten-free, flapjack-style snacks contain 40% less sugar than the average fruit or cereal bar, with no compromise on taste. They’re available in three delicious flavours (Apple & Cinnamon, Orange & Cacao, Mixed Seeds & Protein) and contain only 170 calories per bar!
Priced at £0.75p per bar, available online and in-store from Waitrose & Partners

Rosebud Preserves Yorkshire Rhubarb & Orange Jam

Rosebud Preserves is pleased to announce that its new season rhubarb jams using forced Yorkshire rhubarb are now available to buy.

Our favourite, the Yorkshire Rhubarb and Orange Jam is made with tangy forced rhubarb from the famous ‘Rhubarb Triangle’ of West Yorkshire, brightened with the sweet citrus of fresh blood orange is naturally set with unrefined sugar, and has maximum taste.

Priced at £3.50 (227g), available from Whole Foods Market, Neal’s Yard Dairy and online from Rosebud Preserves

Paxton and Whitfield Truly Great Cheese Hamper

A tempting selection of five cheeses designed to make a ‘truly great’ cheeseboard for a truly great treat. Presented in a gift box the five cheeses are from England and France. They have been chosen for their consistent quality and taste. It contains: Stilton PDO*; Westcombe Cheddar PDO*; Berkswell; Camembert de Normandie PDO*; and Selles Sur Cher PDO*.

*PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

Priced at £42 (1.1kg), available online and in-store from Paxton and Whitfield

Drink

Brancott Estate Wince collaboration with Benjamin Craven

New Zealand winery, Brancott Estate, has partnered with rising star of the UK design scene, Benjamin Craven originally from Leeds in Yorkshire, to design four new limited edition labels. Craven is one of the UK’s most exciting emerging designers, with work featured at the prestigious Hayward Gallery.

Benjamin has brought to life in four different designs the Marlborough landscape that is currently depicted on the Brancott Estate label, including the ever-popular Brancott Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Priced at around £9 per bottle, available from Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons and other reputable wine stores

CELIA Organic Beer

CELIA Organic Lager is made from just three ingredients for a crisp and refreshing sipping sensation, with refreshing citrus undertones. It is also gluten free and vegan friendly. Brewed in the famous hops region of the Czech Republic.

Priced at £2.29 per bottle, available from Ocado

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Czech Republic

Best destinations you can fly to for less than £50

Here at House of Coco there is no secret that we are addicted to travel. Even more so when we get to do it at a fraction of the cost and now you can do the same. Thanks to London Stansted, you can jet off from under £50!

Here’s our top destinations that will not only save you a whole heap of cash but will create a shed load of memories too…

London Stansted > Copenhagen 1st May – 5th May: Return flights from £28 – Ryanair
For many, the mere mention of Copenhagen brings to mind cobbled lanes windswept coastlines and vibrantly coloured streetways. This is the ultimate destination for young travellers in search of a ‘Scandi-cool’ experience. Copenhagen is a pleasing amalgamation of top-notch culinary experiences, flawless Danish design and interesting cultural history. Flights to Copenhagen run frequently from London Stansted Airport via Ryanair and, amazingly, return trips can be purchased for well under £50.

London Stansted > Toulouse 1st May – 4th May: Return flights from £37 – Ryanair

Coined by locals as ‘La Ville Rose’ – translated as the Pink City – Toulouse is marking itself out as an enchanting destination in France for families and young travellers alike. The jumble of coral-tinted rooftops and storefronts in its Old Quarter make for an angelic focal point when perusing the area. Meanwhile, the city’s bustling food markets, fascinating museums and thriving music scene mean that visitors will never be bored. Luckily, direct flights to Toulouse run from London Stansted Airport and can be obtained for less than £50.

London Stansted > Ibiza 14th May – 17th May: Return flights from £44 – EasyJet

There’s much more to this sun-kissed party haven than may first appear. Step off the beaten track for a moment and you may find yourself beside a secluded cove, an archaic church or the ramparts of a World-Heritage castle. Of course, for those moments when you do wish to let loose, some of the world’s best DJ’s deliver unbeatable sets throughout the summer. Flying to Ibiza can be incredibly cheap; flights from London Stansted by easyJet run frequently and can be easily obtained for under £50 return – bargain!

London Stansted > Prague 1st May – 4th May: £47 – Ryanair

The capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague, is packed with stunning architecture originating from the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque era. Unsurprising then is its nickname: ‘the City of a Hundred Spires’ – for its many towering cathedrals and monasteries. Meanwhile, culture-lovers will rejoice at the wealth of art galleries there, which offer wonderful examples of Bohemian work in a variety of forms. Reaching Prague is easy and affordable with direct flights leaving often from London Stansted Airport – start your adventure in Prague now.

London Stansted > Oslo 1st May – 8th May: Return flights from £27 – Ryanair

Despite being a fast-growing metropolis, Oslo is actually an incredibly green city and prides itself on having one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. It is also famed for its gastronomic delights, which range from three-Michelin-starred restaurants to a quirky fusion scene. To top it off, the nightlife in Oslo is hard to beat; whether you’re after a mellow evening sipping natural wines in a local bar or are in search of a night bopping to the hottest local DJ’s – Oslo is your place. Getting to Oslo doesn’t have to cost the Earth, flights with Ryanair run frequently to the city for as little as £27.

Each of these destinations are reachable via London Stansted Airport, for more details visit their website: www.stanstedairport.com

*all flight prices quoted have been found via skyscanner.net and are liable to change

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Croatia

6 Most Beautiful Capital Cities Around the World

You can learn a lot about a country and its culture by exploring its capital city. Here are six of the most beautiful capital cities around the world.

London, England

London is the capital of England and there are so many exciting things to do and see. Take a bus tour of the city and see the iconic landmarks of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, and Piccadilly Circus. Take a ride on The London Eye, a giant wheel that revolves through the air and allows you to see the sights from a bird’s eye view. Enjoying a cruise on the River Thames is another great way to see the sites of this stunning city. Here are the best places to wine and dine in London.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a stunning city that is filled with cobblestone streets, hidden alleyways, and a fascinating history. The city is easy to walk around but be sure to take a ride on the subway and go for a ride on a tram. Old Town is a beautiful area where you can visit St. Wenceslas Square and watch the fascinating medieval Astronomical Clock. The clock does a free show every hour and a large crowd gathers to watch it. Be sure to walk across the statue lined St. Charles Bridge and then head up the hill to see the imposing structure of St. Vitus Cathedral. Here are some of the best things to do if you are visiting Prague for the first time.

Beautiful Capital Cities Around the World

Moscow, Russia

Moscow, Russia is a stunning city that has amazing architecture, great food, and an extremely interesting history. The Kremlin is a complex that is open to the public and you can explore the buildings like Grand Kremlin Palace, Assumption Cathedral, Ivan the Great Bell Tower, Armoury Museum, Diamond Fund and State Kremlin Palace that area located inside. Be sure to also visit the Red Square and the stunning St. Basil’s Cathedral that was built in the 16th century. Take in a night of ballet at the opulent Bolshoi Theatre.

Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia and this beautiful city is filled with stunning examples of and 18th and 19th Austrian Hungarian architecture. St. Mark’s Square and Ban Jelačić Square are great places to hang out and you can see fabulous architecture, do some shopping, and eat at fabulous cafes. Be sure to go to the Museum of Broken Relationships where you can see examples of devoted relationships that failed. Dolac Market is a great place to go to purchase and learn more about Croatian food. Be sure to head to Mount Medvednica that is filled with fabulous trails and caves that you can explore.

Havana, Cuba

If you’re planning on visiting Cuba, make sure you include Havana to your itinerary. It is a bustling city and you can explore the sites of the town by going for a ride in a vintage car. It is also a great city to explore on foot so that you can stop and explore without having to worry about parking. There are plenty of fabulous public squares, museums, cafes and bars that are a great place to rest after a day of sightseeing. Be sure to visit Habana Vieja, the old town, and see the military fortress of Castillo de la Real Fuerza and Catedral de San Cristobal, an excellent example of Baroque Architecture.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and it is known as the City of Baths. The city rests upon natural hot springs and there are bath houses throughout the city that you can soak your weary body in after a day of exploring. There are hundreds of museums and art galleries to explore so do a bit of research before you arrive in this fascinating city. Budapest is filled with great cafes and hookah bars so be sure to indulge before you leave. Make sure to go for a stroll or a bike ride along the Danube River.

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