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These days, it’s rare to come across something that makes you think – ‘why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?’ which was exactly the case with South Place Hotel’s new Retox to Detox package. Team Coco ventures into the buzzy City to see if South Place Hotel’s new package is worth the hype (spoiler alert: it is)

If you’ve ever gone out out over 30, then you must try South Place Hotel’s new Retox to Detox package. City’s most vibrant boutique hotel has teamed up with Vitamin Drop specialists Get A Drip to offer the ultimate party-weekend experience for partygoers whose hangovers have worsened with age.

No need to sacrifice a whole weekend binge-watching the latest reality show after a night out, because South Place has created the solution with its Retox and Detox package.

South Place Hotel is artsy, cool, vibey and effortlessly so. A destination within a destination, South Place Hotel Is conveniently located to all of Shoreditch’s hipster haunts and the City’s sky-high bars – a perfect base for a night out. Not to mention, the hotel’s Secret Garden – which opens every Friday from August – is also an excellent spot for cocktails with guest DJs adding further allure.

We checked into one of the studio suites, one of the 80 stylish bedrooms in South Place Hotel. The suite was stylish, spacious and had plenty of delightfully clever amenities that we didn’t know we needed in our lives until right now. The BNO TV, for example, can be spun around remotely. No need to fumble with HDMI wires, because you can connect your laptop to the TV straight from the desk. The minibar, if you can call it that, contains a fabulous selection of artisanal gins and spirits – perfect to get the party started.

RETOX

There is also an in-room ‘Black Book’ Party Guide which gives you the low-down on the coolest late night spots this side of East London. We were also greeted with some champagne and delicious fruits – perfect to set the pre-game mood.

Package guests can enjoy a complimentary Tanqueray Gin cocktail at the hotel’s buzzy 3 Bar in the lobby, but we recommend also having a cocktail (or two) at the rooftop terrace just before sunset. We promise that you won’t get better views of the City.

For dinner, check out South Place Chop House’s new summer menu. Led by Head Chef Jack O’Riley, there’s plenty to chew on here (pun intended). From the generously sized Large King Prawns starter, which is cooked with chili, garlic and parsley butter to the Cobble Lane Charcuterie-board which offers Cappa, Lomo, Salami and Chorizo with a creamy celeriac rémoulade.

The star of the show is of course the Josper grill. Here, you can enjoy a selection delicious, juicy grass-fed steaks. Each cut is carefully aged, succulent and works perfectly well with a variety of delicious sauces and sides. They say a good meal is a precursor to a good night out, and so after our delicious dinner at Chop House – we danced the night away in East London.

DETOX

Going ‘out out’ often results in dehydration, headaches, and a general fatigue -which gets worse with age. Don’t fret – because South Place Hotel comes to the rescue with the detox part of the package. Start with a hearty breakfast the Chop House, followed by a Vitamin Drip treatment in your room.

Get A Drip is London’s top IV clinic and offers different drips depending on your needs. We went for the Energise drip, but you can also opt for Hydration Immunity or Detox. The IV Drops are administered by a certified nurse – and will not just give you a post-drip boost of energy, but leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and energised for up to four weeks after your treatment.

Once properly detoxed, South Place Hotel takes the relaxation further with a one-hour full-body massage at the Wellness Centre, so you can banish the aches from the night before. Believe us – once you check out of the South Place Hotel – you’d be asking yourself ‘where has this been all my life?’

If you still haven’t managed to book a summer break, then take inspiration from our round-up of some of the best luxury stays. Whether you are looking to recharge your batteries, explore, bar-hop or dine out, we have some of the best places to enjoy a long weekend in style.

JW Marriot Venice Resort & Spa

Avoid the crowds at this luxury hideaway in Venice

Situated on the secluded private Venetian island of Isola delle Rose, travellers can choose to unwind at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, a luxury five-star hotel that offers the perfect hideaway from the excitement of the city and busy crowds. New arrivals are transported by the hotel’s glamorous private water shuttle to the 40-acre resort, surrounded by charming views of the beautiful gardens and olive groves. Guests can choose to book from a choice of luxurious rooms, suites, and JW Retreats with private gardens, and enjoy award-winning cuisine, cooking classes and a choice of three pools. While those seeking a little downtime can head to the JW Venice Spa, a unique sanctuary that overlooks the Venice skyline.

Rates start from €450 per double room per night.

The Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort

Exclusive beach club access and benefits

The Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort has refurbished its Purobeach rooms with a design inspired by the beaches and sea of the Algarve. Guests staying in these rooms are offered free access to the beach club, Purobeach Vilamoura, along with a range of exclusive benefits including free sun loungers, towels and parasols, iced water, a welcome drink and after sun lotion plus a 10% discount on treatments at the Tivoli Spa Vilamoura. Purobeach features a programme of themed events and visiting DJs over the summer.

The club has two distinct zones – beachfront on the 5km long Praia de Vilamoura and poolside around the black tiled pool in the gardens of the resort, which is an adults only space. Guests can sunbathe either beachside or poolside on Balinese and Nomad style sun beds, enjoy cocktails brought to their loungers and dine on local seafood specialities to the relaxed sounds of the club’s DJs. At Purobeach poolside, guests can also join in morning yoga sessions and relax with a massage.

The 42 newly refurbished Purobeach rooms and suites are on the seventh floor of the hotel – each with a balcony or terrace. They have been decorated with soft tones and natural materials, inspired by the sand and the light on hot days, while the striped fabrics are a nod to the sails of the boats in the marina. Situated in the prime location of Vilamoura Marina the hotel is close to the shops and bars.

A stay at Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort in a Purobeach room in August, costs €600 per night (double occupancy) with breakfast and other Purobeach room benefits included.

Explore Madrid’s Golden Mile

The cosmopolitan, five-star BLESS hotel re-opened late last year in the heart of the glamorous Salamanca district, known as Madrid’s Golden Mile, following a major refurbishment with sensory interiors by Lazaro Rosa Violán. Each of the 111 rooms has unique details, with some retaining original Murano crystal features from the former hotel that occupied the historic building in the 1950s. Others have private terraces with hydromassage jacuzzis and anti-ageing sleep system technology.

Signature cocktails have been newly crafted by Libe’s expert mixologists and stylish events on the Picos Pardos Sky Lounge transform the hotel into a buzzy social hub for BLESS guests and Madrileños alike.

The hotel offers a range of experiences exclusively for guests, establishing it as a reference point in Madrid’s fashion, art and gastronomy scenes. Guests can make the most of their city break by immersing themselves in the capital’s cultural hotspots with a private five-hour tour of the Museo del Prado; Palacio Real and Madrid Antiguo, before enjoying a traditional lunch from the Executive Chef. Alternatively, the ‘BLESS Art Madrid’ tour of nearby private art collections allows guests to create their own piece of art with a local artist. Meanwhile an expert personal shopper and butler are on hand during the ‘BLESS Your Golden Mile’ experience, taking advantage of the Salamanca district’s many boutiques, followed by a relaxing in-room Bathology ritual.

Double rooms at the BLESS hotel are priced from £462 a night, room only.

Get a little dose of zen in Sicily

Having launched last summer, the10-hectare Grand Palladium Sicilia resort is the only five-star all-inclusive resort on the stunning island of Sicily. Perfect for a relaxing long weekend, the Zentropia Palladium Spa offers a complete wellness experience. Equipped with all the latest technology, it features a fabulous hydrotherapy zone, dry and humid sauna, chill-out zone, hot and cold hydromassage baths, and a sensation shower. Guests can treat themselves to a range of exclusive aesthetic treatments for the face and body and relaxing massages.

The magnificent white sand beach is just a stone’s throw away, while guests can also cool down in four spectacular pools within the resort. There is plenty to do to fill a weekend, as the resort is ideally situated for discovering both the city of Palermo and other coastal settlements such as Bagheria, Termini Imerese, and Monreale. Those who unwind best in nature will enjoy visiting the nearby Serra Guarneri nature reserve, whilst culture enthusiasts can head to the world-famous Mandralisca museum or cathedral in Cefalù.

Deluxe rooms are priced from £253.08 on an all-inclusive basis.

Mistral Beach Club, Split

Sundowners in Split

As part of the five-star Radisson Blu Resort & Spas, the Mistral Beach Club has become one of Split’s most sought after destinations, open to resort guests as well as outside visitors. This luxury beach club combines sunset and sundowners to make an unforgettable evening. International DJs and lounge music provide the perfect sound any time of the day.

Staying in the Radisson Blu Resort & Spas, however, comes with its own perks. Not only do guests get to enjoy luxurious facilities and an outstanding service within the resort grounds, they can make use of all the facilities Spalato Spa has to offer, dine in high-class restaurants, and explore the historical old town of Split, located only a stone’s throw away. A stroll through the romantic old town eases you into the Dalmatian way of life. Charming cafés offer foamy Cappuccinos in an oasis of calm within the lively city centre.

Rooms at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spas are from €309.13 per night

Lakeside Luxury for Less

Tucked inside the lower reaches of the Alps, the Northern Italian region of Trentino is famous for its Dolomites (UNESCO World Heritage Site), stunning landscapes, olive groves, rich history and picture-perfect historic towns and villages.

On the northern shore of Lake Garda in Trentino lies the beautiful town of Riva del Garda boasting a Mediterranean climate and filled to the brim with olive and lemon trees, palms, views of turquoise waters, and mountains for a majestic backdrop. This chic & stylish town with cobbled streets and historic buildings has great culinary offerings such as Al Volt, with seasonal tasting menus using local produce from across the region and is a short distance from the Dolomites mountain range, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The town is home to many activities such as sailing and windsurfing, paragliding, wine-tasting, hiking up soaring mountains, mountain biking, rock climbing & canyoning. A must-see natural attraction is picturesque 100-metre Varone waterfall.

Enjoy a 6-night stay at Hotel Portici Romantik & Wellness in Riva del Garda from £990 for two adults. The hotel is located in the picture-perfect historical centre of Riva del Garda and just moments from the crystalline waters of Lake Garda with soaring views of the mountains. Based on two adults sharing a double room, on bed and breakfast basis 21 – 27 August 2022.

Nourish your body and mind in Tuscany

Tucked away in between the pristine Serchio Valley and the Apennine Mountains, the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa is the perfect retreat to unwind away from the stress of everyday life. This small piece of paradise is located near the town of Barga in one of the most breathtaking locations in Italy and offers a variety of activities to care for the body and mind.

Guests can refresh in the sparkling waters of the hotel’s two pools or breathe in relaxation as they enjoy the spa’s extensive services, treatments, and amenities. The spa menu includes a special wine treatment using Tuscan grapes, a couples wine ritual that ignites the senses and treatments especially for men.

For those that would like to be a bit more active in their time away, there are a plethora of hiking paths, allowing visitors to be one with nature during a peaceful wander. The Garfagnana is known to be excellent for mountain biking and the many bike paths are perfect for exploration of the area on two wheels. There are also tours offered to discover all that is to see in the towns of Barga, Pian di Fiume, Guzzano, Isola Giovanna, Pieve di Controne and more and visitors can bring a packed picnic basket from the hotel’s kitchen to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery.

To nourish the body, the hotel offers a special ‘From The Land To The Plate’ day-experience where you visit the local market with a trained chef to pick out the freshest ingredients and afterwards prepare a three-course meal to enjoy alongside some local wine.

Double room per night in Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa is priced at £196

Lisbon may be one of Europe’s sunniest capitals, but it’s a city that really comes to life when the sun goes down. From vibrant bars to cool night clubs and jamming party boats, Lisbon nightlife starts late and finishes early in the morning. Team Coco has rounded the best night clubs, bars and lowkey foodie finds for night owls looking to make the most of the warm summer nights in this beautiful Portuguese city.

Start the night in Bairro Alto

The bohemian district of Bairro Alto is the place to meet for a drink at the start of the night in Lisbon . With its narrow cobbled streets, it’s one of Lisbon’s oldest areas and is home to an eclectic bar scene. The bars here tend to be very small so most people head outside and join the street party, meeting new friends and enjoying the buzzing atmosphere. But, there’s more to Bairro Alto than just bars. With some of the best restaurants in the city found here, it’s perfect for partygoers to enjoy a pre-party meal and will impress even the most discerning foodie.

Paint the town pink

Locals say that nightlife in Lisbon follows a steady downhill motion. So, travellers looking to party like a Lisboeta should take the short ten-minute walk downhill from Bairro Alto to Cais do Sodré, one of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods. This vibrant neighbourhood brims with lively bars and poppin dance clubs – some not closing until 6am. At the heart of the action is Rua Nova do Carvalho, once the city’s red light district and now known as “Pink Street” due to its bright pink pavement. You’ll surely be dancing the night away!

Head to the trendy riverside district …

Trendy Alcântara is one of the liveliest places-to-be in Lisbon. Docas de Santo Amaro, a marina beneath the breathtaking 25 de Abril Bridge, is filled with popular bars and restaurants converted from old warehouses and with outdoor terraces overlooking the waterfront. Nearby, Village Underground Lisboa is built out of abandoned shipping containers and double-decker buses and hosts an exciting programme of DJ sessions and other live music performances. Perfect for those looking for artsy, underground vibes.

Explore the newest happening neighbourhoods

To the east of Lisbon, bordering the River Tagus, the neighbourhoods of Marvila and Beato are becoming Lisbon’s newest happening districts after dark. Once the city’s manufacturing heart, these neighbourhoods are now nightlife hubs with abandoned warehouses and industrial buildings converted into fashionable bars, restaurants and clubs … while Marvila’s artisan breweries make sure there’s plenty of beer on tap!

Sail on the River Tagus

The River Tagus is at the heart of Lisbon and provides the perfect backdrop for a night on the water. Party boats offer live DJ music, drinks and appetizers… while partygoers enjoy the stunning views of the river and the city. The partu boats often depart at sunset and return by midnight, the night is still young for those looking to continue the party at one of the many waterfront bars. Visitors looking for quieter options can enjoy a sunset cruise with wine or hire a boat for a private party with friends. The departures are made in the South and South-East Station, near Terreiro do Paço. Life by the river has never sounded so sweet!

Reach for the stars

As ‘the city of seven hills’, it’s no wonder that Lisbon is home to a vast choice of rooftop bars with spectacular views, the perfect place to enjoy a drink or two while watching the sun go down. From relaxing hidden gems to sophisticated nightspots for people watching, there’s a bar for every mood.

Partying in Lisbon is not just limited to the city centre, and its waterside location offers other great party options, ideal for the summer months.

For more information, ideas, and inspiration on enjoying Lisbon after dark, please go to www.visitlisboa.com

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

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

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

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

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN SAINT-GERMAIN

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

HOW TO GET THERE

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

WHY CHOOSE BRITISH AIRWAYS HOLIDAYS

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

Our sleep has a huge impact on our wellbeing. Lack of sleep can leave us mentally and physically drained and a chronic lack of it puts you at greater risk of obesity and developing health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Since the loss of my dad last year, I have had an up and down relationship with sleep, so when The Langham, London invited me down to road test their new sleep wellness package I packed my suitcase quicker than you can say goodnight.

One in three of us struggle with their sleep which is why Langham Hospitality Group has developed a comprehensive global sleep wellness programme in conjunction with the World Sleep Society. The new Sleep Matters programme focuses on the holistic benefits of sleep providing solutions from white noise sleep machines to wellness rituals and bedtime advice to help you get a good night’s rest.

The Langham, London is super stylish and situated within walking distance of Oxford Circus. This impressive property is perfect for a luxury five-star, city break. Inside the vibe is glamorous and opulent. As soon as you enter the grand lobby you are faced with huge dramatic chandeliers and marble columns. Beautiful flower arrangements adorn the lobby and after a swift check in I am shown up to my suite.

The Suite at The Langham, London

My suite is like a sleep haven and kitted out with a selection of goodies to help ensure I get the best night’s sleep. The décor inside is contemporary and clean, there’s lots of natural light and it’s spacious. In the corner of my room is the Mirror screen by ZENi, a virtual personal trainer that offers 10,000 classes on demand with a workout to suit you. Studies show that a light workout consisting of stretching and meditative moves like yoga help to improve sleep quality. There’s an OTO sleep pack full of CBD products and expert tips on how to get more healthy sleep.

If you are booked in a suite or Executive Room you get access to The Langham Club, an exclusive, residents-only sanctuary where you can enjoy complimentary drinks and cocktails with a selection of Hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie and cheese platters.

I was booked into Chuan Wellness Spa for a full body Harmony massage, designed to stimulate meridian harmony. This unique mind, body and soul experience uses the therapeutic elements of acupressure with various relaxation massage techniques to induce a deep sense of calm. It successfully hits the spot as I drift off to sleep just 15 minutes in. The therapist gently wakes me with an Elemental tea to compliment my treatment. The delicious combination of rose petal, hibiscus, and pepper is to help enhance my fire element. I float out of the spa and ditch exploring the West End in favour of a relaxing afternoon in my suite.

After an aperitif in The Langham Club, I head to Palm Court for dinner. Cream leather booths, ceiling to floor wall art and a plethora of chandelier and glass lighting gives the place a dazzling, Art-Deco feel. The service is slick and attentive. Dining at Palm Court is both relaxed and sophisticated. The menu is inspired by the grand cafés of Europe and uses the finest seasonal and local ingredients. I opted for a succulent steak served with greens, it was delicious. I decided to have desert back in my room so I could make the most of the sleep package.

Guests have access to a Sleep Matters Menu, which allows you to order a selection of wellness-related items during your stay, including a yoga mat and fitness ball for pre-sleep stretching; weighted blankets, a selection of pillow options and white noise sleep machines and in selected locations, Chuan elemental oils and lavender bath products for a restful soak before bedtime.

When I return to my room, I’m greeted with a chill out playlist, specially curated to help me relax. My Sleep Matters Turndown Kit includes herbal tea, branded ear plugs, pillow spray, cushioned sleep mask and Sleep Tips Cards courtesy of World Sleep Society.

After spraying my pillow and drinking my herbal tea I settled into my bed for the night. So did I get a good night’s kip? I drifted off quickly and woke up once during the night however, I managed to get straight back to sleep which I don’t often do.

The Sleep Matters package is available at global outposts of the The Langham. You can book The Langham, London Sleep Matters, Refresh and Renew Package from £800 per night for a double occupancy room. This includes:

  • Luxury accommodation
  • Daily revitalizing breakfast
  • One 60 minute Chuan Harmony massage
  • CBD OTO Mini Sleep Collections pack
  • Yoga mat or Fitness Bag in all rooms, subject to availability
  • Fitness Mirror if booking suites, subject to availability
  • Turndown amenities, including earplugs and pillow mist in all rooms and sleep masks in suites.
  • Late checkout, upon availability

Does the thought of waking up in a distinctive hotel overlooking Lake Windermere, with stunning views and amazing food sound like your kind of thing? Well, you’re in for a treat!

We’ve teamed up with our friends at the Beech Hill Hotel and Spa to give one reader and a friend a chance to enjoy an overnight staycation at the hotel. Included in the prize is a 3 course meal, breakfast for two and Lakeview Spa access.

And the best bit? It’s super easy to enter.

To enter simply make sure you are following @house_of_coco and @beechhillhotelandspa, then tag a friend you’d bring in the comments of this post. For an extra chance to win, share the post on your stories. Enter as many times as you like.

Good luck!

Terms and conditions : One-night staycation at Beech Hill Hotel and Spa, with a 3-course dinner for two, breakfast for two and Lakeview Spa access. T’s & C’s apply. Stay valid midweek, in a Select Room and subject to availability. Competition closes on the 20th April and the winner will be selected at random. The winner will be announced on our Instagram page.

Hotel d’Inghilterra has always been the hotel of choice for Rome’s movers and shakers as well as Hollywood stars for the past 160 years. The beautiful building has a history that dates back to the sixteenth century and was originally the guest quarters for visitors to the palazzo directly across the cobbled street, belonging to the noble Torlonia family. Hotel d’Inghilterra takes its name from the poet John Keats who, together with Lord Byron and Shelley, made it their top destination when visiting the city on their grand tours.

Aristocrats and celebrities alike have entered through the soaring grand doors, paused in the breathtaking lobby and dined in the suave bar and restaurant. From Hans Christian Andersen to Henry James, Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, Elizabeth Taylor and Gregory Peck. If walls could talk. Nestled in the historic quarter in the centre of Italy’s capital, just a stone’s throw from the Spanish Steps, the property has been a stalwart for Roman society and is a timeless luxury hotel in the Eternal City.

84 rooms and suites are each seeped with their own style, identity and charm and each offer 24-hour room service. The decor is elegantly put together with antique furnishings and contemporary finishes, creating the perfect synergy of majestic meets modern. For an additional dose of decadence, book one of the Executive or Penthouse Suites, renowned for being some of the most iconic hotel rooms in Rome. The Executive Suite boasts a luxury furnished dining room, a lavish bathtub and sauna, two bathrooms in total, an ultra-comfortable pillow menu, sitting area, kitchenette, dressing room and a French balcony offering soaring views over the rust-coloured ornate Roman roofs. The exquisite Penthouse Suite offers an enormous private terrace with views over the city, the ideal spot for a private dinner or sunset cocktail. When dust descends, Hotel d’Inghilterra also offers a panoramic rooftop overlooking the city.

The best way to get tips and tricks for the day ahead is to eavesdrop on conversations at Café Romano where sensational breakfasts and steaming coffees are served up on monochrome tables that spill out onto the street. Discerning guests who know Rome like the back of their hands discuss those under the radar historic monuments, authentic espresso bars in Trastevere and off the beaten track restaurants peddling the best pasta in Lazio. Café Romano also serves dinner and is filled with epicureans seeking delicious Mediterranean cuisine as well as a selection of local delicacies.

The restaurant is perfectly positioned for watching the lively Via Borgognona and admiring elegant Romans sauntering past on their way to an Aperitivo hour in the afternoon. For additional expert information into the best sites, restaurants and shopping spots in the city, the hotel’s multi-lingual concierge team are on hand to fulfill every wish.

With a major renovation in 2022 but with its soul remaining intact, a new wave of guests will experience the beautiful hotel for the first time with a new look, as well as devoted visitors who venture back to Rome and stay at Hotel d’Inghilterra, time after time.

Superior Rooms at Hotel d’Inghilterra Roma​ are priced from Euro 326 per room per night on a bed and breakfast basis. www.starhotelscollezione.com

Nestled in a nook off Colmore Row in the centre of Birmingham is the resplendent and historic Grand Hotel. Seeped in old school glamour this iconic Grade II listed building has been given a new lease of life. Originally built in 1879, the hotel has hosted glitterati and heads of state. In its heyday guests included King George VI, Charlie Chaplin, Malcom X and Winston Churchill. By 2002 it had lost its sparkle and closed its doors. Step in Robert Angell International, who for the past 18 years have been working behind the scenes to deliver a £50 million restoration and refurbishment. 45,000 man hours later and the results are astonishing. The Grand Birmingham is the city’s jewel in the crown.

The hotel has retained a mix of French Renaissance, Victorian and Art Deco features, while successfully juxtaposing modern artwork and design features. The magnificent grand staircase sweeps through the centre of the building while fabulous chandeliers and mosaic tiles add to the style and character.

The service is friendly, upon arrival I’m greeted by front of house and reception staff who show me to my room and give me the low down on the facilities. The team are passionate and knowledgeable about the hotel and its history.

Bedrooms are light and airy, styled in muted cream, brown and black with views overlooking St Phillips Cathedral. The vintage phone and mirrored headboard add a retro splash to what essentially feels like a contemporary space.

Madeleine is perfect for cocktails and pre-dinner drinks. Dark panelling flanks the walls, large arched windows and twinkly bauble chandeliers add to the intimate atmosphere. Soft, velvet sofas and chairs are scattered around the bar area. Punches of ruby red, pastel pink and navy accents give it a luxurious chic vibe. Across one side of the room is a full-length bar, serving small plates and an extensive choice of cocktails. I tried the Madeleine Martini, a raspberry and pineapple alternative to the classic. It comes with what looks like a bubble bath topping and is totally Instagramable.

Downstairs is basement brasserie, Isaacs, the hotel’s New York style eatery. Green and white tiled walls surround leather diner style booths and tables. There’s a buzzing atmosphere as guests tuck into classic American dishes. The menu features fresh seafood, steaks and Stateside staples like ribs, hot dogs, cod and grits. Breakfast is served here and there’s an extensive choice of buffet options, eggs or for the hungrier a full English.

The secret garden courtyard on the ground floor is a hidden gem. Cute fairy lights and climber plants give it a roof top bar feel and I can tell that this area will be a big hit with guests in the summer.

The hotel is in the heart of the city, just a short walk from New Street Station and the Bullring shopping centre making it a great base for anyone looking to explore the UK’s second city. Host of this summer’s Commonwealth Games and home to some fabulous bars and restaurants, Birmingham and The Grand are well worth a visit.

Rooms start at £129 per night, visit The Grand Birmingham

For those thinking Hungary is just about goulash and Tokaji dessert wine, it is high time they took a visit to this stunning country in central Europe which is only 2 hours by plane from London. The capital of Hungary, Budapest has no less than 7 Michelin-starred restaurants. Since Hungary won Bocuse d’Or Europe in 2016 (the Olympics of the culinary world), they’ve been going from strength to strength and they will be hosting the European final of the Bocuse d’Or in March 2022.

The Bocuse d’Or Hungary success was down to Tamás Széll at Stand Budapest, which is also Michelin-starred (Tamás is now also the trainer at the Hungarian Bocuse d’Or Academy). Securing a table at Stand can be a tricky affair as they are busy on all days of the week. Whilst seasonal changes do occur, they’ve always kept Tamás’ award-winning dish, sterlet with cucumber salad and clam sauce topped with caviar. It’s decadent and it encapsulates the best of Hungary, with sterlet traditionally caught from the Danube. One thing to note is their vegetarian tasting menu which is quite an advancement for a nation that thrives on meat-eating, especially mangalitsa pork.

Café culture has been a crucial part of the Hungarian way of life and particularly since the end of communism in 1989. The New York Café is one of those iconic venues you must book in early to savour their world-famous afternoon teas.

Michelin-starred dining isn’t all about glitz and glam, you can get equally inventive food in a relaxed brasserie-style environment at Borkonyha Wine Kitchen. The key to Michelin success is often championing local ingredients, so at Borkonyha you get an extremely refreshing sturgeon with grapefruit and dashi. You will also often find beetroot in Hungarian dishes, so at their restaurant, it is served up to compliment quail and black salsify. The saturated colours make the dish visually appealing but the sweetness is the perfect foil for the mildly gamey flavours of the quail.

The wine industry has come on leaps and bounds since communism ended in Hungary in 1989. Arguably their most famous export is Tokaji dessert wine and dining at the fine dining restaurants mentioned previously, you’ll learn they are rated from 3 to 6 puttonyos. The higher the number, the higher is the sugar content and generally more valuable. Although you have to give careful consideration not to pair the sweetest dessert with a 6 puttonyos wine.

Much like the English wine industry, Hungarian sparkling wine is experiencing a booming market. One winery tour I would strongly recommend taking is to visit Kreinbacher estate in Somló. You get to sample exquisite wine with wonderful minerality due to the volcanic heritage of the area but also admire the stunning award-winning architecture of their winery with buildings that seamlessly blend in with the natural surroundings.

Why not combine winery tours with a spot of sightseeing? The ideal place for this is the historic town of Pannonhalma. The Benedictine Pannonhalma Archabbey and the accompanying library is one of the most impressive destinations in Hungary to visit and being situated on a hill in a relatively flat landscape, means you get unrivalled views of the countryside. Wine-making started here in 996 by Benedictine monks and has since been revived again post-communism.

The other destination to consider whilst you are exploring the scenic countryside is Lake Balaton. It is the largest lake in central Europe and where plenty of locals have their second homes and decamp over the summer months. A ferry ride across the pristine lake whilst admiring the sunset is one of those bucket list moments you will remember for the rest of your life. There are worthy dining options to consider in the area including the restaurant Kistücsök, which arguably started the modern Hungarian culinary revolution back in 1992. You can try classic Hungarian street food dishes like lángos, which is a deep-fried flatbread, and Mangalica ham.

Finally, if you are concerned about the calories, there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities to burn off the excess energy, particularly in Budapest. Budapest has one of the most spectacular parliament buildings in the world. Their grand staircase is truly a sight to behold and the best thing is they offer regular guided tours for you to enjoy. You get to tour half of the parliament building which used to be the House of Lords but that was abolished in 1945.

The other must-visit historic part of Budapest is the Buda Castle District filled with superlative attractions like the Moorish-influenced church Matthias and the recently renovated, St Stephen’s Hall of the Royal Palace. And you can’t say you’ve been to Hungary without having visited their world-famous bathhouses, like Spa Széchenyi. It’s the largest medicinal spa in Europe, the most visited attraction in Budapest, it has 18 pools and 10 saunas/steam cabins. This is just the kind of destination that reminds you why you’ve missed travelling so much in the last few years.

For more information on their beautiful country, please check out https://visithungary.com/

Ah, Paris. A city positively fizzing with culture. And also a city where you could happily while away many hours drinking red wine, eating cheese, and bopping to jazz in an underground cave by Notre Dame – all of which we did in excess while there during a festive December stay at Silencio des Prés in Paris. Before we indulged in the mode de vie Parisien, however, we dined at a restaurant that, quite frankly, I’ll never forget… for all the best reasons!

Silencio des Prés in Paris

A Culinary and Cinematic Oasis: Silencio des Prés

Silencio des Pres is both a restaurant and a cinema and walking through the revolving doors off the crisp Christmas-y streets at 22 rue Guillaume Apollinaire in Saint-German-des-Pres, we found ourselves immersed in what felt like a bygone era. Silencio is magical. It soothes with its low lighting, cosy banquettes and subtle contemporary spirit. It’s cosy, with a vintage cinema feel reflected in the restaurant, but the large bar, piled high with spirits and purpose, gives it a buzzy and fun vibe too. Globular mushroom lights span the bar with high stools so you can prop up for a cocktail, and indoor plants give a boom of colour amongst the golden hues of the space.

The arrondissement in Paris that Silencio can be found in has been frequented by the likes of Brigitte Bardot and Karl Lagerfeld, looking for a slice of vibrancy. As such, it’s no surprise this chic and spirited eatery with an awesome cinema aspect has cropped up in an area so renowned for its culture.

The restaurant was opened up in Paris by founder Arnaud Frisch in a celebration of its 10th anniversary, with two further locations found in Montmartre and Ibiza. Seated on a raised area, we had a view over the restaurant and watched as the intimate space welcomed families ready to feast, diners on dates and businesspeople making decisions over chef Guillaume Sanchez’s experimental dishes. Cocktails whet our appetite ahead of the food – a Floradora for me, with ginger, lime, gin, soda and framboise syrup. Utterly refreshing, but with a kick. And for my guest, a very seasonally-apt Armagnac negroni made with Punt e Mes. There are many to choose from, including a Calvados pornstar which I would hurriedly return for.

Delightful Dining Delights at Silencio des Prés

Next, for food! And wow, we had one dish unlike any we’d ever tried before. My partner and I like to consider ourselves as well-travelled when it comes to tipples and fare, but Silencio stopped us in our tracks. The black pollack with mashed potatoes, black pudding and black radish needs a paragraph on its own – not one for the faint-hearted! This dish was presented beautifully, with a sea of dark red sauce surrounding the island-like presentation of the mash and fish. Lapping up the sauce, we both found the taste to be mysterious. We later discovered it to be duck blood. This didn’t really phase my dining partner, but for me, as someone who tends to stick loosely to a pescatarian lifestyle, I was a little taken aback! Duck blood to one side, I opted for the fish du jour which was accompanied by gorgeously fresh seasonal vegetables. Along with my organic wine it’s safe to say I was a very happy chappy. Other plats include a tartare de boeuf, cheese burger and an iconic croque monsieur.

Due to my excitement to discuss the duck blood main, I have laid this review out in a rather unconventional way, and shall now discuss the starters! You can play it safe with ciabatta, but we opted for something a little more intriguing – scallop carpaccio! I adore scallops, but I’d never had them presented in a carpaccio form and I truly enjoyed it. Presented beautifully, with edible flowers sprinkled atop, I’d describe it best as refreshing and certainly not a heavy entree. We also tried the Wagyu cecina. Meat that is the royalty of excellence and intense flavour, and boy did it deliver. Other dishes include a red tuna tartare, or cold langoustine ravioli.

Our waitress expertly partnered a wine with our food, and after a few tasters, I was convinced that the Ya Plukah white was the one for me. It’s an organic wine, which is something I don’t usually opt for, so it was nice to try something against the grain. However, our waitress, Marie, who was simply wonderful and so knowledgable throughout, did suggest not paying too much attention to the smell. It was pretty pungent, and not the smell you’d expect, but its crisp and delicious character made it almost impossible not to drink, especially alongside my fish dish.

Indulging in Sweet Confections and Espresso Martinis at Silencio des Prés

A full indulgence was on the cards for our Parisian dinner, and we danced it off afterwards anyway until the early hours of the morning. So espresso martinis were the bookmark to our meal, as well as a selection of desserts. St Honoré caramel is a total treat and definitely satisfies the sweet-toothed community. However, my favourite was the Tarte chaude aux pommes et glace vanille. There’s nothing I love more than a hot dessert offset by ice cream, and the apples were tres bon indeed! You can also grab a spoon and enjoy the tempting Mousse chocolat et fleur de sel… I’d be lying if I said we didn’t!

I’d return to the restaurant in a hurry and it almost feels poignant that, what with living in London, I can’t take every single friend and family member to experience the magic of Silencio des Pres.

www.silenciodespres.com