Destination Inspiration - House Of Coco Magazine

Destination Inspiration July 13, 2022

Come and discover the Emerald Coast, Florida – Pensacola

For those who love their beach holidays with a healthy dose of culture, Pensacola is just the destination for you. Known as “The City of Five Flags”. The British, French, Spanish, Confederate, and American flags have flown over this charming city at various points over the previous centuries. This cultural melting pot has given birth to a vibrant city filled with countless sightseeing highlights.

The first area I would recommend visiting is Historic Pensacola. It is eight and a half acres of museums and historic sites containing 30 buildings with 12 that the public can visit. They have one ticket, with seven days to explore option so you have plenty of time to discover the marvellous history of the region. Highlights include the Pensacola Museum of History where you can visit the replica Trader Jon’s Bar. Martin “Trader Jon” Weissman with his larger-than-life gregarious personality and famous mismatching socks was much loved by celebrities and locals alike, especially the flight students and military personnel who used to frequent the bar before it was closed down. The local naval aviation school is one of the most famous in the United States. Other places to visit include the Museum of Commerce where you can see an antique local trolley car. The museum of industry is where you can discover why lumbering, commercial fishing and brick-making propelled Pensacola from a sleepy village to a thriving commercial hub.

If you want to visit somewhere with pristine natural beauty intertwined with historical importance, then do check out the national park surrounding Fort Pickens. Apart from being a famous military fort, it also played a crucial role in the underground railway programme to help enslaved individuals escape to other states and countries where slavery had been abolished at the time. Nowadays, it’s a picturesque area filled with stunning hiking trails, crystal clear waters and places for overnight camping.

As with the other places along the Emerald Coast, marine adventure is an unmissable highlight of Pensacola. They have unique offerings which you won’t discover anywhere else in the region. Glow Paddle is a fun way to allow yourself to enjoy an evening excursion on a calm, shallow lake with kayaks and paddle boards fitted with crystal clear LED lights. It’s a great bonding experience with friends or family and they’ve developed newer products like glow pedal bikes.

For an experience of a lifetime, try Condor Sailing Adventures. You get to sail on a world-class 40 ft. Condor racing trimaran and it’s never crowded as they take a maximum of 6 people only. Due to the structure of the boat, it’s incredibly stable and it’s rare for anyone to suffer from any sea sickness. It is an extremely rare experience, as there are only 21 Condors worldwide. You can either enjoy the sunset with dolphin watching or book a cruise when the Blue Angels are flying. From there, you can go and check some beautiful luxury properties in Pompano Beach.

Finally, you might be wondering: what are the dining options in Pensacola? If you are a seafood lover, then this is just a gastronomic paradise for you. Restaurants like Grand Marlin excel in offering the freshest seafood. They print their menus daily depending on the local catch of the day. They have gulf oysters, hand-cultivated ones from off-bottom East Bay, BBQ oysters and oyster Rockefeller. Local specialities like seared red snapper and grilled mahi-mahi are always popular with their diners but they also have cosmopolitan takes on classics such as their Hong Kong-style halibut, which uses marinated baby bok choy, ginger, scallion and soy sherry broth.

Other places to try for more casual dining include casino beach bar and 5 Sisters Blues Café. The former is great for casual al fresco lunch where you can grab a healthy bite like an ahi tuna poke bowl and more moreish burger options. The location is superb as it’s right by Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier. At 1471 feet long, it is a mecca for locals who love fishing and you’ll often see redfish, pompano and spotted seatrout being caught. Brunch at 5 Sisters Blues Café is a popular local tradition and you’re guaranteed to see a long queue out the door before opening. They have live jazz performances on a Sunday and they reputedly have the best southern fried chicken along the Emerald Coast. And then spend some time in the local district of Belmont-Devilliers. It’s been redeveloped in recent times and hosts a rich tapestry of cultural venues promoting blues, gospel and jazz artists as well as boutique, independent art galleries.

https://www.visitpensacola.com/

Destination Inspiration July 5, 2022

TeamCocopup: Embracing life by the river with Coppa Club and The Great House at Sonning

Our roving doggy rePAWter TeamCocopup and doting dog mum Hannah Tan-Gillies went for an idyllic weekend getaway with Coppa Club at The Great House at Sonning, for a taste of life by the river.

Much like its sister properties, The Swan at Streatley and Coppa Club Henley, The Great House Sonning was the vibrant, bustling centre of life in the quiet riverside town of Sonning.

Every time we visited The Coppa Club Restaurant, whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner, it was absolutely buzzing with life and filled with both locals and tourists alike (and their pets!) It is evident that when a place has that perfect combo of good food, excellent service and a dreamy location – that the people will come…and stay a while.

And who wouldn’t? The Coppa Club at The Great House Sonning has a gorgeous riverside location that looks like it could have been lifted from a landscape by John Constable. Adding allure to the outdoor setting are Coppa Club’s signature domes, which are accented here with perfectly curated flowers and wicker chairs . The domes are the perfect Instagrammable moment for any guest at Coppa Club.

We recommend having breakfast on the terrace where you can watch the swans and ducks swimming along in the distance. Coppa Club’s Full English is impeccable, but the avocado on sourdough with Scottish salmon is equally impressive.

For a light lunch – we recommend the San Daniele Prosciutto Salad which had the perfect blend of crunch, savoury and sweet. This generous salad is made with ith D.O.P Prosciutto, rocket arugula, radicchio, apple parmesan and walnuts.

For dinner – an excellent vegan alternative is the Spice Roasted Cauliflower which comes with steamed rice, pomegranate and a hefty serving of tahini sauce. This dish puts the humble cauliflower on the spotlight and to sparkling effect, easily one of our favourite dishes on the menu.

We recommend going beyond Coppa Club and take advantage of The Great House’s beautiful riverside location. In addition to being a dog friendly hotel, the location itself is ideal for long riverside walks (and swims) with your pooches. Charlie certainly enjoyed strolling along the river and saying an enthusiastic hello to the people on houseboats moored on the banks of the Thames.

With 49 rooms, spread between the Main House, Clock Tower, Palace Yard and Coach House, The Great House at Sonning brings a contemporary flair to countryside living. The rooms are awash in a vibrant orange and duck egg blue colour palette, complete with Smeg fridges and shabby chic dark wood accents.

We stayed in the Coach House and Charlie was greeted with a dog bed, dog treats and a dog bowl. While the Coach House did have a small outdoor space for doggy business, there weren’t really any easily-accessible grassy areas from the hotel rooms for dogs to do their business at the Coppa Club, which is the only nit-pick from our otherwise wonderful stay.

In fact, all 49 rooms were booked during our stay. A testament to the popularity of The Great House and to the quality of hospitality on offer here. After our two day sojourn to the world of The Great House, which since its opening in 2016 has become a well-loved hub for the Sonning community, we too have fallen in love with life by the river.

WWW.COPPACLUB.CO.UK

Destination Inspiration July 5, 2022

TeamCocopup: A dog-friendly getaway with Coppa Club at The Swan Streatley

Our roving doggy rePAWter TeamCocopup and doting dog mum Hannah Tan-Gillies went for an idyllic weekend getaway with Coppa Club at The Swan Streatley, for a taste of life by the river.

Located in what probably is the most picturesque riverside location on the Thames, The Swan Streatley (operated by Coppa Club) is an homage the beauty of the Great British countryside.

The Swan, hotel, gym, yoga, gardens, river, gardens

In quiet yet charming Streatley, The Swan is the heart of the community and the centre of its vibrant social scene. There is the country house hotel of course, which offers different rooms that would suit all sorts of travellers. From the compact yet cosy Loft room, to the generously-sized dog-friendly rooms that open the hotel’s beautiful grounds.

The grounds themselves are a sight to behold. In the summer, they come to life – becoming a hub for families, home workers or boating enthusiasts who moor there for the afternoon. Charlie was allowed in every space at the hotel and was greeted with a dog bed, dog bowl, dog treats and a dog towel too. Not to mention our room opened out directly to the lawn, perfect for night-time doggy business. The Swan at Streatley gets five stars for dog friendliness and the TeamCocopup seal of approval.

The Swan at Streatly, hotel, gym, restaurant, gardens, River Thames

The main attraction at The Swan at Streatley is or course, the Coppa Club. A sprawling restaurant which smartly occupies both indoor and outdoor spaces, The Coppa Club seems to be at the epicentre of community life in Streatley. This gorgeous restaurant offers multiple vibes for all-day dining. From a sleek den, cosy nooks, spacious lounges, a vast garden and a breath-taking deck – there’s something for all kinds of diners here.

The Coppa Club Menu serves up a selection of time and tested British bistro classics with a twist. For starters, we especially enjoyed the garlic king prawns on toast and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken (which came with chili mayo and crunchy slaw). For mains – the British Flash Steak with chimichurri certainly doesn’t disappoint; and the Roasted Halibut Fillet, made with the day’s fresh catch, was equally delicious.

For cocktails — we liked the Garden Spritz which was exactly the kind of refreshing summer drink to enjoy during the day and night. The wine menu is concise yet filled with some excellent and reasonably-priced choices too, with our favourite being the delicious rosé from Tropezian winery Chateau Minuty. Thoughtful, unfussy yet undeniably delicious – we know for a fact that a good meal will be had at Coppa Club, no matter if you’re visiting for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Beyond great food and superb cocktails, there’s plenty to see and do at The Swan Streatley. Home to one of the most impressive gyms I have ever seen in a country house hotel, The Gym at The Swan is filled with the latest equipment and offers fun classes that include paddle-boarding, wild swimming, running clinics, outdoor yoga, stretching, meditation and so much more.

The Swan, hotel, gym, yoga, gardens, river, gardens

You wouldn’t be the first to think that The Swan at Streatley would make a great wedding or anniversary party venue, which is why it is so apt that the hotel has a specific area for meeting rooms and event spaces. Here, food is prepared by Coppa Club while guests stay at The Swan – an idyllic combo of excellent grub and stylish rooms in the heart of the Berkshires.

Between the sun-soaked gardens, warm and inviting hotel and fabulous restaurant — there’s plenty to fall in love with at The Swan at Streatley, a dreamy and beautiful riverside getaway. If you are exploring other riverside locations like Henley and Sonning – don’t forget to visit Coppa Club Henley and The Great House at Sonning too, sister properties of The Swan at Streatley.

WWW.COPPACLUB.CO.UK

Adventures June 28, 2022

Nikki Beach: A celebration of the ‘joie de vivre’ of Saint Tropez

Hannah Tan-Gillies hopped on a private jet to Nikki Beach Saint Tropez to celebrate 20 years of the original beach club.

Even the word Saint Tropez immediately conjure up visions of yachts, swanky luxury boutiques, packed Mediterranean cafés and glamorous beach parties. Nikki Beach Saint Tropez, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is all this and more – epitomising the ‘joie de vivre’ of the South of France.

Nikki Beach Saint Tropez is the first European beach club of the Nikki Beach Group. To celebrate its milestone 20th anniversary this year, Nikki Beach is inviting some of the world’s biggest DJs and chefs to take over its idyllic Pampelonne location. This includes music legends like Bob Sinclair, Martin Solveig, Cerrone and David Guetta, and 3-Michelin Star Chef Glenn Viel.

Our visit to Nikki Beach, while missing those big music names, was satisfyingly hedonistic. Nikki Beach is the kind of place that transforms throughout the day and the day of the week. At lunchtime, Nikki Beach is a family affair – a perfect spot for a delicious meal while sipping on rosé from the nearby Minuty winery. In the early afternoon, fabulously talented singer Abel serenades guests in French, Italian, Spanish and even Arabic, getting Nikki Beach’s international jet set crowd on their feet and sometimes on tables too.

When the sun begins to soften, influencers, models and Saint Tropez’s glitterati begin populating Nikki Beach’s pool area, and Sandy Sax the saxophonist (yes – indeed that is his name) comes out to play sweet tunes accompanying an endless array of club hits. Soon – the pool area becomes the epicentre of the beach club with bottles of champagne (sometimes arriving by rocket – and other times arriving by treasure chest) come out with much fanfare. It is a transformation that is fascinating to see but even more fascinating to be a part of.

There is something for every kind of vibe at Nikki Beach and if the bass-thumping, fist-pumping day club atmosphere isn’t your scene, then head over to the newly-opened Butterfly Bar for a champagne tasting at the Salon Dom Pérignon. Sundays are reserved for Nikki Beach’s ‘Amazing Sundays’ brunch and offer a more relaxed atmosphere perfect for lounging poolside or sipping cocktails by the beach.

There is also an on-site masseuse to help soothe the aches and pains from the previous day’s festivities. All of the food at Nikki Beach Saint Tropez, whether you’re enjoying fresh sushi or partaking in the buffet of the Amazing Sunday Brunch – scores top marks. Crafted by Executive Chef Alessandro Pizza, who has been with Nikki Beach since day dot – there is something to impress even the most discerning foodies at Nikki Beach.

The staff at Nikki Beach Saint Tropez are excellent. First of all – everyone looks like they jumped out of a Ralph Lauren print campaign. Second, when they’re not making sure you have everything you need to enjoy a VIP stay in one of the pool beds or serving up some of delectable cocktails – you will find them dancing on the tables adding fun and excitement to an already excellent beach club atmosphere. Anything goes at Nikki Beach – and the thick tables were created for exactly this kind of blissful table-dancing debauchery.

Beyond Nikki Beach, St Tropez has plenty to offer for travellers looking for style, culture and gastronomy. A visit to the nearby Chateau Minuty is highly recommended. During our visit, we went on a private tour led by owner Jean-Etienne – who took us through the winery and shared some of his favourite bottles of rosé. Minuty is the rosé of choice for anyone and everyone in St. Tropez and it would be an absolute sin to not enjoy a glass or five during your visit.

A quick walk around Saint Tropez reveals plenty of marvels too. Every Saturday, there is fabulous market in the town square. Here, you will find everything from spiced saucissons, recycled silk kaftans to mid-century modern furniture. Surprisingly – the market draws a crowd that blends both locals and tourists alike. It is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the daily hustle and bustle of Saint Tropez away from the curated glitz of its luxury hotels and restaurants.

Just across the market in Place de Lices is Le Café, a fabulous spot for an evening of romance, piano tunes and excellent Provençal cuisine. Opened in 1789 and still run by the Costa family, Le Café is one of the oldest, most beloved restaurants in St Tropez. Here, amidst a vibrant hodgepodge of low-hanging wicker lamps, rich Turkish fabrics and colourful ceramics, you will find a fantastic dining experience that celebrates local ingredients and time-honed Provençal recipes. At Le Café, you will come for the food and stay for the atmosphere – there is certainly plenty to go around.

After a day of sun, spritzes and sensational tunes – head back into the Byblos Hotel Saint Tropez to experience the very best of Mediterranean hospitality. Byblos has been a Saint Tropez institution since the 1960s, a true temple of pleasure originally conceived by Jean-Prosper Gay-Para. Over the years, this iconic hotel has hosted the likes of Cher, Mick Jagger, Jack Nicholson and Brigitte Bardot. Today, Hotel Byblos maintains this mythical quality.

From the fantastic Arcadia poolside restaurant to its cool Lounge Bar B – and of course the timeless and elegant suites – it’s easy to see why this is one of the most beloved hotels in St Tropez. In the evenings, head down to Le Cave du Roy, lovingly referred to as the ‘Temple of Tropezian nights’, for an unforgettable night of drinks and dancing.

After a few truly decadent days in St Tropez, we ended our Nikki Beach experience with a bang, flying back to the UK via private jet with Aero. Aero offers semi-private jet flights all over the world, creating an effortless and intimate flying experience between private terminals. All Aero jets have been meticulously designed and the service onboard is second to none.

Aero passengers also benefit from a personalised concierge service. Amidst the current chaos of UK flight cancellations – Aero brings the joy and luxury back to travelling. It was the perfect way to end our Nikki Beach Saint Tropez immersion, which was all about celebrating life and all its pleasures.

For more information visit https://saint-tropez.nikkibeach.com/

Adventures June 4, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/

Couples Travel May 29, 2022

MarBella Corfu: A family-friendly getaway in Corfu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information visit marBella.gr

Coco Couples May 29, 2022

A Greek romance at MarBella Nido

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heinz Troll photoshooting May 2018

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

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

For more information visit marBella.gr

Couples Travel May 29, 2022

MarBella Elix: A natural paradise in Corfu

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

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

Heinz Troll photoshooting October 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information visit marBella.gr

Adventures May 20, 2022

Laps of Luxury, a Dip in the World’s First Floating Sky Pool

Just a short walk from Battersea Power Station, perched on the edge of the river Thames is Embassy Gardens, an impressive residential and business development which is home to the iconic Sky Pool.

The iconic Sky Pool

House of Coco was invited to stay in one of the prestigious apartments overnight and access all the facilities which included the extraordinary floating pool. Suspended between two skyscrapers, 200 metres from the ground, this glass bottom pool floats in the air allowing residents to swim from one building to the next. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the London skyline you can take in views of the Houses of Parliament, London Eye and new US Embassy which is located next door.

The spa and cinema room at Embassy Gardens

The development has a five star resort come private members club vibe which is reflected in the outstanding facilities, the Eg:le Club, allows you access to the Sky Deck (that’s where the Sky Pool is), this includes an indoor pool, state of the art gym, private cinema, concierge service and the Orangery rooftop bar. All the facilities are extremely plush and on the sunny morning we visited, we couldn’t believe our luck when the pool was empty. Similar to swimming in a giant aquarium, it is entirely transparent and structure free, 25m long, 5m wide and 3m high with a water depth of 1.2m. It was an upgrade on the usual gym swim and imagine that on a Saturday afternoon in the summer it feels more LA pool party than South London.

The apartments here start at £650,000.00. Our stylish apartment was spacious with an open plan kitchen, dining, and living area, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms, one with a bathtub and one with a shower. The balcony on the lounge offers views of the Thames and is the perfect spot to chill with a drink in the evening. The interiors are contemporary, and the overall spec is high with lots of marble, state of the art appliances and products.

Embassy Gardens is fast becoming a lifestyle and commercial hub for London, benefitting from a huge influx of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants This ultra-chic neighbourhood, has its own green space, spin studios and beauty bars. There’s plenty of places to socialise too. We visited Darby’s, an oyster bar, bakery and grill restaurant. Inspired by the legacy of internationally acclaimed Irish chef Robin Gill’s jazz musician father, Darby’s signature dishes include arancini, Exmoor caviar and truffled brie. The night we went there was an event with author, Dolly Alderton. Penguin Random House are also located here so there’s often co-curated evenings held in one of the bars or restaurants.

From its architecture to its luxury amenities and community vibe – Embassy Gardens is an entire neighbourhood designed for vibrant, urban living. London living never looked better.

Find out more about Embassy Gardens by visiting www.embassygardens.com (T) 020 3930 2554 or follow @embassygardens on Instagram.

Couples Travel May 8, 2022

THE OTHER SIDE OF TUSCANY: WHERE TO GO THIS SUMMER

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

LUCCA

Time travel to the Renaissance era

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

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

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

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

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

BARGA

Discover Barga, Italy’s most Scottish town!

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

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

Explore Il Ciocco, a biker’s heaven

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

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

Detox on a spa resort with an Italian touch

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

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