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Afternoon Tea

All Aboard for a regal afternoon tea on the Fingal

Afternoon tea experiences don’t come much more impressive than being on board a luxury, floating ‘boatique’ hotel. The story of how the Fingal came into being is fit for a Hollywood movie. It was commissioned by the Northern Lighthouse Board to undertake maintenance work on lighthouses on the western and northern shores of Scotland. It was sold to a private owner when it was decommissioned and in recent times, sold to The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust and turned into a premium hotel on the shores of Leith.

It might be a sister ship to The Britannia and a 5-star hotel, but it is fascinating to discover that it used to be a working ship. Even if you are just popping in for an afternoon tea like we did, if you speak with the hotel staff politely, they will gladly take you on a tour of the ship. Two places you must visit are the spectacular ballroom to admire the splendid acoustics, and the engine room to get an understanding of what the Fingal was about. And if not in use, do visit their unique, luxury cabins such as the penthouse Skerryvore Suite with one of the most elegant bathrooms you will find anywhere in the country and every small detail attended to like the super kind size bed headboard with map contours to trace of the famous lighthouses in Scotland.

Afternoon tea in their Lighthouse restaurant is a decadent affair with sumptuous art deco interiors that transport you back to a time when cruising the seas was only a luxury for the elite classes. The tea selection isn’t necessarily the most lengthy you will come across, but it’s been carefully curated to appeal to most people including their own Fingal’s blend, which includes different Ceylon teas, combined with Assam, Yunnan, and First Flush Darjeeling tea. They are keen to support local businesses and use Pekoe Tea Edinburgh, a Leith-based artisanal tea supplier. They offer a Champagne upgrade option with either Moët & Chandon Impérial or Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial.

The showstopper here is the exquisitely prepared canapés-style dishes. Each piece is a dainty work of art, that invigorates your sweet, savoury, umami taste buds without ever making you feel bloated. The heritage tomato arancini had a zingy sweetness that you know comes from well-sourced tomatoes rather than artificial sugars. Likewise, the pork rillette had a refreshing sweetness that came from the beetroot relish. Sandwiches were present and correct such as free-range egg mayonnaise and hot smoked salmon but the chef is more than aware, no one wants to walk out of a restaurant feeling like a sack of wheat.

Mastering the texture of a scone is a tricky affair but the pastry team at Fingal seems to have come up with the winning formula: it’s light and crumbly. They are freshly made daily in-house rather than purchasing stale supermarket varieties. It comes in buttermilk, plain and fruit options and served with Tiptree preserves and Rodda’s clotted cream.

The sweet items were universally impressive with highlights including hazelnut praline choux bun and Oakchurch raspberry trifle with Chambord jelly.

It might be quite a trek to travel from the historical part of Edinburgh to Leith, but this is one-afternoon tea worth making the pilgrimage for.

https://www.fingal.co.uk/food-drink/afternoon-tea/

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Destination Inspiration

The Hotel Hot List: Every hotel we’ll be booking once we can travel again

While it seems like all the months of 2020 have blurred into one, we’re dreaming of a time when we can once again visit all the beautiful destinations this planet has to offer. To (virtually) satiate your wanderlust, we’ve put together some of the world’s most breath-taking hotels to inspire your next holiday… whenever that may be.

The Roseate Ganges, Rishikesh

Set in the breath-taking foothills of the Himalayas of Rishikesh, the Roseate Ganges is an awe-inspiring, yet serene luxury retreat that’s perfect those looking for a total escape from daily life. The hotel has 16 rustic-minimalist cottages set on the Ganges waterway, each one with picturesque views of the holy waters below.

The hotel was designed to inspire and rejuvenate and offers a suite of wellness activities including river rafting, spiritual hiking, bespoke beach therapies, yoga and meditation. Guests can also visit the nearby Rajaji National Wildlife Park to reconnect with mother nature, away from all the truly exhausting pandemic news.

La Sultana Oualidia

The La Sultana Oualidia, which was once a Moorish fortress, is now a 12-room luxury hideaway overlooking a tranquil saltwater lagoon on the edge of the Atlantic ocean. The hotel is located on a protected ecological site, which is often visited by a wide variety of exotic birds, including pink flamingos.

As part of its commitment to preserving its natural environment, hotel staff pick litter around the lagoon every Monday and also upcycle water bottles into plant pots that now house over 30 different palm species in the gardens.

Glenapp Castle, Scotland

This gorgeous hotel offers 17 luxury bedrooms nestled on the Ayrshire coast in Scotland. This handsome castle hotel is hidden away on 110 acres of beautiful Scottish countryside embraced by stunning views and never-ending coastlines.

The hotel offers a Hebridean Sea Safari which gives guests the unique opportunity to explore the wildlife of the Scottish isles. A professional crew (and a private chef) will take you on a voyage to remote islands, coastal castles and charming inns. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some dolphins, milk whales and seals. After a long safari day, guests can retire in a luxury glamping tent atop the Ailsa Craig, a beautiful wildlife sanctuary which is home to over 40,000 birds.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort, Maldives

There is nowhere in the world more luxurious than the Maldives, but the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort is a hotel that takes sustainable-luxury to new heights. The resort is set amidst 18 hectares of the lush tropical Gaafu Alifu Atoll and offers 122 water villas. It even has two luxury Aqua Villas that have underwater bedrooms giving a unique glimpse of the aquatic wildlife in the Maldives.

The hotel also offers plenty of wellness activities embracing sleep, sport, food and spa, each one capitalising on the beauty of its natural surroundings. The Pullman Maldives offers sunrise yoga sessions, aqua fitness, aerial yoga, and the signature Raaveriya Workout led by Global Wellness Coach Sarah Hoey.

The Harper, Norfolk UK

The Harper Hotel is one of the UK’s newest boutique hotels and marries all the quintessential charms of a countryside retreat with a touch of contemporary style. The hotel is located in Langham’s old glass blowing factory and reinterprets these historical features with an array of charming yet unstuffy design details. If you’re still looking for your next stylish weekend getaway, then we highly recommend checking out The Harper.

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Destination Inspiration

Boho Bliss in Ibiza: The new beachfront escape in Santa Eulalia

With eclectic vibes and a flourish of boho, welcome to the coolest new opening on the White Isle.

As we slowly unfurl from months of lockdown, many of us are hankering for a seriously relaxing break. White sand, drink in hand, the slow rhythm of a steady island beat, and a short flight away, Ibiza is the ideal destination for those in need of some sunshine sanctuary. Fortunately for us, W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, has recently opened their newest offering on the beautiful island of Ibiza. The hotel brings the W brand’s distinctive energy, Whatever/Whenever® service philosophy and upbeat programming to the Balearic Islands. Located on the beachfront of Santa Eulalia, the resort will provide guests with direct access to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

W Ibiza embraces the island’s eclectic roots through bold and innovative design, capturing the free spirit of Ibiza whilst elevating the island experience to a new level. The main WET Deck (the brand’s signature take on the poolside scene) has direct access to the beachfront promenade and the white sands of Santa Eulalia beach, which guests can enjoy from W Ibiza’s very own Chiringuito Blue, W Hotels’ version of the traditional beach bars of Ibiza.

La Llama is the spot for breakfast, while Ve Café offers an array of vegetarian and vegan options centered around light, healthy food served in bowls. W Lounge serves food and drinks all day long, allowing guests to relax in swinging couches or chilling to lounge music late in the evening.

The 162 design-led guestrooms and suites bring a new level of eclectic luxury to the Isle, with beloved W comforts to ensure guests are fully recharged for the night ahead. All rooms offer the signature W Bed, plush bedding, and dream-easy pillows and scatter cushions. To detox from a day in the sun, guests can enjoy the spacious 4,000 square foot AWAY Spa with six private treatment rooms and the brand’s signature FIT gym experience. Perfect for some post-lockdown pampering.

With the brand’s iconic Whatever/Whenever® service available 24/7, and the clued-in W Insider on hand to grant access to the hot-spots nobody knows about, guests will be able to have whatever they want, whenever they want it.

To celebrate W Ibiza’s Summer 2020 opening, guests can take advantage of the Welcome Back promotion, which offers Marriott Bonvoy members 25% off room rates, including complimentary breakfast until 30 September. To find out more or to book your stay, visit WIbiza.com.

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Five incredible experiences that will put Malta on your must-visit list

For many of us, the desire to travel is bound up in the chance to escape the everyday. There’s no better feeling than leaving real life behind to explore uncharted territory, easily accessible just a short flight away. But while the picturesque squares of Italy or sun-drenched beaches of Greece always draw a summer crowd, historic Malta is the Med’s best kept-secret; an island home to faraway lands that feel a million miles from home.

Malta’s magical feel is largely due to its old-world charm, with towns and cities that have stood the test of time, characterised by sleepy harbours, winding alleyways and impressive churches. Perhaps the island’s rich cultural tapestry – with nods to Arabic, Italian and British influences – add to its almost otherworldly feel. Malta seems to have escaped being tainted by chain restaurants and busy high streets, blending old and new together seamlessly.

But while Malta’s 4,000 year-old history is still very much alive architecturally, that doesn’t mean the island isn’t moving with the times. Malta has a party scene to rival neighbouring Ibiza, thanks to the arrival of Annie Mac’s Lost & Found festival, with DJ sets that will take you from hidden coves, to a jungle-like amphitheatre.

And that’s not to mention its bustling restaurant scene, with traditional dishes served in dramatic surroundings, followed by cocktails in cave-like bars. If you’re planning a visit to Malta, here are the experiences to put on your travel to-do list.

Dine al fresco in Marsaskala

A small and sleepy harbour town in the south of the island, Marsaskala is famous for both its tasty seafood dishes and colourful painted boats dotted around the water. A peaceful spot, that lends itself to long afternoons spent by the water enjoying a fresh seafood platter and an ice-cold beer (FYI, Cisk is Malta’s signature lager).

Explore the Old Capital, Mdina, known as the ‘Silent City’

For Game of Thrones fans, the best way to describe Malta’s ancient walled city is as if you’d stepped straight into King’s Landing. Which is pretty much on the mark, considering that the town was used as a set for the show during earlier seasons. Sleepy Mdina’s cobbled streets are lined with the palaces of Malta’s nobility and architecture dating back to the Roman Empire.

Its sandy-coloured buildings also house a number of famous restaurants and bars on the island – like the Fontella Tea Gardens and Vinum Wine bar situated above the city walls – so you can enjoy some spectacular views after a day of wandering.

Take the ferry out to Gozo

Introverts, rejoice. Malta’s smaller sister island, Gozo, is the definition of unspoilt. Travel on the ferry from Ċirkewwa across the Gozo Channel to discover wild, unkempt beaches and glistening coves. And don’t forget to pack a snorkel!

Party day and night

It’s not just festivals like Lost and Found and the draw of international DJs to the paradise-setting of Cafe Del Mar that bring the party to Malta. In the villages, street parties bring an entirely different type of celebration to the island.

From June until September villages across the island are awash with colour, with processions filling the streets and fireworks lighting up night skies, each competing to put on the most vibrant display in celebration of each village’s patron saint. While village floats, marching bands and make-shift food stalls may sound quaint; don’t be fooled. The party here gets just as wild, with some village festivities lasting well into the next afternoon.

Wander the capital, Valetta, for cultural afternoon

Majestic Valletta is home to some of the Med’s most coveted artworks, with two original masterpieces by Italian painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio nestled within the walls of the theatrical St John’s Cathedral.

Valletta’s baroque streets were made for wandering and you’ll find no short supply of lofty art galleries and ornate palaces that double up as impressive museums. For those looking for culture, wandering through Valletta’s sun-dappled squares makes for a joyous afternoon.

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Tenerife: what travelling is like in the ‘new normal’

Most travel writers wouldn’t put covering health and safety on top of their aspirational writing list, but in this COVID-19 era, you can imagine that is probably one of the most googled topics around. Recently, I flew out on the first ‘COVID-free’ flight to the Canary Islands to discover the multi-faceted aspects of Tenerife and also how COVID-secure their safety procedures are throughout the island. On the same flight was the UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili. His team at the United Nations is keen to kick-start the tourism industry again, knowing how vital tourism is to places like the Canary Islands.

In this new era, one thing to note is there are always risk with travelling and it’s more pertinent than ever in the current climate. When I travelled to Tenerife, there was no quarantine period for returning UK travellers, but that had changed by the time I wrote up this article. No doubt, this might change again a few times before the current crisis is over. My advice is to book your holidays, but make sure you book it last minute.

Tenerife and all of the Canary Islands are probably one of the safest places on earth with very low rates of COVID infections over the last few months. At the time of writing, the Canary Islands had about 2,610 confirmed cases in total since the beginning of the year; there are 8 islands in total and to put things into perspective, at the height of the pandemic, UK had almost 1,000 cases in a single day.

During our few days of visiting the various parts of the island, mask-wearing was commonplace both indoors and outdoors, hand-sanitisers were in abundance and you are greeted with hand sanitising on arrival in some restaurants. Public areas, and in particular public transport, are cleaned frequently such as our tram ride from Santa Cruz to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Cristobla de La Laguna.

If you want to know how well they’ve adapted, you need to look no further than our first-night stay at H10 Costa Adeje Palace. Yes, that is the infamous hotel that had an early outbreak of COVID-19 back in February where the guests had to quarantine for a maximum of 14 days. Our temperature was checked on arrival, the pens we used to sign the documents were used once and then cleaned. The breakfast buffet was still happening, but dishes were either covered in cling film or served to you by a waiter. You are more likely to come across a hand sanitiser throughout the hotel rather than finding a cash machine.

The question of mask-wearing is often on people’s minds. No, you don’t have to wear them whilst you are sat down eating your breakfast and also when you are on your sun lounger. They’ve made sure the loungers are socially distanced and there’s never more people in the swimming pool than there are sun loungers available.

Likewise, we had a socially-distanced welcome dinner, where there were only 4 people per round table which normally fits 8-12 people. Microphones for speeches were sprayed in between different speakers. Our welcome presents included face coverings and hand sanitisers.

If there are any concerns, it’s not from the islands themselves but the flying experience. You are still sat very close to other air passengers. You are still served food during the journey where you have to remove your masks. And despite warnings to not stand up until the rows in front have departed first on arrival, most people are still desperately keen to get off the plane. Transfer buses are also incredibly cramped. If governments and airport authorities can introduce more uniformity to COVID-secure procedures at airports than this will no doubt help to bring the industry back to more of a stable footing.

https://www.webtenerife.com/

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City breaks

The best roof top bars in LA

LA does roof top bars like no other city. A combination of warm balmy nights and Instagrammable views of the Los Angeles skyline make it the perfect place to take in dreamy, tangerine sunsets and cocktails.

Here at House of Coco, we’ve sussed out the best bars for sky-high views, delicious drinks, good tunes and a sprinkle of that cool Cali-vibe.

Skybar at the Mondrian, West Hollywood

If you are looking for that hip, Hollywood glamour then the Skybar at the Mondrian is the place to visit. During the day it’s a chic poolside lounge, perfect for soaking up some rays and relaxing and, at night, it turns into one of the hottest party spots in LA. World-class DJs pump out the tunes while guests hang out sipping on champagne, signature cocktails, spirits and beers. Boasting some of the finest views of the city, this popular rooftop bar is the place to be seen; so, dress to impress.

Hot tip: If you aren’t staying at the Mondrian, arrive after 1pm when the bar opens to the public.

Mama Shelter, Hollywood

Take in the sweeping views of Hollywood at this casual, chilled rooftop bar. Settle down on one of the bright, cosy sofas and sample the rustic, home-cooked food. Think baby back ribs that just drop off the bone and home-made cookies; just like mama would bake. This is a great venue to meet up with friends, grab a bite to eat, sample a cocktail from their infamous Moscow Mule menu, lounge on the day beds or have a go at the table games and foosball.

Hot tip: Mama’s has a first come, first served policy so try and get there early in the evening.

Above SIXTY, Beverly Hills

Located on the rooftop of the SIXTY Beverly Hills, Above SIXTY was named LA’s best rooftop al fresco bar and restaurant. With an extensive bar and 360 views of the city, it’s easy to see why. There’s a contemporary and stylish split-level terrace; the lower has a bar and lounge seating while the roof terrace has a pool, lounge areas and cabanas. This is a great spot for brunch on a weekend or, if you are looking to hang with the cool crowd, reserve your table for sundowners.

Hot Tip: A great place if you are looking to splurge.

Upstairs Bar at Ace Hotel, Downtown

The Upstairs Bar at the Ace has it all; DJ sets, live music, splendid drinks, book release parties and rooftop yoga. With stunning views of the city, this bar has definitely upped the rooftop game. It’s more than just a bar, it’s a great social space that offers a daily line up of events.

Hot tip: Check out their website before you visit, as there are lots of different events on each night.

High Rooftop Lounge at Erwin Hotel, Santa Monica

As the only rooftop bar in Venice Beach, you can count on epic sunset views year-round. The vibe here during the day is laid back, with 360 views that take in Muscle Beach, Catalina Island, Malibu, Downtown LA and the Hollywood Hills. When the sun goes down, the energy goes up a notch as the hip crowd dance around the glass fire pits, while the guest DJs spin out the beats.

Hot tip: Even if you are staying at the hotel, make a reservation as it gets busy.

Petit Ermitage, West Hollywood

You might well believe that you are in the Mediterranean, rather than Hollywood, when you arrive at Petit Ermitage. This beautiful boho bar is like an Italian secret garden. The pool and bar area is flanked with citrus trees, scattered with twinkly fairy lights. Sip on cocktails created by the Spirit Master in the Butterfly Bar and escape the ordinary. This Hollywood hideaway is humming with birds and butterflies. On an evening, step in the gypsy wagons and have your tarot cards read or snuggle under a blanket and watch an exclusive film premiere on the fire deck.

Hot Tip: This is guest-only, so you need to be staying at the hotel to get in.

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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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Destination Inspiration

Six Quirky UK & US Road Trip Accommodations that you need to book right now

We love the off-the-beaten track, quirky accommodations you come across when out on the road. The unusual spots that get woven into your travel stories – and your Instagram feed. While we’re no strangers to the thrill of heading out on the road and winging it with where we’re going to rest our heads…some spots are worth plotting your whole trip around.

WayPoint, Ventura, California

Ventura is the perfect blend of beach living and charming downtown, brimming with vintage stores and more shiny brewery taprooms that you can count on two hands. Harness that vintage Americana vibe by bedding down in a retro trailer.

Choose between twenty lovingly restored trailers from the 40s-70s – all with mod hipster cons like locally roasted coffee, outdoor seating, firepits with s’mores, cornhole and free Dutch bicycle hire, perfect for a leisurely beachfront adventure.

If you only do one thing: Work up an appetite to take on the French Cajun bungalow restaurant Café Nouveau – get the Maple Bacon beignets to start.

Caravan Outpost, Ojai, California

Take a 30-minute scenic drive into the mountains from Ventura and you’ll hit the hip Angeleno weekend escape of Ojai. Settle into the slow living vibes in a vintage airstream.

Tucked away, in a lush garden setting, are 11 polished airstreams scented with undergrowth and delicious indie bathroom products. Relax into the community feel around the communal fire pit and covet everything in the ultimate ‘general store’ crammed with local treats, handwoven blankets, records and hand-shaped hats.

If you only do one thing: Tear yourself away from the zen of the Outpost for a tasting flight at TopaTopa Brewing taproom. Nab a spot on the patio for Ojai’s ‘Pink Moment’ sunset.

El Cosmico, Marfa, Texas

You may remember our adventure to West Texas – we couldn’t complete this piece without including Queen Bey’s desert hideaway…

Eccentric, nomadic and perfect for Instagram – El Cosmico is a 21-acre bohemian campground, just outside of Marfa. Choose between vintage trailers, teepees, yurts, safari tents and their unique colourful muralled tiny house – the Cosmic Kasita.

If you only do one thing: Coincide your off-grid trip with the annual Trans-Pecos festival of Love and Music in late September for live bands, workshops and general good vibrations.

Collective Retreats, Governor’s Island, New York (and Other Locations across the US)

Sure, you’ve got us – this island is car-free so leave your trusty vehicle behind to check out this hidden gem, ridiculous close to the bustling city.

A ferry ride from Manhattan, you can cosy on down in one of Collective’s tents or shelters with (weather dependent, of course) views of Lady Liberty and that classic NYC skyline from the rom-coms of your youth.

If you only do one thing: Escape the city for a perfectly balanced weekend of craft beers and live music on Fridays followed by morning yoga and health elixirs.

Home Farm Glamping, Hertfordshire

Whether work is a nightmare and you need to reset, quality time with your girls is way overdue or you require an unusual spot for a large group get-together– we’ve got the answer.

A 40-minute drive from London (or train and short taxi ride) will blow away the workweek cobwebs and uncover the outdoorsy you. Well the ‘outdoorsy you’ that needs a cosy bed when you’ve had your fill of toasting marshmallows underneath starry skies and a hot shower in the morning.

If you only do one thing: Book in for the Thursday night supperclub, served up on a communal long table dressed with wildflowers under their ancient oak. It’s as dreamy as it sounds.

Happy Days Retro Vacations, Suffolk, UK

Hankering after the all-American dream of lawn flamingos, cold beers and deck chairs? No need to save up for the transatlantic flight – jump in the car to the Suffolk coast.

This tree-lined campsite boasts seven vintage trailers rescued from the US and an adorable mint green British caravan from the 70s. All are painstakingly restored and kitted out with kitsch – be sure to pack your red lippy and bobby pins.

If you only do one thing: After a day exploring the charms of the Suffolk coast, snuggle down in The Red Shed for movie night before making British s’mores (a #TeamCoco invention of marshmallows plus chocolate digestives!) around the communal fire pits.

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Ibiza in 2020: Safer Than Ever with London City Airport

As a team whose lives revolve around international time zones and airport departure times, living in lockdown has been like having our arms chopped off. Of course, we’re grateful for our health, and we’ve definitely been keeping busy, but as soon as the opportunity came to get back in the air, we threw ourselves at it with full force.

The removal of quarantine rules has meant that summer holiday destinations are up for grabs once more, with a lot of countries encouraging you to go. While there will be many who are apprehensive at the thought of getting on an aircraft right now, as someone who has just done it, we can tell you that it’s absolutely fine.

First, pick your 2020 getaway destination. Check the quarantine restrictions that come with certain countries – France, Italy, Turkey, Greece, and most of the Caribbean, for example, are good choices because they’re part of the UK’s ‘travel corridors’ meaning there’s no need to self-isolate at either end. In true House of Coco style, we decided our first post-lockdown destination needed to be Ibiza. Because, why not?

London City Airport have upped their game with leisure routes for the summer to make it even easier for anyone, like us, who needed a well deserved break.

As expected, there have been a few minor adjustments to the terminal itself, but it’s nothing more than everyone has been used to after spending three months navigating the arrows around Tesco and vigorously sanitising our hands into a slow burn.

The main difference is, you need to wear a face covering in the airport and for the duration of the flight. But no biggie, we have to do that on all public transport in the UK too. The fabulous and very helpful airport staff (who are all donned in masks and gloves) are also adhering to much more stringent safety procedures, but that can only ever be a good thing. Plus, if you’ve ever been pushed or shoved in a busy airport crowd, you’ll be happy to know social distancing rules apply and crowd monitoring is in operation to make sure things don’t get too busy.

Basically, it’s the same as normal apart from cleaner and quieter – and ain’t nobody mad about that.

Arriving in Ibiza felt no different to any of the countless other times we have been. It was refreshing and exciting, and with three months without any of that sweet Balearic sunshine, it was a relief. Yes there are a couple of extra measures when you land, too. You’ll need to provide some contact info (I mean, you literally have to do this in any Wetherspoons right now), have a temperature check and undergo a visual health check – it’s all very easy. Look at it this way, if you’re looking back on your trip and the thing you remember is filling in a form, chances are you’ve had a really shit vacation.

Now for the fun bit. Actually being on holiday.

The Spanish government have said that face coverings are needed in public spaces unless you’re on the beach or sitting in a restaurant. Lucky for us, that’s exactly what we intended on doing.

Of course, you could go the whole way and not even need to leave your hotel like many choose to do. Ibiza Town has some of the best hotels on the island – the Hotel Torre del Mar being one of them. I would have filled in more than a few airport forms to be sipping cocktails and relaxing in one of their sunken pool sunbeds.

Sitting outside the Restaurant Formentera overlooking the Ibiza Town harbour, washing paella down with Sangria, it occurred to us that, even with a few restrictions here and there, for many this is actually the perfect time for a quick getaway. Ibiza, for example, is off-putting for those wanting to avoid big groups of party teens, and with the clubs forgoing the 2020 season, now is definitely the time to go.

There was a time when Ibiza was known for quiet contemplation. A time before 18-30 package deals and Instagram selfies, when the island was that original bohemian chillout destination. Many institutions are embracing this slow-down culture and channeling the old normal – and we are so here for it.

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You Cannot Afford To Miss These 6 Beaches While You Are In Nassau

While you may have seen this epic location in the James Bond remake, Casino Royale starring Daniel Craig, Nassau, Bahamas, is known for a lot more. It’s a fascinating and unique junkanoo culture, breathtaking beaches, and remarkable resorts are the highlights of the location.

Perhaps the most prominent tourist attraction in Nassau is its relaxing beaches. Furthermore, Nassau is a very budget-friendly destination as well, of course, if you don’t stay at a resort. The beaches are free for everyone to enjoy.

Therefore, here are the six amazing free and public beaches in Nassau that you can’t afford to miss. If you are in the Bahamas, you must take some time to enjoy these excellent spots. So, could you keep reading to check them out?

Cabbage Beach:

The almost two miles of white sand coastline of the beautiful Cabbage beach is quite impressive; however, this beach is notorious for being severely overcrowded, mainly because there are several nearby resorts and hotels. Yet, if you go there by taxi, the driver will know where to drop you for the public access entry.

There is a lot to do on this beach, you can meet different people from all over the world, or you can also rent some amazing water sports gear like jet-skis, and paddling boats to have a fun time with your friends.

Cabbage beach is also a good spot for surfing, or just tanning in the sun, with your partner. If you aren’t bothered by a bit of a crowd or enjoy meeting new people, visit Cabbage beach while you are in Nassau.

Cable Beach:

If you thought the last beach was crowded, this one has five resorts surrounding it; however, I don’t see it as negative. If you want an intimate and secluded spot, this beach might not be for you, but if you like to party and have an excellent time, cable beach has a lot to offer.

You can pay a small fee to use the pools and other amenities of the resorts, or you can also stick to the ocean if you don’t want to spend some extra cash. Another advantage of having these resorts near the beach is that you can always find some delicious food. You can get anything you want from the resort restaurants, or you can even enjoy some authentic local cuisine from the various street vendors on the beach. When it comes to dining, you will have a lot of options on Cable beach.

There is also a wide array of watersports and beach activities you can participate in, or you could find a nice spot to relax, enjoy the ocean, and get a nice tan.

If you want a less crowded and more personal space, where you don’t have to worry about loads of strangers, you can look into getting private islands in the Bahamas.

Junkanoo Beach:

Located close to downtown Nassau, Junkanoo Beach is one of the most accessible beaches in the area. Unlike the last two spots, Junkanoo Beach is significantly smaller and a lot less crowded, unless you are visiting during spring break, when this beach is as popular as any other.

Another factor that sets this beach apart from the others is the existence of proper public bathrooms and a changing area, which is quite rare in most of the Bahamas Beaches.

So, if you want a less crowded place, check out Junkanoo Beach; however, it will not have all the resorts and activities that other beaches have.

Love Beach:

As the name suggests, this beach is the perfect spot for a romantic date with your partner. Keep in mind that this is a locals-only beach, but since it is mostly empty, no one will stop you from visiting it, make sure that you are respectful of the locals when you visit the beach.

This means that you probably shouldn’t take your Bluetooth Speakers with you to play some loud music and have a party.

The beach is located on the northern shore of Nassau, past a village called Gambier. You will need to do a considerable hike, about nine miles to be accurate to get to this beach, but trust me, it is one of the most romantic and amazing spots. And you can also have a sensational snorkeling experience on this beach.

Western Esplanade:

This is another small beach located close to Cable Beach; it is the perfect destination for you if you want to relax and enjoy the amazing local foods. This is also a very common spot for fundraising cookouts, and you are always welcome to take part in the effort.

This is an excellent beach for people who don’t like heavy clouds but still want to have all the foods available at Cable beach; however, keep in mind that since this is a small beach, there aren’t any public facilities like restrooms and changing areas.

Saunders Beach:

Saunders Beach is also located close to Cable beach, but it is designed specifically for families. You won’t find any raging spring break parties over here; instead, there are several safe swim areas and swings for kids to enjoy.

The beach has a nice parking area so there will be no problem with parking your transport, and it is properly lit. Restrooms, showers, and changing areas are also accessible on this excellent and small family beach. Therefore, if you are traveling with your family and want to have a great time with the kids, Saunders beach is the spot for you.

Final thoughts:

Nassau is one of the best destinations in the Bahamas, especially when talking about amazing beaches. This small location has several beaches for every type of person. Whether you want to enjoy a fantastic spring break party, have a romantic evening with your partner, have fun with your kids or go there by yourself to have some me time, the Beaches of Nassau will not disappoint. Therefore, don’t miss out on the spots mentioned in this post.

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