Category

Destination Inspiration

Category

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.

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/

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.

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

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.

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.

https://www.londoncityairport.com

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.

Travel has undeniably been one of the hardest-hit communities during the pandemic crisis. Now that we’re finally seeing the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel — and with the UK announcing the list of ‘air bridge countries’ in Europe and beyond — here’s a roundup of all #TeamCoco’s favourite hotels that have reopened their doors this month, safer and better than ever.

The Mandrake, London

Don’t be fooled, this isn’t some lush tropical oasis in the middle of Bali, but instead the Jurema Terrace at The Mandrake London. From its famous glasshouse-inspired courtyard to the lavish jewel colours and golds swirling throughout its interiors; the Mandrake offers an artistic escape from the city beyond the walls — and escaping is just where it starts. The journey begins at the reception and you’ll definitely be feeling a sense of creative wonder right up until the minute you leave. Undoubtedly, The Mandrake offers a multi-sensory experience unlike anything else on the scene, and the great news is – it reopened its doors this month.

The Dixon, London, UK

This handsome boutique hotel has certainly inspired some last-minute staycations this summer. The Dixon may have been named after its Edwardian Architect, but everything else about it is as contemporary as it gets. Part of The Autograph Collection, the Dixon occupies a former Magistrate’s Court and has a unique aesthetic that blends old and new. Think wood panelled interiors, contemporary art, and a stunning entrance hall. With 193 rooms, a stunning restaurant, and the wealth of Southbank’s cultural scene within reach, we’ll soon be booking our staycations at The Dixon too.

Treehouse Hotel. London, UK

The Treehouse Hotel London — ‘little brother’ of 1 Hotels, — reopened on 4th July and is the perfect spot to book your next staycation. This sustainable gem is now offering a new wellness programme and revamped safety and hygiene measures which include Liberty-print face masks, created by Sheila Wright Akinsete. The hotel’s eclectic rooftop bar, The Nest, has also reopened its spacious terrace, and is the perfect Friday night spot for some socially-distanced cocktails while watching the sun set over London. Not to mention, the Cali-Mexican restaurant Madera and ground floor coffee shop Backyard have also reopened their doors, equipped with new al fresco and in-app ordering systems too.

Maslina Resort, Hvar, Croatia

Maslina Resort is a brand-new Relais & Chateaux property that combines luxe living with impeccable eco-credentials. The hotel is set to open in August and has already been selected to become a member of eco and sustainable tourism company, Green Pearls.

Maslina is located on the idyllic Maslina bay in Hvar Croatia and boasts a suite of mindful and holistic activities. From the kitchen’s locally-sourced Michelin-star menu to the hotel’s ‘garden-to-skin’ beauty ethos, everything at the Maslina Resort brings you closer to nature, which is exactly the kind of luxury escape we’re dreaming about to beat the lockdown blues.

Anantara Villa Padierna, Andalucía, Spain

The palatial Anantara Villa Padierna reopened its doors in the beginning of July, and we already can’t wait to hop on a plane to Spain. To celebrate its reopening, the hotel has launched a wanderlust-inducing three-night package which includes a three night-stay in a Junior suite, a 60-minute massage, flamenco lessons, and a traditional tapas dinner in Marbella old town.

The Anantara Villa Padierna Palace was designed by renowned British architect Ed Gilbert in 2003. Each luxury room in the breath-taking hotel was individually designed. Over 1,200 priceless works of art are displayed all over the property which also has a large swimming pool surrounded by manicured gardens, so you can lounge like a true Spanish princess.

Glenapp Castle, Ayrshire, Scotland

This stunning 17-bedroom Relais & Chateaux hotel is nestled in Scotland’s majestic Ayrshire coast. The castle features boasts 110 acres of picturesque Scottish countryside, perfect for long walks with plenty of physical distancing.

There are plenty of activities to lose yourself in at Glenapp Castle including perfume making, archery, clay pigeon shooting, and even tank driving. The highlight is the bespoke Hebridean Safari, which takes guests on a four night adventure getting up close and personal with Sottish wildlife. The hotel is reopening tomorrow (15 July) equipped with a new ‘Stay Safe’ policy to ensure that guests can rest assured that they can enjoy their stay in Glenapp Castle safely.

Roseate House, London, United Kingdom

The Roseate London is a handsome mid-century Grade-II listed townhouse that reopened on the 6th of July. The hotel — which was originally built in 1842 — has been restored to its original Victorian style featuring classic furnishings and oil paintings originally created in a bygone era. The hotel is just a short walk away from Hyde Park, which makes it the ideal spot for a sunny walk and some afternoon tea at the Hyde Restaurant, which is probably the perfect place to splash out for a post-lockdown treat.

Grand Hotel Dei Dogi The Dedica Anthology, Venice, Italy

Grand Hotel Dei Dogi, The Dedica Anthology, is a noble Venetian palace that exudes old world luxury. While the hotel is just twenty minutes from St. Mark’s square, it is an intimate oasis covered with private gardens, opulently decorated rooms, and plenty of grandeur.

The hotel’s new contemporary La Voga bar is also the perfect spot to indulge in a bit of local cuisine and enjoy a cocktail canalside. The hotel features 64 luxurious suites boasting high ceilings and garden views, offering a curated palazzo experience that’s certainly fit for royalty.

The Longevity Cegonha Country Club, Vilamoura, Portugal

The Longevity Cegonha Country Club reopened on the 4th of July and is the perfect place destress, relax and get back in touch with nature. The hotel is offering a ‘Feel De-Stressed and Rebalanced Package’ which includes guided meditation, healing therapy, balance therapy, massages, reiki and even a floatation session. How soon can we book a flight to Portugal?

The Magnolia Hotel, Quinta do Lago, Portugal

Located in the Quinta do Lago, the Magnolia Hotel is a mid-century paradise that is absolutely brimming with personality. The hotel opened in the beginning of July and even launched the Algarve’s only poolside open-air cinema, perfect for sipping Pina Coladas and spending an afternoon soaked in the sun.

That glittering ray of light at the end of the long lockdown tunnel is finally here, and most of us (especially us at #TeamCoco) are wasting absolutely no time in getting our travel plans in order.

Although we have a list of pre-approved travel corridor countries to choose from, now more than ever, a beautiful British staycation seems to be one of the best bets. Did you really want to wear a face mask on a thirteen-hour flight to St Barts anyway? Think about it, no long flights, easy to organise, and the opportunity to make a banging road trip playlist. We’re not quite suggesting Skegness become the new Marbs, but we’ve got plenty of UK hotspots for you to explore. We apologise in advance for any questionable weather.

Rockliffe Hall is a 5-star Victorian redbrick mansion hotel and spa in a little patch of nowhere not too far from Darlington in the North East. The idyllic location is just one of many appeals, which you’ll soon appreciate when you’re relaxing in the spa with nothing but the sound of the birds and cascading water to disturb you.

You can really make anything of a trip here. Romantic couple for two? Sure. Small family break? Great idea. Spa weekend away with mates? Literally, count us in. Of course, depending on when you’re reading this, we recommend to check in with any hotel about what services they can offer under government lockdown rules. These are crazy times.

Anyway, depending on what you’re after, our guess is there’s a package to suit (usually that means a couple of cheeky extras thrown in to tempt you). To give you an idea, here’s what we got up to.

Our first tip is to arrive as early as you can. Don’t beat the door down at the crack of dawn, but definitely leave yourself enough hours to make the most of the place.

Start with the spa in a box, it’s delivered to your room ready for your arrival and will guarantee to have you feeling zen faster than you can say ‘check in.’ With full sized Neom products, think candles, bath oil and face masks, you will easily while away many hours in the oversized bath complete with built in TV to guarantee you don’t miss you latest Neflix marathon.

In this brief period between the end of lockdown and the world getting back to normal, Rockliffe Hall have done a very good job at providing their famous 5-star service at a very sensible social distance. The spa team, for example, have put together in-room spa boxes, with all the products you need to pamper yourself silly, and even mini video tutorials on how to use them properly.

Imagine, robed up and facial-ed out and you hear a knock at the door. What could it be? Of course, it’s the new Champagne and Cocktail Trolley Service, serving up their best cocktails fresh at your door to enjoy on your own private terrace or balcony.

Social distancing aside, for most of the part it’s business as usual. A lot of the perks people enjoy at Rockliffe Hall, like taking in the grounds on a bike ride or enjoying a seven-course tasting menu in the restaurant are still readily available.

One of the things we absolutely love about Rockliffe Hall are their picnic hampers. A beautifully crafted lunch menu available to go (with the option to upgrade for this to include Champagne, which we obviously recommend) and their concierge will even point out some of the most picturesque spots on the estate to enjoy it.

Not sure about you, but the more we consider this different way of life, the more we’re actually loving it. Outdoor bike rides, relaxing in your own private spa, private picnics and cocktails literally made fresh for you at your door? Now, this is a ‘new normal’ we can really get behind.

Update: Rockliffe Hall has been certified as “good to go” by Visit Britain, and has also launched a Healthy Hospitality Charter so you know you can stay safe. Plus, if you check ahead of time to make sure their spa is open, you won’t be disappointed. – there are five treatment rooms, monsoon showers, hydropool, outdoor hot tub and foot spa. If you’re not already wet, the heated outdoor infinity pool is the serious icing on the spa cake, especially if you’re experiencing some of that questionable British summer weather we mentioned earlier. The spa has the absolute feeling of luxe – whatever treatments you take. They use only top brands like Neom and Caudalie which leave your body feeling truly taken care of, and oozing with the scents essential oils.

Check your diary rockliffehall.com

With summer temperatures increasing each year, English winemaking is on the rise. Exploring the delights on our doorstep is now the order of the day. We have rounded up the top five vineyards across the country that are well worth a visit. Some even offer a spot to stay over so that wine connoisseurs can put their feet up, relax and sip on some of England’s best tipples.

Nyetimber, West Chiltington, West Sussex

Nyetimber uses only the finest estate-grown fruit, uncompromising attention to detail and decades of expertise to craft their award-winning wines. The luxury brand also has a price tag to match. Nestled in West Sussex, Nyetimber’s vineyards share similar characteristics with some of the best sparkling wine vineyards across Europe. Critics have remarked that Nyetimber wines could be big competitors of the large Champagne houses in the coming years. From greensand and chalk soils to the perfect climate where the gentle slopes allow for the best possible exposure to English sunshine, the estate allows the slow ripening of grapes for optimum levels of acidity and finesse. Discerning wine tasters can exclusively tour the award-winning estate and sample the flagship cuvée at certain times of the year.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CB7zRu6jK76/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

nyetimber.com

Rathfinny Wine Estate, Polegate, East Sussex

Just three miles from the coast, Rathfinny Wine Estate is situated in the centre of the picturesque South Downs. While savouring the salty sea air, guests can enjoy a tour and guided tasting with an insight into how the estate turns grapes into award-winning sparkling wine. Strolling through the vines, an experienced guide will uncover the history and wildlife of the estate and guests can stop off at the chic Tasting Room to indulge in a delicate seasonal menu served with views over the vineyard. Guests can complete their wine trip with a stay at the cosy Flint Barns. The historic buildings are located at the western end of the estate, featuring snug fireplaces, an enclosed courtyard and spacious suites perfect for a staycation filled with walks, wine and Sunday roasts.

rathfinnyestate.com

Tinwood Estate, West Sussex, Chichester

Established in 2007 by Art Tucker, Tinwood Estate’s vineyards are snuggled at the foot of the South Downs National Park. Since the first seed was planted, Tinwood has quickly established a reputation for producing some of the very finest English sparkling wine including the Estate Brut, the Blanc de Blancs and quality rosé. Just a ten-minute taxi drive from Chichester train station, the spot is the perfect weekend escape for cooped up Londoners, with regular trains from the southern city to the capital. Guests to the vineyard can imagine they are in the Loire Valley with countless similarities in scenery. Not only can guests discover the grape growing process, they’ll have a chance to taste the exquisite range of wine from the tasting room overlooking the vines below. Those wanting to make a night of it can stay in the luxurious lodges offering a tranquil oasis among the vines.

tinwoodestate.com

Camel Valley, Bodmin, Cornwall

Each summer the Lindo couple would watch the grass turn brown across the sun-drenched slopes of the Camel Valley and finally in 1989, they decided to plant their first vines. Camel Valley vineyard has since produced award-winning wines for locals from the Waitrose Drinks Producer of the Year Award in 2002 to the International Wine Challenge Gold Medal awarded in 2005. Their tours are laid back and friendly, recognising that wine has only just recently been properly cultivated in the UK. A winemaker guides guests through the vineyard, uncovering the winery process along the way. Visitors can also enjoy a five-wine tasting session, starting with Camel Valley’s most famous wine, Cornwall Brut. For a true Cornish experience, guests can stay in one of the holiday cottages. Originally characterful old-fashioned barns, the cottages have been converted with contemporary furnishings allowing incredible views of the vineyard and valley down below.

camelvalley.com

Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, Surrey

Burrowed in the heart of Surrey, the award-winning Denbies vineyard was first planted back in 1896 and has since grown to become one of the largest wine producers in the country. With 265 acres under vine and seven miles of footpaths woven throughout the estate, the family-run business offers wine enthusiasts an insight into wine production in England. Producing some of the finest sparkling and table wines throughout Europe, Denbies has been awarded multiple gold awards, including the first ever gold for an English rosé wine, and an international gold for their oaky harvest dessert wine. Visitors can soak up the surrounding views of the rolling Surrey Hills whilst savouring the tastes of the latest harvest. From the first bud bursting in spring, to the opulent vines during autumn, the changing scenery on the estate does not disappoint throughout the year.

denbies.co.uk