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There are few regions in the world that can boast the astonishing cultural, culinary, natural, musical, and urban diversity of West Africa. While the travel hotspots of South Africa tend to get the most attention, West Africa is rising fast on travellers’ radars. The region represents the cornucopia of unforgettable experiences that Africa has to offer. From tropical rainforests, otherworldly deserts, volcanic outcrops, and sprawling, vibrant megacities, a West African itinerary leaves you truly spoiled for choice.

While this vast region is too rich to cover in this one piece, we thought it would be useful to provide those who are new to West Africa with a beginner’s itinerary that allows you to absorb the essence of the region. If you’re sitting at home and looking to plan your dream itinerary for when it’s time to travel again, here is why you should be making West Africa your next destination.

1. Start With a Sensory Overload in Nigeria

Where better place to start your West African odyssey than Nigeria, the continent’s fastest-growing country and premier cultural powerhouse. Begin your trip in the country’s sprawling, riotous commercial capital, Lagos, home to 21 million people and counting. While your first experience of the city may be challenging, your perseverance will be richly rewarded.

This city is one of the most liberal and energetic on the continent, which is reflected in the booming nightlife. As well as the classical streetside bar experience that can be had in every corner of the city, Lagos is one of the few places in Africa with a thriving casino scene, and a game at the roulette table is always a memorable experience.

Interestingly, Nigeria is one of the only places in Africa which also has also fully legalised online casino gaming, meaning that visitors can take advantage of the best online casinos on the continent. Once you’ve been thoroughly partied out by Lagos, make sure to book a couple of days in the serene colonial port town of Calabar for some R&R.

2. Nature and Tradition Meet in Cameroon

After the dizzying sensory overload of Nigeria, head to its southern neighbour, Cameroon, for a more relaxing change of pace. Here you will find rich tradition and jaw-dropping nature in equal abundance. Get the lowdown by starting your journey in Douala, the largest city, and home to some of the most noteworthy museums and historical institutions in the region.

The Musee de Douala, Douala Maritime Museum, and Doual’art can easily fill a whole afternoon, which you won’t regret. Once you’re sufficiently clued up on Cameroonian history, take a bus to volcanic Mt Cameroon, the tallest mountain in Western and Central Africa and home to a huge number of indigenous plant and animal species. When you’re not exploring the mountain and its surroundings, rejuvenate at the nearby Hotel Seme Beach Resort and Spa.

3. Eco-Friendly Beach-Hopping in São Tomé & Príncipe

After trekking through Cameroon, it’s time to hop aboard a tiny plane and jet off to the small island nation of São Tomé & Príncipe. Many travel writers have described this compact country as one of the closest incarnations of paradise on Earth they have seen, and it’s not hard to see why.

São Tomé & Príncipe has positioned itself as one of the world’s leading eco-tourism hotspots in recent years, offering unbeatable and sustainable experiences such as swimming with turtles on Praia Banana or mingling with crested mona monkeys at the breathtaking Parque Natural Obô de São Tomé.

All in all, São Tomé & Príncipe feels like a break from the rest of the world, a place that contains sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that few others have ever had the privilege of experiencing.

This itinerary is ideal for anyone wishing to get to grips with this beautiful corner of the world. If you have any tips for West Africa travel, let us know in the comments!

I spent 72 hours exploring the lesser-known towns of Emilia Romagna and found heaps of history, buckets of Italian charm and so much good food!

In the North of Italy, sitting just above Tuscany, is Emilia Romagna – one of the most fruitful areas of the country. It is responsible for world-famous supercars such as Lamborghini and Maserati, opera singers like Pavarotti and more IGP and DOP products (foods that have to created in a specific geographical region adhering to local traditions) than any other region worldwide making it famous for tasty Italian food.

The region consists of some big cities, such as Bologna and Parma, but it’s also home to some hidden gems that make great destinations for an off-the-beaten-track road trip. The close proximity to Tuscany (around a 2 hour 30 minute drive to Pisa or Florence) means you could tag on some of the more obvious choices to your itinerary too! I’d suggest flying into Bologna to visit the towns mentioned in this guide, which could be visited in one day each, meaning they’re a great trio for a long weekend break!

READ MORE: A Foodie’s Guide to Emilia Romagna, Italy

Ravenna

A one-hour drive from Bologna Airport
As the historical hub of Emilia Romagna, Ravenna is famous for its Byzantine mosaics. The town is dotted with ancient buildings housing expansive, but amazingly intricate, works of mosaic depicting Christian imagery. One of my personal favourites was the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, which from the outside looks unassuming, but inside you’ll find a breathtakingly detailed depiction of the night sky. Next door is the Basilica of San Vitale, an octagonal church with more impressive artistry inside. These two buildings are UNESCO monuments along with another six sites in Ravenna (a combination ticket to all eight sites can be purchased for €9.50

After marvelling at the years-old mosaics you can visit MAR, Ravenna’s Museo d’Arte, where you’ll find a large collection of contemporary mosaics. Professor Giuseppe Bovini, lecturer in Christian Archaeology at the University of Bologna, commissioned a number of artists to sketch a design and then recreate it in the art of miniature tiles. The result is an exhibition containing a combination of pictorial work and mosaics portraying everything from religious images to mystical unicorns to Italian food.

One of my absolute favourite things to do in Italy is to visit the town’s square; they’re something the Italians do so well and they always feel like the heart of the community. And this is no different in Ravenna! Piazza del Popolo is a beautiful square with typical Italian buildings and atmosphere. The Piazza buzzes with life and is the perfect place to pause and spend a slow morning drinking coffee and watching locals go about their daily business. Restaurants and cafes line the edges of the square so there’s plenty of choice.

As well as offering so much rich history Ravenna caters for those interested in the new and up-and-coming. The Docks on the Northern side of town are a bubbling area of development. The Darsena Popup and is a building, created from bright shipping containers, housing local eateries. The food-market style of this place feels on-trend but still Italian, with traditional dishes on offer. Try the strawberry and Parmesan starter – an unexpected pairing that works so well.

Cervia

A 30-minute drive from Ravenna
Cervia is a small coastal town on the Adriatic Coast of Emilia Romagna. Here I focused on embracing the local style of life by spending some time on the beach, admiring nature, eating and making the most of the Italian tradition of aperetivo.

Cervia’s compact size makes it the ideal location to hire bikes and take in the town on two wheels. You can cycle past Canale di Cervia, the man made water way, visiting points of interest such as Piazza Garibaldi – the town square complete with cathedral and fountain – or simply appreciating the maze of pretty streets. To make the most of your bikes ride into Parco Natural to explore a beautiful park, which is home to lots of wildlife such as birds, cows and deer. The park is expansive and you could easily spend a few hours exploring either on foot or by bike. It’s also a great picnic spot! For even more adventure then cycle beneath a canopy of native pine trees in the forest of La Pineta.

As evening approaches Italians engage in the social ritual of aperitivo, which quickly became my favourite few hours of the day during my road trip! From around 6pm locals and tourists alike gather at bars to sip alcoholic beverages and sample salty snacks, all in the name of whetting the appetite for dinner. Drinking a Spritz while looking over the canal and out at the boats parked in the habour; I found Cervia a particularly special place to experience aperitivo. The view was lovely, but the atmosphere was even better. Young, trendy Italians flocked to the bars (presumably preparing for an evening in the neighbouring district of Milano Marittima known for its luxury shopping and busy nightlife) and there was just a general buzz along the canalside.

The beach, known as II Mare, is a long stretch of sand split into many bagni – different sections of beach that contain bars, restaurants, spas and small holiday resorts. I had the most delicious evening meal at Saretina 152, sitting outside with my feet in the sand and the waves gently crashing in the distance was a fantastic experience. The food was incredibly good with generous portions made from fresh ingredients.

Cervia is nicknamed the City of White Gold due to its ancient production of salt. This salt has a unique sweet taste due to the absence of bitter components that are eliminated in the natural drying process. In 1959 salt production turned industrial, leaving just one of the 144 original saltpans in operation. Every summer you can visit the original Camillone Saltpan to see the traditional method of salt production in action or simply visit the Salt Museum all year round to learn more and sample the famous seasoning.

Comacchio

A 40-minute drive from Ravenna or an hour drive from Cervia
Having never heard of Comacchio I had no expectations upon arriving, but I was more then pleasantly surprised. It’s known as Little Venice and it’s easy to see why with its labyrinth of canals and bridges. It’s so easy to walk around, watching cute families of ducks float around the canals, and kill a few hours. The beautiful architecture and attractive symmetry of the bridges and steps is a great view to enjoy from one of the waterside restaurant and makes for some cool photo opportunities too.

Comacchio is famous for marinated eel and La Manifattura Dei Marinati is the old pickling factory keeping tradition alive in the town; in fact it’s still in use between October to December roasting eels to prepare them for pickling. As well as seeing the pickling production in autumn you can learn about the process all year round, taste the eels and buy the pickled products at La Manifattura Dei Marinati. You’ll also find Comacchio’s pickled eels in yellow vintage-style tins for sale in almost every shop in town.

Find out more about Emilia Romagna here.

How to take a break and unwind if the relentless nature of an Asian road trip is getting you down.

Road trips are great fun and are a fantastic way to tick off sights and destinations, but it’s easy to get caught up in the fast-paced nature of road tripping or backpacking and forget to take a break. We believe it’s great to take time to recharge your batteries, even in the most hectic schedule, as a well-rested traveller has more headspace for appreciating where they are and the experiences they’re having.

#TeamCoco’s Beth visited OZO Phuket in Kata Beach, Phuket to find out how to get some rest and tick off the sights:

Get some R&R

Opened in June 2019 OZO Phuket aims to dispel a thought process that most travellers can relate to when looking for accommodation: ‘we’ll be out all day and just be sleeping there so it doesn’t matter if it’s not great’. Well, OZO Phuket disagree shining importance on getting great sleep in a comfortable environment and making guests look forward to returning to the hotel after a day of sightseeing.

My first impression, from the moment I stepped out of the taxi and into the open-plan lobby, was fantastic. I was greeted immediately by a team of welcoming and friendly staff who expertly unloaded my luggage and walked me to reception protecting me from the rain with umbrellas. In fact the service provided was incredible at every stage, from the easy check-in and concierge service to the restaurant and poolside staff to the impeccable standard of housekeeping and turndown service.

Check-in was seamless and completely paperless (just one of the many ways OZO Phuket is striving towards sustainability) and I was directed to my room. The hotel itself is bright and cheery – even among the gloomy skies of Thailand’s rainy season – and the bright blue parasols, striped beach towels and colourful cocktails are enough to entice anyone to chill out poolside.

The rooms are simple, but well-designed, providing all the necessary amenities without clutter. Little features like USB charging points and reading lights next to both sides of the bed are the details that make a hotel room easier to settle in to – nobody likes having to leave their device charging on the other side of the room.

OZO’s philosophy surrounds providing the best sleep experience so, of course, the piece de resistance of every room is the bed. The state of the art, high-quality DreamMaster king size beds are so comfortable and have two sets of comfy pillows of differing firmness meaning you can pick and choose depending on your preferences. Each bed is angled towards the window so early risers can make the most of the natural light, but the blackout blinds cater for those who, like myself, prefer darkness. As someone who suffers from insomnia I was dubious when hearing promises of “the best sleep you’ve ever had” but I can confirm I slept like a baby – but that could have been the jet lag.

The onsite restaurant EAT is open from breakfast until 8pm, providing hearty and authentic Asian food. The breakfast spread was delicious and offered all the usual favourites and some Thai specialities. EAT then offers an a la carte menu that remains the same for lunch and dinner and is a well-balanced mix of Western home comforts and tasty Thai dishes with many flexible choices for vegetarians. I tried the Green Thai Curry and it was undoubtedly the best green curry I’ve ever tasted. The sauce was so full of flavour and perfectly spiced that I ended up ordering it another three times– I really couldn’t get enough!

Get out & about

Just a short stroll away, taking a detour behind the hotel pool and through a private-use gate, is the sandy shores of Kata Beach. The beach has a few sunloungers available to hire, plenty of space to lay down a towel and is also known for great surfing opportunities – you can rent boards and hire tutors on the beachside. Bars and street vendors line the beach selling fruits, smoothies and snacks.

READ MORE: 72 Hours in Phuket & Kata Beach: Activities, Sightseeing & Food

If you’re looking for the best views of the island then the aptly named Karon View Point isthe place to go. It’s just a 10-minute drive uphill from Kata Beach and offers uninterrupted views of the three west coast beaches of Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon (the locals call it Khao Saam Haad which translates to Three Beaches Hill).

About a 30-minute drive away Phuket Old Town is a lively little place known for its charming, brightly coloured buildings. The main attraction is Walking Street Market. Hosted every Sunday between 4pm and 10pm the market takes over Walking Street with authentic food stalls, artists selling their creations, clothing, accessories and live music. The Market offers a wide variety of authentic Thai street food, from Mee Hokkien (noodles with seafood, pork, greens and a broth) to Apong (a traditional crispy flatbread sweetened with sugar).

One of the most highly recommended landmarks of Phuket is the Big Buddha. This 45 metre tall statue is still under construction and you can buy marble tiles to contribute to the completion of the project. As well as being a tourist attraction, it’s also an active temple so make sure you dress suitably. I recommend going around 10am when it’s quieter and cooler.

OZO Phuket is the perfect base for a chilled mini break among a busy Asian road trip or for a stand-alone holiday that combines exploration and relaxation. It’s in a prime location, situated in the heart of Kata Beach on the West Coast of Phuket, with the beach on the doorstep and many of the island’s top attractions just a short drive away. This close proximity means you can explore on a leisurely timetable and save a few hours for relaxing by the pool every day. Find out more here.

Marrakech is an aesthetic dream but there is so much more to this magical city than meets the eye. Like with any passionate love affair, our first encounter with the red city undoubtedly impactful.

We spent an enriching few days exploring every corner of the city, from the mosaic walls of the Bahia Palace to the labyrinthine alleys of the souks; and then ventured out to explore the lesser-known landscapes of the Atlas Mountains to see a side of Morocco unknown to most travellers.

We stayed in two stunning hotels, Le Farnatchi and La Sultana Marrakech– each one offering a new kind of safe haven away from organised chaos of the city. Our girl Hannah Tan-Gillies gives you your daily dose of wanderlust with a visual diary of her luxurious #CocoCouples trips to Marrakech, because hey, we all need a little escapism these days.

GET TO GRIPS WITH THE LOCAL LINGO FOR A HOLIDAY TO PUERTO RICO

This year sees the 500th year anniversary of Old San Juan, the island’s capital. World Heritage listed Old San Juan as one of the oldest cities in the USA and encapsulates the rich cultural identity of Puerto Rico, interweaving Taino, African and Spanish traditions. This distinctive mix makes San Juan a vibrant city, passionate about music and dance and sensational food.

The city’s must-visit neighbourhoods include the charming Old Town with its pastel-coloured colonial Spanish buildings and blue cobblestone streets, cosmopolitan Condado which is home to fashionable boutiques and high-end restaurants; and cool Santurce, a hipster hangout with its speakeasy cocktail bars and street food markets. Puerto Rico is on everyone’s must visit list. To truly feel like a local and to make the most of your future trip, work on mastering the lingo from the comfort of your own home. Spanish is the most common language spoken on the beautiful island and Duolingo is a great way for beginners to learn from scratch or for intermediates to brush up on their skills. Not only is Duolingo useful when learning a new language, it’s fun and addictive. It takes a game-like approach to learning and offers apps for iOS, Windows Phone, and Android. What’s even better is that Duolingo is completely free for users. Alternatively, if you prefer a more dedicated approach in terms of learning a new language, consider taking private Spanish lessons with Preply.

www.duolingo.com

MASTER THE FRENCH LANGUAGE FOR A WINTER TRIP TO QUÉBEC, CANADA

We can think of nothing better than self-isolating in a cosy, snowy cabin right about now. Hibernation is the order of the day. With so much time on our hands, it’s time start dreaming up a winter escape later in the year to beautiful Québec. With just a seven hour flight time from the UK, an Atlantic crossing has never been closer. From poutine in Montréal, wine and cider tasting in Québec’s southern regions, winter carnivals and snug cottages in snowy landscapes, there is so much to start planning. To get ahead of the game, the BBC are offering online courses to study French, the official language of the Canadian province. Voila!

www.bbc.co.uk/languages/french

LEARN GERMAN TO ORDER STRUDEL PERFECTLY IN VIENNA

2020 marks the 250 anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s birth – and today, Vienna still sets the tone as the European capital of classical music. Although travel is halted at the moment, we can still sit back, wine in hand and listen to all the amazing music created by the world-famous composer on Spotify. The tunes are also the perfect background music for a calming work space, alongside a strong coffee.

Vienna is not a city in a hurry and will be waiting with open arms, just a short plane journey away for culture vultures. The city is the perfect spot to read books, go to the opera, eat endless plates of sacher torte and linger over a hot chocolate. A whole culture has evolved around the coffee houses to encourage a more relaxed way of life. For the price of a cup of coffee visitors can buy entrance to a club where they can spend the day reading newspapers (still hung on wooden rods), people watching, discussing noels or thinking. To get you’re Viennese coffee order perfected or to converse correctly over scrumptious strudel, it’s time to brush up on the German language, the most widely spoken tongue in Austria. Babbel offers an easy and fun way to learn German with some online language learning platforms focusing primarily on just speaking. Here at House of Coco, we are itching to get back to exploring the world. While we wait we are busy planning and prepping for our next adventure.

www.babbel.com

Arrmchair travel is our new fave thing and we love getting lost in pictures and videos of all the amazing places we’re going to visit in the future. High up on our list is Marietas Islands, their hidden beach is a total dream. Here’s three reasons why it needs to be on you ‘soon to visit’ list…

There is only one way to get to there

The first step is to hop on a charter boat or book a tour out to Marietas Islands National Park, a 45-minute ride from Punta Mita, in the south of Riviera Nayarit. Once there, visitors are asked to jump off the boat and swim close to the entrance. The beach is hidden underground and is only accessible by swimming through a tunnel. Its transparent waters and coral reefs are ideal for diving and snorkelling.

Luxury within reach of only a few

Exclusivity is guaranteed. Access to the “hidden beach” is restricted to 117 people per day and a time slot of 20 minutes, which means visitors will need a prior reservation, especially during the UK winter months (Mexico’s summer).

Visitors won’t be “alone”

Marietas Islands are a wildlife sanctuary, home to many endangered bird species as well as rare coral reefs. The fauna that we can find in this paradise is made up of turtles, barber butterflies, humpback parrots or steel swallows, various species of fish, dolphins and humpback whales. Among these species, the peculiar blue-footed booby stands out, which we can only find in two parts of the planet: Marietas Islands and the Galapagos Islands.

Arguably one of the most idyllic places on earth, luxury hotels and private island resorts have long capitalised on the natural beauty of the Maldives. But with these islands predicted to be underwater within a matter of decades, what sustainability initiatives are luxury resorts adopting to protect this fragile paradise? Having only opened in 2017, Furaveri may be a somewhat lesser-known Maldivian-owned hotel, but is already making waves for its laid-back boutique feel and five-star accommodation and all underpinned by serious eco-credentials. We sent our girl Beth to report.

Landing in Malé International Airport, a short 45-minute seaplane flight is all that separates us from our destination of Furaveri Island. Located in the remote Raa Atoll, like most of the Maldives 300 inhabited islands, Furaveri is too small to land a traditional aircraft so it’s up to Trans-Maldivian airways to get us there.

It’s my first seaplane flight, and despite the turbulence, as we dip in and out of clouds, the scenery below is more than worth the white knuckles. Island atolls and spits of sand flash by in an ocean that fades from deep to electric blue. Even our seaplane pilots seem to echo the barefoot feel of our destination, in their shorts, sunglasses and flip flops.

Set across just 23 hectares, landing at Furaveri we find ourselves in postcard-perfect scenery, white-sand shores ringed by piercing blue. Unlike many resorts, much effort has been made to leave as much of the island as possible un-reclaimed – not only preserving the natural flora and fauna but helping to give the island that Robinson-Crusoe vibe, with lush palm-lined walkways and flowering orchids.

Hidden away in the centre of this wild greenery, you’ll find the chefs vegetable garden, where as much is grown on island as possible – from the firey chillies for traditional Maldivian curries, to the fruits for their passion fruit margaritas. The neighbouring on-site bottling plant represents a huge investment in the sustainable future of the island, with up to 360 tones of water recycled here into drinking water for the guests. The next step, we’re told will be to use smaller glass bottles for guests to take with them on excursions, replacing plastics.

With just 107 private villas set sparingly across its edges, the whole resort has a low-impact feel, yet the island’s eco-credentials don’t mean skimping on luxury. Our beach pool villa is 155 square metres, with huge double-height beamed ceilings and super-chic interiors. Warming notes of wood contrast with crisp white linens and hanging lanterns to create a cool, beach house feel. Sliding doors open to the front to reveal a private 6-metre long pool with a daybed, curtained cabana and sun loungers for two. The surrounding vegetation helps to keep the pool private, but a path leads directly out onto a stretch of blindingly white sand beach backed by sapphire sea. To the rear of the villa – I find one of the prettiest bathrooms I’ve ever seen, with freestanding tub, twinkling Moroccan hanging lights and billowing white curtains. Doors open onto a private, palm-fringed courtyard with alfresco shower.

This is the perfect place to retire to after sunset on the beach, pushing the doors back as dusk draws in, watching the silhouettes of fruit bats across the sky – an ideal choice for Honeymooners or someone looking for something special.

Nosing around my neighbour’s villa, I find the new Dhoni Beach Pool Villas just as romantic as the Beach Pool Villas. The only difference being an L shaped pool and a completely open bathtub in the larger courtyard garden. The Garden villas, located a short walk from the beach are the most cost-effective option here, while the over-water villas further down the beach offer direct lagoon access from a decked verandah. The two-bedroom overwater suite with pool is the top room category, with private lap pool suspended over turquoise waters, outdoor Jacuzzi, double day beds and glass floor to watch for passing marine life.

It’s not just the rooms here that scream romance – the whole island seems to have been designed with honeymooners it in mind. Wicker cocoon chairs hang from palms and swings out in the sea provide just the spot for loved-up couples to linger.

Furaveri may be a low-key island, but one thing they don’t do by halves is the food. Mexican may be as far from the Maldives as you could imagine – but their overwater Mexican restaurant Amigos somehow manages to feel like Tulum. At Asian fusion restaurant Raiyvilla, a specialist Teppanyaki chef cooks in front of you in a theatre of knife tricks and flames – a special dinner that could rival that of top London Teppanyaki restaurants. Four different meal plans offer the opportunity to tailor your dining experience – but everyday dining is at the Jaafaeiy restaurant – a hearty buffet selection of local classics as well as themed nights to avoid any boredom.

As you’d expect of such a honeymoon hot-spot, the resort vibe is relaxed – but it doesn’t stop the after-dinner entertainment, where – fuelled by a few cocktails you can try your hand at some island karaoke (although I am sure a few guests that week had really rather we hadn’t!)

Of all the accolades that this resort can lay claim to, few can match the marine life. Located in the Raa Atoll near the UNESCO biosphere reserve of Hanifaru Bay, this is a haven for snorkelers and divers, with two house reefs encircling the island. Here, led by Furaveri’s PADI team, you can dive or snorkel with turtles, sharks, barracuda and a multitude of multicoloured reef life at one of 30 nearby dive sites. Heading out on a boat trip one day, we snorkel with two manta rays, dancing around us in the deep, and swim with a pod of wild dolphins – an experience that has even the seasoned divers among us grinning from ear to ear.

A Maldivian owned resort, Furavei champions the employment of local people. One afternoon we have the opportunity to visit the neighbouring local island R Fainu, having tea with one of the hotel employees and an amazing spread of home-cooked Maldivian food by his lovely wife, an experience most might miss but an interesting insight into a different side of these islands.

The dive team at Furaveri in particular, have an acute familiarity, as well as an awareness of the challenges facing their island paradise. Keen to safeguard the ocean for future generations to enjoy, they run programs for guests with daily presentations by an in-house marine biologist and offer daily guided snorkelling trips for anyone who would like to join their effort to protect the environment. The team also offer a full range of PADI programs from complete beginners to more experienced divers.

Actively involved in projects like the AWARE week, Furaveri’s dive professionals lead and take part in activities and courses focused on tackling ocean pollution, raising awareness about plastic pollution, and empowering local communities to take positive actions for a return to a clean and healthy ocean. As well as equipping resort staff and guests divers, with the skills needed to conduct Dive Against Debris surveys, the last AWARE Week at Furaveri saw a local island clean up and Project AWARE presentations – all in an effort to be a voice for the ocean and act for change.

Furaveri may be less well known than other international five-star resort brands, but with an eco-conscious outlook and barefoot luxe feel, this under-the-radar gem not only celebrates these islands for their pared-back natural beauty but are doing their part to conserve it.

For further details and to book visit www.furaveri.com and www.visitmaldives.com

Transport Tuscany to Your Kitchen With Live Cooking Classes and Wine Tasting with Tuscany Now and More

​Bring a taste of Italy to the table and learn to cook​ ​Tuscan​y’s favourite ​comfort food and ​taste Italy’s best wines through digital cooking and wine tasting classes from Tuscany Now & More’s Instagram account.

​The ​special series will be available through Tuscany Now & More Instagram account @tuscanynowandmore​ and will include expert pasta making, cooking and wine tasting. ​​Following the first live session on Sunday 29th March, a masterclass pasta course from ​Chef Francesco Maruccelli​, ​Resident Chef at The Estate of Petroio​ is now available on Tuscany Now & More’s InstaStories​. With a list of ingredients also available online, the easy-to-follow video showcases traditional Tuscan dish, Pici Al Pomodoro. The next cooking class will be Tiramisu ready for Easter weekend!

​Tuscany Now & More will continue with classes ​every Sunday ​throughout the Spring and Summer. ​Ingredients and wine choices will be posted each Wednesday. ​All classes will also be available in the Tuscany Now & More Instagram stories, for anyone that cannot tune in live.​ ​

Enjoy the magic of Tuscany from afar and be inspired at home to try your hand and some classic Italian recipes #italycomestoyou.​ Follow @tuscanynowandmore for updates.​

Live 360 Footage of the Mountains with Courmayeur Mont Blanc

Courmayeur Mont Blanc is situated on the Italian side of Mont Blanc (the sunnier side!) and is a traditional yet sophisticated resort full of history and charm and surrounded by spectacular scenery. Only here, do visitors have full access to Skyway Monte Bianco, a 360 degree cable car which transports people up 3,500m up the Mont Blanc. Courmayeur Mont Blanc has granted us all online access to their exclusive webcam. We can now see live footage of the resort, our favourite ski slopes and the SkyWay experience from the comfort of the comfort of our home. If you simply can’t get enough of mountain life, comforting Alpine favourites are also available for you to recreate at home.

Visit www.courmayeurmontblanc.it

Mindful Colouring with MarBella Collection

MarBella Collection is now offering mindfulness colouring-in of images of their three beautiful hotels and their surroundings, including their new property MarBella Elix opening Summer 2020 in Parga. Let your imagination run free and dream of travel in stunning Greek nature.

In the current climate, whisking yourself away to your dream location for a spot of yoga on the docks or paddleboarding on the calm sea feels like a distant dream. But with MarBella Collection’s new mindfulness colouring, they’re bringing these dreams to life and to your own home. Colouring books for adults emerged as a trend early last year and now there are colouring books for practically any interest – and travel shouldn’t be left out of that. Take a step away from your home working desktop and into a true travellers dream that’s personalised by you with your favourite colours, painting the picturesque surroundings of Corfu and Parga. Download the colouring sheets from www.marbellacollection.gr

Get Ready for the First Ever Derry Girls Tour

With season 3 of smash hit Channel 4 show, Derry Girls on the horizon and predicted to land on our screens by May, now is the perfect time to squeeze in a new series – and look forward to a visit to the set later this year. Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland, has unleashed a brand new tour package experience devoted to the show, where fans and to-be fans can watch now, travel later. Brush up on your knowledge now and get ready to walk in the footsteps of Erin, Michelle, or even the wee English fella later at key locations from the series such as the Guildhall and Dennis’s Wee Shop.

On this tour you will get to see where key scenes took place during a Walled City Walking Tour where visitors can walk through the life of a true Derry Girl and hear about life in the Bodside during the troubles from an expert local guide. The tour finishes at the famous Derry Girls Mural where guests can take a selfie and be pledged as a Derry Girl, or boy. Derry Girls is available on Netflix and All4.

Get Fit From Home with Quinta do Lago’s Live Fitness Classes from The Campus

As millions of us now sit at home, sequestering ourselves to help stop the spread of coronavirus, we need now more than ever an easy, quick fix, for keeping fit. If you’re looking to run away from your desktop disasters or children tantrums you can release tension with Quinta do Lago’s brand new virtual classes. Now live streaming, you can experience the same high-performance facilities as top athletes Rio Ferdinand and the entire Irish rugby team who have used The Campus. So jump up, put your indoor trainers on, turn up the heat and imagine you’re training at the heart of Portugal.

The Campus is a state of the art sports facility with beginners’ clinics, private professional coaching and sunshine all year round. They offer fitness classes and activities which can be done by the whole family. The Campus offers a wide array of fitness classes from Barre Fitness to Express Boxfit and Yogalates. Check out www.quintadolago.com

Longevity Wellness Worldwide’s Playlist – Wellness Soundtrack for Working from Home

The normal work day has taken a different form, bringing its own pressures and tensions. As a result, Longevity Wellness Worldwide has introduced a new work from home playlist to help de-stress and relax. A leader in spa, health and integrative wellness services, Longevity’s new playlist brings the relaxing and nurturing atmosphere of these three wellness hotels in the Algarve right to your door.

Longevity Wellness Worldwide’s has curated a playlist that includes a range of music from relaxing summer songs that recreate the Portuguese holiday experience; to spa relaxation music; and to Portuguese artists, including Bernardo Sassetti, Salvaor Sobral and Luisa Sobral. Visit the instagram @longevityalvor for more information.

We might be confined to barracks for the foreseeable, but we know #TeamCoco won’t be the only ones already curating a list of where we’ll be escaping to once this is all over.

While far-flung destinations are always high on our lust list, the reality is that the tourism industry closer to home will also need a big hand to get back on its feet post-lockdown and given we will ALL be in need of some well-earned R&R after all the drama, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite UK wellness breaks to look forward to for some serious relaxation.

1. Lifehouse Spa

Lying less than 90 minutes from London means Essex’s Lifehouse Spa is a dream spot for a post-work escape; oh how we yearn for those heady days of knocking off early on a Friday night and rocking up at a hotel in time for dinner. Make the most of a weekend away with the Your Health, Your Way package (from £319 per person, available through www.SpaBreaks.com). Guests can choose from a targeted menu, access to fitness classes and with full use of the soothing spa facilities from 10am on day of arrival until 6pm on day of departure there’s no excuse not to make full use of the hydrotherapy pool, relaxation rooms, plunge pool, experience showers and sauna and steam rooms.

2. The Headland

Newquay previously have been synonymous with that post-GCSE party crowd, but it may well lure a new clientele with the opening of The Aqua Club, a new multi-million pound leisure complex at The Headland. With commanding views out to to sea, the Club boasts six pools, a sun terrace and a new restaurant, The Deck. Head outside for a sunset spa with its two pools enjoying views of the Atlantic and The Deck offering a place for guests to enjoy a bite to eat. The use of natural stone allows the building to blend into its environment as much as possible, while a living roof and additional plantings help to minimise the visual impact of the building as well as providing a natural habitat for the flora and fauna around the peninsula.

An overnight stay at The Headland costs from £150 per room. Contact Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929.

www.prideofbritainhotels.com

3. Seaham Hall

Nothing beats a bracing coastal walk for blowing away the cobwebs and at County Durham’s Seaham Hall there’s no shortage of dramatic coastline to explore. The Georgian country house features 21 beautiful suites and a whopping 44,000 sq ft of spa. Accessed via a subterranean walkway, it includes indoor pool, outdoor hot tubs, Zen Garden complete with hydrotherapy pool, an Asian herbal sanarium, salt sauna… the list goes one. Drawing influence from Far Eastern healing and wellness rituals, some of its newest therapies include ishga touch therapy, combining the natural, healing properties of seaweed with an advanced, ancient ‘touch’ technique for those affected by anxiety, depression, phobias, exhaustion and stress; so undoubtedly something we could all do with post-lockdown. Last year it also introduced a range of alternative therapies that focus on the key tenets of rebalancing life, improving sleep quality, de-stressing and promoting relaxation, such as hypnotherapy and Mind Calm.

A stay costs from £195 (two sharing), for one night in a Junior Suite, full English breakfast and use of the spa facilities. Currently they are accepting bookings for departure after August 1st. Call Seaham Hall on 0191 516 1400.

www.seaham-hall.co.uk

4. The Langley

If you’ve ever dreamt of swanning around a country estate pretending to be the Lord or Lady of the manor (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t), The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Buckinghamshire, might be a fair bet. Beautifully situated in the former manor home of the third Duke of Marlborough on 150 acres of formal gardens and parklands originally designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the location is pretty spectacular. The mansion is steeped in history, but the world-class Sisley Spa is the brand’s largest in the UK and offers advanced and scientific treatments in a seriously luxurious spa setting.

Created by award-winning interior designers Dennis Irvine Studio, the spa combines striking design elements with world-class facilities including two thermal areas (one female-only) with vitality pools, saunas, steam rooms and hammam facilities, a VIP suite equipped with private vitality pool, juniper sauna, amethyst steam room and hammam, and a 16-metre indoor swimming pool. It’s the perfect countryside escape.

Rooms from £425 per night.

www.marriott.com

5. Summer Lodge Hotel

Nestled in the Dorset village of Evershot, the award-winning Grade II listed Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Spa is surrounded by miles of glorious countryside that inspired Thomas Hardy, with many connections to the literary great. A quintessentially idyllic escape for the ultimate luxury staycation, it not only has a boutique spa but hosts a calendar of wellness activities throughout the year. Guests can book in to a Mindfulness Workshop (11th September or 4th December) giving an insight to mindfulness with Verity Woodgate, whose programme, Zenna (www.zenna.me), was created to help businesses develop healthy workplace environments. They also offer an overnight spa experience available year round, summer art lectures from renowned historian Jennie Spiers and hiking experiences taking in the Jurassic Coast.

Art lectures £30 each. Mindfulness Workshop days £75 per person. Spa offering from £364 per night, based on two people sharing a Classic Room.

www.summerlodgehotel.co.uk

6. Lime Wood

The mental benefits of immersing yourself in countryside can’t be ignored and few locations in the UK are as magical at the New Forest, with its verdant greenery and wild ponies. The legendary Lime Wood is introducing new retreats for 2020 with renowned nutritionist Amelia Freer and fitness guru Matt Roberts. Amelia will be hosting her first three-day retreats, focusing on whole body wellbeing, deep relaxation and empowering health through knowledge. Designed to help participants to slow down, find sanctuary and balance, nourish the body and mind, and create a bespoke plan for long-term positive wellbeing, the programme includes talks, interactive workshops, yoga classes and cooking demonstrations. It’s a rare opportunity to personally connect with Amelia herself, while her day workshops including Eating for Health and Batch Cooking offer a more affordable insight.

Matt Roberts’ three-day retreats have been designed to support personal training and wellbeing goals, seeing guests head into the New Forest National Park with group hikes and runs as well as activities in the rooftop gym and studio. Both packages – the Body Reboot Retreat and the Body Rebalance Retreat – include two nights at Lime Wood, all meals, training sessions, two Bamford treatments and use of the Herb House Spa from £1890 per person.

Amelia Freer retreat from £1650 per person (single occupancy). Day workshops from £175. Dates TBC.

www.limewoodhotel.co.uk

Paris is always a good idea, so the saying goes. With all of us now heading into lock down – duration time unknown – I was lucky enough to sneak-in one final trip to Paris to review an exciting new five-star opening, Monsieur George. The latest in a line of creations by the international hotel designer, Anouska Hempel. Audaciously sexy, Hempel injected her daring and trademark design-forward aesthetics into the new property, reimagining the interiors to stylish effect.

Sitting pretty on Rue Washington – named after the illustrious first president of the United States, George Washington – the hotel is a quiet bolthole a stone’s throw away from the (then) bustling Champs-Élysées. From the incredible and attentive staff, to the sumptuous interiors and detailed design touches throughout – thanks to our illustrious Hempel and team whom I had the pleasure of meeting while she added her final touches to the interiors – and I can confirm it is the chicest hotel I’ve had the pleasure of staying in.

Tasked with creating a timeless yet modern hotel, bar and restaurant, offering a “family home” atmosphere within the busy milieu of Paris’s arrondissement, Monsieur George features 46 rooms – each floor has its own style – and three suites. The all-white Franklin rooms on the top floor of this Haussman-style building, open out onto sweeping views over Paris, from one end Montmartre, across to the otherside the Eiffel Tower.
During my stay, I had a beautiful corner room – one the Windsor rooms, named after the Duke of Windsor and Mrs Simpson – overlooking the intersection of Rue de Washington and Rue Chateaubriand. And whilst I was within view of passers-by, it offered a still and quiet escape from the bustle down below. On arrival, I was instantly blown away by the sumptuousness of it all. The lush grey taffeta and grey velvet curtains frame the room with matching silk hand-stitched cushions, velvet throws and bolsters – created by Hempel’s longtime friend Doreen. Gold églomisé mirrored furniture, is de rigeur and everything is made bespoke for every room. The gold brushed brass fixtures stood out against the black marble in the bathroom and the underfloor heated flooring further enhanced my luxurious surroundings. It was pure heaven.

We were given a tour of the top floor rooms which were inspired by lofty visions of floating white clouds. Named after Benjamin Franklin, the intimate attic rooms and suites are designed in gleaming white-on-white with pale grey motifs and cotton curtains from Kerala. The lighting is soft, romantic and very evocative of an artist’s studio. Each room also offers outdoor space with seated terraces and views over Paris and it’s most famous landmarks. Although not yet completed during my stay, the Marly Rooms and suite – a jade-green duplex with its own leafy private garden on the ground floor – will be a haven of luscious greens, inspired by the iconic French gardens of Marly, created for Louis XIV at the Palace of Versailles.

Hempel’s modern style and innovation shine through in each and every detail – quite literally – and stand for what one could call commercial couture. The 24-hour Galanga Restaurant and Bar is a mirrored masterpiece and an absolute feast for the eyes, you can see hints of inspiration from her most recent five-year project in Istanbul, and a palace on the Bosphorus. The bombastic decor features dark green velvet in églomisé mirrors and glass screens, with low lighting creating its very own optical illusion as you walk through the bar and restaurant. My favourite feature – the incredible dark green Morocan Walili herringbone tiles from Fez on the hand-laid floors.

Head Chef Thomas Danigo and Sous Chef Simon created a world-cuisine inspired menu that will constantly evolve in line with seasonal ingredients. Foodie highlights for me: the delicious fresh Cod cooked in coconut milk served with long-stem broccoli; a sensational beef tataki – paired with a glass of Châteauneuf–du–Pape, of course; and a divine YellowTail carpaccio. For dessert, I would highly recommend the deconstructed dark chocolate Ganache and the poached pear with ice cream. The Monsieur George Wine Cellar housed a collection of the most amazing clarets of Bordeaux – my go-to red for all seasons! – and other world-renowned wines with the friendly wait staff on hand to advise on the best wine pairing for each dish. The cellar also doubles-up as a private dining space for those looking for added privacy.

Neatly tucked in the basement is a perfectly-sized gym with modern Techno-gym equipment and a spa with a sauna with beautiful low arched ceilings and ancient bricks – a reminder of the intrinsic history of the district. It was here that I received the best massage of my life – this is no exaggeration! – by Anne at the Spa by Le Tigre. She is their master masseuse and yoga instructor who was fortunately on site for the staff training sessions. She gave me a massage she invented, fusing Ayurvedic and more traditional techniques together, to help clients feel more centred. She magically kneaded away any knots on my upper shoulder and it acted as a form of therapy, I didn’t realise I needed. Le Tigre brings other custom programmes to the hotel, including special yoga courses, fitness sessions, therapeutic massages and other aesthetic services. From your room, it’s a direct line via the lift to the Spa – parfait!
And the cherry on top – the incredibly helpful and knowledgeable staff on hand throughout my stay, who couldn’t have been more attentive.
As soon as the world resumes normal service, I look forward to meeting you again, Monsieur George.
Prices start from €300 per night for a classic double room. For more information, please visit www.monsieurgeorge.com
Insider’s Tip:
Fashionistas should book an appointment at Society Room – an exceptional tailoring house reimagined in a former 19th Century Swedish Embassy near the Madeleine. A contemporary version of a nineteenth-century Parisian salon, it offers a line of bespoke tailoring for women, as well as a ready-to-wear collection created by vivacious owner and designer, Yvan Benbanaste. Society Room is one of Paris’ most exclusive shopping destinations and the funnest. Guests can buy everything in the space, from the furniture and art, to the silverware and antique china. Visit with friends and drink champagne while you try on the bespoke garms. Once you’re done, Yvan might invite you upstairs to the Mallard blue dining room where he will prepare and serve a delicious home-cooked meal, paired with some of France’s finest champagne and wine. www.society-room.com