Category

Destination Inspiration

Category

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

AS WINTER FATIGUE SETS IN, IN A MAJOR WAY, YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF DREAMING OF BETTER AND MORE RELAXING DAYS. HOW NICE WOULD IT BE TO HAVE THAT UBER RELAXING MASSAGE, OR PERHAPS TO GIVE YOUR TRESSES THE NEW LIFE THAT IT NEEDS.

IF LIKE US, YOU’RE IN SERIOUS NEED OF SOME PAMPERING – HELP IS AT HAND! ONCE THE GLOOMY, DARK WINTER IS OVER AND YOU’RE OFF TO YOUR HOLIDAY WITH THE FAMILY, YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO INCLUDE A GOOD MASSAGE AS A PART OF YOUR ITINERARY. WHEN YOU CAN’T ALWAYS ENJOY THAT TYPE OF LUXURY TREATMENT, DON’T MISS OUT ON THAT CHANCE NOW THAT IT’S RIGHT AT THE TIP OF YOUR FINGERS.

TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR JOURNEY, BELOW IS A COUNTDOWN OF #TEAMCOCO’S TOP PICKS FOR THE MOST LUST-WORTHY SPA EXPERIENCES FROM AROUND THE WORLD. THIS LIST IS CURATED FROM ONE OF THE BEST TRAVEL RESOURCES THAT YOU CAN TRUST, SO YOU’RE GUARANTEED THAT THESE ARE AS TRUE AS IT COULD BE.

EVEN IF THEY SEEM A LITTLE OUT OF REACH, OUR STUNNING SELECTION WILL NO DOUBT INSPIRE YOU TO INDULGE YOUR SENSES THIS NEW YEAR. 

CHECK-OUT OUR TOP-PICKS BELOW!

When you hear of the Intercontinental chain of hotels and resorts in the world, one of the very first things that come to mind is luxury. This, you’re promised too, in their Bora Bora resort.

Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa are known for being one of the best resorts in Bora Bora. Their spa is the only spa in the entire country that drives fresh seawater from 3,000 feet below the surface to use as healing waters for treatments such as, hydro-massage baths, pearl rain massages, and a ‘water journey’ treatment. With this natural source, you’re guaranteed a fresh and purely healing experience, without all unnecessary chemicals.

This includes deep-relaxing jacuzzies and cold seawater pools with massaging jets. Enjoy massages and beauty treatments with Tahitian oils in treatment rooms located in the overwater villas with glass floors whilst watching fish swimming below. How amazing would it be to have a massage with a view! This isn’t something that you can wake up to, every day of your life. It’s a perfect treat too, post-pandemic as of writing, to ease yourself of all those anxiety and stress that you may have accumulated.

Ofutei selected onsen ryokan, Hiroshima Prefecture

Hotel Ofutei in Tomonoura Onsen, Hiroshima, offers sea views from both private-use and open-air hot spring baths. Enjoy clear sunlight and sea breeze mornings whilst bathing in the luxury roof-top open-air baths overlooking the calm sea of Tomonoura. Alternatively, the private open-air baths enable guests to soak in hot waters overlooking the Seto Inland Sea in piece whilst soothing and relaxing the mind and body. visithiroshima.net/

Energizing Tokyo at the Palace Hotel, Tokyo

Palace Hotel Tokyo is getting into the spirit of wellness in line with the Olympic and Paralympic games 2020. The hotel has set up a wellness getaway that comes replete with an a la carte menu of fitness pursuits to refresh the body and mind and allow visitors to experience the city in a very active healthy way. Guests can choose from a range of treatments from zen meditation, Japanese tea ceremony experience, Japanese seitai acupressure, massages and more.

Detox at Osmosis Day Spa, Sonoma County, California

With five secluded acres of creekside property, Osmosis Day Spa is extensively landscaped with five distinct Japanese garden areas. Owner Michael Stusser was inspired by spas he discovered in Japan for soothing pain, calming nerves, cleansing and brightening skin. Experience a restorative treatment overlooking the meditative gardens and bathe in a mix of fine cedar shavings, rice bran and plant enzymes where temperatures reach up to 48 degrees. To help cool you during the experience an attendant applies cold cloths and offers sips of ice water.

Lazy You Spa at C Lazy U Ranch, Granby, Colorado

C Lazy U Ranch is a luxurious dude ranch offering an upmarket yet authentic wild western experience. The spa is set within beautiful log cabins next to Willow Creek, surrounded by acres of untouched land. Its signature treatment is the Cowboy Copper Tub Soak where guests can relax in a bathtub and enjoy incredible views of the Continental Divide mountain range, in complete peace and tranquillity.

The Lodge at Edgewood, South Lake Tahoe, California
Located on the shores of South Lake Tahoe, The Lodge at Edgewood is home to 154 luxury rooms and suites each boasting their own fireplace and private deck or terrace. Nestled in a private area on the second floor of the Lodge is the Spa at Edgewood Tahoe—an 8,500 sq. ft. space that offers guests uninterrupted serenity amongst a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. With a stunning streamlined design aesthetic influenced by the innate beauty of the area’s natural surroundings, the Spa at Edgewood inspires relaxation, rejuvenation and inner balance. tahoesouth.com

Majorelle Spa and Salon at Hotel Californian, Santa Barbara, California

Majorelle is an intimate spa comprising four treatment rooms, a courtyard and a circular-columned waiting area inside the stunning Martin Lawrence Bullard-designed Hotel Californian. This dazzling spa offers a comprehensive menu of treatments, from aromatherapy and skincare rituals to couples’ packages and massages. The interiors are inspired by the Moorish cities of Spain and Morocco, while one-of-a-kind spa treatments can be tailored to your personal needs.

The Scandinave Spa, Whistler

For long-haul travellers, skiers and snowboarders the Scandinave Spa hydrotherapy offer an effective way of releasing tensions in both the mind and body. The cycle of hot-cold-relax is proven to both energize and rest the body, improving blood circulation and activating the lymphatic system to help detoxification. Hot cycles take place in eucalyptus steam rooms, outdoor hot baths, Finnish wood-burning saunas or dry saunas. The spa also hosts a Nordic waterfall, rain showers and cold plunges, after taking a plunge to relax beside an outdoor firepit, in one of the solariums.

Vibrant Salon and Spa Fredericton

In Canada, New Brunswick is a must-visit. Fredericton, in particular, has all the sights for you to delight in.Especially if you’re one who enjoys outdoor activities, there’s always something for you to indulge in, with the best views that nature can offer. This is Canada, after all. From hiking to mountain climbing, kayaking, and whale watching, there’s something for you to get busy with, in every day of your journey.

Taking a break from all the nature activities, you deserve to give yourself that pampering, too. Vibrant Hair Salon Fredericton, your full-service beauty bar and spa, is a must-visit.

In Vibrant Hair Salon, they have a commitment to love their guests and community. When you walk into Vibrant, the goal is to make you feel at home, feel comfortable, and leave everything else behind. We guarantee you leave with amazing hair and a smile. If it’s hair care, makeup, laser hair removal, waxing, gel polish manicure, gel polish pedicure, nail art, eyelash extensions, facials, hydra-facials, lash lifts and more, an enjoyable and relaxing atmosphere for you in this beauty bar is guaranteed.

Takeaway

You deserve that treat from time-to-time. After working long hours day and night, when you travel, don’t just immerse yourself in the culture or in the lifestyle of the locals. As you get busy with touring your destination, you may also want to cap the day off with a good spa. From massages to a salon service, give yourself that tender loving care that you so deserve. Plus, how often is it that you can say that you’ve actually visited some of the best spas in the world? When you’re there, don’t miss out on that once in a lifetime opportunity.

If you’ve never considered a botanical safari, then there is a very special corner of the Cape just waiting to change your mind about flowers. More specifically Fynbos, the flowering plant endemic to this southernmost tip of South Africa. Both the smallest and richest of the world’s six Floral Kingdoms, there is more biodiversity here than the Amazon rainforest.

Set between the mountains and sea, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is made up of 2,500 hillside hectares blanketed by this native shrub – a thriving ecosystem of which 70% of species grow nowhere else on earth. This is also the only lodge in South Africa where you can spot the “Marine Big Five” – great white sharks, southern right whales, seals, penguins, and dolphins where two oceans collide down in Walker Bay.

Luxury Meets Conservation in a Botanical Paradise

What started as a humble bed and breakfast, has since grown into two boutique lodges, that now make up one particularly special hotel. While Grootbos cocoons its guests in nothing but five-star luxury, the reserve’s primary focus is to protect, nurture and restore the indigenous and endangered landscape on which it sits – something the custodians of the reserve the Lutzeyer family, have worked towards since acquiring the property in 1991.

Here, among the flowering Fynbos and gnarled milkwood forests, guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in nature, with specialist guides eager to share their knowledge of this biodiverse wonderland.

A Botanical Safari

As soon as we arrive, we sit down with a specialist guide to work out what activities we’d like to do during our stay – from responsibly whale watching tours to shark diving at Gansbaai and coastal guided walking safaris.

While the focus is on the experiential, no detail has been overlooked when it comes to the rooms. Ours is part of the Garden Lodge – one of 11 free-standing suites set among the bush, through ancient forest and greenery alive with the hum of wildlife.

An unassuming stone exterior hides our expansive suite – with a lounge and wood-burner for a cosy Scandi feel and a selection of books to keep even the most fervent naturalist happy. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a private deck with sun loungers – a haven surrounded by the chorus of the Fynbos. Picture windows frame the view from a plush oversized bed, out over the dense Fynbos and down to the windswept sands of Walker Bay. In the bathroom, a free-standing soaking tub sits in a corner window, so close to the uninterrupted nature around you you’d swear you were bathing al fresco.

The separate Forest Lodge offers a further equally luxurious 16 suites, with open fires and two with private pools – all sequestered away within the Milkwood forest and offering similarly stunning views, the only difference the slightly more sleek feel to the common spaces. There are also two private villas which include a personal chef and guide, perfect for families or groups of friends.

Indulge in Nature’s Symphony: Sunset Delights at Garden Lodge

Sunset at the Garden Lodge is a real event – guests congregating around the freeform pool with a gin and tonic (mixed with a sprig of rosemary from the herb garden) as the sun sinks in an amber flash. We sit down to a candlelit dinner on the verandah – surrounded by the nighttime sounds of the bush and the occasional quacking of the Cape River Frog. Our host Princess expertly guides us through the locally sourced four-course menu – from the mussels which come from nearby Gansbaai to the freshest herbs and vegetables grown here on the reserve. Even the honey for our ice cream is produced here – made from the rare Erica Irregularis its deep floral flavour is one to be savoured, as it can be found nowhere else.

Aside from the thoughtful staff, this intimate hotel feels all the more special thanks to the presence of the charming owner Michael Lutzeyer, who flits between tables checking up on guests.

Generously insisting that we have a bottle of one of his favourite wines ‘The Last Syrah’ with our dinner (a limited edition bought from a friend at the Cape Winemakers Guild, an association of South Africa’s finest winemakers) – Michael kindly offers to take us out on a 4×4 botanical safari in the morning.

This is how we find ourselves up before breakfast – racing off across the patchwork of trails in one of the open-topped Landrovers. I’ve never considered myself to be interested in flowers, but Michael’s depth of knowledge and passion for this unique floral kingdom is infectious – he’s also great fun.

Exploring the Flora of the Cape with Grootbos

In the UK, he explains, there are 1,550 species of flora. Compare that to the Cape – where there are 9,500 (6,500 of which are endemic) and you start to see the significance of this region. Six new species were even discovered right here on the reserve, he tells us with a proud smile.

This is botany brought to life – with fascinating stories centred around the fynbos. From how a sunbird’s beak fits perfectly into a flower, or how the fires that ravage this land are crucial for its survival – with some plants depending on this heat to for their seeds to germinate. Every few minutes we pull to a stop, Michael having spotted something minuscule in the bushes, each with a story to tell.

We’re also able to take a guided tour of the organic farm and horticultural college – all part of Grootbos’ work to both conserve the critically endangered fynbos, as well as transform the lives of local communities.

The Sustainable Legacy of Grootbos Foundation

Established in 2003, the Grootbos Foundation has turned the reserve into a world leader in progressive luxury tourism. Every action they take, explains Michael, should benefit the community, or have a positive impact on the environment – from the fresh fruit you eat at breakfast to the recycled candles in your room.

Initially run as an agricultural training program teaching farming, beekeeping, and animal husbandry, the Growing The Future organic farm has since expanded to provide career guidance and internships focused on entrepreneurship. The farm itself is run as a commercial enterprise with all goods produced here sold back to the Grootbos Lodge and kitchen – the income providing funding for further Grootbos Foundation Projects. Even the lodge’s water supply is run as a self-sustaining business by the Foundation, with a solar-powered pump and reusable glass bottles eliminating tons of plastic waste.

At the Green Futures Indigenous Nursery, we see Grootbos’ approach to conservation in action – from chatting with one of the resident ecological researchers to the Green Futures students tending the on-site nursery – working towards the accredited courses offered by the Horticultural and Life Skills College.

Returning to the reserve in time for breakfast, we find a spread of homegrown fruits, jams and marmalades, salmon blinis and cheese from local dairies. That’s in addition to a hot a la carte menu, from which I choose the Grootbos Farm Benedict – two impossibly orange yolked eggs on a bed of spinach and micro-herbs – all from the reserve. Eaten on the sunny terrace surrounded by morning birdsong, it is quite simply bliss.

After breakfast, Michelle who runs the on-site stables (with 19 gleaming ponies and horses for all levels) takes me for a gallop high up in the hills on a black horse called Flame. The hills around us thrum with life, buzzing with birds and insects, flowers flashing past flame’s pricked ears in a haze of purple.

It’s then I realise I’m looking at this landscape afresh – with a sense of wonder for each element that creates this ecosystem. From the fynbos to the bees, chickens and vegetable gardens, Grootbos is protecting not just plants, but the people that call this place home – holistically and sustainably, this is surely the future of eco-conscious luxury travel.

I know I’ll never look at flowers the same way again.

To book, visit www.Grootbos.com

Puerto Rico is an incredibly diverse and beautiful island, making it a treasure-trove for travel fanatics. Despite the current pause on our travels, we can still enjoy some cultural highlights and take the time to learn more about Puerto Rico. This weekend, Discover Puerto Rico is offering virtual salsa, cooking and mixology classes with some of Puerto Rico’s best local talent, giving participants a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture.

Learn Salsa on Friday, March 27 from 19:00 – 20:00 p.m. ET (23:00 – 00:00 a.m. GMT)

This salsa lesson will give a brief overview of basic salsa steps from notable salsa dancers, Tito and Tamara, and will then turn into a salsa dance party so that participants can have some fun from the comfort of their homes. Tito Ortos and his partner Tamara Livolsi are both choreographers to the stars including El Gran Combo, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and Víctor Manuelle.

To join, log into Zoom for free via https://zoom.us/j/293759126 (Meeting ID #293-759-126). All you need is an internet connection and a webcam, no experience is necessary.

Cocktail Making on Saturday, March 28 from 19:00 – 19:30 p.m. ET (23:00 – 23:30 GMT)

If you love a beautifully crafted beverage then you will not want to miss this mixology session. Top bartender on the Island, Roberto Berdecia, co-owner of acclaimed La Factoría and Jungle Bird, will be serving up one of his favourites. La Factoría in Old San Juan is celebrating its fifth year as one of the World’s 50 Best Bars for its renowned hospitality, cocktails and authentic atmosphere. Plus, it was even featured in the music video for Despacito.

To participate, join via Instagram Live at @discoverpuertorico

Cooking Class on Sunday, March 29 from 19:00 – 19:30 p.m. ET (00:00 – 00:30 BST)

Chef Wilo Benet, from Wilo eatery and bar, will walk participants through one of his favourite dishes you can easily whip up from home. He has redefined Puerto Rican cuisine, and in that process, has put the Island’s enchanting flavours on the global map. Chef Benet defines his culinary style as contemporary global cuisine, a concept that combines traditional Puerto Rican ingredients with Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Spanish, Italian, French and Arab influences.

To participate, join via Instagram Live at @discoverpuertorico

To discover all the beauty the Island has to offer, visit DiscoverPuertoRico.com.

The luxury travel market is increasingly focused on tailor-made experiences rather than just the fact if you pay more, you can hope for a more enhanced experience. Hence, it is no surprise the luxury villa market has been booming in southern Europe in recent years, as travellers look for more space and a home-from-home escape. We visited The LUX MARE villas recently in a prime location in the city of Lagos in southern Portugal with jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean.

When their Norwegian owners, Egil & Birgitte Greve were looking to build their 2 state-of-the-art villas that embraced the minimalist Nordic design philosophy with the warmth of the Portuguese lifestyle, they went to the most famous local architect in town, Mário Martins. His exploration of shapes and the use of natural light has led to countless masterpieces created in The Algarve, but The LUX MARE Villas (Casa L and Casa M) is arguably his best work so far. The harmonious balance of green and blue is a soothing experience from the well-landscaped gardens of Casa M to their showpiece 22.5 metres heated infinity pool that kisses the Algarvan skyline.

During our visit, we stayed at Casa M which can host up to 12 guests with two king-sized rooms and four twin rooms. There are six bathrooms and one separate toilet, so there should never be any need for queuing. Almost all the rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass and looking onto the pool and garden area. They offer complimentary Molton Brown toiletries and luxury bathrobe and slippers.
Apart from picking a local architect and using local wood and other materials to construct the villas, the owners have sought to use local designers where possible from the cutlery and crockery that are from Vista Alegre and all branded linens are also from Portugal.
In the basement area, is a high-tech cinema room with a reclinable sofa, a pool table and selected Technogym equipment. And if that isn’t enough, guests have access to the AXN Gym situated within the renowned 5- star Cascade Wellness & Lifestyle Resort nearby.

The kitchen is decked out with high-end Gaggenau home appliances including a coffee machine that wouldn’t look out-of-place in a posh coffee house. Of course, you can cook yourself with numerous well-stocked supermarkets nearby and a fish market in town that is the envy of the region or you can treat yourself to a private chef who works regularly with the villa, The Chef Affairs who can prepare dishes like local favourites such as grilled giant king prawns and beef fillet tournedos with mushrooms and Porto wine sauce. There is also a whole range of options in town from Japanese ramen bars to Tasca Jota which champions local Portuguese ingredients from the region, with some of the team having trained with the likes of Gordon Ramsay in London.

If you are wondering what activities you might be able to partake in, they have an in-house concierge service that can cater to all your needs from yoga on the pool terrace to a sunset massage gazing into the Atlantic Ocean. For the more adventurous, there are hot-air balloon rides, go-karting, horse riding or kayaking that can be arranged. You can hire a sunseeker yacht to admire the stunning coastline or to go fishing. And you are also only minutes away from the world-famous Ponta da Piedade, stunning rock formations that give The Twelve Apostles a run for their money. The Algarvan wine scene has been picking up in recent years and about a half an hour drive away is the popular, Quinta dos Vales winery with some very accessible wines to taste as well as stunning art installations to admire. You can even buy your plot of land to grow your grapes and bottle your wine.

Next time, you are visiting Europe and looking for some Iberian sunshine, make sure you check out The LUX MARE villas.
https://luxemare.pt

Listen up, if you’re a foodie, beer fan, Christmas fanatic, or all of the above, then boy, do I have the hotel for you. The NH Collection Munchen Bavaria, a resplendent hotel boasting outstanding transport links and sweeping views of Munich, needs to go right to the top of your list of “must stay” hotels for 2020. The only skyscraper in the centre of Munich (craftily constructed before height restrictions were applied to the rest of the city), the NH Collection Munchen Bavaria features 219 rooms and suites overlooking the city and mountains beyond. The rooms are modern, the decor upscale, the wi-fi is free and, for a small fee, you can even bring your pet along.

A stylish, modern retreat, the hotel is only 35 minutes drive from the airport or a 30 second walk from Hauptbahnhof Nord (public transport station) located directly opposite. Each room is tastefully furnished and decorated in soothing shades of gold, grey and bronze, the perfect place to relax after a day pounding the pavements at the legendary Christmas markets over at Marienplatz, or staggering back to your bed after a little too much enjoyment at the world famous Oktoberfest. Although the hotel is located within a minutes walk of the train station and main shopping district, the rooms are quiet and peaceful, a world away from the bustling streets below. Each room contains a flat screen television, mini bar, tea and coffee facilities, and luxuriously large showers. The ridiculously comfortable beds are so deliciously cosy, you might want to opt for breakfast in bed, just hang your breakfast option tag on the door handle the night before and the staff will do the rest. If you’re staying for more than one night though, I do urge you not to eat in your room every morning or else you’ll miss out on the outstanding breakfast buffet in Arnulf’s restaurant downstairs. Featuring an extensive range of hot and cold dishes, omelette station, fresh honeycomb and free flowing prosecco, the breakfast offerings are beyond what you would need to get you through a busy day of shopping and enjoying the city.

Of an evening, Arnulf’s whips up delicious international and regional dishes with a strong focus on local produce. Ask any member of staff what their “must try” dish is and they’ll enthuse over the weinerschnitzel to such an extent that you’ll no doubt find yourself with a plate of it and a tankard of the good stuff before you can say “kostlich”. If you’re staying for several nights and fancy dining out once in a while, Augustiner-Keller is a short walk away and serves delicious bar food. You can also find outstanding street food over at Marienplatz during the winter market season.

Aesthetics aside, the warm Bavarian welcome is, for me, what gives the NH Collection Munchen Bavaria the edge. The 24 hour front desk means you’re never without assistance, whatever you may need. The staff are helpful and warm, with a genuine love for their city. Their passion for the city they call home is evident, everyone you speak to here wants to ensure you’re enjoying Munich and getting to experience it like a local (and getting a great night’s sleep thereafter). If you’re so drawn in by the hospitality that you don’t want to venture out, the hotel also has a 24 hour gym, stylish lobby bar, business centre, and function rooms that can accommodate up to 300 people.

The Munich lowdown:

Things to do:

Oktoberfest: This year the famous festival runs from the 19th September to the 4th October. NH Collection Munchen Bavaria is located close enough to get their easily but far enough to not be in the thick of it. Rooms will no doubt fill up fast for these dates so make sure you book early.

Shopping: Maximilianstrasse can only be described as the 5th Avenue of Munich. Designer stores and high end restaurants aplenty, this is the perfect area for those wanting to spend some serious euros. For those looking for a less expensive experience, there are high street stores galore and traditional German outlets in and around the Marienplatz area.

Christmas Markets: The Munich Christmas markets will run from the 23rd November to the 24th December this year. Not to be missed, the markets are a multisensory experience with street food, live music, and plenty of shopping to be enjoyed. Just don’t go too mad on the gluhwein or you may find yourself heading back to the UK with a few bottles of the stuff (not that I would know…)

Culture: Munich is home to a vast number of museums, art galleries, science and tech centres, so much so that you would struggle to fit them all in to a week’s stay. As a starting point, the Bavarian National Museum and Kunsthalle Art Galleries can be visited over a weekend. For something a little different, check out Munchner Manufaktur, where they make traditional German garments by hand.

Views: Whilst the best views of Munich can be found from your hotel room, Hi-Sky, the Bavarian version of the London Eye, offers alternative views from the other side of the city. Tickets cost 15 Euros per adult and 10 Euros per child. On a side note, the area around Hi-Sky is covered in some incredible grafitti art. Definitely worth checking out if you have the time.

Getting there: Flights from the UK are frequent and well priced with Easyjet, Lufthansa, and British Airways offering flights from various regional airports.

Staying here: You can book direct at www.nh-hotels.com, although to remember to book early if you’re looking at visiting Oktoberfest or the Christmas markets.

If you’re an edacious foodie, die hard rugby fan, or all of the above, then a weekend in the blushing city of Toulouse is a must. Dubbed “La Ville Rose” thanks to the pinkish hue of the terracotta brickwork the city is famous for, this southern Occitanie gem is an Instagrammer’s dream. Picture perfect hidden courtyards, charming town squares and delectable cuisine aplenty, it’s hard not to be bewitched by the sights and sounds of this scintillating city.

Sitting close to the Spanish border and linked to the Mediterranean Sea by the 17th century Canal du Midi and Garonne River, Toulouse enjoys beautiful summers and relatively dry winters, perfect for a weekend (or longer) away, any time of year. Shopaholics are well provided for, with dozens of store lined streets surrounding St. Etienne Cathedral, whilst architecture and history buffs can fill their days checking out the numerous religious buildings, Theatre du Capitole, Jardin des Plantes, and the 16th Century Donjon du Capitole tower.

Whilst there are activities aplenty available in Toulouse, the thing I was most excited about was the food. In a city famous for its indoor markets, I was thrilled to be invited on a food tour with Taste of Toulouse, created by Jessica Hammer. Jessica offers English speaking walking tours of the Marche Victor Hugo, a gastronomic emporium of epic proportions. Selling everything from oven-warm baked baguettes, freshly caught seafood, and meat aged for years, it’s no surprise that many locals visit daily. Going to the market is a social affair rather than a domestic activity, with many attendees hanging around to drink wine and shuck oysters whilst catching up with the locals. The upper tier of the market houses a number of restaurants using the produce available downstairs to create traditional dishes with a modern twist. If you’ve not got time to hang around (or you’re a bit of a dinner party cheat), several stalls sell restaurant quality cooked dishes that you just need to reheat at home. Genius. We spent our tour scouting out some beautiful cured meats, cheeses, fois gras, bread and chocolate before enjoying our spread with a glass (or three) of wine.

When you’ve had your fill of fine food and wine, there’s no better way to spend the afternoon than cheering on Toulouse (or in our case, Gloucester, shhh), at Stade Ernest-Wallon, home of rugby in the Occitan region. Rugby reached Toulouse in 1907, with the club becoming one of the most successful in Europe having won the Heineken cup four times as well as being 20 time winners of the French Championship. The atmosphere is electrifying, yet the crowds remain friendly and jovial, with many spectators bringing their families along for a day out. Pack a chunky scarf and a warm coat, grab some snacks and a pitcher of beer, and brace yourself for an afternoon of excitement and flag waving.

If you fancy keeping it casual or you’re dedicated to the ‘Gram, Toulouse has plenty to see and photograph on foot. The buildings almost change colour during the day depending on the weather, meaning you could easily spend a long weekend photographing very similar areas with very different results. Place Sainte-Scarbes boasts a beautiful fountain and candy coloured shuttered buildings, yet is far enough from the main shopping area to stay relatively quiet during the day. Toulouse is bursting with minor details, small nuanced features that make beautiful photographs: the soft blue glass of the street lamps, the arched doorways, the pastel windows. It’s a veritable hide and seek of carefully crafted details just waiting to be found. And if you’re camera battery runs flat, there’s an abundance of high street stores and local artisan producers if you fancy splashing the cash. Toulouse has something for everyone, whether you’re a solo traveller, off on a romantic weekend away, or a family looking for a quiet break. Just make sure you get there before the rest of Instagram finds out about it.

The Lowdown:

How to get there: Return flights from London Heathrow to Toulouse cost as little as £60 return with British Airways (www.britishairways.com)

Where to stay: We stayed in the Citiz Hotel (18 allees Jean-Jeaures, 31000 Toulouse), a four star property only 20 minutes from the airport, close to excellent transport links, and a couple of minutes walk from the centre. Rooms start at 85 euros per night with some featuring wrap around balconies and large windows. You can book direct at www.citizhotel.com.

Where to eat: La Goumandine (17 Place Victor Hugo, 3100 Toulouse) offers three courses for 36 euros. For dinner, Hugette Café Cantine (15 bis Place du President Thomas Wilson) offers two/three courses for 16/18 euros respectively. Both establishments serve up delicious local dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Food tours: Taste of Toulouse offers English speaking walking tours of the Marche Victor Hugo on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturday mornings. Jessica also offers chocolate and pastry tours, along with private wine and cheese tasting tours. Each tour carries a maximum of 8 people and costs 70 euros per adult/child over 12 years old. You can book online at www.tasteoftoulouse.com

Rugby: Tickets for games at Stade Ernest-Wallon start at 18 euros and can be purchased online at www.stadetoulousain.fr

Doing it for the ‘gram: Place Sainte-Scarbes features a pretty fountain surrounded by blush pink buildings. Walk on for another few minutes to Place Wilson for a shot of the iconic carousel. Finally, Place du Capitole contains plenty of nooks and crannies for Insta-worthy shots.

Ideal for a Valentine’s getaway or for a romantic sojurn anytime of the year, feel the love with our round up of the world’s most luxurious hotels tailored for love.

Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica

Picture 100 acres of private lush grounds that surround the dazzling waters of Montego Bay. The Round Hill Hotel & Villas is the ideal destination for a sunshine-filled Caribbean break. Deemed as ‘the’ place to visit by the famous and glamorous in the 1950’s, this exclusive and luxrious resort ticks all the style boxes thanks to its 36 oceanfront guestrooms in the Ralph Lauren-designed Pineapple House and its 27 stunning villas.

Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada

With a chic blend of traditional Caribbean and contemporary style, the Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada is Grenadian luxury personified. Guests can dine in the open-air gourmet restaurant where they can savour authentic local specialties in a fine dining atmosphere, while enjoying the very best of Grenada’s calypso, reggae and steel bands. It is perfectly positioned on the soft white sands of Grand Anse, Grenada’s most beautiful beach. This luxurious hotel offers superb, spacious accommodation, great spa facilities and excellent service.

Grand Hotel Continental, Tuscany

The only 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Siena in Tuscany, the Grand Hotel Continental is adorned with original frescoes and rich decorations that can be found throughout the property. The Panoramic Suite is a realm of luxury, privacy and Italian elegance with unrivalled 360° view over Siena and the surrounding valleys. Absolutely bellisimo! Guests can enjoy a delicious meal in the Sapor di Vino restaurant teamed with a carefully-selected bottle of wine.

Jardin des Douars, Essaouira, Morocco

Taking inspiration from the rammed earth Kasbahs of the High Atlas, the Jardin des Douars which is located close to Essaouira sits upon a ridge-top that overlooks the Ksob river. Whilst the look is undoubtedly rustic-chic, there is still a sense of luxury thanks to the spa and the two heated pools.

The hotel looks like a fusion of a genteel country manor fused with a grand castle, lavishly decorated with glowing candles and soft deep pile rugs.

This is ideal for those who are looking for a real retreat and hanker after the peace and tranquillity of the surrounding olive trees and terracotta hills

Grand Hotel Europe, St Petersburg

With a prime location at the cultural heart of St Petersburg, The Grand Hotel Europe is one the city’s most celebrated landmarks. It is opulently decorated with gilded stucco ceilings, breath-taking stained glass, resplendent marble and dazzling chandeliers. The hotel has ten luxurious suites each of which has an individual design. Guests can dine at AZIA offers a daily Emotions Tasting Menu, which combines textures, perfumes, flavours, temperatures and colours to create a unique dining experience.

Hotel President Wilson, Geneva

Situated on the shores of Leman lake and just a few steps from the most beautiful parks and boutiques of the renowned Rue du Rhône, Hotel President Wilson is one of the most contemporary hotels in Geneva, facing the magnificent panorama of the Mont-Blanc.

With large bay-windows offering a panoramic view over Lake Leman, the hotel pool or Geneva city, all 204 Rooms and 22 Suites of the luxury hotel combine comfort and elegance. However, the acclaimed Royal Penthouse Suite is truly a sight to behold thanks to its terrace with panoramic view over the lake and the Mont-Blanc, the jacuzzi, spa, Steinway grand piano, the 103-inch Bang & Olufsen and beautiful furnishings. This truly unique suite stands for pure luxury with maximum security, from bulletproof windows, emergency alarm buttons and reinforced safe to a private lift to take guests directly to their majestic living quarters.

Live an exclusive experience at Spa La Mer and its outdoor pool overlooking the lake and succumb to the delicacy of the Michelin starred cuisine from famous Chef Michel Roth.

St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives

Tucked away, on an exclusive private island reachable by seaplane is the St Regis – one of the most luxurious resort in the Maldives. Combining contemporary design and local craftsmanship, with a profound appreciation for the ecological environment, there is no other destination quite like this exquisite beach resort on Vommuli Island.

Private terraces that lead to pristine beaches and infinity pools with the Indian Ocean as a tranquil backdrop inspire moments of relaxation. The accommodation highlight has to be the Overwater St. Regis Suite – an elegant overwater retreat with stunning views of the Maldives lagoon, overwater hammocks and a romantic gazebo to take in the beauty of the house reef below

Guests can savour epicurean delights from all over the world in any of the six restaurants and bars—each inspired by authentic Italian, Middle Eastern and Asian flavours served in buffet, ala carte or tapas style. They can then restore their well-being with custom-made treatments at the over-water Iridium Spa.

The Palm, Dubai

Located in the heart of the Crescent, The Palm is part luxury hotel, part underwater-themed resort thanks to its two pools, waterpark and small, but perfectly formed man-made beach. Despite sticking rigidly to the underwater theme, guests can reside in opulent suites and can enjoy fine-dining cuisine at one of the 23 restaurants, bars and lounges – Ossiano and Nobu are recommended.

There are five different suites available, but the most striking is the Royal Bridge Suite which includes three lavishly-decorated bedrooms, an exquisitely designed lounge, with decor reflecting the opulence and stature of the suite and is perfect for entertaining and includes its own private library, games and media centre, majlis and massage room.

Hotel Arlberg, Lech

What could be more romantic than a snow-filled break with the one you love? Experience rustic charm at the Hotel Arlberg in the beautiful alpine town of Lech in Austria. The rooms are cosy and are elegantly decorated in traditional Austrian style. From the stunning spa where you can enjoy his and hers treatments to the fabulous wine tasting experience, your inner romantic can’t fail to escape.

Why should your next trip be to Oman? We’ll tell you why. Our girl Vanessa had the pleasure to visit the Arabian peninsula last week and she hasn’t shut up about it since.

Rich in cultural history with a unique and exotic vibe, Oman is a place everyone must visit at some point in their life; mainly known for being a major oil exporter yet the country has so much more to offer. It’s history is perfect for history lovers; once under Portuguese rule with old ports, defences and a jail, which there is now no need for due its non-existent crime rate.

It’s one of the safest regions in the Middle East, has four UNESCO world heritage sites and it’s buildings are awash with pastels; no dark colours or skyscrapers here, not even in Muscat, making it simply picturesque.

As a country it is super stable and ruled by a monarchy; Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said attended university in the UK and made many changes to the country, modernising it and its culture. He recently passed and has been succeeded by his cousin, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. So over the next few years it will be interesting to see what the new Sultan brings to Oman.

Omani’s are vibrant, friendly and beyond polite and the country is immersed in the culture of Islam, so throwing yourself into the culture is necessary. A visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a highlight, with the largest carpet in the world and a 1,120 lightbulb Swarovski chandelier, it is a grounding experience; just remember to dress appropriately and respectfully. Venturing into the city to discover old Muscat, new Muscat and their ports allows you to appreciate what the country has to offer. Getting lost in the Souks is a must and even in this environment the Omani stall owners are super polite, with an array of perfume oils, trinkets, clothing and local food, it’s the perfect place to absorb the dynamic atmosphere.

Dates, obviously play a huge part in Oman and we definitely recommend trying a variety, yet they aren’t the only sweet treat in the nation. Halwa, is a sticky gelatinous dish made from brown sugar, honey, eggs and various spices, that is seriously worth indulging in.

The rest of Omani cuisine revolves around meat, spices, bread and rice. Majoboos is meal worth trying it’s rice cooked with saffron and served with a spicy meat of your choice. Mushalat is also a good option, it’s a soft flat bread stuffed with honey, meat, spinach or cheese and of course there is Shwarma.

Due to it’s ports and coast Oman is renowned for it’s seafood and if you’re a fan. Mashuai is the dish for you; roasted kingfish and savoury lemon rice. Some places also allow you to experience the traditional Oman Shuwa which is a celebratory dish of roasted lamb and rice, normally reserved for special occasions.

Oman’s landscape is breathtaking; mountains whose rock formations vary from one to the next, vast deserts with scatterings of trees and shrubs to the whitewashed buildings of the city. There is always something to look at and explore.

To get the best of Oman, you need to know where to stay… Sahab Resort and Spa is a boutique hotel in Jabal Al Akhdar, built on the canyon edge of Al Hajar Mountain range. The resort sits at 2000m above sea level so temperatures can get a little chilly but the views easily make up for that. So whether you want a little pamper or adventure this is the perfect location. Spa treatments and sunbathing vs hiking and abseiling; the choice is yours.

Mountainous landscape with breathtaking views checked off, so the next choice is of course the desert. Dunes by Al Nahda is a tented hotel in the South Batinah region, located in the heart of the desert you are surrounded by the sands of the Wadi Al Abyad. The resort is spread out over 17 acres and has 50 individual tents, an incredible restaurant, the best hotel reception you will ever encounter, an open air spa, an incredible restaurant, a bar that can conjure up any cocktail and of course a resident camel.

All in all, Oman is a secret treasure that isn’t going to be a secret for much longer.

Capetown is definitely a bucket list destination, but don’t take our word for it – why don’t you check our our girl Beth Robert’s review of one of Capetown’s hottest design hotels and see for yourself?

So if you’re feeling inspired and planning to conquer table mountain, or just lounge by the Silo Hotel’s very own rooftop pool; then your outfits should definitely match the occasion. Our suggestion? Embrace classic khakis and contemporary earth tones – for a safari look that is as fierce as the wildlife.

  1. Khaki Gabriela Hat by Misaharada available at www.misaharada.com
  2. Leopard print bodysuit by Longchamp available at longchamp.com
  3. Black boots by Penelope Chilvers available at penelopechilvers.com
  4. Cognac Isla bag by Montunas available at montunas.com
  5. Gold plated beaded necklace by Bibi Marini available at bibimarini.com
  6. Gold Oceanus cuff by Deborah Blyth available at deborahblyth.com
  7. Lyra sunglasses by You Mawo available at seen.co.uk
  8. Green printed dress by Lelloue available at lelloue.com
  9. Khaki satin top by Rosetta Getty available at rosettagetty.com
  10. Zebra print shorts by Lelloue available at lelloue.com
  11. Black Polido sandals by Toga available at toga.jp
  12. Croc Purse by Amishi London available at amishi.london
  13. Burgundy voyageur bag by Tumi available at tumi.com
  14. Lesley Necklace by Lola Rose available at co.uk