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If you are looking to shed stress, eat clean and chill out then retreat to the secluded, less commercial south side of Mauritius for a rejuvenating wellness break at Anantara Iko Resort. With powder white sandy beaches and lush tropical landscapes, guests seeking the ultimate wellness escape can take their foot of the gas, switch off and relax by taking full advantage of the three- and five-day wellness experiences.
This tranquil resort is located on the authentic, untouched southeast coast of the island which is a million miles away from the west coast where you’ll find back to back resorts and street vendors. Here the vibe is laid-back and serene, surrounded by the ocean and nature it’s the perfect place for weary travellers to unwind.

Inspired by nature, it has been designed to complement its stunning surroundings by using lots of natural, locally sourced materials around the property. Recycled stone, driftwood and water features set the calm tone and as soon as you arrive at Anantara you feel the pace of life slowing down.

The new wellness programmes use restorative Ayurveda treatments alongside local ingredients such as Tamarin salt from the village on the western coast and spices including turmeric and ginger. Self-healing, restoration, improved energy flow and calming rituals are the foundation of each wellness package, created with health and wellbeing conscientious travellers in mind.
The five-day wellness programme incorporates the following treatments:

Day 1:

Start the day with a traditional Tai Chi session to connect the body and mind. This moving meditation enhances muscular strength, joint flexibility, calms the senses and soothes the soul.
Supporting the actions and benefits of Tai Chi, a restorative 90-minute Ayurveda massage follows. Benefits of Ayurvedic massages include: improved blood circulation to help blood reach nerve endings, toning of muscles, calming the brain and body, lubricating and strengthening joints, increased mental alertness.

Day 2:

Known for its self-healing benefits, the touch therapy of Abhyanga massage aims to balance dosha types using oils mixed with herbs for maximum benefits which stimulate the nervous system, enhance coordination between sensory organs, while strengthening muscles. This massage supports healing, boosts energy, reduces recovery time after an injury, eases pain, and enhances relaxation, mood, and wellbeing.

Day 3:

The ancient self-healing practice of Qi Gong creates a calmness of the mind while powering the body with movements that improve joint flexibility and muscle strength. Qi Gong also supports balance and harmony within the body, improves digestion, and can be an effective treatment for insomnia and many other sleep disorders.

Day 4:

The Ayurvedic therapy Shirodhara, which is a Sanskrit word coming from shro (head) and dhara (flow), involves gently pouring herbal oils over the forehead. This is ideal for those with a vata-pitta imbalance as it can harmonise the body’s energy, awaken intuition, improve memory, support sleep, focus attention and improve concentration.

Day 5:

Round up the five-day programme with a choice of Tai Chi or Qi Gong to absorb and reinforce the full benefits of the wellness programme. Through moving meditation, you maximise the calming effects on the mind and physical benefits to the body.

Embrace the outstanding views of Le Chaland Beach and nourish your body with fresh, organic, vegan cuisine at Bon Manzer restaurant. This clean-eating restaurant will inject some joy and flavour into your palate. There’s an extensive offer of healthy dishes, all freshly prepared in front of you, using local, sustainable produce. Choose from wheat- and gluten-free options, as well as low-calorie wines, raw foods and nutritious smoothies and juices.

The stylish, contemporary, island-chic resort offers a range of activities outside of the programme so you can continue your wellness journey. Take a bike ride along the stunning, unspoilt coastline, soak up the sapphire hues of the ocean with a beach walk or if you‘d rather take some time out to relax then make the most of the hotel’s 30-metre ozone-based swimming pool, one of the many sustainability initiatives at the property.

Each of the 164 stylish rooms and suites are spacious and sophisticated with clean lines and minimal décor enhanced with a splash of ocean blue and wood making it feel relaxing and calm. Start your day taking in the views of the Indian Ocean or flourishing tropical gardens direct from your day bed on the balcony. Just 100m from the beach and with an array of facilities to help you dial it down a notch, Anantara is the ultimate chill out destination.
A room at Anantara Iko Mauritius starts from £335 per room per night on a half board basis. Wellness packages start at £330.
www.anantara.com/en/iko-mauritius

Here at HOC we love a holiday and, we love a fact. Fact! So if you’re looking to escape the UK during the rest of October – seeing as we’re full blown in the midst of a beautiful but albeit chilly autumn – then we’ve got some interesting stats for you to consider!

Consumer flight search data by trusted holiday price comparison website, dealchecker, reveals the top ten destinations Brits will be heading to this October half-term, with Dubai, Barcelona and New York on the cards for many.

Top 10 holidays destinations, and the average temperature highs in October:

  1. Tenerife 26˚
  2. Dubai 35˚
  3. Alicante 25˚
  4. Istanbul 20˚
  5. Faro 23˚
  6. Barcelona 23˚
  7. New York 18˚
  8. Fuerteventura 24˚
  9. Gran Canaria 21˚
  10. Lanzarote 26˚

Rosie Panter, travel expert at dealchecker commented: “The October half-term is often seen by many to be the last chance for sun before the winter months set in, and it’s clear from the flight search data captured that this is still the case.

Destinations such as Dubai remain popular with those looking for slightly shorter breaks of between four and five nights, while holiday hot spots in Spain, Portugal and Turkey offer great week-long all-inclusive holidays. Meanwhile New York makes for a great city to visit in the run up to Halloween and Thanksgiving, with lots of festivities for families to get involved in, along with a little pre-Christmas shopping and sightseeing.”

Do you have plans to visit any of the list above? If so, we’d love to hear about it!

Image credit: Pinterest: Hand Luggage Only, Pinterest: Hand Luggage Only, Pinterest: TheFab20s

It’s a long way off yet, but the rumble of the World Cup is never too far away, and the convoy of FIFA fans expected to descend on the buzzing desert metropolises of Doha is enough to accelerate booking plans far in advance. Where to say then, to enjoy the buzz of the games and easily explore this rich desert city? Split between the old Arabia and the new, the several hotels owned by Tivoli across Doha offer ample accommodation for all tastes and budgets.

Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar

For those hoping to blend FIFA excitement with a slice of holiday relaxation in the city’s 30-degree winter heat, Souq Al Wakra Hotel by Tivoli is located in the up-an-coming seaside district of Al Wakra.

Located 10 minutes from Hamad International Airport and 20 minutes from central Doha, the hotel is far enough to escape the hordes of football fans but close enough to easily jump into the action. A slick renovation of 17th century heritage buildings, the 101 room complex maintains the original architectural features built by local fishermen and pearl divers from way back when.

Terracotta walls, ambient fountains and minimalist interiors ooze a simple beachy vibe. Though rooms are small due to the structure of the old fishing huts that once stood here, the space is used effectively, with larger suites formed from interconnecting rooms. The surrounding area boasts a beachfront promenade peppered with restaurants, leading to the labyrinth of market stalls within the local Souq – perfect for glimpsing the essence of Qatari life outside of the city.

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels

For guests yearning to be right in the thick of it, Souq Waqif – Doha’s most famous marketplace gives way to a warren of Tivoli’s boutique hotels that in many ways feel more like an opulent Arabic home than a hotel. Personal touches and rich interiors blend with the ever-present aroma of the Arabic coffee and sweet dates presented to every guest to roll off the street, and into any one of the nine hotel lobby’s peppered through the cobbled streets of the Souq.

Facilities are peppered throughout the hotels; the luxurious spa at Al Jasra boasts Doha’s only Moroccan hammam experience, while Al Mirqab is home to the Souq’s only outdoor swimming pool – available to all guests, whichever hotel you’re staying in. Guests can choose from six restaurants, offering a mixture of Indian, Moroccan and Lebanese cuisines amidst rooftop views and opulent dining spaces.

La Piazza at Al Bidda houses the breakfast buffet for all Tivoli hotel guests, where classic continentals and authentic local specialties sit side-by-side, below an azure glass ceiling which glints in the morning sun. Al Shurfa restaurant at Al Jomrok Hotel is the perfect place in old town for a rooftop dining experience. Overlooking Doha’s imposing skyline, the terrace is most beautiful at sunset over platters of hot mezze and Arabic coffee, while its indoor rooftop lounge is a popular shisha haunt for locals and guests alike.

Al Najada

Located in the heart of central Souq Al Najada, the 151 roomed hotel stands as a vast Arabian sanctuary. The lobby boasts high ceilings and immediate indulgence, blending traditional architecture with a contemporary colour palate.

With 3 restaurants, a swimming pool area (and pool bar), fitness centre and an elegant ballroom to boot, Al Najada is particularly popular with European guests for high quality amenities and easy access to the city’s attractions.

Al Baraha Restaurant offers a sprawling daily breakfast buffet, where guests can drink coffee al fresco on the Italian style piazza. Missan is the hotel’s newest addition – a mesmerizing dessert-only restaurant featuring the sweetest gastronomic experiences in the city.

I know it seems shocking to say this, but this is a very serious topic. Traveling has many benefits, whether they’re psychological or physical, it doesn’t matter. There’s generally a shit load of reasons why traveling is essential for a happy head and a happy life. And today we’re going to go through some of them, so if you’re interested in that, you should probably read this article all the way to the end. Let us begin.

Well, the first benefit and the most important one is better health, obviously. I mean, it has been proven that traveling reduces stress and also prevents you from getting heart diseases. This is the first thing that you need to be careful about. When you travel around the world, or even within your state, you’ll see numerous new ideas that’ll relax you and give you back that childhood excitement. Another thing that is also important is that when you travel, you basically get a whole new level of appreciation for your own home as well. When you educate yourself about new things, and when you change the scenery, you tend to disconnect from your regular life, which is pretty amazing and beneficial. There’s no work, and there are no dishes, no chores, no anything when you travel. You can just relax and live in the present moment, which is a great thing.

And to think that all of that comes with getting to know different places and cultures. When you travel, you tend to meet new people. Which not only expands your general social circle, it also lets you learn some valuable lessons about how other people live. That’s how you become more educated and how you also become a more interesting person as well. So, traveling basically has every single benefit that is the most important in human history ever.And it’s funny as well. Sometimes you’ll learn valuable information, like how to survive in different conditions, or some fun facts! And sometimes you can stumble upon the stupidest things ever made. You can even see explicit content specially made in that country! Like Amanda Cerny nude photos that are currently poppin’, and from then on, you can evolve to different sites. Like MrPornGeek, for example. He provides the best porn sites, games, and articles ever. Basically, you can see whatever you want to see.

That’s why it’s essential to move around and visit various places. And it’s best to try and do it while you’re young and still have a lot of energy. If you want to climb those mountains, and you want to see those jungles, streets, cafes, and whatever else you can think of, you’ll need the energy. So, if you can, try to gather the money right away and save for a nice trip, because it’s better to spend it on a good trip than on literally anything else. Enjoy your flights and rides as well.

Walking along the busy thoroughfare of the Imperial Kasbah quarter — right by the main tourist attraction of Saadien’s Tombs — you wouldn’t guess that you’d be walking past one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, the La Sultana Marrakech.

Marrakech is an aesthetic dream but there is so much more to this magical city than meets the eye. Once you enter the arched Bab Agnaou gates of the old city, you are immediately bombarded with a visceral plethora of sights, sounds, and smells. It is as exhilarating as it is exotic, and once you get to the heart of the Medina, it becomes clear that this city functions on a set of rules that is unique to anywhere else in the world.
From the outside looking in, you’d wrongly assume that the La Sultana Marrakech would be just another Riad, once inside however, and you’d immediately see that you were mistaken. One step into the hotel’s lamp-lit gilded alleyway and you are instantly transported to a time of sultans and princesses. Instantly enveloped in an air of opulence and luxury that will embrace you until check-out.

Inside, you are led through an arched hallway that opens up to the hotel’s grand courtyard. The awe-inspiring space is home to the hotel’s heated outdoor pool and also serves as the breakfast area and as one of the hotel’s dinner venues. It is filled with a myriad of tropical flora and opens up to a large seemingly open-space skylight which draws just the right amount of sunshine in.
The hotel is divided into five riads, the brick-covered Riad Almohad which is housed in the main courtyard, the pink byzantine-style Riad Scheherazade, the Riad Saadia, Riad Sabaa, and the Riad Bahia where we stayed. The hotel has 28 bedrooms and suites, and each one is a reflection of various historical motifs that work to stunning effect. The golden bathrooms are a thing of glory, and it is almost impossible to resist spending an evening enjoying a relaxing bath in this beautiful space.

We had dinner poolside at La Table La Sultana, as a ‘sintir’ player serenaded us in the background. Diners at La Sultana are spoiled for choice and have the option to choose from its French or Moroccan menus. The hotel has a philosophy of ‘Terroir Cuisine’ which showcases 100% locally sourced organic ingredients, and you can certainly taste the difference.
The staff at La Sultana are absolutely faultless. From the moment you check-in, when you are greeted with Moroccan mint tea and dates on the roof, to check-out when you are given a little gift to send you on your way, the staff make you feel like royalty. If you ever get the chance to visit La Sultana, we can assure you, it’ll be an experience unlike anything else in the world.

We arrived at San Jose airport at dusk and spent the two-hour drive to Lazy Z Resort in winding darkness. When the sun peaked through our cabin’s curtains the following morning, I was up and out, breathing in the forest and marvelling at a herd of startled, galloping deer. It was as though I’d stepped into Narnia’s wardrobe; London felt very far away.

Where to Stay: Lazy Z Resort

Lazy Z, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is as much loved by Californians escaping to the national forests and parks for their annual family vacation, as it is for jet-setters seeking an off-the-beaten-track experience. The hideaway offers 13 cabins and cottages, a pool edged with waterfalls (that send you into a meditative state), and a model American clubhouse. Staying here situates you nicely between Tuolumne County’s stunning Stanislaus National Forest and historic Gold Rush towns, Alicia’s Sugar Shack and Cover’s Apple Ranch (drool below), and leads you quietly into Yosemite National Park, free from crowds driving straight from San Francisco.

  • Overnight stay at Lazy Z Resort($140-$285 per night depending on cabin size)

Where to Eat: Alicia’s Sugar Shack

“It’s Just A Coffee House Made Out of Wood, Espresso Coffee Tastes’ Mighty Good!”

A 10-minute cruise down Highway 108 into Sugarpine will land you at Alicia’s Sugar Shack. Alicia, one of the friendliest people on the mountain, lures in hungry nature-lovers about to embark on a day of outdoor activity, as well as a troop of loyal locals. The smell of freshly baked handmade pastries and brewed Italian coffee fills the shack and makes you feel at home.

The menu is a hearty balance of sweet and savoury. I opted for the Açai Bowl with all the toppings, and others dove into the Eggs and Bacon, the Breakfast Burrito (winner), and as a table, we shared the Biscuits and Gravy, a hearty Southern American stick-to-your-ribs kind of dish. Delicious. Alicia candidly toured us around her Italian-equipped kitchen, where she bakes fresh for her cafe as well as for private clients. I had to ask as she bid us farewell with a complimentary bag full of cookies (snickerdoodle, oatmeal, chocolate chip), “Alicia, where do you put it!”, to which she chuckled, “Oh my, I don’t eat it!”. Words of warning for the loyal locals.

What to Do: Kayaking on Pinecrest Lake

A 25-minute drive out of Sugarpine towards Pinecrest Lake allowed our food to digest and kept our claws from grabbing at the cookie bag. Reluctantly, we locked our cameras in the car and made our way to the recreation centre, passing, what I’d like to imagine was a Boy Scout meeting. We wobbled into our kayaks and worked our paddles onto the 300-acre lake, wonderfully fringed with pine trees parted by the occasional vacation cabin. If you own more than one kayak you should consider the best kayak carrier.

The summer sees an influx of locals enjoying the cooler climate of the mountains, 5,600 feet in elevation, but while we were there the lake was calm, warm, and beautifully untouched by other paddles. We swam, chatted, and like snakes, lay on large flat stones soaking up the autumnal sun. If you’re not into kayaking, I’d recommend the 6.5-mile hike to Cleo’s Bath, a gorgeous and secluded swimming hole.

Where to Eat: Cover’s Apple Ranch

We arrived at the perfect moment: apple-picking season. The ranch, family-run for generations, serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon cakes and coffee-on-tap (which our kayaked-out bodies were in the market for). We went for the infamous Mile High Apple Pie and pancakes (we’re on holiday), accompanied by Cover’s homemade apple sauce. The ranch, with its fascinating history of economic boom – Tuolumne County once sold itself as “The land of promise for apple growers” – as well fire-destroying tragedy, continue to:

“perpetuate the long-standing reputation of quality homemade pies, turnover and breads”

They’re certainly doing a great job. When your energy levels are back up, visit the Ranch’s farm, tour the apple cider factory, and take a ride on the mini model steam train that tours visitors around the orchards.

Retreat back to Lazy Z

On the verge of a pie-coma, head back to Lazy Z, chill by the pool and read your book. Your time in Tuolumne County is about to go from kayaking to haunted saloons. Stay tuned for my next post on California’s incredible (and heavily overlooked) Gold Rush towns: Sonora, Jamestown and Groveland.

Plan your trip

Tourist Board

Head to visittuolumne.com

Flights

Nearest airports include San Francisco and San Jose – Tuolumne County is a 2.5-hour drive from there.

British Airways flies from London Heathrow to San Jose from £387 return including taxes/fees/carrier charges.

To book, please visit ba.com or call 0344 493 0122.

Car Hire

Car hire from San Jose with Hertz (starts from £25 a day)

For an epic road trip behind the wheel of an iconic American vehicle, check out Hertz new American Collection

With over a thousand sapphire-shored islands to choose from, Croatia’s coastline is the riviera of central Europe. Fringed by the crystal waters of the Adriatic, its rugged coast is made up of pebble beaches and sandy coves, its islands rich in romantic dalmatian architecture with their pretty walled towns and ancient stone villages with their green shuttered windows. Add fantastic local wine and a bounty of fresh-caught seafood, and it’s little wonder these islands are so popular with visitors. Yet despite numbers growing year on year, this expanse of coastline still boasts some islands that remain relatively under-the-radar – here are #teamcoco’s favourites.

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1. Vis

The furthest island from the mainland, Vis has its remote location to thank for preserving its authentic dalmatian charm. A key outpost in the Adriatic, a strategic location meant that it was off-limits to all foreigners until 1991, as it was used as a Yugoslavian naval base. While the tourism industry has admittedly blossomed since then, this pretty island still has a sense of being caught in time, escaping the over-development that has consumed other destinations. It was this old-world feel that made Vis the ideal setting for Mamma Mia 2, filmed here in 2017. The historic tumbledown old town of Kut, with its creamy stone, cobbled streets and bursts of bougainvillaea and the fishing boat filled harbour making a picture-perfect backdrop.

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2. Brač

Brač (pronounced brach) boasts a more rugged beauty than other islands. With its soaring rocky outcrops and carpets of green olive groves clinging to the slopes, it is home to the highest peak on the Adriatic islands – Vidova Gora. Despite its proximity to Split, the island tends to be often overlooked in favour of the glitz of Hvar. Yet this less well-trodden island offers an insight into authentic Croatia – from the sleepy capital of Supetar, to the villages and vineyards that dot its interior and the traditional white stone towns and rocky beaches that scatter the coast. The most visited site on the island is Zlatni Rat or Golden Beach, a spit of sand that sticks out into the Adriatic, considered by many to be one of Croatia’s best beaches – it is very crowded in the summer months.

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3. Dugi Otok

Translated as ‘Long Island’ this stretch of land is located off the Dalmatian coast, to the West of Zadar. Arguably one of Croatia’s best-kept secrets, the island makes for a more mellow alternative to its more famous sister islands to the south. One side of the island is green with small hamlets scattered along the coast, while the seaward side is made up of rugged cliffs that descend into the ocean below. But the island’s main draw, besides its tranquil nature, is the Telascica Park on its southern tip, with its saltwater swimming lake, pretty wildflowers and walking trails.

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4. Šolta

While the island of Šolta might be one of the closest to Split, tourism on the island has been slower to develop than elsewhere. Although it is developing, the island still revolves predominantly around the historic production of olive oil and its famous honey. With pretty little villages, charming beaches, family-run agriturismo’s where visitors can sample the local olive oil, honey and grappa. With a host of bays accessible only by boat, it’s a paradise for yachties and both its beauty and proximity to the mainland have attracted many second-home owners from Split.

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5. Kolocep Island

At just 20 minutes by boat, Kolocep Island makes for an easy day trip from the city of Dubrovnik. Covered in a forest of dense pine, citrus and olive trees, with only two historic settlements and no cars allowed on the island – an island getaway to this smallest of the Elafiti Islands is like taking a step back in time.

For more information on Croatia visit: https://croatia.hr/en-GB/trip-ideas/Full-life

First time solo travelers are always excited and can’t wait to just grab their bag and run away into the new and unknown. However tempting this might seem, rushing headlong without preparation isn’t the best way to get the best experience possible. You should always have a plan, but make it flexible and try filling it less with touristic attractions, and more with unusual and culturally specific experiences. If you do so, you are guaranteed to have a trip of your life, and you will also experience all the benefits solo traveling can bring.

There’s no better way to meet new people

Meeting people in a busy, everyday environment can be quite a struggle. Even if you are visiting with an organized tour, most tour schedules don’t leave much time to just go around and meet people. Travelling alone forces you to come in contact with a lot of people, and this will definitely help release social anxiety. If you’re anxious at first, it might take some time for you to come around, but it will be a worthy therapeutic experience. As soon as you get to your first destination, let’s suppose Amsterdam Red Light District, try contacting people to inform yourself about where you should go next and what you should do. If you’re lucky, some of them might want to come with, and then you’ll even have a personal local guide! Once you get to know the people, chances are that you might even make friends for life.

You’ll start appreciating the little things

Travelers can’t carry a lot of stuff because it’s both inconvenient and inefficient. During your travels alone, you’ll find yourself lacking a lot of things. You might miss a hot bath at home, your favorite local beer or even your stylish party outfit, but you will soon find that none of those are important compared to the experience of solo travel. You’ll come to realize that you don’t need a hot bath to be clean, but merely a shower with clean, running water. You also don’t need to drink that one beer or wear that single outfit to feel good and enjoy yourself. You’ll start seeing what other people find joy in and learn about different ways of living. Finally, you’ll learn to appreciate what you have, because not everyone has nearly as much.

Making you prepared for inconveniences

When you’re at home, chances are that you can easily find solutions to unpredictable problems. Your local doctors will help you with sudden disease, a mechanic will help you fix your car, and a plumber is just a phone call away in case of leaks or clogs. You won’t have that luxury when you find yourself alone in a different country, but this is the reason why you will have to learn to prepare for any possible emergency. Before you go anywhere, make sure to get a insurance quote tailored to your needs, especially if you’re driving your own car around. You also need to inform yourself about the police and ambulance numbers everywhere you go because, at times, you might find yourself stranded, and being a lone traveler at times like these isn’t a pleasant experience.

You become the boss of your life

Taking charge of your own life is possibly the best outcome of a solo traveler’s experience. There’s no better way to start seeking for independence and test yourself than to go on a travel adventure by yourself. With this in mind, try to stay as far away from your comfort zone as possible. A comfort zone is a place where nothing grows, and it would be a waste of time to experience your first solo trip behind the crystal doors of some fancy five-star hotel. Immerse yourself in the way others live, try to understand how they get on by, and maybe you will see the price of independence, and whether you are yet willing to pay for it.

Becoming more aware of the world we live in

Finally, travelling alone can bring you closer to the world because you get a chance to see it inside-out. It’s important to use every chance you get to familiarize yourself with new environments, new cultures, and different ways of living. Such experiences can be eye-opening, mostly because you get to see how things look different in real life than what you could’ve read in magazines or seen on TV. Everyone has their struggles, and meeting any culture from within will help you understand why that is so, and how people find happiness in things we often take for granted.

Don’t forget to take your travel journal with you and try writing daily inputs of your thoughts and experiences. Who knows, maybe this little diary can even become a best-selling travel memoir someday.

There’s nothing like being stuck inside to make you appreciate the great outdoors. So while COVID-19 may mean we are unable to travel at the moment, it won’t stop us dreaming of our next glamping getaway. Whether it’s a cosy cabin, whimsical treehouse or bedecked bell tent, these unusual staycation choices are not only eco-friendly but will support local businesses when it is once again safe to travel. Add to that an outdoor bathtub for an alfresco soak, and there’s nowhere we’d rather get off-the-grid and back to nature.

While we may not be able to travel right now – companies like Canopy and Stars also do gift cards, so you can support businesses in the short term and plan your trip for when it is safe to travel. In the meantime, here are 9 of the best outdoor bathtubs in the UK to inspire your next staycation – whenever that may be.

The Woodman’s Treehouse , West Dorset

Set high in the oak canopy, this stylish treehouse tucked away in ancient Dorset woodland is a design-lovers dream getaway – having been featured on both Grand Designs and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. A kingsize bed, rotating fireplace, hot tub and even a slide are just some of the features in this high-end hideaway, while a double-ended freestanding copper tub provides the ultimate canopy views.

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The Old Piggery, Windout Barn Exeter

Set among centuries-old buildings in the rural Devonshire hills, this open plan barn hideaway was made for lovers – with side-by-side “his and hers” claw-foot bathtubs that sit on a private deck overlooking the apple orchard.

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The Lakehouse at Coddington Mill, Cheshire

This luxurious lakeside retreat is nestled on a stretch of Cheshire countryside in the grounds of the historic Coddington Mill. Dark woods and rich textures inside ooze romance – while the copper tub on the decking is the ideal place to watch for wildlife darting across the waters. Funds from your stay will go to the restoration of the mill and preservation of its surroundings, so you can relax knowing you’re making a positive contribution to this ecosystem.

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The Nook, Coleman’s Farm, Essex

This tiny wooden house in the Essex countryside exemplifies small but perfectly formed in the cosiest escape imaginable – a snug complete with mezzanine beds, wood burner and tin hot tub. Within just an hour of London, even the most stressed-out city slicker has no excuse not to unwind here.

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Cleave Treehouse, Devon

A nordic inspired A-frame treehouse tangled in the treetops overlooking Dartmoor National Park – this super secluded hideaway takes laid-back luxe to new heights. A birch plywood interior creates a calming Scandi-chic vibe, with dramatic double-height ceilings, cosy log burner and huge windows to take in the forest views. On the deck, a claw foot tub big enough for two overlooks the canopy.

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Cheviot, Huts in the Hills, Northumberland

Located in the rugged hills of Northumberland National Park, Cheviot is one of four luxury shepherds huts on a traditional working hill farm with cattle and sheep. Made from solid reclaimed oak, these huts are designed to take you back to nature – but not without a few luxuries, like the private deck complete with free-standing tub, or sky window above the bed – perfect for gazing up at Northumberland’s dark skies – renowned for their stargazing.

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Hill Cottage, Croft 103, West Sutherland, Scotland

Set on the shores of Loch Eriboll near Durness in North West Sutherland, these low impact buildings are designed to reflect this bleakly beautiful landscape, with rough-hewn honey-coloured stones. Inside, sleek, modern finishes and every creature comfort awaits – including two baths, one inside and one outdoors on the terrace, overlooking the sea.

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Willow The Wisp Cabin, East Sussex

Tucked away in five acres of woodland in East Sussex, this fairytale cabin is a cosy escape for two, with a wood-burner and outdoor wood-fired Hikki tub.

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The Hide Roundhouse, Somerset

Set on an organic farm, this adults-only glamping retreat has just two yurts and two wooden roundhouses. Hide Roundhouse boasts chic white-walled interiors that wouldn’t be amiss in a beach house in Tulum, with an ensuite bathroom, underfloor heating, clawfoot bath and rain shower – while an outdoor bathhouse surrounded by twinkling fairy lights is nestled in your own private garden.

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The birthplace of alpine tourism, St. Moritz is a seriously swish Swiss ski destination that conjures up images of royals and rock-stars, snow polo, mountain boutiques and Moncler jackets. But this resort has serious ski credentials, having lured European high society since 1864, hosted the Winter Olympics twice, and offers visitors miles of manicured pistes. Today, the town is a dream winter destination – its frozen lake a playground for snow polo tournaments and horse racing as well as the more eclectic, like the famous Cresta toboggan run. Here are seven reasons to visit St. Moritz this winter ski season.

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1. Stay at: The Kulm

Even among the opulence of St. Moritz, The Kulm hotel sets the standard for elegance. An alpine institution in itself, this five-star hotel boasts a members-club atmosphere befitting of its heritage as the oldest hotel in town. Overlooking Lake St. Moritz, this hotel is home to glitterati types, with an equally well-polished staff, an outdoor and indoor pool, five restaurants and luxe mountain interiors. A splurge-worthy stay at a real piece of Alpine history.

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2. Drink at: Sunny Bar

The oldest sports bar in the Alps, this infamous St. Moritz hot spot is the place where these courageous Cresta Run competitors congregate to celebrate their wins. One of the most dangerous sports in the world – this ice chute winds down the mountainside with a vertical drop of 514 feet over just three-quarters of a mile. During the season, the bar hosts a Peruvian restaurant by Claudia Canessa in its historic halls, where you can feast on street food. Vintage photos of raucous parties hosted here and trophies line the walls with its old-boys club atmosphere. Altitude sports offers the best quality of ski and snowboard gears, find out more.

3. Party at: Dracula Club

Once the sun sets in St Moritz, the glitterati truly come out to play. Perhaps the most famous apres-ski bar in St. Moritz, the Roo Bar is the place to warm up with a Hauser mulled wine. By night, anyone who’s anyone can be found at the legendary Dracula Bar. Established by infamous playboy Gunter Sachs in the 1970s, the door to this day remains notoriously impenetrable. Thankfully, for those in the mood to stray a little off-piste – the Kulm Hotel also boasts close ties with the legendary members-only club. But there are plenty of other nightlife options, whether that’s the aptly named Devil’s Place – the world’s largest whisky bar or the Kulm Country Club.

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4. Ski: Corviglia

Having played host to the Winter Olympics not once but twice, St. Moritz is a spot for any serious skier. The slopes of Corvatsch offers some vertigo-inducing blacks, but St. Moritz’s own Corviglia has expanses of easy-riding runs to make even an intermediate feel like an expert – with 218 miles of runs. For warming your bones, the mountains have a host of options, like traditional alpine chalet Alpinahütte – just the spot for a glühwein.

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5. Watch: The Cresta Run

Home to the infamous Cresta Run toboggan course, first built by British upper-class gentlemen in 1884, this daredevil sport is in the bones of St Moritz. The 1,212-meter track, which is created from scratch every year, drops 157 meters reaching up to a death-defying 85mph. Riders lie head first, and foolhardy guests can apply for a slot with prices starting from $500. Having recently rescinded a ban on women competitors, the Cresta Run is open in the mornings from just before Christmas until the end of February/early March depending on weather conditions.

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6. Watch: Snow Polo

Synonymous with the sport of Snow Polo, St. Moritz’s frozen lake plays host to the prestigious World Cup Snow Polo tournament every January – the first of its kind and the only high goal polo tournament to be played on snow. The lake also hosts the annual “White Turf” horse races in February, where more than 30,000 gather to watch a combination of horse and harness racing and skikjöring – the only race of its kind in the world where riders on skis are pulled along at speeds of up to 50km per hour.

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7. Eat at:

As you might expect from a world-renowned alpine town, good food is not hard to come by in St Moritz. From simple local specialities like nut torte at historic Swiss pastry shop Hanselmann’s which has been open since 1894, to old-world chalet-style dining on the slopes like Trutz with cosy Engadine fare, to world-class fine dining at two Michelin-starred Ecco.

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For more information on Switzerland visit www.MySwitzerland.com

Swiss International Air Lines – one way fares start from £67, visit www.swiss.com

The Swiss Travel System provides a dedicated range of travel passes and tickets offering unlimited travel on consecutive days, for more information visit www.swisstravelsystem.co.uk.