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Destination Inspiration

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On a sunny Saturday afternoon in August, we set out on a coco couples adventure to the Cotswold’s to escape city life…

Located above an unassuming pub in Stow-on-the-wold, The Bell hosts a set of neat and whimsical wonderland themed rooms. Our check-in was quick and the staff really friendly and approachable. Once we went up to the room we stayed a little while to enjoy the decor and see the thoughtful additions such as the ‘Eat me’ and ‘Drink me’ bottles on the tea tray. The greatest addition was the help-card left for us mentioning that in case we forgot anything at home, they had certain necessities downstairs for us should we need. Safe to say this definitely came in handy as I always forget something! The view from our ivy-draped window across the green countryside was so inspiring and enticed us to get out and about.

Exploring the Cotswolds

After admiring our room, we headed straight out to explore our beautiful surroundings. We found Stow-on-the-wold a perfect location for a first-time visit to the Cotswolds, as it is full of quaint tea rooms, arts and craft shops, and located only a four minute drive from other neighbouring villages. Naturally, we were in our element strolling around Stow and we even managed to drop into a tea-room for a quick afternoon tea before heading off to explore the surrounding countryside and villages. For a stroll down the river we headed to Bourton-on-the-water and paused by a pub garden to take in more of the quintessential Cotswold architecture. We also managed to explore Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter, where you will find an amazing old Mill turned into a museum and vintage shop.

Food at The Bell

We returned to our room at the Bell shortly before dinner and headed downstairs where live music was beginning to play. One of the loveliest things we found about the Bell at Stow was that it is a nicely decorated and down-to-earth pub, but the food is most certainly not your usual pub grub. The roast dishes looked absolutely enviable and were so in-demand that there was no more available (meaning it must taste as fabulous as it looked). After eyeing up the many mouthwatering plates around the room, we settled for starters of chicken, apricot and pistachio terrine with chutney and sourdough toast and a smoked salmon, crab, green apple and fennel salad with chilli dressing. For mains we went for a rib eye steak with salad and chips. After the generous portion sizes, we managed to share a desert of iced Cotswold gin and lime parfait with lavender shortbread as we wanted something small and a little bit different to a normal dessert. The recommended dessert wines on the menu were a really nice touch.

Fancy exploring the Bell at Stow yourself?

https://www.thebellatstow.com/

Twitter: @TheBellatStow

Facebook: @thebellstow

With a facade straight out of a Wes Anderson flick, The Grand Hotel Kronenhof is one of the finest five-star hotels in Switzerland. An alpine institution in its own right, this ‘Grande Dame’ of Swiss hospitality is the antithesis of mass-market hotel homogeneity – it’s beyond boutique, with a unique history that dates back to 1848. But has the fin de siècle grandeur of this historic hotel endured through the ages? We sent our girl Beth to check it out.

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Pulling up through wrought iron gates into a snow-covered courtyard, I quickly see why this hotel has earned the nickname ‘Grande Dame’. Even in the pretty swiss town of Pontresina, her enduring neo-baroque beauty stands out – an elegant exterior topped with an emerald, crown-topped dome, the gold-gilded letters ‘Kronenhof’ proudly emblazoned below the Swiss flag.

High in the Alps at 1,800m, deep in the stunning surrounds of the Engadin Valley – the scenery here is still blanketed with snow, despite it being late in the season. A stark contrast to the often lengthy bus journeys endured schlepping up to this kind of altitude – the journey to Pontresina is half the fun. While many of the hotel’s discerning guests opt for the nearby private airport, we take the pretty red mountain train from Zurich. It may take around 3 hours and 45 minutes to reach Pontresina, but the UNESCO listed Bernina Express is an experience in itself, winding its way past moody mountain lakes, meandering up into snow-covered scenery, over arched bridges and past mountain peaks. Think Hogwarts Express, Alpine Edition.

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The resemblance to the Grand Budapest Hotel doesn’t end when you enter the hotel. Swept through a grand entrance, you’ll find the picture of old-world elegance – a grand lobby with hand-painted ceilings, ornate fireplaces, velvet curtains and antique chandeliers, all overlooking a postcard-worthy picture window out over the pine-carpeted mountains and Roseg glaciers, the alps of St Moritz in the distance.

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The hotel may have seen nearly two centuries of guests pass through its doors, but even today it recalls an age of bygone glamour. From the palatial dining room, where formal dress is required and course after course arrive with the theatrical lifting of cloches by a team of impeccably smart and ever-smiling waiters.

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Even breakfast is a grand affair, served in the dining room with tables overflowing with cheese cold cuts and any pastry imaginable, as well as the free-pouring champagne, which the guests are far too posh to take any advantage of. Within the hotel’s walls, you’ll also find the award-willing Kronenstübli with its cosy wood-panelled walls and exceptional dishes from Duck a la Presse to crepe Suzette.

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The hotel’s old-world alpine pedigree speaks for itself, but if we’re measuring by modern-day standards, it has nearly 1000 five star ratings on TripAdvisor. The people-watching is a definite highlight, with a discreet, well-dressed clientele reminiscent of eclectic European high society. While St Moritz is all about the glitz, pretty Pontresina offers access to the same level of service, but a respite from the hedonistic atmosphere.

A large percentage of these guests are returning visitors, some even fourth generation. Old skis of guests presumably left here for future use decades ago still line the walls, marked carefully with the name of the owner on a luggage ticket – many of whom left to fight in the Second World War but never returned. Having survived both World Wars (thanks in part to selling wine from their cellars) you can feel the nostalgia in the Kronenhof’s creaking walls. The wooden bowling alley is one of the oldest in Switzerland, and the walls of the hotel founders original home were recently found hidden away – dating back to the early 1800s.

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With 112 rooms, the Kronenhof feels grand yet intimate. Some bedrooms echo the old-world feel, with expansive drawing rooms and views out onto the Roseg glacier beyond, while others are more to modern taste and having been recently renovated by chic French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon.

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But despite its history, the hotel has kept up to date with the modern – particularly with the addition of its enormous and elaborate glass-walled spa with a huge indoor pool which, in a fusion of old meets new, sits attached to the hotel. Cocooned within its glass walls, looking out over the snow-covered scenery, it is simply bliss. The massages pair you with an element – mine is a deep wood and citrus oil for fire – and incidentally, one of the best I’ve ever had. There’s a dedicated sauna for women only, as well as an all-gender Finnish sauna. Once a month, a night spa program sees the spa open till midnight with a bar. Outside, there’s a fabulous chalet-style bar where you can lunch overlooking the skaters on the ice rink, draped in a fur and quaffing Swiss wine in the sun.

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Just a few miles down the road from St Moritz, the hotel will happily arrange the quick 10-minute transfer for you to enjoy the world-famous slopes, before scooping you up at the end of the day, or depositing you in their comfy surrounds of the raucous Sunny Bar at its co-owned hotel the Kulm. Handily, there is also has a boot room directly opposite, where I’m fitted with a pair of brand new, self-heating fur-lined beauties instead of your usual beaten up rentals – no lugging your skis around here.

Pontresina itself is a haven from the prying eyes of see-and-be-seen St Moritz, with its chocolate-box chalets, pastel-painted walls and traditional alpine atmosphere. While you have access to the slopes, the village itself boasts a multitude of activities outside of the hotel, like cross country skiing at nearby school Schweizer Langlauf- und Bikezentrum Pontresina.

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An old-world beauty that both manages to recall a vaguely remembered idea of luxury from a bygone age, and provide all the facilities you would expect of a five-star hotel – the Kronenhof has four generations to attest to its charms. All, like me – lucky enough to be guests of this enduringly glamorous Grande Dame and the little moments of history that unfold within her walls.

Winter room rates at Grand Hotel Kronenhof start from CHF565 for two people sharing on a half-board basis; book online at www.kronenhof.com

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.

Our #CocoCouples love spending quality time outdoors. An overnight stay at Hotel Mas La Ferreria, a delightful family-run boutique property provided an excellent opportunity for our writers, Omo and Eulanda to explore the scenic La Fageda d’en Jordà forest in the Girona province of Catalonia, northeastern Spain. They found that mother nature, design and hospitality combined tastefully at Hotel Mas La Ferreria.

The world’s forests and green spaces are vital to our survival. Not only do they provide the much-needed biodiversity that our planet requires in order to sustain itself but they also provide immense psychological benefits for humanity.

Spending time outdoors improves our physical and mental health as many studies have shown.

Unfortunately, research also suggests that many of us are not taking opportunities to get out into nature due to constraints such as time and accessibility.

According to the Global Wellness Summit (2019 trends report), “more people are living in settings with little – and sometimes no – nature. Not only has this resulted in a decrease in experiencing the joys of nature, but it has also meant that the healing power of nature is not readily available for most people in the world.”

Visiting La Fageda d’en Jordà

Places such as La Fageda d’en Jordà, a forest located within the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park in Girona Province, Catalonia provide excellent opportunities to experience nature.

La Fageda d’en Jordà is only one of the many reasons to add La Garrotxa to a road trip itinerary across Catalonia, the semi-autonomous region of northeastern Spain.

La Garrotxa is home to many charming medieval villages such as Santa Pau and Besalú. Factor in the chance to visit first-century monasteries, thirteenth-century castles, see lots of Roman architecture and experience authentic Catalan cuisine and you’ll have enough to see for days.

The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park itself is an outdoor paradise.

Spread over 12,000 hectares of protected land, it is home to over 40 extinct volcanoes such as Croscat and Santa Margarida, all covered and surrounded by rich vegetation and forests such as La Fageda d’en Jordà.

Hikers will have the chance to experience the changing colours of the forest over the course of the year. In the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, autumn is the best time to witness this transformation firsthand.

For details about visiting the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, see en.turismegarrotxa.com.

Where to stay in La Garrotxa – Hotel Mas La Ferreria

While visiting La Garrotxa, we stayed one night (way too short) at Hotel Mas la Ferreria.

Hotel Mas la Ferreria is a 14th-century churchyard/blacksmith’s forge turned into a beautiful boutique property with lots of history and character.

Surrounded by a charming landscape, this is a place where you wake up to see the sunrise over the Pyrenees mountains in the distance and walk out into a private garden to feel the morning dew under your feet.

We got a north-facing room, named Suite Barcadura, which was one of eight (each one especially unique in design) in the property and located outside the main property at the back of the house.

Suite Barcadura has a modern-art-studio meets rustic-barn interior design. The wide bed, rain shower, and in-room bathtub are key highlights. The eco-friendly bath amenities are a thoughtful choice.

The hotel designers have made some effort to preserve the original character of the property and also its connection to the surrounding landscape.

Guests can enjoy stunning sunrise views of the Pyrenees mountains before heading outdoors to explore the surrounding landscape in places such as the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park and Olot.

Home-cooked meals (the manager’s mum is also the chef) are available in the family-style dining room. In ancient times, we were told that the multi-purpose space was used as an animal shelter and sleeping quarters for the family.

The dinner menu is uncomplicated and offers guests an opportunity to sample produce from farmers and producers local to the region. The ingredients are fresh and the quality of food excellent.

This is one property where you will want to stay a few days longer…for nature, design and simple Catalan hospitality.

Prices for the room pictured are €230 per night including breakfast. Off-season discounts and special packages are available. Visit the Hotel Mas la Ferreria website for details, email info@hotelmaslaferreria.com or call +34 972 29 13 45

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Microbreweries in Alberta have been popping up in swarms across Calgary and Edmonton, tucked away in refurbished warehouses and former factories. Until 2019, alcohol could only be consumed within the confines of private residences, bars or restaurants, making it difficult for recreational breweries to exist at all before easing liquor laws. Though certain city parks, streets and other public places are still partially restricted, these new regulations have facilitated a sudden influx of microbreweries to roll out in numbers, spurring a vibrant and creative community of craft-enthusiasts in two of Alberta’s major cities.

Calgary

High Line Brewing

For a thorough exploration of the budding brewery scene in Inglewood, one of Calgary’s many trendy neighbourhoods, try to coincide a trip to High Line Brewing as part of the newly established Pedal Pub tour. During the summer months, crowds spill out onto the sun-soaked terrace whilst sipping from snazzy glassware. The location feels relatively off-grid but is in close enough proximity to the various breweries dotted around the local area. High Line is an apt example of a typical “micro” brewery in terms of its size and scale, making it all the more charming and adorable.

Cold Garden Beverage Company

Another Inglewood classic, it’s difficult to stumble upon Cold Garden by accident due to its nondescript location. From the exterior, the building resembles an abandoned factory of some kind in contrast with the quirky interiors. Inside, fairy lights line the ceiling and eccentric artwork bedeck the walls. The beers are also bizarre to fit the theme, sometimes containing pumpkin spice or vanilla beans that result in a flavour reminiscent of a birthday cake.

Revival Brewcade

Revival Brewcade has a dimly-lit dive bar atmosphere characteristic of a Bukowski bar setting, minus the brawls. In other words, it’s a neighbourhood favourite filled with locals leaking in after a nine to five. Old-school arcade games like Pacman are dotted around the main bar backed by a series of dusty chalk boards containing a vast selection of obscure-sounding craft beers, grilled cheese and tequila.

The Dandy Brewing Company

Located in the southeast quadrant of Calgary, it’s the strong sour ales and fancy furniture that makes Dandy stand out from the rest. The modern facilities offer a stylish twist to your average tasting experience in the city, so be sure to dedicate a few hours here. Those who love the finer things in life will enjoy dining in the new tasting room restaurant serving up an interesting mix of smoked oysters and sweet potato ceviche in a menu crafted by Chef Merritt Gordon.

Edmonton

Blind Enthusiasm brewery

True beer fans will be pleased to hop on a Blind Enthusiasm brewery tour for a detailed look at the process behind making a perfectly crisp ale. The founder, Greg Zeschuk, demonstrates a particular passion for his newfound craft after pursuing a career as a physician turned videogame developer, delving into detail about the various flavours and mechanics behind each individual drink on the menu. Taste the “Extra Special Monk” for a freshly dry-hopped ale or the “ZestyZee” for a hint of banana.

Sea Change Brewing

Located five minutes down the road from Blind Enthusiasm brewery next to a pet grooming shop, Sea Change offers a complete contrast to the surrounding local breweries. Instead, there’s a punkish ambience that permeates the pen-scrawled walls quoting lyrics and declarations of love in pink marker pen. Opt for a beer flight for the full tasting experience coupled with a crunchy Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich to line the stomach.

Strathcona Spirits

Take a tour of Edmonton’s oldest distillery and award-winning gem located just off Whyte Avenue in the Entertainment district. Strathcona is the smallest distillery in North America, nestled in a tiny room that used to be used as jam space for bands and intimate gigs. Local ingredients and traditional methods are used to make the award-winning spirits that can be found across various restaurants and bars in Alberta.

Analog Brewing Co

This 7000+ sq. foot facility is fast becoming one of Edmonton’s most popular breweries. The focus is on easy breezy beers that are light on the tongue, conjuring all sorts of tropical summer flavours. Arcade games are also available for a light-hearted tasting session in a laid-back environment.

Folk Music Festival

This one’s not exactly a brewery but rather a perfect way to conclude a day of brewery hopping. Edmonton’s folk music festival could be defined as Alberta’s version of Glastonbury. Scheduled annually, fans of classic folk acts look forward to a weekend of music, sunshine and dancing. Food trucks are dotted around the main site, serving up vegan hot dogs and classic festival delights submerged in cheese and ketchup. Sip beer, make friends with the locals, who will likely let you perch on their “tarps” in case of rain, and dance the night away if the party continues elsewhere.

www.travelalberta.com/uk

Frontier Canada (020 8776 8709 / https://frontier-canada.co.uk) has seven nights in Alberta, Canada from £1,145 per person. Valid for travel in summer 2020, the price includes return Air Canada flights from London Heathrow to Calgary, 6 nights’ accommodation including 3 nights at the Hotel Arts in Calgary and 3 nights B&B at the Metterra Hotel on Whyte in Edmonton, and car hire with extra driver, GPS and petrol. The price is based on two adults travelling and sharing accommodation.

If like me, you love a glass of wine almost as much as your husband or wife to be, South Africa’s Cape Winelands are an easy choice when it comes to planning your honeymoon. With its vine-striped valleys and white-walled Cape Dutch architecture, it has enough vineyards and restaurants to keep even the most seasoned wine-loving couple happy.
Just 40 minutes from Cape Town, this is the country’s wine capital and while you could (and absolutely should) spend days dotting between the top-class wineries, nothing feels quite as indulgent as staying on one – which is why we headed to luxury hotel and working vineyard Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch to beat our post-wedding blues.

Dating back to 1692, Lanzerac Wine Estate is of the oldest and most luxurious estates in the area, combining all the pedigree you’d expect of a 326-year-old working winery with the sumptuous surrounds of a five-star hotel and spa. Perhaps most famously, it is also the birthplace of the first bottled Pinotage – a cross between a Pinot Noir and Hermitage and South Africa’s first unique, indigenous wine grape variety.
Tucked away in the foothills of theJonkershoek valley, you’re just a few kilometres outside of leafy Stellenbosch town, yet the estate feels like another world entirely. Driving down the oak-lined dappled driveway is like taking a step back in time.

With its Dutch gabled exterior stark white against a bright blue sky and dramatic mountain backdrop, this is one special corner of the Cape. Having been preserved for decades (and now designated as a Provincial Heritage site) the iconic Manor House and Werf buildings make up the centre of the estate, while a series of white-washed cottages make up the 53 rooms and suites.
Sadly, a fire in 2017 caused extensive damage to the property, causing it to close its doors for a year. While it may have been a tragedy, the new interiors are astounding – fusing the period grandeur of the previous property, with its rough stone walls and exposed beams with contemporary elements like the walls in the grand dining room. You can practically see the history as you step from one type of flooring to the next, across different generations.
The estate is expansive, and we get lost several times, but it’s a joy to uncover all the different corners. The fountains, the courtyard rose gardens shaded by ancient oaks – one of many pools flanked by white loungers and backed by plane trees.

The gardens are immaculate, enveloping you in blooms and different scents as you walk to your room. While the rest of the estate may be beautiful, it’s just a warm-up for the rooms – which are the real show stoppers here. No two are the same, with four different categories ranging from classic to a suite, but all offering huge ceilings, chandeliers and romantic bathtubs.

Our pool suite is really more like a house – with an entrance hall and study leading onto the bedroom and living room. To one side, a marble-clad bathroom with steamy rain shower and rolltop bath stand next to shuttered white french windows that pull back completely to reveal a garden full of pink roses. Even the toiletries are in keeping, with Merlot bath gel and Sauvignon Blanc shampoo which smell so good I stash a couple away to take home.

Sliding doors from the living room opens up onto the prettiest courtyard, with a white gazebo and private pool and loungers for two, with a view right onto the vines and mountains beyond. Breakfast is included in our stay, so naturally, we order it to the Gazebo, where we eat in contented silence as the morning mist burns off the slopes. The mini-bar is also included, which, given that it is stocked with plenty of the estate’s own wines, means we’re a little loathe to leave this haven of a hideaway.

Unless of course, it’s to check out the Lanzerac Estate Winery – of which a cellar tour and wine tasting come included in our stay. The cellar tour is informative – our guide Nyameka giving everyone from the more expert to beginners a chance to learn about both the wines and the historic estate, whose rich winemaking history can be traced back to the early 1900s, when the first Lanzerac wine was bottled from grapes harvested on the farm.

After the tour, we’re given a choice of 5 wines to taste on the terrace upstairs, accompanied by a huge platter of cured meats, cheeses and chutney from Lanzerac’s deli. One of our favourites is the Mrs English Chardonnay – named after one of the property’s most influential owners, Elizabeth ‘Kitty’ English, who bought the estate in 1920, changing its name to Lanzerac, rumoured to be after Charles Lanrezac – a French General, after whom the red blend Le Général is also named. Mrs English passed away in 1929, but not before transforming the estate into one of the most modern wineries in the Cape, laying the foundations for Stellenbosch’s world-renowned wines, which continues today under the leadership of Cellar Master Wynand Lategan and Viticulturist Danie Malherbe.

For dinner, the more formal setting of the Manor Kitchen offers multiple courses of classical, contemporary dishes – from pan-fried scallops to venison loin. But wanting to enjoy the mild weather, we opt for a seat under the stars on a pretty corner table on the terrace at Taphuis, one of the property’s most historic spots whose wood-panelled walls have been housing thirsty guests since the 1960s. The pub-style tapas menu champions home-grown ingredients from local suppliers, with options like Smoked Snoek Mousse with Cape gooseberry compote and the Braai Broodjie (a South African BBQ sandwich) with Huguenot cheese. After dinner, cocktails in the Craven Cigar lounge are the order of the day, reminiscent of an old-boys club with its roaring fireplace, stags horns and selection of whisky and cigars which keeps my husband particularly happy.

The next day, with the use of the spa facilities also included in our stay, we head down to for an afternoon pamper session. The whole spa is bliss – a wellness retreat in its own right, with a glass-ceilinged heated indoor pool which leads right out onto sunbeds facing the vines, where I channel Ab Fab while waiting for my other half, cocooned in a dressing gown and sunglasses. A calming palette of white walls and tropical plants, there is also a bubbling jacuzzi, full gym and therapy rooms where you can choose from a range of treatments from facials to pedicures. We opt for the AromaVine Pinotage Massage – which uses antioxidant blends containing pure grapeseed oil and natural botanicals to help relieve stress and muscle tension.

Despite Lanzerac’s hideaway feel, the restaurants and bars of the lively yet leafy university town of Stellenbosch are just 5 minutes away via complimentary transfer. Yet in truth, we barely leave the estate – with all we could seemingly want for right here on our doorstep.

Hopping over the fence at the bottom of our garden, we take a sunset walk through the vines, with a bottle of our favourite wine from our tasting. It’s a rare feat, but Lanzerac Wine Estate is a place where old meets new, not in a collision but in a complement – contemporary, five-star facilities coupled with an extraordinarily rich Cape heritage that leaves us hoping for another visit.

To book, visit Lanzerac www.lanzerac.co.za

Floating to the north-west of Australia, surrounded by the Javanese, Sunda and Gili Islands, is the island of Bali. Made pop-culturally famous by the book and subsequent moving Eat, Pray, Love and the Instagram feeds of thousands of influencers, Bali is known as one of the quintessential South East Asian backpacker stops, offering everything from vibrant nightlife, to world class surf and exclusive yoga retreats.

Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, particularly for Aussie travellers who are only a short flight away. Overtourism is real, but, as with most popular tourist destinations, it’s focused mostly on a few areas. For those looking for a good time, Kuta and Canggu are what you’re looking for. For those looking to unwind, relax and recharge, Ubud in the central mountain area is calling your name. And for those looking to catch a wave, the south-west coast serves up some of the best surf around.

Despite being a relatively small island, Bali can be divided into 6 main regions; South, Central, West, North, East and the Southeastern Islands, each with its own style, culture and personality. And whilst there’s nothing wrong with lying on a beautiful Balinese beach, cocktail in hand – get off the beaten track in Bali and you’re likely to have an experience unlike anyone else. As usual, here at House of Coco, we’ve got your back. Read on for some of our favourite lesser known Bali hotspots.

South

South Bali is the most heavily touristed part of the island, and not entirely without reason. Coastal towns Kuta and Canggu offer some of the best waves for beginner to intermediate surfers, the most vibrant nightlife, and the biggest range of dining and shopping opportunities. The up style Seminyak is also found in the South, and whilst it doesn’t get as rowdy as it’s younger neighbour Kuta, or as bohemian as Canggu, Seminyak is still one of the most popular spots on the island for those among us who like a bit of luxury.

Central

The mountainous central region of Bali is often described as the cultural heart of the island. Far from the pumping beaches of the south, the central region of Bali is home to Ubud, Gianyar, Bedugul and Tabanan, as well as some of the most reputable yoga retreats on the island. It’s a place to relax, unwind, and get in touch with the beautiful Balinese jungle that surrounds you. Here you can explore the world heritage listed Tegallalang rice terraces; an ancient method of rice farming still practiced today. Central Bali is also home to the temple of Goa Gajah, where legends say that the pools are considered to be the fountain of youth, bathing in which would keep you young forever. Legends aside, hidden away in the thick foliage that surrounds the site is the ruins of a Buddhist temple, one of the only examples of which can be found on the predominately Hindu island. For the more adventurous among us, the Ayung River that flows through the central region makes for great white water rafting.

East

East Bali offers a bit of a different atmosphere from the coastal towns in the south, here, a little more laid-back, a little slower moving. East Bali includes towns such as Amed, Besakih and Candidasa that enjoy some pretty great swell in the wet season from October to March, as well as the only occasionally eruptive Mt Agung. In the foothills of Mt Agung you will find the village of Sidemen, dotted with cheerful locals, rice fields and countless coffee and cocoa plantations. Hire a bicycle and ride along the Unda river and through the mountains to explore this place where time stands still.

The east is also where you can find enough space to spread your towel and then some. With most beaches on the east relatively secluded and a bit of challenge to get to, with a little bit of effort you’ll be able to have them all to yourself. Located about 15 minutes east of Candidasa is Pasir Putih, sometimes called Bugbug beach, is one of the most spectacular. The road down is a little rough, but the journey is definitely worth it.

East Bali is also home to the Lempuyang Luhur, or the Gateway to Heaven. Located at the top of a 1,700 stair climb, make it to the top before the sun and watch the sunrise light up the island. Your Instagram feed will thank me.

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A post shared by Lauren Bullen?Travel + Bali (@gypsea_lust) on Dec 6, 2018 at 5:39am PST

North

North Bali is usually considered the family friendly option on the island. Less crowds, calmer waters and regular dolphin visitors makes it the perfect place for small children and the parents that want to keep an eye on them. But it’s also where you’ll find some of the most impressive waterfalls on the island. Jembong, Sekumpul and Git Git are the most popular, all of which can be reached through treks of around three hours or less through lush Balinese jungle. Git Git has the easiest road access, but swimming in the calm natural pools that collect at the base of all three of these falls will feel so much more satisfying after a lengthy trek.

North Bali is also home to the secret gardens of Sambangan. A chain of natural pools and a total of seven waterfalls are hidden within dense Balinese rainforest that can be reached through a three hour trek that will again take you deep into the heart of the jungle. The gardens are remote and unspoiled and well worth the journey.

Here in north Bali you can also find Mt Batur. Smaller than it’s occasionally disruptive neighbour Mt Agung, Mt Batur is a relatively easy climb and will reward you with some of the best views of the island. Hikes usually start as early as 2am to catch the sunrise at the top, but don’t panic just yet, there are a slew of mountaintop cafes waiting to serve you possibly the most picturesque morning cup of coffee in your life.

West

West Bali is the least popular part of the island with very little tourist infrastructure or activities. However, its a great stop for nature lovers; home to the West Bali National Park, and Menjangan Island. Here you can find the rare Javan Rusa deer, calm waters and coral gardens vibrant with marine life and excellent visibility the whole year round. You can also catch a ferry to Java from this side of Bali if you want to explore Indonesia a little further afield.

Southeastern Islands

Around a 30 minute boat ride from the mainland, the last region of Bali is the three Nusa Islands, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan. Relatively undertouristed for what they are, the Nusa Islands are a beautiful insight into the Bali of 20 years ago, before the island became a tourist hotspot. Each of the islands have something different to offer travellers, but as with most good things in life, you have to put in just a little effort to get a big reward.

Nusa Lembongan

The most popular of the Nusa Islands, Lembongan is gaining popularity for its fairly consistent year round swell and for its proliferation of both high energy as well as relaxing water sports. It’s a good place to base yourself if you want to spend some time exploring the Nusa Islands; it has the biggest range of hotels, restaurants and the easiest connection to both the mainland and the other two Nusa Islands.

Nusa Penida

Penida is the biggest of the three Nusa Islands and offers the biggest range of activities for travellers. With sights like the Peguyangan Waterfall and its iconic, if not heart pumping staircase, the Broken Beach and mesmerising Angel’s Billabong, Penida has plenty of hidden little gems to explore. Don’t miss the Kelingking Point Lookout and Secret Beach for that iconic Bali snap. It’s a bit of a rough journey, and the safety leaves a little to be desired so be careful and know your limits before seeking this little one out.

Nusa Ceningan

Smallest of the three, you can get around Ceningan mostly on foot. The island is accessed by the iconic yellow suspension bridge and has a reputation for being the haunt of the adventurous and thrill seeking. Ceningan has the biggest range of safe cliff jumping points, including Mahana Point and the Blue Lagoon. For those of you who don’t consider hurling yourselves off cliffs to be the epitome of a good time, the Blue Lagoon is also a great place to swim or just soak in the beauty.

Nestled between Florence and Rome amidst the Tuscan hills, the world heritage listed Val d’Orcia region provides a picture perfect backdrop to the five-star Fonteverde Spa – an elegantly restored 17th-century Tuscan villa turned wellness destination. There’s nothing we love more than an Italian getaway here at House of Coco, and an elegant spa retreat has our name all over it! Once home to the Medici family, the property has been transformed into a stylish gem in the countryside, without losing any of its rustic renaissance charm.

Abundant with cypress trees, olive groves and vineyards, the Tuscan landscape is notoriously beguiling, and the panoramic views of Fonteverde are made ever sweeter from the 460ft outdoor infinity pool carved into the hill. What could be better? The villa itself is largely secluded, allowing guests an immersive sense of silence and complete calm.

With expansive ceilings, marble floors and opulent furnishings, Fonteverde oozes an understated luxury. Renaissance styling and architecture provides a true traditional Italian feel, with its arched windows and frescoed ceilings providing a sense of royal grandeur which blends seamlessly with the more modern additions to the hotel’s design. Rooms are lavishly decorated while tastes remain simple; with floor-length drapes, cream walls and spacious en suites, guests are encouraged to recline into a space of total comfort. The front facing suites overlook the Val d’Orcia, where sun seekers can enjoy spectacular morning views over a champagne breakfast from their private terrace.

Ancient hot springs have frequented the area around San Casciano dei Bagni for centuries and Fonteverde’s plethora of wellness offerings has made it an epi-centre for thermal tradition in the region. The hotel’s labyrinth of pools bubble with healing water sourced from local springs, and guests can soak and swim in its mineral rich lagoons.

The 5000sq metre spa offers over 100 treatments to choose from, offering first class programmes of treatment specifically designed to aid ailments and skin types. The antioxidant properties of the waters themselves have been known to provide numerous benefits to the musculoskeletal system, nervous system and respiratory system, and work on a broader level to enhance overall wellbeing. Comprising of seven pools, treatment rooms, steam rooms, an ice plunge pool and a Turkish hammam, the spa provides hours of entertainment for those wishing to sink into a blissful state of end-to-end pampering.

Such is the Italian way, the hotel’s Ferdinando restaurant takes inspiration from the surrounding landscape. Seasonal ingredients and local produce inspire the classic Italian menu, and dishes range from light and healthy to the exquisitely indulgent. Homemade pasta is laced with truffle shavings foraged by the hotel’s resident truffle hunter, while succulent duck and steak is paired with local organic red wine. On summer evenings guests can dine on the terrace and watch the sun set over hilltop villages, against rolling hills and amber skies.

Taking oodles of pasta and wine into serious consideration (perhaps the most important elements in any Italian getaway, wellness or otherwise!), a stay at Fonteverde is as healthy or as indulgent as you make it, but one thing is for certain. It’s impossible to leave this Tuscan oasis without feeling utterly, perhaps irrevocably, relaxed.

Nightly rates at Fonteverde start from €198 (£152*) per person per night in a Queen room on weekdays on a B&B basis. Rates also include wi-fi, access to spa and fitness facilities. For further information or to book please email travel@fonteverdespa.com or call +39 0578 572333.

It was revealed last month that Uganda, otherwise known as the ‘Pearl of Africa’, saw a 10% increase in tourist numbers to its national parks in 2018-2019. With such unique opportunities to discover wildlife, this does not surprise us at #Teamcoco. And yet we know that there is much more to Uganda than the bush. Its iconic Lake Victoria and the vibrant capital of Kampala are also unmissable and unmistakably Ugandan experiences. Having sent our girl, Rachael Lindsay, to visit Africa’s Pearl earlier this year, we take a look at her round-up of the best three resorts to experience the best of Uganda.

For the lake: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa

Nestled on the banks of the world’s largest tropical lake, the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa is our top pick of Uganda’s hotels. The winding pathways, bridges and fountains of the resort make it a joy to get lost in and the Marina restaurant offers fresh fish and sunset views at the lake’s edge. It has all of the luxurious touches that you would expect of a five-star resort as well as bespoke boat expeditions to nearby Ngambe Island, home to 49 orphaned chimpanzees.

For more information, visit serenahotels.com or read our full review here.

For the bush: Bwindi Lodge by Volcanoes Safaris

Set on the boundaries of Uganda’s Impenetrable Forest, this stream-side hideaway is the perfect place from which to visit Uganda’s mountain gorillas. A new deluxe Banda opened in June this year and all Bandas feature four poster beds, locally inspired furnishings and personal butler service. The local gorillas often choose to relax around Bwindi Lodge, making it both a stylish and natural spot from which to get to know these fascinating animals.

For more information, visit volcanoessafaris.com.

For the city: Latitude O, Kampala (due to open October 2019)

With stunning properties in Lilongwe, Malawi, and Lusaka, Zambia, Latitude Hotels offers experiences in Africa’s cities that match its great beach resorts and safari lodges. That’s why we had to include Latitude 0 in our list, which is set to open in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, in October 2019. Located among indigenous orchid-filled trees atop of Makindye Hill and with a Ugandan-inspired design using reusable materials, this hotel is going to be a seriously stylish addition to the capital and the perfect base to recover from those post-safari blues.

For more information, visit 0.thelatitudehotels.com.

Cover photo: @rachannelindsay at Lake Victoria Serena

Eco travel doesn’t always necessarily involve a backpack, and there are certainly ways you can put your feet up without having to go completely off the grid. In many local island communities, eco luxury resorts have actually stepped in where local governments couldn’t; conserving endemic species, supporting ethical local trades, and educating the local communities. I want to do a round-up of the best eco-resorts in South East Asia, not just for their picturesque poolside aesthetic, but also for everything these resorts have done to conserve the tropical islands they call home.

EL NIDO RESORTS, PHILIPPINES

Located amidst the natural limestone cliffs and lagoons of the Philippines’ beautiful Palawan region, El Nido Resorts is a group of four island properties with sustainability at its core. Each island has its own unique personality that explores a different aspect of island Eco-tourism. Apulit is an Eco-adventure island with a variety of thrill-seeking nature activities on offer, while Miniloc is an Eco-discovery island where you can learn about Palawan’s ecology, and even swim with giant Jackfish. Lagen is an Eco-sanctuary island nestled in a four hectare lush forest, while Pangalusian is an Eco-luxury Island, with its own seven hundred fifty metre white beach.

TONGSAI BAY, THAILAND

At Tongsai bay, all wildlife is protected. The resort is home to monitor lizards, monarch butterflies, dolphins, and a total of sixty-seven different bird species. In fact, their green policy dictates that no plant or tree may be cut down without permission. This policy encourages wildlife to the hotel, making Tongsai Bay the perfect sanctuary for both travellers and local indigenous species.In addition to this commitment to wildlife conservation, the hotel also has a number of note-worthy sustainable practices. They have replaced all plastic straws with lemongrass, produce their own natural cleaning agent with local fruits and vegetables, as well as offer a completely plant-based menu. It is no wonder why Tongsai Bay’s environmental credentials are so substantial, and why it has led the way for Koh Samui’s ecological preservation.

PHUM BAITANG, CAMBODIA

The Phum Baitang is sustainability at its finest; a green oasis deserving of its name. The resort is equipped with an autonomous water treatment facility, which provides guests with fresh and drinkable water throughout the year. They have also replaced all plastics with reusable Glosch-top purified bottles, and have banned fuel powered vehicles in and around the resort. The Phum Baitang also takes the farm to table concept to another level by serving locally farmed “Sen Kro Ob” rice among other herbs and vegetables. All of which are grown on site in the resort’s paddy fields. Guests are encouraged to immerse in the local community, with the unique opportunity to interact with the local farmers. Helping them understand the farming culture of Cambodia; and learn more about rice cultivation and processing. All this and more make the Phum Baitang a truly unique retreat, right in the heart of mystical Cambodia.

Put away the willy straws, these hen party getaways make for the ideal sophisticated weekend away if you’re looking to plan something a little more chic for your bride. From stylish European city breaks to glamping with the girls, here are #teamcoco’s top 6 sophisticated hen party getaways for a high-end hen do.

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1. Bordeaux: For the wine-loving bride

The heart of French grape-growing country, Bordeaux is the ideal hen-do destination for any wine-loving bride-to-be. Flights from London airports are some of the most inexpensive to be had in Europe, but there’s nothing low-market about this pretty part of South West France. Bordeaux city makes for a great night out with its buzzy bars and restaurants, but the real draw here is the quaint little villages and vine-striped scenery that make up the surrounding French countryside. You can either head east, following the banks of the Dordogne towards Bergerac, stopping for a wine tour in St. Emillion, or west to the coast at Cap Ferret, where French seaside chic meets The Hamptons coastal cool, and you might even bump into Leonardo DiCaprio at one of the low-key day drinking spots.

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2. Ibiza, Santa Gertrudis: For the Boho bride

We know what you’re thinking – Ibiza isn’t exactly what you think of when it comes to a sophisticated hen getaway, but hear us out. This may be the clubbing capital of Europe, but head beyond the bright lights of the San Antonio strip, and into the centre of the island and you’ll discover a magic side to the White Isle that has so captivated bohemian types since the 70s. A chic little village in the centre of the island, Santa Gertrudis is home to a cosmopolitan set of city escapees, artists and musicians. Often called Ibiza’s ‘Notting Hill’ – its upmarket eclecticism is reflected in the art and boutique shopping, as well as the village’s reputation as the island’s culinary capital (we like the garden setting at Finca La Plaza and cute Italian La Mesa Escondida for a meal out). Stay at the Scandi-chic villa Ses Palmeres, a 6-bedroom villa with a sweeping pool and grounds, within easy walking distance of the town centre.

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3. Skiing in Val D’Isere: For the fun-loving bride

Could there be anything more fun than a group of hens hitting the slopes? #teamcoco thinks not. It’s less expensive to rent a fully catered chalet per person than getting a hotel, so if there is a big group of you, this can work out well for a long weekend in the mountains – plus, catered chalets often include house wine (win). Whatever standard your group is, make sure you choose a resort where the après scene is easily accessible, even for beginner skiers. One of our favourites has to be Val D’Isere, where you’ll find the epicentre of slopeside debauchery, La Follie Douce, just at the top of the cable car.

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4. Provence: For the laid-back bride

For a pre-wedding chillout, you can’t beat the rolling rural hills of Provence. Just an hour’s drive from Marseille’s easily accessible airport, which boasts inexpensive flights from multiple European capitals – Provence is a great solution if you have hens arriving from different destinations. This is South of France chic without the Riviera price tag, a land of #Roseallday, dreamy hilltop villages and lavender fields. With a host of Airbnb’s to choose from, hole up in a pretty Provencal villa with your hens, hire a chef and enjoy cheap local wine poolside. Bliss.

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5: Porto: For the arty bride

No longer content to dwell in the shadow of its sister Lisbon, Portugal’s second city has seen a resurgence in the last decade, its restored historic city centre now filled with quirky cafes, cool wine bars and design concept stores, all frequented by a hip young crowd breathing life back into the city. With colourful facades stacked across the landscape, the blue and white tiled azulejos for which the city is so renowned make the perfect backdrop for wandering the cobbled streets, just soaking up the city’s rambling medieval architecture. Come the evening, grab a white port and tonic at one of the bars and cafes in one of the squares and drink it out in the streets with the locals, before heading to the hub of Porto’s nightlife, the Galeria de Paris e Rua de Cândido dos Reis. With drinks so affordable, it’s a good job that the city’s most famous food – the francesinha is the ultimate hangover cure. A sort of suped-up spicy Croque-monsieur, hungover hens should head to cult Cafe Santiago for the city’s best.

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6: Glamping: Wriggly Tin Huts, South Downs, UK – for the countryside bride

There’s something so effortlessly sophisticated about the good old English countryside, and how better to immerse yourself in it than with a glamping hen-do. There are some great spots all over the country (we like using Canopy and Stars to find the best), but if you’re looking for somewhere within relatively easy reach of London, hidden away in the heart of the South Downs National Park near Hambledon, this cute-as-can-be campsite makes an ideal country getaway. Set in a secluded meadow, surrounded by ancient bluebell woodland, Wriggly Tin is made up of 6 shepherds huts, sleeping a total of 16 hens. There may not be any electricity, but the huts are cleverly designed, with wood-burning stoves for cooking and keeping warm, lovely lanterns, plush duvets and vintage details. Hen do’s have to take all 6 of the huts but can have the run of the campsite, including a wood-fired hot tub. While it may seem low-key, gathering around the campfire with your girls is all you really need for the perfect hen getaway.

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