Egypt - House Of Coco Magazine

Egypt November 10, 2023

Egypt’s best wellbeing destination: A sun-soaked getaway in Somabay

Our girl Hannah Tan-Gillies went to the sun-soaked shores of Somabay to experience the Solasi Festival, a three day wellness festival that celebrates wellbeing in all its forms.

Where to stay: Cascades Golf Resort Spa & Thalasso

Relatively undiscovered (but not for long) Somabay is in the midst of a major development which will see the rise of a bevy of luxury homes, new hotels and gastronomic delights on its shores soon.

It is already home to five, sprawling five-star luxury resorts which are destinations within themselves. We stayed in the Cascades Golf Resort, which is home to one of the region’s largest and best equipped thalasso-therapy centres. Picture a Grand Budapest Hotel-inspired thalasso style that will take you on a multi-sensorial thalasso-therapy experience that will relax mind, body and soul and literally wash away all your aches and sins.

Cascades Golf Resort is the quintessential Egyptian beach resort. The hotel offers 159 comfortable and graciously appointed guest rooms and suites with private balconies overlooking the Cascades Golf Course and a magical sea view beyond. It also has several luxurious one & two-bedroom suites. Most suites can be combined with a connecting room to form two or three-bedroom apartment complexes.

The eponymous Gary Player Championship Golf Course, is of course, a big draw for golf afficionados the world over and also offers incredible panoramic views of the Red Sea and desert mountains. The hotel itself is a sprawling Egyptian palace with a delightful buffet-style restaurant, the charming Spikes pool bar – which is flanked by one of the largest resort pools you’ve ever seen in your life. Speaking from experience, the live entertainment at the hotel is simply incredible and the selection of Egyptian wines must not be missed too.

The rooms themselves, though on the more traditional side, are generously spaced and really have all that you need for an idyllic poolside holiday. The service is friendly without being stuffy and you are ensured a great night by simply sitting down and having a chat with any one of the staff at Cascades.

The beach club can be accessed by regular shuttles which come every ten minutes. Here, you can work on your tan and soak up the Egyptian sunshine, go for a swim in the Red Sea and if you’re lucky you may even spot a camel strolling along the beach. If you want to venture out of the hotel, Somabay has a fabulous wellbeing scene – the pinnacle of which is the Solasi Festival. Click here for our full review.

Things to do

Go snorkelling at the house reef

Somabay’s glorious house reef is located at The Breakers Diving and Surfing Lodge and is home to an incredible and colourful array of marine life. It is easy to get lost under the sea when the underwater world is this vivid.

Horseback riding at Jasmine Horse Stables

Have you ever imagined yourself riding horseback on a beach? Imagine no more because at Somabay this fantasy can indeed become a reality. Jasmine Stables is a small, independently owned stable where the horses are the stars. Most of our group were quite experienced riders and so once the horses discovered that they were indeed going to the beach, you couldn’t stop them from going into a joyful gallop to the sea. Watching the horses play on the beach and splash around in the water is a truly heart-warming scene to witness.

Tranquil beaches, crystal clear water, and the pleasures of nature at every turn– all the beautiful clichés apply. Somabay truly is, outstanding by nature.

Take a boat trip with Happy Turtles Somabay

All about that yacht life? Then why not rent out a yacht with Happy Turtles Somabay? Captain Ibrahim’s yachts are luxury at its finest and Somabay offers plenty of gorgeous reefs to explore not too far from the marina. It is the best way to spend an afternoon, especially when surrounded by good mates.

Egypt November 10, 2023

A whole new world of wellness at the Solasi Festival

Blessed with year-round sunshine, Somabay is the winter sun destination you’d wish you found out about earlier. This gorgeous sun-soaked destination is home to a few five-star resorts, excellent beach clubs and plenty of Egyptian charm just 45 minutes from Hurghada International Airport. We ventured into the glorious sun-soaked shores of Somabay for the Solasi Festival, a three-day wellness fest that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

For this writer, the Solasi Festival was the first-ever foray into a full well-being festival and wow did it certainly impress. At the Solasi Festival, wellness is more than just a spa break and goes beyond just relaxing by the pool. Movement and mindfulness are the central themes that drive this festival so you can expect to participate in hours of wellbeing-focused workouts from Power Yoga, Dance Vinyasa and even ecstatic dance.

Discover Holistic Wellness

Run in partnership with Osana Family Wellness, the three-day festival offers a carefully curated programme that targets all aspects of wellbeing with offers activities that range from sound healing and transformational healing workshops to Pilates, yoga, Tai Chi, dance and movement classes.

Want to take a break from yoga? Then there is also a fantastic array of one-on-one holistic treatments massage therapy, energy healing, traditional Chinese medicine, tarot reading and more. The therapists and healers come from far and wide and do know their stuff.

Holistic Nourishment and Community Connection at the Solasi Festival

If all that yoga has worked up your appetite, then the Solasi Festival also has plenty of healthy and organic food stalls on site, championing local produce, including the vegan and vegetarian Osana Wholefood Cafe. Magpies like myself will also enjoy the fabulous selection of locally sourced and sustainable products on offer at the Osana Boutique – the crystals, headpieces and gorgeous bath & body products must not be missed, believe me.

There is a strong and almost unspoken community at the Solasi Festival which will make you feel like part of the pact as soon as you set foot on the beach. There isn’t a line between the yogis, instructors, therapists healers and attendees – and as cliché as it sounds – everyone does feel like a big family.

There is also a fascinating schedule of classes, led by some of the coolest yogis and instructors from all over the world. These include everything from acro yoga to sound healing and somatics. For those who haven’t tried, Power Yoga is a very intense form of yoga that will get your heart racing, Dance Vinyasa combines the key tenets of ballet with yoga, and somatics is all about isolating even the minutest movements in your body to unlock a new practice. Want to explore further? You can dance your way to self-defence with Rees the Flame, and learn fire staff spinning by Mellow Paw and Acro Yoga with Tereza dos Santos and Leo Oppenheim were standout classes that certainly got us asking for more. Four to five hours of yoga practice? At Solasi you won’t even feel the burn.

In the evenings, Solasi Festival turns from a relaxing retreat to a full-on party. Saturday night began with a sunset sound healing session led by Tereza and Leo, which then opened up to an ecstatic dance party led by Tameer El Sharaky. Let me tell you – there is no better joy than dancing, completely uninhibited, in a tent, by the Red Sea with total strangers. The experience is both freeing and utterly joyful and has certainly converted this city girl into the world of well-being.

Offering a range of passes for both groups and individuals, prices start from just GBP £81 per person for the full three days, which includes access to all classes and activities. Families and children are also welcome, with teen passes (ages 13 to 19) at just GBP £26 per person and kids aged under 13 being free of charge.

Looking for the ultimate wellbeing destination? Check out our feature on Egypt’s best sun-soaked getaway in Somabay on House of Coco.

Egypt November 9, 2023

Things You May Not Know About Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt is one of the most advanced civilizations in the history. The magnificent Egyptian era lasted for an outstanding 3000 years. With a rich culture and dazzling facts, the Egyptian civilisation has managed to capture the attention of historians repeatedly. Even after the extensive studies and researches, quite a lot is not known to the commoners.

Ancient Egypt has been one of the most sought-after themes for online slots at casino sites like Monster casino. Let us look at some of the unknown facts of this riveting civilisation.

And you thought Cleopatra was Egyptian?
Sorry to break the shell, but Cleopatra wasn’t an Egyptian, but she ruled Egypt. She is the most talked about personalities when it comes to the Egyptian civilisation. However, she belonged to the Greek Macedonians and was born in Alexandria. In fact, she was widely famous to be the very firsts of the Ptolemaic dynasty to speak Egyptian.

They forged one of the earliest peace treaties.
Egyptians and the Hittite empire were involved in a fight for over two centuries. Battle of Kadesh was the result of this sorry conflict. However, none of the sides emerged victoriously. It was then that the pharaoh Ramses II and the Hittite King Hattusili III signed a peace treaty in 1259 B.C.

It is one of the earliest surviving peace treaties.

They loved board games.
Board games were the perfect source of relaxation for the Egyptians. Several games like Mehen and Dogs and jackals were played. The most loved game, however, was “senet” which was a game of chance. The pharaohs were even buried with the board games.

Egyptian women had the right to freedom.
Unlike other civilisations, Egyptian women had a great deal of freedom and financial independence. The women who worked outside the homes were given pay equal to the men. They even had the right to remarry and divorce. They could also make wills, trade and participate in legal matters.

They used to organise labour strikes
Egyptian workers were well known to carry protest for better and sustainable working conditions. The most famous example is the protest carried out in 12th century B.C. They refused to work till their demands were heard.

Pharaohs were generally overweight
Though the art generally depicts pharaohs as being slim, the case was quite the opposite. The Egyptian diet that consisted of bread, honey, wine and beer which had a great toll on the physical health of the pharaohs. The examination of mummies has also led the historians to believe that they suffered from diabetes.

The pyramids were not built by slaves
The magnificent tombs were not made by slaves. They were made by paid labourers. The clan consisted of skilled artists along with temporary hands. The Egyptian slaves were generally used for domestic purposes and in fieldwork.

King Tut may have been killed by a hippo.
King Tut was buried without his heart, which points to a horrendous injury before death as per the Egyptian burial practice. King Tut is believed to be a lover of beast hunting and his death was probably because of a hunting sport went miserably wrong.

Egyptian doctors had a specialised field of study.
Where most of the ancient doctors used to be a jack-of-all-trades, Egyptian physicians had a specialised field of study. Every doctor was known for treating an organ. They even had names for them. Dentists were called “doctor of tooth” whereas proctologists were “shepherd of anus”.

Both, male and female, wore makeup
Both the genders used to wear makeup, which they thought to provide security from God Ra and Horus. They considered cosmetics to contain healing powers.

With the handful of new knowledge about ancient Egypt, rush to Monster casino to play your favourite Egypt-based online slot.

Egypt November 9, 2023

WINTER AT TANTORA FESTIVAL TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Here at House of Coco we are forever on the hunt for festivals that will broaden our horizons so when we heard that Winter at Tantora, the international festival celebrating art, music, culture and history, set amidst the timeless landscape of AlUla, is back, we were elated!

This years festival will welcome back Tuscan tenor, Andrea Bocelli, who will make his second appearance at the festival on January 31st. The announcement comes as the much-anticipated international festival opened sales on experiencealula.com.

The diverse festival programme also includes Egyptian composer, pianist and conductor Omar Khairat (December 27th) and Greek pianist Yanni (February 7th) as well as a number of chart-topping international artists.

All performances will take place in the Maraya Concert Hall, a state-of-the-art 500-seat facility with a mirrored facade, which emerges like a mirage in the ancient rocky landscape. The venue will host the headline performers as well as the Celebration of Beethoven (January 4th – 6th), an homage to the great German composer on the 250th anniversary of his birth and the multi-media theatrical production Jameel Buthainah (February 14th), a caracella dance inspired by the glory and history of AlUla.

The festival, which runs from December 19th until March 7th, will be one of the first times visitors will get to experience and explore AlUla and learn about its 200,000 years of history, ahead of its public opening in October 2020. Tickets are currently available for purchase on book.experiencealula.com. Globetrotters, arts and culture aficionados, music fans as well as adventure lovers can purchase tickets to individual headline performances or indulge in an experiential itinerary spanning a day or a weekend.

The weekend and one-day itineraries on offer will feature three packages – Gold, Platinum and Diamond – for different budgets, covering accommodation, transport, cultural and adventure excursions as well as attendance at the headline performances. Weekend guests can also bolt-on themed experiences in line with their interests, such as AlUla from Above (adventure), Authentic AlUla (culture) and Gastronomy (cuisine).

The array of activities and excursions also include the AlUla Balloon Festival, vintage aircraft flights, the second largest endurance horse race in the world, culinary experiences curated by Michelin starred chefs, traditional souks as well as luxury brand pop-ups.

Home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, AlUla is a place of pristine and unexplored beauty. With 200,000 years of history ensconced in its vast landscape, the region is expected to emerge as one of Saudi Arabia’s key tourist attractions, following the announcement of the Saudi Arabian Tourist Visa in September. The recently announced programme allows travellers to obtain one-year, multiple-entry visas to spend up to 90 days in the country. Visitors from 49 countries and regions will be able to apply for the visa online (visitsaudi.com) or on arrival into Saudi Arabia through electronic kiosks or at immigration counters. Other visitors will be able to apply for the visas at the Saudi consulate in their home country. Saudi Arabia intends to extend the e-Visa scheme to other markets as further developments are made to the Kingdom’s tourism infrastructure.

“As a stop along the Incense Route, AlUla was once a part of the great corridor between the East and the West. It was a port of trade and a gateway between cultures, enabling dialogue and diversity. With the Winter at Tantora Festival, we are celebrating AlUla’s historic role in this region as well as its long tradition of bringing together varied voices and ideas,” said Amr Al-Madani, Chief Executive Officer, The Royal Commission for AlUla.

The Winter at Tantora festival will take place from December 19th, 2019 – March 7th, 2020 in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Details about the festival, its line-up and exceptional surroundings can be found at experiencealula.com with tickets on sale now. To stay up to date, please follow @WinteratTantora on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Egypt November 9, 2023

Stuck inside? 7 ways to see the world virtually

Amid COVID-19, many of us have now been isolated into our homes. Working from home can be hard to adapt into, especially if you have small children, and with the Easter holidays approaching you might have had a nice holiday or activity planned which has now either been cancelled or postponed. Well, did you know you can explore many places in the comfort of your own home, many virtual reality travel experiences are as good as the real thing – and free!
This can be a great way to spend your breaks in between working as it lets your brain transport into a happier place. To help you find that dream escape, virtually, the experts at Baltic Travel Company have listed your 7 best options.
1) Museums
Google Arts and Culture have partnered with over 2,500 museums and galleries globally to offer virtual tours of their spaces. Options include Pergamon Museum in Berlin, New York’s Museum of Modern Art and The National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. They are all offering virtual video tours of current exhibitions and in depth looks at collection highlights. You can navigate your way around the museums and learn new angles of history and art. Pick a museum you’ve always wanted to visit and write down key facts which stand out to you.
2) Visit the zoo
If animals take you to your happy place, then a zoo is your dream. Immerse yourself into furry friend heaven, zoos like the Monterey Bay Aquarium are offering live webcam viewings of pandas, penguins and beluga whales. This is a great experience for children as they will be amazed that the feed is live.
3) Landmarks
With the help of Google Earth, you can take a tour of some of the world’s most iconic locations. The platform offers places such as the Taj Mahal and Great Pyramid of Giza to explore. Keeping your mind in check is as important as washing your hands. These experiences are vital to explore in order to remind yourself the world is out there to be discovered.
4) National parks
National parks are beautiful, an escape from reality and a chance to clear your mind. Well you can still do just that; many national parks have virtual tours on their websites and via Google Arts & Culture. The parks feature many different climates from across the country so you can pick one a day that suits your mood! One of the parks on offer is the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the virtual tour lets you explore the Nahuku Lava Tube which is a cave made by flowing lava – it is truly magical.
5) Space
You can decide to take yourself off Earth all together and visit another planet! You can explore the surface of Mars through 3D, 360 images which were recorded by NASA’s curiosity rover. If you want to explore more of space, there is a 360 YouTube videowhich allows you to travel and discover all of the planets.
6) Opera
Even if opera is not your usual activity of choice, there is a unique opportunity on offer from the famed Metropolitan Opera. The New York City opera house is closed to the public, but they have revealed streaming sessions starting at 7.30pm EST every night, the recordings will be available here on the website for 20 hours after they’ve been streamed at night. This is a great opportunity to video call friends and enjoy this one-off experience together.
7) Rollercoaster
Easter holidays normally see the theme parks filled with children enjoying their holidays. You can bring the adrenaline of rollercoaster rides into your house as YouTube is filled with videos that allows users be immersed into attractions in Disney resorts. Spend your weekends doing something different and enjoy the ride. Start with the Superman rollercoaster in Six Flags.
This piece brought to you by: https://www.baltictravelcompany.com/

Dog-friendly November 9, 2023

#TeamCocopup: The Perfect English Countryside stay at The Eastbury Hotel

Here at House of Coco, we’re love the occasional countryside escape, especially an escape that lets our four-legged friends tag along too. So – armed with a large glass of GNT, I write about my wonderful doggy retreat to The Eastbury Hotel in Dorset with TeamCocopup Charlie.

Located in the charming Abbey town of Sherborne, The Eastbury Hotel is where familiar home comforts and country elegance come together in perfect harmony. Exuding a wealth of west country charms, The Eastbury Hotel is a quintessential English countryside escape that will surely impress any guest — especially the four legged ones.

This handsome Georgian Townhouse dates back to 1740 and was originally built as a gentleman’s residence. It was recently refurbished in 2018, following the acquisition by Peter and Lana de Savary of the prestigious de Savary Group. Outside, its red brick facade harks back to its Georgian history, but inside it is a picture of classic luxury, with all the modern touches of a luxury boutique hotel.

The Eastbury Hotel has all the signatures of a de Savary property; from the timeless elegance of its interiors to the impeccable service of its staff. We made our way across the hotel’s beautiful walled garden and into our delightful Garden Deluxe Room. Four of the Garden Deluxe rooms are dog-friendly, and the hotel even provides luxury dog-bedding for your pampered pooches. Each of the 21 rooms is named after a traditional English flower; a reflection of the beautiful flowers and trees that occupy the hotel’s idyllic gardens. Inside, these spacious room is a home away from home, with Egyptian cotton sheets, a cosy seating area and a handsome wooden writing desk, accented by a window that overlooks the garden below.

We were lucky enough to have been met by gentle winds and plenty of sunshine during our visit, which gave TeamCocopup Charlie the opportunity to truly make the most of the walled gardens and the spacious lawn at the hotel. The terrace is the perfect spot for summer drinks and overlooks the lawn, where guests can also enjoy a game of croquet, badminton, table tennis — and a very large game of chess.

If you are looking to explore outside of the hotel, the charming town of Sherborne has plenty of things to discover. The 1000 year old Sherborne Abbey is just a 10 minute walk away, and thequaint cobblestoned streets are worth exploring as well. These streets are filled with charming independent boutiques, to hearty restaurants serving excellent British cuisine. Look out for the paw signs outside restaurants and bars — which means that pets are welcome. Dorset is as dog-friendly as can be (so much so they have their own local doggy magazine)! So there’s plenty of places for your pup to explore. We recommend checking out the beautiful garden landscapes of Sherborne Castle too.

There is no better way to end a day of exploring than with dinner at The Eastbury Hotel’s award-winning Seasons Restaurant. The restaurant has won 2 Rosettes for culinary excellence and it is easy to see why. Chef Matthew Street offers up a refreshing take on British classics and uses only the freshest local ingredients. All of the produce is sourced from local suppliers, and the herbs come directly from the gardens.

As we bid goodbye to the beautiful Eastbury Hotel its cosy rooms, the calming sanctuary of its gardens, and the wonderful staff that have made our stay truly special — we’re already dreaming of our return to The Eastbury.

WWW.THEEASTBURYHOTEL.CO.UK

Hannah and Charlie travelled to The Eastbury Hotel via South Western Railway, which is the easiest and pet-friendliest way to travel to Sherborne from London. Book your next SWR tickets to Sherborne via www.southwesternrailway.com

Egypt November 9, 2023

#CocoCountryside: Durham Dales Experience

On a cold winter day, our UK travel writer Rachel McAlley set off for a couple of days for #TeamCoco to the Durham Dales to experience the Durham Dales Experience: beautiful countryside, a wonderful 5-star hotel, a well-known arts and cultural museum, and a quaint market town.

I drove through the Yorkshire snow, and into the Durham frost to a very sunny and not at all snowy Rockliffe Hall near Darlington, for a day and night of pure luxury and pampering.

A Solo Female Traveler’s Delight

As a solo female traveller, I wanted to experience the hotel’s grounds and go for a walk, so I took it upon myself to leave my luggage at the reception and head out into the acres of lovely countryside to take in some fresh air and simply enjoy the Rockliffe Hall grounds – an Instagrammers dream!

I was introduced to the brand new MischMasch area of the gardens; a wonderland of curiosities for kids, including six little secret hideaway pods filled with exciting things like a huge Smart TV for movies in one, a pool table and darts board in another, chill out pod to hang with friends in another, and generally have fun in the rest! The child in me wanted to hang out in the pod with the pool table and darts board with my fully grown-up mates and maybe have a glass of wine and just chill for the day.

Indulgence and Relaxation: A Day at Rockliffe Hall

I ventured further afield and took myself through the grounds and across to the Clubhouse, where the hotel’s golfers relax and enjoy a drink and some food. A fab little walk was all I needed after the long drive, and a fab little walk was what I got – it gave me a chance to wind down and enjoy a little me time.

Back into the gorgeous Rockliffe Hall and to The Brasserie for a light lunch (Chicken Caesar Salad, with a side order of fries, and a divine pear tart to finish), looking over the sunkissed golf course and Spa Garden with its steaming hot infinity edge experience pool and warm Jacuzzi, this really was going to be a relaxing stay.

After lunch, I was booked for a 90-minute luxury Neom candle wax massage with an Indian head massage, which was quite possibly the most indulgent massage I have ever experienced. Not only was the treatment super relaxing, but it was also calming, stress relieving, and reflective. The only issue was that the 90 minutes flew-by too fast, I could have stayed for hours having this treatment. This wonderful candle wax massage transported me to a time and place where my mind, body and soul relaxed into that floating state between being awake and asleep – it was simply heavenly.

Ultimate Relaxation and Luxury: Rockliffe Hall Retreat

Post-treatment I was taken to the relaxation room, where I came round from my sleepy state and made the decision to go for a swim in the indoor pool. I could have ventured into the Garden Spa to fully immerse myself in the Rockliffe Hall experience on one of the sound wave therapy beds, but on this occasion, my super-relaxed body couldn’t take me outside, so I simply collapsed on a sun-lounger and then went for a glorious swim.

It was time to leave the award-winning spa and officially check in to my room. Okay, so there are many wonderful luxurious hotel rooms that #TeamCoco have had the pleasure of staying in, but this stunning superior first-floor room in the Old Hall was old-world beauty at its finest, king-sized bed, Egyptian cotton bedding, private living area, huge Smart TV (and a dinky TV at the bottom of the bath), bathrobes and slippers, locally produced biscuits and teas and coffees, plus a Nespresso coffee machine, complimentary water and fresh milk, and extraordinary views of the gardens.

All-in-all the room was a private haven of tranquillity and space, perfect for a solo traveller like myself. I used the desk to do some writing for the magazine and catch up with emails, before taking a bath, and then spending the evening on the sofa watching TV and movies.

Culinary Delights and Morning Vibes: A Stay at Rockliffe Hall

I ordered room service rather than heading to The Orangery, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, as I wanted to enjoy the beautiful Old Hall bedroom that I was lucky to be staying in.

The room service menu was as good as the earlier Brasserie menu, filled with classic dishes, contemporary dishes and room service must-haves. I chose a couple of nibbles (pork scratchings and homemade bread) rather than a starter; I enjoyed the nibbles with a glass of wine before opting for a classic main course (fish and chips with tartar sauce and Yorkshire caviar), a hearty dessert (crumble and ice cream) and a small selection of cheeses. I ordered way too much food, but it was worth it, especially the crumble.

After my ensuing food coma it was time to wrap up warm under the bed covers and dream about fairies in the garden pods at Rockliffe Hall!

Breakfast was taken in the hotel restaurant, it was a buzzing hive of businessmen and women getting ready for the day ahead, couples that had enjoyed a romantic night away from home, and a few solo travellers like myself. Everyone was tucking into either a full English breakfast, eggs Florentine (my breakfast of choice), or simple pastries and coffee, a delicious way to start the day.

Exploring Barnard Castle: History, Culture, and Charm

After checking out of the hotel it was a 40-minute drive across the county from Darlington to Teesdale and Barnard Castle, a quaint market town filled with independent shops and little cafes. I visited a couple of shops in the town including a chocolate shop and a lovely stationery shop. Then I ventured to the world-renowned The Bowes Museum for a morning of culture, history and antiques.

Housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts, the Museum was purpose-built in the 19th Century by wealthy businessman John Bowes and his French actress wife Josephine. Their romantic story was revealed as I wandered around the elegant Grade I Listed building and the gorgeous gardens.

The diverse collections begun by this amazing couple are constantly being added to and currently span three floors of this magnificent French-style chateau in the heart of the Durham Wolds.

Antique Adventures and Abbey Ruins: Exploring the Durham Wolds

Housed in the Museum’s main exhibition space, I spent time being walked through the SOLD! Exhibition (running until May), the display takes the visitor on a journey through 200 years of antique dealing through an innovative ‘shopping for antiques’ theme.

After a couple of hours of culture and history, it was time to depart The Bowes Museum and make my way to the old ruins of Egglestone Abbey before driving from the sunshine of the Durham Wolds back into the Yorkshire snow!

I had a great couple of days filled with relaxation, excellent food, history, and rambling in and around the Durham Wolds aka the Durham Dales, and you can be sure that either myself or someone else from #TeamCoco will be returning to Durham, as there’s plenty more to see including the historical city of Durham itself and also the pretty Durham coast.

This trip for House of Coco Magazine was kindly organised by the following three tourism, hospitality, and arts businesses in the Durham Dales:
Visit County Durham – https://www.thisisdurham.com
Rockliffe Hall – https://www.rockliffehall.com
The Bowes Museum – https://www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Adventures November 9, 2023

Egypt’s Best Kept Secrets

There are few countries as fascinating as Egypt. This is a country that has an incredible history to discover with many breathtaking millennia-old monuments to behold, but there is much more to Egypt than this and visitors are often amazed at just how much there is to see and do here outside of the pyramids.
There are a few obvious highlights that you certainly shouldn’t miss, but read on for a few of the off-the-beaten-path attractions which will provide you with a more authentic experience during your time in this magnificent northeast African country.
Sultan Hassan Mosque
The Sultan Hassan Mosque on the capital city of Cairo is a breathtaking sight to behold and one of the largest religious buildings in the entire world. The 14th-century mosque has stunning interiors and architecture to marvel at with many historians claiming that the mosque uses some of the same stones that were used to construct the Pyramid of Giza. Of course, Cairo itself is a must-visit and there are all kinds of highlights to discover here and it is somewhere with both history and culture to enjoy.
Medinet Habu
Medinet Habu in Luxor is the mortuary temple of the legendary Rameses III, who was the second Pharaoh of the twentieth dynasty and a key figure in the New Kingdom of Egypt. Inside the temple, you will discover intricate hieroglyphics that describe the advent and defeat of the Sea Peoples and it is one of the best-preserved temples from the New Kingdom period, so it is certainly worth a visit.
Hadaba Beach
If you are seeking sun, sea and sand during your holiday to Egypt, then Hadaba Beach should be the top of your list. Somewhat of a hidden gem in the lesser-known resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, Hadaba Beach boasts beautiful azure waters, golden sand and idyllic surroundings which makes it the perfect place to chill out and recharge after exploring other areas of Egypt.
Temple of Hatshepsut
Found on the west bank if the iconic River Nile near the Valley of the Kings and beneath enormous imposing cliffs is the Temple of Hatshepsut – the Eighteenth Dynasty Pharaoh. It is considered to be one of the more striking architectural masterpieces and one of the best places to visit in Egypt but one that is often missed by tourists.
Abu Simbel Temple
The Abu Simbel Temple, also known as the Sun Temple, south of Aswan is a striking sight to behold and one of the more unique temples in Egypt. Commissioned by King Rameses II, the enormous temple is carved into the side of the mountain and features four imposing statues of Rameses himself as a showing of his political power.
Aga Khan Mausoleum
Also located in Aswan is this more modern tomb of Aga Khan III – the 48th imam of the Ismaili sect who passed away in 1957. Inspired by the architecture of the Cairo Fatimids, this is an elegant and attractive mausoleum made from pink limestone stands tall overlooking the River Nile and beyond.
Mount Sinai
Considered to be the site where the prophet Moses received the Ten Commandments, Mount Sinai is a beautiful part of Egypt and somewhere of deep historical and spiritual significance for the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities. Regardless of your religious beliefs, this is a great place to visit during a trip to Egypt as it is a remote and peaceful place where you will find the world’s oldest continuously operating Christian monastery at the foot of the mountain.
Egypt is a terrific country to visit with an amazing amount to see and do with these being just a few of the lesser-known highlights that are worth checking out.

Cuba November 9, 2023

Up-and-coming cruise destinations for 2019

Cruise ships just get better and better, and for some, being on the boat is the best part of a cruise holiday. With fantastic facilities on board, passengers can relax after a day of sightseeing and be taken care of in a luxurious setting. This is making them more adventurous in terms of cruise destinations – let’s not overlook the impact that visiting a new country can have.

Sea, sun and sand have long been a staple of cruising holidays, but retailers such as CruiseDeals.co.uk now offer trips to a host of amazing destinations for 2019. Here are some of the highlights:

Jordan

A country steeped in mystery and history, Jordan is becoming a bucket-list destination for many cruisers, especially those who want to fully immerse themselves in a different culture.

Cruises dock at Aqaba, offering quick-and-easy access to a host of archaeologically significant sights, as well as a museum, fort and always-fragrant market. For those who like to stay active, the snorkelling and diving opportunities here are spectacular, but a few hours of floating in the Dead Sea is just as fun. A truly unique combination of desert landscapes, bustling cities, ancient history and modern luxury make Jordan a once-in-a-lifetime holiday destination.

St Petersburg

Perhaps not the first destination people think of when planning their ultimate cruise, St Petersburg is something of an untapped gem found in the Baltic region.

Cosmopolitan and surprising, with some of the world’s most ornate architecture, the city takes you from one amazing building to another with an underlying sense of spirituality. There’s also a heady cultural scene, with world-famous ballet regularly performed and the Hermitage museum showcasing millions of works of art. You may not get to lounge on a beach here, but adding a few extra layers will definitely be worth it.

Cuba

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting a multicultural country that seems to have been left untouched by globalisation, Cuba is the cruise destination for you. Thanks to a vivid atmosphere, natural delectation for excitement and some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, it’s a country that satiates the desires of travellers.

Alongside colourful Havana, a capital city with a fresh and fun carefree spirit, there are numerous enticing beaches, as well as nature reserves and hikes to explore. From Mojito cocktails in the city to quiet lakes surrounded by trees, every experience you could ever dream of can be enjoyed here.

Malaysia

Imagine being able to visit a destination that encompasses multiple influences, a huge variety of cuisines and multiple landscapes to enjoy. Well, Malaysia boasts all of these and more thanks to being one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world.

Asia has long been a cruise destination for discerning travellers, but Malaysia specifically is now enjoying a surge in popularity thanks to the sheer volume of things to see and do. With influences pouring in from China, Europe and India, food-and-drink options are just as diverse as the landscape itself, which lets you choose between ultra-modern cityscapes such as Kuala Lumpur and rural utopias.

Iceland

More and more people are waking up to the potential of holiday destinations that focus less on sweltering temperatures and sandy beaches and more on unique experiences. Iceland is fast becoming a country that many cruisers are keen to see and not just because they want to test their mettle and try some of the more unusual local foods.

Reykjavik is a terrifically cosmopolitan city, filled with art galleries, boutique shops and incredible eateries, but it’s also the thermal baths and opportunity to see the Northern Lights that keep people coming back for more.

Egypt

Hardly a new addition to holidaymakers’ lists, Egypt is an incredible destination that was not frequently reached by cruise ship – until now. The possibility has been in place for a while, but keen cruisers are now alert to what the voyage can offer them in terms of spectacular sightseeing.

Before reaching the famous home of the pyramids and deserts that are ideal for dune-buggy excursions, passengers can enjoy sailing leisurely through the Red Sea, Suez Canal and even along the Nile. Given the balmy temperatures in this part of the world, it’s a perfect choice for some winter sun, and you haven’t lived until you sample the food, much of which is suitable for vegetarians.

While warm and sunny destinations have been popular with cruisers for many years, it’s the time for cultural hotspots to rise up and enjoy a turn in the limelight. There’s never been a better time either, as cruise ships are so well equipped these days that even if a destination is lacking a certain something, you’ll be sure to find it on board.

Egypt November 9, 2023

The History Of Tattoos: Past, Present, And Future

Tattooing has been with us for a very long time. Today it is considered an art form and a type of body modification, but in some parts of the world, it has been a rite performed on tribal members for thousands of years. In other societies it was for some time considered an act of rebellion. Even today, if someone applies for a job in customer service, they are considered ineligible if they have facial tattoos.

Tattoos of the Past

There is plenty of evidence discovered in caves that prehistoric people used. All over Europe, 12 000 year old tools used to embed primitive ink into the skin are displayed in museums. The oldest tattoos are to be found on Ötzi the Iceman.

When Ötzi was slain by an arrow on the mountain slopes of the Alps around 7,000 years ago, he had over 60 tattoos of various sizes and shapes all over his body. Mummies in Egypt sported them as well. They have been used as decorations, symbols of adulthood, and individuality for as long as humans have been able to pick up a tool. You can also check tattooing101.com for a guide to the history of tattoos.

Present Day Tattoos

Over the last 50 years or so, tattoos have gradually entered the mainstream. They had to take a back seat in the Western world for a while because of their association with sailors and primitive civilizations. The higher echelons of society have often been appalled by the sight of inked skin, but they are rapidly fading into an insignificant minority. If you’re interested tattoo meanings; check out what the star tattoo meaning has evolved into.

Artists such as the team at Tattoo Stylist continue to take tattooing to new heights of beauty and amazement. Some examples of how far inking has come are:

3D tattoos are the ultimate in body art. They have a unique way of appearing hyper-tangible. 3D ink is a credit to both the artist who created it and the client who became the canvas for this exciting art form.
Commemorative tattoo ink is the latest trend to be seen in parlors all over the States. It is ink that has been hygienically created for an individual from the ashes of a beloved one who is now deceased. It can also be formed from the ashes of a family pet. The Engrave Ink website has all the details of how they will ship a kit to you for the process to begin.
White ink tattoos are the perfect tattoo for anyone who wants it to be secretive and discreet. They do require more maintenance to keep them from fading or discoloring, and a white ink tattoo is no longer subtle when placed under UV lighting; it glows a brilliant purple.
Miniature tattoos are extremely popular personal badges to have for anyone who wants it to be hard to find. These can include being hidden in a skin fold or under body hair.

Tattoos of the Future

There is plenty of evidence to suggest that tattooing will evolve into body art and make-up on larger parts of the body. Even science fiction books predict the rise of tattoo equipment as a fashion statement. With such progress made in the laser tattoo removal of unwanted tattoos, more people are choosing to make the commitment to these personal symbols.