Lindos Grand Resort & Spa is perched just above Vlycha Bay, one of the most peaceful pebble beaches in Rhodes. On arrival to the hotel, guests are welcomed into a bright lobby and outside terrace with soaring views of brilliant skies and large infinity pool, one of the largest on the island – which takes eyes directly to a vast stretch of the Aegean beyond. The property is the fifth and latest from the Minettos family owned high-end chain, Lindos Hotels Group.
Chic, contemporary and sparkling white, the five-star hotel offers an ethereal feel on the hilltop with plenty of room to roam, beautiful manicured gardens to unwind in and a tranquil spa. Rooms and suites are modern and relaxed, with hugely comfortable beds, a muted colour palette in the well-appointed bathrooms and floor to ceiling windows allowing the natural light to stream into the space at sunset. For the majority of the 189 rooms at the adults-only hotel, the turquoise private pool that curves around each offers a complete slice of heaven. The rooms are designed in such a way that guests feel like they are in their own secluded villa with complete privacy but yet are just moments from the hotel’s sensational restaurants, two buzzy bars and expert concierge services.
The dining at Lindos Grand Resort & Spa is famed throughout the island and is the envy of other hotels in the region. The key component being the skill and artistry of Executive Chef Stavros Manousakis. Chef Manousakis has been a part of Lindos for 11 years, truly a family affair. He has travelled extensively and works with local children in addition to his work at the hotel to ignite a passion for all things culinary.
Three à la carte restaurants offer an exquisite variety of cuisine and there are plans to open other concepts in 2022. There is the Mediterranean-focused Acqua e Sale and the fine dining Greek Restaurant, Thalatta which explores the rich culinary heritage of the Dodecanese Islands. Time honoured recipes are given new life thanks to the creative flair of the expert chefs in the hotel’s kitchen. Fresh produce from the island is cooked to perfection and all washed down with wines so local and golden, it is unlikely you will ever sip them again, unless you sought them out. The Japanese Yume Mou is an omakase experience that is simply breathtaking with the cobalt sea in the foreground and the chef preparing delicious morsels in front of your eyes. Chef Manousakis will take epicureans through each exquisite dish and his culinary journey as to why each ingredient is served on the special menu, from dashi to Red Snapper, sushi and fresh oysters. The main restaurant, Terra Mare offers views of the ocean and serves up breakfast from 5:30am – 11:30am, for those early birds or late risers and a buffet-style, laid-back dining experience in the evening. Guests also have the option to order breakfast directly to the room, at a small surcharge.
Just a stone’s throw from the relaxed vibe around the pool and chilled music at Atmos Lounge is Vlycha Beach where there is a dedicated section of hotel-owned loungers just by the lapping shores. If a spot of culture away from the hotel is on the agenda, the property is just minutes from Lindos Old Town located at the foot of the acropolis that dates back to 300BC. To burn off all the delectable food served by the charismatic Chef Manousakis, guests can ascend to the top of the hilltop and enjoy otherworldly views of the Aegean, as far as the eye can see that will truly make your soul soar.
Also not to be missed is the Medieval City of Rhodes which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved and largest inhabited medieval towns in Europe. Visitors can immerse themselves in a bygone age and explore the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, get lost along quaint cobbled streets, dine in the flower-filled gardens of unassuming restaurants such as the superb Marco Polo Mansion and browse artisan market stalls selling local wears. Back at the hotel, Lindos Grand will be hosting Ceramic and Cooking classes this summer and offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture of Rhodes and return home with a traditional Grecian skill.
This year, all roads are leading to Rhodes.
Rates for Lindos Grand Resort & Spa start from £200 a night on a B&B basis staying in a Deluxe Double Room, Garden View. To book, visit www.lindosgrand.com
Luxury travel is one of the fastest-growing travel trends these days. And when people think of luxury, it often conjures images of lavish resorts and exclusive spas. But luxury travel is much more than that. It could be about relaxing at a luxurious 5-star tent in Canada, cruising around Mexican waters on a lavish yacht, or taking a scenic helicopter ride over the Scottish Highlands. Luxury travel can include lots of activities or simply doing nothing at all. Regardless, you can expect a high level of service and exquisite experiences that are way beyond the average.
Here’s your guide to the top luxury getaways in the world.
Canada
Canada’s diversity of scenic landscapes makes it an excellent destination for extraordinary travel opportunities. You will have plenty of options for luxury travel experiences in Canada, but one of the most luxurious ways to soak up the country’s rugged beauty of nature is to go heli-hiking and luxury glamping above sea level!
Just a short flight from the bustling city of Vancouver, Vancouver Island feels like it is several miles away from the mainland with its quirky villages and vast wilderness. From Vancouver, take a private plane over the Pacific Ocean to get to the island. Here, relax in an exquisite and remote wilderness retreat with 5-star tents fitted with luxurious modern amenities.
On the following day, board a helicopter to get to a secluded peak overlooking the quiet waters off the coast of Vancouver Island. At a staggering height of 4,500 ft, this will be your home for a few nights surrounded, and you will sleep surrounded by the vast wilderness. Take note – this is not any ordinary glamping setup. You will have your own chef who will prepare al fresco dinners served with the most exquisite wines.
Greece
Greece is not like any other place in the world. It’s a land of mythology and legends, where art, culture, and humanity converge. While most visitors would come to explore its historical sites and learn about its fascinating culture, a few travellers would visit to get a taste of the country’s luxury offerings.
The best way to get started with your luxury travel in Greece is to book a private villa in Mykonos overlooking the gorgeous views of the Aegean Sea. Choose a villa fitted with luxury amenities, such as an outdoor Jacuzzi and infinity pool that flows right into the Aegean horizon.
For a luxury dining experience, book a reservation at one of Greece’s many Michelin Star restaurants. Spondi, located right in the heart of Athens, has been given two Michelin Stars for its creative mixture of traditional and international cuisines. Opt for the Discover tasting menu, which comes with three starters, ten courses, and an option to include up to six glasses of exquisite wine!
The Maldives
Nothing original about suggesting one of the most sought after destinations in the world but the fact is, it delivers a high quality holiday experience. The Maldives is home to luxury clear blue waterside resorts that have everything you could possibly want regardless of if you’re on your honeymoon, travelling with the family or looking for a solo getaway. The immense sunsets are just right for honeymooners after pampering whilst sitting back with a cocktail. The Gili Lankanfushi has private beach houses with stunning views making this overwater villa resort worth checking out. The Indian Ocean has crystal clear, warm waters that make for relaxation that could only be matched by the sort of luxury you can achieve in the Maldives. Every island hotel has something for everyone, but if luxury be the aim then it’s difficult to argue a Maldives holiday of luxury isn’t worth considering.
Mexico
There are so many things to discover in Mexico, from dense jungles to sandy beaches, modern cities, and ancient ruins, not to mention delicious Mexican dishes and fresh seafood. The country is massive, and there are fascinating destinations to discover on both the west and east coasts and the tip of Baja, home to the famous Los Cabos, where you will find the country’s most luxurious resorts.
The best way to explore Mexico is to go cruising on a lavish yacht. With a luxury cruise, you can visit various ports and enjoy onboard amenities and different excursions and activities every day. When you sign-up for organised excursions, you can choose from exciting adventures or just spending lazy days at the beach. The biggest benefit to cruising is being able to experience several destinations without the hassles of transferring from one hotel to another. These luxury ships are fitted with fitness centres, spas, pools, and world-class dining amenities.
Mauritius
Mauritius is a beautiful island country in the Indian Ocean located off Africa’s Eastern Coast. The island is volcanic in origin and is almost surrounded by stunning coral reefs. Mauritius is home to some of the most luxurious resorts worldwide, so it’s not a surprise why it’s one of the top destinations for those who want to travel in luxury.
When it comes to luxury accommodations in Mauritius, St. Regis is highly recommended. This five-star luxury hotel boasts 172 suites that open to the stunning panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Located on the south-eastern side of Mauritius, guests staying at St. Regis will have exclusive access to Le Morne Beach. Offering five distinct fine dining experiences, St. Regis offers guests the opportunity to experience traditional Mauritian cuisine as well as international options ranging from Japanese to French cuisines.
Another luxury resort to check out in Mauritius is the Royal Palm Beachcomber. This 5-star tranquil tropical haven lies along the gorgeous Mauritian beaches. The resort’s cabins are connected through shaded pathways surrounded by lush greenery. Each cabin has oversized windows that open to the panoramic views of the island. The resort’s highlight is its wine cellar, which has hundreds of exquisite wines on display, including vintages and those made by up-and-coming winemakers.
Scotland
Scotland is a land of fascinating history and stunning scenery. With so many beautiful things to explore, planning a trip to Scotland can be daunting. If you want to see everything in one go, why don’t you book a scenic helicopter ride? Treat yourself to an extraordinary journey into the skies and admire Scotland’s rugged beauty from above. A helicopter ride over the beautiful highlands is an experience you will definitely treasure for the rest of your life!
Aside from the scenic helicopter rides, Scotland offers several other activities for those who prefer to travel in luxury and style as well as luxury group accommodation near the Open. If you are a fan of golf, time your visit to see the 150th Open Championship in St Andrews. Happening in the iconic Old Course at St Andrews, where golf was first played 600 years ago, attending the Open is an experience you should not miss in Scotland, whether you are a fan of golf or not.
Living a better lifestyle is a choice you make daily. As a result, there are concrete actions you can take to make this process as enjoyable as it can be. Let us look at five of them in greater detail.
First Things First
Without a shadow of a doubt, the most important thing to having a good lifestyle is taking care of your health. If you cannot move, you won’t be able to see the world and everything it has to offer. If you are highly overweight or suffer from diseases like hypertension and diabetes, you won’t be fit to taste the food you wish to taste. In essence, you will be missing out on a long list of wonderful things.
As such, you must take care of your body. If you suffer from chronic pain in your lower back or still have nagging injuries from the past, don’t ignore that. Don’t wait until they get worse. Instead, look into physiotherapy,scoliosis private treatment, or any other regimen to fix what needs to be fixed. The sooner you do it, the sooner you can start living your life the way you are supposed to and be happy.
Not Your Mother’s Cooking
One of the many interesting things about Japanese culture is that its people are very particular about the foods they eat. Among other things, this is because the vast majority of them are health-conscious individuals who would rather not eat dishes cooked with a lot of oil or fatty meats. When they travel abroad, they often take their own food with them. And if they don’t, they look for a Japanese restaurant as soon as they arrive at their destination of choice.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with this. As human beings, we are free to choose what we put inside our bodies and these choices should be respected. Still, traveling is not something most of us can do every day. As a result, wouldn’t it be better totry something new, even once or twice? You never know how much you may like it if you don’t at least give it a shot.
The Value of Communication
For English speakers, Turkish, Arabic, Russian, and Mandarin Chinese are four of the most difficult foreign languages to learn. Unless you are planning on living in a country where one of these tongues is spoken, you are married to one of their nationals, or your work demands it, there is no real need to spend hours upon hours learning it thoroughly.
But you can learn a few words and phrases such as hello, goodbye, where is the toilet, and how much is it? You can also buy a pocket dictionary or download one of the manyapps at your disposal. Once you are abroad, the little you know will not only help you get by but also break the ice with the locals and make your trip all that more enjoyable.
Anything but Typical
When it comes to going on vacation, few people dislike traveling to a beautiful beach in an exotic destination. Whether it is Boracay in the Philippines, Horseshoe Bay in Bermuda, Bora Bora in French Polynesia, orsomewhere else, a beach is the ultimate location for deep relaxation and rest.
Nevertheless, if you have made it a habit to do it, perhaps you could try something completely different this year. You could head for the mountains or run around a modern metropolis like Tokyo, Singapore, or Shanghai. Likewise, if you love hiking or shopping, you can take this opportunity to go to the beach. As the common saying goes, variety is the spice of life, and if you do something over and over again, at some point it will lose its magic, and you are bound to get bored.
Living in the Moment
For one reason or another, human beings are the only species with the ability to think about both the past and the future. Whether this is a good or bad thing depends on whom you ask. And while it is impossible not to do it, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to learn how tolive in the present. After all, that is the only thing you can control.
If today is Sunday and you are having a blast watching a football game with your friends, make the effort not to think about tomorrow. No matter what you do, Monday will come. Rather, be aware of the present moment and be grateful that you are having fun.
By doing this, your outlook in life will slowly begin to change, and you will become a much more positive and happier person.
There you have it, five of the best tips for a better lifestyle. So keep them in mind, and give yourself the chance of having the life you want and truly deserve.
With change comes opportunity, and House of Coco writer, Tilly-Jayne Kidman has just embarked on a new project featuring a 1990’s campervan. Adventure now starts at home, read how a (slightly) rusty van has transformed her vision of travel for now and beyond.
When the pandemic hit and travel grounded to a halt, I felt lost. My life had been all go for many months, juggling a steady stream of freelance work with jetting off to a new destination on an almost monthly basis. Known for being the busy one, I was caught up in the buzz of my own life but all of a sudden, I felt as redundant as the planes on the Heathrow tarmac. I was no longer chucking a bikini into my suitcase and catching planes like buses, no, I was now watching back-to-back episodes of Schitts Creek and ordering a new pair of sweatpants. What I didn’t realise at this point (I think I’d just reached season three) was that I would soon be changing more than just my travel habits.
Like most, I thought this would be a temporary glitch in my busy life, that before long I’d be dashing off to the airport and having an almighty meltdown when my passport was not in the safe place where I definitely left it. As time passed, it became apparent that this would not be the case, life was changing and it was slowing down. Travel began to feel like a distant dream, an old life. I reminisced on old photos, scrolling for hours pining over memories of a former life. People watching in Cape Cod, pretending to understand baseball in Boston, road-tripping around the East coast of Canada. If only past me knew how good she had it! Never one to dwell, I began to explore the idea of an alternative form of travel. Slow travel, local travel.
I’ll put my hands up and (rather ashamedly) admit that travel to me meant exploring destinations outside of the UK. Sure, I’d ticked off a few of the popular UK hotspots, the Lake District has always been a favourite and I’d been to the coast a few times, but I’d never really sunk my teeth into the country I’d grown up in. Favouring bargain Ryanair flights to Europe over a weekend in Norfolk but when a flight to Copenhagen was less than the cost of dinner, it’s easy to see how we get swept up in the rush of bagging great deals and packing our bags. Not so great for the planet. With international travel off the cards for the foreseeable, I began to toy with the idea of van life. A lifestyle I’d been growing gradually more obsessed with over the past year or so. I followed van lifers on Instagram and on YouTube, admiring their travels and life on the road. They all seemed so happy and carefree, and I wanted a slice of that freedom.
One thing I’ve discovered since the pandemic, is that yes, holidays and trips are great, but actually it’s freedom that I value the most. Whether that’s here in the UK or on a sandy beach in Ibiza. This relentless craving for freedom led me down the van life road, and that’s when everything changed. I spent hours researching vans, would I buy a campervan or attempt a self-build conversion? Well, I’m not too handy with plumbing or electrics so maybe that won’t work. Ok maybe I should finance a new van so it’s reliable. THAT’S how much they cost? Ok maybe not. I went back and forth, until one fateful day, on my government-approved daily walk I bumped into a rather retro-looking Totoya Hiace with a ‘for sale’ sign in the window. I hadn’t felt such a rush of excitement in months, it was surely meant to be. I’d researched Japanese vans and the general consensus was that they’re pretty reliable, so with that in mind I scribbled down the number on the back of a receipt and as soon as I returned home I was on the phone and arranging a viewing. I will say that by this point, I had already decided this was my van. I’m not sure there was anything that could have put me off, once I get something in my head, it’s happening.
Welcome Elvis
And that’s how Elvis came about. My new pride and joy. I viewed him for approximately 45 seconds before thrusting the cash into the man’s hand. He’s a 1994 Toyota Hiace import with just 69,000 miles on the clock. He’s been well-cared for with lots of life and adventures left in his old soul even if he is a bit rusty around the edges. In all honesty, I used to think caravans were predominantly for old people, but here we are. I’m even a member of the Camping and Caravan Club! Who is she?
My plans for Elvis are modest thanks to the already built-in bed and kitchen set-up, I’m quite lucky in the fact the hard work has already been completed, but I am giving him a much-needed refresh. The van is very much stuck in the 1990’s, so I’ve been working to bring him into the 21st century. A great little project that’s within the realms of my DIY skillset (just about), the floor has been replaced, curtains and new cushion covers are underway and I’m planning to give the dull wooden furniture a fresh coat of white paint. It’s the perfect base for all of my UK adventures, and we’ve got Cornwall, Wales, the New Forest and the Peak District lined up for the summer. Does he go above 50mph? No. Does he travel well uphill? Don’t even talk to me about it. What he does do though is get me there, it just takes a little patience.
The van life trend might be an Instagram phenomenon, but it has opened my eyes up to slower, more sustainable travel. The word sustainability gets thrown around an awful lot, to the point I think its lost meaning and impact to a certain degree. I’ve always felt a sense of guilt when I step on a plane, persuading myself that off-setting my carbon footprint alleviates any wrongdoing but knowing deep down that this is just a drop in the ocean. Will I ever get on a plane ever again? Yes of course, because I do believe travel is important and that we can be responsible, but the van has allowed me to explore slow travel, and even better, local travel. Exploring in a manner that’s better for the earth feels good, lowering my impact where I can, from reducing my air miles right down to my reusable flask, single-use plastic free van and plant-based diet.
I’ve experienced more of the United Kingdom in the past six months than I have in my entire lifetime. Elvis is taking me down roads I’d never have travelled before, introducing me to new communities of van lifers, and the greatest gift of all? Freedom. My Netflix account is wondering where the hell I am, because instead my days off are now jam packed with adventure. From ticking off the best beaches in Norfolk, to gazing at the staggering natural beauty of Durdle Door. Elvis has given me more than I could have ever imagined, and proven that even in the darkest of situations, there’s always opportunity if you seek it.
My future of travel looks different to what I could have possibly imagined pre-pandemic. Yes, I miss those balmy summer evenings on holiday, getting lost in bustling street markets and discovering delicious local cuisine. Those days will be back, I’m sure. For now, though, I’m happy to be living life with my little van. International travel is somewhat of a luxury and I will savour every last drop as trips become fewer and more meaningful. Perhaps one day soon I can hit the road in Europe and discover the South of France, but for now, I’m more than happy to settle for the Norfolk coast!
There are some of us that haven’t ventured into the city centre for a while. Sure, the variety of lockdowns we’ve had have played a part in that, but be honest, when was the last time you saw behind the Merrion Centre?
Now that they’ve got rid of the old eyesore of a building that housed the casino, and pumped a lot of money into the area, there are tons of stylish restaurants and bars to choose from.
Dominating the Arena Quarter by sticking out from the fold with a beautiful, angular purpose is Oba.
Now, at some point, you may have visited the red fronted Hang Sing Hong on Vicar Lane. It’s an Aladdin’s cave of food and ingredients as they say ‘from the orient’. Oba Kitchen and Bar is their baby.
Fusing Korean and Japanese dishes, the menu offers a mouthwatering array of favourites. Whether you’ve visited Japan or Korea and want the nostalgia of the taste of tradition, or you’re brand new to this cuisine, staff are on hand to offer advice.
Inside the vibe is clean lines and stylish but comfy chairs, mixed with cocktail bar aesthetic on the walls and behind the bar. With the floor to ceiling windows, on a dark night, it feels really cosy.
The food was fresh from the kitchen, staff were on alert and quietly attentive. Always ready to answer any questions and help out with ordering.
We went for a mixture of sushi rolls, gyoza, Kang Poon Gi (Korean sticky chicken), Beef Steak Wraps (sliced sirloin steak, garlic chip, crispy onion with Truffle Soy Sauce), and sticky rice (always a favourite).
Book a table now, see this as your reason to get out and see a part of Leeds you may not have known was there yet, and find your new favourite Korean and Japanese fusion.
Oba Kitchen and Bar is where the magic of fusion happens. Obaleeds.co.uk.
Our girl Hannah Tan-Gilies ventured into bustling Oxford Circus to sample the Japanese Izakaya-inspired menu of Flesh & Buns.
Flesh & Buns is a duo of restaurants with locations in both Oxford Circus and Covent Garden. Inspired by hedonism, yet still with a touch of Japanese restraint, Flesh & Buns certainly lures you in from the outside and is the ideal spot for date night or a mid-week catchup with the girls.
The space is divided by Minka-style sliding doors, offering maximum privacy, whilst transporting diners to one of Tokyo’s neon-lit side streets where Japanese Izakaya restaurants are aplenty. Flesh & Buns offers plenty of Izakaya-treats to feast on, with a menu that is distinctively Japanese-inspired yet also blended with a contemporary twist.
We sampled a dazzling array of small plates, paired with some delicious cocktails and sake, that pushed the boundaries of traditional Izakaya. The corn tempura, made with sea salt, Kabosu citrus and chives, is a good place to start, followed by the grilled pardon peppers. The Tuna Yaki (short for Yakitori) was simple yet bursting with flavour and came topped with Bonito flakes. The Korean Fried Wings are hearty (and very messy) but certainly packed the flavour punch as well.
Moving onto big plates, we tried the delicious Smoked Pork Ribs, which offered just the right amount of sweetness and glazed with a chilly honey sauce. We also sampled the Salmon Teriyaki which was perfectly cooked and garnished with traditional cucumber pickles.
By the time we reached desserts, there was almost no room for anything more. However, Kinako donuts, made with black sugar custard, certainly can’t be missed. Flesh & Buns refreshing selection of ice creams and sorbets also provide just the right sweet finish to what was already a truly excellent and appropriate hedonistic meal.
For anyone with long hair, it can be somewhat of a challenge to find a hairstyle that is not only easy to do but that looks good also. After all, no one wants to wear their hair down every single day. Whilst ponytails do look good and are easy to do, after a while you can get bored of having one and feel like it is time to try something else.
This is where hair sticks come in useful as they allow you to quickly and easily create beautiful styles with your long hair.
What are hair sticks?
The name kind of gives it away. Hair sticks are a thin but strong piece of material that are used by people with long hair to create different hairstyles and hold their hair into place in a certain position. Although they vary in size, hair sticks usually measure around 20 cm (8 inches) in length or shorter.
Although most people with long hair tend to use bobby pins and hair bobbles in order to get the desired outcome with their hair that they want, doing it with hair sticks creates a much better effect – that is once you know how to use them of course.
How to use hair sticks
When wearing your hair in a bun with a hair stick, you need to first get all of your hair into your less dominant hand and hold it in place with your index finger and thumb. Using your dominant hand, grab the hair from below and flip the hair over your less dominant hand. Ensure that the hair goes all the way round so that it is completely wrapped around your less dominant hand. Continue to wrap your hair around the base of it, until you reach the point that there is no more hair to wrap.
At this point, you should take your hand out of the loop of hair and pull the loop right over the knot of hair that is in the middle. Using a hair stick, direct it through the middle and over the loop. Your hair can be taken up from your scalp. However, if you do not want to tug away at your roots then you do not have to do it like this.
If your hair is not quite long enough for this type of bun, then try it with a smaller loop instead. Rather than wrapping the hair around your less dominant hand, do it around a couple of your fingers instead. Doing it this way creates a smaller loopr and so requires much less hair.
Types of hair sticks
There are various types of hair sticks currently available for purchase on the market. The ones that you use pretty comes down to your own personal preference on what you like the look of. Some of the most common types include Japanese hair sticks, Asian hair sticks, wooden hair sticks, Korean hair sticks, metal hair sticks, and plastic hair sticks. Similar to these are hair forks.
Why you should use hair sticks
The types of hair styles that you are able to create by using hair sticks are much more gentle on your hair than what many traditional hair styles are, such as ponytails. This is because using hair sticks allows you to distribute the hair more evenly, whilst also putting very little friction on the hair. This results in much less breakage – showing just how good they are for your hair.
With hair sticks you are able to quickly and fairly easily create really good looking hair styles that mean you can get ready in an instant. Simply put in the hair sticks, create a hair style, and off you go.
Because hair sticks are better at distributing the weight of your hair right across all parts of your head, it stops the roots of your hair being subject to too much tugging and pulling, which is effective in not only stopping your hair from falling out but also in preventing you from experiencing headaches. This is good news for anyone that suffers with headaches from wearing their hair up as these can be very painful and last for a long time.
Thanks to using hair sticks, you will never experience a bad hair day again for as long as you live. This is because with them you can quickly and easily create a hair style for any occasion. So the next time that you wake up in the morning and your hair is all over the place and you do not know where to even start with taming it, simply reach for some hair sticks and create a beautiful hair style.
You are able to create all of these wonderful hair styles even if you have not yet managed to purchase hair sticks from sayadesigns.com, this is because lots of things that you are able to find around your house can actually be used for this purpose. Practically any object that is both long and thin, such as a pencil or a pen, can double up as a hair stick. This means that even when you are somewhere that has no hair sticks, you are still able to create a beautiful hair style with a bit of improvisation.
By using hair sticks, you are able to create beautiful looking hair styles with actually very little effort and all within the space of just a few minutes. However, the finished article will look like something that took your hours to create. This is true no matter how long or short (they do not work on a buzz cut) your hair is. Of course though, the longer that your hair is, the more different types of hair styles that you are able to create with hair sticks. Because they are universal, you only need one set of hair sticks to last you the entire time that your hair grows out, meaning that they are economical and also more environmentally friendly as you do not have to get rid of them at any point.
As the Olympic Games opens in Tokyo this summer, get a little taste of Japan here in the UK at The Prince Akatoki, the only 5-star Japanese hotel in London. Drawing inspiration from Asia, this is the perfect destination to relax and experience Japanese culture. House of Coco was invited to try the hotel’s Taste of Japan package, designed to create an authentic, memorable stay.
The experience starts as you check-in to one of the luxurious rooms, where you are welcomed with special Japanese inspired comforts including a traditional tea set so you can create your own tea ceremony and Yukata robe laid out on your bed, which add a little Asian fusion to your stay. All of the bedrooms are spacious however we were lucky enough to be upgraded to one of the suites. This zen sanctuary oozes style and elegance, combining neutral tones and minimalist lines, synonymous with Japanese interiors. A clean, fresh, light aesthetic is continued throughout the hotel. Soft white walls and natural wood run throughout the space. As well as a large bedroom and bathroom, the suite includes a kitchen and living space, ideal for relaxing in. The floor to ceiling windows in the bedroom floods the room with natural light. A stunning fusuma panel inspired wall is the focal point of the suite bringing an accent of colour to the room. There are touches of the Far East scattered all around the hotel including the beautiful Ikebana style floral displays.
After checking in we went for a stroll. The hotel is perfectly located for anyone who wants to explore London. Hyde Park is on your doorstep, and it is a short walk to Oxford Street and Bond Street.
After a couple of hours shopping and taking in the sights, we were ready to relax so went back to the hotel for a drink and dinner. It is wonderfully calm in The Prince Akatoki and you instantly feel a million miles away from the bustling London streets.
Superb sake is the name of the game at The Malt Bar and you can’t stay here without sampling the Japanese homegrown sake. Located on the ground floor of the hotel, this sophisticated, grown up bar has a serious selection of rare Japanese whiskies and spirits. Whisky fans can purchase their own premium bottle which will be housed in the bar’s secret vault that only you can access with your own key as and when you fancy a tipple. A full bloom cherry blossom tree has been installed in the corner and is the perfect backdrop to sip Sakura inspired cocktails. We sampled some of the extensive cocktail menu, I opted for a Momo Martini, a blend of Haku vodka, St. Germain, lychee water, peach honey and yuzu.
After drinks we head to TOKii restaurant for some authentic Japanese cuisine. The space is contemporary, dark timber joinery, screen divides and low lighting create an intimate atmosphere. The A La Carte menu has something for everyone with signature dishes, lighter bites and sides as well as a full menu of Nigiri, Sashimi and Sushi Roll options. The dishes served are like works of art and pretty enough to fill any Instagram feed. We opted for a bit of everything and were not disappointed, every dish was delicious. TOKii’s menu is modern, fresh and combines the best of Eastern and Western flavours. Highlights include the lobster croquettes, crisp and delicate with a perfectly balanced ponzu and mango salsa. The crispy pork belly was rich in flavour and the Cornish crab mayonnaise was not only an array of mouth popping tastes, but it was also beautifully presented, so much so I felt bad eating it. Our waitress insisted we try the wagyu beef with spicy ponzu sauce and I am so glad we did, it was ‘melt in your mouth’ tender and bursting with flavour. I would come back here just for the dining experience.
The Japanese pride themselves on service and the staff here are excellent, the attention to detail and level of hospitality was faultless throughout our stay. The hotel offers guests a chance to explore a culture rich in unique experiences set in a luxurious, relaxing space. The Prince Akatoki is a staycation that will whisk you to the other side of the world, without having to travel abroad.
Nightly rates at The Prince Akatoki London start from £229. A Taste of Japan Experience also includes a sushi masterclass and Ikebana flower arranging, which you can take home as a souvenir. To celebrate their post lockdown reopening, The Prince Akatoki is offering Sakura Season experiences, for more information and to book visit theprinceakatokilondon.com
Lisa Reddings is the founder of Indigowares, a brand that champions being a free spirit. Lisa founded the company back in 2016, after going through a divorce, as an outlet to create patterns but also give herself the freedom to make an income whilst being there for her kids.
With fast fashion a topic of debate right now, Indigowares leans in to the opposite of that, using traditions and techniques that have been forgotten. Each piece will stand the test of time and this business is only just getting started, we spent some time with Lisa to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that led you to launching your brand Indigowares
I trained as a textile designer at Brighton Uni. I spent nearly 20 years working as a conceptual textile print designer based mostly in the fast fashion industry, working in New York, Italy, Spain and London. I felt like I was on a relentless treadmill most of the time. Fashion and textiles can be such a soul-destroying industry. So I took some time out to have kids and dip in and out as a freelancer.
Indigowares was born in 2016 out of my love and need to create pattern… plus I was going through a divorce and needed to figure out a business that would allow me to be there for my kids everyday too.
After my time in the fashion industry— which had taught me a lot, both good and bad— I wanted to create a line that was true to our planet and championed the incredible textile processes of natural dyeing, handloom weaving, resist pattern making and block printing. I was especially focused on keeping alive the traditional processes of dyeing textiles with natural dyes. Many of these techniques and traditions have been forgotten due to our ever-quickening demand for fast fashion throw away trends.
I began learning about indigo and its magical dyeing processes, as well as the cultures that did and still do use it. The journey that I am on will never end, this is just the beginning.
What has been the biggest learning curve since launching the business?
You would think that it would be about textile processes, but in fact I think I have learnt a lot about confidence and self-belief along the way. If you are true to who you are and what makes you happy then this will be a major core to building an authentic brand that is transparent and desirable.
Next lesson: realising you cannot wear all the hats all the time. Metaphorically speaking! Learning to get help on aspects of the business that would free up my time to create and make was a huge step forward.
A big lesson has been to understand how little the general clothing consumer knows and understands about the piece of clothing that they are buying.
I think that it is our job as designers, makers and brands to help the customer understand who made their clothes and what they are made of, how they should be cared for, and so on. I have begun to offer a Repairs and Care Service, repairing any worn or damaged Indigowares product for free with the aim to extend the life span of every garment.
Your brand is all about the free spirited bohemian existence. Why is this important to you?
I think the essence of Indigowares has become about finding a spiritual richness in the pieces we craft. We make Indigowares so that they have ancient roots with modern soul. We need to notice more beauty around us to lift our spirits, slow down and enjoy life.
How do you want women to feel when wearing your designs?
Free, comfortable, and assured that we have only used the most planet friendly materials and dyeing methods we can source.
You enjoy the art of shibori pattern making, can you talk us through this process?
Creating patterns using shibori, a Japanese resist dyeing technique, can be anywhere from a quick project to a labour-intensive process that takes hours of pattern preparation.
I share quick pattern ideas that can be crafted from my organic indigo DIY kit on my Instagram account – check them out!
Shibori is a giant umbrella of lots of resist dyeing techniques. I generally focus on Itajime— a folding and clamping method— and also Arashi, which means storm in Japanese and is a binding and winding technique. Both techniques are very different – one is very much an organized repeat pattern whereas Arashi is a binding technique that creates insane abstract lines. So for me I get the best of both worlds!
Indigo is a cumulative process and can take hours to build up the deep dark indigo hues. One dip achieves light blue, and twelve dips will give you a deep rich tone.
Indigo goes hand in hand with shibori and can be found going back as far as 3,000 years in Japan. The recent exhibition at the V&A about Kimono was incredible for sharing shibori patterns.
A little background on Indigo:
Indigo is a vat dye and completely unlike any other natural dye. It is not soluble in water and requires an alkaline solution from which the oxygen has been removed to become a dye that we can use.
Indigo is found in a plant – a common species is Indigofera tinctoria. Plants of the species Indigofera contain the chemical compound indicant in their leaves, and have been grown for thousands of years for their incredible blue dye. Indigo bearing plants have mostly been grown in tropical climates such as India, South America, and Japan— they love warmth and humidity.
The plant Indigofera tinctoria has light green foliage and pea like flowers and gives no clue to the amazing strong blue dye that can be obtained from the leaves. Extracting the indigo from the plant is a long complex fermentation process, which is incredibly labour intensive. It must be extracted by soaking in water in its ‘colourless’ state, fermented, and then mixed with lime and made into cakes/balls/slices. These cakes can be stored for long lengths of time and can then be ground down at a later date and made into a dye vat.
Indigo can dye all natural fibres. The shades of blue possible are dependent on the type of vat, type of indigo and type of fibre. But the shades of blue it can reach are like no other natural dye on earth. From deep midnight blue blacks to pale pastel duck egg blues.
Indigo has always been a precious and valuable dye. The level to which it was used was not just limited to fashion, but to signify wealth and status, including use in religious ceremonies.
But for me, I create my indigo vats at home in my little studio. I source my indigo from a lady grower in northern India named Kinny – If you’d like to read more, we have a blog on her here. Kinny’s indigo comes to me in block form and I have to grind it down in a pestle and mortar before then creating my dye vat.
What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to become an entrepreneur?
Trust your instincts and be as authentic as you can. Know your value and then times it by 3, especially if you are a woman.
Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?
Never look back. Maybe in hindsight I might have looked for investment to have grown quicker rather than boot strapping and building it from the kitchen table.
How would you describe your personal style?
Eclectic casual work wear. I love denim and generally live in jeans. I believe in buying classic timeless styles that don’t age so that they will last a lifetime in my wardrobe.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
My days generally are a bit of a mixed bag.
Usually my kids and I wake at about 6am. After school drop, then I go running for about an hour. That gets me set up for the day.
When I get back I’m ready to organise new orders and reply to emails. At the moment I’m editing the latest collection and creating descriptions and assets for the launch. The time designing and dyeing usually comes in blocks.
Once a week I have a quick meeting with my Virtual Assistant, Kay— she helps me get newsletters and blogs written, and has really taken so much pressure off my shoulders.
At 3pm I leave work and do the school pick-up. Hang out with the kids and friends in the local park. Once they get to bed I usually get another 2 hours of work in before bedtime.
Of course, this changes depending on the projects and collections I’m working on.
Last year was crazy as I was creating the ‘Reimagine Collection’ for the new sustainable Levis store in Soho. I had at least 4 vats going constantly, and dip dyed about 100 jeans and jackets throughout last summer.
This was such an exciting time as our partnership with Levi’s has been a huge step forward in innovating slow fashion retail models on a larger scale. I began talks with Levi’s in March 2020, agreeing to design and hand dye their Reimagine Collection. This collection is now sold exclusively at Levi’s Haus, a ‘circular-economy’ concept store that involves the customer in the sustainable process by offering repairs and repurposed garments (including Reimagine).
The indigo dyed pieces in my own collection are created within a unique sales model as well; they are all hand-dyed and made to order, following a slow fashion ‘made to order’ model. Each piece always comes with its own passport of when it was dyed, how it was dyed and what it is made of, so that the customer gets a unique on-of-a-kind piece.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Social media has played a part in the growth of Indigowares reaching further than the UK. I think it’s a great way to sell the sizzle. But it hard to replace face to face.
I would say that meeting people face to face at art fairs, such as Childwickbury in Hertfordshire and The Primrose Hill Fair, is vital to understand and respond to our customers. They also get to touch and feel the designs, which is when the brand comes to life.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
Far a field—Nepal is calling me. I’d love to find out more about hemp and its possibilities as a fibre (which is grown in Nepal), considering how I can use it in Indigowares and meeting the farmers and artisans of that country.
In closer reach, my partner is half based in LA but after this year we are staying closer to home for a while. We have a VW camper that is going to take us on adventures around the UK; surfing, hiking, and camping, climbing hills and dipping our toes in streams! We want to discover the hidden gems of the British Isles. Having travelled a lot before my kids were born, I really find a lot of peace in the UK countryside nowadays.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
‘The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim low, and achieving the mark’ – Michelangelo
What’s next for the business?
Indigowares is a brand founded on sustainability, traditional practices and traceability within the sourcing and creation of each garment. Our ethos and handcrafted quality are consistent across all of our collections and collaborations— no matter what the context, I am dedicated to offering timeless luxury garments handcrafted through traditional textile processes.
I am also constantly looking for new opportunities to expand the sustainable model both within Indigowares and on a larger scale within the industry. Our collaboration with Levi’s on Reimagine was just the beginning of this journey.
Right now we are just launching our ‘undyed collection’ alongside our ‘Botanical Energy’ collection. It has been a goal for a long time that I design a capsule collection of undyed clothing for those who love to dye textiles. They can now have ready to wear pieces that are crafted from organic natural fabrics and sewn with organic cotton so that all of the garment takes the dye, even the stitching.
In the Botanical Energy Collection, I have designed one off pieces using eco printing techniques that take the natural dyes from flowers and food waste to imprint colour into the garments. The whole concept of the line is that it can be worn ‘undyed’ but it can also be transformed into your own unique hand-dyed piece, either by using our natural indigo DIY kit or your own natural dyes and techniques.
What does self care mean to you?
Self-care has meant learning to love myself and my body. It only took until I was 45! Wish I’d done it years ago. I’m grateful everyday for what I have, have learnt, and am learning. Gratitude makes me feel happy. I tell myself each morning “I am grateful because….”
I don’t take it for granted anymore. I am in awe, as a woman, of what women are capable of.
I’ve come to understand true friendship. And know no matter what happens they will be always there. Women need women. We can talk about things men would never dream of discussing. I try and surround myself with positive vibrant happy people. Age should never define friendship – different aged women in your life make it richer.
I find it hard to get a lot of down time but when I do I love time in my garden. Digging and growing is good for the soul, no matter how old you are.
Follow Indigowares to follow Lisa on her journey indigowares.com.
Endless lockdown iterations have hit London restaurants hard and with the restrictions finally easing and us on our way towards freedom, plenty of our favourite London spots are finally opening their doors once again. To help these creative and truly special foodie spots keep their doors open, we’re giving you the lowdown on exactly which London restaurants are reopening this summer – so you can get to booking ASAP.
The Italian Greyhound is a latest entry to Marylebone’s restaurant scene and the new passion project from acclaimed restauranteurs Barry Hirst, Marcello, and Gabriel Bernardi. This casual spot is a relaxed take on elevated Italian dining and offers impeccable all-day dining in a super relaxed Italian ‘bacaro’ (which means bar in Italian) atmosphere. We recommend the Panelle, Sicilian chickpea fritters or the John Dory with Italian spinach.
This intimate neighbourhood restaurant is being classic and delicious Italian food to the heart of Fitzrovia. The Fitzrovia spot is led by the same eponymous duo behind this Brighton favourite and offers plenty of al fresco seating to maximise the (likely) brief but very glorious British summertime. Foodies will love Cin Cin classics such as the agnolotti of pea with mortadella and tropea onion or the trombetta courgetts and chive sauce. Wine lovers will also have plenty to explore with Cin Cin’s extensive wine list.
This Japanese Izakaya favourite is once again opening its doors and we can’t wait to check it out. The restaurant duo in Oxford Circus and Covent Garden offer an amazing Japanese-inspired brunch perfect for those looking to take their brunch game to the next level.
Selfridge’s proverbial ‘shining light’ has reopened with a dazzling new cocktail menu, limited-edition afternoon tea and DJ programme as part of its spectacular ‘Light it Up’ campaign. The new cocktail menu, designed by Brasserie of Light Bar Manager Will Beauty, was inspired by the glamour of London after dark and includes several noteworthy concoctions like ‘The Light Fantastic,’ The Prize of Pegasus’ and ‘Jalisco Disco.’ We can’t wait to try it.
Sexy Fish is bringing sexy back to Berkley Square with an exciting entertainment programme that includes live DJs, a new state of the art sound system and plenty (I mean plenty) of new cocktails. Foodies will enjoy Sexy Fish’s impeccable menu of sushi platters, skewers and signature dishes including the Sexy Fruits de Mer platter, Japanese Wagyu Beef with King Crab, and the Indulgent Dessert Platter. The restaurant is also debuting a new underwater inspired hand-etched artwork from Paul Clifford to really immerse you in a decadent aquatic culinary experience.
Heddon Yokocho takes you back to the dimly lit alleyways of Showa era japan and has a vibrant street food inspired menu that will surely impress. Heddon Yokocho’s menu celebrates the history of ramen and highlights the nuances of regional ramen cuisines in Japan, serving up sensational bowls from the northern islands of Hokkaido to the tropical beaches of Kyushu. To celebrate its reopening, the restaurant has opened new social-distancing approved ‘Shuchu Booths’ – who those who like to dine comfortably alone.
This vibrant café and wine bar, which sits right at the heart of St. James, is reopening in style with the launch of its indoor bar and garden terrace. Locket’s Is famous for its wide array of fine wines which are available by the glass or by the bottle. The blend of new and old world labels has been carefully curated to complement the restaurant’s striking international menu. To mark its reopening, Locket’s is also offering 50% discount on freshly baked pizzas from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Mondays to Fridays.
Located at the stunning InterContinental in Park Lane, ‘Theo’s’ or Theo Randall at the InterContinental London Park Lane is reopening with a bang with its popular ‘A Taste of Italy’ set menu this summer. The menu will feature authentic flavours from Puglia, Tuscany, Lombardia, Campania and Sicily and shines the light on regional Italian ingredients that have inspired chef Theo throughout his stellar career.
Burr & Co is tucked into the ground-floor of the stunning Kimpton Fitzroy London and offers a contemporary twist to Victorian-era coffee houses. This casual café is open throughout the day and perfect for solo cups or breakfast meetings. It also offers small plates and wines for those late afternoon catch-ups that we have so dearly missed throughout lockdown
From the minds of Notting Hill’s iconic Globe nightclub, the Secret Sandwich Shop, which recently opened on 20 May, is the perfect spot in town to get your sandwich fix. The sandwiches are based on the Japanese culinary concept of ‘Wanpaku Sando’ which means cheeky or naughty and are piled high and masterfully layered. Perfect to satiate all those lunchtime cravings.
Culinary superstar chef Nico Simeone is opening a second location to his much loved Six by Nico restaurant brand in Canary Wharf this August. Six by Nico offers a fresh and accessible dining experience with truly tantalising six-course seasonal tasting menus inspired from the chef’s memories, films, locations, and even philosophical concepts. It’s a ride – and we can’t wait to visit.
