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.
Self care is a phrase on everyones lips, it can mean anything from long walks in nature, relaxing soaks in the bath or taking extra care of your skin and hair. If it’s the latter, then there is one brand that we just can’t get enough of and that’s The Wild Nettle Co.
Founded by Bronwyn Francis, the brand started out like many others before. Realising there was a lack of natural remedies for her son, she went out to create her own. A true trailblazer at heart and she didn’t even know it.
The Wild Nettle Co. incorporates the natural benefits and anti-inflammatory properties of Stinging Nettles. You know, those things that you used to rub on your legs when you were a kid! Who knew?
We spent some time with Bronwyn to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand, The Wild Nettle Co…
I’ve always had an interest in all things natural, seeking out home remedies, alternative medicines or dietary changes whenever possible to manage allergies or illnesses.
My son has battled with eczema since birth. In 2020, when he was 2yrs old I felt like it was an ongoing vicious cycle with the countless steroid creams, emollients, and ointments that were being prescribed by the GP – some worked for a short time, and some not at all. This led me to investigate and search for a natural remedy.
I knew nettles had wonderful anti-inflammatory properties, and they were growing in abundance around our rural property in Scotland, so I experimented with a nettle oil infusion first. Then formulated a rich body butter with the nettle oil and other natural butters and essential oils, and used it on my son’s skin over a few weeks.
I was really pleased with the results, the effects were great, so soothing for his symptoms. After a friend tried it on her son’s bad eczema and loved the results too, I looked into how I could offer this to others in the same position.
A lot of research, experimentation and the required cosmetic safety assessments meant I could sell to the public.
The soap followed shortly after, and now the range of nettle products includes Hair & Scalp oil, Shampoo bars and Nettle balm for joint and muscle pain, and more.
How do you want people to feel when using your products?
I want people to feel pampered and confident, and ultimately relief of their symptoms knowing they’re using a natural product that is both kind to their skin, as well as the planet.
Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?
I did the best I could with what I knew and the vision I had for the brand. In hindsight, it would have been amazing to have some help, as I did everything myself.
Helping eco conscious women take care of themselves and their family is at the forefront fo what you do. Why was this important to you and how do you achieve this?
The Eco-conscious element of my business is so important because of how relevant climate change is at the moment, every effort should be made, however small, to make more eco-conscious choices.
I feel strongly that women play such an important role in looking after their families, and are often making the choices for family members too – I think of a mum looking after her children’s eczema flair-up, a wife looking after her husband’s psoriasis, a daughter worried about her elderly mum’s arthritis, or concerned for her own dry, itchy scalp – these are the actual customers who contact me or chat with me at markets, who are looking for natural, effective and sustainable products for themselves and their loved ones, to reduce the use of steroid products on their bodies, but also reduce their use of plastic, and are aware of their impact on the environment.
All Wild Nettle products are in glass or recyclable packaging, and our orders are packaged using plastic-free materials.
I have recently signed up with TreeApp to plant a tree for every online order received – it’s a great global tree planting initiative empowering local people to execute the rehabilitation and reforestation of areas all over the world, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, Guinea, Peru, Nepal, and Indonesia. It’s an initiative that I’ve been using personally for some time, and have now signed The Wild Nettle Co. up for the service too
I was delighted recently to learn that The Wild Nettle Co had won the Scotland Prestige Awards 2022/2023 for Eco-Friendly Products Store of the Year – it came as a big surprise, but the recognition really reinforced the work I’m doing, and hopefully, the exposure will reach a lot more people to introduce them to the benefits of nettles, and convince them to switch to a natural, more eco-friendly alternative.
Who’s involved in the business and what are their roles?
I handle everything alone most of the time, so I feel like I know my customers, I make every product, and select and pack every order.
I do have an invaluable assistant named Kyle, who I’ve known for 25+ years, who helps me with production when things get busy or I’m preparing for a bigger event.
Do you plans to launch new products in the future?
Yes, I am currently working on the final formulations for 3 new products which is always an exciting time. I’ll be posting about these on social media, so follow for updates @thwildnettleco.
For anyone interested in launching a wellness business, what advice would you offer them?
Understand your customers and their needs well – keep finding out more and this way you’ll be able to serve them well. And ask for help when you can, it can be a lot to do alone.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
I’m a mum of 2 young ones who are up early every day, so we get up and try to get out for a walk early before breakfast, and then it’s the school run.
While my children are at school I am most productive, getting small batches of products made, orders packaged up, social media posts, and any other admin, ordering of stock that is required. I prepare for the upcoming outdoor markets that I trade at on Sundays – which I love for face-to-face interaction with customers.
What do you do when you are lacking creativity?
Some of my best ideas come to me in the shower – water helps me think. Otherwise, I put on some music and take a walk – I do a lot of thinking on walks, clearing my mental clutter and organising my thoughts and ideas. Also, a great motivator is reading through customer reviews on Trustpilot to remind me how people feel after using the products.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
“It always seems impossible until it is done” – Nelson Mandela
Our readers love to travel, what destination is on your must-visit list?
My dream wish-list trip right now is a yoga wellness retreat in Mexico
What does self-care mean to you?
Self care means dedicating time for yourself and doing something that makes your soul happy and content. For me, it can be anything from playing the piano, reading, taking a walk in nature with my dog, doing sudoku puzzles, or crocheting while watching a favourite show.
Where do you see the brand in the next 5 years?
In 5 years I’d like to see growth of the brand to a point where more and more customers love and share the products. I’d love bigger premises with a team of people producing more Nettle goodies. I have loads of ideas for more products. I don’t want to lose the personal touch and dedication that there is now, my passion is fuelled daily when I receive wonderful feedback and happiness with results from happy customers. That is what keeps me doing what I do.
If you’re sat firmly on your seat on the ‘new year new me’ train then we salute you as December turning into January is a great time to embark on new missions, as a new metaphorical life chapter begins.
And one such change could be the coffee you drink. Perhaps you’re looking for that same buzz you get from your local coffee shop, but from the comfort of your own home? Or maybe you’d like to devote yourself to a new bean or a lighter roast? If you want to roast your coffee on your own you have to check Coffee Bean Roaster for the best coffee roaster to choose.
We’ve delved into a handful of coffee brands which are doing wonderful things. From Chimney Fire which began in a garden shed, to Exhale’s healthy coffee, championing beans from Rubiaceae cherries that are simply bursting with antioxidants.
Whatever your pour, it’s never too latte to try a new type of coffee (see what we did there?) So here are ten of our favourites for you to try in 2021…
Chimney Fire Coffee
Chimney Fire Coffee is a speciality coffee roaster based in Surrey, and their ethically sourced coffee beans are simply amazing. Despite only being a team of six, this intelligent group are extremely passionate about their coffee, from Founder Dan Webber to Head Roster Elizabeth Furth.
Try their Peru Coffee, or Ethiopia Tega and Tula, or opt for the January Discovery Coffee which has notes of tomato jam, orange and dried organic dates. Plus, even more of a reason to try, £1 of every 1kg bag of Discovery Coffee is donated to Re-Cycle.
chimneyfirecoffee.com
Exhale Coffee
If you’re on a health kick this year then Exhale Coffee is a cup in the right direction. Exhale have packed their pour with beans which have big health benefits, with one cup of this coffee containing the same antioxidant power as 12 punnets of blueberries, 55 oranges of 1.2kg of kale, making your coffee addiction a little more guilt-free.
Exhale’s speciality coffee has been crafted for health and you don’t have to sacrifice taste when changing to this wholesome brand. And to appease your inner eco-warrior, Exhale also coin waste to be a “dirty word” and they deliver their coffee in plastic free packaging, with a mission to triumph in ethical sourcing and organic farming practices.
Exhale is the brainchild of founder Alex, a former accountant who has “obsessively researched” health and coffee, and how the two can be a match made in heaven. Exhale coffee is something you simply have to try this 2021.
Exhalecoffee.com
Balance Coffee
Balance Coffee describe themselves as “the brand born in lockdown that gives back,” and they certainly do just that. Balance Coffee are on a mission to deliver high-quality coffee to doorsteps, which is an innovative and much-needed concept amid the lockdown pandemic. Most importantly, the coffee is sensational and from first opening you can smell the delicious beans. Rich in flavour, it’s your perfect morning fix and what’s even better is that you’re contributing to planting new trees by buying it – bonus!
Plus, as well as offering moreish coffee and their coffee subscription service, Balance Coffee has created an online Balance Barista School. Founder and coffee aficionado James Bellis says: “With lots of people now joining our online coffee subscription, we launched this educational content hub to help anyone improve their coffee making at home”.
balancecoffee.co.uk
Brown Bear
This high-quality coffee brand is a must-try, and especially their Mountain Blend.Your palette will delight in rich tastes and a smooth texture, and 5 per cent of sales is donated to Free the Bears charity, protecting vulnerable bears across the world – cute! The sweet and malty flavour will see you supercharged for the day, and the packaging is super cool too!
Brownbear.co
Yallah
Cornwall-based Yallah roasters produce some seriously amazing coffee. Try their Las Cotorra which comes from a farm of the same name in Chiapas, Mexico. This delicious coffee has notes of cocoa, cashews and cream.
The name Cotorras is from a species of bird from the region, where a protected forest houses many plant and animal species. Also, on the Yallah menu is an Ethiopian origin blend from the Worka Smallholders producer. Roasted on a lighter side, the notes of pineapple, apricot and jasmine could accompany your dessert!
yallahcoffee.co.uk
Manumit
Manumit produces quality roasts and have a dedicated team whose motto is ‘For Freedom not Profit’. Rigorous research is done to create solid relationships with their coffee farmers. You can taste the passion of Manumit in their blends. Try Global Justice, from Brazil, with tastes of chocolate, toffee and citrus. Another is Pearl Mountain which has floral notes of hazelnut, chocolate and truffle. For decaf fans, try their Rwandan lime, chocolate and caramel. Manumit deliver to shops, work and places of worship. You can’t hide from this UK favourite.
manumitcoffee.co.uk
Square Mile Coffee Roasters
Multi-award-winning company Square Mile Coffee, founded in 2008, have 25 coffee professionals at your service! Their website shows a map with links to where their coffee houses are in London and, like many of the roasters, they sell great merchandise too.
This company will post you The World Atlas of Coffee 2nd Edition or a great sample coffee pack to lure your taste buds. Perhaps their most popular is the Amaluza is Loja, which is an Ecuadorean coffee combining fruits such as figs and apricot and a sweet and creamy addition of hazelnut. Kick back at break time and turn up the Ecuador music compilation and really enjoy the moment.
squaremilecoffee.com
Maude Coffee
If there’s one thing you should do this year, it’s try out the Rwanda roast from Maude Coffee. The taste is a delicious concoction of milk chocolate, lime and caramel; perfect to have if you’re out of chocolate and crave the taste! The beans are washed and go through a decaffeination process that uses CO2 to extract all the caffeine. With that and the use of charcoal and water, the cup of coffee is chemical free and all by-products recyclable and natural. Ticking the boxes is what we crave and another popular UK choice.
maudecoffee.co.uk
D’NISI
When this company won the Best Café with on-sight Roasting ‘Crema’ award in Scotland’s 2018 Café Awards, they adopted their motto: “The heart of our brand is our coffee, and we are passionate about it.” And at this popular café, where coffee is micro roasted in-house, popular quenchers are Flavoured Latte, blended with syrup and textured milk, Macchiato Caldo and Mochaccino with chocolate. Delicious!
dnisi.com
Taylors of Harrogate
Travelling back south from Scotland and here we have an independent family tea and coffee company dating back to 1886, which is still a huge favourite for their coffees in 2021. With the motto: “People are at the Heart of our Business” Taylors of Harrogate source the best coffees and teas from over one million farmers and workers in 24 countries.
Having switched to 100 per cent renewable gas and electricity and using solar panels and carbon neutrality you can trust that sitting back in your armchair with a cup of one of their delights will be an experience. Try the Lazy Sunday. A sip of this coffee fills you with smooth milk chocolate and citrus, while other favourites include Hot Lava, Praline Especial Brazil, Cacao Superior Colombia and Rich Italian.
taylorsofharrogate.co.uk
Rave
Rave coffee really gives you something to rave about. Not only do their unique bags pop with colour, but what’s inside is a total treat too. These guys create blends by mixing single-origin coffee, giving it a more complex flavour than a single estate alone.
Try their Italian Job blend which works a treat for espresso lovers. It has a bold taste of dark chocolate flavours and walnut. Other must tastes are the Colombia Villamaria Natural No 103, and Guatemala El Morito No 97. Rave mix the fruity, citrus and floral notes well, with nuts and spice. Sounds good enough to us!
When you look at a Celtic know you may be mesmerized by its infinite loop which has no starting point and no end. Although their design is universal, they are not fully understood. It is believed that they are meant to represent eternity.
First Known Celtic Knots
The first evidence of Celtic knots has been found to be after 450 A.D. due to the prevalent influence of Christianity on the Celtic civilization at that time. Many early Christian manuscripts and art pieces have Celtic knots within them, surrounded by plants, animals, and human figures. In Roman floor designs of the third century, many Celtic knot designs are clearly visible as well.
Throughout the world, Celtic knots have been found not only in Russian books but in Ethiopian, Medieval, and Islamic art. However, the greatest difficulty in finding a precise date for the first uses of Celtic knots is quite hard to determine due to the fact that the traditional culture of Celtic knots was passed down orally. Yet, there is no doubt that its influence started spreading aided by missionary expeditions that helped ensure that these complex designs made their way first to Europe and finally to the Scottish Highlands.
Assimilation of the Celtic Knots
Celtic knots suffered assimilation and adaptation in the different cultures that adopted their use. In the 7th century, its use became prevalent in northern Italy, later traveling to Ireland after having been used by the Picts and Northumbrians, among many others.
While the Celtic knot in the Irish culture of that era features consistently unending loops, Roman and Germanic cultures present it with occasional loose ends.
The Golden Age of Celtic Knots
The Celtic knots’ golden age lasted until the beginning of the 11th century when it coincided with the Norman Invasion. The tradition was kept alive due to its appreciation by wealthy aristocrats in Gaelic regions who paid handsomely for ornaments decorated with Celtic knotwork.
What is the meaning of the Celtic knot?
Through the years, many researchers have endeavored to find the meaning of these globally-known knots. They have come to believe that they were developed for both religious and secular reasons. There is evidence in the biblical manuscripts of the Christian era that their pages were adorned with Celtic crosses as were the pieces of jewelry in use at that time. What has turned out to be a much more difficult problem to decipher has been whether or not each particular Celtic knot design has its own significance.
As for the Celts themselves, history has revealed that these knots were not necessarily a reflection of their beliefs but rather a theme used as decorations when the need arose to fill empty areas, whether in the decoration of homes or religious spaces or, as mentioned above, to decorate manuscripts.
What seems to be clear, however, is that these interlaced designs are a positive reflection of the Celtic belief that in life there is interconnectedness as well as continuity. In more recent times, many scholars have attached personal interpretations to each design.
In some cases, the knots have been interpreted as symbolizing the connection between our lives and our place in the universe. Other designs are believed to represent an individual’s balance between their inner and outer self. Click here for more information on Celtic knot jewelry.
It’s likely that you are going to need to invest in more of your favourite drinks for home this month if you are in England, as you won’t be going anywhere anytime soon! So, let us help to compile a rather fabulous list for you and your family.
Now is the right time to plan your drinks cabinet to see you through Lockdown 2.0. We have put together a few ideas for cosy cocktail evenings, drinks by the roaring fire, a day of indulgence, and a relaxing evening in front of the TV.
Cosy Cocktail Evenings
Buck & Birch and The Botanist Gin, Wild Cocktail Collection
The collaboration between The Botanist Gin and Buck & Birch includes three unique cocktails exploring the flavourful wilds of Scotland. Each is small batch crafted and inspired by shared knowledge, passion and the appreciation of Scotland. Cocktails include The Ramble, The Amagroni, and The Plants & Quincidence. All you need is a mixer and you’re good to go.
Manchester Spirit Vodka was created for use in cocktails in Manchester Gin’s premium cocktail bar in the city. Intended to be smooth, clean and versatile, this vodka is a refreshing, modern spirit designed to work effortlessly in any cocktail menu. This is the perfect vodka to enjoy at home throughout Lockdown 2.0.
Bright, vibrant and zesty, Didsbury’s Raspberry & Elderflower Gin is vegan, made with natural fruits, and has no additives or flavourings. This gin makes an outstanding mood-lifting G&T to enjoy at home as part of your lockdown cocktail evening.
Hailed for its great taste and affordability, start-up CBD brand, Doña Sofía launched three CBD infused ready to drink cocktails earlier this year. So, if a can of Gin & Tonic, Vodka & Lime, or Rum and Cola is what you’re after look no further.
Linden Leaf’s Cocktail Elements, is a revolutionary cocktail atomiser providing a convenient and sustainable way to garnish cocktails. Home cocktail enthusiasts use these organic, molecular essence atomisers to help with a consistent, expert finish to cocktails. Ideal for an Old Fashioned, Martini, or a simple G&T.
If you’re not looking for anything alcoholic, and love a good cup of tea, then this is the drink for you. This pine-smoked blend combines full leaf lapsang souchong with cocoa nibs, coconut & cinnamon to create a slightly sweet, perfectly smoked fireside brew.
You’ve been to the takeaway for fish & chips and fancy a glass of wine to enjoy alongside your haddock. Chapel Down’s Flint Dry is the perfect accompaniment with its green apple, Galia melon and kiwi flavours. What could be better than enjoying a crisp, smooth English wine alongside a traditional British fish and chip supper!
That Boutique-y Rum Company, Diamond Distillery Unconfirmed Still
This 18 year old, delicious mouth-filling heavy rum will stand up perfectly served over ice, and is surprisingly easy to drink for something so robust. The perfect fireside autumn and winter warming rum, to sip and savour.
Start your day with a coffee from The Queer Eye style guru Tan France’s collab with Chimney Fire Coffee and Etsy. Included in the trio of coffee is Ethiopia with a honey like finish, El Salvador with a ‘pic n mix’ sweetness, and Brazil with a full-bodied espresso roasted coffee and snickers bar aftertaste.
A rare combination of sophistication and lightness, Della Vite DOCG wine has a distinct and complex flavour profile, delicate in both colour and taste. This new launch by the Delevigne sisters, Chloe, Poppy and Cara is a wonderfully indulgent Prosecco to be enjoyed at special celebratory moments.
This hamper is a real indulgence for lockdown. Bolney Lychgate Red and Bolney Lychgate Rose are both delicious alongside the Brighton Blue cheese. The Lychgate Bacchus needs to be paired with Sussex Charmer, a special cheese. Plus Sussex Brie works its magic with Flour Pot seasonal chutney and Alsop & Walker The Cheese Companion and Sussex Gourmand’s tasty thins. An indulgence worth investing in.
If you are looking for more vitamins, minerals and botanicals in your drinks, DRGN Superdrink is the answer. Relax in front of the TV knowing that you are drinking between 30% and 50% of your daily essential vitamins and superfoods in this one citrus drink. It’s alcohol free, caffeine free, low in sugar, contains no nasties, and is only 53 calories per serve.
Hiver’s flagship Honey Blonde Beer is brewed with the finest British honey from urban and rural beehives. Hiver delivers an incredibly fresh, smooth and easy drinking beer, which means it’s a great beer to sup whilst enjoying lockdown TV.
North America is chock full of exciting escapades for avid explorers looking to plan the perfect holiday. From sprawling metropolises to some of the most beautiful natural environments on the planet, there’s an adventure for everybody to enjoy across this remarkable continent.
Take a bite of the Big Apple in NYC
One of the most popular locations for holidaymakers in the U.S. is the Big Apple. After dropping your bags off at a New York City luggage storage depot or Vertoe New York city , you’ll find tons of fantastic sights dotted across the city to discover. From the iconic Statue of Liberty to the dizzying panoramas from the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building, you’re sure to find an exciting adventure in The City That Never Sleeps. NYC is also home to many of the best restaurants in the country, including Cosme, in case you fancy a world-class dining experience.
Experience the beauty of Yosemite National Park
Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders looking to take in some of the best natural sights on the West Coast should consider stopping off at Yosemite National Park. Yosemite covers over 700,000 acres of lush forests, stark canyons, and serene rivers, making it the perfect place for an array of adventurous outdoor activities, including nature-watching, fishing, rock climbing, and much more.
Marvel at the breathtaking Grand Canyon
Anybody searching for the adventure of a lifetime will want to plan a trip to the Grand Canyon. This five million-year-old geological wonder stretches for over 250 miles across the arid Arizona countryside, attracting millions of thrill-seekers every year.
Hiking is one of this park’s best pastimes. Trekking to the bottom of the canyon can be tricky and takes roughly seven hours. However, this journey is well worth it, with stunning views of majestic raptors, rugged cliffs, and the winding Colorado River below.
Frolic in the snow at La Mauricie National Park
Any outdoorsy individuals heading to Quebec should make sure to swing by La Mauricie National Park. After you land, head about three hours north to this tranquil, snowy wonderland.
La Mauricie National Park features thousands of acres of verdant woodlands and over 150 peaceful lakes, making it ideal for wilderness retreats. Canoeing is one of the park’s most popular pastimes, as is nature-watching, with over 50 different mammalian species inhabiting the area, including black bears, moose, lynx, and much more.
Discover the history of Washington, D.C.
Holidays in Washington D.C. are excellent if you fancy learning all about American history and culture. This city contains dozens of world-famous monuments, from the Lincoln Memorial to the Arlington National Cemetery.
D.C. is also awash with intriguing museums, including the National Gallery of Art, as well as events like the Groove to the Funk Parade. Many of the city’s attractions are free, and there are plenty of luggage storage locations in Washington D.C., so you can drop off your extra things and experience the city without being weighed down by your bags.
Uncover the secrets of the Everglades
If you’re sunning it in the Southeast and you’re looking for a unique national park to visit, look no further than the Everglades National Park. This park is one of the largest in the U.S., consisting of roughly one and a half million acres of serene wetlands, grasslands, and rivers on the southern tip of Florida. Airboats are a fun and unusual way of traveling across these marshes. While gliding across the park, be on the lookout for some of the 300 different bird species inhabiting the region.
Swing by the stunning city of Toronto
Canada is home to several beautiful cities adventurers are sure to love, and one of the best in the Great White North is Toronto. This magnificent modern city features many of the best sights in the country, including the skyscraping CN Tower and the sun-drenched Toronto Islands. If you’re planning an adventure with your little ones, Toronto is ideal for family-friendly excursions, with a world-class zoo and aquarium worth visiting. You’ll find plenty of luggage storage locations in Toronto so you can stroll around the city in style.
Make a splash at Niagara Falls
After you arrive in Toronto, travel an hour and a half to the U.S. border to visit the magnificent Niagara Falls. One of the largest waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls is a hotspot for tourists looking for a thrilling holiday. The best way to experience the falls is by booking a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist, which takes you right up to the falls to experience the ferocious downpour firsthand.
Trek across the rugged Rockies
North America is home to dozens of mountain ranges, and if you’re heading through Colorado, make a trip to the sublime Rocky Mountains. These mountains are some of the most impressive in the U.S., with over 240,000 acres of tundras, lakes, and snow-capped mountains to tour. Visitors will find over 350 miles of challenging trails to climb, as well as plenty of fishing holes where you cast a line and catch some of the best trout in the country.
Kayak along Vancouver Island
You’ll find tons of exciting activities to try when holidaying on Vancouver Island. This remote location is perfect for boating and kayaking, with some of the best nature-watching opportunities in Canada available on the straits surrounding the island. The Johnstone Strait to the north of the island is ideal for whale-watching, with over 200 of these gentle giants living in the region.
We have just about all got used to our new norm of lockdown, and we’re baking, eating, and enjoying home comforts more than ever, so #TeamCoco has put together a few foodie home comforts for you to check out.
You’ll find hearty sausages and burgers (meat and veggie), savoury treats, flour (for all your bread and baking needs), something sweet for those with a sweet tooth, and much loved seasoning of salt!
HECK
We have added the all-important sausage into our comfort foods because, who doesn’t love a sausage, whether it be pork, chicken, chorizo, veggie or vegan, we’re all partial to a sausage or two.
HECK has got some great new lines for summer, including a versatile frozen range launching in May that’s perfect for these unusual times when we’re relying more on store cupboard essentials, cutting waste and turning to our freezers for good food. The frozen range is gluten-free, additive-free and is aiming to cut food waste and plastic packaging with its 100% recyclable cardboard boxes.
In fresh and chilled, they’ve got new Pork Chorizo sausages coming to Tesco soon, plus they’re expanding distribution of some of their popular recipes this summer.
So for all your BBQ needs, toad in the whole specials, sausage butty fillings, classic sausage and mash, chicken Italia burgers, or vegfurters, look no further than HECK.
HECK FRESH HECK Chicken Chorizo, £3 HECK Meat-Free Chipolatas, £2.50 HECK Chicken Italia Burgers, £2.50 HECK Chicken Italia Sausages, £2.50
HECK FROZEN HECK Simply Chicken Sausages HECK Family Favourite Sausages HECK Reduced Fat Pork Sausages HECK Vegfurters HECK Meat-Free Sausages HECK Vegan Breakfast All £4.50 each (600g), available from a selection of supermarkets across the UK.
Karma Bites
We have added Karma Bites into the comfort food mix, because we’re always up for trying new and improved savoury treats.
Super tasty and healthy, Karma Bites are crispy spheres of wholesome goodness! They are gluten-free, vegan friendly, low in fat, low in calories and a great source of protein.
For thousands of years, Chinese physicians and Indian practitioners of Ayurveda have used the nutritious super seeds of the Lotus flower, and Karma Bites use the same seeds from the Water Lily family to make a delicious wholesome snack with a taste like no other! Carefully harvested and lovingly prepared, they’re gently dried in the sun and popped in a low heat to preserve the goodness, before being flavoured to perfection.
Priced at £1.59 per packet, 100-125 calories per pack, available in Peri-Peri, Wasabi, and Himalayan Pink Salt – and for those with a penchant for sweet treats, then you’re lucky because Karma Bites are also available in Caramel or Coconut & Vanilla. From www.karmabites.co.uk
Tobia Teff Flour
Did you know that flourmills are working around the clock, struggling to meet demand, triggered by the recent baking frenzy during lockdown. And, flour sales are up by 92% compared to the same period last year! So, we absolutely have to include flour into our comfort food must-haves for 2020.
You can’t escape the flurry of banana cake and sourdough posts on Instagram as we become a nation of at-home bakers! While the supermarket shelves are now fully stocked with eggs and toilet rolls again, the shelves in the baking aisle are bare. Alternative flours were predicted to be a big food trend for this year by Whole foods, so get trendy and get baking with this batch of alternative flours!
A versatile grain the size of a poppy seed being hailed as the new quinoa, Teff is naturally gluten-free and packs a nutritional punch. Native to Ethiopia, Teff is vegan, nutrient-rich, super-tasty and has been called a Hollywood superfood.
Despite being the smallest in the world, this super tiny grain with not-so-tiny power is protein and fibre rich and boasts a range of health benefits. Not only does Teff contain more calcium and vitamin C than almost any other grain, it also provides a great combination of essential amino acids needed for the body’s growth and repair. Rich in magnesium, naturally low in fat and sodium, abundant in easily absorbed iron and much of its fibre is a type known as resistant starch, which has been linked in studies to health benefits such as improved blood sugar.
Tobia Teff Flour is Priced at £7.30 (for Organic Brown Teff Flour or Organic White Teff Flour), £6.10 (for Brown or White Teff Flour). Available from www.tobiateff.co.uk
Gregory’s Tree
Gregory’s Tree is a tasty fruit twist snack bar free from dairy, gluten, and wheat and made with 100% organic ingredients. We have included it in a selection of comfort foods because it is both a sweet treat and is part of your five-a-day!
Each Gregory’s Tree Blueberry and Raspberry Double Twist and new Strawberry Fruit Twist bar bursts with fruity flavour as each is made from pure organic fruit, which is gently heated and pulped to give it that extra tasty twist.
They’re naturally great tasting being only 60 calories a pack and one of your recommended five a day portions of fruit and veg. Gregory’s Tree is also, 100% vegan-friendly.
Priced from £2.80 (5 x 18g), available from Morrisons, Whole Foods, and As Nature Intended.
Maldon Sea Salt
We couldn’t put a list of comfort foods together without including Maldon Sea Salt and their gourmet salt flakes. Sea salt is just one of those simple pleasures in life that gives a subtle enhancement to most dishes.
With an increase in need for store cupboard essentials right now there is one thing which is a must have to add flavour to your cooking. Maldon Salt traditional sea salt flakes and their brand new grinder style is a perfect staple to add to savoury (and some sweet!) dishes.
Priced at around £3.50 (55g), available from Tesco, Ocado, Morrisons, and more.
The Alabriga Hotel is somewhere between a museum, an altar to decadence and a hotel. Yes, in that order. The suites are the kind of luxurious worthy of writing sonnets for, with plush beds, sprawling gold leaf bathrooms and wrap-around balconies that overlook the azure sea. Indulge in opulence at the Alabriga Hotel Terra Restaurant, a fusion of museum, decadence, and hospitality. Lavish suites offer plush beds, gold leaf bathrooms, and balconies with sea views. There isn’t a single moment that you consider the space cramped and yet it’s packed with everything you could ever need for a more than comfortable stay. The full kitchens in every suite give guests the option to cook should they ever wish to step away from the Michelin-starred restaurant Terra, but it’s hard to imagine ever feeling that way. As much as I could write endlessly about the beauty of the rooms and the fact that the building’s facade is made to look like a super yacht, there’s so much more to the Alabriga than that.
The art part
Owned and operated by the former editor-in-chief of Vogue Russia, there is art in every corner, on every wall, and moments for introspection every step of the way. In the lobby, you’ll find an homage to Dom Perignon, with bubbles gently glistening as you check-in. The seemingly random pattern is hypnotic to watch and it became a comparatively simple joy of every day of our stay. In Terra, you’ll find more installations adorning the walls and heavy crystal shades overhead. Comprised of over 3000 pieces of Italian crystal, simply keeping the chandeliers above the delicately set tables is a feat of engineering we won’t soon forget. They combine old-world luxury with modern tastes and that is possibly the best way to summarise every moment you spend in the Alabriga.
Moving on from Terra (although we’ll be coming back to that soon, promise) you’ll find more gallery-worthy marvels across the way in the Galatea Tea Room. It’s not every day you find a leopard-clad mannequin posing atop a grand piano and it’s an image that has stayed clear in the mind long after our visit. The quiet hush of a museum is combined with the joie de vivre of a high-end boutique. When combined with a cool glass of champagne (or a hot cup of tea, whichever floats your boat) it’s everything you could want an afternoon to be.
Terra
The biggest lure when hearing about the Alabriga is Terra (at least for me). Awarded a Michelin star in 2018, this is the best of high-end food, with intense flavours in an atmosphere which remains quietly confident of its own skills. It’s this confidence that keeps the atmosphere pretence-free so that first-time fine diners can enjoy the experience just as much as veteran tasters.
Under the careful watch of Head Chef Abraham Artigas, we worked our way through the most local of seafood, the most tender fresh vegetables (oh, the poetry of baby aubergines) and over 100 paired wines all available by the glass. Working from the lightest of textures through to the richest of flavours, hours flew by in excellent company where every small detail was taken care of. Though the floor was devoid of even a speck of dust at all times every handbag was placed on its own tiny pedestal above the ground. It’s touches like these that elevate the dining experience — pun not intended, but still, not regretted.
S’Agaro and beyond
Should you ever desire to step beyond the air-conditioned threshold of the hotel, there is of course plenty to do. The picturesque town of S’Agaro lies just below the hotel and features quintessential coffee shops, cafés and restaurants that make the most of the fresh produce which abounds through the region. If seeing more of the area on a lazy walk isn’t for you then hiring the Alabriga’s catamaran is always an option. Bob along on the water, take in the scenery, nibble on olives and chorizo — it’s as serene an experience as the Galatea Tea Room, just on the water, and who doesn’t want to experience that?
Venture further and you’re engulfed in Spanish culture, wineries, the Dali museum and fish markets that boggle the mind and make the stomach rumble.
Sa Perafita
Rolling hills and vineyards make quite the change from the slick lines of the Alabriga and it’s hard to believe it’s only an hour away. But, as usual, our jaws were dropped and only supping the wines made by the vineyard made the experience more real. A lackadaisical tour of the grounds and the facilities made the wines all the sweeter.
This visit allowed us to stretch our legs, and palates, and returning to the comfy sofas of the hotel felt like homecoming. The cost of a suite can make you question the worth of stepping away from Alabriga for even a moment but know that it’s worth it, no matter how hard it may feel. The incredible luxury of the hotel will always be there to return to — for the duration of your stay of course.
Just a little more
If you haven’t already found enough ways to indulge, then just ask the ever-helpful Alabriga staff. They’ll book you a massage that works any and every knot from your muscles, and again, all of the little touches are taken care of — even the massage table is gently heated. If you feel like absorbing the luxury of fashion a little more, then the hotel’s personal shopper will guide you to the most choice morsels. But if you’re into a bit of thrill-seeking to go with your decadence, then talk to the concierge about skydiving or a Formula One driving experience. Whatever you choose, trust that you’re in safe hands, because you always are.
Finally, when it’s time to leave the Alabriga, try not to think about things you still want to try — just marvel at the memories that you’ve gained. Drink one more glass of Dom, and smile knowing that S’Agaro is just a couple of hours away by plane. Will we see you there?
One night in a Premium suite costs from £458 per person including airport transfers, a welcome drink, breakfast and the services of a butler.
If there’s one thing Londoners love more than street food, it’s Instagramming it. Luckily, the quaint cobbled walkways of Borough Market promise many a photograph opportunity with a side helping of oozing masterpieces and with autumn brewing, there’s no better time to head to the heart of London’s food scene. Think winter soups, organic root vegetables and mulled everything. Brimming with the subdued hustle and bustle of hungry Londoners, Borough is perhaps the oldest and most authentic artisan marketplace in a city, dating back as far as 1014 when traders first sold their wares along London Bridge. Since its humble beginnings, the famous food market has transformed into a sprawling warren of decadence.
From French confit duck rolls to the best Pad Thai outside of Thailand, a melting pot of international flavour is complimented by organic fruit and veg stalls, fish mongers, butchers, bakeries and a whole host of niche artisan producers offering everything from cold-pressed oils, cured meats, organic honey and enough cheese to sink a ship in.
Just a few delicious minutes inside the cornucopia of flavours and smells is enough to forget the ubiquitous London smog. Each pocket of the marketplace brings new tantalising tones; the breeze is hijacked by Ethiopian spices; the sizzling of a hog roast; the sweet cinnamon undertones of mulled wine. Wafts of roasted beans smoulder from Monmouth Coffee as the City spills from the underground. The warm dough-iness of Bread Ahead, the market’s resident bakery, will make even the latest of Londoners sniff the air with a sleepy smile.
Dotted between the pop-up shops and street-side eateries are an eclectic range of restaurants with petite, open shopfronts which sprawl onto the pavements. City professional’s sip from champagne flutes at Applebee’s, say cheers’ over oysters at The Wright Brothers and chatter patiently within the winding queues of Padella, as chef’s labour over fresh spirals of linguine on marble window ledges. From a swift morning caffeine hit to an on-the-go bite to a leisurely boozy lunch, Borough Market is teeming with life from dawn till dusk (or thereabouts) when swarms of suits replace tired tourists, tumbling from office blocks and into the nearby pubs.
Only a select few may dig deep into their coffers and embark on a weekly food shop here, but Borough Market doesn’t position itself as an alternative to the mainstream supermarkets. It’s more than that.
It’s fast, fresh food and milling around with friends. It’s swiping samples, talking to producers and investing in those products which really make your mouth water and your soul sing. It’s guzzling mulled wine in paper cups whilst picking the perfect pumpkin from a mountain of gourds, choosing that chutney to complete your Christmas cheese board, finding the perfect gourmet gift for your foodie friend or splurging on the fish counter, because it’s your turn to cook dinner tonight. Wholesome organic food from honest producers sits at the very heart of the Borough Market experience, blending a glimpse of the London from yesteryear with the sophistication of the city’s very best wining and dining scene.
So whether you’re a lunch-time regular searching for something a little more satisfying than a Pret sandwich or just passing through, breathe it all in, and eat your heart out (especially the cheese).
