Germany - House Of Coco Magazine

Denmark November 9, 2023

#COCOEATS: The Best Things We’ve Ever Eaten

If there’s one thing we pride ourselves on here at House of Coco, it’s good taste – and we’re not just talking about our heels. Whether we’re jetting around the world or checking out our hometown haunts, food is an integral part of what gives any destination its sense of place. To celebrate the launch of our food issue, we asked #TeamCoco to tell us about their ultimate dish. Here are the best things we’ve ever eaten…

Rachael Lindsay – The hot chocolate served at Angelina’s in Paris is so dark, devilish and divine that I recommend it to everybody who mentions they are going to the French capital. It is served in an antique china jug, full of thick, melted chocolate, and comes with a huge plate of whipped cream. Stir up the perfect chocolate to cream ratio and you will be in chocolate heaven. Unbeatable during winter when the cold French wind chills, or for any time of year really. For those with a real sweet tooth, it is perfectly accompanied by a Mont Blanc, a dessert of pureed sweet chestnuts and yet more cream, that resembles the snowy peaks of the French Alps. Tip: get to Angelina’s early in the morning to beat the queues.

Emma Harrison – The tasting menus at Textur in Aalborg, Denmark (pictured above) – not only is the food delicious, but they have a great approach to food waste and use only the best seasonal products. I really enjoyed Thompson’s in Newport on the Isle of Wight too – he did an amazing fillet of John Dory with a beautiful fennel choucroute and raisin purée as well as a chilled pea mousse. Lastly, in Georgia, I recently discovered, and loved grits!

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Rachel McAlley – My absolute favourite food I’ve ever eaten while away was in North Goa on Anjuna Beach. I caught a little boat from Calangute to the famous flea market at Anjuna Beach and it was lunchtime, so I went to a little shack inside the market and ordered a Goan Fish Curry. It was served it as a Thali, and OMG it was the fittest food I have ever experienced. There were around 7 or 8 little dishes presented in a large silver tray, the main dish was Goan Fish Curry and then there were 3 different vegetarian dishes, a rice dish, a dish of hot chillies, some bread (Goan Pita and Chapati), and a glass of lassi. Seriously, I want to go back right now, just to eat this.

Alexandra Delf – Mine has to be eating SUPER fresh sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. We got up early for breakfast and had the most insanely delicious breakfast of mixed sushi, no one spoke English so we pointed at pictures above the little shops and hoped for the best. What we got was a selection of freshest sashimi on a bed of rice. The best thing was exploring all the nooks of the marketplace to choose where to eat – a breakfast with a difference, which I literally crave every morning now!

Laura Bartlett – One of the best things I have ever eaten has to be lobster on the beach in Grenada. It had been freshly caught and cooked with Caribbean spices and we ate it whilst listening to people playing steel pans as the sunset. I’ve never had lobster since as I just know it will never be as good!

Jenna Clarke – I’d have to say my favourite food experience this year was definitely eating fresh Sashimi straight from the Caribbean Sea whilst in St Lucia. Sitting by the pool at Marigot Bay Resort, sipping on prosecco and eating freshly caught salmon was an absolute dream.

Vanessa Gainford – By far, it has to be the ‘Loaded Tater Tots’ in Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal Studios, Orlando – a steampunk themed eatery specialising in extraordinary culinary creations.

Beth Roberts – I’m never sure if it’s the setting that makes the restaurant or the food, but either way – Hotel Esencia on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula has it down. Slow-cooked pork tacos with sweet salsa, avocado fries and a cold local beer is always going to be delicious. But eaten overlooking the blindingly white sand of Xpu-Ha beach after a dip in their secret cenote? Unbeatable. A close second would have to be the huevos chilaquiles (spicy Mexican eggs) at local cafe Colibri in Mexico’s Isla Holbox – the prettiest pink cafe peppered with hand-painted hummingbirds.

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Austria November 9, 2023

Five Reasons to Ski in Fiss, Austria

If Ischgl is the wild child of Austrian ski resorts, Fiss is the sensible older sibling – sedate, scenic and full of traditional Tyrolean charm. While this lesser-known corner of the Alps may not be the place to go if you’re looking for a week of off-your-face après, here are five reasons Fiss makes for an irresistibly low-key alpine escape.

1. Après-Ski

While it may be quieter than other Austrian ski resorts, retaining more of a traditional vibe, Fiss has plenty of al fresco mountain bars to keep you occupied if, like us, you aren’t ready to give up on the Jägerbombs just yet. Hexenalm scoops up the post-ski crowd with its Euro-pop and cheap steins at the bottom of the lifts while by night, you’ll find night skiing on the floodlit Möseralmabfahrt every Tuesday, and Wednesday’s see ski displays accompanied by Tirol’s largest laser show.

2. Pristine Piste

While Fiss’ après-ski scene is more substantial than you’d expect from a small and very local village, so is the skiing. The 200 million euros invested in the region over the last decade is clear to see – with an expansive network of lifts and cable cars as well as huge self-drying ski lockers in which to stash your stuff – a blissful alternative to having to cart your skis and boots back and forth every day. More importantly, you can change out of your boots beforehitting the bars, which, as anyone who has ever tried to stumble across one in their ski boots will know is a godsend.

3. Value for money

Fiss’ facilities might measure up to uber-luxe alternatives like Lech and Zürs but its lesser-known nature means you’re able to enjoy more for your money – breaking away from hotel chains at an upmarket yet utterly authentic hotel like the historic Hotel Tirol – just 400m from the piste. Part of the Niche Destinations portfolio and managed by the second generation of the Pregenzer family, huge, pine-scented suites boast balcony views out over the valley, while the luxurious Gipfel Spa and rooftop infinity pool are the perfect place for blissful post ski steam and soak.

4. Snow-Sure Season

Surrounded by the soaring Samnaun Alps, two-thirds of the 200km of well-groomed piste sit above 2,000m, so even on a sunny Saturday in Spring, you’re still able to enjoy the slopes. Perched on a sunny plateau high above the valley, few ski resorts can boast such snow-surety late in the season, alongside 2,000 hours of sunshine a year – ideal Aperol Spritz weather.

5. Traditional Tyrolean Fare

While Fiss may be quieter than other more well-known resorts, the traditional timbered town boasts a host of dining options, ranging from traditional Tyrolean fare on the mountainside to more high-end dining experiences. On the mountain, groups can hire out the Crystal Cube – a mirrored glass box perched at 2600m, offering breakfast and private lunches with panoramic views. While in town, The Hotel Tirol showcases a local cuisine that fuses both Austrian and Italian influences – like the glorious shoulder of Fassona beef, carved at the table. Private dining in their skylounge is ideal for groups of friends, and the host’s motto “life is too short to drink bad wine” will become ever more apparent as the evening wears on.

Hotel Tirol in Fiss (www.hotel-tirol.net) offers double rooms based on 2 sharing on a ½-board basis and a 7-night ½-board package including a 6-day lift pass from €839 per person. Hotel Tirol is included in the prestigious Niche Destinations portfolio (www.niche-destinations.com).

Argentina November 9, 2023

The Most Underrated Cities in the World

The world has so many beautiful cities with breath-taking sceneries, activities to do, and places to visit. Many of these towns are very famous, and it’s a dream of every intrepid traveller to visit them. Such cities include London, New York, Moscow, Tokyo, Dubai, and even Singapore. However, there are several cities that are so underrated but have very captivating sceneries. Cities like Budapest, Bled, and Moscow are considered to be off the beaten path, but they are the cities that will give you the best experience in the world. So, go ahead, book that Jettly flight, and get exploring them! Listed below are the most underrated yet very scenic cities around the world.

Auckland, New Zealand

It’s among the major cities in New Zealand. The city is a Metropolitan center on the North Island that boasts of two harbors, magnificent and natural landscapes, and volcanoes. It has an intriguing mix of the traditional Maori and little touch of western culture. There are very many activities to do in Auckland. These include visiting the Skytower, the Auckland Domain, the zoo, the aquarium, the war memorial museum, and the Tiritiri Matangi Island.

Banff, Canada

This is one of the cities I must go back to. The city is filled with very many fascinating places and sceneries to visit, for example, the Banff National Park, the magnificent mountains and lakes. Apart from the wildlife and scenic views, Banff has very great restaurants with delicious meals, delightful boutiques, and shops. One can also visit the Fairmont Banff Springs, the bow falls, the cave and basin National Historic site, the tunnel mountains, the Upper Hot Springs, and many more lovely sites.

El Nido, Philippines

With a very gorgeous and clean beach, this resort town on the Filipino island of Palawan is truly an off-the-beaten-path town. The city is known for its beaches with white sands and coral reefs and amazingly clear waters from the lagoons. Near the town is an island known as Shimizu that has water filled with all kinds of fish. The areas also have very many diving sites, such as the Dilumacad island tunnel that leads to a cavern under the water.

Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza is the largest wine region in Argentina. During my visit, I was excited to visit one of the bodegas for a wine tasting and a tour around the wineries. Apart from that, the city streets are evergreen and leafy, and the buildings full of modern art decor on buildings across the city. I also got a chance to visit the Museo Municipal de Arte Mordeno, a city that displays modern and contemporary art.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary that is divided into Buda and Pest by the Danube River. The city is also referred to as ‘the Paris of the East’ because of its magnificent architecture that makes Budapest look and feel awesomely unique. Several places that make Budapest a great destination include the Danube River, the ruin bars, thermal bath, historic churches, and the castle hill. Their traditional Hungarian cuisines are to die for.

Safed, Israel

Also known as Tzfat, this is a city in Northern District, Israel. Tzfat is said to be the birthplace of Kabbalah. It was also regarded as a Holy city shortly after the Jews were expelled from Spain in the early 1940s. It is also the highest city that is elevated over 900 meters high in Galilee. The city has the top most attraction centers frequently visited, including the Bat Ya’ar ranch. Soul and Art fine art gallery, Abuhav synagogue, The Ashkenazi Ha’Ari synagogue, and the Old City of Safed.

Galway, Ireland

Galway is known for its wild ‘stag and hen’ parties. The Irelanders are known to throw the wildest bachelor and bachelorette parties before getting hitched. The city is also known for its Irish character and spirit, starting with the pubs, their Irish folk music, and delicious cuisines. On the last trip I took to Galway, I was privileged enough to visit the breath-taking cliffs of Moher. I also visited very scenic and educational places, including the Spanish Arch, the Galway cathedral, the museum Lynch’s castles, the Atlantaquaria National aquarium, and a ride on the Aran Islands ferries, and even shopping on the streets.

Czech Republic November 9, 2023

5 Ideal destinations for cheap city breaks

With stressful jobs and decreasing flight prices, cheap city breaks have never been so popular. Budget airlines have really revolutionised the way we think about holidays. For most of the public, holidays of yesteryear would be booked 6+ months in advance, making it a huge deal to plan and prepare for.

Nowadays, we have a whole bunch of budget airlines offering incredibly cheap flights – flights that surely don’t even cover the cost of petrol. Short, regular city breaks are now making more sense than a once-in-a-year £2,000 holiday.

In the spirit of cheap city breaks, this article will cover some of the best destinations, some classics and some that you may not have considered.

Prague

Prague is an incredible place. Tourism is rising each year in Prague, but it still remains cheap compared to other central European cities (it’s not in Eastern Europe like many believe).

A week in Prague is an incredible experience to be fully submerged in a relentless amount of beauty, from Romanesque chapels to Baroque palaces and Gothic cathedrals.

Being in the centre of Europe, it’s very easy (and cheap) to get to. You’re never more than a couple of hours away from it wherever you are in Europe. While the city is up and coming, the cost of living remains low still, so hotels and eating out is generally pretty cheap, although that’s always relative to where you’re coming from. As evident on the cheap holidays on Teletext, a Bed & Breakfast can set you back around £60 per night.

Prague has just about everything, from the Museum of Communism to a buzzing nightlife. It’s a place of culture, mainly, but it still manages to have a vibrant atmosphere along with some great bars. If you’ve never been, it’s definitely a must-see.

Budapest

A little further South East is Budapest, the capital city of Hungary. This is another very highly rated European city break destination, being named the ‘Paris of the East’. This mainly alludes to the illuminated bridges running through Danube, a very romantic setting.

Budapest is a relatively large city compared to others on this list. This means it may be slightly more difficult to see a lot of purely on foot, but equally there’s more to discover. It’s a great winter break too, as the lake becomes an ice rink by Heroes’ Square, which was created in 1896 to celebrate Hungary’s millennium. It’s great in the summer too, as temperatures soar to 30 degrees celsius.

In Budapest, it’s seen as tradition to take a dip in mineral waters, with over 100 geothermal springs dotted around the city. Budapest is a cheap destination, but like Prague, you wouldn’t think it when you see its well-maintained architecture.

Marrakech

If you’re looking to indulge in a less Western culture then Marrakech is a great choice. This is the fourth largest city in Morocco, and is home to a bunch of unbelievable Arabic architecture, along with some incredible marketplaces (souks) and traditional hammam spas.

A truly unique opportunity in Marrakech is to visit the Old Town, which has an abundance of craft traders, from clothes to pastry. If you’re into fashion, a short visit to YSL Museum is a great experience; it houses over 5,000 clothing items dedicated to the fashion designer.

Prices are cheap for luxury, 4 and 5 star hotels. You’re looking at £100 per night for a beautifully situated hotel with incredible views and service.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a great place for foodies. With a handful of Michelin-star restaurants it has established a stellar culinary reputation. It’s not bad for beer lovers too, with many restaurant beers being priced under £2.

Lisbon is actually one of the oldest cities in the world. In fact, it predates Rome, Paris and London by quite a few centuries. This has, of course, resulted in an array of culture and architecture to explore for those with an appetite for history.

While it can be visited in winter, Portugal tends to be more of a summer break, with some incredible weather, a laid back evening-centric atmosphere along with some great beaches. Prices are reasonable too; around £100 per night landing you a nicely situated hotel with good service.

Krakow

Again, culture and history is rife in Krakow. This Polish city dates back to the 10th century, and, despite being heavily involved in WWII, it’s an impressively well-preserved city. With narrow streets interweaving around an 800-year old Market Square, there’s a uniquely cosy atmosphere too.

Krakow isn’t just architecture though, there’s a unique buzz going on. It’s a university city, so evening bars are usually vibrant and brings a youthful aspect to the city. In the winter, there’s an incredible Christmas fair, and in the summer, temperatures get surprisingly hot.

Krakow is a cheap city with a low cost of living. A bit like Prague, there’s a good blend of old and new in what is a seemingly compact city.

Belgium November 9, 2023

Drink Your Way around San Diego

San Diego is a city that lives and breathes that SoCal lifestyle. The North Park district in particular, is a wonderful little neighbourhood that combines colourful independent boutiques, cozy vegan restaurants, second hand bookstores, and a selection of some of the best breweries in America.

One little known fact about San Diego is that it is one of the biggest brewing hubs in the world. With over 120 working breweries in the county alone, San Diego has countless delicious beers on offer. Following an afternoon of tasting the best of what the local brewing scene has to offer, it becomes clear why San Diego is such a destination for aspiring small craft breweries all over America. So, to help you drink your way through sunny San Diego, here’s our roundup of some of the best independent breweries in town.

Modern Times
Located in the laid-back North Park neighbourhood, Modern Times Beer is all about aroma driven and flavourful session beers. Founded by Jacob McKean, Modern Times was inspired by a turn-of-the-century utopian community in Long Island, which according to Jacob was a “forgotten little paradise”. With Modern Times Beer, Jacob hopes to recreate this utopia, even if its just a familiar place for people to drink delicious, well-made beer.

The tasting room is a hodge podge of quirky art installations; from countless vintage lampshades hanging from the ceiling to a wall decorated with floppy disks. Their hybrid concoctions combine all the best qualities from different kinds of beers — resulting in fantastic beers like the Fortunate Islands, which combines the zesty hoppiness of an IPA, with a wheat beer’s nutty malt body. Their flagship beer, the Lomaland, is a return to the classics and is a wonderful mixed grain bill, fermented with Belgian yeast strains using Co2 gas.

Mike Hess
Mike Hess Brewing is probably one of the biggest players in the San Diego brewing scene. An avid home brewer of fifteen years, Mike Hess opened his first nano-brewery in 2010, after eight months of gruelling preparation. Eight years down the line, and Mike Hess is now the 11th largest San Diego brewery, distributing all over California and beyond. We checked out their 30 barrel NSI System in North Park and experienced their great tasting beers first hand.

Claritas Kölsch, their 2016 World Beer Cup winning ale, is worth a try. This German beer is infused with the fruity aromas of German Pilsner malt, hops, and yeast — making it a super refreshing drink, perfect for a hot San Diego afternoon. The Grapefruit Solis India Pale Ale is another favourite. A San Diego Style IPA that is bursting with citrusy grapefruit flavour, complemented by the hops and subtle malt.

Eppig Brewing
With a legacy that goes back 150 years, the Eppig family’s brewing roots began in the 1800s in Brooklyn New York. Today, Stephanie Eppig, Henry Joseph Eppig’s great-granddaughter, along with her business partners, resurrects their family’s brewing tradition with the opening of their North Park brewery.

With a brewing legacy that has been passed down for over a century, the new Eppig Brewing family is dedicated to getting it right. Their brewers, Nathan Stephens and Clayton LeBlanc, are committed to creating the perfect brew, and an un-compromised customer experience. Try their gold medal winning Zwicklebier Dry hopped unfiltered lager; a smooth, light, and flavourful brew. Another favourite is their Japanese Style Dry lager, a pale lager, combining the subtle aromas of starchy sushi rice, light pilsner malt, and lemon blossoms.

VisitCalifornia

Germany November 9, 2023

Some Top Cities to Visit in Germany

There are many fascinating countries to visit in Europe, each of which boasts a unique history and exciting culture. Many people who are keen to visit Europe often struggle with regard to which countries they should go to. Well, one great destination is Germany, which is filled with many wonderful and vibrant cities to explore.

If you are planning a trip to Germany, you can prepare yourself by making a list of the top cities so you can decide which ones to spend time in. You could even take aLive Lingua German course to develop your language skills and eliminate the language barrier while you are over there. In this article, we will look at some of the top cities to consider visiting when you travel to Germany.

4 Great Places to Consider

A trip to Germany will undoubtedly be an exciting and enriching one, as there is so much to see, do, and explore. The rich history is evident in all the cities across this country, and you can also immerse yourself in the unique culture. Some of the top cities to visit during your time here include:

Berlin

A visit to the capital city of Germany, Berlin, will enable you to explore both the modern andhistorical side of the country. This is a city that is brimming with exciting attractions and sights, and it is a modern city but boasts a rich history. If you are into architecture, you will find lots of contemporary and stunning buildings here. The city is home to the TV Tower, which towers at nearly 370 feet high. Also, take in the stunning glass dome of Bundestag, which is the German parliament.

When you come to Berlin, you can also take in the fabulous culture, with musical events, the arts, and great shopping to enjoy. You will find dining opportunities to suit all tastes and budgets, as well as great nightlife.

Munich

The capital of Bavaria, this city has a rich and fascinating history to explore. There are many events and festivities that take place in the city, so you may find that it is far more crowded at certain times of the year. The history of Munich goes back many centuries, and this is reflected in the variety of museums that can be found here.

There are some stunning parks and gardens to spend time here as well, not to mention great shopping with both markets and department stores to explore. Make sure you pay a visit to City Hall, where you will find the fabulous and famous Glockenspiel, which is well worth a look.

Dresden

For those who enjoy cultural experiences and the arts, Dresden is a great city to visit and explore. You will find diverse landscapes to take in here, and you will realize the true beauty of the city when you head to the center. There is a great mix of architectural styles that can be seen here including the Zwinger Palace and Frauenkirche.

You can also enjoy relaxing as you take in the stunning gardens and green spaces as well as the riverbank where you can participate in a range of activities. You can take in the sights at the waterfront, enjoy a picnic on the grass, or even take a boat ride.

Hamburg

The country’s second-largest city, Hamburg is another richly historic city with plenty to offer in terms of sights, attractions, and culture. With its roots in Roman times, you can still see plenty of its rich history reflected in the architecture. However, the city has also become something of a cultural and even business hub over the years with industries that range from publishing to aerospace.

While here, you can take in the grandeur of the City Hall, explore one of the many museums in the city, and enjoy spending time at the open-air market. As the third-largest European port, the city also has an impressive lake,Binnenalster, running through it. In the port area, you can also enjoy a host of entertainment including great food and live music.

A Country Filled with Diverse Cities

Of course, the above is just a sample of the many great cities you can explore when you visit Germany. This is a country filled with diverse cities and towns, so you will find plenty of others to explore. This includes Frankfurt, Freiburg, Potsdam, and Bremen to name but a few.

No matter which of the cities you visit during your time in Germany, you will never be short of things to do. In fact, you can look forward to a packed itinerary, as you take in the wonderful culture, architecture, and rich history of the different cities.

Fashion November 9, 2023

Designer Spotlight : Arsha Jewellery

Arsha Jewellery is a brand where timeless contemporary classics are carefully designed and handcrafted to perfection to indulge you into a world of luxury and exclusivity and that is precisely the core philosophy of Arezoo Shayanfar: the founder, owner and designer of Arsha Jewellery.

Each piece is passionately hand made from 18 Karat Gold and adorned with precious and semi precious stones, giving it its own soul, a phenomenon that mass production simply cannot deliver.

Arezoo’s sparkling journey began after graduating with a BA in Jewellery Design from the prestigious Central Saint Martins, London in 2009 followed by numerous luxury exhibitions within Europe and the Middle East and finally materialised by the opening of Arsha Jewellery store (2010-2015) within the most prestigious region of Tehran.Later on she added the coloured stone certification of Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to her academic background in 2013.

Here, we go behind the brand to find out more…

When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?
Arsha Jewellery was launched in 2009, right after i graduated from University. i always knew that i wanted to have my own jewellery line and my dream finally came true by opening Arsha Jewellery’s store in 2010 in the heart of Tehran, where i grew up.

What’s your background?
As a kid i was very much into art ,doing all sort of different things such as painting ,sculpting ,candle making, you name them all and as i got a little bit older this passion shifted more towards jewellery designing/making so i ended up moving to London at the age of 17 to follow my passion and later on, in 2009 i graduated with a BA in “Jewellery Design” from Central Saint Martins and “coloured stone course certificate” from Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in 2013.

How many people are involved in the company and what are their roles?
Officially its just me and my production team but i do get lots of help from my husband with all the paper works and etc and we all know how much germans like their paper works!

If you could start over with the business, would you do anything differently?
I don’t think there is anything i would do differently, i started my business when i was pretty young at 23 with no Jewellery background in my family which could have deterred a lot of people from doing so but still i went ahead and i followed my dream and this is what i think all of us should do everyday! even when you make a mistake you will learn from it and move forward stronger and better.

What is the hardest challenge you have faced since you started the company?
I think building a company from scratch can always be very challenging on every step but lucky me i love to challenge myself!

Tell us one fact about you that people wouldn’t know?
I have a cat phobia, so please don’t invite me over if you have a cat but if you are a dog person you are already my best friend.

2018 is almost here, where do you plan on taking the brand?
There has been a big turn for Arsha Jewellery by changing the location from Tehran to Hamburg in 2015 and turning it into an online shop so the plan for year 2018 would definitely be expanding in Europe.

To date, what has been the highlight since launching?
Chosen as “women of the week” by a Hamburg based magazine called Mrs.city.

Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
If i had to choose between these three it would be London, after all it was my home for few years…

Three beauty products you can’t leave the house without?
Perfume, lip balm, hand cream

Style means….?
Looking happy and confident in whatever you wear

Best thing about London to you?
Its cosmopolitan and great choices of restaurants.

If you had to, what piece of clothing from your wardrobe would you wear everyday?
Lululemon leggings and a comfy hoodie but that doesn’t mean i wouldn’t wear any jewellery! i hardly ever take off my customised “ALL ABOUT YOU” bangle from the Bangleland collection.

Favourite love song?
Dance me to the end of love ,Leonard Cohen

Best place for a coffee?
Somewhere cosy and preferably with a nice view

Most memorable piece of advice given to you?
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!

Guilty pleasure?
Stacking jewellery!

If you could spent 24 hours in anywhere in the world, where would it be?
What if we could be in different places at the same time? thats something to wish for…

In future, how do you plan on expanding the company?
Im very happy with the size of the company as I’m not a big fan of mass production i feel like it looses its uniqueness but i would love to do collaborations with other designers in different areas, like a shoe designer or a bag designer…

Find out more…
We offer worldwide shipping through our website:

www.arshajewellery.com and our Instagram page, @arshajewellery is all about styling the pieces in the daily life.

Argentina November 9, 2023

The 5 Casinos Poker Lovers MUST Visit

Poker is, without a doubt, the most popular card game in the world, played by millions and regularly portrayed in both film and TV. If you get to grips with basic poker terms, learn a few strategies and have a decent knowledge of the rules you can enjoy poker in some of the most glamorous settings in the world.

When you think of amazing casinos to play poker around the world your mind may automatically take you to Las Vegas, but there are other appealing venues outside of the Nevada desert.

Read on for our comprehensive guide to the 5 best casinos to play poker in around the globe.

Casino De Monte Carlo

Location: Monte Carlo, Monaco

Opened: 1863

The idea of opening a dedicated casino in Monaco was first pioneered by Princess Caroline in an attempt to avoid financial ruin for the ailing Monegasque economy.

Princess Caroline was incredibly successful at boosting the economy of Monaco with this casino as it brought in tourists from all over Europe. Colonial super powers such as France, Germany and Britain at this time accounted for the highest number of visitors as rich upper class people chose Monte Carlo as their opulent playground.

Poker is incredibly popular in this casino and their regular games tend to attract some of the biggest spenders in Europe. If you’re going to play here you either need to have a lot of cash or be incredibly confident in your poker abilities!

Casino De Monte Carlo is probably one of the most famous gambling resorts in the world, having featured in several incarnations of James Bond as well as Ocean’s Twelve to name but a few.

Take a look at an exclusive private tour of one of the most amazing casinos in the world.

Les Ambassadeurs Casino

Location: London, United Kingdom

Opened:1941

One of the most historic casinos in the United Kingdom, Les Ambassadeurs or ‘Les A’ as it’s known by its patrons was first opened in the mid 20th-century. Previous owners include the Conyngham family and Leopold de Rothschild, son of Baron Lionel de Rotschild.

The venue was re-opened 28 years ago and plays host to a range of diplomats, royalty, celebrities and aristocracy. Phillip Green, former CEO of British Home Stores almost put the casino out of business with huge wins of £2 million at the roulette table in 2006.

The intimate private room named in honour of Leopold de Rothschild is one of the best places to play poker in Europe. It’s reserved for small and intimate gaming parties so you can only expect to get an invite if you’re a high-roller.

Casino de Montreal

Location: Montreal, Canada

Opened: 1993

This Canadian venue is one of the largest casinos in the world by floor space, and a stunning structure that consists of three interconnected buildings. It also contains over 3,200 slot machines and 115 gaming tables along with a huge array of virtual games.

The casino mixes traditional and modern with its décor, whilst featuring a series of ornate furnishings the casino also has a number of wide, spacious windows and high ceilings. Texas Hold ‘Em poker has been a real area of interest for the Casino de Montreal in recent years as they have sought to wrestle back customers enticed by online poker companies.

Casino de Montreal has attracted some of the highest-profile poker players in the world to it’s huge prize pot poker tournaments. For the amateur player there is plenty to enjoy away from the table too with great restaurants and bars on-site.

The Casino de Montreal has put Canada on the map as one of the best gambling destinations in the world, rivalling some of the venues south of the border.

Regency Casino, Mendoza

Location: Mendoza, Argentina

Opened: 2004

Situated in the heart of Mendoza, Argentina the Regency Casino is undoubtedly the best in the whole of South America. Overlooked by the slopes of the Mendozan vineyards, the Regency sits elegantly in front of La Plaza de Independencia in the town square.

The building is an old Spanish colonial structure with a stunning façade featuring decorative frescos. Inside the casino is the epitome of quaintness, with only 19 table games and 650 gaming machines.

The Regency doesn’t have the grandiose allure of some of the world’s biggest casinos but its cosy and welcoming. If you needed an extra incentive to travel there, the casino hosts a series of intimate poker events to cater for all budgets.

The Bellagio

Location: Las Vegas, USA

Opened: 1998

Thanks to its stunning façade and presence in a series of films, music videos and TV shows, the Bellagio is the most well-known and most visited casino in the world. The mesmerizing light fountains are the first thing that will catch your eye as you pull up outside the Bellagio.

Beyond the eye catching choreography of the fountain is the Mecca of gambling, with a poker room nicknamed ‘the players second home’ that often sees games exceeding the $1 million mark. Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat and even Chinese poker can be played in the main gaming room.

Further to that there are over 2,300 slot machines in the main hall with some of the best slot games in the world available. 5 of the finest restaurants in the whole of Las Vegas are situated on site for you to enjoy as well as a host of designer shops.

Germany November 9, 2023

How to have fun in the most remote places of New Zealand

There are many things to do in New Zealand. This very beautiful and popular island offers you one of the greatest experiences in the world. Many people visit the country in the hopes of finding the most interesting and unknown remote places. In this article, you will get familiar with one of the most beautiful remote places in New Zealand.

Tongariro National Park

One of the oldest national parks located in New Zealand, Tongariro National Park represents one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. In the world, it is the world’s sixth-oldest park, it was established in 1887. There are three active volcanoes in New Zealand, Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro. These three volcanos are located in the center of the park. The park is also very famous for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The crossing is considered to be one of the best day-hikes in the world.

Opportunity for gamblers

New Zealand is among the countries where online gambling is super popular. New Zealand online poker casino is especially popular since poker represents one of the most played online games among the gamblers. There are so many opportunities for gamblers in New Zealand. You can play online casinos from everywhere, as long as you have an internet connection, which, thanks to modern technology, is not a big of an issue. According to laws in New Zealand, everyone can play online casino games as long as the company is based overseas.

Casinos are also very popular in New Zealand. There are many of them in the country, and some of them have the most beautiful buildings in the world.

Auckland’s west coast beaches

While in New Zealand, don’t forget to see Aucklands west coast beaches. This is one of the most beautiful remote places in the region. It is just one hour’s drive from Auckland, and you will be walking on the beaches of Whatipu, Karekare, Piha, Bethells.

Karekare beach became famous after the film The Piano was released. It was directed by New Zealander Jane Campion.

Wanaka

Wanaka is located on the South Island. It is about 40 miles from north-east of Queenstown. Wanaka is a quiet place, and a gateway to the stunningly beautiful Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring National Park. Wanaka offers you the opportunity to visit beautiful beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness of glaciers.

Stewart Island

Having a permanent population of only 381, Stewart Island represents one of the remotest places in New Zealand. The Island offers a special experience to all of its visitors – a glimpse into a simpler, slower lifestyle. The island is the best choice if you want to have fun on your own, while also enjoying the beauty of nature.

Fiordland

Fiordland is one of the most remote places on earth. The beauty of the place is surreal. This place is so dramatic and so captivating that it is unbelievable that it still has not become one of the top tourist attractions.

Many have said that if you want to see the beauty of New Zealand, you really need to visit this place. This beautiful place is home to a remarkable mix of flora and fauna. You can see some of the most beautiful creatures here, such as the kea, bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and penguins. There are trees that have stood unmolested for 200 years and more, which is worth your time.

Rudyard Kipling, an English journalist and writer, has called this place ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’.

New Zealand is one of the top tourist destinations in the world and finding a remote place can be a bit of a challenge. There are many things that the place can offer to its visitors and some alone time is definitely one of them.

Egypt November 9, 2023

WINTER AT TANTORA FESTIVAL TICKETS NOW ON SALE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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