Hotels & Spas - House Of Coco Magazine

Adventures January 17, 2022

Gritti Palace, Venice – an iconic hotel that is the jewel in the Venice crown

Magical Venice is high on most people’s bucket list of places to visit. We were lucky enough to have visited recently and stayed in the finest hotel on the island, Gritti Palace. Original plans were to experience this luxury establishment for one night, where countless celebrities, politicians, and sportsmen have stayed. However, we pushed the budget out to stay there for the whole trip, as this is one hotel where every pound you pay is worth spending with the effortless luxury they offer.

This Palace has been home to nobility since the 15th century and has been a luxury hotel since 1895. Normally I find pictures of famous people on establishment walls quite distasteful but this is one exception to the norm. The breadth of guests across the worlds of politics and celebrity is testimony to the enduring popularity of the hotel. Where else would you find Margaret Thatcher and Angelina Jolie on the same walls?

Their suites are inspired by the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Somerset Maugham, and John Ruskin. We stayed at their Sestiere 1 Bedroom suite with a sumptuous King-sized bed. The ornate 19th-century style of the room is certainly beguiling. Wherever you look, there is captivating decor from the stunning Murano glass chandelier to the exquisite archival fabrics designed by Rubelli Group. Their fully-marbled bathroom is particularly spacious and you are supplied with luxury Acqua di Parma bathroom toiletries. We enjoyed very peaceful views of the small ‘Rio delle Ostreghe’ side canal. If you upgrade to the higher category suites like Patron, Royal, and Redentore, you will have views of the grand canal, with the latter suite having its own plunge pool.

Dining at their Club del Doge restaurant is a must, even if it’s simply to admire the most magnificent restaurant view in town, especially if you are on their grand canal-facing terrace in the shadow of the majestic Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Our breakfast buffet was a royal feast with a cold buffet available including the finest charcuterie board and hot dishes á la carte. If you have a spare half-a-day at least, make sure you check out The Gritti Epicurean School to pick up some cookery tips from their chefs. The cookery school has been running without fail since 1975.

Whether you are looking for an apéritif or digestif, Bar Longhi is the place to be with its elegant and sophisticated décor. Their freshly made bellinis are widely reputed to be the best in Venice and that’s quite the compliment considering the iconic Harry’s Bar is just around the corner. When we visited, peaches were not in season, so they weren’t offering the cocktail. Instead, I opted for a smooth-tasting Rossini cocktail. The bar is decorated with marvellous paintings belonging to the school of the renowned 18th-century Venetian artist Pietro Longhi. There is also the stunning Murano glassware to admire along with the polychromatic marble. On our next visit, we’ll also have to try their indulgent afternoon tea selection.

Spa facilities are immaculate as you would expect from a 5-star establishment. Treatments and products are all from the famous Sisley Paris brand. However, if you prefer to be out and about, you can book a private Riva speedboat and explore the picturesque Venetian lagoon. The area in which the hotel is based is also a short walk to numerous luxury boutique shops, so you won’t be short of options on the activity front.

One thing to note, maybe it was the time of year I was visiting, I did see a lot of flooding throughout the city when the tide was high. Venice isn’t a city you should put off visiting on your bucket list. And if you do decide to visit, make sure you are staying at the very best: Gritti Palace Hotel.

https://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/vcegl-the-gritti-palace-a-luxury-collection-hotel-venice/

Hotels & Spas January 10, 2022

The January Refresh Wellness Package at The Londoner Hotel

Whether you’re doing Veganuary or not, January is the perfect month to hit reset on for your mind, body and soul. Throughout January, The Londoner Hotel are offering guests The January Refresh Package, a two-day experience in The Retreat, curated to rejuvenate the body and mind with activities, relaxation and nutrition for a blissful start to the new year.

On arrival, guests will expect an early check in from 10am to settle into their King or Deluxe King room before heading down to The Retreat, a subterranean wellness floor revealing a tranquil pool and hydrapool surrounded by secluded cabanas with a modern state of the art gym, spa and a results-driven superfood and drinks clinic, Refuel.

Day 1, will begin with an afternoon yoga session situated in the gym studio, followed by a peaceful poolside lunch and purifying smoothie from Refuel. Guests can pop back to their rooms before heading back down to The Retreat for a calming 60 minute evening meditation session led by the team’s renowned instructor. A good night’s sleep is guaranteed to finish the day of cleansing the mind and soul of stress.

Day 2, is designed to activate and soothe the body. The Retreat awaits guests to arrive for a healthy Ayurvedic Morning Ritual breakfast bowl from Refuel, to give the body energy before participating in a high-intensity 45 minute workout session, finished with a smoothie or juice break. Guests relax around the poolside before a 30 minute leg and foot massage, nutritious lunch and a late afternoon to unwind before a late check out at 4pm.

The perfect indulgent treat or a gift for someone special.

Australia January 4, 2022

Five new hotel openings we’re excited about in 2022

While it seems like all the months of 2021 have blurred into one, we’re dreaming of a time when we can once again visit all the beautiful destinations this planet has to offer. To (virtually) satiate your wanderlust, Team Coco has put together some of the world’s most exciting new hotel openings to inspire your next holiday… whenever that may be.

Pendry Park City (Utah, United States)

Nestled in the beautiful Canyons Village at Park City Mountain, the gorgeous ski-in, ski-out Pendry Park City will offer a modernist take on a traditional alpine lodge. Surrounded by vast mountain landscapes, the resort will boast warm, natural design elements that create a contemporary, open feel, and will feature 153 guestrooms, suites, and residences, each offering floor-to-ceiling windows and curated artwork.

Not to mention, both guests and locals alike will enjoy access to four distinct restaurants and bars, a deluxe Spa Pendry and fitness centre, a heated rooftop pool with a destination bar, Pinwheel Kids Club, and more than 7,000 square-feet of indoor event space.

Passalacqua (Lake Como, Italy)

Originally built in the 18th century by Count Andrea Lucini Passalacqua, Passalacqua is set on the shores of Lake Como and has hosted historic leaders from Napoleon Bonaparte to Winston Churchill.

Sister property to the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo, the stately, ultra-luxury mansion retreat will extend 24 stylish suites designed and curated by one of Italy’s most renowned hotelier families – Paolo, Antonella, and Valentina De Santis.

Committed to preserving its heritage, Passalacquawill showcase original features, including hidden passageways, centuries-old beamed suites in forgotten stables, and glasshouses with ancient fruit trees. Guests can enjoy the lakeside swimming pool and open-air gym set in the olive groves, vintage boat trips from the private dock, and partake in a variety of wellness and culinary experiences in the manicured gardens such as spa treatments, yoga sessions, farm-to-fork dining, and movies under the stars.

The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong (Hong Kong)

Located in Hong Kong’s cool Southside district, which is home to the iconic Victoria Harbour and the city’s renowned Ocean Park, the eco-conscious oceanfront resort is the next much-anticipated international launch from The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts.

The luxury hotel – perfect for couples, friends, solo visitors, extended families, and business travellers – will offer 425 guest rooms and suites overlooking the South China Sea, including children-themed rooms and two signature suites with private pools. It will also offer four diverse restaurants, an outdoor infinity pool and kids’ lagoon pool, an indoor kids’ play zone, a luxury spa and fitness centre, and versatile indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces, including a 5,600 square-feet pillar-free grand ballroom. Will this be Hong Kong’s most exciting new sustainable hotel – we certainly think so.

sly Berlin (Berlin, Germany)

Located in the city’s trendy Friedrichshain neighborhood, Berlin’s coolest new hotel will be housed across four modernised buildings, interconnected via inviting open courtyard spaces and a striking 2,368 square-foot greenhouse.

With 150 contemporary guestrooms and suites, some boasting private balconies, sly Berlin’s interiors will showcase a fusion of nature and urban culture, featuring solid oak wood, Italian serpentine stone, stainless steel, and Brutalist concrete touches. A lively restaurant and bar, complete with open kitchen and grill area, will be housed in the natural light of the greenhouse amid an abundance of greenery. The perfect place to enjoy an (almost alfresco) meal at the German capital.

Sommerro (Oslo, Norway)

The reincarnation of a restored 1930s landmark in Frogner, a historic neighbourhood in Oslo’s West End, Sommerro celebrates Norwegian design, fusing form and function as the city’s first hotel in an original Art Deco building.

The hotel is set to be Norway’s largest-ever preservation project, the hotel occupies the former headquarters of the capital city’s electrical company, Oslo Lysverker. Folowing a multi-million-dollar renovation, Somerro will become a modern tribute to local cultural heritage. Art buffs will enjoy the original artworks by celebrated Norwegian artist Per Krohg which will be featured throughout the hotel, with pieces including a giant wall fresco and a ceiling mural that nods to the building’s unique history.

A true community space, the 231-room property – which counts 56 residences – will also offer four restaurants, three bars, meeting and event spaces with capacity for up to 150 people, a 200-seat gilded theatre, a sprawling wellness paradise, and the city’s first year-round rooftop pool, sauna, terrace, and restaurant. There is surely no more stylish place to stay in Oslo than this.

Travellers planning to book a stay at any of these new hotels, or any of the other 650 participating properties across the Preferred Hotel Group portfolio, can access exclusive member rates, earn points, and take advantage of other value-rich immediate benefits during every eligible stay, while also accessing special members-only offers and unique partnerships, by joining I Prefer Hotel Rewards, the world’s largest points-based loyalty programme for independent hotels with more than 4 million travellers currently enrolled.

Dog-friendly December 19, 2021

TeamCocopup: The Gantry is Stratford’s coolest new hotel – here’s why

TeamCocopup Charlie and doting dog mum Hannah Tan-Gillies headed to vibrant and bustling Stratford to check out the newly-opened The Gantry. Coined as Stratford’s coolest new dog friendly destination, The Gantry blends East London cool with a decidedly sleek, contemporary aesthetic that we couldn’t get enough of.

Part of The Hilton’s Curio Collection, The Gantry is certainly unlike any Hilton you’ve ever stayed at. The 290-room hotel is all about contrasts and mixes the well-known hospitality and amenities of The Hilton Group, with the dynamism of Stratford’s art scene.

We stayed in one of the hotel’s stunning suites. Occupying a generous 41 square metres and with incredible views of the Olympic Park and the City, the suites are anything but ordinary. A large lounge area greets you when you walk in, two 49’ screen TVs enhance the indulgence of the space, while a Dyson hair dryer, espresso machine and free standing bath and separate shower create an atmosphere of effortless luxury.

TeamCocopup too was greeted with a warm welcome, and though wasn’t allowed in a few of the hotel’s common spaces, certainly got the VIP treatment in the suite.

A gorgeous welcome package from General Manager Saurabh Kukreja greeted us at our room. And while some of The Gantry’s soon-to-be-opened spaces, such as Stratford Grocer & Co, and the Sky Bar and Terraces, were still closed during our visit – the care package gave us a taste of what’s in store at the hotel in the months to come.

The hotel’s restaurant, Union Social, is vibey without being stuffy and offers a fabulous menu of fusion cuisine helmed by Chef Salvatore Coco. For starters, we indulged in a plate of charcuterie from Bottega, fresh-baked, rosemary-infused focaccia and olive oil, fried tofu and Nocarella olives. To follow, we sampled the cleverly-named ‘oven sesame’ glazed south coast sea trout, which sat on a delicate brew of miso, tamari-mirin infused ginger broth, blanched pak choi and bean sprouts.

For a heartier dish, the slow cooked Hampshire grass fed beef cheeks, dressed with Lychgate red wine jus and pressed lyonnaise potatoes offered the perfect winter dish – and was slow cooked to absolute perfection. The Asian-inspiration extends to the desserts, with the vegan Thai Empress Rice Pudding an absolute sensation.

The Gantry’s striking terrace, complete with mid-century modern fire pit, is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two. The striking, stylish space is inviting even in the thick of winter, and a precursor of what we can expect when the hotels’ Sky Bar, the highest in East London, eventually opens its doors.

The hallways are never really a focal point in any hotel review, but the hallways at The Gantry, filled with a wonderfully curated selection of artwork from Jealous Gallery are certainly worth talking about. The hallways celebrate the spirit of the East London’s dynamic art scene – underscoring The Gantry’s commitment to uplifting the local community. Guests can also purchase the artwork on the walls.

From the eclectic lobby, the buzzy Union Social restaurant on the first floor, the stylish Coupe wine bar, and the art-filled hallways, The Gantry is a love letter to the vibrancy and juxtapositions of Stratford’s local community and is undoubtedly more than a place to rest your head. We shall certainly be returning.

WWW.THEGANTRY.COM

City breaks December 14, 2021

Luxury in Liverpool with INNSiDE by Melia

Do we all have that one city that we’ve never been to? Like, how did we get to this age, and travel all over the world but have never been to that one city?!

For me, that city was Liverpool. A lifelong lover of The Beatles, Liverpool should never have escaped my grasp for so long, and yet here we are.

I’ve stayed at a Melia hotel before, in Magaluf, representing House of Coco in the Magaluf half marathon. The hotel was modern and luxurious, with experimental art adorning the walls, so I had an idea of the quality to expect at Liverpool’s brand new four star INNSiDE by Melia.

The new INNSiDE Liverpool lives up to the reputation. Situated just a couple of minutes walk from Albert Docks, the city centre is easy to navigate to, and you have the wonderful Gino D’Acampo restaurant on the first floor and its 360 Sky Bar up top.

Walking into the building you first encounter a pop-up shop selling flowers, it’s a cute greeting and there’s a spot for an influencer selfie surrounded by blooms underneath a neon sign.

The open plan reception is handled by casual and super friendly staff, they give off the air that nothing is any trouble. They gave us tips on what to do whilst we were there and made sure we felt right at home.

Rooms

Our suite was incredible. We had views from full-length windows on two sides, one facing Ireland and the other looking over the docks at the hills of North Wales.

The room felt huge but was really well designed in order to make the most of the space. The bedroom area with massive TV was filled with a huge comfortable bed, the dressing area and sofa faced out over the docks, there was a separate coffee/ breakfast table corner, and the open-plan shower and sink area.

It was gorgeous, modern, clean lines, and great views. Plus you get cosy slippers and the most comfortable dressing gown hoodies ever! I’d suggest booking two nights so you can spend the second night with a hangover, in those hoodies, full of Gino D’Acampo pasta, watching a movie in bed.

The Restaurant and Bar

Before dinner, we booked a table at the 360 Sky Bar. Surrounded by walls of glass, the view over this heartful city envelops you. As the night draws in, the city comes alive and from the sky bar you feel the buzz.

As with the rest of the hotel, the staff treat everyone like a VIP. I was getting 80s power suit vibes from up there for some reason, it’s inexplicable, but it’s there.

Back down to the first floor and we couldn’t have been more excited for dinner. Gino continues to dominate city after city with his restaurants and it’s not just his name that makes it happen.

The food is exceptional, with a playful menu full of enough choice, but not overwhelming amounts. Dishes are listed with a little bit of personality from Gino himself explaining a bit more about the recipe such as where it came from, who loves it most in his family, and that sort of thing.

We enjoyed every moment of dinner. From being seated with a direct view of the open kitchen, advice from the experienced staff with our order, and portions that will make you glad you booked. There’s nothing better than delicious food at a special restaurant that serves enough so that you’re not left needing more.

And finally

We spent the night dancing our little hearts out in the famous Cavern Club. As mentioned up top, I absolutely love The Beatles and this is where they started. We paid just a fiver each to get in, with no queue, and there was a resident band playing all of the hits. The place was packed with everyone from students to the over 60s reliving their youth.

Liverpool is a stunning city full of impressive architecture and naturally warm people. So if you’ve never been, just do it.

For good vibes, plenty of space, and no worries at all, the INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool is the one. We will definitely be back… if nothing else, to do the same again but with an added extra night in one of those dressing gown hoodies!

Book a room from £64 per night at INNSiDE Liverpool.

Old Hall Street
Liverpool
L3 9LQ

Tel: 0151 832 0960 innside.liverpool@melia.com

Barbados December 6, 2021

Getting in the Christmas spirit with Miracle at Henrietta Hotel

The Experimental Group’s fabulous Miracle pop-up has landed at Henrietta Hotel bringing enough Christmas cheer to brighten up even the dreariest of Decembers. #TeamCoco babes Hannah Tan-Gillies and Hannah Gregory checked out Covent Garden’s most festive pop-up, which transformed the hotel’s mezzanine into a wonderfully whimsical winter wonderland.

Described as the ‘perfect pitstop’ for a Christmassy cocktail, the Miracle pop-up is a fully-immersive space that transports visitors back in time to a 70’s Christmas home. Upon climbing up the stairs you are greeted with an appropriately over the top lighting display, larger than life Christmas tree, and every single retro Christmas decoration ever invented, creating a wonderfully kitschy escape from the realities of daily life.

At the bar, Santa’s little helpers (or in this case Miracle’s expert elvish mixologists) conjure up some fabulously festive cocktails with names to match. The ‘Christmapolitan’ – a crowd favourite — combines Vodka, Elderflower, Dry Vermouth and Spiced Cranberry Sauce. Meanwhile, the ‘Yippie Ki Yay Mother F*****!’ is another cheeky concoction of Barbados rum and rum Agricole, with hints of coconut and pineapple juice that proves (once and for all) that Die Hard is indeed a Christmas movie. There are also ‘Nice and Naughty’ Shots – depending on how naughty you’re feeling during your visit.

There are plenty of festive nibbles too. The Italian Charcuterie is perfect to balance out the sweet flavours of Miracle’s holiday-themed cocktails, while Lamb and Cumin skewers with spicy mayo offers just the right kick to add a flavour punch to your meal. The Wild Mushrooms and Cheese croquettes, our personal favourite, are hearty bite-sized treats that pair perfectly with a serving of Miracle’s ‘Jingle Balls Nog.’

So, whether you’ve been naughty or nice, if you’re looking for an experience to ramp up the Christmas vibes, then definitely head over to the Miracle pop-up at Henrietta Hotel. You’ll get enough Christmas cheer to last you another year (at least!).

To book visit www.henriettahotel.com

Adventures December 5, 2021

WINTER SUN: BEAT THE BLUES IN DUBAI

With the nights drawing in, sun-starved Brits are craving some much-needed vitamin D. With so much up in the air, deciding on the perfect destination for that first big trip is a hard feat. However, things are reassurinngly Covid-secure in Dubai, and the UAE on a whole as we go into the New Year and dream of a getaway.

Nothing is overlooked and masks are mandatory in all enclosed public places, until you sit down for food of course. Social distancing is still practiced and people remain very respectful of space; with Dubai being the centre of the world and home to countless nationalities, people are aware of different boundaries and levels of comfort in regards to closeness. My room at Jumeirah Beach Hotel was laden with hand sanitisers, information on local rules and the staff could not have been more attentive from the moment I arrived. With azure Arabian Gulf views, endless sun, a long golden beach on the doorstep and sumptuous dining options, the five-star hotel is the perfect place to beat the blues this winter.

Yes, the flight is lenghtly – especially if you haven’t travelled far in the last two years but you can tick off every country in the world from the safety of one Emirate, ideal for those wanderlust cravings. This is particularly prominent in the mind-boggling array of world-class restaurants in Dubai that feature cuisine from Cannes to Chiclayo. My taste buds rejoiced after maxing out on the same boring Deliveroo order for the last 18 months. You can head to the breezy European style bistro, Cassette, in the atmospheric The Courtyard in Al Quoz for croissants, cold brew coffees and nomad working. During the sun-soaked days, chow down on contemporary Indian food at Bombay Bungalow by the beach, and, come evening, jump in a golf buggy and hop over to the other nearby Jumeirah hotel along the glittering coastline, Jumeirah al Qasr, and tick off Monte-Carlo at the ever-chic French Riviera restaurant.

For those distinctly Dubai moments that the glittering Emirate is famed for all over the world, I went first on an exhilarating Desert Safari Experience to thrash around in the endless dunes and learn about the local culture from the expert guides, before heading to SAL at Burj Al Arab for balmy sundowner cocktails, a hotel that is synonymous with luxury, hospitality, and decadence across the globe. With so much to take in, the Dubai Frame is a great way of bridging the gap between old and new. The monument offers panoramic views of the entire city with its futuristic skyscrapers touching the clouds right across to the older section of the Emirate located near the river that has remained the same for generations.

Looking to be totally transported? Dubai Old Town on the banks of the creek takes the top spot. Gypsum buildings have been beautifully restored to their original glory, complete with wind towers that cast a contrasting silhouette to the modern skyline. Start at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and learn about the rich cultural history of the past and also of the present. Perch on Bedouin-style carpets and pillows, and feast on a selection of delicious dishes whilst your local host answers questions about life in the UAE. With its motto ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ – all questions are welcome and answered, no matter how sensitive. I left feeling humbled and thoughtful, before being thrown back into the hustle and bustle almost straight away in the kaleidoscopic gold, spice and textile souks.

The energy and forward-looking feeling in the Emirate was received like a welcome tonic after months of reminiscing in lockdown about what life used to be like. As we flew over the silver metropolis on a Seawings Seaplane Tour there was a buzz of construction of brand new restaurants, new hotels, and new homes. One to watch is the opening in 2022 of Atlantis The Royal Resort & Residences which will be made up of a staggering 231 luxury apartments, 693 hotel rooms and 102 suites. The hotel will exclusively host restaurants helmed by international celebrity chefs, including Gaston Acurio, Costas Spiliadis, Ariana Bundy, Heston Blumenthal and Jose Andres.

Our trip ended with an exquisite meal at Cé La Vi as we toasted how far travel has come and gazed up at the astonishing Burj Khalifa in all its glory. We clinked our glasses with the restaurant’s name on our lips 220 metres above sea level and sipped on one of the famous ‘Not You Last Word’ cocktails (or two!).

Travelbag offers five nights in Dubai staying in the 5* Jumeirah Beach Hotel on a half board basis from £1,479 including direct return flights from London Heathrow with Emirates. Selected January 2022 travel. Based on two adults sharing. To book, Call Travelbag on 0207 001 4112 or visit www.travelbag.co.uk. All packages subject to availability. Free unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark™

For more information, see visitdubai.com

Hotels & Spas November 30, 2021

Northampton, the Best Place to Find a Contractor Accommodation

One of the most important things you will need when you are getting started with your project is a contractor accommodation. To help you find the best accommodation for your project, this article provides you with some great tips on what to look for in a contractor accommodation. Get the best Northampton contractor accommodation here!

Why Northampton?

Northampton is a popular destination for the professional services industry. It has been home to many organisations over the years, from accountants to consultants and architects. The town has a charming medieval centre, which is perfect for walking around after a hard day’s work.

Northampton is also famous for its shopping areas. Northampton is a fantastic town with lots to see. It was the first town in England to have an art gallery, which is now known as the Northampton Gallery. It has a variety of interesting places to visit. The University of Northampton has some great facilities for students who are looking for accommodation, including student rooms that are ideal for temporary or long-term living arrangements. You’ll also find many settings that are easy on the wallet, so you can afford to travel around Europe while you’re at it!

Where to find contractor accommodation in Northampton?

Northampton offers a variety of places to find temporary accommodation for contractors. These include hotels, bed and breakfasts, conference centres, holiday parks, farm lodges, hostels, self-catering apartments, cruise ship passenger ships and even student halls of residence. A contractor can find many properties for rent in Northampton. These properties include furnished apartments, shared accommodation, and homes available to buy. Many of the flats come equipped with a parking space or garage.

What to Look For in a House or Apartment for Contractor Accommodation

When looking for a house or apartment to rent, it can be difficult to find something that fits your needs. You need to keep in mind the size of the space, the price range, and much more to make sure you’re not wasting your time. With these tips, you’ll be able to choose the perfect place to stay.

When you are looking for a place to stay, you want to find an apartment or house that offers not only the best price, but also the best value for money. It is important that your accommodation fits your needs and preferences. For example, if you are just renting to lease it out for short periods of time then you may not want an entire floor of living space.

How to Get the Best Deal on Your Contractor Accommodations

When it comes to finding a hotel or motel for your trip, there are many options you can consider. Whether you are visiting the town for work or pleasure, booking now will save you time and money in the long run. Here are some ways to find the best deal on your contractor accommodations: Whether it’s for a week, a month, or several months, your contractor needs to be able to find accommodation when they are in Northampton. The best place to find the perfect rental property is through Airbnb.

You can search for accommodation in both the area and the type of property you are interested in. Once you have found something, book it. If you are in need of more time before your arrival, Airbnb has flexible payment options that let you pay without the need for a credit card or bank account.

Conclusions

Northampton is a small town so finding housing shouldn’t be too difficult for contractors. You might want to consider the law of supply and demand as you search. With so many contractors in the area, there are plenty of options for everyone. Northampton is a great place to find accommodation if you are finding yourself in search of a contractor. With lots of places to go, the city offers all possible options for accommodation, be it a private room or shared with other people. The only downside to Northampton is the weather – there’s rain throughout the whole year.

Destination Inspiration November 21, 2021

More than a golf destination: A second look at Argentario Golf Resort & Spa

During those hopeful summer months, in between lockdowns 1 and two and when international travel seemed optimistic, Hannah Tan-Gillies hopped on a flight to Argentario Golf Resort & Spa, to see what makes this five-star golf resort so much more than a golf destination.

It seems only fair, that after months of lockdown that my first international jaunt would be to the truly impeccable Argentario Golf Resort & Spa. Located in between the Mediterranean Sea and Tuscany’s rolling hills, Argentario maximises the idyllic natural surroundings of Maremma, Tuscany.

While the resort is primarily known to golf enthusiasts, especially with its striking PGA 18-hole course, there is plenty of reason for non-golfers to venture to this side of Tuscany and experience everything that this resort has to offer.

The resort itself is a sight to behold. Designed by Andrea Foglli, the interiors instantly envelope you in an atmosphere of sleek yet tranquil oasis blending contemporary design with a distinctive retro feel. Outside, the hotel blends in with the natural landscapes of Maremma, surrounded by cork-oak woods and centuries-old olive trees.

A grand spiral staircase commands attention at the heart of the resort, whose eco-conscious design philosophy permeates every design detail. The enormous glass windows and ceilings maximise the pastoral views, which are in stark contrast to the tabarca-stone pavements, arched countertops and striking black structural elements. The hotels’ unique dragon-fly shaped silhouette means that every room offers panoramic views of the nearby lagoon and tranquil blue sea on the horizon.

The resort offers 73 generously-sized rooms and five luxury villas, which are perfectly suited for those looking for an extended stay. Each room features panoramic terraces and all the modern amenities that a luxury traveller requires.

The villas each offer individual interpretations of Tuscan country houses, imbued of course, with Fogli’s extravagant touches. Art lovers will notice the social table by Vincent Van Duysen or the Cappellini chairs and Pig Tables by Marcel Wanders, or even the Ron Gilads chandeliers at the bar.

Beyond golf, Argentario also offers an endless array of wellness and sports activities to make any visit, no matter how short or long, as enriching as possible. During my stay, I tried my hand at an outdoor workout, a run along the perfectly manicured golf course, yoga, and even olive-tree picking. Truly there was something for everybody.

For those looking for a more relaxing way to spend their days, the resort’s Espace Wellness Centre offers a wide range of treatments and massages, and offers a bio sauna, Turkish bath, and even one-on-one sessions with the resort’s in-house nutritionists.

Foodies also have plenty to chew on at Argentario, with the Club House Restaurant offering casual Italian favourites, impeccably made with only the freshest locally-sourced ingredients, and the gourmet Dama Dama restaurant serving some wonderfully creative gastronomic creations.

The menu at Dama Dama is bold and refreshingly contemporary, offering Tuscan and Italian specialties with Chef Emiliano Lombardelli’s inimitable flair. We highly recommend trying the Tasting Menu – which takes you on a colourful voyage of Tuscan flavours perfectly paired with local Italian wines from the resort’s vast wine cellar.

We also recommend trying a cocktail masterclass at the Aper Bar, named after local wild boars (Aper in Latin) which offers alchemic concoctions that will delight those who enjoy a little tipple.

While it may seem counter-intuitive to leave the hotel, the nearby towns of Porto Ercole and Orbitello offer plenty of quintessentially Italian sites to behold. These two towns reveal a non-touristic side of Tuscany that we haven’t seen before. The squares and restaurants are filled with locals, exuding a relaxed and unique community atmosphere that you don’t often see in Italy’s more popular tourist destinations.

If you are lucky, you should take a quick drive to the Convento della Presentazione al Tempio, where if you are lucky, you can get a blessing from the priest who will wish you a blessed and happy stay at Maremma. This is also the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the Silver Coast, a view that is not known to many other visitors in this magical place.

Despite all the ceaselessly fascinating things on offer at Argentario, what sets this place apart from the rest if the truly marvellous service and care of its staff. In the era of COVID, where smiles and genuine human connection are few and far in between, it is truly impressive to see the staff at Argentario go above and beyond to ensure that you enjoy your stay. That is a rarity in and of itself and in my opinion, truly what makes Argentario more than a golf destination.

Hannah stayed in a Junior Suite Club Travel Room starting at €650 per night for two people. For more information on Argentario Golf Resort & Spa’s latest offers and packages contact Tel: +39 0564 810292 booking@argentarioresort.it or visit argentarioresort.com

Germany November 19, 2021

New Opening : Berlin comes to London, Introducing Hotel AMANO Covent Garden

2022 is looking like an exciting year for the world of hotels and travel and we can’t wait to start ticking off our never ending travel bucket list. With so many new openings, we really are going to be spoiled for choice. Now we are introducing Hotel AMANO Covent Garden, a new boutique lifestyle hotel opening in spring 2022 that promises to bring the cool and vibrant energy of Berlin to the heart of London. We’ve just placed the new hotel right at the top of our ‘must visit’ list.

Located on Covent Garden’s Drury Lane, this new kid on the block is the first international destination from Berlin-based hotelier, The AMANO Group, which currently has eight hotels in Berlin, one in Munich, and one in Düsseldorf.

AMANO hotels offer sophisticated urban living in a central location at a fair price, and are carefully integrated into the cultural life of a city. Extrovert by nature and unafraid to be different, the hotels are renowned for their distinctive design and immersive drinks and dining experiences.

Formerly a 1980s office building known as Drury House, this 141-room property is the first of multiple AMANO hotels set to open in London. Hotel AMANO Covent Garden will offer a new destination for Londoners to socialise in, as well as visitors coming to the city. Here you’ll find a basement bar, restaurant, sky bar and rooftop terrace with impressive city views and DJs spinning music on weekends.

With a wealth of tourist hotspots on its doorstep, like the recently renovated Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Hotel AMANO Covent Garden will make a great base for solo and business travellers, couples, and families wanting to explore the capital. Guests can choose from three room categories (cosy, comfy and roomy) to suit a range of budgets.

Throughout the property expect dark moody tones and unique design features from London-based design studio, Woods Bagot, the lead architect and interior designer behind the new opening.

Co-founder of The AMANO Group, Ariel Schiff, says of the new venture, “As a Berlin-based company, opening our first international property in London was always a natural step for us. Like Berlin, London is a dynamic city known for its thriving nightlife and multicultural community. We felt the spirit of the AMANO brand would blend in well here. We’re excited to offer guests a unique hotel and leisure experience, bringing a taste of Berlin to London.”