wellbeing - House Of Coco Magazine

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

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

Where to stay: Somabay Resort & Spa

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do

Go snorkelling at the house reef

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

Horseback riding at Jasmine Horse Stables

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

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

Take a boat trip with Happy Turtles Somabay

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

Fitness November 9, 2023

say hello to MICRO:The hottest new wellness trend for 2020

2020 is the year of MICRO – Making Incremental Changes to Reconnect Ourselves

A new year and decade welcome the opportunity to evaluate our wellness and identify new ways of boosting our mind, body and spirit. The wellness industry is booming and is set to continue trending well into 2020 as it’s no longer seen as a niche market. People are looking for ways to be their ‘best self’ and want simple techniques to incorporate wellness into their daily routines.

The last decade has been all about going hard and fast with the rise of HIIT and restrictive diets like Keto. But 2020 sees a shift in direction, with an increasing trend towards technology and personal experiences to enhance both our physical and emotional state. Global technology leader, Huawei, in partnership with trend intelligence experts, Stylus, has identified the most exciting wellness trend for the new decade – MICRO – Making Incremental Changes to Reconnect Ourselves.

This new approach to wellness focuses on making small, smart and simple adjustments to lifestyles with the help of the latest tech.

In 2020, hard core fitness regimes will be shunned for a softer and more holistic approach to wellness activities, underpinned by wearable technology to track vital statistics and audio experiences.

MICRO has been identified at a time when the complexities of balancing work and life, as well as the pressure to succeed, has caused increased millennial fatigue and burnout [1]. With new activities like HIIPA, mobile-meditation, micro-dosed nature, sound-baths and recovery-focused studios opening around Europe, it’s clear that a cultural shift towards wellbeing is on the horizon.

Those at the forefront of this wellness revolution are adopting a #GoMICRO way-of-life. Dr Frank Lipman, a pioneer and specialist in functional and integrative medicine, known for his celebrity clientele including, Gwyneth Paltrow, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Arianna Huffington said: “HUAWEI has identified a shift away from the one-size-fits-all approach to wellness – which does not take our individual needs into account. The MICRO trend promotes a bespoke manageable regime that utilises technology and supports a desire for simple, integrated activities that produce real results.”

I like the sound of MICRO, mainly because it appears easy to stick to. I find that when we set ourselves big wellness changes they’re harder to sustain but because this trend encourages small and easy changes that weald big results you’re less likely to give up. MICRO is definitely the way forward for me.

To find out more about the MICRO trend and the drivers behind it head to https//consumer.huawei.com/uk/

[1] In May 2019, the World Health Organisation added burnout to its International Classification of Diseases – meaning that as of 2020, it will become a globally recognised occupational phenomenon.

Behind the bar November 9, 2023

Behind the Bar: Shaman, London's first low/non alcoholic drinks spot

With the days getting lighter and summer just around the corner, where better to cleanse from winter over-indulgence and get your glow back than at London’s newest no/low alcohol bar. Hospitality trailblazers The Initiative bring us their latest opening, Shaman in Leman Locke Aldgate.

Shaman is set to shake up London’s hospitality scene in 2020. Shaman has been created with healing, rejuvenation and self care in mind. The space is serving up a selection of fresh juices, pastries created by renowned chef Robin Gill, coffee and low/now alcohol drinks, ready to shift the assumption that bars can only be enjoyed with alcohol. Each fresh Shaman juice has been designed to improve gut health, increase energy levels and reduce stress levels. The space is also an Instagram dream with bright coloured drinks, cascading pot plants and pretty pastels.

The space is multi-functional, friendly and fresh with health and vitality as the order of the day. The cocktails were more delicious than any alcoholic drink we had ever tried. The Lavanderia was sophisticated and refreshing and the Vermuteria was punchy and warming. Afterwards we ordered a drink to go. We opted for the ‘skin glow’ juice was much needed after a long winter without a tan, and without turmeric.

Located in Aldgate East at the Leman Locke Hotel, Shaman combines effortless service with exquisite interiors, envisaged and executed by award-winning interior design agency, Grzywinski + Pons. Shaman is open to the public from 7am – 10pm to keep guests energised and hydrated all day long.
www.shaman-coffee.com

Behind the bar November 9, 2023

Behind the Bar: Shaman, London’s first low/non alcoholic drinks spot

With the days getting lighter and summer just around the corner, where better to cleanse from winter over-indulgence and get your glow back than at London’s newest no/low alcohol bar. Hospitality trailblazers The Initiative bring us their latest opening, Shaman in Leman Locke Aldgate.

Shaman is set to shake up London’s hospitality scene in 2020. Shaman has been created with healing, rejuvenation and self care in mind. The space is serving up a selection of fresh juices, pastries created by renowned chef Robin Gill, coffee and low/now alcohol drinks, ready to shift the assumption that bars can only be enjoyed with alcohol. Each fresh Shaman juice has been designed to improve gut health, increase energy levels and reduce stress levels. The space is also an Instagram dream with bright coloured drinks, cascading pot plants and pretty pastels.

The space is multi-functional, friendly and fresh with health and vitality as the order of the day. The cocktails were more delicious than any alcoholic drink we had ever tried. The Lavanderia was sophisticated and refreshing and the Vermuteria was punchy and warming. Afterwards we ordered a drink to go. We opted for the ‘skin glow’ juice was much needed after a long winter without a tan, and without turmeric.

Located in Aldgate East at the Leman Locke Hotel, Shaman combines effortless service with exquisite interiors, envisaged and executed by award-winning interior design agency, Grzywinski + Pons. Shaman is open to the public from 7am – 10pm to keep guests energised and hydrated all day long.

www.shaman-coffee.com

Health November 9, 2023

How To Stay Positive During a Nervous Social Climate

“Self-isolation, quarantine, rising-statistics;” these are just a handful of bywords that we have seen circulate the media this week, and most likely for the foreseeable. It’s enough to make anyone concerned and apprehensive as to what’s in store for our future. But during these times of crisis and uncertainty, we’ve seen a surge of unprecedented compassion and selfless behaviour rise to our planet’s surface; we’ve watched communities join together to raise spirits and help one another – without an expectation for anything in return – to display a kinder side to humanity when it’s needed the most. For once, it feels like our globe is united. Despite this, many of us will struggle to stay optimistic and hopeful, which will ultimately result in a decline in our mental health and wellbeing. So, what steps can we be taking to ensure that we are doing the most to safeguard our emotional and physical comfort?

Join In With The Communal Spirit:

See how you can offer help in your community; are there any online groups joining together to offer support to those in need? Or are any local charities or food banks looking for an extra hand in ensuring that everyone is receiving their basic necessities? A simple favour like asking your neighbour if they need anything can go a long way, whilst providing us as individuals with a sense of purpose amongst the largescale ambiguity.

Learn Meditation, Journaling and Channelling Nervous Energy:

Without the daily luxuries that distract us from what’s important, self-isolation shines a light on the most basic of privileges we normally miss in our day-to-day lives. Turning to spirituality can bring hope and optimism into your home and offer a sense of level-headedness and calm for a few moments each day. But not everyone is expected to be spiritual in order to engage in these holistic therapies; 10-minutes of meditation per day can provide mental clarity and relaxation whilst, for many, putting pen to paper can help individuals understand and process their emotions in a more rational and logical manner.
As many of us face major changes from our usually busy lifestyles, an increase in physical nervous energy is something be expected. Although we could be using this time to wind down, a lot of us will find this practice difficult and unachievable if this is something that we are not accustomed to. If you’re feeling physically apprehensive, try and keep yourself and your body busy through engaging in activities that gives this surplus energy a purpose. Indulge in something that relaxes you, whether this be spending an extra few minutes on your skincare regime, taking up a craft hobby or investing time into cooking up something you normally wouldn’t prioritise.

Get Your Trainers On:

Motivation may be running low and heading to the gym may be the last thing you want to do right now, but getting some exercise can boost your mood and release endorphins that will keep you feeling positive and brighter. There are plenty of home-workouts available at our fingertips; from social media aficionados posting home-based / no-equipment-needed regimes to digging out your old ‘Insanity’ DVD for a quick living room cardio blast, your brain and your body will feel a boost in energy and help you form a constructive mindset for the rest of the day.

Keep Connected:

Times like these can be lonely and isolating for many of us but, just because you physically can’t be there, doesn’t mean that we are cut off from the outside world. Checking in with family and friends is a great way to keep your mind at ease, whilst also providing valuable time for you to catch up on each other’s lives. Arrange a time for your family to jump on a group call, and spend the duration of your contact together celebrating recent achievements and offering support for any difficult times they may be facing. One text or phone call can transform someone’s day for the better.

Plan Your Next Travel Adventure

Although the likelihood of a vacation is looking slim, now is the perfect time to get searching, scrolling and brainstorming for your next escape. Use the spare time to scope out local delicacies, off the beaten track hideaways and challenge yourself to some excursions that would normally not receive a second glance. If you’re feeling unmotivated, disheartened or frustrated due to your holiday being cancelled or postponed, setting up a Pinterest platform or a vision board dedicated to travel inspiration is an effective way to visualise and manifest your thoughts, alongside converting your negative reactions into more hopeful aspirations.

Reclaim Your Old Reading Glasses:

Re-visit an old favourite, pick up that book you gave up on halfway through or opt for something different to your usual repertoire. Putting aside time to lose yourself in a book can provide a temporary solace and an opportunity to escape from the tribulations of reality. If you’re struggling with the decline in communal contact, joining an online book club is a great opportunity to form communities for new recommendations and social interaction. Getting involved with like-minded people, in a space curated especially for your interests, is the perfect chance to create new friendships from the comfort of your home and introduce an element of excitement into your day.

Stick To Your Routine:

Routines and daily habits aid in keeping us grounded and upholding our sense of purpose. Although the temptation to stay in bed a few hours longer or spend the entire day binge-watching Netflix may creep up on you, it’s important to remember that routinely practices are essential in helping us cope with major life changes and rising stress levels. Keep your alarm on and stick to your diary as much as possible; your sleep-cycle and self-esteem will thank you. However, if you struggle with forming a routine on a regular basis, now is the time to kickstart new habits that will change your daily practice, ultimately leading to a much more effective and consistent lifestyle. Simple tasks from making your bed in the morning to spending five minutes an evening practicing self-gratitude can introduce a new awareness of control into your lifestyle and encourage a wider positive outcome.

Beauty November 9, 2023

say hello to tighter, brighter skin this winter

This time of year, a combination of cold weather, central heating and lack of vitamin D can leave our skin dull and a bit lack lustre. My winter skin was desperately in need of a boost, so I booked into LondonCryo for their signature Cryofacial.

A Cryofacial uses cold temperatures to rejuvenate the face. The increase in oxygen supply boosts collagen production, improving the circulation and elasticity of the skin. Muscles retract with the cold and it has a tightening effect on the skin leaving your face looking fresher and younger. Jennifer Aniston is a big fan and credits her youthful glow at 50 down to regular treatments.

I have sensitive, breakout prone skin so I’m always cautious when it comes to trying something new, but I’d heard so many positive things about cryotherapy and its benefits, I wanted to give it a go. The Cryofacial is good for lots of skin complaints like acne and rosacea as the cold reduces the inflammation in the face.

Cryotheraphy is quickly working its way into wellbeing routines due to the mental and physical benefits it offers. LondonCryo is run by girl boss, Maria Ensabella. She is on a mission to highlight the positive impact of cryotherapy and how it can help you feel better and look better. The LondonCryo ethos is all around being your best self by proactively looking after your body and mind. The treatments they provide target sports recovery, overall wellness and anti-ageing skin treatments like the Cryofacial.

The treatment room has a spa like feel about it with low level lighting and aromatherapy scents. My therapist instantly puts me at ease by explaining what all the hi-tech equipment is and talking me through the process step by step, assuring me I won’t get frostbite. My facial is around 20 minutes and begins with cleansing and toning my skin before having a hydrating serum applied to my face. I brace myself for the cold as a metal wand with a flat, round tip is rubbed across the surface of my face, each stroke is followed with my therapist gently massaging the skin to aid lymphatic drainage. This wand cools down the skin rapidly to about minus 10 degrees and stays on each area of the skin for only a few seconds. It feels a bit like an ice cube gliding over your face, it’s not at all uncomfortable, in fact I found it quite relaxing. Halfway through the treatment the therapist passes me a mirror so I can compare the skin she has treated. The pores have minimised, my complexion is brighter and I look fresher. I can see a visible difference compared to the untreated skin. At the end of the facial another layer of serum is applied to my face and I’m all done. My therapist brings me a glass of water and turns up the lights so I can get a better look at the results. The redness from my rosacea has quietened down and my skin looks smoother, but the best bit is the results continue across the week. My make-up goes on better, a breakout I had pre-treatment fades and my other half tells me I’m glowing.

The cryotherapy facial definitely boosted my tired, winter skin and the fact it only takes 20 minutes and is non-evasive means it’s a great treatment if you’ve a big event or special occasion coming up. The Cryofacial costs £160, to book an appointment contact www.londoncryo.com or 0203 371 8900.

Fitness October 24, 2023

Coco Wellness: Ultimate Holistic Living Guide

Whether you are looking for the latest Coco Wellness product, heading off to a retreat to reset, or want to try the newest fitness studio, we’ve got you covered. Our Wellness Editor, Anji McGrandles shares the skinny on all the hottest wellbeing news.

Après ski wellness

Purple Ski, the luxury chalet brand unveils, Chalet Harmony, it’s latest chic property to open in Méribel just in time for the new ski season. The brand-new build, which sleeps up to 15 in seven bedrooms, will be offering guests the perfect way to stretch out after hitting the ski trails. Available on request via Purple Ski’s concierge team, ‘snowga’ classes will see a private instructor loosen and soothe residents’ tired muscles after a day on the slopes. The session can take place in a dedicated fitness room or outside for a spot of cryotherapy! Post snowga, guests can unwind in the beautifully appointed wellness area, where they can warm up in the hot tub, ease sore limbs in the sauna or steam room, work out in the fitness room or simply relax by the large indoor swimming pool.

A seven-night stay at Chalet Harmony starts from €41,955 (`£35,977*) on a catered basis. For more information visit Purple Ski

The healthy living app

The Fast 800 app is the latest well-being offering of intermittent fasting guru, Dr Michael Mosley. With 700 healthy, nutritionally balanced recipes, guided workouts, as well as mindfulness and community support, it’s like having him on speed dial. Dr Michael Mosley’s method, The Fast 800, has become one of the world’s most popular lifestyle programmes over the past few years. It’s a comprehensive, scientifically-backed weight loss programme that uses real food, nutritionally balanced meal plans and achievable exercise programmes.

The Fast 800 is £119 for 12 weeks

Healthy, delicious food in the heart of London

Following the success of its Brompton Road site, Café Volonte has opened its doors in the heart of Piccadilly, London. With a collective spotlight on inclusive well-being, Volonte’s menu is built upon the principles of nutrition with each carefully considered dish featuring high-quality macro and micro-nutrients. Exciting new dishes include Volonté’s Chilli Bowl, Turkish Eggs on Toast, a wholemeal halloumi Breakfast Wrap, Yogi Bowl and a collagen Kinder Bueno smoothie. A judge for the Great Taste Awards, and Great British Food Awards with a qualification from London’s world-famous Le Cordon Bleu, co-founder Vidushi Binani lovingly crafts each dish using sustainable, seasonal, and ethically sourced produce.

Café Volonte, 200 Piccadilly, St James’s, London, W1J 0DJ

Write your happy ending

Heidi Hauer is on a mission to help every woman realise that she has choices in her life and that everything she is seeking is already within her power to fulfil. Heidi’s book, “The Queendom Within – Rewrite Your Fairy Tale and Create Your Own Happily Ever After” is a practical guide for women to reclaim their energy, rediscover who they are, decide what they want and take tangible steps towards it. Practical, reassuring and truly inspiring, Heidi’s book encourages you to invest your time and energy in yourself.

Available from Amazon, RRP £12.99

Beat the bloat

Inessa Advanced Biotic Complex is a daily probiotic that contains 50 billion organisms and combines seven other probiotic strains that reduce inflammation of the colon to soothe the gut which helps with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (IBD). As an IBD sufferer, I have been taking the supplement along with their anti-inflammatory, BioSoothe for two months and have noticed I’ve had less bloating and seen a significant improvement in my symptoms. Both supplements come in a delayed-release capsule so that the ingredients reach the gut where they can be most effective.

Available from Inessa, RRP £38.99 for 30 days supply

Chocolate for the Body and Mind

What’s not to love about Spellbound, a new vegan chocolate line that uses plant-based ingredients and is botanically infused to support your well-being. Founded by Bristol-based naturopath, herbalist, and nutritional therapist, Alex Fraysse, he’s combined ancient alchemy with modern-day science, to create four distinct chocolate varieties made from entirely natural components, harmoniously aligning with the mind and body. The innovative collection includes ‘Digestif,’ ‘State of Zen,’ ‘State of Focus,’ and ‘Venus Passion,’ each offering an unparalleled flavour journey. These chocolates artfully blend the finest botanical ingredients with decadent dark chocolate, resulting in sumptuous truffles boasting exquisitely balanced taste profiles. To top it off, these indulgent and delightful creations contain no artificial additives or ingredients.

Available online, RRP from £3.50

Get twitching this autumn

It’s fair to say autumn is in full swing and who doesn’t love a gourd activity to take in the fresh weather and changing scenery? Birdwatching (which has 1.6B views and counting on TikTok!) is one of this year’s biggest trends for its mental and physical perks and now is the perfect time to partake as so many birds are underway with autumn migration. A study from King’s College London found that seeing or hearing birds improves people’s well-being, and the hobby is taking off with people of all ages.

For those looking to boost their wellbeing, select voco hotels, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts are offering a “Find Your Flock” package for birdwatching, which includes binoculars and birdseed.

The package includes “early bird” check-in and complimentary breakfast for guests.

A daily shot of goodness

New gut health food brand, Deeply, has launched a range of plant-fibre prebiotics, specially formulated to ‘Feed Your Good’. Each measure provides a 100% natural, high-fibre blend of plant nutrients, vitamins, and prebiotics, designed to support immunity, and selectively feed the good bacteria living within the gut.

Good gut health can have a profound effect on both our physical and mental well-being, benefits include:

Improved mood
Better focus and concentration
Lowered risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes

Available in two great tasting flavours, Spinach & Kiwi with Seaweed and Carrot & Ginger with Turmeric.

Available at Deeply Foods, 28 daily measures start at £50.

Accessories October 23, 2023

Santa Barbara: Why Hollywood is Flocking to The American Riviera

You might be wondering why Hollywood heavyweights like Kevin Costner and Oprah Winfrey choose to live in Santa Barbara County rather than Los Angeles. And even the likes of Harry and Meghan have chosen to call Montecito home. Much like the French Riviera, the small-city, Mayberry coastal setting is an irresistible attraction. It is popular with surfing aficionados, culture vultures and wine enthusiasts. However, paparazzi are rarely spotted in the region. In this article, we examine why Santa Barbara is ready to blossom, not just for celebrities but for the international tourism scene.

World-class hotels

Hollywood royalty adores discreet five-star hotels and it is no surprise you’ll see the likes of Jane Lynch and Michael Keaton falling in love with Hotel Californian. The ornate Spanish colonial revival architecture along with the Moorish interior from celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard is a magnet for celebrities. The Mirador Rooftop Deck, which offers panoramic 360-degree views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean is a crowning jewel of the hotel. All of the surrounding buildings are three storeys or lower due to changed building laws post-1925. The stunning Majorelle spa is equally popular with Majorelle blue tiles that are often found in Moroccan designs

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is the place for celebrity weddings. Hollywood couples who have celebrated their wedding there include Nick Carter and Lauren Kitt, Fergie and Josh Duhamel, and Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler. The hotel is just slightly outside of downtown Santa Barbara and tucked away on 78 acres of land overlooking the Pacific to offer that seclusion and privacy celebrities require. You can appreciate the beauty of the surroundings by going on a nature hike along the Chumash Nature Trail. They have one of the finest steakhouses in the region with Angel Oak and their newest opening, Bacara Wine Tasting Room is attracting countless plaudits.

Funk Zone

The area by the waterfront has risen like a phoenix from the ashes in recent years. Evolving from decrepit warehouses to the trendiest district of Santa Barbara, it is now home to countless wine-tasting rooms, gourmet restaurants and art galleries. Wine appreciation rather than mere wine consumption is the name of the game here. You are very likely to encounter one of the Baldwin brothers at The Society: State & Mason, the newest wine-tasting room in the zone. Exquisite wines are either paired with tapas-style dishes or innovative truffles from Jessica Foster. Madras curry-flavoured milk chocolate anyone?

The trendy restaurants are equally in demand in this part of town. Blackbird Restaurant pays homage to one of Hollywood’s greatest directors, Alfred Hitchcock, with subtle nods including a photo with Alfred Hitchcock and a seagull on one shoulder and a blackbird on the other. The menu passionately supports local produce from Santa Barbara spiny lobster to Hope Ranch mussels. The cocktails from renowned mixologist Devon Espinosa are not to be missed. On the border of the Funk Zone, you’ll find upscale Mexican cuisine at Santo Mezcal and a meat lover’s paradise at the retro-decorated, Rare Society.

Ganna Walska Lotusland

If Willy Wonka was in the botanical industry instead of confectionery, this is precisely what he might have created. 37 acres of the most fantastical gardens and stunning architecture. Ganna Walska, who used to own the estate until she died in 1984 (aged 96), used to call herself the ‘head gardener’ and ‘enemy of the average’. It is one of the top five gardens in the world in terms of comprehensiveness. The attractions range from the immaculately pruned Japanese Garden to the imposing cactus garden to the priceless cycad garden with plants that date back to the Jurassic period. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are known to be regular visitors and live close by.

Eclectic Museums and attractions

For a city of under 89,000 inhabitants, the museum-to-local population ratio is extremely high. One of their finest is the Santa Barbara Museum of Art . With around 25,000 pieces of distinguished artwork that span over 5,000 years of human creativity, it is no surprise over 150,000 visitors flock to the museum every year. They often have special pop-up exhibitions that highlight lesser-known, yet deserving artists such as Joan Tanner. Her outlandish sculptures made of plastic corrugated roofing sheets, re-bar, cast concrete etc. were displayed earlier in the year. The museum even has Oscar links, thanks to Christopher Plummer who famously won a well-deserved Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in “Beginners”. In the film, he played Paul Chadbourne Mills who was the director of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and came out as gay later in life at the age of 75.

For family-orientated experiences, there is MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. The ultra-immersive installations will get your scientific brain motivated whether you are 8 or 80 and is popular with celebrities like Julie Bowen. A visit to historic Stearns Wharf is a must where you’ll find the equally interactive Sea Center. There you can touch an exotic array of marine life from sharks to rays to sea stars. To explore the rich history of the city, there is the Old Mission dating back to 1786, when the Church was building its presence in the area through these settlements. The graceful charm of the Mission has earned it the nickname “Queen of the Missions”. There is also a historic cemetery and mausoleum, a nine-room museum of classical artwork and artefacts, and numerous lush gardens.

Quirky experiences

With the philanthropic nature of the locals, you will be unsurprised to find a cat therapy cafe in the city centre. You can visit for an hour and play with 15-20 free-roaming rescue cats. They also sell apparel as well as help their resident cats find a forever, loving home. Not far away, you’ll find Salt cave Santa Barbara, the largest in North America. There are numerous therapeutic benefits to resting in their crystal cave rooms lined with pink Himalayan salt.

https://santabarbaraca.com/

Accessories October 23, 2023

A boutique experience to savour in Athens

A trip to Athens is perfect for those who enjoy artisan shops, independent restaurants and boutique hotels. It is a multi-faceted city where you don’t have to plan your trip but still have plenty to do if you are based in downtown Athens.

They have a dazzling array of shopping experiences from concept stores to historic shops. One place that should be high on your list of places to visit is The Naxos Apothecary. It is the oldest herbal pharmacy in Athens.

The exposed labs will immediately attract your attention. You can observe the preparation of herbal remedies, face creams and fragrances. The Korres products you are likely to find in your home countries. However, the tailor-made face creams and bath products of The Naxos Apothecary product collection are worth purchasing. They feature a set of five fragrances inspired and named after some of the most breathtaking villages of Naxos.

Next door to the apothecary is the newly opened xenodocheio Milos boutique hotel. It is the perfect base for you to explore the city, being a short walk away from Syntagma Square. It’s the Athens equivalent of Trafalgar Square. It is the first luxury hotel from the world-renowned restaurant group, estiatorio Milos. They’ve offered elevated Greek cuisine specialising in seafood since 1979 when it was founded in Montreal.

The hotel oozes effortless elegance from the moment you step out of your car in front of the hotel. It is a 19th-century neo-classical building that was designated a landmark building by the Ministry of Culture in 1979. It is situated opposite the Old Parliament House which is now the National History Museum.

The rooms have a serene minimalist style and soothing wooden panelling that are reminiscent of Nobu Hotels. Even though they have 43 rooms only. It’s sub-divided into nine categories from your entry-level classic room to the neoclassical apartment, that is the Milos signature suite. Most of the rooms enjoy mesmerising views of the Old Parliament House or Lycabettus Hill. The summit of the latter is the highest point in central Athens.

They make exceptional use of the window area by creating a cushioned nook area, which is perfect for reading a book whilst admiring the flow of Athenians in the downtown area.

Only the very best amenities will do at xenodocheio Milos. You’ll find Simmons luxury mattresses, a Nespresso coffee machine, and an Alessi Kettle Machine. You won’t be surprised to find the toiletries are made exclusively for the hotel by The Naxos Apothecary next door. They even provide dental kits which is a rarity at most 5-star hotels.

Even though the mini-bar isn’t complimentary, it is well worth trying out the handpicked treats on display. They include Popy’s gourmet popcorn, luxury Leonidas milk chocolate and a dry “Enotria” red from the Douloufakis Winery.

You can’t talk of their hotel without mentioning their outstanding restaurant. They have branches throughout the world including London, New York and Miami. The clean design of the restaurant works perfectly with the rest of the hotel. It was designed by renowned architects, Divercity Architects.

Prominent in the design is an artist’s interpretation of a fisherman’s net on the ceiling. That is a gentle clue to the main focus of their restaurant: supremely fresh seafood. The menu includes signature dishes such as whole fish baked in sea salt and lobster from Nova Scotia either grilled or served with pasta Athenian style.

Even the breakfast buffet is filled with Greek delights. You are served with fresh juice and a break basket including Koulouri, the iconic Greek sesame bread ring. The buffet station has the signature spanakopita. The eggs of your choice cooked to order are served with local tomatoes, cheese and a smattering of olives.

Service is attentive yet discreet and you never have to wait long for any dishes to arrive. They truly embody the Greek philosophy of ‘philoxenia’, which means an act of hospitableness and welcome. Note the in-room dining is 24 hrs and carried out by the kitchen team from estiatorio Milos.

They do offer an ELEMIS SPA Suite, which is all about ‘evexia’, the Greek word for well-being. Their deeply relaxing aromatherapy massage will unwind any modern-day stresses within 60 minutes. They use Mediterranean essential oils including extracts of bitter orange, cardamon and ginger.

The massage begins with inhalation exercises and ends with a mist of Aloe Vera sprayed over the body. I would strongly recommend booking in advance as they only have one SPA suite.

Alternative dining options in the area are in abundance. Most are independently run restaurants that offer a wide variety of cuisines.
Asian food is particularly well-represented in the area.

You can enjoy comforting ramen at So so so! on Apollonos Street and in fact, most of the neighbouring restaurants offer Asian cuisine. If you want high-quality yet casual-dining sushi, there is Akira Japanese restaurant. If you fancy some aromatic Vietnamese food, there is Hanoi Vietnamese restaurant. And finally, baos are all the rage in Athens. You can enjoy very affordable baos at Thess Bao with unusual combinations like their mushroom ‘gyros’ which is served with cannabis oil.

Athens is a truly vibrant city bursting with individuality. Make sure you check out my recommendations when you are next in Greece.

For more information on the hotel, please visit –

https://www.xenodocheiomilos.com/

Accessories October 23, 2023

Adventuring in St Lucia: Breathing in the beauty of nature

Explore the wonders of adventuring in St Lucia, nicknamed the “Helen of the West Indies,” renowned for its lush rainforests, stunning peaks, and captivating history of changing hands between the English and French. Discover world-class diving sites and immerse yourself in its natural beauty. In this article, we examine the accessible adventures on offer that will allow you to soak in the alluring beauty of the island without over-inducing an excess of adrenaline.

Bamboo rafting

One of the newest experiences on offer in St Lucia is bamboo rafting on the Roseau River. It is the longest and largest river on the island. The tranquil beauty of the river in the Anse-la-Raye Quarter is in distinct contrast to the busier resort-laden parts of northern St Lucia. The enterprise has been started by the ex-tourism minister. What is particularly impressive is not only is the raft made entirely of bamboo, but your guide sets sail only with a bamboo pole. It is an entirely non-motorised experience down to the beachfront for a carbon-neutral experience. Your local guide will serenade you with facts on the local flora, fauna and topography. Mid-journey you will break at a rustic shack where you can sample local coconuts and cocktails from a local entrepreneur. There are multiple add-ons such as a rum distillery tour (more on that later) and a segway tour.

Rainforest hike

There are numerous stunning hiking trails throughout St Lucia. One I would recommend is The En Bas Saut Falls Trail. Ideally, you’ll need a 4×4 to drive to the start of the trail near Soufrière often through rugged cobblestone roads (though we did spot one brave soul trekking up jungle slopes to the hike). The trek through the majestic rainforest takes anywhere between 1.5-2.5 hours to complete. It is a sub-4 km hike which involves uneven steps down to the waterfall and then steps back up. You’ll visit a 7-8 metre waterfall and the best part is you can swim up close for a cooling escape from the tropical heat. There will be offers of guided tours as you travel closer to the starting point of the trail. However, note that this is not essential given the route is an easily identifiable trail. The trickier part would be finding the starting point with your hire car. The best way to get there is to book a guided tour with reputable boutique hotels such as the nearby Têt Rouge Resort. The excursions are reasonably priced, and the options are varied.

Catamaran cruise

A catamaran tour is the best way to appreciate the overall magnificence of the island. Têt Rouge offers a 40 ft catamaran for hire privately. You can enjoy a sunset cruise, savour a barbecue on board, swim or snorkel in the refreshing waters or simply get taken to remote, pristine beaches. You get arguably the best angle at spotting the iconic twin peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton. You can peek into the most exclusive resorts on the island such as Jade Mountain Resort, or if you just want to unwind the Caribbean way, recline your back onto the catamaran trampoline, listen to the sea breeze and stare into the cloudless blue sky with a rum punch in your hands.

Cacoa Sainte Lucie

If you want an elevated dining experience and still have views of the verdant tropical rainforest, make sure you head to Cacoa Sainte Lucie. Situated in Belvedere Canaries, the site is at the perfect vantage point to soak up the surrounding greenery and the soothing ocean scenery. As they are a small-batch premium chocolate maker, the menu in their restaurant unsurprisingly contains countless cocoa. One of their signature dishes is the cocoa-crusted grilled Mahi served with a sweet chilli creole sauce. You might wonder: why add cocoa to dishes? Raw cacao is a superfood containing high doses of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Their chocolate trio dessert is not to be missed. They have an interactive chocolate-making workshop as well as a gift shop selling everything from gourmet chocolate truffles to hot chocolate powder (and my personal choice: a decadent chocolate lamington).

Rum distillery tour

Next to the bamboo rafting experience, you can also partake in a distillery tour at St Lucia Distillers. The tour has the perfect blend of video presentations, a brief rum-making tutorial, a kitsch carnival exhibition and an unbelievably generous rum-tasting finale. From April to November, when the sugarcane is harvested, guests can observe the harvesting at the cane fields which is a 5-minute walk from the distillery. The tour is about how they’ve used what’s abundant in nature in St Lucia to turn the product into one of the most popular spirits in the world. Their knowledgeable guides will take you around their working distillery and explain the concept in layman’s terms.

Rum is intimately linked to the carnival spirit and they have a carnival room displaying a dazzling array of fanciful costumes. The exhibition also goes in-depth about the origins and traditional practices that accompany carnivals in St Lucia. The finale of the tour is truly breathtaking. You get to sample their whole range of rums, rum-based creams and liqueurs. This is from the entry-level range to their most premium range, and it is all self-service and free pouring. This is a must for all rum aficionados. Afterwards, you should take a trip to their gift shop where their spirits are offered at factory prices.

Experience St. Lucia’s most iconic nature trails designed by your very own hiking butler! Discover more about these exclusive trails in our article on House of Coco.

There are roughly 29 flights per week flying from London to St Lucia. The average flight time is only 8 hours and 55 minutes. The lowest average temperature is in January at a barmy 26°C. March is the sunniest time of year, with over ten hours of sunlight per day. With these wonderful weather conditions and a diverse offering for tourists, make sure you consider St Lucia for your Caribbean holiday.

https://www.stlucia.org/en/