Morocco - House Of Coco Magazine

Business November 9, 2023

#WomenWorldwide: Anissa Perkins and her colourful vision for Kaftan Dreams

Growing up in Morocco, Anissa Perkins has had plenty of inspiration for her stylish Kaftan business – Kaftan Dreams. Born out ofa love for fashion, and a passion for beautiful colourful Kaftans made in unique prints – Kaftan Dreams takes the traditional ‘Caftan’ and gives it a luxurious flair.

We sat down with Anissa and discussed how her Moroccan culture has influenced her designs, the sustainable and ethical sourcing of her Kaftans- and finally, how her family has become both support network and inspiration throughout her journey.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start Kaftan Dreams?

Growing up in Morocco, I have always had a love for beautiful, colourful and unique clothing and accessories. This love eventually evolved into a business idea in the form of Kaftan Dreams. My own dream is to create a haven of beautiful creations, vibrant colours, luxurious fabrics — all with my own unique prints.

Before starting Kaftan Dreams, I had a career in fashion that spanned two decades. I had been lucky enough to work for Giorgio Armani in France. I stepped away from fashion for12 years to raise my four children, but my passion was calling me back. This is why I started Kaftan Dreams. Now I can be with my family and manage my own creative business that is all about dressing colourful, strong women!

Why did you decide to focus on kaftans in particular?

Kaftans are part of my culture because I was born in Morocco and was used to seeing beautiful women wearing colourful and feminine kaftans when I was growing up in Casablanca. Kaftan or ‘Caftan’ is a loose long gown type dress that is traditionally worn by women in Middle Eastern countries including Pakistan and Persia as their daily wear.

Today, women love to wear both traditional and western outfits equally regardless where they live. When they want to feel the sun or walk on the seashore , they need something different and cool. A kaftan is the perfect choice for every woman who wants to roam around the beaches freely. Our Modern Kaftans are not only used as beach wear dress or swimwear but can be worn as excellent beach-resort wear too. These are just a few of the reasons why women enjoy wearing kaftans.

Our Kaftan dresses are mostly free-flowing, loose gowns that reach your ankles. There are a lot design features added into the kaftan dresses which include fabulous prints, kimono sleeves, and V-necklines with hand finished embroideries.

Tell us about your bespoke collection?

Our luxurious bespoke collection of silk Kaftans feature exclusive prints inspired by the colours of the Orient. They combine traditional fabrics and craftsmanship with modern cuts and a fresh perspectve, offering a feminine silhouette, that’s both sensual and regal.

Rather than dictating the cuts and fabric combinations, we offer you the chance to select the house-designed silk prints you love most in a wide variety of cuts, creating a naturally elegant outfit that will carry you through each day. We work with many groups of artisans to offer traditional techniques of weaving, embroidery, and prints that are exclusive to Kaftan dreams. All creations are ethically constructed. The respect we have for our collaborative artisans a key priority.

How important is ethical sourcing and sustainability to your brand?

At Kaftan Dreams we want our customers to know where the products come from; as well as how they’re made. As a mum of 4 children, I’m concerned about their future and the planet that they will live in. I choose sustainably sourced fabrics and services because of the impact on the environment, and we also want to make sure that our workers are treated well.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as an entrepreneur so far?

The biggest challenge I have to face is to wear all the hats myself; from sales, to marketing, to accounting, IT, and innovation. These are all the number of roles that I have to assume as owner of a new business. I also find myself isolated in my own little space trying to get my brand in a fashion world that is own by giants and managing my time while my priority is my family.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become a GirlBoss like yourself?

Stay authentic and creating something you’re really passionate about.

WWW.KAFTANDREAMS.COM

Lifestyle November 9, 2023

East Londons Most Instagrammable Spots

If you find yourself in any of these East Londons Most Instagrammable Spots and you’re not Instagramming it, your phone must be dead. While the trendsetting East End may have lost its rougher edge in recent years, here at House of Coco, East London’s enduringly cool creative hub still has our heart. Set against a backdrop of street art, scandi-chic coffee shops, and unique independent stores – why not take inspiration from the artistic scene for your Instagram, with #TeamCoco’s guide to the most Instagrammable spots in East London……

Palm Vaults

This pretty-as-can-be cafe is more vintage Miami than Hackney – and we’re crazy about it. Think palm print wallpaper, pastel pink hues, and sumptuous velvet armchairs. Potted palms and a cascade of hanging baskets make for a trendy, tropical vibe while a zero laptop policy creates an animated atmosphere. A plant-based seasonal menu offers avo-toast and acai bowls aplenty, while candy-coloured red velvet lattes complete the perfect Insta-shot. Major #brunchgoals.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXxnnVtDqHg/?taken-by=palmvaults

The Barge House

Three words. Breakfast IN bread. That’s all you need to know about The Barge House – a local haunt overlooking Regent’s Canal between Haggerston and Hoxton. At weekends only, they serve up scooped-out sourdough loaves, stuffed with everything from your standard full English to smoked salmon – topped with some serious #yolkporn. #TeamCoco’s favourite cure if you’ve overindulged the night before.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb7mHQCh0hT/?taken-at=450317421

Prick

Only in East London would you find a boutique dedicated to cacti and succulents. Inspired by a visit to Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, Gynelle Leon, owner of the brilliantly named Dalston store sources the most unusual and exotic cacti and succulents from across the UK and Europe – selling over 150 species. If you’re a fellow fan of the humble cactus and want to up your home’s Instagram game, we’d recommend heading over to Kingsland Road, sharp.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIPSmicgh8g/?taken-by=prickldn

Fournier Street

Add a vintage-inspired edge to your Instagram with a stroll around one of Spitalfield’s most sought-after streets. Formerly dilapidated, Fournier Street is now home to some of the city’s most immaculate Georgian mansions. Although restored, the street’s historical architecture is as impressive as ever, with exposed brickwork, fantastic facades, painted doors, and elegant sash windows – the perfect backdrop to any Insta-shot. Don’t forget to snap a shot of 11 and a half Fournier Street, if you can find it!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdyMi6XHRRB/?taken-at=232041160

Netil 360

You might easily miss this East London hangout’s unassuming entrance, but hidden atop Hackney’s Netil House lies hipster hotspot Netil 360. Overlooking London Fields, this versatile space is open from April and attracts a creative crowd from day to night – with a laid-back lounge vibe, co-working cabins, yoga classes, cinema screenings, and a cafe. Pull up a deck chair and indulge in some seriously Instagrammable views of East London’s skyline.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcPfq3qHu6g/?taken-at=945815257

Barbican Conservatory

Hidden in the heart of the city’s concrete jungle, lies one of a botanical variety – an Instagrammers oasis within the brutalist walls of The Barbican building. London’s second-largest, the Barbican Conservatory is a lost world of exotic plants, towering palms, and encroaching ivy. It may only be open on selected Sundays and bank holidays, but is free and serves afternoon tea on Sundays (bottomless prosecco optional, but highly recommended – just be sure to book in advance).

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfpEtA4l66P/?taken-at=1017898322

God’s Own Junkyard

There’s no better place to brighten up your grid than this psychedelic slice of Las Vegas out east in Walthamstow. The largest of its kind in Europe, Gods Own Junkyard is a warehouse wonderland showcasing light artist Chris Bracey’s collection of new, retro, and salvaged neon signs – which began with Soho sex shops and have since featured in films like Eyes Wide Shut. Open Friday and Saturday, entry is free.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJnStM5Db2S/?taken-by=godsownjunkyard

Shoreditch Street Art

For all its gentrification, London’s East End is still the home of counterculture – which is why you’ll find some of the city’s best street art here. From Chance Street’s kaleidoscopic colours to Fashion Street’s whimsical murals – a dash down any of Shoreditch’s side streets will turn up alternative artists, from the instantly recognisable Banksy to Eine’s colourful letters and Loretto’s satirical pieces. The art is ever-changing, so join a free tour if you want some insightful information for your captions.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfTZZS0lm3l/?taken-at=136217060398838

Beigel Bake

It’s hard to walk down Brick Lane without being beckoned into this East London institution by a waft of their delicious dough. Harder still when they’re open 24/7 – which incidentally, also makes this the place for late-night Shoreditch party-goers looking for sustenance (prepare for an eclectic crowd). Opened in 1974, while this deli’s old-school, no-frills approach may be bemoaned by some, their rainbow bagels are just what your Instagram ordered.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKVkIldBeyt/?tagged=beigelbake

Columbia Road Flower Market

Every Sunday, this East London road is transformed into an oasis of flowers with everything from potted chilli plants to plumes of peonies spilling over the stalls. Open from 8 am, our advice is to beat the crowds and go early or for closing, if you’re after the best deals. While the market itself may get busy, you can always retreat into the independent shops behind the stalls, which sell an Insta-worthy array of goods, from cupcakes to vintage fashion finds.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfpt6qEB63P/?taken-at=227833687

Bahrain November 9, 2023

Where to stay in Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup

It’s a long way off yet, but the rumble of the World Cup is never too far away, and the convoy of FIFA fans expected to descend on the buzzing desert metropolises of Doha is enough to accelerate booking plans far in advance. Where to say then, to enjoy the buzz of the games and easily explore this rich desert city? Split between the old Arabia and the new, the several hotels owned by Tivoli across Doha offer ample accommodation for all tastes and budgets.

Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar

For those hoping to blend FIFA excitement with a slice of holiday relaxation in the city’s 30-degree winter heat, Souq Al Wakra Hotel by Tivoli is located in the up-an-coming seaside district of Al Wakra.

Located 10 minutes from Hamad International Airport and 20 minutes from central Doha, the hotel is far enough to escape the hordes of football fans but close enough to easily jump into the action. A slick renovation of 17th century heritage buildings, the 101 room complex maintains the original architectural features built by local fishermen and pearl divers from way back when.

Terracotta walls, ambient fountains and minimalist interiors ooze a simple beachy vibe. Though rooms are small due to the structure of the old fishing huts that once stood here, the space is used effectively, with larger suites formed from interconnecting rooms. The surrounding area boasts a beachfront promenade peppered with restaurants, leading to the labyrinth of market stalls within the local Souq – perfect for glimpsing the essence of Qatari life outside of the city.

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels

For guests yearning to be right in the thick of it, Souq Waqif – Doha’s most famous marketplace gives way to a warren of Tivoli’s boutique hotels that in many ways feel more like an opulent Arabic home than a hotel. Personal touches and rich interiors blend with the ever-present aroma of the Arabic coffee and sweet dates presented to every guest to roll off the street, and into any one of the nine hotel lobby’s peppered through the cobbled streets of the Souq.

Facilities are peppered throughout the hotels; the luxurious spa at Al Jasra boasts Doha’s only Moroccan hammam experience, while Al Mirqab is home to the Souq’s only outdoor swimming pool – available to all guests, whichever hotel you’re staying in. Guests can choose from six restaurants, offering a mixture of Indian, Moroccan and Lebanese cuisines amidst rooftop views and opulent dining spaces.

La Piazza at Al Bidda houses the breakfast buffet for all Tivoli hotel guests, where classic continentals and authentic local specialties sit side-by-side, below an azure glass ceiling which glints in the morning sun. Al Shurfa restaurant at Al Jomrok Hotel is the perfect place in old town for a rooftop dining experience. Overlooking Doha’s imposing skyline, the terrace is most beautiful at sunset over platters of hot mezze and Arabic coffee, while its indoor rooftop lounge is a popular shisha haunt for locals and guests alike.

Al Najada

Located in the heart of central Souq Al Najada, the 151 roomed hotel stands as a vast Arabian sanctuary. The lobby boasts high ceilings and immediate indulgence, blending traditional architecture with a contemporary colour palate.

With 3 restaurants, a swimming pool area (and pool bar), fitness centre and an elegant ballroom to boot, Al Najada is particularly popular with European guests for high quality amenities and easy access to the city’s attractions.

Al Baraha Restaurant offers a sprawling daily breakfast buffet, where guests can drink coffee al fresco on the Italian style piazza. Missan is the hotel’s newest addition – a mesmerizing dessert-only restaurant featuring the sweetest gastronomic experiences in the city.

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.

Morocco November 9, 2023

The Temple Tipi at Burley Manor

Here at House of Coco we think life is all about balance. One week you might find us raving until the early hours whilst the following week we might be switching off from the world to be totally zen. Do you need to get away from it all, escape the city, relax and breathe in the fresh countryside air? Guests at Burley Manor this summer can experience all of this and more, as relaxation is taken to a whole new level with the combination of the great outdoors with a fabulous spa treatment at the new Temple Spa Tipi.

Arriving in July to set the scene is Burley Manor’s very own Pop-Up Tipi – a Moroccan inspired space hidden within the gardens, where visitors can choose to book a spa treatment from the specially selected menu of treatments by Mediterranean brand Temple Spa.

Treatments on offer will include the Power Breakfast Facial – a revitalising facial and deep power cleanse using ingredients found in a healthy breakfast including oats, honey and fruit juices; the Drift Away Mediterranean Massage – a top-to-toe massage formulated with a blend of essential oils and Temple’s aromatherapy resting cream REPOSE; as well as the Brush with Heaven which uses brushes in varying sizes and textures to massage, stimulate, drain toxins and smooth on oil to the face and body.

A place of tranquillity, big blue skies and stunning backdrop of the New Forest national park, Burley Manor is a wonderful space to unwind and to re-charge. Temple Spa and its strong Mediterranean influence harness the healing and boosting power of olive butter, calendula and lavender, apricots, rosemary and anise to cleanse, balance and restore. Skin boosting, wellbeing and super-luxe facials meet deluxe body scrubs, wraps and infusions, Mediterranean massages and top-to-toe spa experiences.

A grown-ups only restaurant and rooms, Burley Manor’s grand Grade II Listed exterior, which dates back to 1852, is combined with a home-away-from-home interior that seamlessly marries old manor house charm with a contemporary, eclectic twist.

This intimate, welcoming retreat lies amid the wild ponies, ancient forests, moors and heathland of one of the UK’s most loved national parks. In the summer months, guests can enjoy the beautiful setting from the manor’s outdoor swimming pool, set against an original stone wall from the manor.

Bookings are open to both day guests and residents at Burley Manor. Treatments start from £40.

A Mediterranean Spa Day is available from £70 per person and includes one 55-minute Drift Away Massage in the Temple Tipi, robes and slippers, flatbreads and fizz on the terrace and use of the outdoor swimming pool. For more information or to book, please visit www.burleymanor.com

France November 9, 2023

A Riad For All Seasons : Les Borjs de la Kasbah, Marrakesh

Our girl Rachael Lindsay has been exploring Morocco’s bustling capital, Marrakesh. It’s a perfect winter getaway but with over 1,000 converted riads in the city centre, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.

In less than four hours, I went from a grey London morning to the bright Moroccan sun. We had a friendly transfer to our hotel, the spacious Les Borjs de la Kasbah. It is one of the biggest riad hotels I have seen in Marrakesh with 18 spacious rooms and a huge central courtyard, swimming pool and restaurant.

Before being shown to our room, my partner and I are treated to a delightful fresh mint tea. Poured from a silver pot, served with a plate of sugary patisseries and accompanied by the twitter of migrating swallows, I truly feel like I have arrived in a storybook world.

The rooms continue the story. Each is uniquely designed with traditional Moroccan furnishings and handcrafted zellige mosaic tilework. The owner describes how the entire riad has been constructed by hand, from the decorative archways to the hand-dug swimming pool, with the help of a trusty donkey of course. Burnt ochre and peach feature heavily with brass trellis lanterns, a dark wood four-poster bed and a natural marble bathroom.

We spend the evening exploring the nightlife of the Marrakesh medina. Its central square is a drama at night, filled with snake-charmers, story tellers, and bubbling cauldrons of food. The markets stay open late, selling intricate glassware, leather babouche slippers and earthenware tagine pots of every shape and hue.

After a deep sleep, we awake to a breakfast fit for a marathon runner with an extensive buffet of homemade cakes, jams, fruit, smoothies, bread and patisseries. I particularly enjoy the pancake station with its choice of six varieties of Moroccan and French crepes, warm and drizzled with honey. The restaurant serves up the usual Moroccan favourites of tagine, couscous and pastilla, a sweet flaky pastry filled with vegetables or chicken, as well as meaty French classics like lamb cutlet and tender filet of beef.

Having the space for a swimming pool is itself a luxury in such a central location and I treat myself to a morning dip before another day exploring the city. When it comes to sightseeing, I would recommend the Maison de la Photographie with its Orientalist documentation of Morocco and its stunning rooftop views, the newly opened city-centre oasis, the ‘Secret Garden’ and Yves Saint Laurent’s pristine gift to Marrakesh: Le Jardin Majorelle with its memorial, cacti and trendy tearoom. For shopping, there are plenty of excellent boutique stores, from the centrally located Max&Jan with its keepsakes, kaftans and striped jumpsuits made in-store on a handloom to the furniture and linens inspired by local craft and designed by Martin Raffone at maisonLAB.

After all the shopping, mint tea drinking and medina exploring, the relaxing riad of Les Borjs de la Kasbah is the perfect place to which to return. With a heated swimming pool in winter and cooling courtyards in summer, this is the riad for all seasons and our top recommendation of the many riads in Marrakesh.

For more information visit lesborjsdelakasbah.com.

Beauty November 9, 2023

Relax and reset with our guide to the best global wellness breaks

With the global wellness industry currently experiencing 6.5% annual growth*, planning a wellbeing holiday to enjoy some dedicated ‘me time’ is more popular than ever.

If you’re thinking of booking your own wellness break, House of Coco has compiled some of the best global spa’s where you can relax in sumptuous surroundings and indulge in the unique wellbeing treatments on offer from luxury caviar anti-aging facial to chakra crystal balancing treatments.

Located on a beautiful secluded island, The Duniye Spa at Meeru Island Resort in the Maldives offers oriental inspired treatments, with a philosophy of ‘nurture your body, calm your mind and inspire your soul’. Time is left at the door and a new journey begins with treatments such as the renowned Coconut Hair Cream Bath, which uses the healing qualities of the palm tree family to calm. A warm blend of luxurious coconut oil is massaged gently into the scalp, following by a coconut hair mask wrapped in heated towels to deeply soften and hydrate. This beautifully fragrant and soothing approach promotes a deep sense of serenity and joy, enabling travellers to drift away and relax.

Available with Emirates Holidays, prices from £1,535 per person for a 7 night stay in a Garden Room, complimentary upgrade from breakfast to half board, complimentary return shared speedboat transfers and return flights. Price based on selected dates from 1 September to 15 October 2019 and flights from London Gatwick and London Stansted, supplements may apply for other departure airports.

Recently awarded the Hotel Spa of the Year 2018 and the World’s Best Resort Spa at the World Travel Awards. The Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray in Dubai, boasts a host of unusual treatments including the innovative Hammam Coffee Peeling treatment which utilises Turkish coffee to refine and smooth the skin, leaving it firm and toned. Based on the traditional hammam sequence of exfoliation and olive soap cleansing, the ritual finishes with a full-body coffee peeling to awaken the senses, benefiting the skin and mind.

Available with Emirates Holidays, prices from £889 per person for a 3 night stay in a Superior King Room on a half board basis and return flights. Includes a complimentary one-day/one-park access to Dubai Parks and Resorts. Valid for travel on selected dates from 1 to 19 September 2019. Price based on flights from London Heathrow and London Stansted, supplements may apply for other departure airports.

Bali is ideal for a wellness retreat and Lagoon Spa at The Laguna Resort offers a blend of indigenous and contemporary treatments including a Detox Algae Body treatment. It uses blue-green algae which is rich in amino acids, minerals, trace elements and vitamins and has a highly stimulating effect on the skin and the metabolism of the skin tissue. Alternatively, for the face there is a Collagen Booster Treatment which was designed closely with Dr. Michael A. Konig, a leading authority in cosmetic treatments. With 99% collagen obtained from natural, freeze-dried collagen fibres that imitate the skin’s collagen structure, it supplies intensive moisture and promotes collagen synthesis in the skin, to reduces wrinkles, improves declining skin tone, and prevents the formation of lines and premature aging.

Available with Emirates Holidays, prices from £1,165 per person for a 7 night stay in a Deluxe Garden View Room with breakfast and return flights. Valid for travel on selected dates from 1 to 30 September 2019. Price based on flights from London Stansted and London Gatwick, supplements may apply for other departure airports.

Steps away from the coastline is Raffles Praslin Spa which has been carefully designed to calm the spirit and awaken the senses. This luxurious spa in the Seychelles features 12 treatment pavilions, showcasing the spectacular view of the blue ocean and tropical surroundings. Experience true indulgence with the Luxury Caviar Anti-Aging Facial that firms, tones, refines and deeply hydrates the skin with protein rich caviar and powerful antioxidants. An exclusive AcuLift Massage visibly firms and tones as the Marine Biomatrix Sheet provides intensive hydration to instantly restore radiance. Results are immediate, leaving the skin looking supple, healthy and luminescent. The resort also has its own outdoor yoga studio perched just above the sea with the sounds of the waves crashing below.

Available with Emirates Holidays, prices from £2,555 per person for a 7 night stay in a Garden View Pool Villa with a complimentary upgrade to half board and return flights. Valid for travel on selected dates from 1 September to 24 October 2019. Price based on flights from London Stansted and London Gatwick, supplements may apply for other departure airports.

The very best spa treatments and therapies await you at Banyan Tree, Samui, Thailand. This secret hideaway features The Rainforest, a holistic hydrotherapy wellness experience designed to heal and soothe. Treatments include the Apple Green Tea Polisher that uses natural acids from the apple and acts as a gentle cleanser while the green tea powder nourishes the skin with its anti-oxidant properties leaving your skin softer and skin cells are naturally renewed. Lose yourself in the Royal Banyan treatment that delivers the best of Eastern and Western massage techniques to improve blood circulation. Featuring a warm herbal pouch dipped in Sesame Oil the treatment also including a coriander cucumber cleanser, Royal Banyan Herbal Pouch Massage, jade Face Massage and a therapeutic Herbal Bath.

Available with Emirates Holidays, prices from £2,075 per person for a 7 night stay in a Deluxe Pool Villa with breakfast and return Emirates flights. Valid for travel on selected dates from 1 September to 24 October 2019. Price based on flights from London Gatwick, supplements may apply for other departure airports.

Anantara Al Jabel Al Akhdar Resort has a unique retreat that is perched 2,000 metres above sea level on Oman’s fabled Green Mountain and offers a range of treatments. There is the Rose Rescue Ritual, a romantic pampering from head to toe, allowing the recipient to blossom naturally with the use of fragrant roses. Alternatively, discover wellbeing remedies from the Far East through the Journey of Siam, a ritual which includes a full body steam, refreshing coconut scrub to moisturise and soften the skin, before finishing off with a compress massage combining calming remedial herbs.

Available with Emirates Holidays, prices from £995 per person for a 5 night stay in a Premier Room with a complimentary half board upgrade and return flights. Valid for travel on selected dates from 1 to 30 September 2019. Price based on flights from London Gatwick and London Stansted, supplements may apply for other departure airports.

Navasana Spa at the Outrigger Beach Resort, Mauritius is a lush sanctuary by the sea that wakens the senses with an array of new signature therapies infused with natural essential oils by Aromatherapy Associates of London. The spa is under the guidance of resort Reiki master, Jeeten, and has designed 15 new rejuvenating treatments for both men and women. Indulge in the Moroccan Rhassoul Ritual, a journey of invigorating hamman, a toxin-releasing body wrap, and an application of nourishing argan oil. For couples they have a Sensory Complicity treatment in the VIP cabin where you can enjoy two hours of bliss, and treatments including relaxing body massages, a milky bath decorated with tropical flowers and is perfect for romantic quality time.

Available with Emirates Holidays, prices from £1,239 per person for a 7 night stay in an Ocean View Room on a half board basis with return flights. Valid for travel on selected dates from 1 September to 24 October 2019. Price based on flights from London Gatwick and London Stansted, supplements may apply for other departure airports.

Please note: Prices are correct as of 26.04.19. All pricing is based on 2 adults sharing a room. Offers are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. For more information on Emirates Holidays or to book, visit www.emiratesholidays.com or call 0208 972 8949
*2018 Global Wellness Economy Monitor by Global Wellness Institute

Algeria November 9, 2023

Travel Destinations for the Keen Photographer

Whether you’re a professional or a beginner, photographing the world is an excellent way to enhance your skills and create an impressive portfolio of work. Memories of your travel may last a lifetime, but nothing rekindles a picture-perfect moment better than a photograph.

When looking for the perfect destination to photograph, there are several factors to consider. Natural light, colour, culture, history, and landscape will all determine the outcome of your photos, so think carefully about the sorts of pictures you want to capture before you book your holiday. To help you decide, here are three picturesque locations that should be on every photographer’s bucket list.

Marrakech Morocco,

As you fly into the Marrakech Menara, you can snap the stunning red city and its backdrop of desert sands and snow-capped mountains, but beyond the incredible birds-eye-view of the city, there are many other picturesque sights to capture. Nestled near the Museum of Marrakech is Ben Youssef Medersa, an Islamic college that’s over 400 years old. The architecture, complete with marble pillars and ornamental motifs, will make for some beautiful photographs that truly capture the culture and history of the building.

The maze of the medina, with its snake charmers and souks, is another magical scene that just calls to be photographed, along with the far-flung Sahara desert. Used as filming locations for movie classics such as Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator, the dunes of the Sahara provide set against the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets are every travel photographer’s dream. If you’re looking for luxury accommodation in the city, check out these Marrakech villas.

Cairngorms, Scotland

You needn’t travel far to find exciting photo opportunities. The moorlands of Cairngorms (a mountain range in the Scottish Highlands) are ideal for both landscape and wildlife photography. The snow-capped peaks, clear waters and green hills laced with heather will make for great photo subjects for even amateur photographers. If you’re looking for wildlife to capture, you’ll find the only herd of reindeer in the British Isles here, as well as golden eagles, snowy owls, wild cats and pine marten otters. There are plenty of “bird and mammal tours” run in the area, complete with accommodation, such as Naturetrek’s wildlife photography holiday package.

Moraine Lake, Canada

With its shimmering teal-coloured waters, snowy mountains and glaciers, powerful photographs are almost a certainty at Moraine Lake. The view of the lake from the top of the rock pile is one of the most photographed locations in Canada. The view from behind the lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks is known as the “Twenty Dollar View” because it features on the 1969 and 1979 issues of the Canadian twenty-dollar bill. It has also been used as a background picture for Android, as well as plenty of other print advertisements. Taking a canoe ride across the lake also invites some incredible photo opportunities. There are also many hiking and mountaineering routes to explore so that you won’t be short of inspiration for your snapshots.

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

Into The Marrakesh Medina: Farnatchi Spa and Le Trou Au Mur

After a dusty day of sightseeing in Morocco’s capital, I am treated to an evening spa treatment at the luxurious Farnatchi Spa and sister restaurant to the spa, Le Trou Au Mur.

Finding the Farnatchi Spa is in itself an experience. Signposts direct you down a winding alley, typical of those in Marrakesh’s hectic city centre. It eventually opens out into an aromatic central courtyard with plush white armchairs, vaulted ceilings, ornate doors, black and white zellige tiles and an intricate Berber carpet. The contrast delights the senses.

The Farnatchi Spa offers a range of treatments from back and body massages to manicures by Essie nail colour and Oriental facials. And yet, if you haven’t experienced a hammam before then I think this should be your treatment of choice.

Hammams in Morocco are hot, steamy gender-segregated public spaces for getting a good clean. Visiting a local hammam is a real experience in Morocco and I would recommend it – but it is really quite different from a truly indulgent hammam spa treatment at the Farnatchi Spa.

I opt for the Royal Hammam treatment and my partner and I are both invited to enjoy this in a couples’ treatment room. This involves lots of relaxing in steam to open the pores, a rigorous scrub with black soap and eucalyptus essential oil, a thick mud mask of aromatic seven plant ghassoul and a delicious-smelling rosewater rinse. We are left feeling seriously clean (my hair even got a thorough shampoo and condition).

It is one of the best hammam experiences I have had, made so by one of those therapists who immediately creates a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. The top-quality products from Nectarome – such as their locally sourced Argan oil – ensure that the treatment feels luxurious. When you close your eyes, you can think on the fact that this is a Moroccan tradition that has been practised for centuries. A blend of culture and opulence that is right up #TeamCoco’s street.

Feeling so fresh and so clean, we are led again down some back streets to Le Trou au Mur for a romantic dinner for two. Le Trou au mur is a new restaurant in a tiny riad in the oldest part of the Marrakesh medina which blends modern European design elements with traditional Moroccan handicraft. I particularly like the black and white photography prints on the chair upholstery and the zig-zag tilework underfoot.

The hammam somehow leaves me hungry so we dive right in to the eclectic menu. It features twists on Moroccan classics as well as international morsels like pate de foie gras and Vietnamese spring rolls. We start with the simply-named but unusually-presented Moroccan salads. This is one of the highlights of the menu for me: an assortment of seven salads and dips, served in dishes on a tree-like structure, and each one devoted to gorgeous but simple flavours, like carrot or pumpkin, fragranced with orange blossom.

For the mains, we opt for the vegetable couscous and highly recommended tangia. This is a dish of slow-cooked lamb served in a clay pot that my partner describes as tender and mouth-watering. Other unusual dishes that we don’t try this time are the offal medley of kidneys, liver and heart in traditional spices and slow-cooked tripe with white beans in a tomato sauce. We skip to dessert and enjoy a silky chocolate fondant and a Moroccan fresh fruit pastilla – or filo pastry and almond pie.

Le Trou au Mur is a must-visit in Marrakesh because there is a dearth of really good restaurants here. There are several run-of-the-mill couscous and harissa soup affairs. But to be able to enjoy those classic flavours done exceptionally well and to be able to try more daring blends of cultural influence is quite a novelty in Morocco’s capital. I hope that Le Trou au Mur is a sign of things to come in Marrakesh’s culinary scene, but for now it is quite a unique offering in the medina.

Heading out into the chilly night, the restaurant kindly provides us with a guide to get us back to the main square. We emerge through the tiny winding streets, the juxtaposition of hectic medina life and the havens of the restaurant and spa again leave me smiling.

For more information, visit farnatschispa.com and letrouaumur.com

Accessories November 9, 2023

GBOGB: Loveness Lee on building a jewellery brand from different timezones

Meet Loveness Lee. A jewellery designer that combines art, science, and nature to create wonderfully unique hand-crafted statement pieces that are truly out of this world. Here at House of Coco, we’re all about that laptop lifestyle, and this is exactly what Loveness Lee built her eponymous brand on. Working with creatives and buyers from all over the world, Loveness Lee has built her business on different languages and timezones making her a GirlBoss that is not only forward thinking and global minded, but is also winning at the jewellery game with her latest eclectic trans-natural collection. Young, dynamic, and absolutely inspirational, Loveness Lee is a GirlBoss that is definitely Team Coco approved.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what made you fall in love with jewellery design?

From an early age, I developed a keen interest for the natural sciences, in particular chemistry. Also, my mother is an architect, and this fostered in me a passion for art and design. For me it made sense to be a jewellery designer, because I can enjoy the best of both disciplines! I am able to research and experiment with different materials like a scientist does, and also craft beautiful objects like an artist.

Tell us about Loveness Lee – what is your aesthetic all about?

Serendipity plays a key role in my design process: I am drawn to natural shapes, colours, and textures; which are impossible to pre-determine yet remain consistently familiar. I see the ‘trans-natural’ concept at the heart of my jewellery as a collaboration between nature, science, and art — three distinct methods working in unison. My fascination with organic materials compels me to investigate the interplay between different substances in my jewellery, to understand their properties and potentials without imposing limits upon them through my designs.

Before starting your eponymous brand, you trained as a jeweller and silversmith for seven years. How have these foundations helped you with your approach to Loveness Lee?

I want to create jewellery that is art. Years of studying and training not only helped me to perfect my skills of hand-making, but also helped me discover my design style and concept. Jewellery is a channel. A way of elevating the quotidian by creating beautiful physical objects. The world through my eyes is formed of stunning shapes, amazing textures and vibrant colours. In a way, my jewellery is a small interpretation of the world as I see it. For me, this is the point of art. My life and experiences are a constant source of inspiration and intrigue. Transforming my imagination into something tangible brings me so much joy. I want to translate my passion for living into jewellery, to communicate it for the whole world to see.

Since launching Loveness Lee in 2016 – what has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a businesswoman so far?

The biggest challenge is managing the communications between the team members — essentially HR. Since I started my brand, I have been very fortunate to have international employees and work with photographers, models, makeup artists and graphic designers etc from all over the world. The advantage of having such international team members is not only easier communications with international buyers in France, Morocco, and Korea, but also to bring unique ideas from different cultures. The disadvantage is the language barrier and cultural differences.The time differences between everyone can be challenging. Everyone is artist and passionate about their creations, so sometimes communication is really the key.

Talk us through your latest collection, the inspiration behind it, and if you have a favourite piece?

Trans-natural is an eclectic collection which, as its name suggests, goes above and beyond nature, in its pursuit of daring, statement jewellery. The pieces in the collection are inspired by the unpredictable, organic processes that order the world around us. Specifically investigating the role that decay and rebirth play in the circle of life. Science, art, and nature combine once more in the pieces: coiled, undulated shapes are partially gold-plated to represent the unhurried, gradual movement of being and time. Uncompromising but contemplative designs transform the fragility of nature and the limits of traditional jewellery, into strong statement pieces. They are the ultimate accessory for modern women who possess a thoughtful and bold outlook on fashion. I have always included statement hoop earrings in every collection of mine — as they are my favourite.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become a GirlBoss like yourself?

The beginning of being a girl boss is hard, but don’t let this stop what you love to do. Once you get used to it, it will get easier. I feel very privileged doing what I love every day.