New Zealand - House Of Coco Magazine

New Zealand March 13, 2024

The Best Souvenirs to Bring From New Zealand

New Zealand boasts of cultural richness, roots, and captivating beauty that always attracts tourists. Hence, when it’s time to head home, many make it a necessity to bring something that can remind them of all the good moments that happened on the islands when their vacation is over. The best part is that there are tons of souvenirs that you can get, from carved pounamu (greenstone) necklaces to their popular wine and Manuka honey.

This country is also well-versed in its entertainment. On your visit, you can check out land-based casinos for an evening of pure amusement, play the best nz slots, and probably get some money rewards. Alternatively, you might plan a trip to one of the wildlife sanctuaries and enjoy a day out there. You can bring souvenirs from both places in the form of lovely photos. However, if you want something else, check out our today’s post. We are going to discuss souvenirs you can get for yourself and loved ones as a reminder of NZ spectacular landscape.

A List of Things to Get for Friends and Family From NZ

As you navigate the vast landscape of New Zealand, searching for the best souvenirs to take home, remember that each item is more than just a trinket. It is a gateway to reliving the magic of your journey and cherishing the memory from time to time. Here are some of the best things that you can buy:

Chocolate: While it is not the most original gift that you can bring from here, it is a great one to get. The most popular chocolate brand in the country is Whittaker’s. You can get it from any supermarket, with a wide variety of flavours to pick from, from kiwi to roasted almonds and caramel brittle. It has specialty blocks that come in premium packaging, making it a perfect gift. You can also check out craft chocolate makers and shops around to get customised packages;
Pounamu: Also known as greenstone or NZ jade. It is regarded as a treasure by the Maori people and is traditionally given as a gift. This makes it the perfect souvenir to gift yourself and your loved ones as a reminder of your visit to this remarkable country. It is important to note that it can only be found within this country, and all genuine one displays a mark of authenticity from Ngāi Tahu (the legal kaitiaki, or guardians of New Zealand greenstone) and a dynamic traceability code;
Honey: It is more than a mere delicious spread for your toast. It is a liquid gold sought after and liked by many locals and tourists, especially the manuka honey. Head to the supermarket or a specialty store to get a jar before you leave. However, be sure to check the import regulations of the country you are entering to confirm that it is okay to bring honey in;
Skincare: The country has different skincare brands that make their products using the local ingredients grown within. You can find them at supermarkets, department stores, or pharmacies. A perfect example is Aotea’s Kawakawa balm, a native skincare remedy. Many of these skincare products are inspired by traditional Maori herbal practices, so they contain ingredients like harakeke, mānuka, and kawakawa;
Hot Sauce: In recent years, this has become a hot commodity on the to-buy list as a souvenir. The people of New Zealand take pride in their locally-made products, and you will be thrilled you got this. The options vary from Kaitaia Fire, produced from chilis planted in Northland, to the Waha Wera Kiwifruit & Habanero hot sauce with a local and appealing flavour;
Christmas Decors: To always remember your visit and go down memory lane, you can take a slice of the landscape with you. As you hang them on your Christmas tree, you’ll reminisce about the time spent and be grateful for the opportunity to experience and visit such a spectacular landscape. Some intricate decorations include surfing Santas, sheep, native birds, pairs of jandals, buzzy bees, pōhutukawa baubles, and even more unusual ornaments.

While there are many more of NZ you can take back to your residence, these are just a few that you should consider if you feel overwhelmed.

Have Fun Shopping!

There is an endless list of the things you can take back home to give you and the people you love a feel of NZ. There are even toys and books for sale that you can buy for your children to help them learn about this fascinating landscape. Like everything else you have done during your time in New Zealand, this is another opportunity to have fun and explore the grounds. Promise us not to go home without getting a souvenir!

Chile November 9, 2023

11 Of The Best Foodie Hotspots Around The World

There aren’t many things that make us happier than food and travel. So when we get to put our two true loves together, as you can imagine, we are a bunch of happy folk here at House of Coco.

We’ve put together our roundup of the best foodie hotspots to inspire your inner piglet to hop on a flight…

Denver, Colorado – www.colorado.com
From green chile synonymous with Colorado’s ancient Pueblo communities to buffalo in the Old West, Colorado’s culinary scene has been integrated into the culture of the state for centuries. For those looking for a quirkier dining location, Linger an ‘eatery’, is set in a former mortuary, whilst Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox serves American food in a former brothel.

Taste of Denver: For a real taste of Denver, a three hour walking food tour will give visitors an insight into the ever expanding food scene of this vibrant city. Sample Zoo Ma Ma’s infamous noodles which are inspired by her mother’s home cooking and then wander down to the Wynkoop Brewery for a tipple at the oldest brewery in Denver, finished off with a trip to Milk Box, one of the most popular ice-cream creameries in the city.

Greater Palm Springs, California – www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

The Greater Palm Springs area is a burgeoning foodie destination plating up for Hollywood A-listers and being home to the largest date growing region in the US. Creative chef-driven restaurants and gourmet stores serving local specialities such as Date Shakes are driving more food lovers to the area. Thanks to the ideal farming conditions in Greater Palm Springs, the popularity of farm-to-table restaurants is increasing, with La Spiga and Workshop Kitchen & Bar offering the freshest dishes, whilst making use of the best local produce.

Desert Tasty tours: Visitors can take a walking food tour through the desert and experience the best food Greater Palm Springs has to offer, whilst also learning unique insights about the history of the area from an expert guide. Choose to explore El Paseo or Palm Canyon Drive over the course of three hours and expect many tasty dishes, from award winning Bill’s Pizza to nationally acclaimed toffee and popcorn shop, Brandini Toffee.

Newport Beach, California – www.visitnewportbeach.com

While Newport Beach is mainly known for its beautiful coastline, there are many tasty restaurants to be found around the area with freshly caught seafood and scenic waterfront dining. As locals in Newport Beach have one of the highest average incomes in the area, the food options tend to match their high standards.

Dock and Dine: Eat like a local and experience a classic Newport Beach dining experience. Choose from over a dozen restaurants and enjoy a dinner cruise whilst docked in the marina, sampling the best food, food truck catering and stunning views on offer. Cannery Seafood of the Pacific is a favourite with the locals and offers visitors a menu packed with freshly caught local seafood to complement their impressive award-winning wine list.

Portland, Oregon – www.travelportland.com

Portland is globally renowned for its gastronomy scene. Home to over 700 street food trucks, food festivals, food specific walking tours, farm to fork concept dining and an ever expanding vegan offering. Portland is the place for foodies to head to this year, as Delta have confirmed a seasonal direct flight from London Heathrow, operating 4th May – 26th October.

Hands-on culinary experiences include:

Tea Tasting Appointment at Smith Teamakers: Coffee or beer might come to mind when you think of Portland’s craft beverage scene, but tea is also on the rise. Founded in 2009, Smith Teamakers blend and pack teas and botanicals in very small batches from the world’s best producing regions. Take a guided tasting in their new tasting room in SE Portland which has unique, artisanal, and highly curated range of products.

Tasting at Teutonic Wines Urban Winery: Local wine geeks have fallen hard for Teutonic’s Swiss-German-style wines since Barnaby and Olga Tuttle debuted their pinot noir in 2008. Since then, Teutonic has sold out vintage after vintage. The Tuttles’ wine is unique, including a few, like silvaner and chasselas, that practically no one else in Oregon makes. The Tuttles aim to introduce their bottles to a wider audience with an urban winery and tasting room in Southeast Portland.

Sacramento, California – www.visitsacramento.com

Sacramento is known as the Farm to Fork capital of the US AKA foodie heaven, with the lower rent prices and ideal climate, the city has seen an influx of Bay Area chefs as it is much easier to set up shop here and with the easy access to all the organic produce they come up with the tastiest menu offerings. 96 percent of the country’s tomatoes come from within 250 miles of Sacramento, as well as 95 percent of California’s sushi rice, exported in mass to huge sushi industries such as Japan.

Get hands on with a local cookery class at Sacramento Natural Food Co-Op: From udon noodles to Indian street food or entertainment with cheese, the Co-Op offers something for everyone with the opportunity to get hands on in the cookery class. They also offer wellness seminars and gardening workshops, helping to make connections about important food, health and environmental issues in support of local family farms.

San Diego, California – www.sandiego.org

Renowned for its unique flavours and a collaboration of chefs from both sides of the border, Mexico’s Baja-Med scene combines California’s emphasis on fresh and local ingredients to create a delicious and unique new menu, fondly known to the locals as ‘Cali-Baja’. Fish tacos and grilled octopus on a tostada are amongst the favourites. This Mexican heritage also influences art, culture, music and architecture.

Taco making at Galaxy Taco: Trey Foshee’s Galaxy Taco is a celebration of the culture and cuisine of Mexico, where you’ll find simple foods done well. A casual Mexican restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, Galaxy Taco grind their own masa from non-GMO heirloom corn to make their tortillas. The lunch menu is an interpretation of Mexican street food, with an emphasis on seafood and tacos and the dinner menu has additional family style offerings.

San Francisco, California – www.sftravel.com

With the huge production of fruits, vegetables, seafood and livestock surrounding San Francisco in California, chefs are able to create fresh authentic meals that are enjoyed by both locals and tourists. San Francisco is home to an array of restaurants offering a wide selection of foods, including the Mission District, the city’s exuberant hipster neighbourhood with Latino roots where restaurants like La Taqueria serving up one of the best burritos in the area. Home to the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, any trip to San Francisco must include a taste of the Asian cuisine, including dumplings from Yank Sing or noodles from M.Y. China, prepared right in front of your eyes.

San Francisco visitors can test their own culinary skills by taking part of one of the many culinary classes within this diverse city. The Wok Shop, located in San Francisco’s Chinatown, host ‘Wok Wednesday’s’ for visitors to develop their Stir Fry Skills learning from advanced ‘wokers’.

Santa Barbara, California – www.santabarbaraca.com

Foodies in Santa Barbara can take a Famers’ Market Foodie Stroll with Bouchon’s executive chef, Greg Murphy, for a true ‘farm to fork’ wine country cuisine experience. After perusing the fresh produce with the chefs at the Santa Barbara Food Market to select ingredients, diners can see the fresh food transformed into a three-course dinner paired with local wines. A market tour and three course dinner with wine costs $95 per person. For budding photographers, Eat This Shoot That! offer food or wine tours with an interactive photography element. The Funk Zone Food & Photo Tour explores the food of Santa Barbara’s newest neighbourhood, with eight tasting locations, spanning 3.5 hours. Visitors can learn foodie photo tips and tricks using a smartphone, with backdrops of hidden graffiti art and galleries. $99 adults, $89 children.

Setouchi, Japan – setouchitrip.com

With the ever increasing popularity of Asian food around the world and the increase in Japanese restaurants throughout the UK, including the opening of Japan Centre in central London, Japanese food has never been so hot. What better way to taste the Japanese delicacies than to travel to Japan’s Inland Sea, Setouchi, and try its fresh produce for yourself.

Udon Taxi Tour: Foodies rejoice, as Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, is the Udon capital of Japan. Here visitors can watch the dough being hand-stretched and noodles boiled over a wood fire. Big time Udon lovers can even hail an Udon Taxi that will take them to explore famous Udon spots across the prefecture – easily spotted thanks to the giant replica of a bowl of Udon attached to the car roofs.

Sonoma County, California – www.sonomacounty.com

Visitors to Sonoma can enjoy an array of culinary experiences, including the Sonoma Marin Cheese Trail or the Farm Trail. A year-round cornucopia of fresh produce is available even in the most remote corners of this fertile region, contributing to an abundance of award-winning restaurants and wineries.

For a hands-on experience, visitors to Sonoma can join a cookery class at Ramekins, where they capture the essence of Wine Country living with fresh foods, fabulous wines and good company. Hands on classes are hosted throughout the year, with a huge range of cookery options on offer. Whether it’s learning to cook a favourite seafood dish or perfecting Italian pasta, these cookery classes will complement every taste bud.

The Islands of Tahiti www.tahititourisme.uk/en-gb/

French Polynesia benefits from amazing weather all year round. It’s a virtual Garden of Eden, where exuberance and abundance go hand in hand. Farmers grow a wide variety of fruits, spices and vegetables, combining aromatic qualities with nutritional benefits.

Guests to The Islands of Tahiti can take their hand in the kitchen and learn the traditional culinary arts, including at some of the large hotels where the chefs organise culinary workshops. Every Tuesday and Thursday, guests at Le Meridien Tahiti are introduced to the techniques used by the chef, to understand the blend of exotic Asian and Western flavours using the freshest and finest of locally grown and caught produce.

Australia November 9, 2023

The best place to grab brunch when travelling through Australia’s Gold Coast

Australia’s Gold Coast is situated south of Brisbane and is famed for its beautiful long sandy beaches and popular surfing spots. Not only is it home to theme parks such as Dreamworld and Sea World, this Metropolitan region boasts some damn fine places to eat and drink. One of those hot spots being, The Paddock Bakery, an adorable wood-fire bakery and café with cute garden seating and an indoors area.

We recently visited the Gold Coast and had heard delicious things about this part vintage café and part artisan bakery, so naturally, we wanted to sample the delights ourselves. It has an incredibly chilled vibe; you grab a menu, pop yourself down on the nearest free table and salivate over nearby diners meals whilst trying to decide what to go for. Once you have chosen, you place your order with the lovely Paddock Bakery staff who will issue you with a table number. It has a charming atmosphere and although busy, it doesn’t feel too overcrowded.

The New Zealand King Smoked Salmon, cream cheese, pickled red onion, capers, lemon zest and fresh herbs on a wood-fired bagel was something else and had us wanting to order another round. We then tried the roasted beetroot & Za’atar puree, with poached eggs, Meredith goats milk feta, honey roasted walnuts, Joseph cold pressed olive oil & fresh rosemary on house wood-fired 7 grain sourdough toast as well as devouring a classic avocado on house 7-grain wholemeal sourdough toast with toasted pistachios, sunflower seeds & pepitas. The menu was classic but with a twist and we can confirm every dish we tried was utterly delicious.

If you’re embarking on some travels through Australia’s Gold Coast then we can’t recommend you add this slice of foodie heaven to your must-visit wish-list.

The Paddock Bakery

www.paddockbakery.com

6:30am open | Grill shuts at 2pm and Coffee & Cakes 3pm

Croatia November 9, 2023

6 Famous Filming Locations You Can Actually Visit

If you love films, TV and travelling, combine them, and you get the perfect mixture. There are many locations worldwide that double up as beautiful holiday destinations while also satisfying your passion for Hollywood. Add a little magic to your life by visiting your favourite film or TV show’s filming locations.

It is possible to enter the magical world of Harry Potter, to bring the Ring to Mordor, and walks the same streets as the Lannisters, Starks and Targaryens. If this all seems like heaven to you, here are the most famous filming locations you can actually visit.

Lord of the Rings, New Zealand

Ever wanted the challenge of carrying the Ring to Mount Doom? If so, book your flights to New Zealand and try your hand at re-living the infamous Lord of the Rings trilogy. Matamata, located on the North Island, was the backdrop to the Shire (its 44 hobbit holes are open for tours), while Mount Ngauruhoe doubled as Mount Doom.

Breaking Bad, Albuquerque

As all super fans will know, Breaking Bad was filmed in New Mexico’s Albuquerque, where the TV drama also unravels. Breaking Bad won 16 Emmy Awards, frequents many “Best TV Shows lists,” and if you visit Albuquerque, you can find yourself driving past Jesse Pinkman’s humble abode. What’s more, with the recent news of there being a Breaking Bad film in the works, Walter White and Jesse Pinkman’s legacy is set to continue. To ensure you keep up with the most recent and latest TV and film news, Slick Kook endeavour to keep their readers in the loop.

Fans of this iconic TV show can walk in the steps of their favourite anti-hero, Walter White. There is the choice of taking a self-guided tour or being part of the grand Breaking Bad Tour.

Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, Croatia

When you hear Croatia, you think of Game of Thrones (more on this below) and its infamous King’s Landing. But did you know that Dubrovnik is also a filming location for the casino city, Canto Bight?

The city’s main streets were closed for two weeks and were made over so that it looked like it was from a galaxy far, far away. Nevertheless, Dubrovnik proves once again, that it is a beautiful and intriguing city to visit.

Game of Thrones, Croatia

Whether you identify as a Stark, Lannister or Targaryen, Croatia frequently appears in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Head to King’s Landing (Dubrovnik) and see where Joffery’s terrifying reign began (and ended), or visit Split and see Daenerys’ throne room (located in Diocletian’s Palace). The last stop on your Game of Thrones tour is 20-minutes (by car) from Split’s city centre. The Klis Fortress is, in the Game of Thrones universe, known as Meereen – the greatest city in the Bay of Dragons.

Jaws, Massachusetts, USA

“We’re gonna need a bigger boat,” Martin Brody infamously says. To this day, fans of the film continue to quote this notorious line. This classic story about a gigantic shark who reigned terror on the people of Amity Island left people terrified of the ocean, but now, those who consider themselves fearless can visit Martha’s Vineyard – specifically, Edgartown, home to “Jaws Bridge.”

Harry Potter, Scotland

Who wasn’t disappointed when their letter from Hogwarts didn’t arrive? Even as adults, Harry Potter remains a magical part of people’s lives, where they hope that one day, they can walk the halls of their favourite school of witchcraft and wizardry.

Of course, there are Harry Potter filming locations throughout the UK, but the most theatrical is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, where the Hogwarts Express travels. You can also visit Loch Eilt, which was used for the Hogwarts grounds.

Australia November 9, 2023

Why Should You Include Mushrooms In Your Diet?

The humble mushroom is having something of resurgence at the moment with professional chefs and budding amateurs alike making the most of this lowly fungus in a variety of dishes. From mushroom soup to a twist on a beef wellington, mushrooms are gaining popularity in kitchens around the nation. This is good news for your health. Mushrooms are a smart addition to a balanced diet, offering a variety of health benefits and perks. Here are some of the top reasons why you should include mushrooms in your diet, and how they can seriously boost your health.

High Nutritional Value

One of the top selling points of mushrooms, particularly the prized morel mushroom, is their high nutritional value. They provide essential nutrients, including Vitamins D, selenium, potassium, and copper. They also offer the same variety of essential antioxidants as more colorful fruit and vegetables, such as tomatoes. As a bonus, they are low in calories, and also provide fiber and protein. Additionally, knowing how to store morel mushrooms ensures their freshness and flavor are preserved, further enhancing their appeal. Mushrooms deserve their place as a superfood and we are definitely seeing a mushroom revival!

They Boost Your Immune System

As well as offering vitamins and minerals, eating mushrooms can also help to boost your immune system preventing the chances of getting sick and helping your body to fight off infections more effectively. A recent study shows that a daily dose of shiitake mushrooms can improve overall immunity in a way which exceeds the benefits of pharmaceutical drugs. More commonly found white and brown mushrooms have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, and the miracle food can also prevent respiratory infections, and alter gut bacteria, which could also even be used to help prevent obesity—mushrooms are truly underrated!

They Can Help In The Fight Against Cancer

As well as their numerous other benefits, mushrooms have been shown to help fight against cancer. They contain proteins known as ‘lectins,’ which can bind to abnormal and cancer cells. They then label these cells for destruction by our immune systems and have been used in cases of breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, uterine cervix cancer, pancreatic cancer, acute leukemia, and gastric cancer. An Australian study found that women who consumed a third of an ounce of fresh mushrooms daily were 64 percent less likely to develop breast cancer.

They Can Save The World

Mushrooms aren’t just good for humans. They can work to help protect our planet too. If mushrooms didn’t exist, then there would be no plants. Mushrooms and mycelium break down rocks and organic matter and turn them into the soil which provides the necessary structure to nourish plants and feed us.

In addition, mushrooms have been used to help out planet in other unexpected ways including:

Absorbing farm pollution
Fighting off smallpox and flu viruses
Cleaning up oil spills
As a sustainable fuel source
Creating vibrant, fertile environments for farms and forests
Combating insects, giving plants a chance to grow

Mushrooms are more than just a tasty, trendy dish. They are also a potentially life-saving solution to many health conditions and can help you to look and feel the very best you can with just a simple addition to your diet.

Argentina November 9, 2023

The Most Underrated Cities in the World

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

Auckland, New Zealand

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

Banff, Canada

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

El Nido, Philippines

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

Mendoza, Argentina

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

Budapest, Hungary

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

Safed, Israel

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

Galway, Ireland

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

Coco Couples November 9, 2023

Wake up Here : The Magic of Middlethorpe Hall

You might have heard, we get around the world a bit. That said we always find our way back home, and are proud to have our feet firmly planted in Yorkshire, where there’s always plenty to explore. About ten minutes outside of the centre of York stands Middlethorpe Hall – a 1699 country house turned luxurious hotel and spa.

The location in itself is something worth shouting about. It’s one and a half miles outside of the medieval city walls, and yet sits quite alone amid gardens, parkland and countryside. Bafflingly there’s a bus stop on the main road, with easy access to the town (or back from the town when you’ve had a few wines).

Still bearing frontage to that archetypal English country house, the building is striking yet comfortable. It was once the home of famous diarist Lady Mary Wortley Montagu who described it as a “pretty place” – and while she wasn’t one for exciting adjectives, she wasn’t wrong…

There are ten rooms in the main house, where wood panelling and oil pantings give true Downton Abbey vibes. It’s not overly fussy, but all of the thoughtful details are covered. Fresh flowers, thick books and well equipped old fashioned dressing tables will make you feel like you’ve landed in Judi Dench’s guest room. The rest of the rooms rest in the former stable block and cottages, renovated to the confidently traditional grandeur that extends from the main house.

A few of the other outbuildings now have other uses. A slightly unusual spa lives inside an old Edwardian cottage, with an indoor pool and gym inside a Victorian summerhouse. The spa has three beauty salons with qualified therapists who can sort you out with their long list of treatments – body, face or otherwise.

Short of announcing like a cavalry charge, dinner is made to be quite the occasion. In the summer, canapés are served on the lawn a la Buckingham Palace garden party before the candle lit dining rooms welcomes you in. There’s a choice between a la carte or taster menu, which is your call to make because take it from us, both have been crafted to perfection.

Head Chef Ashley Binder and Pastry Chef Paul Harrison have produced menus created with supplies from their Yorkshire doorstep that are fresh, seasonal and sustainable. Some classic favourites are served with a twist, like roast duck with a side of sauerkraut, or beef fillet with smoked bone marrow.

The wine list is a real weighty tome – 38 pages to be exact – and in our language, that’s fine by us. If you’re a wine novice who throws it back, or that type of person at a tasting who spits it back into the glass, you’ll find something on here to satisfy your lust. They even have a selection of vegan and organic wines, and a clever few pages of suggestions which help you pair your drinks with whatever you’ve ordered. Did you know a New Zealand Pinot Noir goes perfectly with winged game? Well, we do now…

Laura Bartlett was hosted by Middlethorpe Hall, a member of the Pride of Britain Hotels collection (never more than 50 hotels, to guarantee quality and exclusivity).The National Trust-owned William III country house hotel is set in 20 acres of grounds in York and has a 2-AA Rosette fine-dining restaurant and spa. An overnight stay costs from £219 per room (two sharing), including full English breakfast. Call Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 (www.prideofbritainhotels.com).

Australia November 9, 2023

The Importance of Showing Respect for Other Cultures

A few years ago I was living and working in the small island nation of Samoa. The Independent State of Samoa, or Western Samoa, to distinguish it from it’s American cousin.

I was living with a local family, the Malakis, working as a journalist for the Samoa Observer and trying very hard to learn the fa’a Samoa – the Samoan way of life. And I did a pretty good job if I do say so myself. It’s definitely tough learning how to tie your beautifully handcrafted lavalava and how to husk a coconut, not to mention how to siva like a graceful Polynesian princess instead of like the plastic hula girl toy on the dashboard of your car.

Samoa is the kind of place that wears its culture on its sleeve. Tourism is relatively low there, despite having beautiful weather, landscapes, beaches and people, so foreigners are few and far between and palagis (white people) stand out in particular. Everything that is done in Samoa is done with fa’a Samoa in mind and it is one of the only places I have travelled where the culture is so strong and so visible in every way. And with a culture that features the always impressive fire dancing, an almost co-dependent relationship with island music and a humble and always respectful manner of carrying oneself, it definitely does seem a shame to let that blend away with the phenomenon of globalisation.

In my first few weeks in Samoa I fell in love with this idea of the Samoan way of life. Of beautiful Polynesian dresses, and island music; of taking things in island time and learning my way around the Samoan sense of humour. My Samoan father, Dr Malaki, taught me everything he – and possibly anyone ever – knew about Samoa, about the history, the culture, the myths and the legends. I can assure you, I knew all about Maui long before Moana hit the theatres.

I was still young when I moved to Samoa; fresh out of uni with all the knowledge and no idea. Samoa was just a short flight from my home in Australia – short enough to be a weekend trip for some of you seasoned weekend break Europeans – but to me it felt like I was lightyears away from my home and everyone I loved. I, and the other Australian girl living with the Malakis at the time, became a real part of our Samoan family; like adopted daughters, they worried when we weren’t home when we said we would be, celebrated our front page stories and comforted us when the homesickness hit. Taking all these huge steps forward in my life without my family and friends around to support me, the Malakis filled that space, as only Samoans can, by cramming as many people as they can in there and leaving no room for sadness.

So when tragedy struck, and we lost our chief (our matai in Samoan); Dr Malaki, I wasn’t the only one adrift. Grief exists in all cultures. Emotions are a universal human constant. But often it’s culture that dictates how we manifest and handle those emotions.

The Malakis were broken, there’s really no other way to describe it. Crumbling from within the family had to find a way to hold themselves together long enough to plan and execute a traditional Samoan funeral with all the inherent cultural nuances whilst still upholding their Catholic beliefs.

Christianity is strong across most of Polynesia but arguably nowhere more so than Samoa. There are anthropological studies and theories drafted as to how both Christianity and traditional culture have been able to co-exist and thrive in Samoa, but without going in to too much detail the general conclusions are this. When missionaries first arrived in Polynesia their task was to take the local, native religion and replace it with Christianity – or whichever religion they had brought with them. It was a successful colonisation technique, perfected mostly by the French. But when the missionaries arrived in Samoa they quickly found that there was no native widespread religion for them to replace. For the Samoan people didn’t worship any religion – not, if you’ll excuse the pun, religiously anyway. The Samoan people worshipped their fa’a Samoa; their way of life. They worshipped their matai system, an island democracy considered quite advanced by the missionaries. They worshipped their society, and since the adoption of Christianity wasn’t going to affect their ability to do that, it was accepted with very little concern. The two belief systems could work side by side happily, or, as was the case at Dr Malaki’s funeral, inside and outside.

Samoan funerals usually last around a week and include both traditional cultural rituals as well as religious services. Throughout this week the body is displayed quite openly and friends and family members are encouraged to come and say goodbye, to hug, kiss and take pictures with the deceased. There is a traditional service, usually held around halfway through the week where anyone who knew the deceased are invited to eulogise. These services can last for as long as necessary depending on how well respected and loved the deceased was. Dr Malaki’s traditional service went for over 9 hours.

The next day all the furniture from the top floor of the house was removed and that night Dr Malaki returned to the house to spend his last night with his family, watched and prayed over by a rotation of priests accompanied by church choirs. Outside, the family were hosting the traditional Samoan exchange of goods. The Malaki’s large backyard had been turned into one part food hall, one part butcher shop and one part earth oven (called an umu in Samoan), all joined together by a large staging area covered by Samoan fine mats. On either side of the mats were rows of seats facing each other; one side for the family and the other for the attending villages. Seating was specific – the village chief in the middle, his orator to his right and the other village matai’s filling the remaining seats. Village after village arrived at the house, offering fine mats, tapa cloth, clothing and food. Every item was displayed clearly to both sides of the staging area before a counter offer from the family was given. This process lasted for 12 hours, from 6pm to 6am when the sun rose and it was time for Dr Malaki’s body to be carried to his childhood village where he would be buried.

The cultural complexities of the Samoan funeral are deeply rooted in their history of cultural continuance that has withstood missionary arrivals, civil war, and the dividing of the archipelago into American and Western Samoa. I could write this article for days and never be able to fully articulate just what it all means. But I guess that’s the point. Culture encompasses all that we know about the world from our particular point of view at a certain place in time and in geography. It gives us lessons in how to manage our societies, how to mark the passing of time, and how to grieve for lost loved ones.

As travellers we know the importance of respecting the environments in which we find ourselves. We know not to vandalise property and to not litter, or steal pieces of heritage sites. But the importance of respecting culture is something different. Culture encompasses all that a native citizen is. It is their outlook on the world, their unique point of view, the result of long histories, usually marked with violence, colonialism or dispossession that has led them to build the society that you stand in today. Respecting culture is not about loving the dance style, or the patterns of the clothing although those things are good too. Respecting culture is about honouring the people you meet, the people who came before them and the people who will come after.

Brazil November 9, 2023

#CocoFitness : How to Stay Healthy Whilst Travelling

Whilst donning a rucksack and waving goodbye to the UK for a few months might be one of the best decisions you ever make, the bikini bod which took months of pre-flight work to achieve is likely to suffer.

Carrying your life in one heavy bag is a bit of a workout in itself, and in blazing 30 degree heat that can be all you feel like doing. But, after a little while of eating out of sorts and not doing all that much, you’re likely to feel the effects.

For the fitness fanatics amongst us, maintaining a certain regime is super important, so we racked our brains for our top five fitness tips that’ll keep you healthy wherever you are.

Pack a Helping Hand

Of course, packing weights is not advised: airport check in is unlikely to go as smoothly as planned, and there’s plenty of other essentials which should be prioritised over a kettle bell. That’s not to say other fitness equipment can’t be packed away for a rainy day, though. Just be savvy with what you do take.

We’d recommend a skipping rope: reminiscent of your playground days, but seriously good for you. Find a quiet spot before the heat hits in the morning and skip for as long as you can. Even as little as 5 minutes a day is a cardio blast that’ll work wonders, especially if you get the hang of double unders (passing the skipping rope under your feet twice whilst you’re in the air).

Get Appy

Granted, common holiday consensus is that your phone should take a little bit of a back seat (much can be said from disconnecting yourself from the real world, dontcha know). That said, your little Apple bestie can be great for one thing: fitness apps. If you’re not a big user back at home then you definitely will be from overseas. They remind you to work out regularly and often provide routines which don’t require much space or equipment. Hostel room and suitcase friendly.

Our favourites include Seconds Interval Timer HIIT for freedom to tailor your workout, and Cody to maintain your structural health through Pilates and yoga workouts.

Find a Local Class

If you’re in one place for a longer period of time, then finding a fitness class is a great way to meet people and burn off some of those delicious local meals you’ve been indulging in. One of our favourites is Bali Fitness in Seminyak, Bali. A spacious gym just outside the main centre famed for their Les Mills body pump, body combat and core strengthening classes. They also have a variety of spin classes, like one in the dark to rock and roll. Perfect post beach refresher? We think so. You’ll be whipped back into shape in no time.

If you’re after something a little less strenuous, Asian countries are big on their yoga, so find a class like Sunset Beach Yoga on Gili Trawagan, Indonesia, to work out and strengthen with a view. How about tying a retreat into your travels? We love Absolute Sanctuary in Koh Samui and Brazil’s Butterfly House for a longer stay and complete experience.

Go Trekking

A bit of a no brainier, really: the activities you choose to do when you’re away can really make or break your level of fitness. Going on hikes and treks is a great way to see the sights of your chosen country whilst also being uber healthy, so sack off the beach a couple of days a week and head up into the hills.

Off to Indonesia? Ubud’s Mount Batur and Mount Agung treks are well worth the sweat, especially if you make it to the summit for sunrise. Vietnam’s Sapa has some great walks through rice paddies, whilst New Zealand is a backpacker destination adorned with beaten tracks (work your way up to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – it’s a tough one).

Avoid Too Much Sugar

Last but not least is a diet based one. Travelling is tough on the wallet, and when you’re watching your pennies the cheapest things to eat midday are often crisps and biscuits: especially in Asia where supermarkets with fresh produce are few and far between. The problem with this is it’ll leave you feeling lethargic: try embracing the Asian specialities of saffron rice or noodles and egg for breakfast. You’ll be set up for the day and a lunch of fresh fruit will be all you’ll need.

Germany November 9, 2023

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

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

Tongariro National Park

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

Opportunity for gamblers

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

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

Auckland’s west coast beaches

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

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

Wanaka

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

Stewart Island

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

Fiordland

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

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

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

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