It all started with a rescued Aspin (a portmanteau of Asong Pinoy or Native Dog in the Philippines), and the desire to make it feel and look good. It was this beautiful beginning that sparked the launch of Pawdel, a lifestyle pet brand that is sure to make anyone swoon.
We spent some time with co-founder Arrian M. Lim to find out more…
Tell us the journey that lead you to launching your brand, Pawdel…
This isn’t my first business. But I’ve always dreamed of putting up any business for pets. In fact, my first business’ name was “Patchiro” – named after my first two dogs Patchi and Robby even though it had nothing to do with pets. Me and my partner have been to Europe and she would always buy all the nice stuff for our dogs. Until I realized we didn’t have any comparable accessories for pets here in the Philippines unless you go to a luxury pet supplies store filled with imported brands. That was my “Aha!” moment and I immediately worked on my business plan
Where did your love for dogs come from?
I grew up with dogs and cats in the household for as far back as my memory can recall so the love has always been there. Then I moved out at 21 and lived in an apartment that disallowed pets. I lived 4 years without a pet until we rescued Robby. He was my first dog as the primary caregiver. The responsibility is leaps and bounds different compared with before wherein you just pat their head, play with them and leave the rest of the responsibility to your mom. I certainly believe raising Robby advanced my maturity, patience and discipline by several years. That responsibility translated my love for them as if my dogs are my children.
Do you ever plan on extending your range and offering more products in the future?
I don’t view Pawdel as a pet accessories business. I see it as a pet lifestyle brand because my mission is to nurture the relationship between mankind and their most loyal pet companion. We started nurturing that with a wearable piece of love. But we recently started nurturing that too with a consumable piece of love like our successful Eau de Pawlogne (pet cologne). Our “North Star” remains the same in spite of a continuously evolving pet care market. I think that’s what keeps us agile yet focused in our strategic direction.
Since launching the biz, what has been your proudest moment?
My proudest moment has been to break the barriers in what people thought Pawdel couldn’t do. They said nobody would ever buy a USD 30 dog collar in the Philippines yet it is our cash cow right now after 2 years in the business. Neither did they believe that a humble small company in the Philippines, a pet care market with a very low per capita spending in spite of being a nation in the top 6 global dog population, can export to a first-world market yet we did break that barrier too.
Have you had to make any pivots to survive 2020?
Yes, we did but not as dramatic as some other businesses. Luckily, we started as an e-commerce business. So we’re not catching up in today’s contactless and “homebody economy”. We had already been seeing tremendous growth in the pet care industry before it was amplified now during this pandemic. More people spend their time and money at home now, further developing that bond with their pets.
Looking back, is there anything you would do differently?
I rarely regret anything as I’d rather learn from it. My progress today wouldn’t have been possible had I not had any of those setbacks in the past. Tomorrow’s success is the byproduct of yesterday’s failures.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
“Frank Sinatra didn’t have the best voice. He was the most famous singer. But some guy singing in the shower somewhere probably had the best voice and nobody heard him sing but himself.” A lot of great talent, product or service went unnoticed and didn’t succeed because that trait alone wouldn’t sell itself. You have to go out there to be discovered and make it happen. No matter what you do in life, we are all in the business of sales.
When lacking motivation, what is your go-to quote?
“I may be very good at it today, but I’m not yet good enough for tomorrow.” I always repeat this to myself to have the confidence in facing my challenges but it also humbles me to remain a student of the game of life.
What have you learned during 2020 that no other year has taught you?
No amount of success can make your fortune irreversible. All the accumulation of wealth and belongings can be wiped out in an instant. And that’s a very unstable anchor for happiness. So it’s best that your satisfaction in life should be oriented on giving and making a positive difference to others. It doesn’t matter if that’s in the form of charity, hobby or business.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your Bucketlist?
I’ve always been curious to discover the far ends of the Earth like Tibet, the Aurora Borealis of Norway, a safari tour in South Africa or the tail end of Chile and Argentina in Tierra del Fuego.
Where can people find out more?
People can discover more about Pawdel at www.pawdel.ph. We’re also open for international trade and distribution partners as our brand is now ripe for an adventure to meet dog and cat lovers from around the world.
Here at House of Coco we are always on the hunt for inspiring women that are making a name for themselves in their industry and Kinchadesigns was one of them.
Kincha is the founder of Kinchadesigns, a jewellery brand that will add some brightness in to your life with their Caribbean inspired pieces. Kristiana is a creative with a positive outlook on life and although her business is relatively new, she’s already achieved amazing success and been recognised by the likes of Vogue.
We went along to find out more…
Tell us the story that lead you to launching Kinchadesigns…
Since I was a kid, I wanted to have a jewellery business. My mom is a jeweller, so making things runs in the family. When I met my boyfriend, a musician from the Carribean, he taught me to love colour and I wanted to wear bright things to his shows. From there, I noticed that there isn’t a lot of brightly-coloured jewellery around right now, so I started to make my own – and so Kinchadesigns was born!
Since launching the brand, what has been your proudest moment?
To get the email from Vogue, and other big publications, asking to be showcased in their magazine! Selling my first product is up there too.
2020 has been an unexpected year, how have you had to pivot your business to survive?
It’s still the start for Kinchadesigns. At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, it was pretty much on a standstill, so I started to concentrate more on online sales. It was a slow start, but now everything is picking up. A year of unexpected events for everyone, but still some unbelievable opportunities for Kinchadesigns.
To any aspiring jewellery designers, what advice would you offer to those just starting out?
I’m not too far from the start myself! The most important thing, I think, is to never give up, and not to wait until everything is perfect. Just start and keep going – ‘perfection’ will come in it’s own form.
How often do you launch new designs and what’s the process behind that?
Every time I have a new idea! My collections aren’t static – I add styles to existing collections every week as the inspiration comes. Then I release new collections a few times per year.
How would you describe your personal style?
An imperfect geometry.
It’s same as in nature: we see geometry everywhere, but in nature it’s imperfect. Man-made items are driven too heavily by the idea of perfection. I try my best to stay on the side of nature!
Looking back since launching the company, is there anything you would do differently?
I always think I’d have done more but, looking back, I don’t think I could have!
When lacking motivation, what quote do you like to read?
You can’t win if you don’t try.
Where can people find out more?
On my Instagram @kinchadesigns, on my website kinchadesigns.com and everyone is welcome to visit us in Upmarket, Brick Lane, I’m there most weekends and if you have any questions email me or message on Instagram.
Kingdom of Wow! is all about embracing the art of slow. That moment of transition when you get home after a hectic day at work, kick off your shoes and then slip into Kingdom of Wow! wool slippers ready to unwind. Their products invoke a feeling of homely “hygge” that allows you to enjoy a little bit of everyday luxury.
“Hygge” (pronounced hue-guh) is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of cosiness and comfortable pleasantness with feelings of wellness and contentment and it screams Self-Care! Here at House of Coco, we are all about that self-care life so when we stumbled across this brand, we couldn’t wait to find out more. We spent some time with their founder Godie van de Paal to discover more about their plans for the future and so much more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching Kingdom of Wow…
As a diplomat in Shanghai, I dealt a lot with corporate social responsibility and the resistance that companies were facing in the supply chain when implementing this. I saw first-hand how it is nearly impossible for a small brand to influence the supply chain to implement more ethical production.
When the time came to move to Cambodia, I decided that I could use my experience and take the opportunity to create more responsible employment, while proving that responsible manufacturing is not more costly and should be the norm.
All I needed was a great product that was handmade and that I believed in. Enter our wool slippers!
Building a sustainable brand is top of your agenda, why is this important to you?
Sustainability for me is a concept of different elements: it’s about making a durable product in an environmentally friendly way, while also treating the people who make the products in a decent way.
I’m always puzzled when people applaud me for paying fair wages and offering a pleasant working environment. I’m not running Kingdom of Wow’s workshop any different than I would if located in a Western country: you treat your staff with respect, you pay them a decent wage, offer them benefits and run a compliant business.
We take pride in making high-quality products that last: I grew up in a throw-away society where everything is disposable. Nothing lasts anymore which puts a tremendous strain on the environment, on our finances, and in some cases our mental health. When I see my father drilling a hole with a 35-year-old drill, or make fresh juice at my parent’s place using the same juice press I used when I was living there over 20 years ago, I think: Yes! This is the way it should be! Products can be a bit more expensive if it means they last much longer.
As for our products, we only use top quality materials and continuously strive to improve. We recently moved away from manmade fabrics to using only natural materials such as bamboo. Our products are also biodegradable so when the time comes, they do not add to polluting this planet.
Who is your ideal customer?
Our ideal customer appreciates. They appreciate the time and dedication that goes into handmade products. They appreciate the value of paying slightly more for a well-made, durable product. They embrace the whole slow fashion ethos. For them, it’s simply not an option to buy garments at bottom prices, because vulnerable workers aren’t being paid properly.
Your company ethos is one to be admired, tell us more about the initiatives you support and how you give back…
We thought about how to approach this extensively. How can we give back in the best possible way? Being based in Cambodia there is no shortage of NGOs doing excellent work, the easy solution would’ve been to dedicate a part of our revenue to one of these. But we didn’t want to approach this from a “poverty-porn” styled marketing perspective: buy our product and an underprivileged child gets to go to school. Also, generally the revenue we make is reinvested into the business especially in the earlier years so there is little money to give. And with all the great work that is being done already, we felt we could do more by providing sustainable employment for local people.
Most businesses here in Cambodia are tourist-focused. A very unstable and seasonal market, which has sadly been proven more so in recent months. With many companies now out of business, we are one of the few still operational because we focus on export and established a stable brand. Most of our staff are the only ones left in their extended families generating an income.
As well as offering sustainable employment, we offer scholarships for staff who would like to continue to study. Our Office Manager started crocheting slippers and turned out to be great at administration. She now studies accounting part-time while gaining practical experience here. We also offer daycare for those with small children and provide small loans to purchase motorcycles and allow easier commutes.
In addition to looking after our team, we are also mindful of the environment so fund a tree nursery programme with conservation partners to help restore Cambodia’s tropical forests that have suffered from illegal logging. This is a great way for us to offset our business carbon footprint while having a very tangible impact on the country where we are based.
Do you plan on expanding the range in the future to offer other products, if so, what?
Absolutely! We’re serious about what we do and growing as a business is the best way to create more responsible employment and prove that ethical manufacturing is a good business model.
We started out making ethically handmade wool slippers and added a summer line of women’s and men’s espadrilles last year. We want to make quality products, so a lot of time goes into product development. At the moment, we are focusing more on incorporating zero waste projects into production (making brand labels from leather cut-offs for example). But in time we will add more models of footwear to our collections. And potentially venture further into the home décor with throws and other accessories. Any product that promotes well-being and adds a little bit more everyday luxury to the lives of our customers!
Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do different?
Of course! Never trust anyone who says otherwise! But the key is to acknowledge what could have been done better and apply that to current operations.
As a start-up entrepreneur you basically do everything yourself. Some things you are good at, others you manage and the stuff you’re not so good at is often neglected. With hindsight, I would’ve invested in attracting expertise much sooner than I did.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
I don’t think there’s been ‘an average day’ for anyone recently. However, these days I start my day with a nice stroll through our tropical garden, followed by leisurely breakfast with my husband and two young sons. Although I’m not exactly enthused with the current home-schooling requirements, I’m loving that we can enjoy breakfast together as a family without the stress of getting everyone out the door ready for school!
Our workshop is located next door to my home, so around 7:45am staff will start to arrive, often sitting outside eating their noodle breakfast. I spend most of my days working here. This helps me to stay connected to production and the lives of our team. It’s a cosy and tranquil setting with ladies crocheting and sewing while chit-chatting; dogs sleeping lazily under office desks and local customers coming in to buy products directly. At lunchtime, the whole team enjoys a free nutritious lunch together in our outdoor dining area and then we continue work until 5pm. There will be meetings, calls and brainstorms, often extending into the evenings – one of the downsides of living in Asia and a different time zone to our sales markets.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Social media is essential to most businesses these days. It has helped Kingdom of Wow! enormously to communicate our journey as well as our values and products to an international audience. It’s the perfect way for people to stay connected and interact with our brand.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
Elk nadeel heb z’n voordeel “There is an upside to every downside” This is a (rather bad) translation of a quote from famous Dutch football player, Johan Cruyff. Things rarely go as planned, especially as a start-up entrepreneur, but it’s key to not let it get you down, to roll with the punches and try to take advantage of whatever cards you have been dealt.
How has Covid19 impacted your business? Have you had to make any pivots to survive the pandemic?
Apart from some disruptions with logistics so far so good! We had to temporarily stop sales to some destinations as we can’t ship directly from Cambodia at present. And the costs of surviving logistical routes have increased dramatically. But we are very fortunate to not be dependent on local sales, with tourism at a standstill here in Cambodia. Also, with most of the world self-isolating in lockdown we have seen a spike in slipper sales! People perhaps embracing this slower pace and taking time to relax during these times.
The global recession will surely impact our sales negatively, which is very unfortunate especially as we plan to launch in the U.S. this autumn. But we remain positive and hope to make it through without too much damage.
What does self-care mean to you?
Well, it is essential for our well-being, but it often ends up at the bottom of our to-do list and I’m no different. Kingdom of Wow! slippers were designed with self-care in mind: to take off the restraint of footwear, allow toes to wiggle and freedom for feet to unwind. As a former diplomat running around in high heels and power suits, I know the daily strain we put on our feet and how important it is to allow these little centres of nerve endings some space! These days I mostly walk around barefoot, so that problem has been effectively solved! But many in colder climes don’t have this luxury.
Truth be told, I’m very much a product of my time and with children, work and social life, I often struggle to make time to practice yoga, go to the gym or read a book even. It’s hard to let go of the feeling that you need to be effective all the time and simply enjoy life in the moment. I can thoroughly enjoy an empty house and just sit down and appreciate the garden, allowing my thoughts to wander off. With the busy lives, we are all leading, I feel we need to be extra aware and appreciate the little things in life.
Eline de Visser is the founder of her jewellery brand of the same name. Having graduated as a goldsmith, it was no surprise that she would one day have her own jewellery line. Her career is one to be admired and we couldn’t wait to spend some time with her to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand Eline de Visser…
After completing the goldsmith training in Schoonhoven, I started working at a jeweler’s store, luckily with a workshop so I could also make repairs and new jewelry. After 2.5 years, I changed my career because I wanted to find out what else I could do besides goldsmithing. So I started in the commercial staffing world. First as an intermediary and after that as a branch manager. But my heart wasn’t there and it didn’t make me happy at all which eventually led to a burnout. After recovering from my burnout, I decided to return to goldsmithing. So I quit my regular job, said goodbye to my lease car, telephone and fixed salary and started working on my own. In the beginning it was really all about finding my way again, trying many things and finding out what suited me. Slowly I developed my own style to what it is today. It was not an easy way but I never regretted this decision.
The past two years a style emerged that makes me very happy and represents me. I continue to develop this style and trying out new designs. The combination of smooth and organic shapes, often combined with beautiful gemstones. The organic shapes are always slightly different, making each piece of jewellery unique. Really a joy to wear every day!
What sets you apart from other jewellery designers?
I really only want to make jewellery that makes you happy. It has to put a smile on your face every time you wear it! And each piece of jewelry is a “piece unique” so that you can be sure that no one else is walking around with the exact same earrings, for example. It really has to be a special piece of jewelry to you. I want to continue to develope my signature style, and avoid repetition. Clients can also choose a beautiful stone from my gem collection which I then take to create a beautiful piece of jewelry with that really suits you! In addition you can have a jewel made out of your own precious gold so you can carry the memory of your loved one with you.
How have you pivoted during Covid19?
Fortunately we are all healthy but suddenly we had two children at home with whom schoolwork had to be done, so appointments had to be rescheduled. The goldsmithing classes I gave were cancelled. But I still had commissioned jewelry projects that I could continue with but all at a slower pace. I couldn’t let the kids mess around with their schoolwork by themselves, which meant I could spend less hours behind the workbench. Fortunately new assignments start to come in again, the first appointments often take place by telephone or email instead of in person at the studio. And when clients do visit my studio, we have to apply the necessary hygiene measures maintain the mandatory 1,5m distance. But everyone understands the situation so that works fine. It all sounds very peaceful, but a lot of arguments have been fought over how to solve a math problem. So to be honest it is quite nice the schools have reopened again ;-).
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
Together with my partner I made an amazing backpack trip of 10 months through South and Central America. Seen and done such cool things. An excellent relationship test, by the way. After my burnout, we traveled through Europe in a camper for 4.5 months. Together with our oldest who was 2.5 years old at the time. Really amazing trip as well. We have been in, among others, England and Ireland, 7 weeks in Italy, fantastic countries!
For now we usually go camping during the holidays, but I would still very much like to make a tour through Canada in a camper. New York is also high on the list. Norway has to be fantastic so it is also on the list. Enough to dream about!
What do you do when you’re lacking creativity?
If I run out of creativity, it is usually because I no longer have an overview of what needs to be done and it is too busy in my head. I try to take a step back and make a to do list to get the overview again. Walking and being in nature helps me to regain peace. I think meditation is also a good one, but I can’t sit still for so long. My mother is always telling me to start with yoga, maybe I should listen to her.
What does self care mean to you?
Be nice to yourself, don’t judge yourself too hard. And stop comparing yourself to others. You are unique in who you are. I set the bar very high for myself and that is not always useful, it can freeze me. It’s okay to make mistakes, you’re human. In addition, you really need to rest and eat healthy and exercise. Easier said than done of course.
Looking back over your career, which moment stands out as a highlight?
You may not call it a highlight, but my burnout caused me to make the decision to go back to goldsmithing. And I have never regretted that decision, I am genuinely happy when I sit behind the workbench and when a difficult stone setting has been successful without collapsing , I can really be happy. Or when I see a smile appear on the face of a satisfied client, I know that I have made the right decision.
For any aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to launch a jewellery brand, what advice would you offer them in order to build a successful and profitable business?
Get started! I am a slow grower myself. In the beginning I didn’t have a good site and shiny business cards. But I did have the will to make beautiful jewelry. Over time, I got myself better tools and I followed advanced courses to further study the profession. All to be able to really convert the ideas I had into better quality jewelry. In addition, staying true to yourself and to take yourself seriously is very important . Try to do only those things that make you happy.
How much does social media play a role in your company?
Social media is a free platform where you can reach the whole world. So why not use it? I do have a love-hate relationship with it. I find it annoying that algorithms determine who sees what and often only the nice things are shown. I mean, running a business isn’t always fun and joy. But to be honest, I do like it when people respond positively to the jewelry pieces I post.
Outside of work, what do you do for fun?
I like being outside in nature. Walking, cycling, keeping myself fit by bootcamping outdoors. I love having a drink and a bite to eat with friends. Sushi is my absolut favorite! I always listen to music when I’m working. My taste in music is very broad, I go from Pink to Alliance Ethnik and back to Tyfoon. I love going to concerts (which I don’t do often enough, really). Hopefully this will be possible again soon! And honestly, to sit behind the workbench! This sounds so boring but it really makes me happy.
How has Covid19 affected your day to day business?
Our profession also involves quite some physical contact. You often feel whether a ring fits good on someones finger or not, you hang a necklace around a client’s neck. That is much more difficult now because you have to maintain that 1,5m distance. After an appointment, you have to clean everything that has been touched. My sales table has never been so clean! The personal atmosphere during a conversation is not what it should be because of this distance. Hopefully things will return to normal again in the near future. Fortunately, the children are going back to school again, which will improve the daily routine for everyone. I work much better with more peace around me.
Now we know we’re only just edging in to summer and the last thing we want to do is wish away the year after the time we’ve been having lately, but given that this year’s ski season was cut short by a good couple of months you’ll surely forgive the snow bunnies among us for already getting excited at the prospect of hitting the slopes come November and packing in as much piste time as we can over next season. While we may not be travelling right now there’s nothing wrong with planning future trips…
One man who’s undoubtedly already counting down the days until the snow starts to fall again is alpine artist Adam Attew, whose dramatic landscapes are so strikingly realistic you’d be forgiven for thinking they’re photographs. While Attew works from his own photography, each painting is painstakingly recreated and his work instantly transports you to a chilly mountaintop. Childhood visits to the Alps every summer and winter throughout childhood ignited a lifelong passion for the mountains and with BASI Alpine Ski and Telemark instructor qualifications under his belt, Adam’s winters are now spent, accompanied by a sketchbook and camera, ski touring throughout the Alps capturing his experiences and translating them to canvas.
This winter saw Attew spend time in Obergurgl in the Austrian Alps where he took up residence for several days painting live at one of the resorts mountaintop restaurants, as well as hosting a solo exhibition of his work at the brand new Gurgl Carat exhibition centre. We caught up with him in between painting and skiing over a Glühwein to find out more about the multi-talented Alpine action man…
What inspired you to first pick up a paintbrush?
It was such a long time ago during my early years of childhood that I don’t remember, though I do have early memories of Christmas presents consisting of special brushes that held paint in the handles, probably to reduce the mess, though I probably make more mess now! How Santa Claus knew I would be an artist, I have no idea. Clever man.
When did you know you had a talent?
I do remember art teachers at school discussing with my parents that I was drawing detailed people with features, bodies and limbs whereas my friends were still drawing the classic ‘round blob person’; I was obviously driven by detail even back then.
What path led you to painting for a living?
Following my dreams. I owned and ran an animation studio in London and Chicago for about 12 years, but as my role had changed and lost its creativity I no longer enjoyed it. So I packed it in and went in search of what I really enjoyed; skiing , mountains and painting mountains is pretty much what I arrived at. I had been painting mountains as a hobby since 2000, having been a ski instructor for several years, and I was writing for the ski and winter section of TheBespokeBlackBook.com. Clearly I was being drawn back to the mountains again and again. Being a driven and not to mention rather stubborn human, it made sense to follow my passion and make it happen.
How long have you been painting professionally?
It’s difficult to say, as it depends on one’s definition of ‘professional’. I had previously worked with Ray Mears creating art for his business and we released some limited edition prints of Arctic Lapland back in the early noughties; I also took on the odd commission piece over the years. However, I would say that I have been painting full time for the last three years.
Do you have a favourite landscape or location you’ve painted?
Although I am known as an Alpine artist, I love any scene if it is covered in snow and the lighting is spectacular. The Alps are of course my spiritual home, but I feel equally at home in the snows of Scandinavia or Canada.
Painting can obviously be a solitary lifestyle. Do you enjoy your own company or do you sometimes struggle with not having others around?
As much as I love spending time with others I also love my own company. I had so much fun meeting all my fellow mountain lovers from around the world at my recent Artist Residency at the Hohe Mut Alm in Obergurgl, but I also love the solitary time spent painting in my studio listening to music, though it is good to break it up now and again with a cuddle with my partner or a coffee with the cat… or was that the other way around?
A lot of people would use painting as an escape or relaxation, what do you do to relax?
This is why I feel like one of the luckiest people, I can still escape and relax whilst painting, unless the painting is going wrong! Outside painting, I find weight training relaxes me and sets me up for the day, generally being in nature is important and of course any pursuit in the mountain can reset the mind and soul. I discovered the ‘Wim Hof method’ cold water immersion many years ago and as a result now find that cold water immersion is important in my daily routine producing a feeling of well-being… nothing like swimming with Endorphins!
How long do you spend in the mountains each winter?
As much time as I can. Obviously this winter things ended with bit of a sudden bump sadly, but I still managed to spend about 30-40 days on snow in the mountains.
Tell us about a typical day…
I’m not sure that I have typical days anymore. In the winter I spend much of my time reviewing ski resorts, hotels and ski equipment all whilst collecting reference material for my painting through photographing and sketching the mountain landscapes. I intend to take part in more artist residencies in the mountains and more ski touring and sleeping at altitude in the future. When not in the mountains, my days are spent mostly painting, working on my social media or writing reviews.
How long does one of your paintings take?
It really depends on the size, but I would say anywhere between 40 and 140 hours.
What advice would you give to someone scared to pick up a paintbrush?
Don’t worry, brushes don’t bite! As a child we have no fear to give it a go, every child paints…so what happens? Do we become self-conscious or worried about what other people might think? Or perhaps we are scared of failing.
Well….who cares what others think? Just give it a go, make a mess and most of all enjoy it and be proud of your accomplishments.
What does 2020 look like for you since ski season ended early?
It really saddens me that so many Alpine resorts, hotels, businesses and pistes fell totally silent! For me though it was a case of getting back to painting and building my portfolio in readiness for next winter season; I am in talks with various ski resorts concerning my next exhibitions and artist residencies, so watch this space for where to see my work in winter 2020/21.
Mandy Mottram is the founder of Seraglio Designs, she has a background in Middle Eastern Archaeology, as well as long-standing interests in traditional crafts and craftsmanship, ethnic jewellery and furniture design. So its no surprise that her jewellery is inspired equally by ancient cultures, the souks and bazaars of the Middle East, and by mid-Twentieth century design.
Her designs will make you feel precious and her story will inspire you. We spent some time with her to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that led you to launching Seraglio Designs…
Well, it’s quite a long journey in that I’m really an archaeologist by training, with more than 30 years’ experience working on excavations in the Middle East, Australia and Pacific in between being a diplomat’s wife and various stints working as an archaeological illustrator and for organisations such as the Australian Heritage Commission and the National Museum of Australia.
I began creating beaded gemstone jewellery after completing my Ph.D. in Archaeology at The Australian National University. My research focus was northern Syria and at that stage (2011–2012) things in Syria were becoming increasingly unsettled so archaeological fieldwork there became impossible. I could have moved my research emphasis to another region but at that stage felt just too tired to make the effort. I needed something to do that combined a range of interests along with my capacity for research and which, hopefully, would make me some money. It also needed to satisfy the creative urges that I’d largely set aside whilst studying, which were limited to restoring furniture and knitting and needlework in front of the TV when I was too exhausted to do anything else.
I’ve always been an artistic and creative person. As a teenager, I was into painting, printing and dyeing fabrics, as well as making copper jewellery embellished with torch-fired enamels and tumbled gemstones. At the same time, I was also extremely interested in ‘rocks’ thanks to a family pastime of gemstone fossicking which led me to study geology in high school and gave me an interest in rare and unusual gemstones and how they were formed. My main interest, however, was in ancient societies, but geology intersects neatly with archaeology in that, for thousands of years, rocks, stones and minerals formed many of the human race’s principal tools, building materials and personal adornment. In the end, the decision to make jewellery came about in response to a rekindled interest in gemstones and in jewellery design inspired by a jeweller I met whilst studying who introduced me to many gemstones I’d never encountered before. As a result of this rather circuitous, multi-disciplinary journey, the jewellery I create is guided very much by my emotional responses to the colour, shape, texture and cut of the materials, and to their geology, as well as to the history and cultural origins of the components, with the result that virtually all my pieces are one-offs.
What sets you apart from other jewellery brands?
I would say it’s probably my intellectual approach to things. I know that’s not fashionable at all in a world saturated with tales of the healing powers of crystals, but such beliefs in the ‘energy’ of crystals are not based in sound science or in any deep-seated understanding of the planet we inhabit. They may satisfy the needs of the individual or ‘self’, but not of communities or society as a whole. What many people may not realise is that there is no fair-trade certification for the ‘crystal’ or semi-precious gemstone industry, unlike for gold and for diamonds, and that in some areas, especially in places like India, Madagascar and parts of Africa, the mining of gemstones can be highly exploitative of both adult and child labour as well sickeningly dangerous. Furthermore, increasing demand in the West for ‘crystals’ has led to some quite shocking environmental damage in many of these places as well as in parts of China and Brazil.
For my brand I like to know where the stones I use come from and that they are products of Fair Trade. Along with providing a beautiful product myself, I aim to enlighten people as to the origins of their piece and, hopefully, in this way increase interest in and respect for the planet and its peoples. I suppose it’s my way of giving something back. I like to give the customer the background to their purchase if I can – where the materials came from, how the stone was formed, or, if made from vintage, antique or ethnographic components, something about their history and the belief systems or purpose behind them. What I really hate is people selling jewellery with stones or components that they have no idea about. Often, they don’t even know whether or not what they are using is a real gemstone. They simply follow the name applied by the (usually) Chinese or Indian seller and then pass on that bit of misinformation to their buyers. To me the Earth is a wonderful and miraculous thing all by itself. It is constantly changing, creating and recreating itself beneath our feet and it is that which I try to draw attention to, together with creating a beautiful piece of jewellery that is a pleasure to both own and wear. I don’t feel a need to imbue the things I make with mystical or supernatural powers, just simple earth and humanity.
From the product range, what has been the best seller?
Almost all my products are one-offs. Business-wise that mightn’t be considered a good thing if you want to shift mass quantities, but I know from many of my return clients, especially from the USA, that it’s just this fact that they really appreciate – having something that is truly and uniquely theirs. I also tell myself that jewellery designers whom I admire, such as Lisa Black and Gerda and Nikolai Monies, are known for highly desirable one-off pieces defined by the age or rarity of the materials. Because my business consists of me alone it’s more difficult to produce extensive seasonal lines as well as unique pieces, so for now I’ve elected to stick primarily with the latter. Other designers I admire, like Elizabeth Gage or Alex Šepkus, trade not so much on the seasonal but on a few indescribably beautiful lines and on custom pieces. Tony Duquette, the wizard interior, costume, set and jewellery designer, created many unique pieces from an astounding array of materials. They are real art works. In the same way, I can’t always replicate the effect created by the conjunction of certain materials so I don’t even try unless I receive a specific commission. While I’m not working at the same price point as these designers, I prefer their approach in contrast to mass production.
Earrings are the only category where it is currently possible for me to make more-or-less consistent repeats, partly because they don’t require as many components. My ranges usually start off with a number of unique pieces consisting of the same style but made from different gemstones. For example, I may use a particular post, ear wire or component but combine it with different stones and/or metal finishes. The most popular range so far has been the ‘Hasna’ earring style, which consists of a small chunky hoop, a little bigger than a huggie, with pendant, acorn-shaped stones. The stones in this range are all smooth but the finish can be sterling silver or yellow or rose gold plated. For the Samira line, the same fittings are used but the stones are all facetted. Both of these ranges are extremely popular and I’m often asked if I can replicate them because they’re neat and easy to wear and thus ideal for the office environment.
How often do you release new products and what’s the process behind this?
Because I’m the sole maker and Jill-of-all-trades, the process at times is a sort-of ‘as it happens’ procedure depending on available time and demands. I usually do two big craft markets a year, one in autumn and the second in November in preparation for Christmas. My major bouts of making and release of products come at these times. Custom orders may arrive at any time and I have smaller making bouts as needed in order to top up both my Etsy store and a local retail outlet.
Usually, I’ll have a lot of designs in progress sitting around waiting to be completed. I just get a sudden urge to work on a specific design or experiment with particular materials and sometimes can’t concentrate until I’ve done so. Some things come to completion immediately; others need more thought. Honestly, I have little space to make things so they are all over my floor and desk. They are all over my sewing tables too! I contemplate them when I’m doing other work, then, when inspiration strikes or needs determine, I complete a whole lot of them in a rush.
Sometimes additional or special materials are required to complete a piece. I often work with craftspeople in Thailand, Bali, India and China to supply me with components such as matching clasps or unusual-sized and -shaped beads. I send them the design concept electronically and we work together from there.
Talk us through an average day at the business?
Again, because it’s mainly just me doing everything, the average day varies a bit depending on what I need to work on. Dealing with emails and early social media is the first thing then I move on to whatever requires my immediate attention. I tend to work in batches rather than in a regular schedule, week after week. Sometimes I need to focus on photographing new pieces. I’ll spend the afternoons doing that to the exclusion of all else and later post on social media. When I’m making I get into “the zone” so that is all I do apart from making some quick photos to share on social media. Buying is also a batch effort. I will spend several days searching for materials if necessary and placing orders. Costing the materials down to the bead or finding is also a lengthy task and it’s easier to do it all at one time. When I’m making I often call in the assistance of my partner to modify stone beads to my liking and to undertake some of the silver polishing. Keeping clean items that are on retail display is another regular task.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m working to the point where I can hand over more tasks to other people, especially the photography. My photographer brother handles the model shots but the flat-lay photography is more difficult as I don’t have a single jewellery style. Some of it is very minimalist, some verges on ethnographic or tribal, and some of it is very sumptuous, but they all reflect my style and interests. For necklaces, especially, it’s been difficult to find a single background that suits them all, to provide my on-line store with a consistent look. I think I’ve just about worked that out but I’m no photographer! I need to find someone who can take photos that really sell my jewellery. That’s something I hope to sort out later this year.
Since launching the brand, what has been your highlight?
There’ve been a number of highlights such as having my products accepted at Splatter, here in Canberra – a maker’s and producer’s gallery and studio. This occurred after the previous outlet where my collections were held went bankrupt. I was in Tunisia at the time and my mother had died a few days previously so I was feeling very low. It was a blessed relief to deal with real professionalism in the local retail market. Splatter’s owners have been extremely helpful. They understand how to display products to best effect and provide good feedback. An aim is to be able to extend that success to outlets interstate.
Another major coup was meeting and getting to know a well-known Australian comedienne and having her subsequently purchase several of my pieces, one of which she has worn a number of times on TV. Celebrity endorsement, as we know, is tremendously useful when pitching the appeal of one’s work.
Having my jewellery seen in magazines such as House of Coco, Avenue 15 and Condé Nast Traveller is also a highlight as it was a long-held dream. I’m pleased to see my pieces – and photos – stand up well against other offerings. Now I’d like to see some of it appear in a major fashion spread.
Looking back, is there anything you would do differently?
Oh, there are masses of things I’d do differently. Like many creative people I wanted to create first and foremost and worry about the other stuff later. How I was going to afford everything was a concern but not a real issue until I realised I didn’t want to work with cheap materials. It can work for fast fashion but that has never been me. Sorting the accounts out earlier would have been of major benefit. It also took me ages to come up with something resembling a brand mark. These are all things that I should have handed to other people much earlier on. The fear of not earning sufficient to cover those costs immobilised me for a long time. Instead, the marketing aspect of the business should really have come first or run alongside the development of a ‘style’. I’m still working on those things and believe they should constantly be upgraded and improved.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
Luckily for me I’m quite widely travelled. My parents took my brother and me to Europe and the UK for three months not long after I finished high school, which gave us both a real taste for travel. I was married to a diplomat for 12 years during which time we took full advantage of our overseas postings to travel farther afield. We often went to places very different from where we were living; for example, we went to Shetland and Orkney from Cairo and Iceland and the Faroes from Damascus. Being an archaeologist has helped me to get around a lot also, not just on excavations but doing research and to conferences also.
Thanks to these experiences, it’s not always easy to pinpoint what’s at the top of my list. In recent years we’ve been to many places that I’ve long wanted to visit, such as Iran (three times), Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia in the Caucasus – all places along the Silk Road. One day I’d like to visit eastern Turkey, beyond the Euphrates, and see what my archaeological research world looks like from the other side of the border. Trabzon, on the Black Sea, is somewhere I’d like to visit and have done ever since reading The Towers of Trebizond by Rose Macaulay at age 12 or 13. Now I’m thinking about it, I’d like to see the aurora borealis and am very interested in traditional Sámi culture, so Norway is probably high on the list and I’d like to visit where my father grew up in Sri Lanka. There are many places I’d like to revisit – Sicily and Malta are up there – but my partner has never been to Europe at all so there are lots of places I’d like to take him. He likes travel but it’s not in his blood the way it is in mine so he doesn’t mind if I simply must go somewhere. He’s the best Fairy Godfather a girl could have.
What quote do you like to read when you are lacking motivation?
I’m not really one for motivational quotes, as I know that, ultimately, the impetus to do anything has to come from me and nowhere else. I also find that many quotes that proliferate today are intended to create a warm and fuzzy view of the world that is misleading at best and downright dangerous at worst. Situations such as the current Covid-19 pandemic ought to make it apparent that we can’t always control everything as much as we might wish to and that all the uplifting quotes in the world won’t change things. That doesn’t make me a pessimist, more a realist. I’m actually very upbeat; it just means that I don’t often look outside myself for affirmation. Does that sound like a typical introvert to you? Probably.
I’m much more into old-style aphorisms because many of them have stood the test of time. The saying I probably apply to myself most of all is: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again.” It’s attributed to all sorts of people but really comes from a legend about Robert the Bruce of Scotland and a feisty spider. I don’t give up on things easily and will work at them until I’m satisfied I’ve done a good job. Another saying I rather like because it’s sometimes possible to become confused by other people’s opinions comes from the Danish scientist, author and poet, Piet Hein: “Shun advice at any price, that’s what I call good advice.”
For anyone wanting to start their own business, what advice would you offer?
Well, given what I just said about advice, offering some is probably moot; however, I’d definitely say, if you’re making craft products, try to get a lot your branding and packaging sorted early on because presentation is important, and give serious thought to how you’re going to support your business. Working out a business plan is not a bad idea even if you’re like me and start out at the hobby level. If you have one you can always develop it to seek Small Business loans. It is possible and even necessary to keep developing things as you go along so don’t feel bad if you don’t have everything set up at the get-go. The import thing is to start. You’ll learn as you go along and probably want to develop in different directions to what you initially envisaged. Consider whether you want to diversify or, indeed, narrow down your output in order to specialise in just a few key products. There are many on-line courses to help you through these things. If you can, invest in them early on because it will help clarify your choices and you’ll feel a lot better for it. And take note of that saying above. Many people will offer advice and you may see other people apparently doing better than you. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice but don’t be intimidated either. Maintain a strong vision of what you want to achieve.
What are your plans for the business in 2020?
This year, despite the disruptions caused by Covid-19, I’m at last ready to get a new website off the ground. This has been in the pipeline for several years, but I’ve now got a clearer idea of what I want and am in a financial position to pay someone else to do it. I want a professional feel that embodies my design ethos, combining both clean lines and the highly decorative.
As mentioned earlier, the photography is something I’d like to get a better handle on, and maybe also call in a graphic designer to rework my brand ‘look’. I know I could probably do it myself, but time is just too short and I believe it would be better employed in focussing on core creative work.
Entertainment has always been one of the major factors for society. Proper entertainment has always been an essential part for everyone and everywhere. This is one of the main reasons why people have come up with so many different activities and are working on the development of them even further.
The means of entertainment have always differed. Usually, the differences are due to the societies, the cultures, and the people themselves. Different societies have different approaches to the subjects and consequently different values. Everything plays a huge role in the entertainment field and thus, every culture has its own specific patterns.
The ways of entertainment are very different. If you think about it for some time, you will definitely come up with several major ones and most likely you will recall somewhere between 3 to 5. The major point in every related activity is to have fun and to have proper time, which stands very far from routine life and ordinary activities. This is one of the major and essential things to consider.
While talking about different countries and the patterns, some countries have more similarities, while others have something less in common. One of the most interesting countries to talk about is Norway. Not only this country is popular and beloved due to nature and socio-economic state, but for the different approaches towards the subjects and variety of opportunities to have some fun.
Norway is one of the most interesting countries in many spheres and it has definitely a lot to say on the global scale and the global altitude. One of the most important things which have caught the attention is the means of entertainment in Norway, which will be listed down below and should be more or less surprising.
Escape rooms
The interest in escape rooms in the world is increasing year by year. Over a hundred escape rooms have been opened only during the last year. This means that people do attend the shows and games for their pleasure. As it was considered previously, one of the main destination countries for the Escape Rooms was the UK. though, according to the statistics and the general outlook, Norway should be leading the list.
One of the main entertainment means in Norway is the escape rooms, and they have plenty of them. Different varieties of rooms, with loads of interesting themes, is something that will definitely attract your attention while visiting the country. You will be able to find themes like hunting houses, reality Escape rooms, certain themes of jungles and many more.
It might not be a very common activity in any other country. It is very unlikely that you are waiting for Saturday or Sunday in order to go to the escape room with your friends. Though, surprisingly this is very popular, especially in Trondheim.
Virtual Reality is the new reality
The technologies have said it all. Technological development has affected and impacted almost every single industry and sector. The rhythm of the development does not seem to slow down and the technological enhancements are overtaking it all.
While it has not been too long since the VR technology was introduced to society, it has already gained a lot of popularity among people. Many companies and industries started implementing VR hardware or software to their services and platforms. Meanwhile, the gaming sector is none of the exceptions. Perhaps this was one of the first sectors to actually introduce Virtual Reality to the massive society.
In Norway, the VR Game Zones and Arenas are one of the top entertainments for the locals. The VR Game Zone is one of the most demanded and crowded places in different cities of the country. This can be explained by the new technological development and the interest of society. Though, it might also be caused by the various opportunities that VR offers.
It should not be surprising that in Norway many people of different ages address VR Game Zones as the means of having fun. Imagine playing your favorite esports game and feeling everything almost like in reality. This would have been a double pleasure. Moreover, in the specifically designated zones, you can play with your partners or group of people which can make the game way more exciting and interesting. The VR Game Zone is also one of the best ways to relax and to escape reality while being in the virtual one.
Online gambling
The gambling industry is one of the main industries in the whole world. The gambling industry has always been one of the most important means of entertainment. Even in the past people would go to casinos or underground casinos in order to have some fun and socialize. With the development of technologies, the online gambling industry has also become very widespread and popular.
It is legal to gamble online in Norway and while many people do not really have time to spend on going to the specially designated venues to gamble, online gambling seems to be extremely good solutions. There are certain regulations that apply to online gambling in Norway, but nothing that can prevent players from playing. The activity is also very popular due to the number of features and different opportunities. The slots, the live casinos, and many more activities are available for the online casino players. You will come across many very interesting and fascinating promotions that offer bonus deposits and as Norwegians would call them “gratis spins” or free spins.
Besides online casino games, betting is also very popular in Norway and many people are involved in sports betting. Different sports are available in the market, and Norwegians are observed to spend quite a valid amount on betting annually.
Modern activities
Norway is one of the leading countries in the world. It is considered to be the First World Country and definitely has some reasons for that. The technologies are very developed in the country, the social and economic state is more than stable and people in Norway are one of the happiest according to the research.
While calculating the index of happiness, one of the components is the entertainment and how often they can have fun and are pleased with the activity. As you may have understood, the country provides its citizens with a variety of different opportunities for the entertainment purposes and this definitely has impacted the level of pleasure.
While talking about technological development and good social state, it should be mentioned that despite the country being the descendant of the Vikings, in reality, it is very modern and has introduced almost every modern activity among society. One of the ways of having fun are new abilities, which can be experienced through some new technologies. This includes one of the most exciting attractions, such as the wind funnel. There are not many countries that can boast with the professional offer of the wind funnels. In Norway, there are several Modern Activity Centers, that offer the win funnel activity and which is a great experience not only for youngsters but for older people as well. Many similar activities are available in the centers. Similar activities are also available in the Skyland, where you can literally fly.
Sno
While Norway is itself a cold country and they rarely experience lack of snow, there still is the Sno Park, which offers almost every kind of snow-related activity. There are snow parks, a family slope, racing hill, park with rails, jumps and big jump, 1 km cross-country skiing track and a beginner area. You also find equipment rental and a number of restaurants and shops.
This is one of the best places to experience the Nordic snow and Nordic winter for the whole family. Also, this is a great opportunity to spend some time with the family on weekends, even if you are not able to leave the city due to the working schedule.
Those means of entertainment once again prove that a country like Norway, can offer literally anything for the visitor as well as for the local.s. The variety of the activities and possibilities can be limitless and this indeed means a lot for the people who simply want to experience something different from their daily routine.
Norway has definitely given you a reason to feel happy, at least to feel happy while having your type of fun.
The luxury travel market is increasingly focused on tailor-made experiences rather than just the fact if you pay more, you can hope for a more enhanced experience. Hence, it is no surprise the luxury villa market has been booming in southern Europe in recent years, as travellers look for more space and a home-from-home escape. We visited The LUX MARE villas recently in a prime location in the city of Lagos in southern Portugal with jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean.
When their Norwegian owners, Egil & Birgitte Greve were looking to build their 2 state-of-the-art villas that embraced the minimalist Nordic design philosophy with the warmth of the Portuguese lifestyle, they went to the most famous local architect in town, Mário Martins. His exploration of shapes and the use of natural light has led to countless masterpieces created in The Algarve, but The LUX MARE Villas (Casa L and Casa M) is arguably his best work so far. The harmonious balance of green and blue is a soothing experience from the well-landscaped gardens of Casa M to their showpiece 22.5 metres heated infinity pool that kisses the Algarvan skyline.
During our visit, we stayed at Casa M which can host up to 12 guests with two king-sized rooms and four twin rooms. There are six bathrooms and one separate toilet, so there should never be any need for queuing. Almost all the rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass and looking onto the pool and garden area. They offer complimentary Molton Brown toiletries and luxury bathrobe and slippers. Apart from picking a local architect and using local wood and other materials to construct the villas, the owners have sought to use local designers where possible from the cutlery and crockery that are from Vista Alegre and all branded linens are also from Portugal. In the basement area, is a high-tech cinema room with a reclinable sofa, a pool table and selected Technogym equipment. And if that isn’t enough, guests have access to the AXN Gym situated within the renowned 5- star Cascade Wellness & Lifestyle Resort nearby.
The kitchen is decked out with high-end Gaggenau home appliances including a coffee machine that wouldn’t look out-of-place in a posh coffee house. Of course, you can cook yourself with numerous well-stocked supermarkets nearby and a fish market in town that is the envy of the region or you can treat yourself to a private chef who works regularly with the villa, The Chef Affairs who can prepare dishes like local favourites such as grilled giant king prawns and beef fillet tournedos with mushrooms and Porto wine sauce. There is also a whole range of options in town from Japanese ramen bars to Tasca Jota which champions local Portuguese ingredients from the region, with some of the team having trained with the likes of Gordon Ramsay in London.
If you are wondering what activities you might be able to partake in, they have an in-house concierge service that can cater to all your needs from yoga on the pool terrace to a sunset massage gazing into the Atlantic Ocean. For the more adventurous, there are hot-air balloon rides, go-karting, horse riding or kayaking that can be arranged. You can hire a sunseeker yacht to admire the stunning coastline or to go fishing. And you are also only minutes away from the world-famous Ponta da Piedade, stunning rock formations that give The Twelve Apostles a run for their money. The Algarvan wine scene has been picking up in recent years and about a half an hour drive away is the popular, Quinta dos Vales winery with some very accessible wines to taste as well as stunning art installations to admire. You can even buy your plot of land to grow your grapes and bottle your wine.
Next time, you are visiting Europe and looking for some Iberian sunshine, make sure you check out The LUX MARE villas. https://luxemare.pt
Nothing beats January blues better than a city break, so we set our sights on Copenhagen for a romantic way to see in the new decade.
Colourful Copenhagen has so much to offer for a weekend break and was even featured as Lonely Planet’s top city to visit in 2019. We chose Generator Copenhagen for our cute couples trip during January, which was ideal in terms of affordability and its amazing location right next to Kongens Nytorv metro station. Read on to find out more about our weekend break, including our stay at Generator Copenhagen plus our four favourite attractions and food hotspots.
Milder weather makes May one of the best months to visit Copenhagen, but we would recommend January if you don’t mind wrapping up in warm layers. We visited right after New Year’s Eve celebrations and just before the Lights festival, so streets were relatively calm with a healthy buzz and not overly touristy.
Where to stay – GENERATOR COPENHAGEN
Generator Copenhagen accommodated us so well for our couples weekend. It has such a varied customer base and an assortment of rooms at the property, so it goes far beyond the offerings of a traditional hostel.
Whilst waiting at the front desk, there was a large group checking in for a birthday trip, but there were also other couples, some single travellers and even two families, which made us notice that Generator Copenhagen isn’t only meeting the needs of one style of traveller. Opposite the reception, there is a hall with several breakout sofas for people to relax or read on during the day. The social areas are just past this and consist of a large bar, communal wooden tables and a huge games hall with shuffleboards galore. This not only attracts guests who stay here. Many regular locals take over the shuffleboards, often frequenting them on Friday and Saturday nights especially during the chilly seasons. The Generator property also has a pétanque bar and terrace, and an ice bar which we were very keen to experience since we were already wrapped up for our trip!
Our room was a double with an en-suite bathroom equipped with the basic amenities of shampoo, body wash and a hairdryer. I loved the down to earth feel of our room, slightly compact but with lots of space-saving under-bed storage, fashioned for the explorer who is keen to be out and about. They have kept the décor simple but still stylish with pops of colour and design nuances, such as the fish mural and little bookshelves, which made it homely and unique.
Our top 4 things to do in Copenhagen
We headed out to explore Copenhagen by foot to find quaint picturesque side streets and cool cafes to warm up in. We also took note of some top attractions in Copenhagen for our list of must-see’s, our top four choices are detailed below:
Nyhaven
We walked down to the river first thing to enjoy the colourfully painted buildings and the Christmas lights that were still strung up on some of the pubs. On our way, we noted lots of furniture showrooms and art galleries which we couldn’t resist stopping to admire.
Torvehallerne KBH
An absolute must if you are a foodie, this large indoor market has everything from fresh open sandwiches and cheeses to chocolates and flowers.
Visit the Ice Bar
The only ice bar in Copenhagen was conveniently located in the Generator building. We popped in for a drink on Saturday evening to find it busy with guests and – surprisingly – not as cold as anticipated once we donned our hooded capes. We were also pleased to see some small games inside the impressively sculpted bar to keep us entertained. Entry is 125kr per person (around £15) which includes one drink.
Wander around Kastellet
We took a final wintry walk around the pentagon-shaped citadel (one of the best-preserved fortresses in Europe) to admire the glassy lakes coated with thin layers of ice, the stone fountain and the old church.
Where to eat in Copenhagen
Cosying up in toasty bakeries and cool cafes over glögg (Scandinavian mulled wine with fruits) and pastries was a real highlight of our chilly trip. On our first venture out we stayed close to Kongens Nytorv and took a seat at Fars Dreng to plan our route over a quick lunch of eggs and soft rye bread with a hot chocolate that did not disappoint. We also popped into an irresistible cafe called Mormors which was adorned heavily with Christmassy decorations and antique ornaments. They served little pastries called napoleonshatte (napoleon hats) which are small three-sided pastries with a marzipan center. We also tried a very popular bakery chain near to Christiana called Lagkagehuset which was heaving with locals, understandably, as I still think about the delicious sausage pastry I treated myself to. Our last spot had to be for brunch at The Union Cafe just off of Nyhaven. Famously known for pretty plates and instagrammable coffees, we opted to share a mixed brunch with everything from perfectly cooked scrambled eggs to yoghurt and fruits.
Want to explore the city for yourself with Generator? Head to: www.staygenerator.com
Ideal for a Valentine’s getaway or for a romantic sojurn anytime of the year, feel the love with our round up of the world’s most luxurious hotels tailored for love.
Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica
Picture 100 acres of private lush grounds that surround the dazzling waters of Montego Bay. The Round Hill Hotel & Villas is the ideal destination for a sunshine-filled Caribbean break. Deemed as ‘the’ place to visit by the famous and glamorous in the 1950’s, this exclusive and luxrious resort ticks all the style boxes thanks to its 36 oceanfront guestrooms in the Ralph Lauren-designed Pineapple House and its 27 stunning villas.
Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
With a chic blend of traditional Caribbean and contemporary style, the Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada is Grenadian luxury personified. Guests can dine in the open-air gourmet restaurant where they can savour authentic local specialties in a fine dining atmosphere, while enjoying the very best of Grenada’s calypso, reggae and steel bands. It is perfectly positioned on the soft white sands of Grand Anse, Grenada’s most beautiful beach. This luxurious hotel offers superb, spacious accommodation, great spa facilities and excellent service.
Grand Hotel Continental, Tuscany
The only 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Siena in Tuscany, the Grand Hotel Continental is adorned with original frescoes and rich decorations that can be found throughout the property. The Panoramic Suite is a realm of luxury, privacy and Italian elegance with unrivalled 360° view over Siena and the surrounding valleys. Absolutely bellisimo! Guests can enjoy a delicious meal in the Sapor di Vino restaurant teamed with a carefully-selected bottle of wine.
Jardin des Douars, Essaouira, Morocco
Taking inspiration from the rammed earth Kasbahs of the High Atlas, the Jardin des Douars which is located close to Essaouira sits upon a ridge-top that overlooks the Ksob river. Whilst the look is undoubtedly rustic-chic, there is still a sense of luxury thanks to the spa and the two heated pools.
The hotel looks like a fusion of a genteel country manor fused with a grand castle, lavishly decorated with glowing candles and soft deep pile rugs.
This is ideal for those who are looking for a real retreat and hanker after the peace and tranquillity of the surrounding olive trees and terracotta hills
Grand Hotel Europe, St Petersburg
With a prime location at the cultural heart of St Petersburg, The Grand Hotel Europe is one the city’s most celebrated landmarks. It is opulently decorated with gilded stucco ceilings, breath-taking stained glass, resplendent marble and dazzling chandeliers. The hotel has ten luxurious suites each of which has an individual design. Guests can dine at AZIA offers a daily Emotions Tasting Menu, which combines textures, perfumes, flavours, temperatures and colours to create a unique dining experience.
Hotel President Wilson, Geneva
Situated on the shores of Leman lake and just a few steps from the most beautiful parks and boutiques of the renowned Rue du Rhône, Hotel President Wilson is one of the most contemporary hotels in Geneva, facing the magnificent panorama of the Mont-Blanc.
With large bay-windows offering a panoramic view over Lake Leman, the hotel pool or Geneva city, all 204 Rooms and 22 Suites of the luxury hotel combine comfort and elegance. However, the acclaimed Royal Penthouse Suite is truly a sight to behold thanks to its terrace with panoramic view over the lake and the Mont-Blanc, the jacuzzi, spa, Steinway grand piano, the 103-inch Bang & Olufsen and beautiful furnishings. This truly unique suite stands for pure luxury with maximum security, from bulletproof windows, emergency alarm buttons and reinforced safe to a private lift to take guests directly to their majestic living quarters.
Live an exclusive experience at Spa La Mer and its outdoor pool overlooking the lake and succumb to the delicacy of the Michelin starred cuisine from famous Chef Michel Roth.
St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives
Tucked away, on an exclusive private island reachable by seaplane is the St Regis – one of the most luxurious resort in the Maldives. Combining contemporary design and local craftsmanship, with a profound appreciation for the ecological environment, there is no other destination quite like this exquisite beach resort on Vommuli Island.
Private terraces that lead to pristine beaches and infinity pools with the Indian Ocean as a tranquil backdrop inspire moments of relaxation. The accommodation highlight has to be the Overwater St. Regis Suite – an elegant overwater retreat with stunning views of the Maldives lagoon, overwater hammocks and a romantic gazebo to take in the beauty of the house reef below
Guests can savour epicurean delights from all over the world in any of the six restaurants and bars—each inspired by authentic Italian, Middle Eastern and Asian flavours served in buffet, ala carte or tapas style. They can then restore their well-being with custom-made treatments at the over-water Iridium Spa.
The Palm, Dubai
Located in the heart of the Crescent, The Palm is part luxury hotel, part underwater-themed resort thanks to its two pools, waterpark and small, but perfectly formed man-made beach. Despite sticking rigidly to the underwater theme, guests can reside in opulent suites and can enjoy fine-dining cuisine at one of the 23 restaurants, bars and lounges – Ossiano and Nobu are recommended.
There are five different suites available, but the most striking is the Royal Bridge Suite which includes three lavishly-decorated bedrooms, an exquisitely designed lounge, with decor reflecting the opulence and stature of the suite and is perfect for entertaining and includes its own private library, games and media centre, majlis and massage room.
Hotel Arlberg, Lech
What could be more romantic than a snow-filled break with the one you love? Experience rustic charm at the Hotel Arlberg in the beautiful alpine town of Lech in Austria. The rooms are cosy and are elegantly decorated in traditional Austrian style. From the stunning spa where you can enjoy his and hers treatments to the fabulous wine tasting experience, your inner romantic can’t fail to escape.
