Saudi Arabia - House Of Coco Magazine

Algeria November 9, 2023

Travel Destinations for the Keen Photographer

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

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

Marrakech Morocco,

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

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

Cairngorms, Scotland

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

Moraine Lake, Canada

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

Adventures November 9, 2023

Top things to do in Muscat, Oman

There’s always that mid-winter lull that makes summer seem like a far and distant memory. Beach-weather in Europe is essentially a mirage in March, so we’ve got our sights set on one of 2020’s hottest travel trends: Oman. Highs of mid-20s promise the feeling of being whisked away to a far-flung destination that promises lazy afternoons spent in the sun.

Adventure is also at the core of Muscat for its multifaceted landscape made up of secret beaches, canyons and wadis (Arabic for valley). An average day might involve a hike in one of the surrounding wadis followed by a midday afternoon massage back at the hotel – right before sunset cocktails by the beach. What’s the catch? A one-off 6am wake-up call to squeeze in all of the action. That’s it – we promise!

Those clear blue skies make it the ideal time to visit, ridding you of any icky winter blues. These are the top activities we got to try on a recent #TeamCoco trip to Muscat.

Eat

Starting with food is always a good idea. Zale Lounge is a sophisticated and stylish beachside restaurant serving a blend of cuisines and pan-Asian inspired dishes. Highlights include succulent seafood options like sushi wrapped in sticky seaweed and a signature lobster salad. The mix of booths and sofas offer a laid-back vibe, cleverly softening the high-octane luxury connotative of Kempinski with a quiet palette of creams and whites. Fun features include an elaborate cocktail list that glows in the dark and live DJ sets to take you into the night. Venturing out to the city? Bait Al Luban is a top contender for Omani cuisine in a charming converted guest house overlooking the sea.

Adventure in the Wadis

The sheer beauty of the wadis makes any 6am wake-up call worth it. Witness sunrise and the arid Omani landscape light up as the sun-dappled mountains become more prominent in the eventual morning light. Wadi Tiwi’s rugged rocks and clear emerald pools beat any ordinary hike. Stumble upon mountain goats, secret coves and local villagers floating with ease from one rock to the next. #TeamCoco tip: Husaak Adventures have an excellent guiding team with extensive knowledge of Arabia’s landscapes. Don’t forget a waterproof phone case to capture the cascading waterfalls in real time.

Kayaking in Bandar Khayran

This can be adventurous or super chilled out depending on your mood. A leisurely sunset tour is as relaxing as it sounds, especially witnessing the sun’s rays sink slowly atop the surrounding mountains. The colours shift from ochre to sienna in simultaneity with the sky’s altering hues. Bandar Khayran is a top adventure location made up of several mini beaches for snorkelling and scenic beachside hikes along the rocky shorelines. Do it like the locals and picnic in between pockets of the towering cliffs for some shade and solitude.

Stay

A short 15-minute drive from the airport in Al Mouj Muscat, Kempinski Hotel is definitively luxurious, but not in terms of excess opulence. The sun-dappled lobby is perhaps the shiniest part of the hotel, but rooms have a refined elegance and a quiet palette. Having direct access to 6km of stunning coastline means you can go for a run or flop on a sun lounger. The 10 exquisite restaurants and lounge areas also promise an eclectic experience. Pamper your palate at Bukhara Restaurant for North Indian cuisine and tabasco-inspired cocktails, or The Kitchen restaurant for all-day dining on the sun-drenched terrace.

Explore the city by foot

Souks are a large part of Omani culture, offering aromatic sandalwood, fancy hookah pipes and other interesting trinkets. Taste honey-glazed dates in the vegetable market and pop your head in the buzzy fish market in Muttrah to blend in with the locals. The catch is delivered at sunrise and sells out by 11am, which is astonishing considering the sheer size and scale of the market. Muscat’s pristine streets are steeped in history; the mosques are monumental and tell stories from as far back as 627 AD. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the whole of Oman and happens to be handily located in Muscat, just make sure to book a tour in advance to secure your spot.

Extras

Royal Opera House

Arts and culture abound in Oman’s premier venue for lavish ballets and eclectic concerts, hosting performances from Jazz legends and Arab pop stars. The exquisite architecture replicates modern Omani palaces and is particularly striking by night when the surrounding lights give it an otherworldly glow.

National Museum

A trip to Muscat isn’t complete without understanding its rich heritage. Delve into Muscat’s history as far back as the country’s earliest human settlement in a series of interactive exhibitions and installations at the National Museum.

Al Alam Palace

Just across from the National Museum in the heart of old Muscat, Al Alam Palace is the original ceremonial palace by Sultan Qaboos and a tourist hotspot for its flamboyant design.

Kempinski Hotel (+968 24 985000) offers a starting nightly rate of £170 inclusive of breakfast for one.

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

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

After a dusty day of sightseeing in Morocco’s capital, I am treated to an evening spa treatment at the luxurious Farnatchi Spa and sister restaurant to the spa, Le Trou Au Mur. Embark on a journey of luxury and rejuvenation at Farnatchi Spa and Le Trou Au Mur in Marrakech. Immerse yourself in ancient Moroccan wellness traditions at Farnatchi Spa, where modern opulence meets time-honoured practices. Then, treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure at Le Trou Au Mur, where local ingredients and international flavours blend seamlessly, promising an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of the city.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Destination Inspiration November 9, 2023

Top 6 Must Do Experiences in Malaysia

Towering cities, idyllic beaches, lush rainforests and unrivalled cuisine make up the diverse fabric of Malaysia, where the buzzing metropolises of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore give way to gushing waterfalls, tea plantations and orang-utans. The vastness of the mainland and its surrounding islands unfurl with an endless sense of adventure, perfect for wanderers looking for the ultimate variation of city glitz and wild.

Go waterfall hunting in Langkawi

Rainy season in Langkawi is home to a labyrinth of waterfalls, transforming from dusty trickles in the summon months to gushing spectacles during low-season. Hire a car for a day spent driving the wide and largely quiet island roads. Visit the several falls one by one; each different yet beautiful, a hot and humid afternoon is pleasantly subdued by the deep watering holes framed by thick forest.

Camp in the Perhentian islands

A true slice of paradise within the azure waters of the South China sea, Perhentian Kecil is a mecca for travellers yearning for a slice of calm. With no roads to speak of and very little accommodation, the island is rarely crowded and maintains its sense of remoteness. The Rainforest campsite is nestled in the canopies behind the shores of Rainforest beach, offering the perfect back-to-nature escape for budget travellers and nature lovers alike. It’s remote location (30-minute walk through the foliage to the main hub of Long Beach) means that communal dinners are cooked and prepared by the site’s local owners – encouraging travellers to mingle, eat and share stories along an old oak table under the stars each night. A flurry of deserted white sand beaches are available only by boat – once deposited on the shores by a local fisherman, you’re free to swim and bathe in silence for a few isolated ours before being picked up again. Bliss!

Roam tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands

A 3-hour drive north of Kuala Lumpur gives way to the emerald tea plantations of Malaysia’s largest hill-station area. The sticky heat of the city is swapped with fresh mountain air, where fleets of weekenders can roam the plantations, enjoy high tea and pick strawberries amidst endless swathes of green. Remnants of the areas colonial past are stark, discovered in 1885 by British surveyors and quickly utilised by British planters who realised the potential of its fertile grounds for growing tea. The town itself and its surrounding architecture are distinctly British, leading to a fascinating mixture of Malay and British influences and customs. Take a few days to get acquainted with the slower pace of life; rummage through the mossy forest with its thick foliage and sweeping viewpoints, followed by a visit to the century old BOH plantation, offering ample opportunity to learn about the local tea industry and enjoy the glass-house tea room overlooking a blanket of terraced green.

Climb the KL Tower

With a skyline punctured by sprawling skyscrapers towering above leafy banyan trees and bustling food-stalls, there’s no better place to view Malaysia’s capital than the KL tower. As the 7th tallest telecommunication tower in the world, the TV tower offers a 360-degree view of the city from a 300-metre-high observation sky deck, with panoramic views unrivalled even by the infamous Petronas Towers. The tower’s wall to wall glass sky box extends out from the sky deck ledge offering a dizzying suspended feeling above the bustling streets below.

Hike through jungles in Borneo

Over in the eastern Malaysian states, Kuching offers a fascinating introduction to contemporary and tribal life in Borneo. Sarawak’s sophisticated capital is characterised by a blend of heritage shop houses and narrow alleyways lined with cafes and market stalls. Though the capital of Malaysian Borneo, its laid back vibe is a refreshing alternative to the flurry of Asian cities which have succumbed to the weight of tourism. Kuching maintains its sense of wild – with no high-rises littering the view and the jungles fare never far away. Take a trip to the Semenggoh Wildlife centre for the increasingly rare opportunity to see orang-utans in their natural habitat. The creatures roam free in the jungle surrounding the rehabilitation centre, though daily feeding routines allow for sightings if you’re lucky. Bako National Park is the oldest and smallest national park in the surrounding area; accessible only by boat, its remote location adds to the allure. Several jungle trails give way to waterfalls, mangrove swamps and dense tropical vegetation, home to wild proboscis monkeys who hide in the canopies. Most trails lead to the South China sea, where you can hail down a local fisherman near the shore for a boat ride around the island’s infamous sea stacks.

Discover the Street Art of Penang

Most travellers use Georgetown Penang as a stopover destination to the glistening island of Langkawi, but those who stay a while will be rewarded. Penang is a town to lose yourself in. A potent injection of Asian culture and creativity, colourful Chinese shop houses blend with old colonial architecture, wherein a jumble of old-world Asian influences collide with an increasingly cosmopolitan urban centre. Georgetown offers a unique cultural vibrancy made possible through the influx of migrants from China, India and Indonesia in the 19th century, allowing for a diverse local identity. The winding roads of Little India, littered with trishaws and roadside restaurants, brim with gusts of Indian spices and fragrant incense. Turn a corner, and the towering Mosques and Sari shops give way to Chinese temples and red paper lanterns, which line the chaotic cobbled streets of Chinatown. Following the annual Georgetown Festival in 2012, Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic decorated the city with interactive street murals depicting Georgetown life. The engaging art pieces have put Georgetown on the map as a creative hub and an art tour across the city will reward you with kaleidoscope streets sprawling with colour and originality.

Denmark November 9, 2023

Bringing together three style capitals during London, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks

Here at House of Coco we are all set for the upcoming fashion weeks, our diaries are full and are wardrobes are ready! But, as always, we like to make sure we arrive in style and it’s no secret that we are all about that #jetset life, just take a glance at our Insta to see that!

Jetsetters can rub shoulders with the fash-pack during Europe’s most hotly anticipated Fashion Weeks this month, with Air Charter Service’s stylish new package.

Departing on 16 February and flying by private jet throughout, the 15-night trip brings together three fashion capitals – London, Milan and Paris – in one fabulous itinerary which includes luxury hotel suites, sought-after event tickets and exclusive shopping tours. A stay in another Italian fashion powerhouse, Rome, completes the ultimate fashionistas’ escape.

Shop like Kate Middleton in London’s Mayfair
This epic journey through Europe’s fashion hotspots begins with a four-night stay at The Savoy in London, including tickets to a glamorous London Fashion Week catwalk show. When they’re not hobnobbing at the main event, shopaholics can uncover the style secrets of one of the UK’s most photographed style icons, Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton – discovering her favourite British designers including Jenny Packham and Temperley during a royal fashion tour of swanky Mayfair. Guests will also peruse boho-chic boutiques and Portobello Market in trendy Notting Hill, before embarking on a behind-the-scenes tour of bespoke tailoring mecca Savile Row.

Meet an haute couture designer in Milan
The next four nights are spent in Italy’s fashion capital, staying at the ultra-luxurious Mandarin Oriental and mixing with the stylish elite at an exclusive Milan Fashion Week show. Accompanied by a personal shopper, guests will take an in-depth tour of the city’s designer studios and niche boutiques before visiting acclaimed bespoke seamstresses and shoemakers. For a truly unique memento, clients can meet with an haute couture designer who will create a one-off garment especially for them. They’ll then learn how to style their new outfits during an image consultation, receiving expert advice on everything from hair and makeup to which styles best suit their build.

Explore Rome’s most stylish boutiques
Rome is the home of the legendary Cinecittà film studio, which cemented the intimate connection between fashion and cinema during Hollywood’s Golden Age. During a three-night stay at the opulent Hotel de Russie, guests will embark on a personalised shopping tour through the Italian capital, visiting the city’s most stylish boutiques and watching as fine jewellery is created at an artisanal studio. Shoe addicts can discover the art of Italian sandal-making during a private workshop with two local shoemakers, creating their own bespoke pair of sandals to wear back home.

Peruse vintage high fashion in Paris
This stylish journey through Europe ends in the Fashion Capital of the World during Paris Fashion Week, with a four-night stay at the lavish Peninsula Paris. Guests will shop till they drop on a luxury personal shopping trip, lunching at fashionistas’ eatery-of-choice L’Avénue and perusing vintage works by haute couture icons including Lanvin, Chanel and Dior. They’ll also meet up-and-coming young designers in their workshops in the trendy North Marais or ‘NoMa’ district, before visiting fine jewellery hub Place Vendôme to view private collections and learn how precious stones are crafted into masterpieces.

For more information, to book the above package or to create their own tailor-made fashion-themed trip, clients should call the ACS Travel & Concierge team on +44(0)20 8339 8588.

Egypt November 9, 2023

#CocoCountryside: Durham Dales Experience

On a cold winter day, our UK travel writer Rachel McAlley set off for a couple of days for #TeamCoco to the Durham Dales to experience the Durham Dales Experience: beautiful countryside, a wonderful 5-star hotel, a well-known arts and cultural museum, and a quaint market town.

I drove through the Yorkshire snow, and into the Durham frost to a very sunny and not at all snowy Rockliffe Hall near Darlington, for a day and night of pure luxury and pampering.

A Solo Female Traveler’s Delight

As a solo female traveller, I wanted to experience the hotel’s grounds and go for a walk, so I took it upon myself to leave my luggage at the reception and head out into the acres of lovely countryside to take in some fresh air and simply enjoy the Rockliffe Hall grounds – an Instagrammers dream!

I was introduced to the brand new MischMasch area of the gardens; a wonderland of curiosities for kids, including six little secret hideaway pods filled with exciting things like a huge Smart TV for movies in one, a pool table and darts board in another, chill out pod to hang with friends in another, and generally have fun in the rest! The child in me wanted to hang out in the pod with the pool table and darts board with my fully grown-up mates and maybe have a glass of wine and just chill for the day.

Indulgence and Relaxation: A Day at Rockliffe Hall

I ventured further afield and took myself through the grounds and across to the Clubhouse, where the hotel’s golfers relax and enjoy a drink and some food. A fab little walk was all I needed after the long drive, and a fab little walk was what I got – it gave me a chance to wind down and enjoy a little me time.

Back into the gorgeous Rockliffe Hall and to The Brasserie for a light lunch (Chicken Caesar Salad, with a side order of fries, and a divine pear tart to finish), looking over the sunkissed golf course and Spa Garden with its steaming hot infinity edge experience pool and warm Jacuzzi, this really was going to be a relaxing stay.

After lunch, I was booked for a 90-minute luxury Neom candle wax massage with an Indian head massage, which was quite possibly the most indulgent massage I have ever experienced. Not only was the treatment super relaxing, but it was also calming, stress relieving, and reflective. The only issue was that the 90 minutes flew-by too fast, I could have stayed for hours having this treatment. This wonderful candle wax massage transported me to a time and place where my mind, body and soul relaxed into that floating state between being awake and asleep – it was simply heavenly.

Ultimate Relaxation and Luxury: Rockliffe Hall Retreat

Post-treatment I was taken to the relaxation room, where I came round from my sleepy state and made the decision to go for a swim in the indoor pool. I could have ventured into the Garden Spa to fully immerse myself in the Rockliffe Hall experience on one of the sound wave therapy beds, but on this occasion, my super-relaxed body couldn’t take me outside, so I simply collapsed on a sun-lounger and then went for a glorious swim.

It was time to leave the award-winning spa and officially check in to my room. Okay, so there are many wonderful luxurious hotel rooms that #TeamCoco have had the pleasure of staying in, but this stunning superior first-floor room in the Old Hall was old-world beauty at its finest, king-sized bed, Egyptian cotton bedding, private living area, huge Smart TV (and a dinky TV at the bottom of the bath), bathrobes and slippers, locally produced biscuits and teas and coffees, plus a Nespresso coffee machine, complimentary water and fresh milk, and extraordinary views of the gardens.

All-in-all the room was a private haven of tranquillity and space, perfect for a solo traveller like myself. I used the desk to do some writing for the magazine and catch up with emails, before taking a bath, and then spending the evening on the sofa watching TV and movies.

Culinary Delights and Morning Vibes: A Stay at Rockliffe Hall

I ordered room service rather than heading to The Orangery, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, as I wanted to enjoy the beautiful Old Hall bedroom that I was lucky to be staying in.

The room service menu was as good as the earlier Brasserie menu, filled with classic dishes, contemporary dishes and room service must-haves. I chose a couple of nibbles (pork scratchings and homemade bread) rather than a starter; I enjoyed the nibbles with a glass of wine before opting for a classic main course (fish and chips with tartar sauce and Yorkshire caviar), a hearty dessert (crumble and ice cream) and a small selection of cheeses. I ordered way too much food, but it was worth it, especially the crumble.

After my ensuing food coma it was time to wrap up warm under the bed covers and dream about fairies in the garden pods at Rockliffe Hall!

Breakfast was taken in the hotel restaurant, it was a buzzing hive of businessmen and women getting ready for the day ahead, couples that had enjoyed a romantic night away from home, and a few solo travellers like myself. Everyone was tucking into either a full English breakfast, eggs Florentine (my breakfast of choice), or simple pastries and coffee, a delicious way to start the day.

Exploring Barnard Castle: History, Culture, and Charm

After checking out of the hotel it was a 40-minute drive across the county from Darlington to Teesdale and Barnard Castle, a quaint market town filled with independent shops and little cafes. I visited a couple of shops in the town including a chocolate shop and a lovely stationery shop. Then I ventured to the world-renowned The Bowes Museum for a morning of culture, history and antiques.

Housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts, the Museum was purpose-built in the 19th Century by wealthy businessman John Bowes and his French actress wife Josephine. Their romantic story was revealed as I wandered around the elegant Grade I Listed building and the gorgeous gardens.

The diverse collections begun by this amazing couple are constantly being added to and currently span three floors of this magnificent French-style chateau in the heart of the Durham Wolds.

Antique Adventures and Abbey Ruins: Exploring the Durham Wolds

Housed in the Museum’s main exhibition space, I spent time being walked through the SOLD! Exhibition (running until May), the display takes the visitor on a journey through 200 years of antique dealing through an innovative ‘shopping for antiques’ theme.

After a couple of hours of culture and history, it was time to depart The Bowes Museum and make my way to the old ruins of Egglestone Abbey before driving from the sunshine of the Durham Wolds back into the Yorkshire snow!

I had a great couple of days filled with relaxation, excellent food, history, and rambling in and around the Durham Wolds aka the Durham Dales, and you can be sure that either myself or someone else from #TeamCoco will be returning to Durham, as there’s plenty more to see including the historical city of Durham itself and also the pretty Durham coast.

This trip for House of Coco Magazine was kindly organised by the following three tourism, hospitality, and arts businesses in the Durham Dales:
Visit County Durham – https://www.thisisdurham.com
Rockliffe Hall – https://www.rockliffehall.com
The Bowes Museum – https://www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Netherlands November 9, 2023

20 reasons to visit the UAE’s undiscovered Emirate, Ras Al Khaimah later in 2020

Here at House of Coco we’re getting itchy feet and already dreaming about all the new destinations that we’re going to visit as soon as all the bans are lifted. One of the destinations we can’t wait to tick off is Ras Al Khaimah, it’s one of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations. Juxtaposed between the Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Gulf, the destination remains a hidden gem despite its accessible location, just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport. The destination is known as being the adventurers’ Emirate and is situated at the northernmost tip of the United Arab Emirates. Its pristine beaches and hotels offer a wide variety of activities from water sports to cookery and arts classes and temperature controlled outdoor pools, while the desert and mountains are ideal for safaris and nature trails for a true Arabian experience.

(1) The World’s Longest Zipline…

For travellers with a quest for adrenaline fuelled adventure, the Jebel Jais Flight is a must. Located on Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE, Jebel Jais Flight is the Guinness World Record’s longest zipline at 2.83km long. Adventure seekers are propelled at speeds between 120 and 150kph from a height of 1,683m above sea level.

(2) Bear Grylls Survival Academy…

Visitors in 2020 can learn the tricks to Bear Grylls survival, with a new brainchild Bear Grylls Survival Academy scheduled to open in Ras Al Khaimah at the end of January 2020. The academy on Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE, will offer participants a wide selection of courses suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. The courses include half-day (five to six hours), 24 and 48-hour courses designed for families and adults. Participants will be exposed to practical and extreme survival techniques necessary to survive some of the toughest terrain in the wilderness such as: how to make a fire in the wilderness, build emergency shelters, learn best ways to use a knife for survival, remote medical trauma, training on navigation techniques, rock climbing and extreme weather survival. The Academy will be run by highly trained professionals.

(3) Five-star luxury at four-star prices…

The Emirate is home to two five-star luxury Ritz-Carlton properties. Whether a digital detox in the middle of the Arabian Desert is the order of the day or a sun-soaked beach break looking out on the Arabian Gulf, guests can sit back and relax knowing that everything is taken care of at either one of these incredible, first class properties:

The Ritz-Carlton, Al Wadi Desert amid the beauty of the Arabian Desert, invites guests to connect with nature and culture in an entirely unique way. The resort is equipped with an Equestrian Centre offering guests’ horse and camel rides to experience the desert in true style along with plenty of activities including archery and biking, four dining venues and a spa. Luxury here has no bounds, especially when it comes to the villa suites. Inspired by traditional Bedouin tents, each villa has a private pool and deck, lounge area and, of course, stunning desert views, guaranteed to create an unforgettable experience for the entire family.
The Ritz-Carlton, Al Hamra Beach is the ultimate luxury coastal retreat. Located on an isolated stretch of beach beneath the Arabian sun, this five-star resort offers guests exclusive activities and features in a secluded oasis such as snorkelling amid the coral reef, afternoon paddle boarding and owl and falconry shows for the entire family to enjoy. Guests can relax in the sun in one of the 32 beautifully designed private villas lavished with contemporary amenities, each with its own pool and direct beach access, visit the Ritz-Carlton Spa for a holistic treatment and enjoy signature fresh seafood at Shore House restaurant.

(4) Jais Sky Maze…

Visitors to the Emirate can get their adrenaline rushing at a new obstacle maze on the UAE’s highest mountain. Find your sense of adventure 10 metres above the ground as you navigate through several obstacles including rope swings, wobbly bridges, swinging loops and so much more! With two levels of endless fun, the Jais Sky Maze is suitable for adventure seekers of all ages.

(5) Viewing Deck Park on the highest peak in the UAE…

As observation decks go, it doesn’t any grander than this. Opened in early 2018, the landscaped and manicured viewing terraces at 1250m have sublime vistas of the craggy surrounding Hajar Mountains peaks and panoramas that tumble and dip down to the Gulf far below. There are binoculars, for close-up viewing, and plenty of shade provided by sails, on each of the several terraces while the main deck offers parking, toilet facilities and two cafe-kiosks for refreshments.

(6) The Dhayah Fort…

Amongst the magnificent landscapes of Ras Al Khaimah lie beautiful ancient ruins rich in history and cultural significance. Situated in northern Ras Al Khaimah amid the Dhayah oasis, is the famous Dhayah fort. This piece of architecture is steeped in historical importance and is certainly worth a visit and was originally built as a defence structure. With plenty of hiking opportunities on offer, visitors can climb the only hilltop fort still existing in the UAE to explore its history and witness the stunning backdrop of the steep dramatic mountains, surrounding palm gardens and the sea – the perfect opportunity for a quick snap and the fort is free of charge to visit.

(7) The National Museum…

Visitors can immerse themselves in the true Emirati way of life and visit the stunning riads of Ras Al Khaimah immersed in cultural heritage. Travel on a journey through time by visiting the historical sites and local museums to gain a glimpse of the Emirate’s culture, history and heritage. Set in a stunning 17th century riad, the former residence of the ruling family until the 1960’s, The National Museum is located in the western part of Ras Al Khaimah city and houses an eclectic collection of archaeological and ethnological artefacts. All exhibition rooms are situated around the beautiful inner courtyard garden and can be entered through antique wooden doors with traditional carved design. A beautiful setting for visitors to learn about architecture, pearl diving, date agriculture, farming and fishing in the various galleries, The National Museum is a must-see attraction during a visit to the Emirate.

(8) Uncover gems at the Suwaidi Pearl Farm…

Suwaidi Pearl Farm, owned by Abdullah Al Suwaidi, the grandson of one of the country’s last remaining pearl divers. It is the only pearl farm in the UAE that provides locally sourced pearls to jewellers around the world. The farm tour takes you on a 6,000-year journey through the history of Arabian pearl diving, to the days when divers would wear tortoiseshell nose-clips and had heavy rocks fastened to one ankle. Tour participants can select an oyster from a tank; maybe, if you’re lucky, yours will produce a pearl.

(9) Jais Sky Tour…

Adventure meets serenity at the Jais Sky Tour. Adventurers can fly over the awe-inspiring cliffs and canyons of Jebel Jais, as you zip from platform to platform in this unique experience. Covering a total distance of 5km via a series of seven ziplines, ranging from 337m to just over 1km, and averaging speeds of 60kph, the Jais Sky Tour will give you a panoramic, bird’s eye view of the towering Hajar mountains. Navigate your way through the sky and find yourself at the UAE’s highest sky bridge, 1,250mts above the sea level and 300mts above the ground. Pause to capture this unique moment before you cross this 15m bridge and continue the last part of your zipline journey. After an hour of soaring through the sky, we guarantee you will want to do it all over again.

(10) Discover the fascinating tribal culture…

History enthusiasts travelling to Ras Al Khaimah will find a treasure trove of archaeological sites, including 18 historic fortifications, castles and towers dating back to the Bronze Age, within accessible reach. One of the few places in the world that has continuously had settler’s for over 7,000 years, Ras Al Khaimah has a turbulent history that saw the city occupied or challenged by the Sasanians, Islamic clans of the Arabian Gulf, the Portuguese, Dutch and British Forces. Today, Ras Al Khaimah’s society can still be conceded as a tribal society, where tribes are divided into three main categories: mountain tribes, sea tribes and desert tribes. Folklore, folk music, dialogue and dance play an important role in tribes and local communities and are passed down from one generation to another.

(11) Try the new controlled bungee jump, opening in 2020…

Jebal Jais will open the first and only controlled bungee jump in the Middle East in April 2020, which will be suspended 13 metres off the ground and will be positioned 1,500 metres above sea level. Travellers will be able to enjoy the rush of a free fall of eight metres, while having the comfort that the fall is controlled making it safer than a traditional bungee jump.

(12) Relax in the hot springs in the mountains…

Located at the foot of Hajar Mountain, the Khatt Hot Springs are perfect for visitors trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the city this year. Located just ten-minutes from the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, the healing hot springs were discovered on the edge of the desert in the beginning of the 7th century and showcase spectacular views of the valley with its date palms and numerous farms. The springs are today surrounded by wellness centres and resorts, such as the Golden Tulip Khatt Springs Resort & Spa, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing Turkish bath and sauna, spa massages and treatments, swimming pools and Ayurveda healing procedures.

(13) Dare to explore the Ghost Town of Ras Al Khaimah…

One of the more unique places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah, Jazirat Al Hamra, is an abandoned pearl fishing village which is as fascinating as it is haunting. The village is like an open-air museum, without entrance fees and audio guides, showcasing abandoned houses, schools, a mosque and marketplaces. The village was abandoned when oil wealth gave rise to rapid urbanisation in the creation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This ghost town which visitors can simply drive through, is also famed as a site for the horror production, Djinn.

(14) Learn about the ancient tradition of falconry…

Falconry is an ancient tradition of the Bedouins and an indispensable tool for hunting in the tough conditions of the desert. In ancient times, when the falcons migrated to the Emirates, every resident caught one which would then become his partner for the whole season and a part of his family. When the temperature rose in the summer and the free-living falcons started to fly back to the North, the locals let their falcon go. Today, travellers can witness a unique falcon show at many resorts, including theThe Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert, which houses the region’s most diverse and interactive displays of falcons, hawks, kestrels, owls and eagles. Visitors can witness the Resident Professional Falconers fly their team of dedicated birds of prey using both traditional Arabic and ‘modern’ Western techniques. A tour of the world class Falconry Mews and Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre also rounds off this one-of-a-kind experience.

(15) Eat a typical local meal…

From traditional Arabian cuisine to the finest restaurants, visitors will be spoilt for choice in Ras Al Khaimah. Travellers can dig into local flavours at Al Fanar, known for its machboos (a casserole of meat or fish, rice and onions cooked in spicy sauce) and its seafood dishes such as saloona samak (a stew of fish in a tomato and tamarind sauce). 2020 has also glamorously started with the relaunch of the bi-weekly island-inspired Barefoot Brunch at The Ritz-Carlton, Al Hamra Beach. Guests can enjoy a family-style feast specially designed by the luxury hotel’s culinary team, on the sand. The menu highlights a wide selection of seafood, home-smoked beef ribs, freshly shucked oysters, and more. Crowned with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, lounge seating and a cocktail bar on the beach, live DJ and after-brunch beach party, the exclusive Barefoot Brunch is an escape to paradise.

(16) Experience the Bedouin Oasis Camp…

The first Bedouin-style desert camp in Ras Al Khaimah provides visitors with the perfect opportunity to explore desert living. This secret haven has been designed for the discerning customer, desiring a traditional magical experience of the Arabian Desert, fused with indulgence and luxury. The Bedouin Oasis Camp is an authentic reproduction of Bedouin life just as it used to be. Guests can learn how to scale the sand dunes in a four-wheel drive, ride a camel or simply just enjoy an overnight stay under the stars, with a sunset wakeup. Rooms for two adults and two children start at £176.00 per night.

(17) Enjoy all-inclusive luxury at the Rixos Bab Al Bahr…

Situated on the pristine white sands of Ras Al Khaimah’s tranquil Marjan Island, Rixos Bab Al Bahr enjoys the beautiful beach, stylish rooms, upmarket restaurants, stunning views, and comprehensive amenities you may expect from a five-star beach resort in the Middle East. With few exceptions, everything is inclusive from the kaleidoscope of cuisine in Seven Heights and the delicious selection of unlimited beverages in See & Sea, Mojito Lounge and Inferno, to the diverse choice of entertainment and nightlife, kids clubs, spa, sports, and recreational activities. Five delectable a la carte restaurants, including a steakhouse and a seafood restaurant, offer a more diverse dining experience.

(18) Eco Mangroves Kayaking in Ras Al Khaimah…

Mangroves and salt flats form a large part of the coastal and inland landscape in Ras Al Khaimah. The mangroves, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, extend right into the centre of Ras Al Khaimah bringing a rich sense of nature into the city. Visitors can explore the mangroves by taking kayak excursions and literally lose themselves in the natural beauty. Kayaking is fun, relaxing, very low risk and easy to learn and is open to all even if you have never tried it before. More information can be found here.

(19) Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival…

The Emirate hosts the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival from 31 January – 31 March 2020 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. The festival takes place at picturesque 17th century pearl fishing town of Al Jazirah Al Hamra. The abandoned and historic town is rumoured to be haunted. The festival will celebrate the theme of Connected Communities, emphasizing the power of art in bringing communities together and creating shared experiences. The open-air gallery, which is free of cost and open to the public, is set to welcome over 100 international and local artists from 33 countries. Furthermore, the festival will offer an expanded program of public art workshops at Al Jazirah Al Hamra and the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, and film screenings at VOX Cinemas in Al Hamra Mall.

(20) Relax in a rainforest…

The Ritz-Carlton, Al Wadi Desert also offers a Rainforest Experience which combines European hydrothermal culture with Middle Eastern bathing rituals, creating a rejuvenating sanctuary smack bang the Arabian desert. The experience includes 16 different stations, each traveling one step farther in the journey to relaxation.

Fashion November 9, 2023

Essaouira, Morocco: Le Jardin des Douars

Finding Renewal and Connection at Le Jardin des Douars in Essaouira, Morocco. We have a lot in common you and I. I know this because as a reader of House of Coco you are likely to be the type of person who thrives off being manically busy, even on holiday, creating memories and stories to regale.

But, every action needs an opposite reaction. Please remind yourself that it is vitally important to completely switch off every now and then to recharge your batteries and give your brain a break.

Exploring Le Jardin des Douars in Essaouira, Morocco

I hadn’t sat still for about 5 years before this Morocco trip. The last time I did that would have been a beach holiday with the girls and so my break to Le Jardin des Douars was a refreshing relief that I didn’t even realise I needed.

Arriving at Essaouira airport was a total dream. It’s Moroccan through and through in the design which made the short pitstop trying to describe my job title to customs quite exciting. “creative” “advertising creative” “ad-ver-tise-ing” “marrr-ket-ing” “jou-r-na-list”. Finally through.

Directly upon exit, we found our ride. The private bus just for us organised by the hotel was a glorious start to a beautiful break.

Discovering the Enchantment of Les Jardins de Douars in Essaouira, Morocco

As we travel through the argon tree filled landscape of Essaouira we discover an oasis of domed villas snuggled together within the hotel walls. It feels ever-so bohemian, exuding North African comfort along with a touch of classic French chic.

Les Jardin De Douars feels like a traditional Moroccan hammam retreat, built from that pinky peachy clay that the Maghreb is famous for. Contrasting greenery, palms, botanicals and herbs grow from every available patch of soil around the complex, making for a stunning place to call home for a few days.

One of the great things about this hotel is that, although it was fully booked with families and couples, it felt like it was all ours. Every room is its own little cottage and you feel far away from the other guests in utterly delightful privacy.

Indulging in Leisure and Gastronomy at Les Jardins de Douars, Essaouira

There are two wildly inviting jade-green pools with plenty of distance between them, one for families and one for adults only. The adults-only heated pool is infinity style surrounded by trees and bushes, perfect for a few laps and weightlessness relaxation (… also open late for a moonlight dip).

For dinner and drinks, you can’t go wrong on the terrace. Again you share the space with families and other couples but you don’t feel encroached upon.

The hotel restaurant is 100% responsible for the end of my vegetarianism (sorry to disappoint). Moroccan food is just a total dream. On day one they held a huge BBQ for lunch and the way the chefs had spiced the chicken was insane!

Finding Renewal and Connection at Les Jardins de Douars in Essaouira, Morocco

The highlight of the trip for me was the Hammam. I chose a body scrub and as well as leaving my skin softer than the day I was born I felt a beautiful connection with the female therapist. Maybe it’s because I’m a total hippy and love the female bond but I felt her positive energy and the massage healed me emotionally too.

To say that the botanical gardens gave me life is more than just a wanky Instagram quote. Filled with wildlife, quiet other than the birds and frogs, and all of the world’s vibes radiating from every branch, leaf and petal.

We’ll return. I already want to be there for more relaxing in the sun, pool meditation and exploring. The hotel provides a shuttle to the beach and the medina for some shopping so you can escape for a little while but I’d happily hideaway at Les Jardin De Douars for another long weekend of luxurious solitude.

Book online at www.jardindesdouars.com

Return flights can be around £300. Sadly they’ve just stopped doing direct flights but rumour has it that another airline will pick up the route.

https://youtu.be/VJMugKntIRI

Saudi Arabia November 9, 2023

5 Most luxurious bars and clubs across California

In California, any average nightclub or bar simply will not cut it. If you are socializing with colleagues or on the job attempting to impress clients, you probably need top-tier luxury. If you are out on the weekend with a date or the love of your life, a dive bar will not do. In each case, the absolute best places are easy to find, but you better plan carefully and move quickly as seats and standing spaces go fast.

Luxurious bars and clubs across California

1. Bootsy Bellows

Location: Los Angeles

Developed and owned by actor David Arquette, Bootsy Bellows offers guests the ability to enjoy, as the company says, “residential haven.” The style, for instance, is from the 1940s, feeling like a luxurious throwback to an era of Frank Sinatra governed by lush foliage and soft pastels.

Located in Los Angeles, it is known as “a decadent playground for adults,” offering live entertainment, music, and cocktails mixed with the occasional performance by puppets. Although it might seem a bit odd, it is known for frequent appearances by A-list celebrities. In this luxury nightclub, seating is comfortable, intimate, and generous.

It is an exclusive club where seating is best obtained by advance reservation. Gaining access is not easy. Even its website is cloaked in mystique, featuring simply a black page marked by Bootsy Bellows the cat. Although some promotional material exists on the parent company’s website, to understand the club’s pleasures, you must gain entrance.

2. The Highlight Room

Location: Hollywood

The Highlight Room is an 11,000-square-foot club dedicated to personal pampering amid two extremes: water and sun worship. Set in the heart of Hollywood, the club’s outdoor seating consists of cabana-style recliners around a crystal-clear, turquoise-shaded pool.

Experiencing day life, as the company calls it, is only possible via an advance reservation. Once you get your reservation, you can lounge over drinks and have food delivered to your plush recliners where you are free to spread the umbrella for shade or leave it closed as you soak up as much of the sun for which California is known.

Nightlife, however, takes a more festive turn, and party-goers have one of the best views set to live music and local performances.

At the Highlight Room, the menu is as festive as the mood. Whether you like fresh seafood or a variety of vegan morsels–it is all succulent. The club is open daily from early-morning breakfast and brunch to late dinner that ends at 10 pm.

For breakfast or brunch, you can enjoy avocado toast or an acai bowl, loaded with antioxidants. Lunch is equally divine over margarita flatbread, hummus, and lobster toast.

Of course, for a sturdier meal, you can order what is known simply as “The Burger.” It consists of a whopping slab of ground beef slathered in cheese with a side of herb fries.

3. Oxford Social Club

Location: San Diego

The Oxford Social Club is a party-goer’s mecca. It consists largely of beautiful people dancing in the dark. In this place, everyone is clad primarily in flashing light. From dancing to socializing, you can enjoy world-class food, drinks, and performances.

Access is via a ticket purchased well in advance. Disc jockeys and performers are often new, cutting-edge talent, such as Kyle Flesch or Gold Mozae. That said, Captn20 often makes the rounds, but you will miss it all if you think a week or two in advance is time enough to plan your night. For an intimate party, attendees can book space for private events.

The drink menu includes a variety of bubbled nuances. Swedish Airmail, for instance, consists of a hint of lemon and honey over Absolut Elyx, Chandon sparkling wine, and Scrappy’s lavender bitters. Guests are encouraged to avail themselves of the bottle service.

By the way, reservations can be requested. Reservations cannot simply be purchased as entrance is a privilege–not a right.

4. The Rooftop by STK

Location: San Diego

This nightclub is upscale casual with a strictly enforced dress code. During the week, it serves as a restaurant with views measured in hundreds of miles. From your seat, you can see the famed Coronado bridge along with the entire San Diego cityscape.

The menu is world-class, and seating is available with a reservation. Whether you like intimate seating or are part of a group, seats and tables enjoy dim, theatre lighting and fare like thick cuts of steak, often topped with more meat, such as shrimp or lobster. In this place, the greenery is purely for show.

Also available is a vast pool and poolside lounging in cushioned recliners poised for suntanning and rejuvenation.

On the weekends, however, the solitude and serenity give way as the entire place transforms into a nightclub with music and award-winning performances by regional and national talent. Against the surrounding cityscape and the flashing lights set to thumping bass, the feel is more evolved from west-coast luxury to something strikingly atmospheric.

5. The Shady Lady Saloon

Location: Sacramento

Ranked consistently as one of the top 25 bars in America, The Shady Lady Saloon resurrects the roaring twenties–minus the late 1920s depression. It is known for its artisan cocktails–found nowhere else on the planet–and an award-winning, gourmet menu that focuses on fresh creativity designed for the palate.

Specialities include such dishes as carnitas tacos and duck confit tots. Cocktails are seasonal, ranging from the orange- and chocolate-laced Copper Dog to the Aquavit-based Screaming Viking.

Music is live, ranging from big band and jazz to country and rock. Although this bar is acclaimed, access does not require a reservation. That said, wait times are worth any lengthy lines you might experience.

France November 9, 2023

It’s All About the ME Ibiza

The White Isle has been claiming my soul each summer ever since I was a fresh-faced, freckled 16-year old. Back then my nights out in Ibiza consisted of drinking copious amount of paint stripper paired with imitation Fanta Lemon, all whilst swatting away club PRs like underfed mosquitos in attempt to reach Soul City (if you know, you know). If we were feeling flush, we would club together our dwindling Euros for a final hurrah at Ibiza Rocks, probably to catch Tinie Tempah.

My Saturday job definitely didn’t cover anything more than free shots, free entry and weak Sex on the Beach pitchers. My true taste of the euphoric super clubs weren’t to come for a further two years and until then we’d stumbling back to our four-bed hostel dormitory to be greeted with the thumping bass of some unknown techno track, the smell of marijuana and a shoeless someone thumping on another dorms door because they’ve forgotten their key. Sleep in Ibiza was always for the weak. Two years later, I’d upgrade my music taste (sadly, not my dorm room) to include catching Carl Cox at Space and become completely enthralled by the kaleidoscope of piercing strobe lights, vibrating bass and twirling tanned bodies. Call it my own rave revelation I was completely hooked

This year was my ten-year anniversary and I had every intention of making this annual pilgrimage one of the best. I’d bid goodbye to the hostels quite a few years ago and semi-upgraded to simple, magnolia rooms that received an injection of colour the moment the girls and I popped open our cases and half of Pretty Little Things festival collection sprung out like a (v. fashionable) jack in the box. Helping us mark this momentous occasion this time was the ME Hotel Ibiza, a mecca for the beautiful people to bronze, pose and doze.

It wasn’t just my accommodation that was due an upgrade, we’d ditch the sardine-packed seats found on the budget airlines and nipped across the DLR to catch our British Airways flight from London City Airport. A quick pre-flight glass of bubbles, extra legroom, a few posh snacks and another glass of bubbles later and we’d landed. It was 1am so still early by Ibiza standards. I’d used the better-than-Ryanair plane lighting to re-do my face and soared past the gigantic billboards that line the road urging you into the skilled fingers of Black Coffee at Hï.

After the obligatory selfie alongside the ME Ibiza’s neon pink logo, we scurried into the lobby eager to drop our bags, slip on our Nikes and shuffle off into the sweaty arms of Music On at Amnesia. The first phrase uttered to us was one that can simultaneously banish jet lag, restore relationships and inflate egos, ‘you’ve been upgraded’. An all-white suite with big enough-for-two bathtub sexily positioned in the centre and a tray of pretty pastel macaroons and more bubbles declared that we’ve arrived. The plump bed and minibar fit for an ageing rockstar completed the look that screamed sleek. Unlike the summer of ’08 we weren’t sharing our balcony with the rejects from Geordie Shore, this one was all ours and looked over the sparkling bay. I knew where I’d be coming first thing in the morning to clear my fuzzy head.

I strive to achieve balance in everything I do as I believe that having a balance at work/home/emotionally leads to a happier and a more fulfilled self. Put simply, the ME Hotel nails balance. The lobby was filled with intriguing sculptures, rattan egg chairs and model-esque staff whilst the pool area was bedecked with daybeds and a soundtrack of chilled beats. Cool yet casual, laidback yet luxe and swanky yet low-key. Waltzing (because shuffling is reserved for clubs and simply walking in through the elegant lobby just wouldn’t do) to breakfast the next morning I was faced with plump sausages, egg-your-way and smothered in butter French Toast one side and energising smoothies, granola and Greek yoghurt the other side. Even breakfast was balanced.

After wiping away the cobwebs with a strong black coffee, we sauntered (see, we still haven’t resigned ourselves to walking) to the pool to artfully position ourselves on the cloud-like daybeds. As much as we were trying to channel Aphrodite, we probably resembled fairground hotdogs sizzling in the scorching heat. An Adonis was furiously working off their egg-white omelette doing laps in the pool with such determination that is was better suited to an Olympic training ground than a ‘beefa pool. A few more oiled their well-defined abs and two women clinked prosecco glasses whilst dipping their feet in the pool to cool off.

Just outside the pool area was our very own runway. Framed by the palm trees and bobbing fishermen boats was a craggy pontoon used to moor the fishing boats. In true, flamboyant Ibiza style we used it to prance around in and admire the sunset from. The fishermen thought we were funny and happily passed us some freshly caught prawns for us to peel. Forget trekking to Es Vedrà to catch the sunset, the bay is positioned perfectly to watch the sun slowly turn from Tiffany blue to pink hues that would definitely make the boys wink. Everything at the ME Ibiza was seamless, a vital component of any Ibiza weekend.

I may not have achieved island veteran status yet (15+ years was required to be granted that accolade) but I definitely didn’t bounce back from misbehaving as quickly as I used to. ME Ibiza eased me through those blurry mornings and rallied me up before the evenings, then would welcome me back with a roomful of bubbles (this time in the bath) and the promise of a good night sleep. At the ME Ibiza, far away from the kids in San Antonio and crowds in Bossa, I’d finally graduated to the grown-up Ibiza that everyone raves about.

With thanks to ME Hotel Ibiza