Spain - House Of Coco Magazine

Couples Travel November 9, 2023

#CocoCouples: Nature Meets Design at Hotel Mas La Ferreria, La Garrotxa

Our #CocoCouples love spending quality time outdoors. An overnight stay at Hotel Mas La Ferreria, a delightful family-run boutique property provided an excellent opportunity for our writers, Omo and Eulanda to explore the scenic La Fageda d’en Jordà forest in the Girona province of Catalonia, northeastern Spain. They found that mother nature, design and hospitality combined tastefully at Hotel Mas La Ferreria.

The world’s forests and green spaces are vital to our survival. Not only do they provide the much-needed biodiversity that our planet requires in order to sustain itself but they also provide immense psychological benefits for humanity.

Spending time outdoors improves our physical and mental health as many studies have shown.

Unfortunately, research also suggests that many of us are not taking opportunities to get out into nature due to constraints such as time and accessibility.

According to the Global Wellness Summit (2019 trends report), “more people are living in settings with little – and sometimes no – nature. Not only has this resulted in a decrease in experiencing the joys of nature, but it has also meant that the healing power of nature is not readily available for most people in the world.”

Visiting La Fageda d’en Jordà

Places such as La Fageda d’en Jordà, a forest located within the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park in Girona Province, Catalonia provide excellent opportunities to experience nature.

La Fageda d’en Jordà is only one of the many reasons to add La Garrotxa to a road trip itinerary across Catalonia, the semi-autonomous region of northeastern Spain.

La Garrotxa is home to many charming medieval villages such as Santa Pau and Besalú. Factor in the chance to visit first-century monasteries, thirteenth-century castles, see lots of Roman architecture and experience authentic Catalan cuisine and you’ll have enough to see for days.

The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park itself is an outdoor paradise.

Spread over 12,000 hectares of protected land, it is home to over 40 extinct volcanoes such as Croscat and Santa Margarida, all covered and surrounded by rich vegetation and forests such as La Fageda d’en Jordà.

Hikers will have the chance to experience the changing colours of the forest over the course of the year. In the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, autumn is the best time to witness this transformation firsthand.

For details about visiting the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, see en.turismegarrotxa.com.

Where to stay in La Garrotxa – Hotel Mas La Ferreria

While visiting La Garrotxa, we stayed one night (way too short) at Hotel Mas la Ferreria.

Hotel Mas la Ferreria is a 14th-century churchyard/blacksmith’s forge turned into a beautiful boutique property with lots of history and character.

Surrounded by a charming landscape, this is a place where you wake up to see the sunrise over the Pyrenees mountains in the distance and walk out into a private garden to feel the morning dew under your feet.

We got a north-facing room, named Suite Barcadura, which was one of eight (each one especially unique in design) in the property and located outside the main property at the back of the house.

Suite Barcadura has a modern-art-studio meets rustic-barn interior design. The wide bed, rain shower, and in-room bathtub are key highlights. The eco-friendly bath amenities are a thoughtful choice.

The hotel designers have made some effort to preserve the original character of the property and also its connection to the surrounding landscape.

Guests can enjoy stunning sunrise views of the Pyrenees mountains before heading outdoors to explore the surrounding landscape in places such as the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park and Olot.

Home-cooked meals (the manager’s mum is also the chef) are available in the family-style dining room. In ancient times, we were told that the multi-purpose space was used as an animal shelter and sleeping quarters for the family.

The dinner menu is uncomplicated and offers guests an opportunity to sample produce from farmers and producers local to the region. The ingredients are fresh and the quality of food excellent.

This is one property where you will want to stay a few days longer…for nature, design and simple Catalan hospitality.

Prices for the room pictured are €230 per night including breakfast. Off-season discounts and special packages are available. Visit the Hotel Mas la Ferreria website for details, email info@hotelmaslaferreria.com or call +34 972 29 13 45

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d64433.87660684173!2d2.486834658647884!3d42.1813234670559!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x12a5355ede3c59cf%3A0x698fc18c26b8d898!2sHotel%20Mas%20la%20Ferreria!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1567096670220!5m2!1sen!2suk&w=600&h=450]

France November 9, 2023

Girlbosses of Great Britain : Talking Elegance, inspiration and Elation with Ruth Dent

In 2000 Ruth Dent was working in IT in the City.In 2001 she had her son and decided it was time for something different. Like most mothers, she wanted to spend time with her son, and commuting and working in London meant 12-hour days, which didn’t work for her, and she was fortunate to be able to stop working.In 2003 she took an Adult Education Evening Class in Abstract Art – and from there finished up in 2010 with a First Class Degree in Fine Art Printmaking. Proving that no matter your age or stage in life, you can start a new career any time.

Whilst experimenting with her style, she showed four paintings to a friend and his immediate response was that they would look great as (Hermès) silk scarves, right up our street!

From here, the seed was sown, although it would take her three years to actually get to the point of launching. She decided to manufacture in Britain (Macclesfield – the silk centre of England, complete with its own ‘Silk Road’), and to design and make her own packaging as she couldn’t find what I wanted, a perfectionist at heart. She also came up with ‘Travels with my scarf’, as that was a key part – taking the art off the wall, so it could be shared, travelled with and worn (we all have limited wall space), as well as creating memories with the collector.Effectively she would appropriate her own art, enlarge and transform it into digitally printed silk scarves. These would be gifts to oneself or a friend, presented gift-wrapped to create an experience which includes the story behind the artwork.

Ruth Dent is all about art, not fashion, and we love everything that she stands for. Here, we spent some time with her to find out more…

Looking back, is there anything you would do differently?

Yes – most of all would have been to listen to myself, my own intuition and to recognise that I was doing my own ‘thing’ which is different to that which others do.For me, the art comes first.I am an artist first, and the scarves appear after the art, and not every image will become a scarf.

So – there never was going to be a Spring-Summer or Autumn-Winter collection, and yet I tried and failed to get into retail ?! … I finally woke up in 2017 when I arrived at my studio, exhausted from attending various trade fairs and realised that I needed to stop and spend more time in the studio and move the scarves to being available exclusively online.

Now the scarves are available exclusively online, and I am very happy brightening up the world one scarf at a time.And it’s okay for me to decide when to launch new scarves, and for only a few artworks to become scarves.After all, these are treasures to cherish, wear and keep, to travel and make memories with.And after 5 years I’ve only just launched the 10th scarf …

The latest scarf has been released in an edition of 50, compared to editions of 100 for the two ‘centenary’ scarves (Voyage Out and Suffragette), and higher stated editions for the other 7 – although I haven’t printed the entire edition for them, but that was when I was trying to get into retail …..Going forward I shall release scarves in editions of 50 unless there is a centenary involved!

How do I want women to feel when they wear my scarves?

Elegant, inspired, elated; wrapped in creative energy.

Who is my dream customer?

My dream collector loves colour, art and stories.The art speaks to her (or to the person who is buying the scarf as a gift, and knows it will be liked) – I’ve seen this, and as the scarves are so colourful and bold they either ‘click’ with someone, or not.

She is independent and makes her own decisions.She wants to wear something that is different, expresses her personality and which won’t be on every street corner.Opening her wardrobe to see her collection of bold, brightly coloured scarves hanging on the door makes her smile.

She loves her scarf, wears it with pride, is admired and can share the story of her scarf and its travels.

She has joined me for the journey, receives my monthly newsletter and hits reply to reach out to me occasionally.

Talk us though a day in your life.

This question makes me think of the program: ‘What does an Artist do all day?”And the answer is: many more things than making art!

So – my permanent studio is in my house in Lot et Garonne, South-West France.I’ve had a studio there since 2009 and moved my permanent studio there in 2018 when I had to vacate my Rochester studio.Since then I’ve been going to and fro between Kent and France, and am gradually spending more time there.

Wherever I am I start the day writing my ‘morning pages’, with a coffee.

In France I head into the studio, working on the latest painting(s), taking a break for a walk before lunchtime to buy bread.After lunch I head back into the studio unless I am waiting for the paint to dry – this can takea couple of hours or a day – either way, I will keep going back to see how it’s drying, and that way I can intervene if I wish – adding more paint, or moving it around.

There’s the monthly newsletter to produce, which includes photographs of my work plus an exhibition I’ve seen or place I’ve been.I am in regular contact with my IT and Fulfilment providers, and others, such as my scarf Manufacturers, Photographer and Graphic Designer as the need arises.

Exhibitions require a lot of work: curating; packing, transporting, hanging, marketing, writing about the work, organising the PV, invigilating (on some occasions) and finally take-down, packing and transporting. It is always tremendously rewarding to see ones work exhibited and to be able to meet the visitors, and to chat, if they want to about the work.It’s the Spectator that completes the circle, when a piece of art ‘speaks’ to them.They bring themselves and all of their experiences, and mostly see something completely different in the work to that which I do – and that’s great, as I never want to be prescriptive.We all see differently.

‘I mix colours with emotions to help people celebrate life on earth’.

That’s also the case with the scarves, as collectors are drawn to the one that contains the colours and energy that best suit them.I have seen people’s faces light up when they have wrapped one of my scarves around them, and know from comments received that they feel special when wearing them.

New scarves have their own timeline – from when I select the images, decide upon the size and particular silk to creating the digital file for printing.Samples are produced from which I make a final choice.Then to decide how to wrap and how to include the story and my welcome message.In the last couple of years, my ideas have changed: the Suffragette Scarf comes wrapped in a print which contains the story on the reverse side, whilst Pathways Scarf comes with an original painting and a letter.Much of this work will be done whilst the scarves are being manufactured – which takes a couple of months.

Sometimes I like to live with and wear a scarf before releasing it.That happened with Pathways Scarf.I’d had it sampled along with three others, and wore it over the summer, when I found it so versatile and easy to wear!

I have started creating a weekly video, and batch making the videos when I am in the UK.When there I go to The PrintBlock to screen print – maybe packaging for scarves or to work on an idea, or a new set of prints.

I do like to get out for a walk each day, and several times a week, take a longer walk with my camera.

And of course there’s all the other stuff – emails, social media, accounts – and everyone has to deal with that, so it’s boring and we won’t mention it!!

Nature feeds my soul – can you tell us more about this?

Yes – this realisation arrived when I was writing about ‘Breathing Space’, the installation that brings the forest into the gallery, in response to my/the question: ‘Did cathedrals, temples, stupas and labyrinths originate in the forest?’

Rather than re-think and re-write, I’m going to include here the first part of the text that I read out at the Breathing Space / Espace d’inspiration openings (and which you can hear me reading in the ‘Arrival at Breathing Space’ video):

Breathing Space

Twirling around as sunlight and shadows play a game of hide and seek.

I move; they move.I am still; they still move.Attracting my attention, showing me lines, textures, shapes and colours.Fleeting and passing, these images freeze, to be replayed staccato like as a film in my memory.

Aware of my continually shifting viewpoint , I look forward, step forward and look ahead.Every step marking subtle changes.Familiar and fresh, I ramble along well worn paths where light and dark sparkle and glint amongst the trees.

Did cathedrals, temples, stupas and labyrinths originate in the forest?

I have experienced their grandeur, trod the same stones as countless others and felt at peace in the cool darkness, amongst soaring columns as shafts of light point out what is to be discovered in their partially illuminated interiors.

My spirit can soar in all of these places, and yet it is nature that consistently nourishes my soul.

The mesh of the tree trunks.Those from ages past extend their branches to secure their space, whilst thin, coppiced trunks sway and chatter in the breeze.Clashing and bending, creating an elongated grid which constantly shifts with the breeze.

It is never silent in the woods – there’s always the sound of oneself, and the birds, and perhaps most surprising is when the trees clap, their upper branches swinging into a frenzy as the wind whips through.Are they mocking or congratulatory, I wonder? There is rhythm and energy.And complaints from the birds as they are forced to move!

A groundswell of emotion – deep, primal.Of being, belonging and of forever … changing.A challenge to capture the moment, a glimpse, a feeling, an emotion.To explore what is seen and unseen. To acknowledge the healing found in nature, in colour and in truly seeing and being.Alive.

Between the trees light abounds, making dust visible as it swirls around.These folds with their soft edges are invitations to look deeper; to go further.Then suddenly a threshold has been crossed and one is grounded and surrounded and in the midst of a clearing.

What will you find?

What lies within?

Is nature hiding?

What is nature hiding?

… That’s the end of that part of the text, and I am happy to answer any supplementary questions you may have.

What does self-care mean to me?

Balance … recognising the need to slow down, speed up, exercise, take a rest, see my homeopath … I’m still learning to listen to myself and my body.To go with the flow and with the rhythms of the seasons and the moon: time to have ideas; time to push forward; time to let things go; time to rest – to let things rise/marinade.

That all sounds great, and I am a work in progress.I think there’s a difference between challenging oneself and pushing, putting oneself under pressure.I know that I both challenge and pressure myself, and at least I am now able to recognise when I’m pushing myself too much, and to step back, review and reconsider what I’m doing and why.That’s where the ‘morning pages’ really help (see Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way), as the idea is to simply write and let whatever wants to be said to come out and onto the page.Sometimes a subject arrives before I sit down, other times I start writing and questions, ideas come, and then possibly some answers!And not always …

Tell us your favourite motivational quote …

‘Look back at what you have done, then look forward and consider what you could achieve’Dame Elizabeth Esteve-Coll

I met Dame Elizabeth Esteve-Coll when she was Director of the V&A Museum – which also happens to be my favourite museum.

What do I do for inspiration when I’m lacking creativity?

Go for a walk – likely with my camera, so the walk lasts longer because I will download the photos and they may lead me to something else.
Go and see and exhibition – looking at the work of other artists usually generates a desire to get creative oneself.
Pick up some materials and play around with marks, shapes and colours – just for fun.
Leaf through a book about a favourite artist

Our readers love to travel, what destination is top of your bucket list?

It’s a journey and a destination …. and of course, there’s a story!

So – I haven’t yet visited New York (really … !?).However, I have visited the US as I have cousins in Denver.(My Mum’s twin sister and her family emigrated there many years ago).As a family we (Mum, Dad and my sister) made two trips to Denver, and went on a road trip each time.During these two trips we visited ten of the western States.

Roll back time, and many moons before we would go to the States, I remember my Grandma making several visits and travelling transatlantic on the QE2.I still have a postcard she sent me from New York.

So – top of my bucket list is to travel to New York on the Queen Mary; to experience the distance, the sea, the stars.To go on a voyage and to arrive in New York harbour and to float past the Statue of Liberty, as thousands of others have done so, and then to experience New York – with visits to MOMA, MET, the Guggenheim, etc.

What does 2020 hold for you?

Plenty of studio time as I have three areas of work that have their origin in Breathing Space:

‘The Day the Sky Shattered and Flew Away’ – a continuing series of paintings on canvas and on paper.Plus an Artistic and Musical Performance at the Monflanquin Festival of Arts and Heritage, 20-21 June, where I will have an outside space, and paint on canvas and paper, whilst Alec Dent creates a soundscape with synthesizers.
‘An Invitation to Breathe and Dance with Life’ is a new piece of work which will see me work on a much smaller scale than usual.I shall be painting a number of 10 x 15cm ‘invitations’, which will be used to raise money for Running Space. (more info about the charity below)*.
Plus I have an idea for an Artist book, related to the Tree Alphabet

In addition:

Abstract Art Scarves – there will be one or two more scarves this year.
Art Videos – I have started making and releasing a weekly video about my art, what inspires me, and how/what I see.These include a soundtrack, written by Alec Dent (my son).
I am going to be turning my garage into a Print Studio.

*Charity Info: Running Space

I am collaborating with Running Space on ‘An Invitation to Breathe and Dance with Life’, as I want to do something to help / help raise awareness, after one of my son’s friends died by suicide last year.The project is still being defined, and I’m not able to give out any more information than that given above.I’m feeling under pressure (yes – from myself) and have decided not to specify how many invitations (postcards) will be painted.We also want to get our act together and sort out when, where and how to launch the project; our ideas are fluid and we realise we need to communicate what we’re doing well in advance of the launch.That’s why I would like to mention it, and then there will be more information as we make decisions and put plans into action, on my website.I realise that House of Coco focuses on positive, uplifting articles – and it’s great to read them.I often stay away from the ‘News’, and my work is celebratory, as, quite frankly, there’s more than enough angst in the world.

Where can people find out more?

Website: plus signup to receive my monthly newsletter

Instagram

YouTube

Mexico November 9, 2023

11 Must Dos in Marfa, Texas

I’m sure Marfa has hit your insta feed at some point over the past few years. A media darling hangout, everyone from Beyoncé to Jake Gyllenhaal has been lured to this tiny town in the high Chihuahuan desert – 6.5 hours travel away from the nearest major city (Austin).

Luckily, once you make it there, you may never want to leave.

For more on the mythical West Texas, pick up our Boss Babe print volume out at the end of June 2019.

One: Prada, Marfa

Ok, let’s get this out of the way at the start. This art installation of a Prada store isn’t in Marfa, but 10 minutes drive out, in the adorably named Valentine. Sadly, this is one of those instances where – if you didn’t get a shot in front of the store, did you even go to Marfa? So tick this one off the list by going early in the day and off season, if you can, to avoid the hordes.

Two: Breakfast Tacos with a side of sass at Boyz2Men

Boyz2Men serve up great Mexican food and burgers, often with some sass and tourist tax for out-of-towners. They aren’t going to apologise and you’ll just have to get over it.

Three: Gem Shopping at Moonlight Gemstones

Just across the way from Food Shark (see below) is this unassuming gemstore. Look past the small shopfront into the jam packed front and back yards and discover a treasure trove of local gem stones (include Agate that only exists in the Marfa area) and Mexican silver bangles, sold by weight.

Four: Food Shark: Good enough for Queen Bey, good enough for you

One of the classics of the Marfa food truck scene, Food Shark is the shot for the ‘gram and also a great spot to enjoy their Mediterranean X West Texas fare.

Five: Toast James Dean & Elizabeth Taylor at Paisano Hotel

The stunning Paisano Hotel played home to James and Elizabeth when they were in town filming Giant with Rock Hudson. Grab a drink in the courtyard at Jett’s Grill or cosy down in a delightfully historic room for the night.

Six: See the Marfa Lights. Yes, Really.

This rather peculiar structure is set out of town, past the ‘Welcome to Marfa’ state sign. Even more peculiarly, it was built in 2003 expressively so people could marvel at one of the towns ‘must-sees’; the Marfa Lights. No-one knows exactly what they are. But I can tell you that all the video we took that night came out completely blank – audio of us getting a little hysterical was fine – but we have no record of the eerie sight we all saw with our own eyes….

Seven: View Donald Judd’s Work

Taking photos within the museums / studios preserved by the Judd foundation isn’t allowed so instead you can view us marching along to view ‘The Block’ behind the compound wall ahead., artist Donald Judd’s residence in Marfa.

Eight : Explore the Wes Anderson candy coloured Presidio County Courthouse

This building probably wasn’t what you had in mind, in the middle of the desert. Pass through the main entrance and climb the wooden staircases, to the top dome, for a unique vista of the town and the land surrounding it.

Nine : Get your souvenirs from a vending machine

One of the best things to do in town is to get lost. With the main part of the city only a few blocks in each direction, keep wandering until something takes your fancy. Se Vende is a unique concept of a 24h vending machine full of locally made products; the perfect spot for a souvenir.

Ten: Spend the night in a retro caravan at El Cosmico

El Cosmico is a unique spot brought to live by the Bunkhouse Group of boutique hotels. Chose between vintage caravans, teepees or safari tents for a stay to remember under Marfa’s open skies. Be sure to book a spot in their open air dutch hot tubs to really drink in those starry nights.

Eleven: Cocktails and small plates at Boss Babe run, Cochineal

Cochineal opened in 2003, run by a wife and husband team. Since then they have been bringing the town exquisitely curated seasonal menus with killer cocktails alongside. Full disclosure; we went to see the Marfa Lights after a few of those.

For information on Texas go to www.traveltexas.com

The world’s largest airline, American Airlines, operates daily flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Lubbock (LBB) and Midland (MAF) via its hub in Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). Fly from £829 in Basic Economy, from £889 in the Main Cabin, from £1,218 in American’s new Premium Economy product and from £3,841 in Business Class, all prices are based on return flights, per person, and include taxes. americanairlines.co.uk

Argentina November 9, 2023

The Most Underrated Cities in the World

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

Auckland, New Zealand

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

Banff, Canada

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

El Nido, Philippines

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

Mendoza, Argentina

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

Budapest, Hungary

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

Safed, Israel

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

Galway, Ireland

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

Spain November 9, 2023

A Complete Guide to the Coachella Parties We Want to Crash

The Coachella countdown is on and as our Instagram feeds fill with beautiful people prancing around in denim hot pants next to a background of barren cacti, we give you the low-down on the hottest Weekend 1 desert parties of the year. Get ready to crash the most exclusive Coachella parties.

A plethora of celebrity-soaked pre, after and survival parties will be taking place across Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley in the upcoming weeks, so expect a lot of crochet, camera rolls stuffed with selfies and of course, the obligatory flamingo pool float.

How do we get in?

You don’t need to impersonate Kylie Jenner to sneak into PLT’s pre-party nor do you need to fork over fistfuls of dollars bribing the doormen at the Neon Carnival, just exaggerate your accent and talk loudly about what you’re wearing to Meg and Hazza’s wedding.

Kidding, sort of.

Most of these parties take place in ranches hidden somewhere in the Coachella Valley, so finding out the exact location is key. Thankfully Instagram’s geo-tagging feature will lead you right to the burly-bouncer-covered door. Once you’re there flash a winning smile and name-drop someone from the flyer you picked up at your hotel. Fake mock surprise when you’re told you’re not on the list claiming there must be some mistake. You flew out here from London/Birmingham/Bangkok to be reunited with your buddy from pottery summer camp. The doormen will undoubtedly know you’re lying, but you’ve managed to get them to crack a smile in the blistering desert heat so they’ll give you a pass.

In the unlikelihood that this foolproof method fails, take you and your girl gang to one of the many hotel pool parties that are littered around Palm Springs. They have slightly less intimidating doormen.

Revolve Festival

Beautiful blogger babes galore, celebrity-studded and a few models you’ll recognise from Calvin Klein campaigns attend this ultimate Coachella pre-party. Bring sunglasses because, between paparazzi flashes, the desert sun and the glare from beauty influencers popping highlights you’ll soon be blinded.

Emily Ratajkwoski, Shay Mitchell, Winnie Harlow and Nicole Ritchie have already RSVP so you know it’ll be a high calibre event. Guests will have use of an open bar by CÎROC, including oh-so-Instagrammable boozy Revolve coconut cocktails and glam makeovers by the party’s sponsor Benefit.

Expect a heavy hip-hop-influenced lineup (last year Migos, Rick Ross and D.R.A.M performed) whereas this year A$AP Rocky, 21 Savage and our favourite gangster pooch Snoop Dogg will be hitting the stage.

How easy is it to bag an invite?

You know we mentioned you don’t need to impersonate a Kardashian? Well maybe this is the one time (and one time only) you should dig out a turquoise blue wig. Or just stream the whole thing from the barrage of Instastories coming through to your phone.

Foray Oasis x Hyde Sunset

West Hollywood hot spot Hyde Sunset has partnered up with fashion brand Foray to bring you a party that is set to steal Revolve’s flower crown. Taking over a sprawling ranch in the desert, the party will have TRESemme and Charlotte Tilbury providing guests with their festival glam squad. Brody Jenner (remember him? He was in the hills and was quite hot) is spinning a tropical house. We’re not too sure what that is beyond frozen cocktails with umbrellas, but with former guests such as Emma Roberts sure to turn up it’s bound to be a trend-heavy crowd.

How easy is it to bag an invite?

The guestlist has been closed for weeks now and filled with VIP Influencers, so we’d suggest ditching the flower crown and dressing to kill.

Desert Gold at the Ace

The Ace Hotel in Palm Springs is an eclectic collection of mid-century modernism and laid-back California cool. This year the former motel has collaborated with late-night entertainers Adult Swim, so you know it’ll be a ‘for your eyes only’ affair.

As with all other Ace hotel outposts expect the crowd to be achingly cool and the DJs to spin dirty beats poolside. Friends of Ace Havaianas have set up a pop-up shop to customise your own flip flops, Rudy’s Barbershop will be offering free shape-ups and Sailor Jerry’s cocktails will be on tap.

How easy is it to bag an invite?

Guests of the hotel are already granted access, whereas everyone else just needs to arrive early.

Rhonda Queen of the Desert

LA’s in-the-know late-night hotspot A Club Called Rhonda will see Jamie Jones and Black Coffee put on an energetic set for those who want to shuffle until the sun comes up. Location is always kept top-secret, last year it took place in Palm Springs Airport Hanger but this year the cool-kids club heady late-night event could land anywhere. It’s Ibiza-level production so expect lots of strobe lights, laser shows and a heavy, thumping sound system.

How easy is it to bag an invite?

It’s easier to snag an invite here than it is to the Royal Wedding, pretend to be an upcoming East London DJ and you’ll be fine.

Neon Carnival

An industry favourite that boasts a reputation that threatens to overshadow the festival itself. Now in its 9th year the dizzying spectacle of carnival rides, open-air dance floor and free-flowing margaritas (tequila brand Don Julio join Levi’s as the sponsor) takeover a new, bigger location – the HITS Desert Horse Park.

Jay-Z and Beyonce will almost certainly make an experience after she closes out Saturday’s main stage show, as will the Kardashians, Jenners and the Hadids. Drake will also probably be there holding someone’s hand on the illuminated Ferris wheel.

How easy is it to bag an invite?

Despite reaching legendary Coachella status it’s surprisingly easy. If you haven’t already met someone in LA who swears they can get you in, then there are always a few wristbands floating around the festival site.

Day Club Palm Springs

Day Club at The Hilton Palm Springs events roll in from the start of April to the end, so if you’re hard-core enough to stick it out or unlucky enough to have not got an official Coachella ticket then these parties have your name all over the guestlist.

Party poolside with Justin Martin, AC Slater and other rowdy millennials as the thumping EDM reigns out across the hotel. You’ll get serious Vegas vibes as hands fist pump in the air and bottles pop in the surrounding day bed cabanas.

How easy is it to bag an invite?

Probably better to buy tickets beforehand, but if you turn up to the pool party with an inflatable unicorn you’re almost always led to the front of the queue.

France November 9, 2023

Luxury Travel with a Cause at UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya, Mexico

Spring is upon us and that usually means lots of new and exciting adventures here at House of Coco. Team Coco recently went to experience world-class Mexican hospitality at UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riveria Maya. One of the region’s youngest resorts, UNICO seeks to redefine the concept of all-inclusive holidays through immersive and conscious travel experiences.

A few feet away from me, a small team were hard at work, setting up a beach gazebo for either an intimate dinner or wedding ceremony. The gazebo’s white curtains fluttered in the same ocean breeze that gently caressed my skin.

“Lucky couple!” I thought to myself. The turquoise colour of the sea, the soft white sand and the golden hues from the sunset were sure to provide an excellent backdrop for whatever celebration followed.

I was enjoying the beach at UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya, an adults-only, all-inclusive luxury property located along Mexico’s Caribbean coastline.

Although I was only an hours’ drive from Cancun International Airport, I could not have felt further away from the riotous stag and hen parties synonymous with destinations further north along the Yucatán Penninsula coast.

I typed some text into my phone. “¡No pajitas de plástico, por favor!” was how Google Translator told me to say to the beach bar waiter that I needed no plastic straws with my mojito order.

I needn’t have bothered. I later discovered that UNICO has eliminated the use of plastic straws and keeps the use of recyclable plastic to a minimum.

My mojito arrived soon after. It tasted perfect. I adjusted my sombrero, applied some more sunscreen and reclined on the beach lounger, fully embracing the tranquillity of my surroundings. If this was the world UNICO (‘unique’ in Spanish) had created for their guests, I was happy to live every moment in it.

Visiting Mexico’s Riviera Maya

Coastal Mexico remains popular as a spring getaway destination (Playa del Carmen reported a hotel capacity of over 90% in 2018).

Towns and cities across the Yucatán Peninsula, a region which separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea, pull their share of visitors, competing with equally popular destinations around the Gulf of California.

The Yucatán Peninsula offers UNESCO World Heritage pre-Hispanic ruins, colonial towns, tropical beach playgrounds and plenty of nightlife fun. From Campeche to Mérida and from Isla Mujeres to Cozumel, there’s something for every budget.

Sandwiched between the rambunctious Cancún and the quieter Tulum however, is the Riviera Maya in the state of Quintana Roo. This stretch of coastline is known for its long beaches, cenotes (underground pools) and the Mesoamerican coastal reef (second largest in the world) which makes it perfect for aquatic activities.

UNICO 20˚87˚ (a name inferring its geolocation) seeks to stand out in this fast-growing tourist corridor as a resort that combines contemporary Mexican architecture with modern luxury and beach chic.

UNICO seeks to redefine the term ‘all-inclusive’, avoiding the impersonal mega-resort approach and instead immersing guests in a meaningful way into the region’s music, art, history, geography and gastronomy.

Exploring UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya

Done with my drink, or maybe two (drinks are inclusive here), I sunk my feet in the white coral sand and willed myself to move in the direction of my ocean-view room.

Walking along the beach, I skipped over some seaweed that had begun to collect on the sand. This naturally recurring nuisance along Mexico’s Caribbean coast keeps UNICO’s groundskeepers and environmentalists busy, a few times each day, in a bid to contain mother nature.

My afternoon plans included a scheduled spa session – steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy and a 50-minute massage. The joy of vacationing at an all-inclusive property is that you’re never in a hurry to be anywhere else.

I took a circuitous route back to my room, passing by the lively La Unica pool where a small group had gathered for an afternoon game of water volleyball. Thanks to being an adults-only property, there were sun loungers in abundance. Being able to order drinks from the swim-up bar using the hotel app was a nice touch.

At that moment, my dilemma was between lounging by the pool or enjoying a relaxing massage. Life gives us tough choices sometimes!

Luxury vacation with a cause

Like other popular destinations across the world (Venice and Barcelona spring to mind), the Riviera Maya is a region where mass tourism has also raised environmental impact concerns.

It was heartwarming therefore to learn that UNICO 20˚87 ° recognises this and has incorporated sustainability into their operating philosophy.

Efforts to manage their environmental footprint include the use of solar power to complement the energy resources needed for street lighting and water heating of their three swimming pools. An on-site nursery, housing trees and ornamental plants native to the region, also hints at a conscious effort to preserve the natural environment.

Additionally, UNICO is a certified turtle camp. Eco-conscious guests can support wildlife preservation initiatives to help endangered sea turtles nest and survive. Day tours to places like Isla Mujeres (where there are larger scale wildlife conservation projects) also offer guests a controlled yet immersive experience of the local landscape.

Guests who are keen to positively impact the everyday lives of the local community during their visit will find opportunities to do so through donations (such as school supplies) to UNICO’s ‘Vacation with a Cause’ volunteer program.

Over dinner later that evening, during a chat with Irma Yeo, UNICO’s Director of Sales, I learned more about UNICO’s approach to conservation.

Re-emphasising what I had already begun to learn, she said, “Our trees have transformed this place since we completed construction and opened two years ago. When I first heard birds singing, I knew then that we had done something right.”

The next day, I walked out onto my private balcony to welcome a glorious sunrise over the Caribbean. In the morning stillness, I heard them singing too.

Travel information

British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 5* UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya from £1,269 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing an Alcoba Room on an all-inclusive basis. Price includes return World Traveller flights from London Gatwick to Cancún (based on selected September departures).

Select tours, golf, spa services and beauty salon treatments are available to all guests for a 25% service fee. An 80-minute UNICO 20°87° relaxing massage costs £70 as part of the Unlimited Inclusions programme.

Visit unicohotelrivieramaya.com for further enquiries

Coco Couples November 9, 2023

The Coco Couples lowdown on Hotel OD Talamanca Ibiza

Ibiza regulars are a very rare breed of cool. In a place where a little bit of insider knowledge goes a very long way, you need to know you’re being taken care of. OD Talamanca is a hit with both regulars and locals, so you know they’re doing something right. We checked in to check out the OD Sky Bar opening party to find out exactly what…

On first glances, the building looks more like a modern art museum than a hotel, but through the lobby (which actually does regularly house art exhibitions), the space opens out onto a dazzling deck with split-level pools and a bar serving Champagne.

Upstairs, all of the rooms make the most of the stunning views across the bay, but if you can, try and get one on the fifth floor to make the most of it. Each room comes luxury as standard, yet geared towards a different kind of stay. If you’re down for a steamy romantic getaway, some suites have large double bathtubs right there in the room. Obviously not ideal if you’re sharing with your Gran, in which case the Deluxe Rooms offer more privacy.

The show stopper is the rooftop Duplex Suites which come with their own private terrace and rooftop pool. If you were looking for an excuse to have a party – this is it. The rooftop OD Sky Bar plays host to live music every Friday for sundowners during the busy summer season and they really do know how to get the party started with the epic views to match.

Many wouldn’t associate the high octane beats of Ibiza with a self drive car (for obvious reasons), but tackling the chill side of the island means you need to get around. Upgrade your room and it comes with access to a Smart Car.

That said, if you’d prefer to swap your car keys for some whiskeys, the hotel is totally walkable from Ibiza Town. It overlooks the stunning Talamanca Bay, where you can catch some of the best sunsets over the med, without the hordes of sunburned revellers.

OUT AND ABOUT

Dalt Vila

One thing that’s often overlooked about Ibiza is its outstanding heritage. Ibiza Town, or as the locals call it – Dalt Vila (which literally means Upper Town) – is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with history spanning over 2,500 years. If you’re more KISStory than history, the town is regularly home to music festivals and parades, and has some of the best clubs you’ll find anywhere in the world.

Sa Punta

For a mix of vibes and views, Sa Punta fine dining restaurant sits at the furthest point of Talamanca Bay. During the day, the restaurant is alive with a chill atmosphere for white wine and classy lunches, but after sunset, DJs give the terrace that achingly cool relaxed party atmosphere.

Beso Beach Club

Speaking of which, Beso Beach Club is the epitome of the Ibiza Dream. Hidden out of the way in between sand dunes, the rustic club, with its palm clad roof and powdery white sand floors is an escape to one of Ibiza’s most loved exclusive beaches.

Hostal La Torre

Cap Negret is a private destination in Ibiza. For some, it’s casual countryside – for us, it’s the kind of place Victoria Beckham would live. Hostal la Torre has become famous for its sensational sunset views, and as commonplace as this has become in Ibiza, this one really took our breath away.

Blowout Ibiza

If you’re going to follow our advice and take to some of Ibiza’s most exclusive hangouts, you’re going to need to look the part. Blowout Ibiza is a salon-come-island-haven for any beauty need. They partner with some of the best brands in the world to ensure your hair, makeup and beauty needs are taken care of.

Standard room rates at OD Talamanca range from 270€ (approx. £233) to 420€ (approx. £362) per night, depending on the time of booking. Rates include wifi, breakfast and soft drinks in the minibar (first refill), service charges and VAT. For room upgrade and Smart car access, rates start from 310€ (approx. £300) per night.

www.odtalamanca.com

@ODTalamanca / @ODHotels

Argentina November 9, 2023

Our Stay at the Kempinski Hotel Bahia, Marbella

It’s no surprise that Marbella has long been a hotspot for party-going, sun-worshiping Europeans. It sits on Spain’s south coast and is just a stone’s throw from Malaga, making it both convenient and beautiful.

Recent years have seen the Spanish holiday resort become known for its beach bars, white parties and Champagne-spraying extravaganzas, but these days Marbella is reinventing itself as Spain’s heart of luxury.

The quaint old town helps hugely in this, as it injects just that right amount of culture to any break spent here. Here at House of Coco, we can vouch for Marbella being ideal for relaxation, rejuvenation and revival.

At the forefront of this movement is Kempinski Hotel Bahia, a beachfront hotel in nearby Estepona which is perfect for a couple’s retreat, a family holiday or a girl’s getaway in equal parts.

Kempinski’s Bahia resort has style and luxury in abundance, so when we were invited to stay we almost couldn’t contain our excitement.

When we arrived at Kempinski Bahia we were immediately blown away by the entrance space. First impressions count here, and the ground floor is large, spacious and contemporary. Light floods through the floor-to-ceiling windows which boast views over the sea, and Black Rose the Bar serves up some of the best cocktail creations on the Marbella-Estepona coast. Seriously – you’ve got to try Raspberry Eve.

Once we’d finished taking far too many snaps of the recently renovated lobby, we checked into our room which was just one floor up. The sleek interior design continued through to the bedrooms, which were spacious and palatial. In all honesty, we’d have quite happily stayed in the bedroom for the entirety of the stay – if there wasn’t so much else to see, of course.

It boasted views over the Mediterranean sea, pool and sub-tropical gardens and came complete with a sitting area, desk and a beautiful marble bathroom. Slippers and robes awaited us, as well as fresh bread and tomato chutney.

It’s small touches like these which make every stay at Kempinski Bahia so special – the devil really is in the details.

READ MORE: The Best Beach Clubs in Marbella

After a well-deserved lie-down in our new home, we headed for another well-deserved lie-down outside. The outdoor space at Kempinski Bahia is expansive; despite it being a huge hotel, you don’t feel on top of the other guests outside.

With a shop, a handful of pool bars and private access onto the beach, there’s not much more you could wish for.

Perhaps our favourite spot in the hotel turned out to be Spilers, a stylish, bright and airy beach-side restaurant.

Whether you’re a guest at Kempinski or not, lunch or drinks (or both) at Spilers is a must. It has indoor and outdoor seating, and an all-round contemporary vibe. What’s more, the menu is totally inviting and will appeal to everyone in your party.

It is the perfect place from which to break up your day by the pool with a wine drenched lunch, and specialities include fresh fish, Argentinean flame-grilled dishes, burgers and Artisan pizzas. Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the tuna tartare.

Breakfast the following morning was a similarly delicious affair. The friendly and attentive staff sat us on the terrace outside overlooking the sea. We enjoyed the day’s fresh speciality juice of strawberry and watermelon before indulging on the breakfast buffet inside.

From breads and cheeses to fresh fruit, pancakes and all of the components of a Full English, no breakfast stone was left unturned. Our morning had been set off to a simply delightful start.

We’re guessing you won’t be in any rush to leave the resort, but if you fancy any afternoon out during your stay, there is plenty around to do. Follow in our footsteps and visit Marbella’s Old Town, or enjoy an evening at Ocean Club (they’re now open for summer!).

Dragging ourselves back to London after a weekend spent in luxury at Kempinski Bahia was tricky, but thoughts of visiting again very soon made the whole thing a little easier. We can’t wait to return and enjoy food at the hotel’s other highly-rated restaurants. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot for a romantic and relaxing holiday or a well-deserved weekend with the girls, Kempinski Hotel is sure to deliver.

Kempinski Hotel Bahia (www.kempinski.com/marbella) offers a nightly rate in a Grand Mediterranean Room from €240 (low season) and €770 (high season). Prices based on two sharing a double room on a B&B basis.

EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) offers flights to Malaga from £32.99 on way, from London Gatwick.

Japan November 9, 2023

Balboa Park: Where Culture and Nature Meet

Here at House of Coco, we are clock-watching, ticking down the days and eagerly awaiting our upcoming trip to San Diego. We are already planning our cool outfits, thinking about the food we’re going to devour and of course, pondering how to overcome all the hangovers that we will inevitably endure. There is so much to explore whilst we are there but one place we can’t wait to be seen at is Balboa Park.

Balboa Park is the nation’s largest urban cultural park, with 1,200 beautiful and lushly planted acres to explore. Located in the centre of downtown San Diego, the park is home to an array of museums, performing arts venues, gardens, and many other cultural and recreational attractions, including the San Diego Zoo and Japanese Friendship Garden.

This year, San Diego is celebrating the founding of the land that the park was built on. Its richly vibrant and authentic concentrations of art include a sweeping architecture that spans Spanish Colonial Revival to mid-century modern, meaning that is it now designated as one of California’s 14 Cultural Districts and showcases some of the unique artistic identities that drive California’s culture. The districts help promote authentic grassroots arts and cultural opportunities, increasing the visibility of local artists and community participation in local arts and culture.

Did you know?

Here are some fun facts about Bilboa Park…

Bigger than New York’s Central Park – fun fact!

19 unique and diverse gardens including;

The 1935 Old Cactus Garden contains some of the largest cactus and specimens in the park.

The Botanical Building and Lily Pond is one of the most photographed scenes in Balboa Park. The historic building houses plantings including orchid displays, cycads and palms and a scratch-and-sniff garden.

The Zoro Garden is a sunken stone grotto now home to many species of butterfly. Containing both the larvae and nectar plants needed for to complete the life cycle of the butterflies, the garden also includes miniature indentations built into rocks that collect small pools of water for monarch, sulfur, and swallowtail butterflies that can all be spotted.

The Japanese Friendship Garden is an expression of the relationship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. The garden illustrates two cultures and creates an immersive experience of Japanese culture across a 12-acre plot. Educational programs, exhibits and festivals are often held here.

17 museums including;

San Diego Museum of Man is home to a number of interactive diverse exhibits that cover a vast range of human history and culture. Guided tours of the iconic Californian tower are offered daily, with sunset tours offering a picturesque view of the park and beyond.

Centro Cultural de la Raza is a fascinating cultural arts centre dedicated to creating, promoting, preserving and educating visitors about Chicano, Mexican, Indigenous and Latino art and culture. Housed in a former water tower, the museum is exquisitely painted with colourful murals and features rotating exhibits and performances including theatre, dance, music, and film.

San Diego’s Air and Space Museum Science holds exhibitions and historic artefacts spanning space and aviation history from all over the world. A working flying replica of Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis and the actual Apollo 9 Command Module spacecraft are on display including artefacts from the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

14 diverse restaurants including;

The Flying Squirrel located at The San Diego Natural History Museum, is a new café that serves brewed-to-order espresso drinks, fresh juices, wine, craft beer, and California casual fare in the comfort in the Museum’s four-story, sky-lit atrium.

The Prado is an award-winning, full-service restaurant located in the House of Hospitality. The unique décor blends the historical aspects of the House of Hospitality and whimsical accessories inspired by the Park Museum collections.

The Tea Pavilion at the Japanese Friendship Garden serves traditional Japanese green tea, herbal and speciality teas as well as sushi, Japanese noodles, rice bowls, miso soup, salads and snacks. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent views from the outdoor courtyard and deck.

9 performing arts centres;

Spreckels Organ Pavilion holds free concerts for an hour, every Sunday from 2 pm. The unique organ contains more than 5,000 pipes ranging in length from the size of a pencil to 32 feet and is the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world.

Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre, founded in 1948, is the longest continuous-running puppet theatre in the United States. Puppet performances are presented throughout the year by a variety of troupes, with approximately 45 shows a year and different shows each week.

Balboa Park also offers 6 diverse walking tours exploring history, the gardens, architecture and one golf course. Balboa Park Golf Course is a challenging par 72, however, offers amazing views of San Diego, Balboa Park, Point Loma and the Pacific Ocean.

Explore the vibrant drinking scene of San Diego with our curated guide! From craft breweries to trendy cocktail bars, sip your way through the city’s best libations. Check out our article “Drink Your Way Around San Diego” for insider tips and recommendations.

Be sure to follow our Instagram for the #TeamCoco adventures in San Diego.

www.sandiego.org

Cocktails November 9, 2023

London Luxuries: Nootropical Garden at Rockwell

The renowned cocktail bar and lounge, Rockwell, has launched the Nootropical Garden. This is a new mind-enhancing drinking and dining experience featuring natural and exotic nootropics. We sent Rachael Lindsay to check it out.
The Nootropical Garden is part of Rockwell’s Curiosity Club, a series of unique and experiential events for inquisitive guests like us. It features a food and cocktail menu using natural herbs and ingredients to restore and stimulate.
Ingredients include Ginseng, Gingko Biloba and Guarana – all renowned for their ability to invigorate.
The decor is divine with lush green foliage cascading down to red velvet seating. We sip our cocktails in quiet awe. I go for Guarana Utopia which features citrus, Amontillado Sherry and Guarana Soda. My partner tries the Eden of Gotu Kala featuring an Eastern herb which is a member of the parsley family and said to balance both hemispheres of the brain. It is laced with ginger beer, coconut oil, lime and delicious powdered pineapple.
The food is just as adventurous. I opt for a vegan curry which also features Gotu Kala as well as cauliflower, butternut squash and soothing lemon balm. Each vegetable is tender and full of flavour – far beyond what you would imagine from such simple ingredients. We also go for rosemary fries on the side for a salty kick.
I opt for an espresso chocolate mousse for dessert, topped with hazelnut sauce and caramel popcorn. Coffee arabica and cacao stimulate endorphins in the brain and boost metabolic rate. My partner tries the matcha mochi with maca and berry syrup. It delivers all the matcha antioxidants with a punchy fruit flavour.
Rockwell has put together a handy guide telling you more about each of the special ingredients on the menu. I love learning about the properties of the herbs and superfoods in each dish in a culture where we often lack information about where our food comes from. A great foodie experience right on London’s Trafalgar Square, Rockwell comes highly recommended from #TeamCoco.

For more information or to book, visit www.rockwellsw1.com.