Sustainablility - House Of Coco Magazine

Accessories November 9, 2023

#GirlBoss: Kay Reed on Raising Conservation Awareness through Jewellery

In the face of overconsumption and mass consumerism, Kay Reed’s commitment to conservation is resolute. With the aim of using her art to change the world we live in, Kay’s mission is to use jewellery to turn every one of her customers into Conservation Ambassadors. Kay Reed also uses recycled gold, silver, and gemstones — which means that you can wear every piece of jewellery with pride, knowing that it didn’t have a negative impact on the environment.

We chat with Kay Reed and chat about the philosophy of her brand, and how it is inextricably linked to the environment. Every piece of jewellery features an endangered species, and so Kay Reed is slowly changing perceptions about conservation, one beautiful piece of jewellery at a time.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to start Kay Reed?

I spent my childhood years searching for fossils, wildlife, and ‘pretty’ stones along the wild and windy beaches of the North east coast of England. Leaving there in the early 1990s to complete a degree in silversmithing at Birmingham City University.

I was inspired by an Antony Gormley interview that I saw. I can’t remember his exact words but he said that, as an artist, you change the world slightly by placing something in it that wasn’t there before. I thought, well I’m an artist, and if I could change the world I would make everyone aware of how important it is to support animal and habitat conservation. So I set about with my silversmithing to do just that.

Jewellery is such an emotive media to work with. When a beautiful piece is completed, it can spark a conversation; ‘It was a birthday gift’ or ‘it was bought at a little market on holiday’. I thought that I could use that conversation to create awareness for animal conservation, and to spread the word of the plight of our planet.

How important is sustainability and conservation to the ethos of your brand? Could you tell us more about your responsible production process?

My designs represent different endangered species safely encased in a circle of habitat, made from recycled gold, silver, and reclaimed gemstones. The packaging is from sustainable resources and each piece comes with an information card (made from recycled t-shirt rags) to encourage the wearer to talk about the plight of the endangered species in their piece, and how we can help. Not to mention, 10% of profits are donated to wildlife charities. Even my workshop was put together from reclaimed building salvage that destined for land fill. My work is about making jewellery, my jewellery is about my passion.

We are faced with so many problems concerning the planet and its survival that it sometimes seems like there is too much to do to fix it. Where do we start? We start by pulling in the same direction, spreading the word about the poaching, raising awareness on the destruction of habitats, and about just how many species are on the critically endangered list. These animals are not just there for us to look at, they are part of an ecosystem that we are destroying, and their decline is our alarm bell — we need to take action now.

What advice do you have for women who want to become more conscious consumers?

Consumers have the power! As a manufacturer, we need consumers to ask for goods that don’t damage the environment. Recycled gold and silver should be a choice in all high street jewellers but it will only get there if consumers ask for it. We need to work together, every one of us can be part of the solution.

kayreed.co.uk

Cambodia November 9, 2023

The Best ‘Eco-Luxury’ Resorts in SouthEast Asia : Luxury retreats with a soul

Eco travel doesn’t always necessarily involve a backpack, and there are certainly ways you can put your feet up without having to go completely off the grid. In many local island communities, eco luxury resorts have actually stepped in where local governments couldn’t; conserving endemic species, supporting ethical local trades, and educating the local communities. I want to do a round-up of the best eco-resorts in South East Asia, not just for their picturesque poolside aesthetic, but also for everything these resorts have done to conserve the tropical islands they call home.

EL NIDO RESORTS, PHILIPPINES

Located amidst the natural limestone cliffs and lagoons of the Philippines’ beautiful Palawan region, El Nido Resorts is a group of four island properties with sustainability at its core. Each island has its own unique personality that explores a different aspect of island Eco-tourism. Apulit is an Eco-adventure island with a variety of thrill-seeking nature activities on offer, while Miniloc is an Eco-discovery island where you can learn about Palawan’s ecology, and even swim with giant Jackfish. Lagen is an Eco-sanctuary island nestled in a four hectare lush forest, while Pangalusian is an Eco-luxury Island, with its own seven hundred fifty metre white beach.

TONGSAI BAY, THAILAND

At Tongsai bay, all wildlife is protected. The resort is home to monitor lizards, monarch butterflies, dolphins, and a total of sixty-seven different bird species. In fact, their green policy dictates that no plant or tree may be cut down without permission. This policy encourages wildlife to the hotel, making Tongsai Bay the perfect sanctuary for both travellers and local indigenous species.In addition to this commitment to wildlife conservation, the hotel also has a number of note-worthy sustainable practices. They have replaced all plastic straws with lemongrass, produce their own natural cleaning agent with local fruits and vegetables, as well as offer a completely plant-based menu. It is no wonder why Tongsai Bay’s environmental credentials are so substantial, and why it has led the way for Koh Samui’s ecological preservation.

PHUM BAITANG, CAMBODIA

The Phum Baitang is sustainability at its finest; a green oasis deserving of its name. The resort is equipped with an autonomous water treatment facility, which provides guests with fresh and drinkable water throughout the year. They have also replaced all plastics with reusable Glosch-top purified bottles, and have banned fuel powered vehicles in and around the resort. The Phum Baitang also takes the farm to table concept to another level by serving locally farmed “Sen Kro Ob” rice among other herbs and vegetables. All of which are grown on site in the resort’s paddy fields. Guests are encouraged to immerse in the local community, with the unique opportunity to interact with the local farmers. Helping them understand the farming culture of Cambodia; and learn more about rice cultivation and processing. All this and more make the Phum Baitang a truly unique retreat, right in the heart of mystical Cambodia.

Fashion November 9, 2023

The best brand swaps to make your wardrobe more sustainable

We cannot forget about sustainability. If you are ordering clothes, think about trying one of these tried and tested brands which uses only recycled products. The planet will thank you for it.

1 – Charnos tights made from offcuts

Charnos Hosiery’s new ‘RE, CYCLED ’ collection features a sheer 15 and opaque 40 and 70 denier tights. Having tried these gorgeous tights ourselves, we can confirm that they are top quality as well as environmentally friendly. Each piece in the range is made from luxurious Italian yarns that are produced using the offcuts of current hosiery production. The recycled offcuts are then used to create an environmentally friendly yarn, which substantially reduces the effect of manufacturing with production. Cutting emissions by 80% and reducing water consumption by 90%. Find out more at www.charnoshosiery.com.

2 – Sundried activewear made from coffee grounds

With pioneering activewear collections made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and coffee grounds, Sundried is paving the way for sustainable fashion while also helping to combat the global plastic pollution crisis. The sweat-wicking, functional and stylish properties of this activewear cannot be denied – you would simply never know that these clothes are made from the plastic we toss in the recycling bin. Read our full feature on the brand here. For more information about Sundried, visit www.sundried.com.

3 – Rothys shoes made from plastic bottles

We love Rothys. Not only is everything they make 100% recycled but they are inspired by the women of today. Made famous by Meghan Markle, they have made shoes by repurposing over 37 million single-use plastic bottles and turning them into stylish pumps and ballet shoes. The washable insoles are made with bio-based castor oil and recycled materials too. To find out more visit www.rothys.com.
Cover photo credit: Sundried.

Bangladesh November 9, 2023

5 Ways to Live More Sustainably

The painful facts are now difficult to avoid: we have more CO2 in our air than ever before, rising seas are threatening to engulf the world’s islands and low-lying coasts, the day on which humanity’s consumption for the year outstrips the world’s capacity to regenerate resources that year is getting earlier and scientists are realising that more and more droughts and floods are down to human action. Such horror brings apathy and makes us feel that we can do nothing to help without extreme changes to the lifestyle we enjoy. But there are some simple things we can all do to live more sustainable lives. Rachael Lindsay gives us her top 5 tips…

Cut down on meat and dairy

Avoiding meat and dairy products is one of the biggest ways to reduce your environmental impact on the planet. While meat and dairy provide just 18% of calories and 37% of protein, it uses the vast majority – 83% – of farmland and produces 60% of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions. Studies show that even the very lowest impact meat and dairy products still cause much more environmental harm than the least sustainable vegetable and cereal growing.

For inspiration on how to go vegan without missing out on the good stuff in life, check out my story: https://houseofcoco.net/why-i-went-vegan-without-looking-back/.

Fly less

This is quite simply one of the most effective things you can do to live more sustainably. Air travel is one of the more environmentally damaging activities we can undertake so just a few flights fewer and you are making a huge difference to the planet. Take advantage of the gorgeous nature and heritage in the British Isles, take the Eurostar to Paris to explore France or the ferry to Dublin to experience Ireland: there are plenty of great travel options that don’t require a flight.

One campaign is looking for signatures for those who want to pledge not to fly at all in 2020, quite a challenge if you are a frequent flyer like me, but something we should all start thinking about.

For more information, visit flightfree.co.uk.

Shop second-hand

A study commissioned by Oxfam has revealed some shocking facts about fast fashion. Each item of clothing you buy could travel 21748 miles – from a cotton field in the U.S, to production units in Bangladesh, to the shipment of the product to Germany and finally to the customer. Throwaway fashion is undeniably putting increasing pressure on our planet and its people – it’s unsustainable.

Oxfam has launched a #SecondhandSeptember campaign to encourage us to try their second-hand clothes shops instead of supporting fast fashion. It is very simple: pledge to only buy second-hand clothes for this month and feel the glow of knowing you are doing something amazing for the planet.

For more information, visit oxfamapps.org/secondhandseptember/.

Furnish your home with a sustainable lifestyle brand

Home furnishings can have just as negative an impact on the environment as fast fashion particularly if you constantly update your home with the latest trend.

The second-best thing to second-hand is choosing a brand that uses sustainably sourced materials which are good quality and long-lasting. This brings us to Vênoor and its fantastic homeware. Not only do they produce and sell gorgeous sofas, tables, chairs and home accessories but they use workshops with high ethical working standards, use sustainable timber and metal, and plant a tree for every order made.

For more information, visit venoor.com.

Ditch single-use plastics

Think about your use of single-use razors, forks, cups, bags, and food storage containers, particularly those made in plastic. Packaging is a major source of disposable plastic so bring your own containers and bags (cloth or canvas is best). If your supermarket doesn’t sell food in bulk, make the request or find a better market. This is something that we have all got on board with amazingly in the past 12 months meaning figures have shown that far fewer plastic bags have been used per person and there are far more alternatives to single-use plastic than there used to be.

For more information, visit plasticfreechallenge.org.

BONUS: Ditch electronics responsibly

Given the technological advancements in today’s world, it is inevitable for electronics to break down or get replaced. Instead of tossing these gadgets in the trash, consider recycling them responsibly. E-waste, or electronic waste, is becoming one of the biggest pollutants of the planet, and these appliances contain harmful chemicals that may wreak havoc on land, water, and air. They also contain precious metals such as gold, silver, and steel, and the best way to reuse them instead of mining the earth for more is proper e-waste recycling. Here is a handy guide for more information on the topic.

Cover photo credit: @theplanetd.

Accessories November 9, 2023

The Contiki Clothes Swap inspires us to choose Love not Landfill

There was a time when the conversation around sustainable fashion was relegated to the sidelines.For what seems like forever, it was simply easier to turn a blind eye to the ethics of fashion in favour of style. Let’s face it, we’ve all been guilty of going on a panic shopping spree — in search for that perfect holiday selfie.

On March 12, millennial travel company Contiki held London’s First ever Holiday Wardrobe Clothes Swap, bringing together some of the leading voices in sustainable fashion in a wonderfully insightful panel discussion — and also saving 1700 garments from landfill. #LoveNotLandfill brought together 150 Londoners and invited them to forego the high street and rediscover our love for conscious consumerism, swapping clothes with each other and igniting the fire on the conversation around sustainability.

The Contiki Clothes Swap panel is composed of Carry Somers from Fashion Revolution, Agatha Lintott of Antibad, sustainability activist Venetia Falconer, and fashion journalist, Anna Hart. The discourse began with some shocking statistics from Contiki’s own sustainability survey, which revealed that 132 million holiday clothes go unworn every year; with 27% or survey participants saying that they purchase cheaper clothing to suit fleeting seasonal trends ahead of their holiday. Through genuine conversation and discourse, this panel of inspiring women talked about how we can consume fashion more consciously. According to Carry Somers, “What we buy really has an impact, it’s not just about the plastics we see, but als the plastics we don’t. Microfibres from synthetic fabrics contribute to 35% of all the ocean micro plastics” When asked about the perception that sustainable fashion comes at a higher price point, Agatha Lintott urges us to rediscover our emotional investment to our clothes. “Yes – sustainable brands are more expensive, but they also last longer. Dressing consciously isn’t just about buying better — it’s about looking after what you’ve got,” while Venetia Falconer invites us to celebrate our old clothes through her #oootd campaign, which invites people to share old ootds on Instagram. She says, “Look after what you’ve already got, and don’t get caught up in the hysteria of the high street.” Getting on board with sustainability isn’t actually as hard as it seems. Rather than making hard ultimatums, the secret to conscious consumerism is exactly that — making mindful connections of what we consume.

With fashion being the second largest pollutant in the world — it’s clear that our fast fashion consumption has to change, and hopefully with campaigns like #LoveNotLandfill and companies like Contiki leading the charge — we can still turn things around. Because let’s face it — is that #ootd really worth our planet’s future?

Words by Hannah Tan-Gillies

United Kingdom November 9, 2023

The Best Luxury Camping Retreats in Australia

If I say camping in the Australian wilderness you’d be forgiven for being a little skeptical. From unfriendly wildlife to just plain uncomfortable temperatures, the Australian outback is not for the faint of heart. That is unless you’re safely tucked away in a 5 star luxury camping experience that combines all of the most beautiful elements of Australia’s rugged outdoors with all of the creature comforts, but none of the uncomfortable creatures.

Australia as a whole is a fairly undeveloped country with plenty of wide open spaces, abundant in natural beauty and local culture. And whilst those of us who call this lucky country home tend to flock to the coastal regions, there’s a lot to be said for hitting the road and heading out into the red heart of Australia. Those that do venture out there are rewarded with an experience of Australia unlike any other they’ve had before.

No matter what corner of this wide land you’re keen to visit, there’s sure to be a luxury camping experience nearby for you to soak in all the natural beauty around you. Here I’ve used my local advantage and put in the leg work, to find the very best (in my opinion) we have to offer, so that all you have to do is make the booking.

Queensland

Queensland. The sun soaked east coast king of Australia. In my unbiased opinion of course. Whilst our fine capital city Brisbane doesn’t really provide a lot of competition for big city Sydney, or cool, artsy Melbourne, Queensland does boast possibly the finest, and most predictable, weather in the country and a ‘beautiful one day, perfect the next’ claim to fame that really can’t be denied.

Nightfall Camp; Lamington National Park

Located about 2 hours drive from Brisbane, Nightfall Camp is located within the World Heritage Listed rainforest region of Lamington National Park, in landscape shaped by lava flows from over 24 million years ago and dense forestation that hides an array of local flora and fauna unlike those found anywhere else in the world. The camp site is completely solar powered and sustainably run, blending the history, geology and indigenous culture of the area into a truly unforgettable experience.

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Daintree EcoLodge

Located in another World Heritage Listed jewel in Mother Nature’s crown is the Daintree EcoLodge, about an hour and a half drive from Cairns in tropical far north Queensland. Believed to be over 135 million years old, the Daintree Rainforest is the oldest tropical lowland rainforest in the world, and can be admired here from one of 15 unique canopy treehouses. High above one of the oldest landscapes in the world makes the Daintree EcoLodge one of the most beautiful places to disconnect, relax and recharge whilst soaking in the natural beauty of a land as close to before time as you can get.

The Northern Territory

The beating red heart of Australia; the Northern Territory is a frontier not even many native Aussies have crossed. Whilst the lack of white sandy beaches and the desert climate might seem a little off putting, its definitely worth braving the heat for a genuine outback Australian experience that not many can boast about having.

Longitude 131

In the shadow of the iconic and Australia’s most recognisable natural formation, Uluru rock, Longitude 131 sits in the desert heartland of Australia’s Red Centre, surrounded by the immense beauty of a landscape untouched since the dawn of time. The lodge rests upon the iconic red dunes of the Australian outback and is one of the best places to get in touch with the oldest continuous culture in the world. It’s believed that the sight of Uluru will have a profound impact on your spiritual wellbeing, but don’t take my word for it, get out there and experience it for yourself.

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Banubanu Beach Retreat

A little bit less accessible than the rest on this list (as all good destinations are) Banubanu Beach Retreat is located on Bremer Island off the coast of East Arnhem Land and can be accessed by a 15 minute flight leaving Gove Airport. The retreat is located on the traditional land of the Yolgnu people and is used with their permission; introducing travellers to truly sustainable, eco friendly living, in one of the most untouched corners of the world. With beautiful beaches, pristine sunsets and a secluded location, Banubanu is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Western Australia

The biggest state in Australia, WA has the most backyard to play around in, and what a backyard it is. And whilst the east coast of Australia is beautiful, the west coast is something truly unique. Think rust red soil, turquoise waters and kangaroo infested beaches; all primed and ready for your Instagram feed.

Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef

Located on Australia’s other great reef, Ningaloo, Sal Salis is a beach safari camp that seamlessly blends the rugged West Australian Outback with the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean. Nestled amongst the sand dunes of the Cape Range National Park, the retreat is completely sustainably managed, free from the distractions of the modern world, from televisions to wifi. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the frenetic pace of our modern digital world, and still enjoy the view.

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Kooljaman at Cape Leveque

100% indigenous owned; the team at at Kooljaman have designed an off the grid retreat unlike any other in the world. Focusing exclusively on Aboriginal values of land and sea care; the retreat has been designed using the locals extensive knowledge of the land and as such, Kooljaman is one of the best luxury camping destinations for immersing yourself fully in the indigenous culture of Australia. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and vibrant and unique wildlife, Kooljaman makes for a truly unforgettable experience.

South Australia

Known for world class vineyards, great festivals and sporting events, and a town where people live under the ground, South Australia is a powerhouse destination in Australia if you love beautiful scenery, friendly locals and snobby accents. (Just kidding SA).

Ikara Safari Camp

Located about 4 hours drive from the South Australian capital, Adelaide, in the Wilpena Pound Resort, the Ikara Safari Camp calls the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park home. Made up of jagged red mountains and ancient gorges, the Flinders Ranges are a significant spiritual place for the local indigenous communities, due to its proliferation of ancient rock art and the natural giant amphitheatre; Wilpena Pound, where Ikara Safari Camp is located. Safely tucked away in one of the most luxurious tents around, there is nothing standing in the way of you fully connecting with your unique and beautiful surrounds.

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Victoria

With such a powerhouse and vibrant capital city like Melbourne, you’d be forgiven for eschewing the rest of small state of Victoria in favour of Melbourne’s bustling dining, arts and culture scenes. Forgiven yes, but wise no. Victoria is home to some of Australia’s premier wine regions, beautiful panoramic vistas and some of the best coffee in the country.

Cosy Tents

Located around an hour and half drive from Melbourne in the Macedon Ranges, Cosy Tents that seamlessly blends the relaxation and serenity of a night spent under the stars with the modern comforts of a hotel room. The location is the perfect place to explore the countless art galleries, vineyards and boutique stores that country Victoria has to offer, allowing you to step out of the hustle and bustle of Melbourne’s city centre and explore the great outdoors, in the most luxurious way you can.

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Balgownie Estate Winery Retreat and Vineyard

Located around 2 hours drive from Melbourne, the Balgownie Estate Winery Retreat is one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Here you’ll be set up with a luxe tent replete with split system air-conditioning and a view over sprawling hills and gorgeous vineyards before whiling away your evening sampling the beautiful wines and delicious food characteristic of this region of Australia.

New South Wales

When you’re talking Australia, its Sydney that comes to mind first. With its iconic Opera House and its Harbour Bridge, Sydney is kind of the real poster boy for Australia. But beyond the bustling big city, New South Wales offers a nature lovers paradise, from the World Heritage listed Blue Mountain region to white sand beaches reserved almost exclusively for postcards. It’s also Australia’s first official state, and as such as some of the most iconic historic architecture, quaint colonial towns and a rich and colourful history.

Paperbark Camp

Around 3 hours drive south of Sydney you’ll find Jervis Bay; in the shadow of the Booderee National Park, complete with secluded white sand beaches and calm and inviting bays. It is here you will find Paperbark Camp, a luxury camping experience that makes a ‘home among the gumtrees’ a particularly inviting idea. Inspired by African sundowners in the 90s, the team at Paperbark have worked hard to create a place that slows the pace of life; a place that captures the nostalgic feel of a time before iPhones and wifi, without sacrificing comfort or the modern essentials.

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Tasmania

The little dot on the exclamation point that is Australia, Tasmania is possibly one of the least visited parts of Australia. Despite lush forests and mountain scenes that would rival some parts of Europe, a severely underrated dining scene, and being home to the Australian Cadbury factory, Tasmania is not the first place that visitors to Australia tend to go. But I think it’s high time they start.

Bay of Fires Bush Retreat

Four hours north of capital Hobart; on the edge of the iconic Bay of Fires you’ll find the Bay of Fires Bush Retreat. Encouraging sandy feet, salty hair and warm log fires, the team at the Bay of Fires Bush Retreat have crafted a beautifully unique Tasmanian camping experience in an area known for its iconic beaches, hiking trails and verdant wildlife. Relax at the end of the day with a glass of the local award winning wine and a perfectly prepared Tasmanian dinner and feel all your worries melt away.

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Wingtons Glamping

Complete with wood fires, Persian rugs and Egyptian linen, a night at Wingtons won’t feel like camping in the slightest. Located in the Tamar Valley around 3 hours north of Hobart, Wingtons Glamping offers an experience reminiscent of a vintage safari; become nostalgic with the thoughtfulness of the furnishings, and carefree in the inclusion of modern amenities. Like stepping back to a simpler time, but still being able to catch it all for Instagram. The perfect balance.

Accessories October 23, 2023

Adventuring in St Lucia: Breathing in the beauty of nature

Explore the wonders of adventuring in St Lucia, nicknamed the “Helen of the West Indies,” renowned for its lush rainforests, stunning peaks, and captivating history of changing hands between the English and French. Discover world-class diving sites and immerse yourself in its natural beauty. In this article, we examine the accessible adventures on offer that will allow you to soak in the alluring beauty of the island without over-inducing an excess of adrenaline.

Bamboo rafting

One of the newest experiences on offer in St Lucia is bamboo rafting on the Roseau River. It is the longest and largest river on the island. The tranquil beauty of the river in the Anse-la-Raye Quarter is in distinct contrast to the busier resort-laden parts of northern St Lucia. The enterprise has been started by the ex-tourism minister. What is particularly impressive is not only is the raft made entirely of bamboo, but your guide sets sail only with a bamboo pole. It is an entirely non-motorised experience down to the beachfront for a carbon-neutral experience. Your local guide will serenade you with facts on the local flora, fauna and topography. Mid-journey you will break at a rustic shack where you can sample local coconuts and cocktails from a local entrepreneur. There are multiple add-ons such as a rum distillery tour (more on that later) and a segway tour.

Rainforest hike

There are numerous stunning hiking trails throughout St Lucia. One I would recommend is The En Bas Saut Falls Trail. Ideally, you’ll need a 4×4 to drive to the start of the trail near Soufrière often through rugged cobblestone roads (though we did spot one brave soul trekking up jungle slopes to the hike). The trek through the majestic rainforest takes anywhere between 1.5-2.5 hours to complete. It is a sub-4 km hike which involves uneven steps down to the waterfall and then steps back up. You’ll visit a 7-8 metre waterfall and the best part is you can swim up close for a cooling escape from the tropical heat. There will be offers of guided tours as you travel closer to the starting point of the trail. However, note that this is not essential given the route is an easily identifiable trail. The trickier part would be finding the starting point with your hire car. The best way to get there is to book a guided tour with reputable boutique hotels such as the nearby Têt Rouge Resort. The excursions are reasonably priced, and the options are varied.

Catamaran cruise

A catamaran tour is the best way to appreciate the overall magnificence of the island. Têt Rouge offers a 40 ft catamaran for hire privately. You can enjoy a sunset cruise, savour a barbecue on board, swim or snorkel in the refreshing waters or simply get taken to remote, pristine beaches. You get arguably the best angle at spotting the iconic twin peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton. You can peek into the most exclusive resorts on the island such as Jade Mountain Resort, or if you just want to unwind the Caribbean way, recline your back onto the catamaran trampoline, listen to the sea breeze and stare into the cloudless blue sky with a rum punch in your hands.

Cacoa Sainte Lucie

If you want an elevated dining experience and still have views of the verdant tropical rainforest, make sure you head to Cacoa Sainte Lucie. Situated in Belvedere Canaries, the site is at the perfect vantage point to soak up the surrounding greenery and the soothing ocean scenery. As they are a small-batch premium chocolate maker, the menu in their restaurant unsurprisingly contains countless cocoa. One of their signature dishes is the cocoa-crusted grilled Mahi served with a sweet chilli creole sauce. You might wonder: why add cocoa to dishes? Raw cacao is a superfood containing high doses of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Their chocolate trio dessert is not to be missed. They have an interactive chocolate-making workshop as well as a gift shop selling everything from gourmet chocolate truffles to hot chocolate powder (and my personal choice: a decadent chocolate lamington).

Rum distillery tour

Next to the bamboo rafting experience, you can also partake in a distillery tour at St Lucia Distillers. The tour has the perfect blend of video presentations, a brief rum-making tutorial, a kitsch carnival exhibition and an unbelievably generous rum-tasting finale. From April to November, when the sugarcane is harvested, guests can observe the harvesting at the cane fields which is a 5-minute walk from the distillery. The tour is about how they’ve used what’s abundant in nature in St Lucia to turn the product into one of the most popular spirits in the world. Their knowledgeable guides will take you around their working distillery and explain the concept in layman’s terms.

Rum is intimately linked to the carnival spirit and they have a carnival room displaying a dazzling array of fanciful costumes. The exhibition also goes in-depth about the origins and traditional practices that accompany carnivals in St Lucia. The finale of the tour is truly breathtaking. You get to sample their whole range of rums, rum-based creams and liqueurs. This is from the entry-level range to their most premium range, and it is all self-service and free pouring. This is a must for all rum aficionados. Afterwards, you should take a trip to their gift shop where their spirits are offered at factory prices.

Experience St. Lucia’s most iconic nature trails designed by your very own hiking butler! Discover more about these exclusive trails in our article on House of Coco.

There are roughly 29 flights per week flying from London to St Lucia. The average flight time is only 8 hours and 55 minutes. The lowest average temperature is in January at a barmy 26°C. March is the sunniest time of year, with over ten hours of sunlight per day. With these wonderful weather conditions and a diverse offering for tourists, make sure you consider St Lucia for your Caribbean holiday.

https://www.stlucia.org/en/

Adventures August 2, 2023

Meet the Chef making Waves at Sea with his Innovative Cooking

I’ve been binge watching Maritime Masters, on Discovery+, for those not in the know, it’s a sneak peek behind the scenes of luxury super yacht, the Scenic Eclipse as it takes to the seas delivering guests an extraordinary, luxe travel experience like no other.

The first episode sees the Scenic Eclipse begin its epic voyage to Antarctica from San Diego. The episode also introduces and follows the ship’s ‘Masters’, the dedicated experts who lead the voyages. The Masters include VP Oceans Hotel Operations, Chef Tom Goetter. Goetter who oversees up to ten dining locations on board the yacht, managing chefs, and menus from producers to table is a handsome, mild mannered German with oodles of experience under his belt.

Goetter is no stranger to fame, he competed on “Top Chef Germany” in 2018 where he finished as a finalist. He trained under Thomas Keller and his team in Napa Valley and has travelled the world extensively, specialising in international cuisine with experience working at Michelin-starred restaurants, high-end hotels and ultra-luxury cruise ships. Since then, he has been the Executive Chef for the Scenic Eclipse, a six-star world’s first Discovery Yacht, serving a variety of cuisines, including Modern Asian, Asian Street Food, French and Italian. He features heavily in the show, alongside his team, innovating and showcasing unique, memorable creations.

House of Coco caught up with Goetter to get the skinny on what goes on in the kitchen of a super yacht and how he manages to switch things up while still deliver quality cuisine at sea.

The key to delivering exceptional dishes comes down to the preparation. Goetter and his team are at sea for around nine months of the year, so it requires lots of planning. “For Scenic I spent time on a river ship in Cologne where I created menu cycles, you need to have lots of recipes. We started with 3,000 and now have 5,000.It’s a complex process, our longest menu cycle is 30 days as we don’t usually have a guest on for longer than that. I calculate each dish down to the gram so we can prepare six months in advance and start sourcing the produce.” The menu reflects the destination, and this is mostly due to highlighting local produce which quite often is the biggest challenge. “Moving around is hard, you are relying on suppliers and resources on the ground which can change so you have to be creative and flexible.”

Goetter is known for his creativity, he takes inspiration from people and places. He says, “I travel to lots of places and listen to people from mothers to street food stand holders, they are all full of knowledge and that’s how you learn something.” Unlike some chefs, his kitchen is somewhere you can speak up. “I lived in Bali and was recently in the Scenic kitchen cooking a Balinese dish. The dishwasher in our kitchen is from Bali and he tried it and said that’s no good. I said cook it with us, teach us so we can get it right.” Some chefs wouldn’t have taken too well to criticism, but Goetter is free spirited, he wants to hear others input into the project so the food quality is excellent. He concludes “I don’t use fear in my kitchen, when you mentor people and give them a level of respect they are loyal and want to work for you and that’s important.” Which probably explains why all his staff returned to his kitchen post covid. I can tell just from our chat that Goetter is one of the good guys, someone you’d want in your team.

Having been on Top Chef, Goetter is used to having a camera in the kitchen and it doesn’t faze him. He thinks Maritime Masters has turned the chefs in his team into ambassadors and given them a platform to showcase their skills.

Goetter and his team want guests to have a culinary experience like no other. He says, “I love it when a guest gets on the yacht with prefixed ideas about a particular food or dish, then tries it and changes their mind. We want our food to make an impact, the experience comes when guests change the way they would normally eat and appreciate something new.”

The culinary ethos on Scenic is rooted in sustainability and innovation. Goetter tells me, “Sourcing local should be obvious, it’s extremely important to be sustainable. We don’t want to waste food on the ship, so we recreate dishes out of single produce. For example, we might take a carrot, dehydrate the carrot skin and use it again in another dish. If we see strawberries turning, then we will make something using them. We have sustainability competitions on the ship to see who can create the most innovative dish so there is no waste. We also grow our own herbs on board and produce our own fresh water.”

When he’s not onboard the Scenic you’ll find Goetter exploring tastes around the world. He says, “I eat where I am, I always go where the locals go, that way you get the best food. If I’m in Japan, I’m at the fish market or the spice market in Dubai. I love street food.” Goetter is travelling when we speak, he landed in Germany a couple of hours before our interview and is off on another trip the following day, sourcing more inspiration and ideas to make sure his cuisine remains ‘fresh’.

I can’t wait to see what Goetter gets up to in the next series of Maritime Masters. To follow his journey download Maritime Masters on Discovery+.

To book the Scenic 13-day Antarctica in Depth voyage from Buenos Aires calling at Ushuaia and Antarctica, visit Antarctica in Depth – Scenic Prices start from £12,745 with FREE business class flights included*, based on a 17th December 2024 departure date.

Sustainablility June 8, 2023

A quiet riverside safari retreat at Wilderness Chikwenya

Located on the Zambezi Valley on the southern side of the mighty Zambezi River is Wilderness Chikwenya, a brilliant, sustainable safari camp that feels part beach resort part camp.

You reach Wilderness Chikwenya via a small flight from Hwange, so don’t be surprised if you see elephants or baboons running along the small air strip upon landing (apparently, they thoroughly enjoy the fruit trees there).

Unlike Wilderness Little Makalolo and Wilderness Linkwasha, which are absolutely exposed to the roaring heat of the African sunshine, Wilderness Chikwenya enjoys a breezy riverside location between Mana Pools National Park and the Sapi and Zambezi Rivers, giving off relaxed beachy vibes. This also means that you will be able to see a whole suite of different animals that are more suited for life by the river. Expect to see plenty of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, water bucks and impalas – as well as an array of colourful birds, whose different calls you’ll learn to recognise during your stay at Chikwenya.

Most of the Chikwenya camp are shaded by large trees, which means that the temperature is slightly cooler at Chikwenya, which is a real treat since the tents have no air-conditioning. The tents are a sight to behold. Spacious, romantic and designed with a blend of coastal chic and African influences, they are light, bright and airy and perfect for ramping up the romance especially if you’re traveling on you honeymoon (we were). There is a four poster bed, an outdoor lounge and also a daybed and free-standing bath, perfect after a day out on the bush. There is an outdoor shower too – facing nothing but the mighty Zambezi and it is truly a liberating experience to shower there.

There is a convivial bar area, where guests are able to help themselves to all the delicious African wines and cocktails on offer throughout the day. Camp Manager Eddie is full of stories and told us about the female tribal leader, buried underneath a nearby baobab tree, whom the camp is named after. Wilderness Chikwenya also has a beautiful pool that overlooks the Mighty Zambezi River. Here, you can park yourself on a sun lounger in between game drives and work on your tan, while sipping on one of Chikwenya bartender Bob’s incredible Bob-garitas.

Instead of an afternoon game drive, go on a relaxing sunset cruise. These private cruises are wonderful and a great way to spot one of the numerous hippo pods cooling themselves by the river. Our guide Joshua had a wealth of knowledge of all the animal species in the Zambezi and also played some traditional Zambian tunes during our cruise, attracting the hippo pods nearby.

We had our final sundowner on the banks of the Zambezi, while enjoying an incredible cocktail feast made by Bob the bartender. We also enjoyed some delicious local Biltong, which quickly became our favourite snack during our game drives.

Chikwenya is a camp that is all about family, and we certainly felt like family from the moment we arrived. The staff even leave you hand written notes that say ‘Bush Regards from your Chikwenya family’ and we know that they truly mean it too.

So if you do ever plan to go on safari, there really is no better company than Wilderness. Wilderness is a safari company with a strong focus on conservation, understanding that without the magnificent animals and rich natural landscapes of the bush that there would be no such thing as safari. For Wilderness, conservation, sustainability and giving back to the communities in which it operates is part and parcel of business – and that is something that we can certainly get behind.

Factbox: Nightly rates at Chikwenya start from $USD 1,430 per person sharing; www .wildernessdestinations.com

Adventures June 8, 2023

The ultimate luxury safari getaway at Wilderness Linkwasha

Our girl Hannah Tan-Gillies checked into the most luxurious camp in Hwange, Wilderness Linkwasha where glamorous glamping tents meet five-star service – and of course plenty of wild animals.

At 34,000 hectares, Hwange National Park is one of the biggest national parks in Zimbabwe (and we’re told that it’s as big as the entire state of Massachusetts!). Here, you will find endless grasslands filled with some of the most incredible animals of the bush.

Wilderness Linkwasha is one of the more upscale camps Wilderness has to offer and boasts incredible luxury surroundings, five-star service and fabulous (air-conditioned) glamping tents that would rival even the bougiest five-star hotels. Wilderness Linkwasha sits at the heart of Hwange National Park, giving guests easy access to the African Big Five and a host of other animals.

Wilderness Linkwasha’s sprawling main camp is painted in chic greys, neutrals with plenty of vibrant Ndebele patterns that give the camp a distinctive Zimbabwean aesthetic. There is a small pool surrounded by Balinese day beds, and two stylish indoor dining areas, but dinner is best enjoyed under the stars. Guests can help themselves to anything they want at the bar, be that a glass of rose or even old-fashioned.

The tents are superb. Spacious, elegantly designed, air-conditioned and with incredible views of the bush, there is nothing quite like them throughout the whole of Hwange. Here, you will find a large king-sized four-poster bed, a lush sofa, and every other luxury amenity you could ever need or want.

Interestingly, Wilderness Linkwasha has a ‘hide’ right by the watering hole, which means that guests can get up close and personal to the animals having a drink. We were lucky enough to be able to see a family of elephants coming for a drink and a splash to cool off.

Days at the bush start at 5am with a guide knocking at your tent to get you ready for breakfast. A continental breakfast is served around a fire, and by 6am you’re off on your first game drive of the day. At 3pm Wilderness Linkwasha does a delightful high tea before guests prepare for their evening game drive.

In Hwange, you’ll be able to see the safari ‘Big Five’ which are elephants, lions, buffalos, wildebeest and hippos. Lucky for us – all Big Five were in abundance during our drives. We also saw plenty of kudus, impalas, zebras, and even an African wild cat in the main game drive area called the ‘golf course’ which offers plenty of visibility for animals far and wide.

Both Wilderness Little Makalolo and Wilderness Linkwasha have teamed up with the Scorpion Anti-Poaching unit to keep Hwange’s precious wildlife safe, in line with Wilderness commitment to environmental conservation and protection.

During our drives we saw plenty of elephants, two cheetah brothers (two of only 18 in the whole of Hwange), a leopard who had hidden his kill up a tree, and a whole pride of lions, just a few meters from the truck – safari truly is a magical experience and there is no better way to do it than with Wilderness.

Nightly rates at Linkwasha start from $USD 630 per person sharing; www .wildernessdestinations.com