City breaks - House Of Coco Magazine

City breaks December 14, 2021

Luxury in Liverpool with INNSiDE by Melia

Do we all have that one city that we’ve never been to? Like, how did we get to this age, and travel all over the world but have never been to that one city?!

For me, that city was Liverpool. A lifelong lover of The Beatles, Liverpool should never have escaped my grasp for so long, and yet here we are.

I’ve stayed at a Melia hotel before, in Magaluf, representing House of Coco in the Magaluf half marathon. The hotel was modern and luxurious, with experimental art adorning the walls, so I had an idea of the quality to expect at Liverpool’s brand new four star INNSiDE by Melia.

The new INNSiDE Liverpool lives up to the reputation. Situated just a couple of minutes walk from Albert Docks, the city centre is easy to navigate to, and you have the wonderful Gino D’Acampo restaurant on the first floor and its 360 Sky Bar up top.

Walking into the building you first encounter a pop-up shop selling flowers, it’s a cute greeting and there’s a spot for an influencer selfie surrounded by blooms underneath a neon sign.

The open plan reception is handled by casual and super friendly staff, they give off the air that nothing is any trouble. They gave us tips on what to do whilst we were there and made sure we felt right at home.

Rooms

Our suite was incredible. We had views from full-length windows on two sides, one facing Ireland and the other looking over the docks at the hills of North Wales.

The room felt huge but was really well designed in order to make the most of the space. The bedroom area with massive TV was filled with a huge comfortable bed, the dressing area and sofa faced out over the docks, there was a separate coffee/ breakfast table corner, and the open-plan shower and sink area.

It was gorgeous, modern, clean lines, and great views. Plus you get cosy slippers and the most comfortable dressing gown hoodies ever! I’d suggest booking two nights so you can spend the second night with a hangover, in those hoodies, full of Gino D’Acampo pasta, watching a movie in bed.

The Restaurant and Bar

Before dinner, we booked a table at the 360 Sky Bar. Surrounded by walls of glass, the view over this heartful city envelops you. As the night draws in, the city comes alive and from the sky bar you feel the buzz.

As with the rest of the hotel, the staff treat everyone like a VIP. I was getting 80s power suit vibes from up there for some reason, it’s inexplicable, but it’s there.

Back down to the first floor and we couldn’t have been more excited for dinner. Gino continues to dominate city after city with his restaurants and it’s not just his name that makes it happen.

The food is exceptional, with a playful menu full of enough choice, but not overwhelming amounts. Dishes are listed with a little bit of personality from Gino himself explaining a bit more about the recipe such as where it came from, who loves it most in his family, and that sort of thing.

We enjoyed every moment of dinner. From being seated with a direct view of the open kitchen, advice from the experienced staff with our order, and portions that will make you glad you booked. There’s nothing better than delicious food at a special restaurant that serves enough so that you’re not left needing more.

And finally

We spent the night dancing our little hearts out in the famous Cavern Club. As mentioned up top, I absolutely love The Beatles and this is where they started. We paid just a fiver each to get in, with no queue, and there was a resident band playing all of the hits. The place was packed with everyone from students to the over 60s reliving their youth.

Liverpool is a stunning city full of impressive architecture and naturally warm people. So if you’ve never been, just do it.

For good vibes, plenty of space, and no worries at all, the INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool is the one. We will definitely be back… if nothing else, to do the same again but with an added extra night in one of those dressing gown hoodies!

Book a room from £64 per night at INNSiDE Liverpool.

Old Hall Street
Liverpool
L3 9LQ

Tel: 0151 832 0960 innside.liverpool@melia.com

City breaks December 9, 2021

Three bars you simply must visit for a port and tonic

It was back in 2017 that white port and tonic was rumoured to be the “drink of the summer,” yet after that we heard little more of the intriguing pour.

Fast-forward a few years (and a ghastly pandemic) and it seems the return of the Port and Tonic is imminent.

Many bars around the city are championing tonic-based drinks that subvert the norm and steer away from the classic G&T – including tequila and tonic which is a delicious tipple indeed.

The drink has come to be known as a ‘Porto Tonic,’ and it’s ever so refreshing and easy to make, too.

Port is a sweet fortified wine from Portugal that’s made with aromatic grape varieties, and it’s known to be a popular drink to enjoy around the festive period.

Now, as Port and Tonic starts to make waves once more, we’ve taken a look at some of the best places for it around the city.

Without further ado…

1857

If there’s one chic bar you simply must visit for a port and tonic, it’s the newly re-launched bar 1857.

Here, you’ll peruse an eclectic range of port that’ll have you licking your lips in anticipation. In fact, it’s the widest variety of port in any London bar, with vintage pours, aged tawnies and single quintas all available.

And take it from us, their port and tonic is pretty darn hard to beat! Both silky and refreshing at the same time, it goes down far too easily. What’s more, you can enjoy it amongst the decadence of the 1857 bar – housed inside St. James’ hotel and club, you feel far removed from the hustle and bustle of London.

A port treasure trove at its finest.

stjameshotelandclub.com

Gordon’s wine bar

London’s oldest wine bar – Gordon’s – sure does a varied selection of amazing tipples, including amongst which is port.

Drenched in history, this quaint and atmospheric gem in London houses barrels filled with sherries and port, all of which can be enjoyed in rustic caves surrounded by candlelight. It’s a perfect setting for a spot of romance, with port and tonics on the cards for the aperitif.

Gordon’s is just a short stumble from theatreland and Covent Garden, and for the warmer days it boasts a charming outdoor seating area where a port and tonic is a must, accompanied by a cheese or charcuterie board.

Established in 1890, this spot is really worth a visit, as it blends not only good food and drink, but atmosphere and history too. We’ll let the port do the rest of the talking…

gordonswinebar.com

Bar Douro

If you’re looking for somewhere fizzing with Portuguese wine options then Bar Douro. But, if you’re to visit, do not miss out on the white port and tonic. It’ll change your life.

Here, you’ll discover bottle upon bottle of Portuguese wine, as well as vintages, and the food follows suit, with the likes of tender octopus on the menu, to go very nicely indeed with your port selection.

To add to the allure, the venue is very pretty and boasts a blue-and-white tiled seating area. On your next visit to Flat Iron Square go, go, go… you won’t regret it!

bardouro.co.uk

City breaks November 17, 2021

Sunrise In Bed With Radisson Blu, Birmingham

Every once in a while you’ve got to just say ‘fuck it, I’m off on a solo break!’.

Solo break-ing in Birmingham isn’t exactly the reason I went to stay for one night only, but I did decide not to stay with friends this time because mid-week, I needed to stay in the city close to an office.

The Radisson Blu is perfectly placed right next to New Street station. Which, after its recent overhaul, is quite the destination in itself.

Just a minute walk around the corner and the big, jade coloured, glass-fronted 39 stories dominate your view. The imposing building casts its eye over the whole city and is located close to the business, shopping, and entertainment districts.

As you enter the foyer you are reminded of the sheer scale of the building, with high ceilings and huge drop lamps. It’s very stylish, with many inexpensive rooms available, the overall look of the hotel is still impressive.

The suite

I was offered a business class suite on floor 18 and it was perfect to finish off the days work at my desk with views over the Birmingham Royal Ballet studios. The amount of room you get in the upper floor suites prompted me to then break out into a spontaneous pas de chat… possibly much to the dismay of the rooms below. However, I felt like a star!

Everything about the suite was perfect. The almost 360 views over Birmingham, the very cool decor that maximises the potential of concrete, and the sleep situation.

So, what do I mean by sleep situation? Not only are the beds huge, but the bedding is the softest I’ve ever slept in. Sometimes hotels can get bedding so wrong, leaving the sheets and quilt cover stiff with over washing. The sheets, dressing gowns, and towels here were all as soft as silk.

And to make your nights sleep as good as it can be, the hotel leaves a pillow spray at the side for you. It’s the little touches that we love the most.

As an early riser, I was awake before sunrise, so I quickly searched for what time it occurred and where to see it in Birmingham. Luckily for me, it would appear right outside of my window. So, I hit the fitness centre for a quick run on the treadmills and headed back up for a shower. Just in time for the sunrise I opened all of the curtains and lay back on the bed for the beautiful sun to appear and shine its beautiful energy in my face.

I couldn’t think of a better way to start the day. The perfect location for a stop off in Birmingham, the Radisson Blu offers absolute luxury and comfort.

Book direct at Radissonhotels.com for the best prices, with mid-week stays well under £100 per night.

Art October 9, 2021

HOTEL HEUREKA: VENICE WILL ALWAYS BE WAITING

Here at House of Coco, there is never a shortage of amazing hotels to tick off the bucket list. For our return to travel, we chose one of the most spectacular hotels in the world, Hotel Heureka, right in the heart of Venice’s oldest districts to escape the crowds.

Situated in the centre of traditional Venice, in the Sestiere of Cannaregio, Hotel Heureka combines the comfort of a boutique hotel, the intimate atmosphere of a private home and the mystique of a 16th century Venetian palazzo. With just 10 exquisite rooms each with their own distinct personality, visitors feel as though they are guests of a great Venetian family – ideal for a grand return to Europe. Reopened in 2017 after a major renovation, as you wander the exquisite halls you can almost make out the chatter and music of a party that would have taken place in Venice’s heyday, hundreds of years ago, mask in hand.

The interior layout of the hotel’s palazzo is organised around a ‘portego’ – a typical Venetian passage – leading into the atrium, the main lobby area, and the private garden beyond. We wandered over to the bar every evening and enjoyed a different cocktails, from the classics to the hotel’s signature serves in the cool air of the outside terrace. We chose to relax and unwind in this tranquil haven rather than on St. Mark’s Square and other touristy hot spots. The open-air, spacious feel continues on the other levels of the hotel, with a Piano Nobile on the first and second floors surrounded by bold patterns and artfully placed fabrics designed by Lacroix and Rubelli.

After a day exploring all that Venice has to offer we settled in for one of the best night’s sleep of our lives in one of the chic and decadent suites, each like their own art gallery. The design-led hotel is located on the gentle waters of the Madonna dell-Orto canal and lulls you into a deep sleep amongst plush pillows each night. Breakfast was served surrounded by fine artworks in the drawing-room and on one of the days we enjoyed our first cup of tea beneath the leafy trees of the private garden. Mouth-watering pastries were followed by steaming coffee, juices and delicious cheese and fruit.

There is plenty to explore directly from the hotel. Close to the ornate front door you can venture into the oldest Jewish Ghetto in the world, the bridges over the cerulean Grand Canal, museums, hole-in-the-wall bars far from the tourist trail, lively cafes, art galleries and world-class restaurants. With no cruise ships in the city currently, there has never been a better time to visit and enjoy the slow-paced anticipation of the city as 2021 draws to a close and 2022 is ready to welcome visitors with open arms.

Where to eat

Osteria Alla Staffa on Calle Ospedaletto is arguably one of the best traditional restaurants in Venice. Small, cosy and delicious. We chowed down on plate upon plate of Venetian-style pasta and as the waiters reminded us, this is not the place you come for pizza, much to the puzzlement of many American tourists. The restaurant offers mid-range pricing and offers a cracking local wine list, poured by a very knowledgeable team.

Where to drink

Down one of the most beautiful canals in the city lies Vino Vero owned by husband and wife Matteo and Mara. Vino Vero opened in 2014 and was the first wine bar in Venice solely dedicated to natural wine. You can guzzle wines by the glass and sample artisanal Cicchetti whilst watching the water taxis speed past on the way to the lagoon and eavesdrop on local conversation and gossip.

With the world finally opening up and the UK lifting significant restrictions in October 2021, Hotel Heureka has stood the test of time in a city that has constantly reinvented itself, welcoming each visitor like the guest of honour. The juxtaposition of the old and new in both the city and the hotel gave us hope that things have to change slightly before getting better. If you are looking for somewhere to seek solace after months of uneasiness, you’ve found it!

Hotel Heureka prices are €230 for a Deluxe Room, €460 for a Junior Suite and €1,200 for the Heureka Suite. Prices are per room and include breakfast à la carte, service and VAT.

To book, visit: www.hotel-heureka.com.

Afternoon Tea August 30, 2021

Wake Up Here: The Grand York

We’ve been sharing the love for York at House of Coco recently; it’s one of our favourite UK locations and it’s easy to see why. With its quaint cobbled streets, delicious grub and fantastic shopping if you’re a fan of vintage jewellery (and who isn’t…) it’s a gorgeous getaway.

For a five star stay in the city, head to The Grand. Built in 1906, the hotel is steeped in heritage, with sweeping stone staircases, original wood panelling, parquet flooring and acres of marble. The original wing houses rooms for imposting Edwardian design, with high ceilings, huge windows and quirky architectural details. A new wing, opened in 2018, features spacious rooms and suites alongside The Grand’s Cookery School, a state of the art space offering courses for novice cooks to aspiring chefs under the expert guidance of chef tutors.

We checked in to an Executive Room, abundantly spacious with floor to ceiling windows and a huge desk, perfect for the working traveller. Every room features a king size bed, Egyptian linens and a bathroom complete with marble topped bath, walk in shower and Molton Brown toiletries. We loved the little touches left to welcome guests; a tin of chocolate buttons, a walking map of York, and a ‘hygiene kit’ left on the pillow with face mask and hand sanitiser were welcome additions that made us feel at home.

Downstairs guests will find The Grand’s elegant bar, The 1906, an intimate space that feels like a cosy train carriage with an extensive cocktail menu, an unrivalled collection of spirits and whiskeys and some of Yorkshire’s finest ales. Drop in for an aperitif before heading across the hall to The Rise, the hotel’s restaurant and terrace offering modern British cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. With interiors inspired by York’s local heritage, it’s a beautiful space and while we can’t vouch for dinner, the afternoon tea was exceptional. Pillowy soft sandwiches, fresh warm scones and an array of indulgent cakes and sweets, it’s definitely one to book.

Downstairs guests will find the spa with pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room along with a state of the art gym and a menu of treatments. The Grand has also introduced a range of indulgent short break packages, from the Alfresco Unbind with its Picnic in the Park hamper to the Gourmet getaway and the Spa & Stay package or a break encompassing a turn at The Grand’s cookery school, there’s something for everyone.

With such a comfortable and spacious room, delicious food and drink options and its location mere minutes from the station and the city centre, The Grand might just be one of our favourite York visits yet.

From £169 Room Only or £209 Bed and Breakfast (based on two sharing).

www.thegrandyork.co.uk

City breaks August 15, 2021

Wake Up Here: The Sofitel St James

With tourist numbers nothing like a normal summer for obvious reasons, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the capital being quieter than ever with an exploratory staycation. We’re all guilty of eschewing UK holidays for bargain beach breaks, but with foreign travel rules still ever-changing there’s no time like the present to make the most of being a tourist in London…without the other tourists.

Right in the heart of the West End, behind its neoclassical facade lies an impeccable five star property. Resplendent with a cosy bar, a stunning restaurant in the form of Wild Honey and an impressive three floor spa, you’d be forgiven for not wanting to leave during your stay, yet its location in the beating heart of the West End and proximity to some of London’s best parks, not to mention Buckingham Palace, means it’s the ideal location to base yourself for exploring the sights of the city.

Checking in for a midweek break, the property was blissfully quiet, certainly something to take advantage of compared to a normal summer season. Rooms are stylishly decorated incorporating Sofitel’s classic Parisian elegance with nods to 60s and 70s design, drawing inspiration from London’s cultural heritage, with thoughtful details from fascinating fashion and design books to pore over, to a camomile tea set next to the bed ready for lights out, not to mention the utterly divine orange blossom toiletries by Hermes, quite the most luxurious we’ve experienced on our travels.

Throughout the summer – weather permitting – the Sofitel’s terrace is transformed into the Parisian Café, bringing the café culture of the French capital to ours, with a small but perfectly formed menu from the hotel’s restaurant Wild Honey of bar bites, nibbles and mains. We savoured a crisp fillet of Cornish cod with fresh green beans and lemon purée and a deeply indulgent warm chocolate fondant, accompanied with a seasonal rose G&T as the sun downed; the perfect pavement summer supper. If however the weather isn’t holding out (this is London after all…) the beautiful backdrop Wild Honey doesn’t disappoint. For a nightcap, trot across the lobby to the St James Bar; its velvet banquettes are just calling out for an evening tryst with a negroni.

While you’d assume that being on the corner of one of the West End’s busiest streets would be a drawback when it comes to noise, with soundproof glazing, blackout curtains and a king size bed bed enshrouded in crisp linens, it’s safe to say that your night of slumber won’t be disturbed. With the option of breakfast in bed always a lure, we can highly recommend the utterly divine toast with goat’s curd and fresh berries. What a way to start your day.

Of course you shouldn’t leave with paying a visit to the exceptional Sofitel spa. While a host of treatments are available, the new partnership with HydraFacial is worth booking in for. For the uninitiated, a relaxing facial this is not, though it most certainly makes up for it in the satisfaction stakes as this hydradermabrasion procedure combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection simultaneously, drawing impurities from the skin like never before and leaving skin refreshed and glowing.

As one of London’s best five star hotels it’s no surprise the Sofitel St James is a delightful stay; just prepared to want to stay forever.

Rooms from £295+VAT in a Superior Room.

www.sofitelstjames.com

City breaks August 5, 2021

A dog-friendly staycation at Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison

Hannah Tan-Gillies and our intrepid doggy reporter #TeamCocopup Charlie checked into the Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison, just two weeks after its official opening to experience everything that this all-apartment boutique property has to offer.

Tucked away in a quiet cul de sac in South Kensington, Lexham Gardens is the newest boutique property by the prestigious Cheval Collection and undoubtedly one of London’s most luxurious homes away from home.

We were only the second-ever humans (and first-ever dog) to stay at our Burgundy-themed luxury two-bedroom apartment. From the outside looking in, Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison and its white-columned façade, blend into the other pristine buildings on the crescent. Inside, however, the property is the picture of contemporary, understated luxury.

Experience Modern Luxury at Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison

The striking lobby, which is more akin to the stylish lounge of your most fashionable friend, is simultaneously warm and grandiose. Here, we were greeted by the lovely Milena, who made sure we had everything we needed for our stay. The check-in process was easy, and smooth and also included a temperature check – making our stay safe, comfortable and free of COVID woes.

Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison offers 30, individually designed one or two-bedroom boutique apartments, with each one offering its distinctive take on modern-day luxury.

We stayed in the Burgundy-themed apartment on the second floor. The dazzling space is characterised by deep burgundy walls, chevron-patterned wood flooring, white marble, and plenty of rich textures in neutral tones. The muted colour palette of the soft furnishings, balances the bold hues of the wall, while deep gold and bronze accents add panache to an already stand-out space.

We were greeted with a delightful welcome hamper, complete with Champagne, canapés, freshly-baked bread, and everything you need to enjoy a glorious summer picnic at the nearby Kensington Gardens. Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison doesn’t offer breakfast, and while the British summer weather didn’t allow for an outdoor picnic – our hamper certainly offered plenty of breakfast fare to feast on during our stay.

Unparalleled Comfort and Convenience

The fully stocked kitchen has everything you need for an extended stay too. It is complete with all cutleries, plates, and glasses, and comes with a toaster, coffee machine, fridge freezer, hob, and oven. The TVs are also Chromecast-enabled, perfect for a Saturday night.

The two generously-sized bedrooms were undoubtedly luxurious, but equally inviting. The master bedroom has an en-suite of course, which was also equipped with heated floors and an electric toilet. An indulgence, I thought was only ever available in Japan.

Our apartment, like all other apartments in Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison, was dog-friendly. Charlie was greeted with a dog bowl, doggy treats, and a (if ever just slightly too small) dog bed and felt very welcomed by the staff.

Exploring South Kensington

While it may seem counter-intuitive to leave the comforts of your apartment, there’s plenty to explore in South Kensington that’s walking distance from Lexham Gardens. Kensington Gardens is just a 15-minute stroll away, and the ideal spot to exercise overly energetic pooches like Charlie.

In front of the park, there is Publiq which is more than just your stylish neighbourhood local. Envisioned as a modern public house, Publiq offers sensational British sharing plates, natural wines, and fabulous alcoholic slushies in a casual yet cool atmosphere. Publiq was built on a People, Produce, Positive mantra and this ethos certainly reflects on the quality of the food on offer.

One thing that sets Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison apart from other boutique properties, is its ability to make you feel absolutely and authentically at home. After our two-night stay, leaving felt like saying goodbye to a place that we have cherished for years. It is a feeling of warmth and conviviality that not a lot of luxury properties can boast, and one of the many, many reasons we shall be returning.

One-bedroom apartments start from £260 per night. For further information about Cheval, visit www.chevalcollection.com

City breaks August 5, 2021

Why Croatia should be your next luxury green-list travel destination

Croatia is on the UK’s elusive green list and is a travel destination unlike anything else in the world. Croatia is a blend of Central European and Mediterranean culture, offering endless coastlines, beautifully-mild weather, plenty of history and some excellent cuisine too. One of the best ways to explore Croatia is by luxury Croatia cruises where you will not only enjoy this luxury experience but also get to explore the unique coasts and waters of Croatia – from visiting beautiful islands and discovering ancient towns, to embarking on thrilling water sports in the sparkling Adriatic Sea. A Croatia cruise is an opportunity for travelers to be completely immersed in the beauty of Croatian culture and nature, as well as relax and indulge in luxury during their travels.

If you’re planning to visit Croatia for a last-minute late summer retreat, our editors at House of Coco have curated the very best and most sumptuous private villas and hotels this beautiful country has to offer so you don’t have to.

Villa Nai 3.3, Dugi Otok

The stunning new Villa Nai 3.3n is unlike any other luxury property in the world. The villa is ‘born in nature and made in nature’ and is located in the alluring and secluded island of Dugi Otok. This newly-opened property is now a member of the Leading Hotels in the world and features just eight beautifully-designed rooms and suites, brought to life by renowned Croatian architect Nikola Bašić.

Villa Nai 3.3 blends in with its natural surroundings and combines nautical inspirations with the ultimate luxury design details. This incredibly unique property was constructed from excavated stone and is surrounded by olive groves. It also has a stunning restaurant offering delicious Croatian cuisine and a phenomenal spa and wellness facility.

How: Prices start from €721.00 per night for a Grove View Deluxe Room, based on two adults sharing, including breakfast.

Duboka Retreat, Brac

The Luxury Travel Book has a wonderful selection of luxury villas in Dubrovnik, Brac and Hvar offering secluded yet stunning homes away from home for those travelling with family and friends.

This expansive holiday villa is nestled right at the centre of Duboka Bay in the island of Brac and offers plenty of glorious privacy. Surrounded by pine trees, olive groves and picturesque gardens, and with beach access too – this villa is the perfect spot to get back in touch with nature. The main villa has three bedrooms, each one with its own veranda. The Duboka retreat also has its own separate guest house with views of the gardens and the sea beyond. Oh, and did we mention it also had a pool?

HOW: Duboka Retreat is available from £12,550 per week (plus £2,555 for the additional apartment accommodation). For more information visit www.theluxurytravelbook.com

Villa Hvar, Hvar

Villa Hvar is right at the centre of the historic centre of Hvar. The villa is located just 20 metres from the waterfront and is a quick walk away from all the cultural and historical sites of Hvar’s main town. This gorgeous, Gothic house dates back to the 1600s and comes with its own heated pool (which can be transformed from indoor to outdoor). It also has generous outdoor seating, a sauna, jacuzzi, and a wine cellar complete with a curated selection of first-class Croatian wines.

HOW: Villa Hvar is available from £6,500 per week. For more information visit www.theluxurytravelbook.com

Villa Zaton Bay, Dubrovnik

Just a ten-minute drive from Dubrovnik, Villa Zaton Bay combines a stunning seafront location with total privacy. This handsome villa was originally built for aristocrats in Dubrovnik and is a marvel of Croatian renaissance architecture. So much so, that it is a registered Croatian National Heritage monument.

Inside, the villa has been renovated to all its former glory, retaining beautiful structural features like the original stone staircase, while also featuring modern luxury comforts and contemporary design. There is also a swimming pool and a private chapel in the garden.

HOW: Villa Zaton Bay is available from £9,500 per week. For more information visit www.theluxurytravelbook.com

Maslina, Stari Grad

Maslina Resort is a Relais & Chateaux property that ticks all the right the boxes. This five-star property is ideally located near Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in the Eastern Adriatic. Maslina Resort has mindfulness at its centre and offers 50 generously-spaced rooms and three luxury villas. It stretches across two stunning hectares of pine forests and blends contemporary design with an ethos of mindful luxury. What is ‘mindful luxury’ you say? This means that every design detail and service foster a sense of wellbeing and connection with nature, making Maslina an incomparable ecological retreat. Need we say more?

HOW: Prices start from €240.00 per night for a Garden Suite, based on two adults sharing, excluding breakfast.

City breaks July 20, 2021

Chic city staycation at Bankside Hotel London

It’s the year of the staycation, and from Cornwall to the New Forest, I’ve recently been hunting out some of the hidden gems the UK has to offer. Little did I know that it would be on my doorstep where I’d find one of my favourites. As a Londoner, I can vouch for many of us when I say that staying in the city for a break away never really crosses our minds. However, I can firmly declare that I have been utterly swayed after staying at Bankside Hotel in the city. This six-storey London offering is a delight.

Tucked behind the iconic OXO Tower on the Southbank, this hotel is housed in a neighbourhood that booms with creativity, with the National Theatre, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market being just some of the offerings nearby. You’re immediately captivated by the design of Bankside. As part of the Autograph Collection, it’s clear that the interior heads behind the hotel haven’t done things half-heartedly. Dayna Lee is the mastermind behind the artistic treasure trove. As a former film-set director, she’s certainly injected some of her past profession into the venue, with pinball machines fixed to one wall, and awe-inspiring lighting inside the restaurant. There’s art in the reception, including pieces by British artist Helen Gorrill, immediately grabbing your attention and pulling you in to the visual feast on offer.

The room was superb. There are a total of 161 airy-residential style rooms, split into categories from the Modest Double and Modest Queen, to Generous Queen, Starter Suite and Biggest Suite. Our room was a Starter Suite, and it felt like a home away from home. The first thing to note is the size, with the space existing like a studio apartment with a large (and very cosy) bed, a wraparound sofa which is ideal to laze on and enjoy drinks, and a magnificent bathroom which oozed style. There’s a stunning element to the rooms, with cosy meets rustic charm seen in the form of concrete pillars left unpainted. You can feel the buzz of the city around you and a peek out of the windows gives you a glimpse of the hubbub of Londoners heading out for their post-work sundowners. We’d taken our adorable puppy along to experience the trappings of Bankside – and they’re as dog-friendly as it gets. There was a cosy bed awaiting her and she bounded around in excitement before falling lazily into it and drifting off to the sleep. There’s even a coveted canine concierge service up for grabs, as well as food bowls and treats to keep those tails wagging away.

Before dinner we sank into the sofas inside our charming room, and it was undeniably hard to peel ourselves off them. After a dreamy shower and a freshen up, we waltzed out to the terrace for a T&T. The Tequila and Tonic is fast becoming the staple drink of the summer, which is hardly surprising given it is both refreshing, yet also provides that kick to take you into the evening. The trend can be enjoyed on the terrace, as they’ve partnered with El Rayo Tequila which, we’re sure, will knock your socks off. The beautiful trappings of the terrace allow you to sink into seats surrounded by playful and vibrant modern Mexican artwork, and you can tuck into some fresh ceviche to go hand in hand with your T&T. The bar pops with vibrant colour, and the smiley waiting staff make the tipple that even more enjoyable.

For dinner, eating at the Art Yard Bar & Kitchen is a must. It’s a beautiful setting housed inside the hotel, and it’s both stylish and informal at the same time. The restaurant serves seasonal and fresh food and you can even bring your dog to revel in the eclectic eatery. Picking from the menu came with some difficultly, simply due to being spoilt for choice. I started light with some charred sweetcorn with radicchio, chicory and jalapeño dressing. It was beautifully put together and burst with flavour. For the main, marinated halloumi came up trumps. Side dishes have the ability to be disregarded when it comes to meals, but the two we opted for were so standout that they deserve a sentence or two of their own! The green beans and toasted almonds? Amazing. Toasted almonds always add that sweet kick you need and the sweet and savoury partnership was delightful. We also delved into a pot of seaweed jersey royal potatoes which were hearty and wholesome. What made the evening all the more special was the attentive and thorough service, and a magic trick that has left me scratching my head ever since, performed by one of the mixologists. Breakfast delivered too, with lip-smacking dishes such as waffles with berries and bacon sarnies on offer. I even feasted on a cheese board which set me up perfectly for the day. Tea and coffee – a must for most Londoners – was also served, with bottomless top-ups available, should you need that extra caffeine hit.

The service at Bankside is friendly through and through, with every member of staff making sure you’re well tended to for the duration of your stay. There’s also a keen focus on sustainability, with staff making the effort to reduce their carbon footprints by introducing procedures and processes to control daily energy use, and decreasing energy requirements. As well, several tables in the lobby are made from recycled plastic, and they use low VOC paint throughout Bankside to reduce the emission of harmful toxic chemicals into the air. These are just two of many initiatives implemented by the hotel, with a firm list of goals in place that Bankside would like to achieve, from reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, to adopting a zero-to-landfill policy.

Whether you use the hotel as a base for your city exploring, or to sink into the beds, head to the gym and indulge in wellness, it ticks both boxes. The hotel is a divine spot to visit to take some ‘me-time’ and you can even embrace your inner gym bunny by heading down and getting your heart pumping using the extensive amount of equipment on offer. This sophisticated and savvy staycation spot was awarded the 2021 Traveller’s “Best of the Best” Award, popping them in the top 1 per cent of all hotels worldwide, and I can hardly say I’m surprised.

What are you waiting for? Book your chic city staycation at Bankside Hotel here now!

Adventures July 20, 2021

Hilton London Metropole launches new collection of over overnight packages

Hilton London Metropole, is launching a new collection of overnight packages that deliver the ultimate staycation experience in central London. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is just moments from iconic destinations, including Oxford Street, Marble Arch and Hyde Park.

Kids Take Charge

This family-friendly package allows children to unleash their inner explorer and take charge of planning the family’s great London adventure. On arrival, kids will check everyone in and then, using their very own planner, they will be guided by the hotels’ Kid Concierge team on the best child friendly sights and attractions to visit and the best food to be devoured.

The team will help future historians, scientists or zoologists plan their trip and discover all there is to know about their favourite subjects.

The package includes an overnight stay, breakfast and an on-site chocolate treasure hunt. Little guests will be given a child-friendly map of the capital, a memory maker photo, along with a journal and crayons so memories of the trip can be kept forever.

Prices start at £110.00, londonmet.hilton.com

Fitness Traveller

The Fitness Traveller package is the perfect staycation experience for gym enthusiasts that want to keep their fitness goals on track whilst they travel.

The package includes breakfast and an overnight stay in a specially allocated fitness guestroom, with a complimentary in-room health focussed mini bar, stocked with nutritious snacks.

The fitness focussed room is only a few steps from the hotel’s brand new state-of-the-art 200sqm fitness studio. The space is equipped with the latest, premium equipment, a refillable drinks station and high-tech add-ons, that allow guests to connect equipment with their Apple watch, for the ultimate gym workout.

Prices start from £125.00, londonmet.hilton.com