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If you are looking to shed stress, eat clean and chill out then retreat to the secluded, less commercial south side of Mauritius for a rejuvenating wellness break at Anantara Iko Resort. With powder white sandy beaches and lush tropical landscapes, guests seeking the ultimate wellness escape can take their foot of the gas, switch off and relax by taking full advantage of the three- and five-day wellness experiences.
This tranquil resort is located on the authentic, untouched southeast coast of the island which is a million miles away from the west coast where you’ll find back to back resorts and street vendors. Here the vibe is laid-back and serene, surrounded by the ocean and nature it’s the perfect place for weary travellers to unwind.

Inspired by nature, it has been designed to complement its stunning surroundings by using lots of natural, locally sourced materials around the property. Recycled stone, driftwood and water features set the calm tone and as soon as you arrive at Anantara you feel the pace of life slowing down.

The new wellness programmes use restorative Ayurveda treatments alongside local ingredients such as Tamarin salt from the village on the western coast and spices including turmeric and ginger. Self-healing, restoration, improved energy flow and calming rituals are the foundation of each wellness package, created with health and wellbeing conscientious travellers in mind.
The five-day wellness programme incorporates the following treatments:

Day 1:

Start the day with a traditional Tai Chi session to connect the body and mind. This moving meditation enhances muscular strength, joint flexibility, calms the senses and soothes the soul.
Supporting the actions and benefits of Tai Chi, a restorative 90-minute Ayurveda massage follows. Benefits of Ayurvedic massages include: improved blood circulation to help blood reach nerve endings, toning of muscles, calming the brain and body, lubricating and strengthening joints, increased mental alertness.

Day 2:

Known for its self-healing benefits, the touch therapy of Abhyanga massage aims to balance dosha types using oils mixed with herbs for maximum benefits which stimulate the nervous system, enhance coordination between sensory organs, while strengthening muscles. This massage supports healing, boosts energy, reduces recovery time after an injury, eases pain, and enhances relaxation, mood, and wellbeing.

Day 3:

The ancient self-healing practice of Qi Gong creates a calmness of the mind while powering the body with movements that improve joint flexibility and muscle strength. Qi Gong also supports balance and harmony within the body, improves digestion, and can be an effective treatment for insomnia and many other sleep disorders.

Day 4:

The Ayurvedic therapy Shirodhara, which is a Sanskrit word coming from shro (head) and dhara (flow), involves gently pouring herbal oils over the forehead. This is ideal for those with a vata-pitta imbalance as it can harmonise the body’s energy, awaken intuition, improve memory, support sleep, focus attention and improve concentration.

Day 5:

Round up the five-day programme with a choice of Tai Chi or Qi Gong to absorb and reinforce the full benefits of the wellness programme. Through moving meditation, you maximise the calming effects on the mind and physical benefits to the body.

Embrace the outstanding views of Le Chaland Beach and nourish your body with fresh, organic, vegan cuisine at Bon Manzer restaurant. This clean-eating restaurant will inject some joy and flavour into your palate. There’s an extensive offer of healthy dishes, all freshly prepared in front of you, using local, sustainable produce. Choose from wheat- and gluten-free options, as well as low-calorie wines, raw foods and nutritious smoothies and juices.

The stylish, contemporary, island-chic resort offers a range of activities outside of the programme so you can continue your wellness journey. Take a bike ride along the stunning, unspoilt coastline, soak up the sapphire hues of the ocean with a beach walk or if you‘d rather take some time out to relax then make the most of the hotel’s 30-metre ozone-based swimming pool, one of the many sustainability initiatives at the property.

Each of the 164 stylish rooms and suites are spacious and sophisticated with clean lines and minimal décor enhanced with a splash of ocean blue and wood making it feel relaxing and calm. Start your day taking in the views of the Indian Ocean or flourishing tropical gardens direct from your day bed on the balcony. Just 100m from the beach and with an array of facilities to help you dial it down a notch, Anantara is the ultimate chill out destination.
A room at Anantara Iko Mauritius starts from £335 per room per night on a half board basis. Wellness packages start at £330.
www.anantara.com/en/iko-mauritius

Walking along the busy thoroughfare of the Imperial Kasbah quarter — right by the main tourist attraction of Saadien’s Tombs — you wouldn’t guess that you’d be walking past one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, the La Sultana Marrakech.

Marrakech is an aesthetic dream but there is so much more to this magical city than meets the eye. Once you enter the arched Bab Agnaou gates of the old city, you are immediately bombarded with a visceral plethora of sights, sounds, and smells. It is as exhilarating as it is exotic, and once you get to the heart of the Medina, it becomes clear that this city functions on a set of rules that is unique to anywhere else in the world.
From the outside looking in, you’d wrongly assume that the La Sultana Marrakech would be just another Riad, once inside however, and you’d immediately see that you were mistaken. One step into the hotel’s lamp-lit gilded alleyway and you are instantly transported to a time of sultans and princesses. Instantly enveloped in an air of opulence and luxury that will embrace you until check-out.

Inside, you are led through an arched hallway that opens up to the hotel’s grand courtyard. The awe-inspiring space is home to the hotel’s heated outdoor pool and also serves as the breakfast area and as one of the hotel’s dinner venues. It is filled with a myriad of tropical flora and opens up to a large seemingly open-space skylight which draws just the right amount of sunshine in.
The hotel is divided into five riads, the brick-covered Riad Almohad which is housed in the main courtyard, the pink byzantine-style Riad Scheherazade, the Riad Saadia, Riad Sabaa, and the Riad Bahia where we stayed. The hotel has 28 bedrooms and suites, and each one is a reflection of various historical motifs that work to stunning effect. The golden bathrooms are a thing of glory, and it is almost impossible to resist spending an evening enjoying a relaxing bath in this beautiful space.

We had dinner poolside at La Table La Sultana, as a ‘sintir’ player serenaded us in the background. Diners at La Sultana are spoiled for choice and have the option to choose from its French or Moroccan menus. The hotel has a philosophy of ‘Terroir Cuisine’ which showcases 100% locally sourced organic ingredients, and you can certainly taste the difference.
The staff at La Sultana are absolutely faultless. From the moment you check-in, when you are greeted with Moroccan mint tea and dates on the roof, to check-out when you are given a little gift to send you on your way, the staff make you feel like royalty. If you ever get the chance to visit La Sultana, we can assure you, it’ll be an experience unlike anything else in the world.

Every corner of Macao is bursting with life; a visceral explosion of sights, sounds, flavours, and aromas. Nestled between Hong Kong and China, and with a unique Portuguese heritage; Macao is so much more than the glittering hotels and casinos it has become known for.

From its unique ‘Macanese cuisine’, its carefully preserved Portuguese architecture, its enchanting coastal charms, and the effortless charm of its people; Macao is a place that’s unlike anything else in the world. If you’re still looking for reasons to hop on a flight (and a ferry!) to Macao – check out our girl Hannah’s Visual Diary of this truly unique destination.

www.visitmacao.co.uk

London Heathrow to Hong Kong, Economy Return from £645.72 including tax (low season) Cathay Pacific now offers a choice of three routes between the UK and Hong Kong, and onwards to over 190 destinations globally. These include five flights daily from London Heathrow, and daily flights from Gatwick Airport and Manchester Airport. For further information, visit www.cathaypacific.co.uk or call 0800 917 8260.

“My parents are ranchers, they work. I play music” quips Chancey Williams with a quick grin and shrug of his shoulders. We’ve collared the former saddle bronc rider, frontman of Chancey Williams and The Younger Brothers Band, the country music toast of Wyoming, for a chat after a chance encounter in the dark but welcoming dining room of the historic Hotel Wolf in downtown Saratoga.

Saddle bronc, in case you aren’t fluent in cowboy, is a rodeo event where a rider rides a horse who is trying to buck him off. I’m sure you know the one and might have even tried your hand on a mechanical one in a terrace bar in Ibiza, it can’t just be me. What you and I might see as a novel thing to do with a metallic green wig on, (surely not just me, still?) is a real badge of honour around these parts. In fact, Chancey in his beige cowboy hat and non-ironic shining belt buckle is one of only two people to have competed in ‘The Daddy of ‘em all’, Cheyenne Frontier Days as a competitor and a performer. He’s shoulder to shoulder with much loved, and missed, Chris Le Doux. Turn on the radio while you are in the state and you’ll be treated to their music and a sweet, sweet throwback to when T-Swizzle did Country.

We’d come to Wyoming to explore the spirit of the Old West and in my British naivety, I’d been expecting a few mocked up spaghetti western Ghost Towns and the opportunity for some Westworld quips for the ‘gram. What I hadn’t reckoned on is how much that spirit is still felt, most keenly in the love and respect that Wyomingians have for horses and rodeo, immortalised in their state emblem of the horse Steamboat. Heck, one of the vibrant artists we met, Jill Pope in Cheyenne, has a 10-year-old grandson who rides bulls in rodeo and the beautiful Morgan and Emily on the Historic Trails West in Casper gossiped about classmates’ horses and high school rodeo in the way that British 16-year-olds could only about crappy part-time boyfriends. Since we’d driven the 1.5 hours from Denver International Airport in Colorado from the watchful gaze of gigantic stallion ‘Blucifer’ over the border to Cheyenne, the land and sky had opened up, traffic had died down and we’d arrived in the Cowboy State. Perhaps this was one of Ford’s tricks after all.

Our road trip started in state capital Cheyenne, outside the striking red ‘Wrangler’ building. This western clothing store has been a beacon in the petite downtown since the late 1800s, but these days you’d be more likely to be agonising over whether you can really rock a diamond-encrusted Stetson rather than afford a nice chunk of bison that used to hang from the meat rails out front. My answer to both, in Cheyenne, you sure can. While Europeans might well scoff at the American idea of ‘history’, Cheyenne has packed it in since being established in 1867.

Wafting my ‘old-fashion AC unit’ fan as we tour the city in our trolley, Esther, the tales from the wild west start to come to life. Driving around we hear about western favourites Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok, enterprising brothel madams who invited local ladies to tea in the afternoons while providing a backdoor escape route for their husbands and the secretive tunnels that run underneath the town purportedly to heat buildings using steam from the railroad.

What took me aback was the wealth of strong women in the history of Cheyenne. Our trolley’s namesake was Esther Hobart Morris, widely celebrated as a hero in the suffragette movement and America’s very first female Justice of the Peace. Just before her appointment, Wyoming had become the first state to give women the vote, ultimately earning it the nickname ‘The Equality State’. Let’s bear in mind that they were given the right to vote so there were enough voting citizens to meet the population requirement for statehood…but nevertheless, they beat us Brits to it by nearly 50 years. #GirlBoss.

In addition to the historic marvels in town, you can feel the pioneering spirit in modern-day Cheyenne. On a quick evening exploration of downtown I stumble across co-working space/bar/coffee shop Paramount, housed in a vintage cinema, we sup craft ales between sucking at the game corn-hole on the patio at Danielmark’s Brewing and nibble finger food at afternoon tea at the lovingly restored Nagle Warren Mansion B&B with owner Jim. This marriage of the hipster and the Old West makes me want to move right in but saddle up, reader, the trail continues…

Leaving Cheyenne we make a quick pit stop at the highly instagrammable foodie spot, Chugwater. This teeny town of 212 people hosts The Chugwater Chili Cook-Off every June and is home to Wyoming’s oldest operating soda fountain. The faded beige and yellow store sits alone on a dusty main road and pushing the door, the bell tinkles and you step back in time. Sit at the bar, order a maltshake under the watchful gaze of Wendell the elk and his collection of vintage bottles and cans, and fall in love with a tradition that time almost forgot.

Fuelled by a Hawaiian sea salt maltshake, we explore historic Oregon Trail sites the Ruts at Guernsey, a lasting memory from the wagons travelling west for a better life, and Register Cliff and Fort Laramie, an impressive National Parks site that captures the spirit of the principal military post on the Northern Plains. The town of Fort Laramie is home to the treasure trove Frontier Trading Post, with locally made Native American Indian bags and accessories which certainly found homes in my suitcase before we decamped to the homey delights of Fort Laramie B&B.

The B&B is on owners Kathy and Arnold’s working ranch, where they’ve lovingly created a western paradise where guests stay in the plush Officer’s Quarters, a teepee complete with a ‘Go Your Own Way’ cushion and dreamcatcher, cosy repurposed sheep wagon or wood clad Cowboy Bunkhouse clustered around an open campfire and ranch building with communal library, collection of Stetsons and vintage bar

After claiming the teepee, I took to a rocking chair on the ranch building’s wrap-around porch as Kathy rustled up some delicious American fare. Later on, swapping travel tales around the crackling campfire, I’m schooled in the art of s’mores, then, guided by stars and a lantern, I snuggle in my teepee to the lullaby of crickets and maybe a distant coyote or two. Just saying ‘coyote’ would have terrified me a few days previous but being in the Cowboy state must make you embrace nature and toughen up.

Over Cowboy Coffee, brewed over the fire, and crunchy doughnut-like bear signs we reluctantly plan our next move, knowing we’ve experienced some of the best the state has to offer in Kathy and Arnold’s company. Waving goodbye, we hit the trails again, this time for Casper, for a tour of the National Historic Trails Interpretive Centre with Rob – not Ron – Swanson, a peek at the city’s very own T-Rex and an incredible 3-hour trip on the original Oregon Trail in a repro covered wagon complete with a lunchtime steak cookout. Yes, this state is as varied and wild as it sounds. We end our day in Casper with moonshine cocktails at circus-themed Backwards Distillery, live country Lorde covers in the recently launched David Street Station plaza and bar snacks and arcade games at The Gaslight Social. Another city to put on my ‘I could live here’ list.

From Casper we drive through dusty, storied towns like Medicine Bow, just missing the turning for local curio the Fossil Cabin Museum, a cabin constructed entirely of dinosaur bones and stopping for cokes by the historic Virginian Hotel, with its plush dark wood and flocked wallpaper. Every spot in this sparsely populated state is rich in culture and intrigue and by the time we pull into hot springs town Saratoga, we’ve forgotten what year we’re road tripping in and are thrown by lunch at forward-thinking restaurant Firewater, which wouldn’t feel out of place in Brooklyn. Saratoga’s natural springs have made it a tourist hotspot which can sustain diverse local businesses, from the conscious cuisine of Firewater to the vintage western clothing store Strong Tower Design and local dive Rustic Bar, packed to the rafters with locals clocking-off, sharing jokes with the resident stuffed mountain lions.

This brings us back to our opening encounter with Chancey and his band over dinner with local, but NY Times Bestselling, author C.J Box in that dark Hotel Wolf dining room. Chuck (CJ) has recently released the 18th book in his Joe Pickett crime series which centres around the town. He talks with passion and pride about Wyoming and the light he has shone on it through his work. That book, The Disappeared, focuses on the disappearance of a British woman enticed to the area by the promise of freedom for her wild heart to roam free. As I ride out at the riverside Vee Bar Ranch the next morning with my horse Aspen, the wranglers trusting his training to eclipse my non-existent experience, I understand wholeheartedly what brought her to Wyoming and vow to come back to feel the wind buffeting against my non-ironic Stetson.

We flew into Denver International Airport to explore the south of Wyoming on a direct flight from London Heathrow with United Airlines, united.com. To plan your very own wild Wyoming adventure we’d recommend you check out the downloadable itinerary planning tools at visitwyoming.com.

North America Travel Service offers a six-night holiday based on our itinerary from £1,132 per person including return flights with British Airways into Denver from London Heathrow, 7 days’ intermediate 4-door car hire, including insurance and satellite navigation, and six nights’ accommodation (2 nights’ room only at Little America in Cheyenne, 1 night at Fort Laramie Bed & Breakfast, 1 night inc breakfast at the Ramkota Hotel in Casper, 1 night room only at Saratoga Hot Springs, 1 night inc breakfast and accommodation only at Vee Bar Guest Ranch in Laramie). Price based on two people sharing and based on travel in September 2018. To book please visit www.northamericatravelservice.co.uk, or call 0161 839 8844.

There’s nothing like being stuck inside to make you appreciate the great outdoors. So while COVID-19 may mean we are unable to travel at the moment, it won’t stop us dreaming of our next glamping getaway. Whether it’s a cosy cabin, whimsical treehouse or bedecked bell tent, these unusual staycation choices are not only eco-friendly but will support local businesses when it is once again safe to travel. Add to that an outdoor bathtub for an alfresco soak, and there’s nowhere we’d rather get off-the-grid and back to nature.

While we may not be able to travel right now – companies like Canopy and Stars also do gift cards, so you can support businesses in the short term and plan your trip for when it is safe to travel. In the meantime, here are 9 of the best outdoor bathtubs in the UK to inspire your next staycation – whenever that may be.

The Woodman’s Treehouse , West Dorset

Set high in the oak canopy, this stylish treehouse tucked away in ancient Dorset woodland is a design-lovers dream getaway – having been featured on both Grand Designs and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. A kingsize bed, rotating fireplace, hot tub and even a slide are just some of the features in this high-end hideaway, while a double-ended freestanding copper tub provides the ultimate canopy views.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkRzh7nHz1U/

The Old Piggery, Windout Barn Exeter

Set among centuries-old buildings in the rural Devonshire hills, this open plan barn hideaway was made for lovers – with side-by-side “his and hers” claw-foot bathtubs that sit on a private deck overlooking the apple orchard.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9GfKuUFec2/

The Lakehouse at Coddington Mill, Cheshire

This luxurious lakeside retreat is nestled on a stretch of Cheshire countryside in the grounds of the historic Coddington Mill. Dark woods and rich textures inside ooze romance – while the copper tub on the decking is the ideal place to watch for wildlife darting across the waters. Funds from your stay will go to the restoration of the mill and preservation of its surroundings, so you can relax knowing you’re making a positive contribution to this ecosystem.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8thZjPJIQd/

The Nook, Coleman’s Farm, Essex

This tiny wooden house in the Essex countryside exemplifies small but perfectly formed in the cosiest escape imaginable – a snug complete with mezzanine beds, wood burner and tin hot tub. Within just an hour of London, even the most stressed-out city slicker has no excuse not to unwind here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhxBHVcgrr2/

Cleave Treehouse, Devon

A nordic inspired A-frame treehouse tangled in the treetops overlooking Dartmoor National Park – this super secluded hideaway takes laid-back luxe to new heights. A birch plywood interior creates a calming Scandi-chic vibe, with dramatic double-height ceilings, cosy log burner and huge windows to take in the forest views. On the deck, a claw foot tub big enough for two overlooks the canopy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B29D_Xvh_35/

Cheviot, Huts in the Hills, Northumberland

Located in the rugged hills of Northumberland National Park, Cheviot is one of four luxury shepherds huts on a traditional working hill farm with cattle and sheep. Made from solid reclaimed oak, these huts are designed to take you back to nature – but not without a few luxuries, like the private deck complete with free-standing tub, or sky window above the bed – perfect for gazing up at Northumberland’s dark skies – renowned for their stargazing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6yLgJCA24C/

Hill Cottage, Croft 103, West Sutherland, Scotland

Set on the shores of Loch Eriboll near Durness in North West Sutherland, these low impact buildings are designed to reflect this bleakly beautiful landscape, with rough-hewn honey-coloured stones. Inside, sleek, modern finishes and every creature comfort awaits – including two baths, one inside and one outdoors on the terrace, overlooking the sea.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6d7hOdjm54/

Willow The Wisp Cabin, East Sussex

Tucked away in five acres of woodland in East Sussex, this fairytale cabin is a cosy escape for two, with a wood-burner and outdoor wood-fired Hikki tub.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4vbN44AiOb/

The Hide Roundhouse, Somerset

Set on an organic farm, this adults-only glamping retreat has just two yurts and two wooden roundhouses. Hide Roundhouse boasts chic white-walled interiors that wouldn’t be amiss in a beach house in Tulum, with an ensuite bathroom, underfloor heating, clawfoot bath and rain shower – while an outdoor bathhouse surrounded by twinkling fairy lights is nestled in your own private garden.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxJs_UzA8gs/

Holidays are no longer all about excess food, drink and sleep. Health and well-being are high on the traveller agenda, as bookings for wellness experiences soar. According to TripAdvisor’s Experiences Trends Report, global traveller bookings for wellness experiences jumped 69% year-over year as holidaymakers are looking for an all-round healthy break.

The Amare Beach Hotel Marbella is the perfect place to stay for a wellness weekend. They combine an amazing spa, good food and fitness making it the ideal destination for keeping active as well as unwinding. You can design your break to be as active or relaxing as you want. Team Coco opted for a combination of both.

Start your day on a chilled vibe with beach yoga. Guided by Amare teacher, Soledad Jimenez Mateos, this class is aimed at all abilities. Set on the harbour at the front of the hotel you loosen up as you’re taken through some gentle stretching, gradually moving into downward dog and warrior pose. The advantage of doing yoga by the sea is that you breathe in clean air, feel the gentle morning sun on your face and the sea breeze in your hair. The sound of the waves gently crashing on the harbour wall create a real zen moment and I quickly switched off from any busy thoughts just concentrating on the slow, rhythmic movements of my body. Afterwards I recommend you head to the hotel patio to soak up the gorgeous beach views and refuel with a healthy, fresh breakfast buffet.

If you are looking for something a little more adventurous than yoga, then canyoning in nearby Benahavis will get your adrenaline pumping. Travel through the foothills of the mountains and experience unspoiled beauty. The canyons are made up of a series of beautiful rock passages carved and sculpted by water over millions of years. There is a mix of activity including swimming, jumping and abseiling using ropes cascading down white water chutes.

Canyoning was a bit too much for me so I decided to take it down a notch and experience some of the best views of the Costa Del Sol with a hike high up into the Andalusian mountains. There’s a number of trails you can take depending on how far you want to go. This experience is a must for those that enjoy nature and want to experience a perspective of Marbella that few often see. My guide collects me early in the morning and drives up towards the Sierra Blanca. It’s a clear day, the sun is shining so I’m guaranteed some epic views. I opted for the two-hour hike starting at Juanar and heading towards La Concha. The route loops round and takes in olive groves, walnut and pine trees and halfway in we are joined by a wild goat. As we hike further towards the top of the mountain the viewpoints get even better. On a clear day you can see the North African coastline and Gibraltar.

The fresh air and brisk hike left me with an appetite, so I made my way to Amare Beach Lounge for an al fresco lunch. Set on the beach, with a casual Mediterranean vibe the menu includes some tasty tapas staples as well as fresh salads and poke bowls. I went for a selection of traditional Andalusian tapas and a glass of Albarino.

All the hiking gave me a perfect excuse to hit the hotel spa and ease any aching muscles. The spa menu is centred around mind, body and spirit. It features some real treats like the Balance Concept Ritual, which combines an innovative therapy and massage to combat stress. I highly recommend the Sleep Ritual Massage, using essential oils and a range of holistic, calming and relaxing movements your mind and body instantly feel soothed and peaceful, perfect for the end of all long day.

If you are looking for a wellness break in the sunshine, then the Amare Beach Hotel is the perfect spot, reached in just two and a half hours from the UK, with daytime temperatures exceeding 20 degrees from April to October.

Team Coco travelled to Marbella courtesy of Amare Beach Hotel Marbella. For more information visit www.amarehotels.com

Apologies to any Marvel comic book fans who landed here to discuss Hydra, the fictional terrorist organisation in Captain America. Here at House of Coco we are more interested in another Hydra, one of the most naturally beautiful islands in Greece. And our recommended boutique base for your stay there: the Phaedra hotel.

Arriving into Hydra on the catamaran is a feast for the eyes. The port is postcard perfect with blue and white fishing boats bobbing next to luxury yachts, traditional tavernas lining the seafront, tiny cobbled alleys rising up to the town, all framed by mountains smattered with green.

Slipping from the bustling waterfront into the backstreets, the pace of life falls back a notch. Bougainvillea blooms on whitewashed houses and the odd local passes slowly, clutching a round of bread from the bakery.

As the now-familiar bougainvillea flowers loom around the corner for the third time, we admit we are lost. As beautiful as Hydra is, these backstreets are a rabbit warren and no street has a name. Following a stray cat in the hope that it will lead us to our destination, we happen upon the Phaedra Hotel and are immediately greeted by Hilda, the friendly owner.

We check into our room which is as Greek as can be. Wrought iron double bed, antique furnishings, shuttered windows and a little library of reading material. The design here is traditional without being chintzy. If you are looking for an authentic haven in the heart of Hydra, this is it.

Dragging myself from the perfect people-watching spot at the window, I head out to explore. For walkers and runners, Hydra is a dream. There are tons of trails both coastal and mountainous, and I opt for a ridiculously gorgeous walk by the sea with plenty of swimming stops in the crystal clear waters to cool off.

We spend the evening under the stars at Hydra’s outdoor cinema and go local with Greek mezze, crispy courgette fritters, tzatziki and chicken gyros for dinner. A special mention to the most divine patisserie in town: Karamela. Honestly the chocolate cookies and banoffee pie here are decadent.

Speaking of food, we take a late breakfast at the Phaedra. Hot coffee and freshly squeezed kiwi juice are served with eggs, local cheese, croissants, feta pies, fresh peaches and chunky cinnamon cookies. To add to the homey feel, everything is served by Hilda, who provides tips for the day ahead and shares her infectious enthusiasm for the island.

She tells us about the best times to visit: at Easter which is seriously celebrated in Hydra, with fireworks and a Harbourside ‘burning of Judas’, for the Miaoulia Festival at the end of June where a naval battle is re-enacted and the town erupts in Greek dancing, and, for those looking for a real escape, come in low season. Many beach bars and restaurants might shut up shop but Hydra in winter is a real slice of Greek life, and unlike the majority of hotels here, the Phaedra stays open year-round.

Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos…on the Greek island hit list, Hydra doesn’t usually get a look in. But for a welcome that feels like home and unrivalled Instagram fodder, we would recommend adding it to your list. And #TeamCoco are not the first fans of the island. The late Leonard Cohen spent his 20s here in the 60s, writing, performing and taking inspiration from its magic. We challenge you to leave without feeling inspired.

For more information, check out www.phaedrahotel.com or email info@phaedrahotel.com.

A relaxing night away in the middle of December was just what the doctor ordered for House of Coco’s UK Travel Writer, Rachel McAlley.

Barton Grange Hotel was the destination for a mid-week night of luxurious relaxation, located just outside Preston, Lancashire, where this charming family owned hotel could be found, full of Christmas cheer and plenty of character.

Check-in was simple and easy, and after dropping bags in the hotel room, swimming attire was grabbed and the pool was the destination for an hour of swimming, plus time for chilling out in the sauna, and a short trip to check out the mini gym.

Back in the deluxe room post-swim, and it was time to have a leisurely Nespresso coffee with biscuits whilst watching the music channel on the flat screen TV before having a power shower in the super contemporary bathroom. The bathroom with its very own ‘powder room’ lighting around the mirror (the perfect makeup mirror), had a great selection of bathroom essentials including the usual shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and shower cap, which sat perfectly alongside a shoe shine mitt, an unusual yet brilliant addition!

It was time to head for a festive dinner in the lovely Walled Garden Restaurant, decorated beautifully with Christmas trees, twinkly lights, and plenty of wreaths, tinsel and baubles. The menu was hearty, homely, and filled with classic dishes. The House of Coco team, feeling very festive, opted for the special Christmas seasonal menu of white onion soup with thyme, followed by roast Lancashire turkey dinner, and cherry & chocolate roulade. Then it was time to retreat to the bar lounge area of the Walled Garden where local cheese and biscuits were served with coffee.

After doing some serious people watching in the bar and lounge bed was calling, and a few tweets and instagram updates needed to be done whilst laying on the soft mattress swathed in linen and throws. Sweet slumber was fast approaching and the alarm was set, it was definitely time to enter the land of nod!

Morning arrived with gusto and breakfast beckoned in The Grange Room, and as expected the breakfast lived up to expectations. Excellent service just the same as the evening before, with a full range of continental and hot breakfast to choose from. Eggs Benedict (with a side of mushrooms) were the preferred choice for the morning plus a hot cup of tea. The perfect end to a wonderful stay Barton Grange Hotel.

The hotel is around 25 minutes drive from Blackpool, which means it’s great for a girls weekend away, and just 45 minutes from the Trafford Centre, another fabulous reason for a night away (this was our destination for a spot of Christmas shopping after check-out)!

Rooms are priced from £70 for a double and rise to £130 for an executive. Nothing is too much for the team at Barton Grange to organise for their guests (including free wifi), and a special shout out to Hannah on reception who looked after our check-in and check-out, as she was super helpful with all our requests.

We will definitely be returning to Barton Grange Hotel in the future.

www.bartongrangehotel.co.uk

When it comes to the French Alps, #TeamCoco are familiar with those white winter wonderlands, those hair-raising red runs and, of course, gorging on cheese fondue in a whirling snowstorm. But what on earth happens when the snow melts away? We sent Rachael Lindsay out to the brand new Annapurna in Les Gets, in the midst of summer, to find out.

I have to admit that I expected Les Gets to be a ghost town in summer. Perhaps a few closed ski shops and half-empty tartiflette restaurants. So imagine my surprise when I arrive from Geneva airport on a Sunday morning to find tens of thousands of visitors sitting on the grassy banks of the Alps cheering on some of the best mountain bikers in the world.

I have inadvertently arrived for the final competition at Crankworx Festival, one of the most famous mountain biking tournaments around. In true #TeamCoco style, I join the crowds and my heart is in my mouth while stunt bikers soar through the air from temporary wooden slopes, loop-the-loop against the backdrop of the lush green Alps and bounce back to earth with complete control.

The bars and restaurants are buzzing with bikers, families and locals, all discussing the competition, the shockingly good weather and the latest World Cup win. I quickly realise that the summer season here is every bit as lively as the ski season. And, with mountain biking and other adventurous pursuits on the agenda, I am in for an interesting few days.

But before I hit the summer slopes myself, it is time for some pampering. I check in to the brand new Annapurna residence, perfectly located in the centre of Les Gets, just behind the high street. It comprises a series of apartments with luxurious shared facilities such as a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room and a gourmet restaurant and wine bar on the ground floor.

My apartment is excessively spacious, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a large kitchen cum living room, ideal for groups of friends looking for a luxurious base after a day outdoors. The design is alpine chic with chocolate-brown fur throws, pale wooden beams and exposed brick feature walls. I spend the first evening taking it all in, lounging with a glass of champers in front of the huge widescreen TV.

A relaxing evening was certainly necessary before my first morning of mountain biking down the terrifyingly steep slopes of the Alps. I have never tried mountain biking before and I think it is fair to say that it does not come naturally! You take a chair lift to the top of the mountain and, just like skiing, there are ‘green’, ‘red’ and ‘black’ runs for mountain bikers to take back down to the village, so these are verging-on-vertical drops. For all of the #TeamCoco adrenaline junkies out there, this is for you. It certainly gave me new-found respect for the Crankworx professional bikers, as we tried a few ‘bumps’ ourselves. I get through it with my nerves just about in tact.

The afternoon is more my style as we explore a newly-opened cheese farm and a local brewery. At the farm, the friendly French lady and her five daughters know every Alpine goat by name and sell their goats’ cheese at the local market. And the views from the farmhouse are stunning, with lush green meadows and wildflowers everywhere. The brewery, on the other hand, is located in the Irish Pub, and I am at first dubious as to what we are doing there. But after sampling some of the best craft beer I have ever tasted, I understand why this is the bar that everyone flocks to, to enjoy the evening sun after a day jam-packed with adventure.

As well as cheese and beer, I have to mention the fantastic food options at the Annapurna restaurant, Vina Annapurna, as well as the Wild Beets Kitchen and La R’Mize. I expected the food to be heavy on the cheese and meat, the usual apres-ski fare. And although you can enjoy those classic snow-weather meals if you so wish, I enjoy mountain-vegetable risottos, red fruit sorbets and enormous buddha bowls. I finish almost every meal with a local génépi or citrus cointreau.

Day Two and I brace myself for another adrenaline-fuelled start with a mountain climbing excursion, led by a man who was the youngest qualified mountain guide in France, and who is now in his 60s and can clamber up the side of a mountain in a matter of minutes. Thankfully I feel more at home inching my way up a rocky cliff-face than bumping down a slope on a bike, and it is exhilarating to abseil down while appreciating the breathtaking views. It makes me realise that this is what a summer Alps trip is all about – getting out of your comfort zone, trying all sorts of new things and discovering what you enjoy.

Another highlight of my stay is a yoga walk led by a local instructor. The walk leads past fields of grazing sheep and through the dappled light of forests. We pause every few hundred metres to practice tree pose and mountain pose facing the imposing snow-peaked Mont Blanc. It is a delightful way to stretch out after a morning of scrambling over rocks, with the sound of cowbells in the distance and the fresh Alpine breeze on my face.

From watching mountain bikers soar through the air to witnessing the production of home-made goats’ cheese, from sipping on Kir on the mountainside to relaxing in the Annapurna jacuzzi, this trip to Les Gets in summer truly defies every expectation I had. And I wish I can stay a few more days to try the seemingly endless list of outdoor activities here, from rafting and trail running to hiking and swimming in the lake.

And the glory of it all is that you can have a completely different adventure each morning and evening, and head to your luxurious apartment to recuperate every night. If, like us here at #TeamCoco, you are always up for trying something new, be one of the first to stay at the luxurious Annapurna and get out of your comfort zone in the Alpine Resort of Les Gets.

From: 2 bedroom apartment with further cabin, sleeps 6 people, from €215 per night on a self-catering basis including access to the spa and swimming pool.

To: 5 bedroom penthouse apartment, sleeps 12 people, from €430 per night on a self-catering basis including access to the spa and swimming pool.

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After a top to bottom designer led renovation, the Athenaeum Hotel & Residences reopens its doors to the public with 134 new bedrooms, 10 new suites, and a smashing new Private members club with one heck of a view.

Designer by award-winning interior designer Martin Hulbert, whose other works include Chewton Glen and Cliveden House, the Athenaeum Hotel & Residences is a jewel in the heart of Central London. Outside, the hotel’s iconic facade remains the same, but inside it is transformed into the epitome contemporary luxury charm. Martin Hulbert paid homage to the hotel’s iconic Mayfair heritage while adding a plenty of Art Deco references. Think floor to ceiling windows, lush textures, herringbone weaves, bespoke carpets — only the best will do for the Grande Dame of Piccadilly.

In addition to this, the hotel also encourages its guests to #lookatlondondifferently through an art series that reimagines local landmarks through quirky and whimsical installations. Some of the landmarks included are Buckingham Palace, Burlington Arcade, Fortnum & Masons, and the Royal Academy of Arts. All beloved Mayfair Institutions, that are all just a stone’s throw away from the hotel if you’re in the mood for a little winter stroll.

The piece de resistance of the new renovation is undeniably the newly renovated Penthouse, now known as ‘The View’ — an exclusive members club reserved only forthe Athenaeum’s distinguished clientele. Aside from having the best panoramic view of the London skyline, The View takes the concept of a high-end guest experience both literally and figuratively.Their namesake view was once reserved only for the hotel’s penthouse guests, but has now been opened to all hotel guests, and believe us, it’s definitely jaw-dropping. Inspired by the concept of a metaphorical ‘rabbit hole’, The View invites its guests to be completely immersed in new and unexpected experiences. Fancy an impromptu cocktail masterclass or maybe even a mindfulness session overlooking Green Park? Then definitely book a room in The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences for your next luxury London staycation. Because here, the only membership you need is your room key.

A stay at The Athenaeum is available to book now. Prices start from £330 including VAT per room per night. For more information www.athenaeumhotel.com