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Dog-friendly

TeamCocopup: A charming dog-friendly staycation at The Roseate Villa Bath

Bath has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. This world-heritage site may be well-known for its Roman history, but what we fell in love with, was how this city has truly embraced dog-friendly travel. In fact, the Visit Bath website even has its own dedicated dog-friendly page.

We checked into the Roseate Villa Bath, a boutique hotel that oozes warmth, style and authenticity. A home away from home, located just a short walk away from all of Bath’s most important cultural sites including Henrietta Park, Pulteney Bridge, the Regency Crescent and or course – the city’s namesake Roman Baths.

We spent two nights in one of the luxury rooms, overlooking the front garden. Aside from the matching dog-bed and dog bowls, Charlie was also greeted with a doggy welcome package that included healthy treats from Lily’s Kitchen, and a tennis ball too.

Outside of the hotel, Bath has several dog-friendly sites to visit. The American Museum and Garden is surrounding by breath-taking natural landscapes and is a truly wonderful spot to take an afternoon stroll. The gardens are filled with every kind of flower imaginable and are absolutely dog-friendly too.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, The Provenist Café is the perfect little spot for a light brunch. This charming café offers a small menu of healthy snacks and pastries, proving that sometimes the simplest dishes are also the most satisfying. We recommend trying the eggs on sourdough or the mixed grains salad and washing it all down with a Mango, lime and banana smoothie.

Unsurprisingly, our short visit to Bath was characterised by bipolar British weather, and so we quickly discovered that the hotel’s newly opened Henrietta Bar is a great place to enjoy a quiet moment or get lost in a book over a cuppa. We highly recommend trying out the hotel’s afternoon tea offering, which can be enjoyed in the Henrietta Bar or in the garden.

The kitchen even prepared a specially-crafted dairy/egg/wheat free afternoon tea to suit my very specific dietary requirements; a testament to the hotel’s exemplary service. Hotel Manager Caroline made sure every aspect of our stay was perfect and made it a point to speak to all the guests at the hotel. If you’re lucky, you may spot Caroline’s own dog, Muttley, the hotel’s ‘Head of Security,’ wandering the halls.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the Roseate Villa Bath exceeded every one of our dog-friendly expectations. From the warm welcome, the excellent service, and a genuine desire to create connections with guests – we can confidently say this is Bath’s most dog-friendly hotel, and we will surely be returning.

Rooms at The Roseate Villa Bath start from £150 a night

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Travel

The Best Way to Travel to New York City

There’s a lot of information online about how to travel around New York City. However, there’s not very much information about how to get there. Do most people fly in or do they take the bus? Do some people choose to travel by car or are their alternative ways to get there? This article will help you to decide which is the best way to travel to The Big Apple.

Traveling by Plane

With more than 100 air carriers happy to land in New York City from all across the country,

you won’t struggle for choice. Most people tend to land at JFK airport, however, you can also arrive at LaGuardia, Newark Liberty, or a few of the smaller airports. It all depends on where you need to be and which airline you’d like to fly with.

All of the airports have connections that will take you to Manhattan and other parts of the City. Alternatively, you could hire a car or jump in a taxi if you wish. Please note, hiring a car isn’t always advisable as you’ll be in stop-start traffic most of the time.

Traveling by Train

There are 2 main stations in New York City, Penn Station and Grand Central. If you’re looking at Trains from Boston to New York City, for example, you’ll need to make sure it takes you to the right side of the city. Most rail stations are served by railroads which take you to the suburbs, or to Long Island or New Jersey. There are so many trains available most days of the week that you’ll have the chance to choose the right one that is suited to your needs.

Traveling by Car

If you wish to travel to New York City by car you will need to be patient. While there are many roads into the city, they quickly become busy. You’ll notice that many locals do not own a car. This is because they don’t need to as the transport links are usually very good. However, there’s also another reason why many locals don’t own a car.

Cars seem to become damaged very easily in this part of the world. It might be because the roads are so busy and drivers are always in a hurry to get somewhere. If you take a walk along a street you’ll no doubt notice cars with bumps and scrapes. Insurance is high in New York City because of the sheer number of accidents. You might, therefore, wish to use an alternative form of transportation.

Traveling by Bus

Want to travel by bus? This is an easy option. There are 4 main bus service providers which include Megabus and Greyhound. You can typically get to NYC on a bus from any part of the country. You’ll just have to be prepared to spend a lot of time on the bus as the journey can take quite some time.

As you can see, there are many ways for you to get to NYC. All you need to do is choose the best option for you.

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Travel

How Does a Pontoon Boat Work?

The pontoon boat is one of the most commonly preferred projects by boatbuilders regardless of their skill level. It’s not surprising given this vessel’s advantages.

It’s effortless to build, one of the safest boats to sail, and most of all, its design is very flexible. With the right marine hardware, you can easily tweak its dimensions and style according to your or your client’s needs and preferences.

Aside from a basic boatbuilding skill, though, there’s another element essential in building a pontoon boat. That is the fundamental knowledge of how a pontoon boat works.

How Does a Pontoon Boat Float?

It’s fascinating to think about how the pontoon boat’s floatation method dates back to the earliest days of sailing. After all, the earliest water vessels were made of logs held together with vines. It was almost 800,000 years ago when our ancestors discovered that fastening a surface atop more buoyant pieces of wood was a favorable way of traveling through freshwater.

The keywords here are “buoyant pieces”. While modern pontoon boats utilize tubular floatation devices called pontoons or tubes, the general idea remains the same. A pontoon boat is a water vessel with a flat surface atop two to three of these tubes to keep it afloat. These tubes also serve to absorb the waves’ impact for a smoother, safer ride.

Thus, each pontoon must support the weight of the entire craft to prevent capsizing should the boat’s weight shift. Achieving maximum buoyancy and the right balance between pontoons are key in building a pontoon boat that will keep people safe for years.

Factors to Consider

Two-Tube vs. Three-Tube Pontoon Boat Handling

The number of pontoons beneath the boat will also affect its physics. Two-tube pontoon boats should be sailed with care, especially during rough waves and quick turns. That is because they are more prone to capsizing, given the vessel’s tendency to lean to the outside when turning.

Three-tube pontoon boats, on the other hand, provide more support and agility. That’s because the third central tube is slightly bigger than the side tubes for more even weight distribution. You must also install spray-deflection devices to improve handling and better utilize the spray’s force coming off the tubes while at sail.

Other Design Features

Aside from the tubes, here are other design features that can impact the way your pontoon boat will work while on the water:

  • Motor Placement

A pontoon boat doesn’t really get on plane. It functions more by skimming over the water’s surface, so you don’t have to worry much about the motor trim. Instead, you can place the motor in a level position to allow the prop shaft to be in a horizontal position for better power transfer.

  • Railings

One of the main safety features of a pontoon boat is its railings. It makes it a more family-friendly boat since these surrounding barriers make it less likely for passengers, especially small kids, to fall off accidentally.

Keep in mind that the railings’ height can also hinder the pontoon captain’s visibility. These blind spots become even more apparent when docking. One efficient way to remedy this issue is by raising the helm by four to six inches to give the captain better visibility in all directions.

  • Seats

Finally, you should carefully consider your seat placement. This plays a crucial role in keeping the vessel’s weight distributed evenly and determining the number of passengers that your pontoon boat can accommodate at a time.

You can always install a fishing seat on the forward deck, especially if the vessel is intended for fishing. However, don’t forget to discourage passengers from occupying it unless the boat’s motor is off.

It is easy for someone to lose their footing while the boat is in motion, fall off the boat, and get sucked into its motor underneath.

If you want more information on how to design and build your pontoon boat, as well as you can learn more here.

The Fascinating Physics of a Pontoon Boat

The pontoon boat’s design has been tried and tested throughout the history of boat building and sailing. The pontoon boat’s unique buoyancy relies on the vessel’s tubular elements underneath that are referred to as pontoons or tubes. These parts keep the boat afloat and work as shock absorbers for added stability and safety during rough waves.

Most pontoon boats have two tubes, but adding a third one can improve its agility, capacity, and ease of handling. Aside from the tubes, there are three more elements that you should consider as a boat builder to maximize the boat’s performance and safety. These are the motor placement, the height of the railings (along with the helm’s elevation), and seat placement.

By considering these factors, you, as a boat builder, will be able to improve the overall performance of your creation and better highlight your craftsmanship. You can also check out these must have pontoon boat accessories.

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Adventures

6 Amazing Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a country of many sides, relaxation vs adventure, city high rises vs remote national parks, and of course history vs beaches.

It’s a country which never fails to surprise you and delight.

There are so many things to do in Sri Lanka, in fact the list is endless. From hiking, to tea plantations, and from beaches to temples, Sri Lanka has something for everyone.

Here are our favourite things to do in Sri Lanka….

1. Hike Pidurangala Rock

One of the best things to do in Sri Lanka is a hike up Pidurangala Rock in Sigiriya. While Sigiriya Rock is the most famous of the two, Pidurangala Rock is the more local quiet experience. At Sigirya you can find out more about the history of Sri Lanka and get access to to the lion’s paw and the mirror wall.

Note: The best time to climb is early morning to catch sunrise!

2. Go on elephant safari

A bucket list experience whilst in Sri Lanka is going on an elephant safari. It is so much fun, takes only a few hours, but you get to see a different side of Sri Lanka. It is an unmissable experience to go on safari while in Sri Lanka and although there are lots of national parks to choose from, including the famous Yala National Park, we would suggest heading to Minneriya National Park if you are after herds of elephants in the wild.

3. Visit Nine Arch Bridge

The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is beautiful. Spanning 91 meters at a height of 24m the bridge is one of the most iconic shots of Sri Lanka and only a short scroll on Instagram will show you millions of shots of this iconic bridge. Get here early though to avoid overcrowding, and if you are lucky you may spot a train on the bridge whilst you are there.

4. Going to mini ‘World’s End’

An incredible region of the country, Riverston is so far barely touched by tourists. Mini World’s End is a drop off point overlooking the Thelgamuwa Valley, with a 4,000 drop to the forest floor. From here you can also see the terraced rice fields and the Knuckles mountain range in the background.

5. Drink tea at a plantation

If you love tea, you will know Ceylon tea, and Nuwara Eliya is where most of the countries tea production takes place. Because of the climate and soil, it is the perfect place to grow tea, meaning that there are multiple tea plantations and boutiques in Nuwara Eliya. Take a trip to Pedro Tea Plantation and have a cup of traditional Ceylon tea at Lovers Leap Ethical Tea Boutique.

6. Sunset at the Famous Rope swing

Instagram has made many places famous around the world, but one which became an overnight sensation for one small hotel in Sri Lanka is the Famous Rope swing in Dalawella. The palm tree rope swing is the perfect spot for a sunset cocktail.

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Afternoon Tea

All Aboard for a regal afternoon tea on the Fingal

Afternoon tea experiences don’t come much more impressive than being on board a luxury, floating ‘boatique’ hotel. The story of how the Fingal came into being is fit for a Hollywood movie. It was commissioned by the Northern Lighthouse Board to undertake maintenance work on lighthouses on the western and northern shores of Scotland. It was sold to a private owner when it was decommissioned and in recent times, sold to The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust and turned into a premium hotel on the shores of Leith.

It might be a sister ship to The Britannia and a 5-star hotel, but it is fascinating to discover that it used to be a working ship. Even if you are just popping in for an afternoon tea like we did, if you speak with the hotel staff politely, they will gladly take you on a tour of the ship. Two places you must visit are the spectacular ballroom to admire the splendid acoustics, and the engine room to get an understanding of what the Fingal was about. And if not in use, do visit their unique, luxury cabins such as the penthouse Skerryvore Suite with one of the most elegant bathrooms you will find anywhere in the country and every small detail attended to like the super kind size bed headboard with map contours to trace of the famous lighthouses in Scotland.

Afternoon tea in their Lighthouse restaurant is a decadent affair with sumptuous art deco interiors that transport you back to a time when cruising the seas was only a luxury for the elite classes. The tea selection isn’t necessarily the most lengthy you will come across, but it’s been carefully curated to appeal to most people including their own Fingal’s blend, which includes different Ceylon teas, combined with Assam, Yunnan, and First Flush Darjeeling tea. They are keen to support local businesses and use Pekoe Tea Edinburgh, a Leith-based artisanal tea supplier. They offer a Champagne upgrade option with either Moët & Chandon Impérial or Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial.

The showstopper here is the exquisitely prepared canapés-style dishes. Each piece is a dainty work of art, that invigorates your sweet, savoury, umami taste buds without ever making you feel bloated. The heritage tomato arancini had a zingy sweetness that you know comes from well-sourced tomatoes rather than artificial sugars. Likewise, the pork rillette had a refreshing sweetness that came from the beetroot relish. Sandwiches were present and correct such as free-range egg mayonnaise and hot smoked salmon but the chef is more than aware, no one wants to walk out of a restaurant feeling like a sack of wheat.

Mastering the texture of a scone is a tricky affair but the pastry team at Fingal seems to have come up with the winning formula: it’s light and crumbly. They are freshly made daily in-house rather than purchasing stale supermarket varieties. It comes in buttermilk, plain and fruit options and served with Tiptree preserves and Rodda’s clotted cream.

The sweet items were universally impressive with highlights including hazelnut praline choux bun and Oakchurch raspberry trifle with Chambord jelly.

It might be quite a trek to travel from the historical part of Edinburgh to Leith, but this is one-afternoon tea worth making the pilgrimage for.

https://www.fingal.co.uk/food-drink/afternoon-tea/

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City breaks

Milwaukee Vs Chicago

Why Milwaukee Vs Chicago? Why not just do both in equal measures?

At some point you’re going to realise that visiting the United States is like ordering from an all-you-can-eat Japanese grill and sushi menu – it’s impossible to choose just one thing. That said, the ordering of your favourite is that lengthy comforting break you need from decision
fatigue.

Let’s get hypothetical; the restaurant is Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the menu is the Great Lakes of North America. You need to decide whether Milwaukee or Chicago is your comforting break.

Both cities are easy to get to from O’Hare and perfect for a longer stay at the start or end of your trip. Read on and decide on your pick for yourself.

Round one: Bars

Chicago has got the Blues. Make sure you check out the dark and magical Kingston Mines.

As Chicago’s largest and longest-running blues club, you can feel the history emanating from the walls. It’s almost as if the building has soaked up those heartfelt blues and the spirits of musical royalty live on through it. Open seven days a week, with two stages for continuous live music, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy a casual Southern-style feast from Doc’s Rib Joint.

The music is loud, the people are cool, and Kingston Mines will make you feel like a badass, walking in the footsteps of some of the biggest blues game changers.

Milwaukee has one of the best bars I’ve been to in the States – Safehouse.

To enter this bar, you will need a password that we are contractually forbidden from releasing. You may be able to press a local tour guide for the intel, otherwise, just try your luck at the door. Once you’re in, the vibe is secret agent mixed with escape room. The food and drinks are, you’ve guessed it, spy-themed and you get to take away a branded glass with
some of the cocktails.

The drinks are cherry on top of this memorable night out. Go with a curious mind and don’t believe anything you see. Try every door, turn every corner, pick up every phone, and for God’s sake, always carry a dollar!

Round two: Food & Drink

Chicago. Do you remember your first Chicago Town Pizza? Pizza, with a high crust, that’s essentially pastry, with even more sauce, cheese and toppings? Yes, Chicago!

Chicago’s deep pan pizzas are from heaven. They absolutely smash this famous dish in every place that you’ll find it in the city. Whatever you do, don’t ask for a full pizza. You buy this pizza by the slice, and you’re probably going to need a knife and fork to tackle it.

Milwaukee Public Market? Yes, please! By now, we’ve probably all frequented open-air markets, peppered with kitchen pop-ups. Milwaukee’s version is a must-visit if you are in town for more than a few days.

Buy a bottle of wine (or two) after chatting with the vineyard staff and then head over to your preferred kitchen, pull up a stool, and soak up the atmosphere.

Round three: Vibe

Chicago will blow you away with its chequered history and even more chequered architecture. Fill your heart and soul with blues, booze, and the smiles of strangers.

Chicago is big, bold, and glamourous. With ‘Trump’ emblazoned over one of its most impressive buildings, this city has a boujee air about it.

Milwaukee will steal your heart and pierce your soul with its authentic response to a history of immigration and poverty. You’ll find long-standing breweries, incredible street art (don’t miss Black Cat Alley), and real people that want you to have the best time in the city they’re proud to call home.

Fact Box:
Discover both cities with American Experiences on their ‘Great Lakes Explorer Tour’.

For more information visit americanexperiences.com. Hayes & Jarvis also offers a seven-night holiday to North America from £2,599 per person, find out more at hayesandjarvis.co.uk

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Destination Inspiration

The Hotel Hot List: Every hotel we’ll be booking once we can travel again

While it seems like all the months of 2020 have blurred into one, we’re dreaming of a time when we can once again visit all the beautiful destinations this planet has to offer. To (virtually) satiate your wanderlust, we’ve put together some of the world’s most breath-taking hotels to inspire your next holiday… whenever that may be.

The Roseate Ganges, Rishikesh

Set in the breath-taking foothills of the Himalayas of Rishikesh, the Roseate Ganges is an awe-inspiring, yet serene luxury retreat that’s perfect those looking for a total escape from daily life. The hotel has 16 rustic-minimalist cottages set on the Ganges waterway, each one with picturesque views of the holy waters below.

The hotel was designed to inspire and rejuvenate and offers a suite of wellness activities including river rafting, spiritual hiking, bespoke beach therapies, yoga and meditation. Guests can also visit the nearby Rajaji National Wildlife Park to reconnect with mother nature, away from all the truly exhausting pandemic news.

La Sultana Oualidia

The La Sultana Oualidia, which was once a Moorish fortress, is now a 12-room luxury hideaway overlooking a tranquil saltwater lagoon on the edge of the Atlantic ocean. The hotel is located on a protected ecological site, which is often visited by a wide variety of exotic birds, including pink flamingos.

As part of its commitment to preserving its natural environment, hotel staff pick litter around the lagoon every Monday and also upcycle water bottles into plant pots that now house over 30 different palm species in the gardens.

Glenapp Castle, Scotland

This gorgeous hotel offers 17 luxury bedrooms nestled on the Ayrshire coast in Scotland. This handsome castle hotel is hidden away on 110 acres of beautiful Scottish countryside embraced by stunning views and never-ending coastlines.

The hotel offers a Hebridean Sea Safari which gives guests the unique opportunity to explore the wildlife of the Scottish isles. A professional crew (and a private chef) will take you on a voyage to remote islands, coastal castles and charming inns. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some dolphins, milk whales and seals. After a long safari day, guests can retire in a luxury glamping tent atop the Ailsa Craig, a beautiful wildlife sanctuary which is home to over 40,000 birds.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort, Maldives

There is nowhere in the world more luxurious than the Maldives, but the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort is a hotel that takes sustainable-luxury to new heights. The resort is set amidst 18 hectares of the lush tropical Gaafu Alifu Atoll and offers 122 water villas. It even has two luxury Aqua Villas that have underwater bedrooms giving a unique glimpse of the aquatic wildlife in the Maldives.

The hotel also offers plenty of wellness activities embracing sleep, sport, food and spa, each one capitalising on the beauty of its natural surroundings. The Pullman Maldives offers sunrise yoga sessions, aqua fitness, aerial yoga, and the signature Raaveriya Workout led by Global Wellness Coach Sarah Hoey.

The Harper, Norfolk UK

The Harper Hotel is one of the UK’s newest boutique hotels and marries all the quintessential charms of a countryside retreat with a touch of contemporary style. The hotel is located in Langham’s old glass blowing factory and reinterprets these historical features with an array of charming yet unstuffy design details. If you’re still looking for your next stylish weekend getaway, then we highly recommend checking out The Harper.

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Travel

7 Trips for Traveling With Senior Parents

There aren’t any age limits for traveling, but it can be much harder for older people to travel safely and comfortably.

If you are planning a trip with your parents who are senior citizens, you must take certain things into consideration.

Here are some essential tips for making the most of a vacation with seniors:

Buy a Mobility Scooter

As we age, our mobility tends to worsen. Getting around just isn’t as easy as it used to be.

For seniors, a mobility scooter makes traveling much simpler. If you’re planning to visit a place where lots of walking is required, a mobility scooter like TGA Breeze s4 will help your parent navigate the area without feeling fatigued will help your parent navigate the area without feeling fatigued, you can also include a grab stick for elderly for convenience.

Mobilize Me has an extensive selection of scooters and electronic wheelchairs. One of these scooters can significantly improve the quality of your vacation with your senior parents.

Check For Disability Options

When it comes to the airline booking process, some airlines let passengers select disability options when you book.

If you can’t book those options online, some airlines will allow you to contact them by phone and request the options.

If you opt in for extra help at the airport, your parents may be able to get assistance while moving to and from the gate.

Pack Medications Correctly

This tip applies to anyone who is traveling while taking a medication, but it’s especially true for seniors that are more likely to take medications.

Pack your senior parents’ medication in a small carry-on or a purse that you can stick under your seat.

Putting their medications in a personal bag removes the need for assistance when placing luggage in the overhead bins.

But, before you begin your trip, consult your parents’ primary care physician so you can make sure they’re cleared for travel.

Choose the Right Security Line

Passengers in wheelchairs can usually get priority service from the TSA.

Sometimes, seniors are let into the TSA pre-check line even if they aren’t part of the program.

Keep the Itinerary Simple

A packed itinerary is a great idea if you’re traveling exclusively with younger people.

Most seniors aren’t as energetic as they used to be, so keeping the itinerary simple while traveling will make them feel more comfortable.

Try to schedule activities so there are short breaks in between. Give your parents time to take naps and don’t keep them out too late.

Also, don’t be afraid to book activities separately. This will give your parents a chance to do their own thing, and it gives you an opportunity to try out some more adventurous activities.

For example, if you are in a tropical destination and you want to go diving, your senior parents may be better off having a drink or meal by the hotel pool.

Dress Comfortably

It’s never a good idea to travel anywhere without considering the weather at your destination.

Take the time to do research and make sure your parents pack loose-fitting clothes that are stretchy.

Athleisure garments are an excellent option for traveling seniors because they are breathable and unrestricted.

Be Cautious About Illness

Not all illnesses develop right away. Let your parents’ doctor know what destination they are traveling to, so they can keep an eye out for any specific diseases that are easily contracted in that area. They (and you) should also be vaccinated against any diseases prone to your destination.

If your parent has a caregiver, let them know about the trip as well, so they can keep an eye out for any abnormal symptoms.

When it comes to traveling with seniors, it’s vital that you make their needs and restrictions a priority during the planning process. With these tips, your trip should go smoothly!

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Travel

Where to Go and Why – The Best Places to Visit in the UK

Whilst jumping on a flight for a bit of escapism might not be quite as easy as it used to be, we’re excited about the prospect of exploring more of what the UK has to offer. From visiting London without the crowds and complimentary hotel upgrades, to spotting basking sharks and minke whales in Scotland, the year of the staycation is all about finding an adventure in the best of what the UK has to offer…

Cornwall

Why? To surf the waves at one of Cornwall’s most sought after beaches

Unsurprisingly, Cornwall, with its open spaces and beautiful beaches, tops the table for one of the most sought after destinations to visit post lockdown. Located by the iconic Tate St Ives building, Porthmeor is a safe and sandy beach, popular with surfers and swimmers and just a stone’s throw from the centre of St Ives where there are ancient pubs, charming cafes and lots of art galleries for which this town is famous for. Porthmeor beach is less crowded in late summer and autumn time and is the ideal location to hit the water with a surfboard.

Where to stay?

With direct access to this stunning beach, Coxswain’s Cottage is delightfully unassuming, whilst its interiors are unique, design-led and impeccably finished. The three bedrooms and three bathrooms (two of which are en-suite) are all wonderfully comfortable for a property of this size, with the large bathroom also converting into a decadent steam room, ideal for warming up after a plunge in the Cornish sea. What’s more, Coxswain’s Cottage has a secret tunnel leading straight onto Porthmeor beach and is right on the cobbled streets of St Ives – there are endless activities/restaurants/scenic sights in St Ives to explore.

Bath

Why? With footfall down 40-50% (Visit Bath) now is the time to visit this beautiful World Heritage city

Built for pleasure and relaxation, Bath has been a wellbeing destination since Roman times, and there’s no better time than now to discover this beautiful city with World Heritage status. With footfall into the city currently down by between 40-50% and yet plenty of Baths’ sites and lovely independent shops and eateries still open, and the stunning, surrounding Somerset countryside in full summer glory, now is an excellent time to book a staycation to the city. Visitors can also enjoy a visit to the Roman Baths, which are currently operating at only 30% (Visit Bath) capacity owing to the lack of international tourists.

Where to stay?

Overlooking the peaceful Henrietta Park, famed for its beautiful blossom trees and minutes walk from the heart of Bath, Roseate Villa Bath is a boutique hotel encompassing two converted Victorian houses, brimming with characterful legacy. With just 21 rooms and suites, Roseate Villa Bath is a home away from home. A visit to the hotel’s new Henrietta Bar is not to be missed. Roseate Villa Bath’s Afternoon Tea On Us exclusive offer includes a complimentary afternoon tea experience when booking a Superior Garden View Room between Sunday – Friday.

  • HOW: From £150 per night, Roseate House London’s Afternoon Tea On Us exclusive offer is available on bookings between Sunday – Friday and includes a delicious afternoon tea experience and overnight stay in a Superior Garden View Room – https://www.roseatehotels.com/bath/theroseatevilla/

Scotland

Why? For the chance to spot basking sharks, minke whales, seals, and puffins and to immerse in complete isolation

The south-west of Scotland, and indeed Ayrshire, is renowned for its majestic countryside and incredible wildlife. The famous volcanic outcrop of Ailsa Craig is not only one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries; home to over 40,000 birds, including puffins, guillemots and razorbills, but the Ayrshire waters are also teeming with marine life with basking sharks, dolphins, minke whales, and seals. With a newfound appreciation for nature and a desire for complete isolation, it comes as no surprise that Scotland is high up on the agenda for travellers.

Where to stay?

Stay at Glenapp Castle, a 17-bedroom luxurious Relais & Chateaux hotel tucked away on the breath-taking Ayrshire coast, Scotland. Glenapp Castle offers a unique Hebridean Sea Safari experience giving nature lovers a four night adventure exploring the Scottish isles in true style. This exciting and unique offering means that you don’t have to travel the world in search of incredible wildlife and adventure but instead travel a matter of hours to the south-west coast of Scotland for the ultimate UK staycation.

  • HOW: Stay in one of Glenapp Castle’s Garden View Suites from £415 and experience the Sea Safari from £2,950 per person, based on 7-8 people sharing on a full-board basis for 4 nights including 2 nights at Glenapp and 2 nights with the boat/Glenapp Camp. For further details, including information on bespoke trips, please see here. www.glenappcastle.com / 01465 831 212

London

Why? For complimentary room upgrades and to experience London’s restaurants, sights and parks without the crowds

Usually one of Europe’s most crowded cities, London is having a moment to breath. With a lack of international tourists and office workers confined to working from home, visitors can virtually enjoy having the city to themselves. Whilst London’s great cultural attractions are slowly coming back to life including the recent reopenings of The National Gallery and Tate Modern and many of Soho’s wonderful restaurants and drinking holes are also once again operating with all necessary precautions in place and the Royal Parks are at their summertime best, now is a perfect time to visit the city without the usual hordes.

Where to stay?

Roseate House London is a Grade-II listed townhouse featuring 48 luxurious rooms and suites, located on Westbourne Terrace, overlooking Hyde Park. The hotel is ideally located, minutes from Marble Arch, making London’s best cultural sites and entertainment in easy reach. Roseate House London is offering guests, 10% off published rates, complimentary room upgrades and additional benefits when booking a stay directly with the hotel.

  • HOW: Roseate House London’s Book Direct exclusive offer gives guests 10% off published rates when booking directly. The rate includes a complimentary room upgrade, welcome drink, early check in and late check out and 15% off F&B and laundry. Rates start from £109 per night – https://www.roseatehotels.com/london/roseatehouse/
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Destination Inspiration

Boho Bliss in Ibiza: The new beachfront escape in Santa Eulalia

With eclectic vibes and a flourish of boho, welcome to the coolest new opening on the White Isle.

As we slowly unfurl from months of lockdown, many of us are hankering for a seriously relaxing break. White sand, drink in hand, the slow rhythm of a steady island beat, and a short flight away, Ibiza is the ideal destination for those in need of some sunshine sanctuary. Fortunately for us, W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, has recently opened their newest offering on the beautiful island of Ibiza. The hotel brings the W brand’s distinctive energy, Whatever/Whenever® service philosophy and upbeat programming to the Balearic Islands. Located on the beachfront of Santa Eulalia, the resort will provide guests with direct access to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

W Ibiza embraces the island’s eclectic roots through bold and innovative design, capturing the free spirit of Ibiza whilst elevating the island experience to a new level. The main WET Deck (the brand’s signature take on the poolside scene) has direct access to the beachfront promenade and the white sands of Santa Eulalia beach, which guests can enjoy from W Ibiza’s very own Chiringuito Blue, W Hotels’ version of the traditional beach bars of Ibiza.

La Llama is the spot for breakfast, while Ve Café offers an array of vegetarian and vegan options centered around light, healthy food served in bowls. W Lounge serves food and drinks all day long, allowing guests to relax in swinging couches or chilling to lounge music late in the evening.

The 162 design-led guestrooms and suites bring a new level of eclectic luxury to the Isle, with beloved W comforts to ensure guests are fully recharged for the night ahead. All rooms offer the signature W Bed, plush bedding, and dream-easy pillows and scatter cushions. To detox from a day in the sun, guests can enjoy the spacious 4,000 square foot AWAY Spa with six private treatment rooms and the brand’s signature FIT gym experience. Perfect for some post-lockdown pampering.

With the brand’s iconic Whatever/Whenever® service available 24/7, and the clued-in W Insider on hand to grant access to the hot-spots nobody knows about, guests will be able to have whatever they want, whenever they want it.

To celebrate W Ibiza’s Summer 2020 opening, guests can take advantage of the Welcome Back promotion, which offers Marriott Bonvoy members 25% off room rates, including complimentary breakfast until 30 September. To find out more or to book your stay, visit WIbiza.com.

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