So if you’re feeling inspired and planning to conquer table mountain, or just lounge by the Silo Hotel’s very own rooftop pool; then your outfits should definitely match the occasion. Our suggestion? Embrace classic khakis and contemporary earth tones – for a safari look that is as fierce as the wildlife.
Khaki Gabriela Hat by Misaharada available at www.misaharada.com
Leopard print bodysuit by Longchamp available at longchamp.com
With the new year comes Hollywood’s awards season. It kicked-off with a glittering bang last weekend with the 77th Golden Globe Awards- thank you for the laughs, Ricky Gervais! – and if you’re anything like me, with that comes the anticipation of who is wearing what and generally, just basking in the fabulousness of it all. But how do the stars get red-carpet ready? From sweat lodges to vitamin injections, #TeamCoco got the scoop on on how they make the most of West Hollywood’s world-famous wellness and shopping experiences, in the heart of Los Angeles.
Sweat it out at the ‘Urban Sweat Lodge’: Join one of West Hollywood’s alternative sweat sessions at the Shape House, offering a sweating experience wrapped in a heated blanket whilst watching Netflix. During the sweat session, the heart receives a workout similar to that of a ten-mile run, resulting in an intense, detoxifying, health-boosting sweat, burning 800-1,600 calories. Individual sweat sessions cost $65.
Revitalise with vitamin injections: Rehab Wellness is a medical wellness centre, offering a variety of healthcare and aesthetics to help guests feel better, look younger and live longer. One of the most popular treatments on offer is the vitamin injection, with shots starting from $24. Benefits include increased energy and metabolism, improved digestion and skin health.
Give your face a workout: Opened inside the 1 Hotel in September, FaceGym has made its way to LA following the opening of six locations in the UK and one in New York City. The concept is for ‘Trainers’ to perform a range of non-invasive workouts for your face and employ the latest cutting-edge technology and high-performance skincare products.
Pause, breathe and unplug: Unplug Meditation, the world’s first drop-in, secular meditation studio, opened its doors in West Hollywood in April 2014. The wide variety of simple and eclectic classes are led by top experts, inspiring visits to pause, breathe and unplug daily, to get calmer, healthier and happier.
Make like the stars and shop!
Design District: West Hollywood’s Design District home to California’s premier design, art, fashion and beauty stores. Surrounding the Pacific Design Center – home to more than 100 trade-only showrooms – are dozens of shops offering one of a kind home goods and clothing, to get you ready for a night of celebration.
Melrose Avenue: Melrose Avenue is one of LA’s most iconic streets, with a wide variety of trendy shops and restaurants. Those looking to stand out can head to Melrose Place, which offers an eye-popping array of designer stores, including Isabel Marant and Marc Jacobs, as well as carefully curated boutiques.
Award season hotspots and where to stay:
The West Hollywood EDITION: Located on the corner of West Sunset Boulevard and North Doheny Drive, the recently opened West Hollywood EDITION features 190 design-forward luxury rooms and suites, along with 20 residences. Each room boasts indulgent bedding, inviting baths and Le Labo products, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows receiving impressive views of the LA skyline. Guestscan revel in a rooftop pool, six-treatment room spa, lobby lounge, basement club and signature restaurant.
Kimpton La Peer Hotel: Kimpton La Peer Hotel can be found in the heart of the city’s lively Design District. La Peer signals “unbuttoned luxury” with its chic European-styled rooms, complete with white oak herringbone floors, a calming colour palette and deep soaking baths. It’s an intimate place with just 105 guestrooms and suites and a pool that’s refreshingly casual – accented with Gaudi tiles, shady olive trees and a vertical garden wall.
Hotel 850 SVB: A sister property to the iconic Sunset Tower Hotel – which held one of the Golden Globes after parties this year – Hotel 850 SVB offers a chic home-from-home in the heart of West Hollywood. The hotel offers 23 beautifully appointed rooms, a communal living room, large rooftop terrace and modern pantry where guests can enjoy meals from Chefs from across the city, located within the historical bungalow façade, tucked away in a residential street.
Just 12 miles outside of Edinburgh nestled into the spectacular Scottish countryside sits the beautiful Borthwick Castle; an exclusive use venue available to hire for all manner of occasions.
Surrounded by green fields and tucked away at the bottom of a valley in Gorebridge, Scotland, the beauty of this 15th century castle is obvious, but after staying there you soon understand just what a special place it is. The historical significance is poignant and your regularly reminded of the castle’s rich past; thanks to the bedchamber named after Mary Queen of Scots (who once stayed at the castle herself) and the damage to the outside of the building caused by canon fire from Oliver Cromwell.
Winding stone staircases and small doorways add to the charm of the castle – it would be a truly magical place to visit as a child (perfect for a long game of hide and seek!)
The Great Hall is truly beautiful. The grandeur is impressive, with dramatic high ceilings and exposed brickwork feeling authentic to the castle’s heritage. It’s the perfect room for a feast; traditional, banquet-style tables take centre stage, making dining for large groups easy and enjoyable.
And dining at Borthwick does not disappoint – the day begins with an enviable breakfast spread with everything from cereals to pastries to chef’s special oats and ends with a customisable menu built to fit the needs of any guest.
Head Chef Derek Johnstone is Roux-trained, the winner of the inaugural Masterchef The Professionals and a finalist of Chef of the Year 2019 and 2020. Working with him and the Food and Beverage Manager you can have full control over the food for you and your guests; designing one-of-a-kind menus full of delicious dishes created with seasonal flavours and local ingredients.
For after-dinner drinks the State Room is warm and inviting, reminiscent of a Hogwarts Common Room, decked out with comfortable couches and chairs and full of cosy corners. It’s the kind of room you want to be in reading a book by the open fire listening to the sound of rain hitting the windows. For an event it’s a great space for a drinks reception or for down time between busier parts of a schedule. It would be the most perfect place to spend Christmas day morning (yes, Borthwick do offer bookings 365 days a year) opening presents with a roaring fire and festive songs playing.
Sleeping in the castle is both novel and comfortable. Ten plush bedchambers can sleep up to 20 guests and a further four guests in Crookston Cottage and two more in the newly refurbished Gatehouse – both within the grounds of the castle. Each sleeping space has its own personality and quirks, such as reading alcoves looking out over the grounds, beautiful marble bathtubs and cute twin beds.
At the very top of the castle is The Garrison, a space often used for wedding ceremonies or presentations but it can be personalised to fit the needs of your event. This is very much the theme at Borthwick Castle – the committed staff pride themselves on going above and beyond to bring your dreams to life.
Borthwick Castle operates as a private hire location available to host just about any event you can think of; weddings, birthdays, business events, family parties and reunions to name a few. The venue can accommodate 80 guests for events and dining and up to 26 guests to sleep. Three unique and versatile reception rooms and a small outside area can be tailored to fit the needs of your event. An experienced team of staff are dedicated to making your occasion-related dreams come true by helping you every step of the way.
There is something rather magical about winter in Finnish Lapland. From dreamy pastel tones that fill the sky, the romantic whiteout landscapes to watching the Northern Lights dance above you, there is something the seems otherworldly inside Finland’s pocket of the Arctic Circle.
While the pristine wilderness of Finnish Lapland is beautiful in summer and autumn, it is winter that truly takes pride of place for this unspoiled corner of Scandinavia. With a truly remarkable offering from festive getaways and ski breaks to uncovering Sami culture and catching a glimpse of the best light show on earth, there’s no shortage of things to do in Lapland.
We love all things winter wonderland related, so we’ve gathered the things you cannot miss doing on an adventure in Finnish Lapland.
1. Go dog sledding
A huge part of the culture here in Finnish Lapland, dog sledding is one of the most popular and iconic activities on offer. An integral part of the Sami culture for centuries, dog sledding was a primary means of transport in the Arctic. There are a number of tours that allow you to experience your own dog sledding moment, many of which give you the opportunity to try your hand at mushing (driving the sled).
From gentle, relaxing trails that weave through snow dusted pine forests and across frozen lakes to more demanding paths with trails that give you a hours of beautiful landscapes zipping by, there’s no shortage of excursions to choose from.
Many husky safaris also include a snack or meal and a hot drink to warm you after a few hours in the frigid temps. Cosy up by an open fire in a traditional wooden hut, and warm your toes as you sip hot juice and enjoy homemade soup.
It’s important to remember to research your tour operator and select an ethical practice when considering your options for any animal tourism.
2. See the northern lights
There’s no doubt that magic is real once you’ve watched the spectacular light show that is the Aurora Borealis. Ribbons of green and purple blaze through the inky night sky in a dance that is truly beyond this world in a brilliant display of nature’s finest work.
Hunting the northern lights is as much about luck as it is about preparation. There’s a few key considerations before you head out looking for them. The time of year (October-March is best, but they can sometimes be seen in September and April), no light pollution and clear skies. The rest really comes down to mother nature.
For the best chances to see the brilliance of the Aurora for yourself, joining a northern lights tour in Lapland will pair you with a team of expert guides who know the best locations and exactly what to look out for.
If you plan to give it a go alone, remember to avoid light pollution and be patient. The lights can be fleeting or last for hours, coming in ebbs and flows as the particles in the atmosphere react. There are also a few Aurora apps that can help you with notifications of where the best opportunities are based on your location and geomagnetic activity.
Just remember, this one is about luck. Give yourself a few nights in case of bad weather or the lights simply not showing up sometimes. We recommend 3-5 nights for the best chances.
3. Wake up in a glass igloo
You’ll truly feel like you’ve woken up on the set of Frozen after spending a night in a glass igloo. Giving you uninterrupted access to the night’s sky, this can be one of the best locations to spot the northern lights if you’re lucky. Cosy up with a hot chocolate and watch one of the best shows on earth unfold, without having to leave the warmth of your igloo.
Of course, a stay in a glass igloo is idyllic in any situation. The views from these unique accommodations are incredible, with the short days in winter casting sorbet tones across the skies for hours at a time – an endless golden hour.
There are several options for a glass igloo stay, from the gateway to the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi to the remote northern settlement of Saariselkä. But they book out early, so get in quick if you’re planning your Lapland escape.
4. Enjoy a Finnish sauna experience
In a country where there are over 3 million saunas, it should be a must-do on everyone’s list while in Finland. A traditional pastime much-loved by the Finns, there is something deeply therapeutic about a session in a Finnish sauna.
Coming in from the crisp winter air of the outdoors, your body will love warming up in one of these steamy wooden rooms. Of course if you’d like to really challenge your body, why not try a dip in the freezing water of a nearby lake before thawing in the comfort of the Finns favourite social space?
5. Visit Santa
No trip to Lapland would be complete without a visit to the jolly fellow we all know and love. Considered the home of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi is the ideal place to enjoy a festive break any time of year.
There’s plenty to see and do at Santa Claus Village, with reindeer sleigh rides and Santa’s workshop. The Arctic Circle actually cuts right through Santa Claus Village meaning you can be both inside and outside the circle at the same time!
You can spend the night in one of the cabins on site, with the option to keep an eye on the skies to spot the northern lights dancing their way overhead. Just to add to the fun of it all, any mail you post from here will be postmarked from Santa’s post office.
Whether you love to ski, hike, bake or even try a spot of mountain top yoga, Lech in Austria is the place to be in 2020. In winter, it’s a ski bunny’s paradise and receives up to twice as much snow as some of its alpine counterparts. Lech is expecting snow in the next few days, so if you are looking for a great ski destination – head to this beautiful city for some snow-filled fun.
Travelling to Lech is a breeze. You can either fly into Innsbruck or Zurich – both of which make for a scenic drive or why not get the train? Langen am Arlberg is just 15 km away from the centre of Lech. There is also a special ski coach that you can take in winter which takes you directly from Zurich to the hotel.
We stayed in the beautiful and charming Hotel Arlberg which is conveniently situated in the heart of this picturesque town. This five-star ski and wellness boutique hotel is a luxury alpine retreat brimming in character and is run by a friendly and professional family team who have previously hosted the likes of Princess Diana.
The décor is luxurious yet eclectic and has subtle nods to its mountain surroundings. Think rustic cool where you will find both objet d’art and stylish accessories sitting side-by-side. The rooms are huge and are elegantly furnished.
We loved spending time in the hotels elegant spa where you can enjoy relaxing massages, rejuvenating facials and more. We highly recommend the Susanne Kaufman facial which will bring your winter weary skin back to life in the space of just one hour.
Wellness is certainly a huge theme in Lech. The town and its inhabitants pride themselves on relaxation and rejuvenation. Locals and tourists are encouraged to take part in holistic activities such as barefoot hiking, sound walking and more.
There is so much to do in Lech and it really is a great destination for skiing. However, if you would prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground (as opposed to a pair of skis) then Lech won’t disappoint. You can try your hand at some mountain top yoga in the spring, pilates or even a cookery class at the hotel where you can make some delicious local delicacies under the watchful eye of the hotels acclaimed pastry chef.
Wine lovers simply must try the hotel’s wine tasting experience where co-owner Patrick will take you through a superb selection of wines that are certain to impress. If you didn’t love Austrian wine before you arrive in Lech, you will certainly leave Austria with a new passion for the region’s wines.
If you are looking to try a variety of different activities, we recommend that you acquire a ‘My Lech’ card which will give you access to lots of fun things to do in the warmer months in Lech.
From admiring the views from a cable car to taking an e-bike tour where you can navigate your way down the mountain. You can even take a herb hiking tour where you can discover the best that nature has to offer in this pretty town.
Lech is definitely one of the prettiest towns in Austria, so make sure that you add this to your places to stay in 2020 and beyond bucket list.
Biting into a sweet, gooey date as I sipped my Turkish tea was the perfect welcome to the Ajwa Sultanahmet Hotel Istanbul Turkey. It even overtook (just slightly, because of my stomach’s rumbling) the fancy car service that transported me from the airport to the hotel.
Experience Luxury and Elegance
The gorgeous Ajwa Sultanahmet Istanbul is exactly that – gorgeous. The stunning architecture is what catches your eye as soon as it is in sight – regardless of the time of the day as either the sun is hitting the walls, making the gold shine strong and the white stone appear to have flecks of pink and blue; or the entire hotel is a glowing building, standing out completely on the corner of the street. The hotel is what I’d imagine a Turkish princess’s first ‘home away from home’ to be. A beautiful grand entrance, stunning and ornate decor – featuring only the best artists’ handiwork – and a private hammam to indulge in a cleansing scrub.
The interiors of the hotel are even more decorative, with the furniture being a mixture of locally-made designs, as well as some from Damascus. The chairs and cabinets feature beautiful Mother of Pearl details and each floor showcases Azerbaijani (or Azeri) artwork on the walls. If you take a liking to this kind of design, be sure to visit the nearby shops which double as art galleries – they sell different pieces of furniture, as well as Persian rugs.
Biting into a sweet, gooey date as I sipped my Turkish tea was the perfect welcome to the Ajwa Sultanahmet Hotel Istanbul Turkey. It even overtook (just slightly, because of my stomach’s rumbling) the fancy car service that transported me from the airport to the hotel.
Experience Luxury and Elegance
The gorgeous Ajwa Sultanahmet Istanbul is exactly that – gorgeous. The stunning architecture is what catches your eye as soon as it is in sight – regardless of the time of the day as either the sun is hitting the walls, making the gold shine strong and the white stone appear to have flecks of pink and blue; or the entire hotel is a glowing building, standing out completely on the corner of the street. The hotel is what I’d imagine a Turkish princess’s first ‘home away from home’ to be. A beautiful grand entrance, stunning and ornate decor – featuring only the best artists’ handiwork – and a private hammam to indulge in a cleansing scrub.
The interiors of the hotel are even more decorative, with the furniture being a mixture of locally-made designs, as well as some from Damascus. The chairs and cabinets feature beautiful Mother of Pearl details and each floor showcases Azerbaijani (or Azeri) artwork on the walls. If you take a liking to this kind of design, be sure to visit the nearby shops which double as art galleries – they sell different pieces of furniture, as well as Persian rugs.
Indulge in Opulence
This stunning artwork continues within the Ajwa hotel rooms; my bathroom door is open as I walk in so I am immediately greeted by beautiful blue patterned tiles and rose gold finishing. Mother of Pearl is present in the furniture and that’s probably all I focus on as, afterwards, my attention was very much so diverted to the large bed that was calling my name. There are 48 Deluxe Rooms (of which I was lucky to secure one) but if you’re looking for something slightly more swish, the hotel offers a Presidential Suite and even separate guesthouses if you’re travelling in a group.
Breakfast at Ajwa is an impressive display. You can opt for the buffet which offers an array of treats: eggs, courgette and spinach fritters, Turkish sausages; pides; labneh – the works. Alternatively, you can order a la carte, including the traditional Turkish breakfast spread…which pretty much includes every item on the buffet and more. I’d definitely recommend a sunrise breakfast as the panoramic view from the restaurant is so pretty – you can see a mixture of the Old City and the Marmara Sea.
Discover the Rich History and Culinary Delights of Istanbul
Lunch and dinner are served on the same top floor, in the Zeferan restaurant and the Azerbaijani chef cooks up a feast every mealtime. Whether plates full of grilled meats, salads and ‘shakh plov’ (a local rice dish) or Sultan’s stew (lamb with aubergine purée) and yoghurt soup; one thing is for certain – I did not go hungry here.
With the Old City right on your doorstep, you’re minutes away from impressive and historical sights such as the Blue Mosque, the Haiga Sophia and Topkapi Palace. The hotel concierge was only too happy to fix me up with a tour guide – I have been to Istanbul before but you learn so much more about the cultural spots with someone who knows all about them. For example, my guide told me that there are over 21,647 tiles making up the Blue Mosque (so named because of the dark blue titles on the interior design and, over time, the name changed from Dark Blue Tiled Mosque to Blue Mosque). Another interesting fact I was told, was that it took 10,000 people to build the Haiga Sophia over five years – and it took 13,000 kg of gold in expenses. My jaw definitely dropped at this point.
Immerse Yourself in Luxury and Tradition
A trip to the famous Grand Bazaar was a hectic but fascinating experience, as I loaded up with spices, ceramics and jewellery. It’s easy to get lost inside – and it’s no wonder as the Grand Bazaar is home to five mosques, two fountains, 67 roads, 40 doors and even a school.
After a busy day of walking the streets of Istanbul, nothing is more appealing than a trip to the hammam I mentioned earlier. The Afiya Spa at the hotel is something everyone should definitely experience. I had received the traditional Turkish treatment before but the hammam room at Ajwa was by far one of the most beautiful I’d seen and well worth a visit. The Turkish Bath treatment takes place in the spa and after a menthol steam room session, I enjoyed a thorough scrubbing. It wasn’t as harsh as I’ve had this treatment before which is fantastic, as you can really relax as you’re getting exfoliated and becoming the cleanest you’ve ever been. Seriously – the cleanest I’ve been in my life.
A magical stay that I would definitely recommend for anyone wanting a boutique hotel experience while being footsteps from the majority of Istanbul’s best gems.
Indulge in Opulence
This stunning artwork continues within the Ajwa hotel rooms; my bathroom door is open as I walk in so I am immediately greeted by beautiful blue patterned tiles and rose gold finishing. Mother of Pearl is present in the furniture and that’s probably all I focus on as, afterwards, my attention was very much so diverted to the large bed that was calling my name. There are 48 Deluxe Rooms (of which I was lucky to secure one) but if you’re looking for something slightly more swish, the hotel offers a Presidential Suite and even separate guesthouses if you’re travelling in a group.
Breakfast at Ajwa is an impressive display. You can opt for the buffet which offers an array of treats: eggs, courgette and spinach fritters, Turkish sausages; pides; labneh – the works. Alternatively, you can order a la carte, including the traditional Turkish breakfast spread. Which pretty much includes every item on the buffet and more. I’d recommend a sunrise breakfast as the panoramic view from the restaurant is so pretty – you can see a mixture of the Old City and the Marmara Sea.
Discover the Rich History and Culinary Delights
Lunch and dinner are served on the same top floor, in the Zeferan restaurant and the Azerbaijani chef cooks up a feast every mealtime. Whether plates full of grilled meats, salads and ‘shakh plov’ (a local rice dish) or Sultan’s stew (lamb with aubergine purée) and yoghurt soup; one thing is for certain – I did not go hungry here.
With the Old City right on your doorstep, you’re minutes away from impressive and historical sights such as the Blue Mosque, the Haiga Sophia and Topkapi Palace. The hotel concierge was only too happy to fix me up with a tour guide – I have been to Istanbul before but you learn so much more about the cultural spots with someone who knows all about them. For example, my guide told me that there are over 21,647 tiles making up the Blue Mosque (so named because of the dark blue titles on the interior design and, over time, the name changed from Dark Blue Tiled Mosque to Blue Mosque). Another interesting fact I was told, was that it took 10,000 people to build the Haiga Sophia over five years – and it took 13,000 kg of gold in expenses. My jaw definitely dropped at this point.
Immerse Yourself in Luxury and Tradition
A trip to the famous Grand Bazaar was a hectic but fascinating experience, as I loaded up with spices, ceramics and jewellery. It’s easy to get lost inside – and it’s no wonder as the Grand Bazaar is home to five mosques, two fountains, 67 roads, 40 doors and even a school.
After a busy day of walking the streets of Istanbul, nothing is more appealing than a trip to the hammam I mentioned earlier. The Afiya Spa at the hotel is something everyone should experience. I had received the traditional Turkish treatment before but the hammam room at Ajwa was by far one of the most beautiful I’d seen and well worth a visit. The Turkish Bath treatment takes place in the spa and after a menthol steam room session, I enjoyed a thorough scrubbing. It wasn’t as harsh as I’ve had this treatment before which is fantastic, as you can relax as you’re getting exfoliated and becoming the cleanest you’ve ever been. Seriously – the cleanest I’ve been in my life.
A magical stay that I would recommend for anyone wanting a boutique hotel experience while being footsteps from the majority of Istanbul’s best gems.
If you’re considering liposuction for enhanced contours, check out our comprehensive guide to liposuction in Turkey on House of Coco. Discover how this procedure can shape your dreams and redefine your silhouette.
Close your eyes and picture that storybook castle you would draw as a kid, on those rainy days when you weren’t allowed to play outside. There’s a big door in the middle, and two towers on either side with battlements across the top, and probably a flag flying from a pole on the roof, too.
Lumley Castle is about as close to that as you can imagine. It was built in the 14th Century after Sir Ralph Lumley returned seemingly very paranoid, from a war in Scotland and converted his then family home into a castle. Turns out he wasn’t paranoid, and was actually involved in a plot to overthrow King Henry IV, so was locked up and eventually executed. It gets more cheery, we promise.
The castle fell down through generations until eventually becoming part of No Ordinary Hotels, but is actually still owned by the 13th Earl of Scarborough. His name? Richard Lumley of course.
Between the original castle building and the old converted stables, now known as the courtyard, Lumley Castle has 73 rooms. The courtyard has three different types of rooms ranging from suite to classic – for those seeking more of a contemporary twist, but while still retaining some of the history and heritage of the place – vaulted ceilings and exposed beams do that for you here.
However, in the main castle is where it really gets interesting. Just the experience of staying in a real 600 year old English castle is enough to get us excited, but the rooms are actually beautifully refined. It’s everything you’d expect from a modern hotel room, but with all of the character and atmosphere from a medieval fortress.
If you’re really looking for that old English romantic getaway (or you’re into Game of Thrones roleplay) the King James Suite is a remarkable medieval bedchamber built in what used to be the chapel of the old castle (if these walls could talk…), which was probably the only room in the building with ceilings high enough to fit its magnificent twenty-feet-high four-poster bed. The suite is achingly authentic – the bed, the vaulted door, the red carpets and thick tapestry-like drapes – but is still awash with 21st-Century conveniences like a Nespresso machine and a jacuzzi bath. Just like in the fairytales!
The staple of the castle dining scene is the ‘Knights Restaurant’ (are you noticing a theme here?) which serves up fantastic prepared food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Not to shy away too much from the castle’s heyday in the Middle Ages, dishes are rich and served in hefty portions, but have thankfully done away with the grog and roasted hedgehogs which would have once adorned these dining rooms. Nowadays on the menu you’re more likely to find a really good 21-day dry-aged steak, or a fillet of Indian spiced cod, which are both excellent choices. And to drink, no Cock Ale, but a fine list of very carefully selected wines and malt whiskeys.
Some castles rely entirely on their historic significance to get by, but Lumley Castle is moving with the times. Last year, the castle even opened its own Escape Room which tells the story of Lily, the Ghost of Lumley – one of the supposed castle resident ghosts who fell victim to a deadly curse and whose spirit became trapped in the castle… if you believe such things.
“Having established itself over the world as the leading Spanish urban chain, Room Mate Group is continuing to innovate and has created a new business line, as it aims to rediscover the experience and concept of the beachfront hotel.”
As the January blues creep up and the hunger for some foreign sunshine settles in, there’s no better time to start thinking about your 2020 summer getaway. But, instead of clocking up your air mileage chasing the warm temperatures and Insta-worthy landscapes, Room Mate’s most-recent boutique hotel to hit the map means you no longer have to fly long-haul to experience some oceanside luxury.
And to celebrate the opening of their most recent venture, Room Mate Beach Hotel are gifting their customers with 40% off bookings throughout January. Despite the brand having established itself worldwide since 2005, the hotel will be the first of its kind for Kike Sarasola, who’s vision to expand into beachside resorts is looking to be a successful move for the company.
Alongside the carefully crafted selection of culinary delights on offer, visitors can expect to be greeted with an interior fashioned by internationally-renowned landscape designer, Jaime Beriestain.
“I have focused on the Mediterranean, its beaches, its culture, and its traditions and also taken inspiration from the vital role that craftsmanship plays in many of the island’s towns. I have closely studied materials used by local craftspeople on the island, such as leather, clay, ceramics and vegetable fibers, in order to creatively incorporate them into the hotel’s decor”
Tapping into this season’s most coveted trends of wellness and personal health, the hotel doesn’t fall short of its own wellbeing amenities – boasting an impressive four open-air swimming pools and Balinese-inspired sun deck area, Room Mate is the perfect excuse to take a break from your everyday routine and unwind on the coast of one of Spain’s most atmospheric landscapes. Located just off the island’s prominent Calviá Beach, Room Mate Olivia grants its guests with their own little slice of beachside tranquillity; but should you find yourself craving the urban-city lifestyle energy, the islands capital city of Palma can be accessed via a short drive from the hotel.
So, as to be expected, House of Coco couldn’t miss an opportunity to visit this exciting new addition to the Balearic’s shoreline. In the run-up to the hotel’s grand opening, don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled on our socials later this year and join us on our trip to oceanside heaven.
For more information, visit Room Mate Hotels at www.room-matehotels.com
If there is one image on Instagram that has defined the influence of this social media site on travel habits, it is the iconic image of overwater villas over crystal clear blue waters with exotic tropical fish in places like The Maldives. This is an aspirational experience and one on most people’s bucket list. The team at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has clearly understood this fact and it was no surprise they’ve built substantially more overwater villas in their recent $20 million renovations.
When Team Coco stayed at the resort, we tested out both their cottage with garden view and their mesmerising water bungalows. There are positives with both types of accommodation. The former option is surprisingly pocket-friendly with a dreamy outdoor garden en-suite that celebrates your arrival to a tropical paradise. There is an alfresco rain shower which you can enjoy along to the sounds of native birds.
When we moved to the water bungalows, it felt like we were finally at The Maldives, everyone has been daydreaming about. You could be the worst photographer in the world and still come up with masterpieces here such is the picture postcard-perfect scenery. The warm Indian waters are just steps away from your balcony and schools of tropical fish are easy to spot.
If you are worried about dining options being stuck on a remote island, fear not. Firstly, they are on one of the largest islands in The Maldives and they provide 7 varied options to cater for all tastes and whether you are looking for something more casual or formal. Lovers of Asian cuisines are extremely well-catered for here with Thai, Indian and Chinese restaurants available.
There are culinary experiences not to be missed at this resort and the first one is their lagoon lunch. You are sat on an idyllic wooden bench with your legs submerged in the balmy lagoon waters with small, friendly reef sharks swimming in the distance, there are beautiful floral decorations on the table and an attentive server who brings you Champagne and 5 top-quality courses.
The other dining experience, which is utterly unmissable is a visit to their Sea Salt restaurant. They have a fresh seafood tank where you can pick the fresh fish or lobster you would like to sample. Their seared tuna and scallops starters are serious causes of hypersalivation whilst the superlative seafood platter is a seafood lover’s paradise.
With all this mention of food, you might wonder what sporting activities there might be on offer. Non-motorised water sports like kayaking, snorkelling are all complimentary but if you’ve never tried jet-skiing, then this would be the perfect opportunity. You can drive this powerful beast out into the open waters with supervision from their staff.
There are plenty of less adrenaline-inducing activities such as a sunset dolphin cruise and you won’t struggle to spot these majestic beasts as there will be dozens swimming around your boat. You can have a morning yoga class on the sandy beaches on the island or you can visit their Shine spa which is on a separate private island where you can enjoy ayurvedic treatments and soothing massages.
With prices starting at £315 per night, the Maldives dream is much more affordable than you think and something you should tick off the bucket list in 2020.
Nightly rates at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa (www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/mlesi-sheraton-maldives-full-moon-resort-and-spa/; +960 664 2010) start from $400/£315 per night based on 2 people sharing a Deluxe Garden View King Room on a B&B basis.
Rapidly cementing its status as a top destination for foodie travellers, Santa Barbara’s culinary scene has never been better. Situated just two hours north of Los Angeles, California, the region holds all the raw ingredients for great wining, dining and culture – from year-round produce and sustainable seafood to world-class vineyards, not to mention a blossoming art scene to boot. Here’s why you should visit in 2020…
Devour world-class food in fabulous surroundings
In recent years, a flurry of new chefs have arrived in Santa Barbara who are applying a high level of skill to the abundant local produce. Forget stuffy white table cloths and smart dress codes, this city is all about laidback luxury. Serving up some of California’s most innovative dining experiences, a number of recently opened restaurants have been wowing locals and visitors alike. Try Bibi-Ji, Santa Barbara’s first contemporary Indian, serving playful spins on classics with a menu that highlights the local seafood served ‘sea-to-table’, Tyger Tyger, a dynamic 1,900-square-foot marketplace featuring ‘fast-fine’ Southeast Asian cuisine, or Loquita, a lively Spanish-style restaurant in the Funk Zone.
There’s a brand new culinary festival
Santa Barbara is on the cusp of launching a city-wide extravaganza, the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, presented in partnership with the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts. The event, taking place 13-15 March 2020, is a new annual festival celebrating the bounty of what is grown in and around Santa Barbara, including a tasting event showcasing the best of Santa Barbara’s food and drink, hands-on cooking classes, food trend talks, and more. A new map of Julia Child’s favourite Santa Barbara haunts, specially created for release during the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, will enable visitors to follow in the famous chef’s footsteps any time of year.
…And a burgeoning art scene
In addition to a growing creative scene, which is evident throughout Santa Barbara’s creative Funk Zone, Santa Barbara Museum of Art will reveal a newly expanded, multi-floor wing in spring 2020, housing photography, Asian art and other exciting exhibits. To open the new wing, the museum will host an exhibit on Vincent van Gogh and his influences, “Through Vincent’s Eyes,” in October 2020. By presenting around 15 works of art by Van Gogh alongside more than 125 works of art selected to reflect the surprisingly varied art that he most admired, the landmark exhibition makes Santa Barbara one to watch on the art circuit.
It’s an Instagrammer’s dream
The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in Santa Barbara is how pretty it is. Spanish colonial style architecture, pristine streets lined with shops, restaurants, wineries and boutiques, a gorgeous harbour and miles of sandy beaches make it a picture-perfect holiday destination. Delve a bit deeper and you’ll find that the interiors really live up to the city’s shiny exterior. Instagram’s great and good stay at the Martyn Lawrence Bullard-designed Hotel Californian, where Spanish colonial revival architecture and a modern Moorish vibe combine, creating a design infusion begging to be photographed.
It’s the perfect spot to rosé (or pinot) all day
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the cult-classic film Sideways brought worldwide fame for Santa Barbara wine country. Wine consumption increased in general while the demand for elegant, and highly quaffable, pinot noir shot up. The Oscar-winning movie was filmed almost entirely on-location throughout Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County. Nowadays, you don’t need to trawl from vineyard to vineyard to get your hands on some of the destination’s celebrated bottles. Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail offers both novices and aficionados the opportunity to learn about and taste the wines of many different varieties and styles crafted by the County’s best winemakers. 30 wineries across the California city now make up the trail and can be explored by foot, bike or taxi.
Relax in the lap of luxury
Accommodation in Santa Barbara comes in many shapes and sizes. Curl up in a hillside hideaway like the iconic Belmond El Encanto, immerse yourself right in the action at Harbor View Inn’s brand new downtown wing or relax in the lap of luxury at Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito, which opened just last year. On a budget? No bother. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, lies El Capitan Canyon, a resort boasting fully furnished cedar-lined cabins with vaulted ceilings and French doors opening onto El Capitan Beach and offering incredible ocean views.
Live the true California beach life
After soaking the city’s food and culture, it’s time to hit the beach. With miles of sun-drenched and sandy coastline, there’s a spot to suit every type of traveller, from surf-seekers to families. Dog lovers should head to Arroyo Burro Beach, better known to locals as Hendry’s Beach, where pooches revel on the dog-friendly flat sands. If surfing is your bag, Leadbetter Beach is best for catching waves, while sophisticates will enjoy the pristine sands of Butterfly Beach, where cocktails can be taken at the nearby Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Heading closer to town, family-friendly East Beach is located next to Stearns Wharf, with lifeguard stations, a playground and cafés.
