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Why Villa Week Needs To Be On Your Bucket List

In July 2017 the first ever The Villa Week was organised for former guests and friends of their brand VillaGG.com. It got booked right away and everyone loved the idea of an all-inclusive organised holiday.

From then on, they continued to expand the initial idea, integrating new exceptional events and ultimately reaching the goal of the > all-in-one > all-inclusive > luxury holiday > experience. Everything that we love here at House of Coco magazine. With travel being what we live for, we went along to meet The Villa Week to find out more about the brand that needs to be on your bucket list…

Who is the perfect The Villa Week customer?
Someone very familiar, namely a person with a fairly sized bucket list of experiences he never had the time to do cross off and is getting seriously freaked out that life will pass by without getting close to tick off those checkboxes. Does that ring a bell? Oh wait, yes, that’s you!

You as our perfect traveler settles for nothing less than full comfort and flexibility while he’s hungry to experience action-packed adventures with plenty of ‘do it for the ‘gram’ dose of dressed-up luxury opportunities.

Namely, in today’s tourism world, adventures are often reliant on niches – bikers should take cycling trips, yoga lovers should attend yoga retreats, and comfort should only be reserved for hotels and cruises that are full of retirees and families after ease. Unfortunately, this leaves out an enthusiastic group of open-minded people who want to have it all across one week, and that is why we created the week of everything.

What sets you apart from other travel brands?
Maybe one comment on our YouTube video summed it up pretty nicely “this looks like a James Bond lifestyle holiday – just without the stress.”

Basically, it’s a 7-day experience packed with almost 40 different activities including diverse adventures, educational outing, local food, culture all organized around your stay in outstanding luxurious accommodation. However, what REALLY sets us apart from anything on the market is best explained in our hashtag #LeaveYoyrWalletAtHome

Yes, you got that right. If you don’t like hidden fees that always lurk aside until the start of your regular holiday or if you simply don’t want to carry your wallet around looking for exchange offices, price lists and TripAdvisor reviews. We now offer you something completely new. From the moment you land until your flight back, every detail is included from the helicopter ride to the wine tasting bringing a whole new dimension to the word ALL-INCLUSIVE.

It should be noted that even drinks in clubs are included so you can turn your brain off and enjoy the ride as your hosts take care of all the details, itinerary, food, even packing tips. We like to run it down to the smallest details so we took years of planning and experience in order to bring the concept of a group driven, like – minded individuals and taking them to places that are stunning and mind blowing, but also creating feelings and friendships that far outlast the trip itself.

Your concept is really fun and unique, what can guests expect by getting involved with Villa Week

Imagine a magical world of freedom with the option to choose what odyssey fits into your plans for the day. A fine-tuned and delicately detailed week away where you don’t have to move a limb if you don’t want to while staying at all inclusive villas.

Expect the holiday not having to think from the moment you step off the airplane to the cheeks you kiss to say goodbye. The flawless dinner without frantically collecting money to pay the bill at the end. Imagine getting to keep your wallet locked away at home for an entire week.

Or better yet, visualize having your hangover wishes granted as a masseuse joins you poolside to rub away the pain – and when the headache subsides? A private driver brings you back to the fun via speed boat or luxury transfer, of if you don’t feel like it, the private chef in the villa cooks a meal just for you as you float around the villa pool.

What can people expect to see from you in 2020

They can expect the James Bond lifestyle holiday getting even more 007 with new additional experiences reaching now almost 40 different experiences in one single week creating the ultimate feeling after you have been through it all. New additions are SKYDIVING that was already introduced this year to PAINTBALL target shooting, SALSA LESSONS, LUXURY CAR drive, SCUBA DIVING and finally WINE TASTING to complement the already famous gin tasting party!
As we recall in one of the reviews, you will have a hard time remembering all that you did in those 7 days but the feeling inside reminds you constantly that you did something extraordinary.

Since you launched three years ago, what has been the highlight?

The best thing is no matter how hard we push the villa week forward working hard on meeting the expectations of our customers and doing an inch more, so we blow they mind every year with new experiences. Interestingly customers always highlight different things and we just love that diversity. Some top the helicopter ride others the ATV adventure and again someone else the mega catamaran day at sea, however from 2019 skydiving definitely the lead, at least for those who dared to try.

However, the most outstanding highlight may not even be the week itself, but the positive memories, motivation, and inspiration that no one ever expects but will feed into your mental bank for a lifetime. The Villa Week is an exclusive and unrivaled experience you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world and it will keep your cup of creativity full of beauty, bravery, and bliss. The adventure will power the machine that drives your revitalized spirit; an adrenaline rush no drug can buy so brace yourselves, The Villa Week rests beneath your fingertips, ready to whisk you away to a promised land of wanderlust. And if you’re still not convinced, you can take a peek at our program here.

The Villa Week is an approach to what a ‘holiday’ was envisioned as at its discovery. And now, you have the chance to unearth the best bits of Croatia and uncover the best parts of you in the process.

Where can people find out more
villaweek.com

Instagram.com/villaweek

Facebook.com/villaweek

Youtube.com/villaweek

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Adventures

Top 5 Routes for Avid Backpackers

For the intrepid adventurers out there, there’s nothing quite like a backpacking trip. Heading out into nature with just the essentials and some good friends is one of the best ways to really experience a destination.

With every continent offering an array of terrains and climates, it’s safe to say there are plenty of backpacking routes to be explored. From one side of the world to the other, here are the top five routes for any avid backpacker.

Inca Trail, Machu Picchu

In terms of backpacking, it doesn’t get any more iconic than Machu Picchu. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Inca Trail up to Machu Picchu only permits 400 hikers a day – and for good reason!

The rather tricky ascent will see you following in the path of the Incas themselves with winding paths, ladders and staircases. The higher up you get, the harder the trail becomes. In some cases, there are even ropes to help you up the steep climbs.

This is a hike that will take at least two days for experienced walkers, so it’s definitely not one for the novice backpacker. In fact, due to the varying heights along the route, there is even a risk of altitude sickness.

If you’re still feeling up to the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of lush greenery, mountainous landscapes and, of course, the ancient ruins themselves.

The West Highland Way, Scotland

It’s easy to forget that there are such incredible hiking opportunities right here in the UK. Venture out into the Scottish Highlands for an unforgettable five-day hike on the West Highland Way.

Starting in Glasgow, this route carves through the unbeatable Scottish landscape before ending in Fort William. The vista in Scotland is second to none with dramatic peaks, free-falling waterfalls endless rolling fields of heathers.

And, if you’re feeling up to it, Fort William is home the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis. At 4412ft, the views from Ben Nevis will give you one final Scottish panorama to end your trip.

The Routeburn Track, New Zealand

If mountains, lakes and challenging ascents are what you look for as a backpacker, then look no further than New Zealand.

Passing through two national parks, the Routeburn Track is an absolute must-see for an alpine adventure. This 20-mile route is best taken over three days with either two overnight stays in one of the many surrounding huts or camping.

Starting at Routeburn Shelter and ending at The Divide, the northern side of Lake Wakatipu, this route is jam-packed with gorgeous scenery. Since the national parks are teamed up with various wildlife trusts, the route is teeming with nature. So, make sure to pack your binoculars to catch a glimpse of some rare birds!

The John Muir, California

A true American expedition, the John Muir Trail typically starts at Yosemite Valley and ends at the summit of Mount Whitney.

Prepare for an epic hike filled with babbling brooks, granite slopes and towering pine trees. The trek takes you through three national parks: Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. While this unspoiled American wilderness experience isn’t to be missed, it certainly requires an experienced backpacker, so add this one to your future goals list!

The Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy, and Switzerland

While a few of the other routes on this list have passed through more than one national park, how about one that passes through three countries?

The Tour du Mont Blanc circles around Mount Blanc itself which just so happens to offer a round trip through France, Italy and Switzerland – what more could you want!

The route is more than 170 kilometres of Alpine good-ness including snowy peaks, wild meadows and a few chalet villages in between. While you’ll definitely be sleeping in huts along the route, there are opportunities for you to get a taste of the local culture and food in the passing towns, which is quite unique for a backpacking route.

Hiking is such a rewarding hobby that literally anyone can start. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, hopefully, these few routes have given you some inspiration for your next backpacking holiday.

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Adventures

5 Volunteer Programmes for your Inner Travel Bug

For a growing number of travellers, volunteering in a remote corner of the world is the trip of a lifetime. It can be an excellent way for individuals to learn about a different culture and explore a country while helping those in need. Much of the rise in voluntourism has come from trips that emphasize social work, many run by relatively young organisations but it’s important that those looking to get involved, make sure that they choose the right organisation with many commercial tour operators have moved into the space, acknowledging its money-making potential.

With this in mind, #TeamCoco has spent time looking into some of the best options out there, including award-winning programs that really make a difference and are recognised for using short-term volunteers to assist in long-term gain.

Global Vision International UK has been offering award-winning volunteer and intern programs abroad since 1994. They not only offer life-changing experiences but they are also designed to help participants increase employability. Other than developing covetable skills such as cross-cultural communication and leadership, many of the programs also carry internationally recognised qualifications certified by academic partners. The programs on offer are wide-reaching and range from marine and wildlife conservation to teaching and female empowerment in local communities around the world.

For more information please visit www.gvi.co.uk

Pack for a Purpose takes a new slant on backpacking and is something that I would encourage all those looking to travel to a far-flung destination to check that you can get involved. Pack for a Purpose is a nonprofit organization based in Raleigh, North Carolina, that provides travelers with up-to-date information about needed supplies for community-based projects supported by accommodations around the globe. Travelers use their luggage to take school, medical and other supplies to the communities they visit. Since 2010 Pack for Purpose travellers has taken over 153,327kgs of supplies meeting essential needs in over 60 countries. The website makes it easy to select a destination and purpose, choosing from education, health, child welfare, animal welfare and socio-economic development. There are plenty of other ways to participate and donate.

For more information please visit www.packforapurpose.org

Planeterra Foundation was established in 2003 and is a non-profit organisation that has contributed millions of dollars towards projects in areas of social enterprise, healthcare, conservation and emergency response. The organisation gives short-term volunteers the opportunity to work with long-term volunteers to help towards long-term change in some of the most under-developed regions in the world or places that have been torn apart by natural disasters or war. Not only that, they work with small communities across projects that promote female empowerment by providing life-changing access to education and job-training; forge new paths for youths in many parts of the world that don’t have access to formal education and have few opportunities for jobs, helping them to develop skills to work in tourism and hospitality; and environmental protection helping to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on the natural environment through their Ocean Health Fund and supporting social enterprises that give back to the environment. Importantly, they also help conserve cultures by recognising the unique offerings of that indigenous and rural communities have for tourism. They do this by creating meaningful connections between travellers and indigenous people through social enterprise.

Find out more and get involved at www.planeterra.org

WAVES International is a program that helps teach local disadvantaged children in Peru, Mexico, Guatemala and Nicaragua to surf. They believe that surf travel should benefit the people and the communities where it happens, connecting the dots between volunteering, travelling to surf, community-based tourism and grassroots initiatives. WAVES originated in 2004 when a group of local and international surfers shared the desire to help local youths with little resources to enjoy surfing. Their mission is to inspire world travel and cultural exchange through surf experiences with an emphasis on sustainability, education, adventure and voluntourism.

Find out more on www.wavesfordevelopment.org or you can donate here

FRONTEERING’s volunteer abroad projects are either existing local projects of projects that are built from the ground up by Fronteering. Their mission is to offer projects and help where the need is greatest with focus on helping local communities, wildlife, indigenous people and the environment in cooperation with the local and indigenous communities where combined efforts really make a difference. Uniquely, Fronteering also arranges one-of-a-kind, exciting and in some cases extreme adventure travel trip to experience the last frontiers on the planet for those looking to combine the two.

For more information, please visit www.fronteering.com

And remember: the thing your host community needs and wants is your money. Where will yours be going? Do not be afraid to ask the organisers. Also, look to well-established organisations like the ones above or https://www.unv.org and https://ecotourism.org for advice and news on volunteering around the world.

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10 Best Hotel And Flight Comparison Sites And Apps

The travel itch has hit. You find yourself, in a wanderlust-fueled state, searching the web for flights to far-flung corners of the globe, from Vanuatu to Venezuela, but coming up short because your piggy bank savings don’t quite cut it. Well, we’re here to save the day nomads, as our search has led us to discover a whole host of Best Hotel And Flight Comparison Sites that’ll give you a load of bang for your buck and allow you to get one step closer to that passionfruit daiquiri poolside. So, without further ado, Here are ten of the best sites and apps that’ll be your best friend for trips to come.…

Momondo

What? Whilst Momondo might not punctuate the travel comparison site world as much as, say, Skyscanner does, it’s still an incredibly helpful app. Momondo allows you to find the cheapest, quickest and best flights by typing in details, and it notably excels with short-term trips and exists as an app (iOS/Android) that packs a punch and plenty of information.

Why we love it: This travel comparison website and app has a friendly approach, perhaps due to its colour and easy-to-use interface. Momondo makes holidaying what it should be – fun! The exciting aesthetic of the site makes it easy to navigate, and you’ll scroll across Trending Cities and Travel Inspo on your journey to booking. Plus this handy site can save you a chunk of change by comparing hundreds of flights, which can be rapidly altered using the many filters provided.

www.momondo.co.uk

Kayak

What? Grab your oars, it’s time to kayak! This travel comparison site is famed for its generally lower prices. Super simple and easy, Kayak searches hundreds of other travel sites and rustles up the info you need, to make decisions on flights, hotels, car hire and more.

Why we love it: It’s quick and it’s reliable – two of the most important factors of a travel comparison site. Plus, you can save a tonne of cha-ching using Kayak as it’s so darn efficient at searching for as many flights as possible. The prices don’t make you jump through your skin and cancel any prospect of a holiday for the foreseeable! The site itself is pretty simple, there’s not loads going on to distract you making it an efficient way to book your next hotel!

www.kayak.co.uk

Hopper

What? Hopper, skip and jump this way because Hopper is the nifty little app you need in your life for flight comparison! The mobile-only app is an expert at tracking flight prices and giving periodic updates.

Why we love it: Hopper is ace. It tells you whether you should buy your flights now or wait, and yes whilst waiting is hard when you’re booking your dream trip just think of all the pennies you’ll save for an extra poolside daquiri! It’s a detailed app, which some might love, others may not but what is utterly unrivalled is its ability to give you dates when prices will likely rise meaning you save a lot.

www.hopper.com

VRBO

What? OK, so the flights are booked but now you’re like, erm, where the heck am I going to stay? Leave it to VRBO. This website allows you to book amazing rentals worldwide and it’s gained quite the rep for being fab…

Why we love it: Well, unlike Airbnb, VRBO hunts for private homes, including beach houses, ski cabins, private apartments, villas and more. The places up for grabs are all so stunning, from coveted condos in Miami to Hilton Head’s gorgeous sun-set washed boltholes, there’s something for all. The website is so straightforward too, you log in and get hunting, specifying how many guests, your dates and little else.

www.vrbo.com

Best Hotel And Flight Comparison Sites

Hotel Tonight

What? Picture this, you’ve jumped onto your flight, you’ve popped the Champers and out of office is most certainly on. When suddenly you delay at your layover and start panicking about where the heck you’re going to sleep that night. Hotel Tonight is your answer. This service thrives on last-minute deals and will be your pocket saviour. But if you suddenly find yourself in such a situation on your vacation in Dubai, then Metropolitan real estate will never leave you in trouble and you will find apartments for every taste and budget.

Why we love it: Hotel Tonight is a nifty little app that partners with a whole host of hotels to offer discounts on empty rooms. There’s 24/7 service on the app so whether it’s 2 am or 2 pm someone will be there to aid. Plus, you can book a hotel in under ten seconds – wowzers! You load up all of the hotels and can check out a bulk of prices on multiple rooms if needed meaning you won’t be sleeping, rather uncomfortably, in the airport. Plus, the app has launched Daily Drop, a feature that offers you deals of the day to save cash.

www.hoteltonight.com

Hipmunk

What? Do you think Hipmunk sounds a lot like Chipmunk? That’s because it does! And whilst we’re not too clued up about the reason behind this, we do know that this awesome app is ideal for on-the-go adventurers and allows you to compare flights and hotel booking, offering up the lowest prices – result!

Why do we love it? Hipmunk is a dreamy little app that allows you to peruse info on hotels and flights, with the ability to search by continent, country, region, city and more. Flights are cleverly rated by their degree of “agony” such as time-consuming layovers, plus there’s such a thing as hotel “heat maps” on this app; these visualise a hotel’s proximity to shopping and dining destinations and more.

www.hipmunk.com

Skiplagged

What? Skiplagged is an awesome option because it uses hidden city ticketing to your advantage. To expand, airline fares for trips through a connecting city have loopholes and Skiplagged has them sussed to ‘beat the system’.

Why do we love it? Whilst a great deal of airlines are attempting to stop hidden city ticketing, Skiplagged is an awesome way of exposing lucrative loopholes to save you money and take you to wow-worthy places across the globe. Heavily featured in publications such as CNN, BuzzFeed and The New Yorker, it’s a raved app site that’s worth a peruse before your next trip.

www.skiplagged.com

Hitlist

What? We all have bulging bucket lists when it comes to travel, understandably so, and Hitlist helps you achieve these dreams. The app-only offering pulls up loads of the best times to search for flights and sends you seals based on the destinations you’ve always wanted to go to. Finally, that trip to embrace cherry blossom season in Japan doesn’t seem so farfetched…

Why do we love it? This app pings you a notification each time deals based on your dreamy location come up, so you never miss a booking trick! Plus, it lets you compare flight prices speedily so you know you’re getting great bang for your buck.

www.hitlistapp.com

Kiwi

What? Kiwi is along the lines of Skyscanner, Momondo or Google Flights, except it’s like the hidden gem of apps that we’re now shining a bright light on! Essentially, this nifty app gets you the cheapest flights so you can be one step closer to your pornstar martini poolside.

Why do we love it? This app is fabulous because you can choose your starting airport, and a time range and then look at the cheapest flights based on that, which are all displayed on a map. Kiwi is the best app for getting lost in wanderlust and browsing for inspiration if you’re lacking it. If you’re searching for a budget trip then Kiwi is your new best friend.

www.kiwi.com

Skyscanner

What? It’s an oldie but a goldie, and we love it! Skyscanner, if you haven’t already heard, compares cheap flights, hotels and car hire, and soared to success after it launched in 2016.

Why do we love it? Well, quite simply because it’s so cost-effective and it’s simple to use! You also don’t need to have a destination in mind, so you can do a bit of freewheeling by searching ‘everywhere’ and by ‘cheapest month’. Just note, however, that a lot of the deals are offered by third-party travel agents so it’s best to check user reviews before you book.

www.skyscanner.net

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Beauty

Must-Try Wellness Experiences from Around the World

Poke fun at sound healing and dog yoga all you want, but wellness is one of the world’s fastest-growing industries and we’ve hand-picked a few of the best to help inspire your next healing adventure.

Whether you’re in the mood for soaking in a sand bath or unwinding in a floating cocoon pod, below are some of the best treatments and spa highlights from around the world.

Bathe in Sand in Kagoshima, Japan

Take advantage of Japan’s abundant geothermal activity with a sand bath – bury yourself in volcanic sand for improvements in blood circulation, joint pain and muscular aches. On the sandy coasts of Ibusuki and Yamakawa, visitors can experience unique and natural steam sand baths. Borrow a yukata, settle in the sand pit and let the attendants do the rest. The heated sand will warm your whole body, and its weight aids blood flow and circulation. Located right by the sea, visitors are able to enjoy the sound of relaxing waves upon the shore while they unwind.
www.seejapan.co.uk

Vinotherapy in Wine Country, Sonoma County, California

With more than 40 spas and wellness centres, Sonoma County is the perfect place to restore your mind, body and spirit. Local spas are inspired by vineyards, with Kenwood Inn specialising in vinotherapy baths for soaking in Pinot Noirs, Chardonnay or sparkling wine salts, oils and grape elixirs. Be sure to sip a glass of whatever wine you’re bathing in.
www.sonomacounty.com

Vapour Cave at Yampah Spa & Salon, Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Glenwood Springs in Colorado is famous for its hot springs, which have attracted visitors for thousands of years to discover the restorative powers of its water. The hot springs vapour caves at Yampah Spa & Salon utilise the minerals to enhance the spa-day experience and offer a range of soothing treatments.
www.colorado.com

Poekura Spa, The Islands of Tahiti

Meaning ‘Pearl of Light’ in Tahitian, the Poekura Spa is nestled in the heart of a coconut grove at the Kia Ora Resort on Rangiroa, one of the largest atolls in the world. Treatments include body scrubs, warps, relaxation massages and facials. Each therapist uses premium products and natural oils made with Polynesian ingredients such as monoi, vanilla, coconut, mango and passion fruit. Enjoy the luxury rain shower after a day of pampering.
www.tahititourism.co.uk

Chaminade Resort and Spa adds CBD oil massages to its menu in Santa Cruz, California

A spectacular mountaintop escape with views overlooking redwoods and out to the Pacific Ocean, the Chaminade Resort and Spa recently added a host of new treatments to its menu, including CBD oil massages. Choose between 50 and 80 minutes to restore and rejuvenate. Chaminade uses an organic 50mg CBD cream with 8 healing herbs in a nourishing shea-butter base to soothe sore joints and muscles.
www.santacruz.org

Fukiage Onsen Hounkaku, Miyagi, Japan

The Tohoku region is famous for its active geothermal activity, and Fukiage Onsen in particular is beloved of locals for its geysers and waterfalls. The natural, outdoor onsen is ideal for beginners, as women are allowed to wrap their bodies in bath towels. After you soak in the natural minerals, be sure to visit nearby Mount Zao, a volcanic mountain range that’s perfect for hiking.
www.visitmiyagi.com

Wine Crush at Boon Hotel + Spa – Sonoma County, California

If you love spas and wine then you’ll love Wine Crush season throughout autumn in Sonoma County. After a long day of wine tasting and touring wineries in the middle of harvest, a relaxing massage or spa treatment is the perfect way to end the day. Many Sonoma County resort spas offer special packages for the Wine Crush Season. Tucked away in the redwood oasis of the Russian River, boon hotel + spa has a modern, clean-lined design and a variety of services to enhance your Wine Crush experience. Enjoy a poolside cocktail before or after your spa appointment or an evening hot tub under the stars.
www.sonomacounty.com

Float Therapy at Float Seattle, Seattle, Washington

With three locations across the city, Float Seattle is the number one place for visitors and Seattleites alike to discover the physical, meditative and physiological benefits of float therapy. Guests enter bath-tub sized pods that are filled with a water and salt solution, allowing them to float effortlessly.
www.visitseattle.com

Salt Cave Yoga in Santa Barbara, California

The largest underground crystal salt cave in North America is the perfect place to heal your body and refresh your mind. Offering a variety of treatments – from scrub massages and sound baths to yoga and meditation – these salt caves provide the ultimate peaceful experience. Salt therapy is growing increasingly popular around the world, but it’s far from being a new Instagram fad; its benefits for the skin and respiratory system have been championed for generations dating as far back as the ancient Greeks.
www.santabarbaraca.com

Sound Bath at Unplug Meditation, West Hollywood, California

Unplug Meditation is the world’s first drop-in secular meditation studio offers a variety of classes to suit every need. The Sound Healing class – for experiential meditation – offers a soothing and rejuvenating treat for the senses. Float into relaxation as your body gets bathed in vibrational currents of ancient sound healing instruments. Crystal bowls are used to shift and cleanse the energy fields so you can go back to your day feeling renewed.
www.visitwesthollywood.com

Onsen with sweeping sea views, Hiroshima, Japan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese onsen and sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea at Tomonoura hot springs, located in the eastern corner of the Hiroshima prefecture. Enjoy fresh oysters, the delicacy Hiroshima is famous for, before enjoying a private terrace bath with unrivalled sea views. After a dip, head to the salon downstairs where visitors can indulge in aroma oil therapy and deep tissue massages. Be sure to explore the endearing village of Tomonoura, a picturesque, old-fashioned fishing town.
www.visithiroshima.net

The Lodge at Edgewood in South Lake Tahoe, California

Located on the shores of Lake Tahoe, The Lodge at Edgewood is home to a year-round lakefront heated pool and hot tub, which are the perfect place to unwind with views of one of the clearest lakes in the world at 99.7% purity. Nestled in a private, yet expansive area on the second floor of the Lodge is the Spa at Edgewood Tahoe—an 8,500 sq. ft. space that offers guests uninterrupted serenity amongst a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. With a stunning streamlined design aesthetic influenced by the innate beauty of the area’s natural surroundings, the Spa at Edgewood inspires relaxation, rejuvenation and inner balance.
www.tahoesouth.com

Tamanoyu Onsen, Okayama, Japan

This onsen is the perfect place to enjoy sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea. Conveniently located next to Uno, a popular port town, Tamanoyu Onsen offers a wide variety of rotenburos (open-air baths), bedrock and salt scrub saunas, facial and body treatments. Enjoy traditional and authentic Japanese meals while you soak in the spring’s natural vitamins and minerals.
www.setouchitrip.com

Pacific Waters Spa at the Hyatt Regency Resort, Huntington Beach, California

Reminiscent of a warm, elegant Spanish-style estate, the 20,000 square foot spa fuses elements of the Mediterranean with Southern California style. Steps away from the beach, Pacific Waters Spa at the Hyatt Regency Resort is the perfect place to enjoy a blissful massage, facial, body or salon treatment as you retreat to pure serenity.
www.surfcityusa.com

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Hotels & Spas

A Guide to the Most Sustainable Hotels in the UK

Sustainable travel was once a fringe topic, but today, hotels, airlines, operators, and even tourism boards are finding ways to reduce their carbon footprints to ensure that we’ll all still have stunning destinations to travel to in the years to come.

The Scarlet Hotel

If you ever find yourself in Cornwall, definitely stop at The Scarlet Hotel. This isn’t your typical thatched roof family run coastal BNB, but instead, a truly ingenious example of sustainable design. Set just off of Mawgan Porth Beach, the Scarlet is an adult only hotel and spa, and a Eco-architect’s dream. The hotel is unlike anything else on the coast of Cornwall, with its unique crescent shape immediately visible from miles away. The building’s gentle curvatures embraces the natural landscapes of Cornwall, and blend’s seamlessly with the coastline.

Treehouse Hideaway Chewton Glen

The Treehouse Hideaway at Chewton Glen immediately brings to mind an unparalleled level of Eco-luxury. If you’re looking to indulge in some much needed r&r, then why not do it suspended 35 feet above the ground? The Treehouse Hideaway has sleek modernist interiors, walk in showers, and plenty of terraces where you can soak in the view. It’s also got some pretty neat sustainable features including rain-water harvesting, low-energy lighting, and solar power fuelled energy.

Bert’s Box – The Pig Brockenhurst

The Pig Hotel is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of cosy countryside escapes; but did you know that it had a fully sustainable cabin too? The Bert’s Box cabin can be found in the Pig’s New Forest location and features an environmentally friendly design that’s filled with buckets of charm. Picture rustic interiors, punchy prints, and plenty of retro-chic design details that will surely make this woodland escape an unforgettable stay.

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Wake Up Here: Banana Bay Boracay

Boracay Island has been consistently named one of the best beaches in the world. If you’ve ever been to Boracay Island before, you’d know that its white sandy beaches attracts millions of selfie-stick wielding tourists, but this island has plenty to discover if you venture out to its lesser known kite-boarding beach and to one of the island’s chicest new boutique hotel openings –Banana Bay Boracay.

Banana Bay Boracay is located in Bolabog beach, which has been a kiteboarding sanctuary for decades, due to its strong ‘habagat’ winds. Secluded but not isolated, Bolabog is a great option for travellers who want to enjoy the natural wonders of the island, minus the crowds.

Banana Bay in an Eco-tourism gem, and features modern Filipino designed that highlight the Philippines’ traditional handicrafts. The hotel utilises ethically sourced materials that were sourced and built on site, and create a truly authentic resort atmosphere. Banana Bay Boracay has plenty of green credentials, including the use of hollow-block free architecture, Eco-friendly heat pumps, and uses minimal plastic waste, which all contribute to minimising its carbon footprint.

This beachfront property enjoys from stunning coastal views and a salt-chlorinated pool located in the hotel’s atrium. Each of the hotel’s 40 rooms and suites maximises the beach-front views, and feature natural colours and textures that reflects the hotel’s Eco-credentials. We stayed in one of the hotel’s suite rooms, which features unobstructed views of Bolabog beach and plenty of space for you to relax and switch off. The suites feature a king sized bed, three different balconies, an outdoor lanai, his and hers sink, a jacuzzi tub, and a cosy living area.

If you’re looking for some of Boracay’s best eats, then look no further than Banana Bay’s own Monkey Tree Bar and Restaurant. The menu offers a stunning array of fusion cuisine and signature cocktails that will surely impress even the most discerning foodie.

For adventure seeking travellers, the hotel also has its own dedicated kiteboarding school. Here, you can go beyond the usual beach itinerary and learn to catch the wind with Banana Bay’s International Kiteboarding Organisation (IKO) and Verband Deutscher Windsurfing (VDWS) certified instructors. So whether you’re looking to lounge by the pool, or conquer Bolabog’s habagat winds, there’s something for everyone at Banana Bay – Boracay’s most stylish new boutique hotel.

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Travel

Wake Up Here: Feldon Valley, The Cotswolds

Nestled in the rolling hills of Lower Brailes, is a luxurious lifestyle destination that provides the perfect relaxing stay for a weekend getaway in the Cotswolds. On one sunny September weekend, we packed our bags and drove down to Feldon Valley to explore everything this hotel and golf course has to offer. The hotel is located 30 minutes from Banbury and just a few miles away from the famous Cotswolds Distillery.

Greeted with an impressive entrance in an area of outstanding natural beauty, we couldn’t wait to check into our room.

While the golf course appears to be the star attraction here at Feldon Valley (the scattering of golfers confirms this), you don’t have to be a keen golfer to check-in, the hotel is also designed to appeal to travellers and families on their holidays to The Cotswolds. Greeted by the friendly reception team, we were handed our room key and set off to discover a beautiful lodge-style accommodation among the trees overlooking the golf course, hills and nature.

The newly-built lodges at Feldon Valley are truly wonderful, with only the sound of the birds chirping around you thanks to the remote location of the hotel. Our Lodge provided the perfect base for our adventures in The Cotswolds with everything you could possibly need including a fully-equipped kitchen, lounge area and even a balcony with a table and chairs overlooking the fairways and hills. Interior design is sleek and stylish, with contemporary furniture and more traditional touches in the form of vintage books. A lovely touch!

It’s not just the lodges that seriously impress, the hotel itself, restaurant and lounge areas provide a modern yet comfortable and luxurious setting. If you’re looking to sample head chef Darren Brown’s creations, be sure to book in advance as the restaurant is soon full with hungry tourists and casual diners. Dine on dishes such as ricotta dumplings, Cornish plaice and dark chocolate mousse. Vegan? No problem, you can also request a vegan friendly menu in advance.

Our spacious king-sized bed provided a great nights sleep, waking up in the peaceful surroundings of the valley with early-risers heading out for a game of golf. We enjoyed a lazy morning curled up in our dressing gowns on the decking area under the morning sun.

After soaking up our beautiful surroundings, it was time to tuck into breakfast. Served in the main restaurant overlooking the golf course, breakfast consists of a small yet satisfying buffet plus a menu with your typical ‘fry up’ options. A vegetarian sausage would have been welcome but there was still plenty in the way of breakfast foods to satisfy non meat eaters. A variety of fresh fruit, cereals and yogurt made for a perfect start to the day.

With the brand new rooms, cosy lodges and already highly-acclaimed restaurant, it won’t take long for this hidden gem to secure its status as THE luxury destination to check in to for a weekend in the Cotswolds. We had a truly fabulous stay and can’t wait to head back for a peaceful retreat away from the city.

Book your stay at Feldon Valley

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Hotels & Spas

Wake Up Here: LAVIDA Hotel At PGA Catalunya Resort – From Golf to Girona

If you fancy an iconic golf getaway, then the LAVIDA Hotel at the PGA Catalunya Resort should feature highly on your list of accommodation options. Our #TeamCoco went to find out how this property lets you combine golfing at the PGA Catalunya Resort with a road trip around the beautiful Girona province in Spain’s northeastern autonomous region of Catalunya.

The Girona province of Catalunya (Catalonia) features an exciting combination of culture, gastronomy and natural beauty. From the Costa Brava (the ‘wild or rugged coast’) on the Mediterranean to the windy slopes of the Pyrenees mountains, Girona offers unique experiences that will invigorate your mind, body and soul.

One such experience is golf. Major tournaments such as the USPGA Championship, The Masters and The US Open keep us entertained although we do not currently play much golf ourselves.

However, whenever we get the chance to stay at a golf resort, we embrace it for the chance to experience inspiring architecture and interior design which world-class golf resorts are known to offer.

This is why we were excited to visit PGA Catalunya Resort to check out their latest property, the LAVIDA hotel, during a road trip across Girona and the Costa Brava.

Golfing at the PGA Catalunya Resort

The LAVIDA Hotel is a recent addition to the impressive PGA Catalunya Resort real estate portfolio.

Located less than twenty minutes from the historic city of Girona with its stunning medieval quarter, the PGA Catalunya Resort has successfully leveraged the natural beauty of the Girona countryside to create a range of design-minded hotels and contemporary residential accommodation.

Read: House of Coco Tips To Learn How To Play Golf

The resort itself features two award-winning 18-hole golf courses (one stadium and one tour). LAVIDA Hotel guests can enjoy a 15% discount on green fees as well as other incentives.

As mentioned previously, we are not avid golfers and so are unable to judge the courses based on our actual experience. However, industry experts consistently rank the PGA Catalunya Stadium course highly on their list of the ‘Top 100 Golf Courses in Continental Europe’.

Apart from world-class golfing at PGA Catalunya, the estate truly excels with residential architecture. This is where our aspirational objectives were fully satisfied.

Luxury is expensive but dreaming is free so we drove around the resort admiring the modern luxury villas, semi-detached houses, townhouses and apartments. All properties offer panoramic views over the golf courses and Girona’s beautiful countryside. We later learned that some of the properties are available for golf holiday rentals.

Staying at the LAVIDA Hotel

Back to reality, our room at the LAVIDA Hotel at PGA Catalunya also had excellent balcony views of the golf course. The comfortable twin bed, storage space for golf clubs and the tech-friendly facilities (fast WiFi, smart TV and in-room sound system) were key highlights.

An unusual bathroom configuration had the washbasin located in the living space, a design feature which we felt squeezed available space even further. The room layout is great for golfers who spend their day out on the green but not entirely ideal for the business traveller.

LAVIDA’s real design highlights, in our opinion, are to be found in its communal spaces. The main entrance leads to an amphitheatre style seating area with a view that emphasises closeness to nature. An outdoor pool and lounge area invite guests to relax after spending time out on the green.

LAVIDA Hotel and Hotel Camiral

For such a beautifully designed property located in Catalunya, one of the world’s most innovative gastronomy regions, we found the onsite dining options at LAVIDA to be underwhelming.

The on-site restaurant had more of a sports bar ambience and the food options (from a limited menu) lacked any clear theme or connection to the region.

For a more memorable (fine dining) experience, we recommend heading to the 1477 Restaurant in the neighbouring 5* Hotel Camiral, another property in the PGA Catalunya estate. The ambience of the 1477 restaurant and the menu are far superior to the comparatively average dining options at LAVIDA.

At the Hotel Camiral itself, the heady scent of jasmine hits you as you walk into the sophisticated lobby with its exquisite interior decor. The bar and library area are outstanding in their design and, we imagine, a great place to unwind after spending your day golfing at PGA Catalunya.

For golfers travelling on a budget, we recommend visiting Can Barris, a neighbourhood restaurant located ten-minutes away from the LAVIDA hotel where you can enjoy authentic Catalan delicacies (the Cargols – snails – are a highlight) and meet locals.

From Golf to Girona – Exploring beyond LAVIDA Hotel

The brains behind the PGA Catalunya Resort want you to enjoy your golf but also want you to experience the best of Catalunya – including the mountains, beaches, history, art and architecture.

Therefore, in addition to your golf experience, we recommend hiring a rental car and making a road trip out of the remainder of your visit.

Also see: House of Coco Six Ideas For an Unforgettable Road Trip

A few ideas for a Girona road trip itinerary include:

Wine tasting in D.O. Emporda

For a multisensory wine tasting experience, visit Mas Llunes, a wine estate located in Garriguella, a quiet farming community in the Girona province. It is part of the D.O. Empordà Wine Route, the official designation of this wine-producing region of northeastern Spain.

Alternatively, visit the village of Sant Climent Sescebes and experience organic wines at Terra Remota, a wine estate with an eye on the future.

Wander through medieval villages

The patchwork of adorable towns and villages that can be found along the Costa Brava and further inland in the Girona Province are a wanderer’s delight. Medieval towns like Santa Pau and Peratallada offer the chance to experience the region’s rich history. Roman architecture – castles, monasteries and churches – will give you plenty to marvel at.

Experience the wildness of the Costa Brava

Join local botanists and gastronomes for a nature walk along the ‘rugged coast’ to understand how Costa Brava’s natural environment influences regional culture and gastronomy. See quiet beaches unspoiled by mass tourism and admire the Mediterranean from cliff-top viewing points while enjoying a sunset wine tasting experience.

Enjoy innovative Catalan cuisine

Catalunya has a great reputation for world-class gastronomy. Visit Restaurant Sa Rascassa, in Cala Aiguafreda, a picturesque fishing town on the Costa Brava to enjoy good food and Catalan character.

Travel information

Getting there: By car from Girona-Costa Brava Airport (8 km) or from Barcelona airport (102 km).

Early bird discounts of up to 15% are available on room rates. For bookings and more information, visit the Lavida Hotel, PGA Catalunya Resort website.

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Adventures

Wake Up Here: York Glamping

Ever want to go on an adventure that isn’t overseas, which takes you somewhere you’ve never been before?

The influencer lifestyle we are all accustomed to has become the norm, but what if you want to go off the beaten track, maybe to a UK city that you’ve never visited before, and you don’t want to stay in a plush 5* hotel, but you do want to stay somewhere unique, unusual, and adventurous?

#TeamCoco’s Rachel McAlley recently stayed at Jollydays Glamping, an off-road countryside outdoor lifestyle glamping site on the outskirts of York in North Yorkshire. With 200 acres of magical woodland surrounding the site, which can only be accessed by one small private road, you are well and truly away from the busy city life when you stay at Jollydays luxury camping.

I drove down the track and parked in the middle of the woods before walking to the reception check-in hut, which also doubles as an ‘honesty shop’ where you can buy your woodland essentials.

Once checked in we collected a wheelbarrow to transport our luggage to the woodcutters hut where we were spending the night, deep in the woodland. The woodcutters hut didn’t have electric, so no TV or lighting aside from candles and my mobile phone torch. Also, the loos and bathroom facilities were shared, and a short 5-minute walk from the woodcutters hut. We definitely needed our wellies for this little jaunt!

The woodcutters hut does have a luxury double bed dressed in beautiful bedding, complete with woodland art and pictures, and a wood-burning stove to keep warm. Located outside the woodcutters hut was our own personal decked area with picnic bench, and a little shed with gas hob, crockery, cutlery and a large water barrel.

Whilst still daylight we took the water barrel and walked to the water tap to get our much needed water for hot drinks which we made on the hob. The water was also used to wash our dishes in our little shed, or we could have walked to the dishwashing area, which again was a 5-minute walk away from the hut.

We were given a welcome pack which included candles, matches, firelighters, kitchen cloth and health & safety documents. The only thing we needed to buy from the honesty hut was wood for our little stove, but luckily it was a warm day and we didn’t need to use the wood.

We had the option of eating our food at our woodcutters hut on the decked area and picnic table or we could join other families in the main campfire area, where we could have made homemade pizza and used the pizza oven, or we could toast marshmallows on the open campfire.

There is an indoor tent, which is a communal area for all guests staying at Jollydays Glamping, where the only electric points can be found, and fairy lights adorn the facade. Inside this tent there are plenty of kids games, sofas and a table to charge phones etc. This is a really fabulous communal area to meet other glampers who are also enjoying the great outdoors.

With a staggering 200 acres of woodland to investigate this is a perfect staycation destination for the outdoorsy and adventurous types. It takes you back to primitive times when there was no electricity and you had to walk for water, but with huge benefits of having a luxurious bed, stove and pretty candles. A definite 21st century way of camping in style.

The honesty hut also stocked a few luxuries to purchase including; wine, champagne, marshmallows for toasting, sweets, crisps, and soft drinks.

It was dark by now and we opted to stay in our woodcutters hut surrounded by tealights and candles and enjoy our hotdogs on the decking, before retiring for the evening to the very comfy double bed.
In the morning we woke early, with the sound of the birds signing, so we ventured to the bathrooms in our wellies and have a shower, brush our teeth, and collect some more water.

It was time to leave Jollydays Glamping, so we checked out, paid for our marshmallows from the honesty hut, and walk to Northwood Trail, a magical fairy land next door to Jollydays, which included free entry as part of our glamping experience.

This was an excellent adventure, different from the norm, and full of fun and excitement, one that is well worth the visit to North Yorkshire.

Rachel was hosted by Jollydays Glamping, which included 1-night accommodation in a luxury woodcutters hut. All food and drink and any extras such as wood for the stove was paid for.

If you are interested in camping at Jollydays Glamping there is a choice of staying at a woodcutters hut, lodge tent, or a woodland tent. Prices vary at different times of the year, visit the website for full details – www.jollydaysglamping.co.uk

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