Ever fancied learning the secrets of a supermodel? Well during my recent #TeamCoco mission to Copenhagen with Moxy Hotels, I managed to just that, catching up with Danish export and Victoria’s Secret model Nina Agdal to find out what she loves about the capital and what she misses when she’s in LA…
You grew up not far from Copenhagen; what are your best teenage memories of the city?
I grew up 40 minutes away from Copenhagen but i would visit Copenhagen with my girlfriends for nights out and adventures; we’d get all dressed up, take the train to the city and walk down “Stroeget”, pretending to be cool!
Obviously they are hugely different cities, but do you see any similarities at all in Copenhagen and LA? Honestly, not at all! They are two completely different cities and the vibes are incomparable. LA is awesome, but Copenhagen is a LOT less high maintenance and definitely ‘cleaner’, in all ways.
How often to you get to return to Denmark? I try to get back at least 2-3 times a year, more if I can. It depends on my schedule, but my whole family is there so I always try to make an effort and the time to go see them during summer and before Christmas.
What do you miss most when you’re not here? I miss the energy in Denmark so much! Every time I go back I feel much calmer; it’s just a different mentality. I deal with anxiety and every time I’m home it gets so much better. The pressure and expectations of everything are just normal there, not like in New York where you have to be ‘on’ every second.
Copenhagen has some of the best restaurants in the world, but do you have any foodie favourites that aren’t as famous? Aamans in Oesterbro is known to be one of the oldest open-faced sandwich shops. The hotdog food trucks dotted around the city are the best too so you must have a hot dog there!
What are your favourite Danish foods? There are so many. My grandmother makes tarteletter when I’m home, it’s basically a Danish chicken pot pie and it’s amazing. Any sort of open-faced sandwich and a Danish hot dog!
What would your last Copenhagen meal be? My grandmother’s tarteletter or a hotdog in the airport!
I’m reading a book called The Art of Living Danishly which delves into the theme of Denmark being the happiest nation in the world; what do you think the secret behind Danes’ happiness is? I think life there is just very simple; the lifestyle is very different from anywhere else. Everyone is kind of on the same schedule in terms of wake up times, work times, dinner time, like you wake up knowing what the plan is and you’re happy with it. You also don’t live to work, you work to live. Money isn’t everything and I grew up with that mentality.
What’s your recipe for happiness? Surround yourself with good people who love you for you, have a routine that makes you happy, get a job that makes you excited and do one thing a day for YOU!
Describe Copenhagen in three words HYGGELIGT, clean, happy.
Finding the best transport methods makes a huge difference in getting around the vastness of Australia; the whole of Europe would fit into its over 7,600,000 square kilometres with something to spare.
Balancing practicalities and cost is key to making the most of transport options, and it may depend on what area of Australia you’re focusing your trip on, whether it be the urban hipster cities of Melbourne or Sydney or the small outback towns of Dalby and Alice Springs.
Having your own transport will make a big difference in being able to draw up a flexible travel itinerary, so car hire options will likely figure in your thinking.
Focus on areas
Attempting to see too much during one visit in a country as large as Australia could result in spending most of your time in cars, on buses, trains or planes.
Unless you have several months at your disposal, it’s perhaps best to focus on one or, at most, two regions. For example, majoring on the eastern area and including cities such as Sydney and Melbourne before heading into Queensland taking in Brisbane then on up to Cairns would make for a sizeable adventure.
This trip involves three major cities (four if you have time to fit in the capital Canberra), three states, and plenty of areas of interest including the Gold Coast in Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef with many more optional stops along the way.
Transport options can be mixed and matched depending on your priorities. For example, you might drive or take the bus from Sydney to Brisbane making various stops, or fly if you want to spend less time on this stage.
Bus travel up the east coast through Queensland is a relatively cheap option but wouldn’t be if you’re touring Western Australia as buses are less plentiful and pricier.
Transport options
What to consider with transport:
Car hire – a flexible option and you can select a vehicle that is best suited to the type of road trip you have in mind.
If planning a tour of Western Australia that includes some rougher terrain such as accessing the Purnululu or Karijini National Parks and taking some of the wonderful beach drives and other memorable road trips, then hiring a 4×4 makes sense.
On the other hand, a basic runabout might do for a city-based stay where you only need a hire car for trips to the surrounding areas.
Camper van hire – for the ultimate in flexibility a camper van is worth considering as you can keep your itinerary very fluid.
Bus – a great way of seeing Australia, especially if you’re on a budget, but as mentioned earlier be aware buses are more viable in different parts of the country. Certainly a cheaper option for trips in the east but less so the west.
Air – flying may well figure in some of your trips simply because of the vast distances involved.
Cost may dictate when you take your trip as flights tend to be cheaper in midweek and away from weekends. Out of season makes for the lowest fares, too.
Organised trips and tours – if you prefer to leave the creation of itineraries to others and simply choose a trip that includes the areas and sights you’re interested in, then plenty of companies offer tours.
Some include everything including transport and accommodation while self-drive tours lay on the itinerary and accomodation but you drive yourself around.
Some focus on cities, the outlying areas, a combination of the two and others are fully escorted.
A matter of taste
Ultimately, your method of seeing Australia will boil down to preferences; would you prefer someone else to do all the organising or would you rather pursue the ultimate ‘do it yourself’ option by hiring a camper van and hitting the road?
Budget may play a part of course, and this is where autonomy can help. Car hire and careful accommodation selection, such as maybe some Airbnb options, and focusing on the many free and spectacular sights and attractions can provide a memorable trip that needn’t cost the earth.
Greece is one of Europes best holiday destinations. With it’s turquoise Aegean sea and mountainous landscapes, it’s no wonder that so many of us flock there every year.
As we all know, there are literally thousands of islands that make up the entirety of Greece with some being more well-known than others. Your greek islands vacations can have you island hopping, taking in deep blue waters, local history, and culture; experiencing everything that these islands have to offer.
So, if you’re looking to head to Greece but don’t want to just jump on a typical package holiday to the main resorts, here are some of the lesser-known islands that are guaranteed to give you a more traditional taste of Greece.
Kalymnos
Don’t be fooled when you land in the familiar Kos airport as the island of Kalymnos is just a ferry ride away. Upon docking in the port, you’ll spot a statue of Poseidon, a subtle nod to the islands rich history with the sea.
Once famous for its sponge-fishing, Kalymnos is now a quiet Greek island that offers unparalleled hiking and climbing experiences. Similarly, Kalymnos is also a great diving spot thanks to the crystal clear waters surrounding the coast.
If adrenaline-fuelled activities aren’t your thing, there is plenty of culture to scope out on the island. From the sea sponge factory to the archaeological museum, and as with any Greek island, there is plenty of historical information to discover.
In between all of this adventure, make sure to kick back and enjoy the beautiful beaches on this island with Platis Yialos beach being a particular favourite. You also won’t have to look far for good food as the island has many traditional tavernas serving up locally caught fresh fish and other Greek staples.
Thassos
Another island accessed by ferry, Thassos is just 10km away from mainland Kavala. A relatively small island, the best place to stay while visiting would be near Golden Beach. This blue flag winning beach offers a 3km stretch of soft golden sand paired with calm, shallow waters.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars that line the beachfront. This makes for some incredible evening dining with a handful of tavernas dishing up some of Greece’s most recognisable dishes.
Head over the Thassos town via local bus for a day packed full history. Here, there are many archaeological sites with highlights being the Roman Amphitheatre and the Acropolis.
Tourism here is just kicking off which means that all of the sites are fairly quiet which gives you a chance to properly delve into the rich mythological past of the island.
Kythira
Positioned at a crossroads between the Aegean and Ionian seas, Kythira is relatively untouched by tourism.
With a population of fewer than 4000 people, you’ll be in for a real Greek gallivant on this island. The unspoilt landscape offers up lush greenery, unbelievable cliffs and cavernous gorges all surrounded by gorgeous blue ocean.
While on the island, make sure to pay a visit to one of the most famous waterfalls, the Neraida. This waterfall, sometimes called Fonissa, showcases nature at its finest with free running water falling from a spectacular height of 20 metres. Remember to bring your swimming kit to take an unforgettable dip in this mesmerising spot!
Of course, no trip to Greece is complete without a little history. The Venetian castle and the Cave of Agia Sofia give some insight into the beginnings of this island.
End your day of historical findings by visiting Palaiopi beach. Not only are the azure waters breathtakingly stunning, but the beach is also, quite fittingly, said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty.
Ikaria
Rumoured to be named after the famous Icarus, who supposedly fell to the island after flying too close to the sun, Ikaria is a real taste of Greece. Characterised by its rocky landscape and secluded beaches, Ikaria won’t disappoint if you’re looking for something off the beaten track.
Because the island isn’t frequented by hoards of tourists, the islanders still maintain a traditional way of living. Therefore, it’s no surprise to learn that Ikaria is one of the world’s five Blue Zones — the places where people are healthier and live longer.
If the idyllic scenery and happy locals aren’t enough to tempt you, the island is also well-known for its wild parties. Back in the day, once pirates and foreign invaders were no longer a threat, the island grew a notable nightlife in celebration.
The island now attracts many Athenians at the times of the famous Panagiria, otherwise known as Saints Days. These celebrations involve village feasts in honour of Saints’ name days. Prepare to be thrown into an authentic Greek experience with the help of mouthwatering local food, smooth wines and traditional dances.
If you’re looking for something a little more low-key after the festivities, visit the Seychelles, Nad and Agios Georgios beaches for those dreamy white sands and aquamarine waters.
While we’re all familiar with some of Greece’s better-known islands, there are still plenty of hidden gems to discover. From the ancient history in Thassos to the wanderlust inspiring beaches of Kythira, where will your next Greek adventure take you?
Experience the vibrant pulse of Copenhagen with Moxy Hotels in a 48-hour summer adventure filled with culinary delights and urban excitement. There’s never a bad time of year to visit the achingly cool Danish capital, but this is one city that comes alive during the summer months. After a whirlwind 36 hours in a very snowy city last March I was craving a visit in summer, where the buzzing food and drink scene comes alive and the city throngs with excitement. So when an invite came in to join Moxy Hotels discovering a new side to the city, for a slightly longer 48 hours this time, I jumped at the chance…
The experiential hotel brand from Marriott International opened its Copenhagen Sydhavnen outpost in March, in an up-and-coming district just out of the city centre. Moxy’s aim is to turn the traditional hotel experience on its head; think lively communal spaces, slick, bold design, a crew to which no request is too small and some pretty cool extras for guests to get their teeth into. We were invited to make the most of a packed two-day itinerary influenced by Moxy’s playful spirit, giving guests Permission to Play with a series of hyper-curated on and off-property experiences.
12:00
Arriving on Thursday afternoon, we kicked off with lunch from the award-winning Hooked Seafood Kitchen (www.gethooked.dk), natives of trendy foodie haven Vesterbro, who parked up their food truck in front of the hotel and dishing out delicious poke bowls and a pretty spectacular yoghurt-marinated pollock burger with cucumber, cheddar and honey-mustard mayo. Essential fuel for an afternoon packed with activities.
14:00
A chance to see the city through the eyes of one of its famous exports, the group embarked on a walking tour led by global supermodel Nina Agdal. Nørrebro is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Copenhagen, with flower-bedecked cobbled streets packed full of artists, makers and thrift stores just waiting to be explored. Saxogade had to be amongst the coolest; we visited local ceramicist Inge Vincents (www.vincents.dk) to learn about her uniquely delicate ‘thinware’, popped into Copenhagen’s first revolutionary zero waste supermarket Løs (www.loes-market.dk) and cooled down with an organic nitrogen ice cream from the tiny Istid (www.istid.dk). Next up was a visit to the HQ of Le Fix (www.le-fix.com), an international lifestyle brand founded in Copenhagen with a group of artists, designers and creatives at its heart, before finishing up at the showroom of luxury outerwear brand Saks Potts (www.sakspotts.com) where a few of us may or may not have tried on their sumptuous fur coats…
Following our jaunt there was a chance to explore the city centre and stroll onwards to Copenhagen’s most famous street, Nyhavn, rows of rainbow-bright buildings and pavement cafés packed with people enjoying a beer in the sun. A top tip; come the afternoon it is PACKED, but head down for a 9 am brunch on the weekend and there’s barely a soul around.
15:45
After a quick pit stop to get changed back at the hotel, we were herded out against the clock with the promise of a boat ride. Admittedly the expectation was a Thames clipper situation, so you can only imagine the gasps when we were met with a stunning wooden galleon, resplendent with forty feet high sails and a crew in pre-requisite stripes and sailor hats, ready to transport us down Copenhagen’s waterways on an Anti-Fairytale boat ride. Being the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen you’re never far from the Little Mermaid in this city.
19:00
After a jaunt up towards the very northeast of the city, we docked for an evening of food and drink at Reffen (www.reffen.dk). Opened in May 2018, this street food market and urban area features 40 food stalls and 10 creative workshops, all created from old shipping containers and reused materials. Their mission is to allow young food entrepreneurs and start-ups to launch before heading out into the big bag world; they even have their farm in rural northern Jutland allowing them to deliver free fruits and vegetables to the stalls when in season for them to use whatever they want. All the stalls follow the sustainable mantra “Reduce and Reuse”: use compostable food service, reduce food waste, and use organic, free-range and local ingredients wherever possible. There are dozens of cuisines, from fresh grilled seafood and juicy burgers, to sushi, jerk and cheesecake for pudding, as well of course as several bars, peppered with wooden benches and strings of fairy lights, overlooking a skate park. It’s deliciously casual, absolutely buzzing, and worth the trek out of the city centre if you want a unique foodie experience.
22:00
Being Moxy, it wouldn’t be fitting to just head home to bed, so instead we were led to one of Copenhagen’s most famous sights, Assistens Kirkegård Cemetery, for a bedtime story with a difference. Usually only open during the day time, we entered under cover of darkness to experience a twist on Moxy Hotels’ global signature Bedtime Stories program; cheeky 60-second stories under the themes “chill out”, “go out” or “pass out” offered for guest to listen in their bedroom. A host of famous Danes reside in this cemetery, including their most famous writer, Hans Christian Andersen, at whose grave we met for a candlelit tale before heading home to bed.
10:00
After grabbing a casual breakfast in the hotel lobby, a typical continental affair of cereal, fruit, a beaut selection of bakery and cold meats and cheeses, we set off on what was undoubtedly the highlight of my trip…
Tivoli Gardens (www.tivoligardens.com), right in the city centre, is Copenhagen’s world-famous amusement park. The oldest in the world, founded in 1843, it’s widely regarded as being the inspiration for Disneyworld and couldn’t be further from the American mega-park. Rides including an original wooden rollercoaster, carousels and swings are set amongst beautiful floral gardens, fountains and lakes, alongside a stage surrounded by a rolling lawn covered in deckchairs that’s ready for entertaining its guests with brass bands and live dance recitals. It’s an absolute delight and having first visited aged 12 I was deeply excited to relive childhood memories.
13:00
While in the park head to the stunning Gemyse (www.nimb.dk) for lunch, a restaurant voted one of the top 50 in the world for vegan and vegetarian cuisine, where you’ll be able to enjoy your food surrounded by greenery and listening to the delicate tinkle of the overlooking carousel.
A top tip for when you think you’re done; if you exit the park through the Tivoli Food Hall and get a stamp from the security guard, you’re allowed reentry any time that day. I snuck back in after dinner to see the park lit up with fairy lights and discovered a live rock concert, packed crowds singing along to one of Denmark’s most popular rock bands. Magical.
18:00
Back at the hotel for Happy Hour and there were some treats in store (and I don’t just mean the cocktails). The Moxy’s latest on-property partnerships mean guests have the opportunity to indulge in nail art designs from Nails by Nicki (@nails_by_nicki) and try their hand at personalised screen printing by locals Makershirt (@makershirt). The ongoing weekly partnerships are just one of the myriad ways Moxy are putting the guest experience at the forefront of everything they do.
19:00
Remember me mentioning the trendy Vesterbro earlier? The meatpacking district is now a total hub of Copenhagen’s food and drink scene, packed with buzzing restaurants, bars, clubs and popups, spilling out on to the street from their original factory facades and making for an extremely cool, industrial urban setting for a summer night out.
The oldest restaurant in the meatpacking district, Paté Paté (www.patepate.dk) can be found – you guessed it – in an old paté factory, with an ever-changing menu dependent on what’s availableat the market. We dined on boiled eggs with Ortiz anchovies, spiced kefir, brown butter and dill, organic Danish stracchino with piperade, courgette and aubergine, beef tartare with mustard pickled king oyster mushrooms, walnuts and mayo, rump cap with spring onion and tomatoes, a divine pea, celeriac and mushroom risotto and complete insane peanut butter brownies for dessert. A feast of kings. Across the road we hit up one of Vesterbro’s hottest nightspots Noho (www.noho.bar) for post-prandial cocktails, a hive of bodies pouring out on to the street – the ultimate summer bar for boozing, though with a plethora of cool locations to choose from, Vesterbro isn’t short on options if you can’t get in.
Copenhagen’s buzzing at the best of times, but during the summer months, it comes alive like never before. The city centre is compact and EVERYONE cycles, so with the handy addition of a bike borrowed from the hotel it’s too easy to zip around, pack in the sights and give yourself a serious foodie tour of the city, even in as little as 48 hours. If you haven’t been, book yourself a flight.
Situated in the southern Aegean Sea and separating the Aegean from the Libyan sea is Crete, Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. With such varied terrain and incredible history along with glorious cuisine and weather, Crete is a place worth going to. Yet such a vast landscape means there is a lot to do and with some places being around 3/4 hours away from the capital, it’s important to plan your trip in advance. So, of course #TeamCoco have put together a list of the top 10 places that are essential to visit whilst in Crete. First up is Balos Lagoon, this is a tricky one to get to in the north west of the island but it’s so worth it; a white sand beach surrounded by turquoise waters, the scenery is breathtaking and the sunsets are an incredible way to round off your day here. Whether you wish to relax with a book, hike or snorkel, Balos beach is ideal for everyone and is Crete’s mini version of a tropical paradise. The lagoon itself can get busy and local boats and coaches can be crowded so it’s best to book privately and get there early to get the best spot and enjoy the tranquility. There is only one taverna so be sure to bring everything you may need for the day including plenty of water.
Next up is Agios Nikolaos a coastal town on the island. This town had a mix of everything, art, bustling streets combined with relaxing spots and modern Greek style. There are shops for the foodies, the fashionistas and even the hoarders. With a variety of local beaches, authentic tavernas, contemporary bars and high end restaurants you can spend hours just meandering through. There is also a marina (one of the largest in Greece with a capacity for 255 vessels) which is the perfect place to have a coffee and admire the yachts as they come and go.
Another local town in northern Crete is Hersonissos which boasts numerous beaches and tavernas and the only golf course in Crete. Most bars and restaurants on the coast have unbelievable views of the Aegean Sea. With plenty of options to hire cars or quad bikes his is the perfect place to explore from as it’s so central. It’s a modern town with plenty of shops, cafes and clubs, that is definitely worth experiencing.
Ferries connect Crete to the Cyclades islands and the Heraklion to Thira route is a 2 hour direct journey to world renowned, Santorini. Approaching into the port of Megalochori you can admire the iconic whitewashed towns from a different perspective. It can be quite busy so ensure to book on days when less cruise shops are docked. Devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century, the caldera was formed creating the landscape and black red and white lava pebble beaches. Most places offer day trips in which you can visit Oia, Thira and Imerovigli before boarding the ferry back to Crete; alternatively there are two day trips which offer an overnight stay on the island, giving you the opportunity to experience more of the island.
Elafonissi, a natura 2000 protected area that lies in the southwestern side of Crete and about 75 kilometers from the town of Chanai. It’s an exotic paradise style beach that’s a mile long boasting turquoise water and white sand with pink hues that are Instagram worthy. There are a number of caves and coves to explore, making this a gorgeous place to spend the day until sunset.
Another little paradise is Chrissi Island, it’s completely uninhabited Greek island around 15 kilometres south of Crete in the South Cretan Sea. Chrissi or Χρυσή means ‘golden’ which is apt considering the breathtaking gold sand beaches. Again this is a busy place so it’s best to book privately and get there early. There are a few beach tavernas, Minoan ruins and a little chapel but no shops so go prepared. There a hidden coves and a forest to explore or you can laze on the beach and snorkel in the shallow waters.
Heraklion, also known as Iraklio, is the capital of this Greek island and is a port city that has touted to Santorini a, Paros, Mykonos, Rhodes, Ios, Naxos, Chalki, Athens and many more, making it the ideal destination for island hoppers. The city is submerged in history and has a huge archaeological Minoan site, the Palace of Knossos and the 16th century Koules fortress surrounding the marina. There is so much to do and see and wandering through the contemporary Greek streets can either lead you into quaint Greek shops, tourist shops, modern bars and authentic Greek restaurants.
Samaria Gorge is in The Samaria National Park, in western Crete. Narrow and surrounded by cliffs at a passage known as the iron gates. It’s a long walk and can take around 6 hours to walk the whole 16km but it’s an amazing experience that you need to be well equipped for.
Mount Ida, known as various names but most commonly now as Psiloritis. Standing at 2,456 and situated in the Rethymnon region it is the highest mountain on Crete. There are around 5 different routes to the summit, the easiest is from Nida Plateau and the time it takes depends entirely on the climber. The mountain is most famously known for the Greek mythology surrounding it as according to the legends it was were Zeus was born and hidden in one of the caves. So if you’re into history or hiking or just want an incredible experience that has unrivalled views, this is one for you.
Spinalonga is located in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete; the island has long been shrouded in history and mystery. Up until 1957 it was home to leper’s colonies, despite the cure for leprocy being discovered in the 1940’s, those who caught the disease were essentially banished from Crete and sent to live on the island after having everything taken from them, including their citizenship and never received treatment. Harrowing but informative and definitely worth seeing.
Sometimes the hardest part about picking the perfect hotel is the laborious process of trying to find somewhere that ticks off a certain criterion. This criterion might involve a series of diverse activities both inside and outside of a hotel to meet the interests of a family or a group of friends, like trying to combine poolside downtime and piña coladas with a trip to town or a post-dinner hike. Preferably all four.
Tivoli Carvoeiro ticks more boxes than your average Algarvian resort. For one: there’s a beach right on its doorstep. The hotel is also located amidst a backdrop of impeccable vineyards and a quaint old town ideal for ambling. The foodies will be pleased to learn that there’s not one but three restaurants on the hotel grounds, and the true urbanites will be delighted to discover a beach-chic rooftop bar for cocktails and cosy catch-ups. Happy exploring.
The Vibe
On arrival, the wide glass windows and low ceilings immediately imbue the surroundings with an elegant but chilled-out vibe. The current design focuses on an airy and light atmosphere rather than excess five-star opulence. Interior designers, Broadway Malyan, transformed this area of the hotel during a major refurbishment programme, opting for a space that offers glimpses of the ocean coquettishly peeking in from various corners of the hotel.
The Rooms
The 248 rooms too were redesigned with floor-to-ceiling windows and extended balconies to offer more depth and contact with the sea, whilst also overlooking the shimmering pool and wrought limestone rocks. Inside, the light and airy theme continues with simple white walls to match a soft blue colour palette. The bathroom showcases contemporary design with a seductive walk-in shower, twin sinks and zero clutter.
The Restaurants
Tivoli Carvoeiro’s versatility derives from its variation of restaurants and bars so you can lunch in a different location to breakfast, which is always a factor that sets a good resort apart from a great one. We were fortunate enough to get a taste of each, lunching at Azur Bar with an ocean view and local wines aplenty. Make sure to enquire about the catch of the day to sample Portugal’s freshest seafood and opt for the authentic cataplana, which might be the region’s best-known dish cooked in a clam-shaped copper pan thought to have been invented during the Algarve’s long period of Moorish rule.
The One restaurant is a must for fine dining with expert wine pairing. The Med is where you’ll also find the breakfast buffet comprised of fresh fruits, pastries, local cheeses and so much more. By night, it transforms into a cosy and romantic setting for more traditional regional dishes, including grilled octopus with mash potato, and veal carpaccio with a modest dash of parmesan cheese.
The Activities
Two outdoor swimming pools, a private beach and a full-service spa are just a few activities on the agenda at Tivoli Carvoeiro. It’s an adventure in itself clambering down the make-shift steps and jagged rocks to the beach, but completely worth the climb. Two guests were climbing back up as we ventured down, soaked from head to toe and breathless from swimming to the sea caves. They explained the best way to go about handling the waves, which had become slightly more energetic by this point in the afternoon, though calm enough to dip and gallivant closer to the shore.
For anyone suffering from cabin fever, there’s wine tasting at Quinta da Vinha vineyard and guided hikes across the sort of soaring cliffs that draw over four million visitors to the Algarve each year. The Sete Vales Suspensos is one of the most picturesque Algarve routes featuring secluded beaches, copper cliffs and dramatic coastal landscapes that stretch far and wide for 5.7km.
Don’t Miss
The hotel’s sleek Sky Bar is the ideal spot to lounge with a fruity cocktail backdropped by wide open skies. The white and wood décor feels contemporary and offers a laidback aspect to the rooftop, mixed with a chic and cool elegance. Cocktails are abundant, as is the vast ocean view melding with the melting sunset.
Today is officially the hottest day of the year so far for the UK. With temperatures in the UK this week soaring above the temperatures in Ras Al Khaimah, why not jet off to this northern most emirate in the UAE to escape the heat? Unlike the UK, Ras al Khaimah has a regular climate of sizzling temperatures and so there are plenty of activities on offer that are tailored to this climate. See below for the top three ways to cool down whilst enjoying the sun in the destination.
MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES
Head up to the mountains, they are on average 10 degrees cooler than the lower climate. Get the wind in your hair with an adrenaline filled trip on the world’s longest zipline at Jebel Jais. Jebel Jais Flight has achieved a Guinness World Record as it measures 2.8 kilometers – the equivalent to over 28 soccer fields! It spans the chasm of Jebel Jais, the UAE’s largest mountain peak at over 1,680 metres above sea level. The flight takes two to three minutes and the speed depends on weight and weather conditions, ranging between 120kph to 150kph. If you are an active traveller, another way up the mountain would be to follow the popular cycle routeto refresh your senses and keep fit, too!
DIP INTO LUXURY RESORT POOLS
One of the many jewels of Ras Al Khaimah is the choice of luxury hotels- they truly know how to do it right! Visitors can choose from boutique hotels to opulent five-star properties and resorts, including Marjan Island Resort and Spa, Double Tree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah and the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimahwhich are all a stone’s throw from the cooling sea and breezes from the Arabian Gulf. Prepare for the luxury lifestyle and go all-inclusive with breathtaking views, plenty of pools and ongoing icy refreshments all day and night.
ESCAPE TO AN OASIS IN THE DESERT
Relax and unwind at the Bedouin Oasis camp in the desert with billowing tents, traditional tea and warm Emirati hospitality. Watch the crystal-clear stars as the Middle Eastern sun goes down and the temperature drops and learn more about traditional Bedouin life. Here is a camp seeped in glorious UAE heritage and culture which you can enjoy, don;t miss out on experiencing this gem.
Thoughts of Florida have forever conjured flashes of Disney theme parks and feverish tourists soaking along thronged sandy beaches; of trumpeting bars spilling with Orlando jazz. Yet, with hundreds of miles of beaches hugged by Atlantic shores and the Gulf of Mexico, there’s so much more to this Sunshine State than Universal Studios. Just two hours north of Miami and often overlooked, Martin County is located in the Treasure Coast region and the county seat of Stuart offers a slice of the ‘real’ Florida untouched by tourist hubs. Brimming with white sand beaches and wildlife, here are just a few things to see and do…
Enjoy the sunset on a sailboat
Jump aboard the Schooner Lilley, the only wooden sailboat in Stuart, and watch one of Florida’s famous blazing sunsets. Enjoy the view without the disruption of an engine and glide alongside pods of dolphins. Bring your own beer to crack open at sunset and sit back to the sound of live folk music sung and strummed by the Captain and his wife, for a glimpse of way back when.
Downtown Stuart
Small, sleepy and sherbet-coloured, downtown Stuart is peppered with restaurants, art galleries and quirky boutiques. Though you can walk up and down the strip in 5 minutes, it’s an ample opportunity to glimpse a slow Floridian way of life sheltered from tourism. Behind the main street you’ll find a Riverwalk along the banks of the St. Lucie River – the perfect place for a Sunday dawdle with a mountainous ice cream from Kilwin’s. Spoto’s Oyster Bar sits on the river’s edge for those hungry from some of Stuart’s freshly shucked seafood.
Riding the Waves Eco Tour
The Riding the Waves Eco Tour is the best way to experience the beauty of Florida’s East Coast from the water. Learn about the complex ecosystem of the St Lucie river guided tour with a naturalist, race through the open water and weave through the mangroves – just try not to get stuck in the mud at low tide!
Go paddle boarding
Martin County is bursting with expansive waterways to be explored and there’s no better way than a morning of paddle boarding with the Ohana Bus. A ride in the pimped out school bus filled with surfer stickers and disco lights is definitely a highlight, but a paddle across the Intercostal is hard to beat. We spent a morning paddling across a bay lined with sprawling properties and manicured lawns to a sandbar where the water glints blue and clear and mangrove islands sprout and sprawl. If you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by the Manatee’s and dolphins who frequent the waterways for an idyllic close-up experience with the best of Florida’s marine life.
Soak up the sun at Hutchinson Shores Beach Resort
A truly beautiful property located on Hutchinson Island, the hotel’s 178 oceanfront rooms are light and beachy, with large bay windows and a view to die for. The ocean is so close, you can taste the salt in the breeze; when it’s time for bed, keep your balcony door ajar and drift asleep to the sound of the waves. The resort itself offers enough to keep you busy in the heat. There are two pool areas to choose from, both with bars serving a steady stream of afternoon cocktails, and the sound of the ocean is never far away. Enjoy dinner in Drift Kitchen & Bar – the resort’s oceanfront restaurant. Blue crab crusted grouper or day boat scallops with key lime butter sauce are two standout local seafood dishes on the menu.
Sunrise Yoga
Shamelessly millennial and Instagrammable…yes, but with the pristine ocean views at Jensen beach, a morning tree pose on the sand is an idyllic way to begin your stay in Martin County. Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa offer regular yoga sessions for early-bird hotel guests and beach dwellers to enjoy a sense of zen, alongside the crashing blue waves and a largely deserted beach.
Enjoy lunch at the Twister Tuna
A wildly popular local hangout, with strong sports bar vibes paired with fishing memorabilia and nets strung from the ceiling. The huge menu is a bizarre blend of cuisines from Asian to Italian but seafood sits at the centre of everything. From raw to fried, choose from seafood tacos, fresh sushi, jalapeno oysters, its infamous fish dip and a daily catch. Buckets of iced tea flow in the heat and the portions are nothing short of humungous making it serious value for money. There’s also a Bloody Mary brunch every Sunday, need we say more?
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Thailand is an exotic holiday destination country, and if you happen to like island hopping, you couldn’t pick a better destination than the Land of Smiles, as there are literally hundreds of tropical islands just waiting to be discovered. Many are National Parks, which are kept in pristine condition, and while many are already established as tourist venues, you can still find deserted islands where you can relax on white sandy beaches and live your dream.
Booking your Holiday Through an Established Tour Company
The best way to book your holiday is with a company that specialises in private Thailand tours, as they know all the islands and can help you to plan your island-hopping adventure. Otherwise, you will be spending your valuable holiday time looking for these islands, which can be difficult to locate, and you can have the luxury of a local guide who will be with you every step of the way.
Planning your Trip
Even though there are many tourist destinations in Thailand, English is rarely spoken, which makes it very difficult to arrange anything. This is just one of the many reasons why you should book your holiday with an established local tour operator, who will help you to plan a holiday that you will remember forever. To help you get started with your planning, there is an online list of islands within Thailand, which provides you with a lot of information.
Exploring Marine Life
That is the best part of island hopping in Thailand, and exploring the magical world underwater will bring many unique experiences, where you will experience fish and other exotic species that you have never encountered before. If you have a camera and an underwater camera housing, you can film yourself swimming with whale sharks and other amazing marine species.
Range of Holiday Accommodation
While you can experience the most basic of beach huts, there are also 5-star resorts, where your every whim is catered for, and there are a lot of resorts that are in between these extremes, offering you a range of accommodation choices. With everything booked in advance, you can relax, while the tour operator will give you information on things to pack, etc, and even if you are travelling in the high season (November to February), your bookings will be confirmed.
Let the Experts Take the Strain
If you would like a stress-free holiday, then sourcing a luxury travel company that offers tour packages in Thailand, such as Exotic Voyages, is the best way to make sure that your holiday is everything you expect, and with nothing left to arrange, you can relax and enjoy the experience. With a tour operator that can personalise your tour of Thailand, every detail can be taken care of, including booking scuba and snorkelling trips in advance to ensure that there will be space on the boats.
By using an established Thailand tour operator, your holiday will be stress-free, and one that you will remember for all the right reasons.
You don’t have to shut yourself off from the world to enjoy the benefits of a gourmet healthy food plan while on holiday, nor must you struggle with a barely-there diet and gruelling workout routine to come back feeling your best. Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resortis attracting travellers with a moderate approach to health-focused holidays.
Perhaps the best thing about the southern Mauritius destination for those keen to take advantage of nourishing food and a range of physical activities during their getaway is that partners accompanying travellers don’t have to get involved at all because there are plenty non-wellness options to indulge in.
Experts at the colonial architecture- style resort will curate a personalized programme for your needs, advising what to eat, wonderful workouts and terrific treatments to benefit your body.
House of Coco stayed in a Garden Villa which had access to its own hammock via the back-door deck. As if peering out to the garden while soaking in the complimentary salt crystals wasn’t enough, even the botanical artwork in the room was a reminder of the lush surroundings.
House of Coco eased into our stay with a Jet Lag treatment at the Seven Colours spa. For 30 minutes, a therapist rubbed away the stresses and strains from the flight using a choice of aromatherapy oil. Each one correlated to a colour, and my attraction to yellow during my pre-massage consultation led me on a ginger-based journey. I emerged feeling invigorated thanks to the fiery root ingredient being slathered all over my skin and absorbing into my tired muscles. Post-treatment guests are invited to lounge on a shaded outdoor bed by the 2,000 sqm spa’s heated pool. Don’t forget to spritz yourself with insect repellent before you sip herbal tea in a cosy robe.
While anyone is bound to melt into an after-flight massage easily, my next treatment wasn’t for everyone but one unique to the resort and a great antidote for deeper issues.
The Ohashiatsu master instructed me to sprawl out on a large flatbed situated in the Wellness Sanctuary complete with soothing sounds from the water features and surrounded by drapes for privacy and to keep out mosquitos. You may have heard of shiatsu, but Ohashiatsu takes things one step further by making the receiver feel more relaxed and therefore gaining more benefits from the limb rolling and stretching techniques.
I particularly enjoyed the gentle pressure applied to my stomach as the area is often avoided in traditional massages and the tummy is linked to many health concerns. It turned out that was the case for me as the master said he tuned into anxieties and fatigue from performing his healing moves over my abdomen.
The Wellness Sanctuary is also where yoga and meditation took place. Returning guest instructor Karine Kleb invited those staying at Heritage Le Telfair to rise early and work on tuning out internal chatter to just focus on being in the moment.
Her narration in both English and French (the language spoken by locals) ensured a good mix of beginners and intermediate participates joined the sessions each day. When the weather called for it sunset Hatha yoga classes took place at C Beach Club, where guests paddle board, kayak and snorkel away the day right up until mats are set out on the sand of the resort’s 1km beach.
Another unique offering from Heritage Resorts is access to the waterfalls, streams and wildlife within Domaine de Bel Ombre. During our excursion we drove past the rows of giant sugar canes and to the nearby Frederica Nature Reserve for the perfect Forest Bathing setting.
The trendy wellness activity does what it says on the tin – using the sights and sounds of nature to cleanse participants of everyday stresses. Think of it as a more active version of meditation. A reiki master took us out on a hike where monkeys hurried across our path and deer were spotted darting off into the distance as they heard our footsteps. It’s something that would’ve gone unnoticed without allowing ourselves to enjoy the quiet, simply noticing what naturally surrounded us.
As well as showing us how to connect with the universe out there in the fresh forest air, the reiki master also gave a beginner’s course in aura reading. Moving our wind-facing palms like a body scanner, the idea was to detect any areas on our partners body connected to emotional or physical problems. This would be identified when our own hands heated up as we hovered our palms from the head towards the toes.
If the activities on offer don’t help you work up enough of an appetite, the gym is open 24 hours.
And you’ll want to make room to sample what’s on the various menus across the resort. Beachfront Le Palmier restaurant has fish of the day, palm heart salad and carpaccio as highlights and guests taking advantage of the wellness program should look out for the handy correlating symbol next to the name of dishes for what’s recommended.
Breakfast is served buffet-style at Annabella’s with chefs whipping up omelettes on demand and freshly squeezing juices as part of the international offering best enjoyed on the veranda. The restaurant also serves dinner and helps out when it comes to selecting dishes from the extensive menu by displaying the dishes on offer each night.
For a dinnertime treat, the Asian cuisine offering at Ginja restaurants takes things up a notch at the Teppanyaki table where the chef makes a show out of serving up meat, rice and vegetables from the griddle.
But the ultimate lavish experience comes with a short journey to Le Château – a castle with a Presidential Suite that guests can also stay in. Its garden grows herbs used in the resort’s dishes and picked by guests in preparation for cooking classes. You won’t want to miss out on tasting tipples in the private wine cellar next to the dining room, if only to try the lychee wine which is unique to Mauritius. Afterwards, butlers present a dazzling display of plates from French Chef David Toutain that are best rounded off with some famous Mauritian rum in the piano lounge.
