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Discovering Copenhagen with Moxy Hotels

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 with Moxy Hotels

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.

www.moxyhotels.com

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Hotel Review: Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort

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. The Tivoli Carvoeiro could be just the place to fulfil such varied desires.

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 are 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 designer, 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.

Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort

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.

Nightly rates at Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort start from £89 for a double room on B&B basis. For more information, please visit:
https://www.minorhotels.com/pt/tivoli/tivoli-carvoeiro

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#CocoTravel: Top 10 Places To Visit In Crete

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.

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Saudi Arabia

Too hot in the UK? Cool down in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE (yes, you heard correctly)

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.

Want to know more? Discover Ras Al Khaimah HERE: https://en.raktda.com/
and check prices now on skyscanner.com

By Melanie Marti.

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7 things to do in Florida’s Treasure Coast

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?

For more Martin County info and inspiration visit:

https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us.html

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Why People Who Love Island Hopping Should Visit Thailand

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.

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France

Mauritius: Heritage Le Telfair hotel review

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.

After all, wellness isn’t about deprivation, and House of Coco believes finding the right balance is the true meaning of self-care.

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Empire of Japan

East London’s best eats: Miyako

Located in East London’s Andaz Liverpool Street, Miyako is an intimate and unassuming Japanese restaurant serving deliciously fresh sushi. The restaurant specialises in simple, authentic dishes and its definitely got #TeamCoco’s vote.

The 28-seat, friendly restaurant serves traditional Japanese cuisine from maki rolls to temaki rolls and sashimi and hot dishes, including chicken teriyaki, pork gyozas. If we were to choose a winning dish, it would be a close shave between the scallop sushi, pork gyozas and seabass sashimi (it’s that good we can’t choose).

Head Chef, Sakamoto, works closely with local suppliers to hand pick high quality and ethically sourced fish to deliver a menu, which is made fresh by hand every day. The menu has been designed to eat in or takeaway. The sake menu is particularly impressive with a range of hot, cold and sparkling sake on offer.

There is no pretentiousness and it isn’t fussy but it does seem miles ahead of other Japanese restaurants in the city. The staff are attentive and efficient but reflect the restaurant’s subtlety and unassuming vibe.

Excitingly, the restaurant has launched a series of monthly sushi and sake experience master classes, designed to take guests on an authentic culinary journey into the art of sushi making, led by Japanese-born Sakamoto. Priced at £79.00 per person, guests will enjoy a hands-on three hour session learning the top tricks and techniques of rice cooking, preparing their own Maki, Temaki and Inside-out rolls as well as how to select the best fish and ingredients and serve Sashimi. The Sushi & Sake experience, includes a sparkling sake on arrival, and sake tasting— guests will sample a range of sake wines.

Bookings: The sushi masterclass is available on 17 August at 3pm and is priced at £79.00 per person.

Miyako also serves a bottomless menu, featuring Gyoza, Sushi, Tempura, Teriyaki and many other favourites. Priced at £18.00 per person, the menu is available to eat in Monday to Friday, 2.30pm – 5.30pm.

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Travel

Life-Changing Winnings and Paid Holiday – Canada and the Rise of Online Casinos

The buzzing gaming industry has been thriving in the last decade. Adventurous individuals are often concerned about finding a decent range of entertainment options around their destination. Traveling to the USA, we might get distracted by the noise, the crowds, the neon and flashlight of Las Vegas, but it’s important to take a look at the development of the Canadian casinos and online casino sites as well. The nation of the Ice Hockey did not get enough fun solely from the frosty sports events. They wanted more! And they gave the warmest welcome to these fantastic casino sites that operate the live casino Canada nowadays.

You don’t need to be a Canadian citizen, you don’t even need to be a huge fan of the country to enjoy any stunning online casino Canada has to offer to gamblers. Sharing the same border with the gambling paradise, they intended to compete in the global race of licensing some of the best online casinos.

At first glance, the American continent has built a huge fan-base of gamblers based in the US. Still, one has to keep in mind that the other giant country of North-America has taken a rather big slice of the gaming cake. With the progression of the online gambling sites, we now find a huge selection of online slots Canada brought to the players.

Why do we tell this to you? Well, when we speak of gambling, we have to remember the life-changing jackpot prizes! And life-changing winnings are commonly spent on life-changing holidays! Anyone heard of extremely lucky individuals that have flipped their life upside-down by a single push on the ‘Spin’ button? These stories are not legends. They are real people with real money fortunes! Don’t believe us? Keep on reading!

Let’s take Jonathan Heywood, British soldier, who won a jaw-dropping amount of £13.2 million, just 25 minutes after he opened his Betway account. In the interview, he gave he said that he will certainly take all his family and relatives to a Mediterranean Cruise!

Another Canadian player, Marcus Godwin won not less than $11,633,898 while he was spinning for his luck on the African-themed Mega Moolah! Although he could barely speak from this shocking experience, he said that he’s gonna take his entire family to a first-class trip to Africa. Not a bad destination for the Christmas holidays!

People tend to think that this will always happen to others, and hardly ever to us. But the only things that separated these online winners from these gigantic hits was to give themselves a shot, by trying their luck. And then BOOM! These people and many others have been true travelers, finding their way to found their adventures by some amazing online slot winnings!
Canada has definitely proven to provide an opportunity to win so big, that it can actually change your life! And if that happened once, it will certainly happen again. We can’t wait for more jackpot winners to share their experience with us about which amazing places they got to visit!

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Food & Drink

72 Hours In Phuket Town and Kata Beach: Activities, Sightseeing And Food

A guide of the best things to do in Phuket Town and on the West Coast of the Thai island including sights, activities and food suggestions using the newly opened OZO Phuket as a base…

This photo-heavy guide is designed to give you enough activities to do over 72 hours in Phuket, including some downtime to enjoy OZO Phuket’s facilities. Mix and match from the detailed activities and excursions to design your perfect three-day itinerary.

Half a day
30-minute drive from OZO Phuket, Kata Beach
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush then a visit to Hanuman World needs to be on your itinerary. This ziplining adventure park in a lush green jungle is a sure fire way for thrill seekers to get their kick. The Roller Zipline combines a classic zipline with a rollercoaster for an exciting experience and, for those who prefer gentler activities, the Sky Walk offers a less extreme way to view the jungle. Prices range from ฿1990 to ฿3190.

Hanuman World also boasts two restaurants on its complex: Three Monkeys and Wanon Restaurant. Three Monkeys is great for coffee and cake – we would recommend the tiramisu and Three Monkeys cake and the signature Three Monkeys coffee, consisting of a shot of coffee, milk and Cointreau to mix at your own discretion. Wanon Restaurant offers a lunch buffet of Thai food, which is great for refuelling after an adventure-filled morning.

Half a day
30-minute drive from OZO Phuket, Kata Beach
One of the most highly recommended landmarks of Phuket is the Big Buddha. This 45 metre tall statue is still under construction and you can sponsor marble tiles to contribute to the completion of the project. As well as being a tourist attraction, it is also an active temple with monks so make sure you dress suitably (shoulders and shins covered for women, men are fine in shorts). The views from both the bottom of the stairs and the base of the Buddha are spectacular and look out over Chalong Bay, Kata Bay, Kata Noi Bay and Promthep Cape. We recommend going around 10am when it’s quieter and cooler.

Wat Chalong Temple is a beautiful temple complex that is situated near the Big Buddha (a 20-minute drive from Big Buddha and 15-minute drive from OZO Phuket). The Temple gardens are beautiful and the buildings give you a great insight into the Buddhist religion and the local Thai life. When at the Temple you will hear loud banging noises which are firecrackers being set off to mark gratitude of granted wishes that were once made at the Temple.

A two-minute walk from Wat Chalong and with a beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking a lake is Rimtang @ Chalong. This restaurant has a huge menu serving Thai food, such as delicious Pad Thai. It’s worth noting the spice level here seemed much higher than elsewhere in Phuket.

Half a day
30-minute from OZO Phuket, Kata Beach
Phuket Old Town is a lively little town known for its charming, brightly coloured buildings. The Walking Street Market is a big attraction in the Old Town. Hosted every Sunday between 4pm and 10pm the market takes over Walking Street with authentic food stalls, artists selling their creations, clothing and accessories and live music.

The Walking Street Market in Phuket Old Town offers a wide variety of authentic Thai street food, from Mee Hokkien (noodles with seafood, pork, greens and a broth) to Apong (a traditional crispy flatbread sweetened with sugar).

When you’ve had enough of on-the-go street food then Tu Kab Khao is great for a sit-down meal. In a wonderful 120-year-old building this restaurant serves delicious, fresh Thai food and has an extensive menu of creative cocktails; including one named Miss Phuket that comes complete with tiara and pageant-style sash.

Torry’s Ice Cream is a decadent ice cream shop serving a huge range of flavours from familiar vanilla, chocolate and strawberry to Thai-style sweet potato, milk tea and guava. They also offer ice cream in the flavour O-Aew; a traditional Phuket dessert (tip: it’s pronounced oh-aoh).

Late afternoon and evening
10-minute drive from OZO Phuket
If you’re looking for the best views of the island then the aptly named Karon View Point is the place to go. It’s just a ten-minute drive uphill from Kata Beach and offers uninterrupted views of the three west coast beaches (the locals call it Khao Saam Haad which translates to Three Beaches Hill). These beaches are Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon. There’s great parking and only around 20 stairs to the highest point.

Promthep Cape (a 15-minute drive from Karon View Point) is a popular destination for views – especially at sunset. It’s a short walk up a gentle hill, with around 20 stairs, to get to the open area of the cliff side. The rocky area fills up fast as people take their place for epic sunset views (unfortunately it was a cloudy day when #TeamCoco visited). If you’re unable to climb onto the rocky cliff side then it is possible to watch from the path.

Late evening and night
Two-minute walk from OZO Phuket
Within walking distance of OZO Phuket you will find Kata Night Market (open from daily 2pm-9pm). The market is mainly made up of a big covered food court with vendors selling tourist-oriented Thai food, such as rice dishes and a lot of seafood. Be aware that the food here seems hit and miss, receiving very mixed views on TripAdvisor – though we thought the pancakes with banana and Nutella were delicious. There are also a few stalls selling wares such as toys, clothing, hats, herbal toiletries etc. It’s a relatively small market and you’ll probably only spend an hour there.

After strolling around the market you can visit a strip of lively bars, which are almost opposite the hotel (don’t worry the noise of music doesn’t travel to the hotel). The selection of bars have both indoor and open air seating and offer cheaply priced drinks; over happy hour cocktails and local beers are all around ฿100.

Half a day
Less than a five-minute walk from OZO Phuket, Kata Beach
Just a short stroll away, taking a detour behind the hotel pool and through a private-use gate, is the sandy shores of Kata Beach. The beach has a few sunloungers available to hire and plenty of space on the sand to lay down a towel. Stalls, bars and street vendors line the beach selling fruits, smoothies and snack food. Kata Beach is also known for great surfing opportunities – you can rent boards and hire tutors on the beachside. If you don’t fancy surfing you can get involved with less extreme water sports, such as bodyboarding.

About the hotel
OZO Phuket is a newly opened hotel in Kata Beach. Focusing on providing great sleep with kingsize beds, pillows of varying firmness and blackout blinds to give guests loads of energy to get out and explore!

The onsite restaurant EAT serves delicious food; starting with a hearty breakfast buffet then from lunch ‘til dinner an a la carte menu with a wide choice of invigorating meals (both authentic Thai and Western-inspired). We recommend the Thai Green Curry, which has the perfect level of spice, and flavour and can be ordered with just veg, with tofu or with chicken.

OZO Phuket’s outside facilities are a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing and exploring Phuket Town. The hotel has two pools – one large pool geared towards adults and older children and one kids pool with a slide, fountains and colourful interactive playframes. Both pools are surrounded with various styles of seating, such as sun loungers, bean bags and wicker seats.

As detailed in this guide OZO Phuket is in a prime location, and is walking distance and driving distance from some of Phuket’s top landmarks and activities.

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