With its lofty green interior and brilliant white sand beaches, Mauritius has all the hallmarks of your archetypal island getaway. Yet, with its rich history and melting pot of different cultural influences, Mauritius offers travellers from honeymoon couples to solo adventurers something beyond your traditional tropical getaway. Whether that’s experiencing the street food scene and historic architecture in the country’s bustling capital Port Louis, cycling through traditional fishing villages along the scenic south coast, or exploring the islands historic tea plantations – this is one beach destination that goes beyond the ordinary. We sent our girl Beth to check out all Mauritius has to offer, here’s her photo diary.
At only 23 miles wide, you might think that the Isle of Wight is charming, but that it might just be a place to turn up and tune out for a complete digital detox. Whilst this absolutely can be done, you won’t want to miss out on some of the island’s interesting things to do. Despite its diminutive size, this pretty island certainly packs a punch when it comes to cool things to do and this will have you hopping onto the ferry ready for an islandcation in the sun before you know it.
You can walk with alpacas
West Wight Alpacas offer stress busting strolls around their farm near Yarmouth which is run by husband and wife team Neil and Michelle. Visitors can lead one of their 11 alpacas (or in some respects, be led yourself!) either individually or in groups. The Alpacas are all named after iconic legends such as Rameses and Amadeus as well as names associated with the island itself such as Vectis which is the Roman name for the Isle of Wight.
You can enjoy a luxury spa treatment
Wellness is a huge part of Island life and there is no shortage of spas and salons to enjoy a relaxing treatment. One of the chicest places to luxuriate at is at the West Bay Country Club and Spa in Freshwater. From Liz Earle facials to Aromatherapy Associates body treatments, you are guaranteed to walk away feeling fully revitalised. There is also a great pool, sauna and steam room that you can take advantage of too.
You can get acquainted with the local gin scene
A visit to the Mermaid Gin distillery is an absolute must if a cheeky G&T is your tipple de jour. The brainchild of Xavier Baker and Conrad Gauntlett, Mermaid Gin is made with ten botanicals including juniper, elderflower, Sicilian lemons, grains of paradise, coriander, orris, angelica and liquorice root. Their distillery is an intriguing mixture of scientific wizardry and rustic-luxe décor and yes, you can try before you buy.
Gin not your thing? They also do a rather fabulous Rock Sea Vodka which tastes delicious with a flavoured tonic and ice.
The distillery’s veranda is the ideal place for a spot of gin or vodka tasting in the sunshine overlooking the lush green hills of the island.
You could embrace your inner Royal
Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and family were so enamoured with the beauty and charm of the Isle of Wight’s, they built a palatial summer palace there. From its lavish Mediterranean style gardens to the Indian-inspired dining room, Osborne House showcases the splendour and opulence of the Royals in the Victorian era as well as the endearing relationship between Victoria and Albert.
You could get on your bike
One of the best places to see the island is by bike and Wight Cycle Hire provide electronic bicycles that you can ride along the disused railway trail through the trees all the way to the iconic Needles. There are several different routes that you can take (dependant on your fitness levels) but every route has the most extraordinary vistas that truly showcase the beauty of the island.
You can try the Island’s most famous produce
The Isle of Wight is renowned for many things – the world-famous festival, the iconic Needles and garlic. One of the Island’s most popular attractions is the garlic farm which is run by three generations of the same family. You can take a tour of the farm atop a rather large tractor, eat in the café and shop until you drop for a range of delightful products such as ice cream, fudge, mayonnaise all of which are made from garlic.
You can get back to nature
The Ventnor Botanical Garden is a peaceful retreat full of the most amazing flowers and trees. It is full of subtropical and exotic flora sourced and planted from around the globe. Local groups gather hear to paint, write and to do yoga and tai chi. The garden is moments away from the sea front and a selection of great bars and restaurants (including a vintage 1940’s-inspired café)
Travel to the Isle of Wight with Red Funnel ferries from Southampton to East Cowes.
Le Heritage Telfair Resort & Golf Club is a truly stunning five-star hotel in Mauritius. With various pools, unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean and a great mix of food and beverage outlets to ensure your time there is always exciting.
So it’s unlikely you’ll experience cabin fever a few days after checking in but they also encourage visitors to the south of the island to get out and about locally.
Here are six things House of Coco recommends adding to your itinerary during your trip.
1. Seven Coloured Earth Geopark
Exactly what it sounds like, visitors to Mauritius flock to see this incredible site of multicolored volcanic soil that believe it or not, isn’t an art instillation. This natural phenomenon on the southwest of the island is made up of red brown, purple, blue, yellow and violet dunes that got its rainbow look from ferric oxide and aluminum oxide left in the process of decomposing clay in the country’s hot and humid conditions from, both of which repel each other and cause a separation of colours.
Rain water created the beautiful swirling patterns that makes the geological site in the Chamarel area not only the perfect backdrop for a photograph but a stunning image in itself. Sit back with a coffee at the cafe and take it all in or climb to a higher viewing deck from the other side of the park to see it in all its glory. Make sure to grab a bag of Café de Chamarel coffee from the souvenir shop before you leave as it’s only available locally and unique because its grown in the rare soil.
After seeing 600 million years of history, stop by next door to see centuries old tortoises imported from the Seychelles (native saddle-back tortoises went extinct in the early 18th century). The oldest one to have lived at the park died at 250 years old but the average lifespan of these Aldabra tortoises are 150 years and they can get as long as one metre.
While children love watching the creatures slowly much away on grass at this area of the park, adults will be in awe of the second largest species of tortoise in the world.
Heritage Resorts’ domaine provides the opportunity to bathe in a waterfall during their forest bathing experience. But at Chamarel’s park where the country’s largest single-drop waterfall is located. The 100-metre-high attraction is visible from various levels that show off how truly massive this natural wonder is. If you’re feeling like getting a few extra thousand steps in take the three-hour trek down to the bottom for a rewarding dip in the water that pours in Saint Denis River and reaches rush speeds of 40,000 m3 per minute.
The waterfall flows straight into Baie du Cap, a small scenic village that provides some of the greatest views for a coastal drive. Wishing the Savanne district, head to La Prairie Beach favored by families and pets due to its shallow water, but along the way, stop for a short climb to up a viewing deck to experience the blue waters from a different angle. It’s guaranteed to be windy but that’s what makes the Baie du Cap’s lagoon a prime spot for windsurfing. Look for a break in the coral reef near La Maconde where the water suddenly drops to 2,000 meters deep. It’s popular with brave surfers but also sharks.
Rhumerie de Chamarel’s sugar cane-filled domain in the southwest part of the island offers guided tours and tastings of this famous beverage. Heritage Resorts hosts free tasting sessions for the brand but to fully immerse yourself in all there is to know about the aging process and how to enjoy it with food – such as wild pig and deer – it’s worth a visit to the estate. Don’t leave without browsing the collections of bottles at the gift shop once you know whether you’re more inclined to enjoy vanilla, spiced or one of the other offerings.
6. Curious Corner of Chamarel
Embrace your silly side at CCC which was created by three Brits while drinking Chamarel Rum. Half outdoor, half indoor, it’s the ideal activity during a rain shower but equally won’t take you out of the sun for too long on days when the weather is perfect. It’s a great way to mix things up during your getaway and is guaranteed to provide laughs with its mind-boggling areas.
Begin with an escape room task which leads into an upside room that will ironically drive up the wall. Ever wanted to see what it’s like to be a giant? Play with optical illusions that trick the eye with sizing. Create music in group interactive laser experience and good luck trying to figure out how to get through the mirror maze room.
House of Coco particularly enjoyed channelling our inner action movie star and creating an image that looked like we’s narrowly avoided dropping down an elevator shaft!
Los Angeles, city of angels, city of lights; this sprawling metropolis captures hearts and exports you into its eclectic lifestyle. With a population of over 4 million, L.A is as chaotic as it is beautiful. Full of diversity in every way, a to do list in Los Angeles varies from Disney to Venice Beach. There is so much to do, so much to see and so much vibrancy that it’s possible to run yourself into the ground trying to do it all in one trip. With that said it doesn’t mean a trip has to be jam-packed. It is possible to experience the city’s unique quality of life, thats why #TeamCoco have selected our top five things to slot into your itinerary, in order to have the full Los Angeles experience. Let’s face it, if you don’t include the below in your trip (and Instagram it) did you even go to L.A?
In 1958, eight stars were revealed on Hollywood Boulevard, now there are over 2,645 (Jack Black being the latest addition), so you are sure to find at least one of your favourite celebs on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. If you don’t fancy traipsing the 18 blocks, or you’re short for time, you can search online for the person’s star you are looking for to find its exact location. Otherwise we definitely recommend strolling the Blvd, it’s a good 1.3 mile walk so stopping in the quirky cafes and bars as you go, is necessary. Also fun fact, its a sponsorship of $30,000 to have a star on the Walk of Fame!
Next up, a landmark and cultural U.S icon; the Hollywood sign. Situated on Mount Lee, the 45 foot tall and 352 feet long sign, which was originally used as a real estate advert in the 20’s reading, “Hollywood Land’ and later restored in 1949 with the last four letters removed, may be a cliche to do for L.A but it is essential. There are various views where you can see the sign in all it’s glory, like from the boulevards and Runyon Canyon. However, nothing beats the view from above the sign, the size of the letters are put into perspective and the panoramic views of L.A are a sight to behold. It’s a 2-3 hour hike up to the Griffith Park Observatory to get this view but it’s so worth it and whilst you’re up there you may as well pop into the observatory.
À la Pretty Woman, Rodeo Drive is up next. A two-mile long street in Beverley Hills that has been the epitome of luxury since the 60’s. From Armani to Harry Winston it’s a designer dream. If these aren’t quite exclusive enough for you, there are couturiers where you need an appointment before you can even step foot through the door. If shopping isn’t your thing or these are way out of your range (we hear you) then window shopping and people watching are just as much, if not more fun. After an $18 million renovation in the early 2000’s, there is also a Walk of Style, where fashion icons are honoured for their work in style and fashion. So it’s definitely worth a trip to get lost in the splendour one of the most famous roads in the world.
Baseball, may not be one or even any of the things you first think of when planning a trip to L.A but it’s one of the most popular sports in America for both spectators and the participants, so it’s a worthwhile experience. Home to the Los Angeles Dodgers the Dodgers Stadium is the largest ballpark in the country, with a capacity of 56,000 seats, this is definitely the place to try a baseball game. If your trip is seasonal to the game, book tickets, you wont regret it, whether you enjoy the sport or not. The atmosphere is unbeatable, the merchandise is everything you imagine and the food, well, mac n’ cheese, nachos and infamous Dodger Dogs… it’s the American Dream and you’ll be a baseball convert before you know it.
If you’re truly short for time on your trip and your good with heights/flying we couldn’t recommend a helicopter tour more. A perfect way to escape reality yet take in everything Los Angeles has to offer, especially if you can nab yourself an open door ride. The pilots know L.A inside out and even better than some locals, they are a mind of unique information. With breathtaking views of the Pacific coast, Malibu beach mansions, the city skyline, the Dodgers Stadium, Universal Studios, Disney, Griffith Observatory and of course the Hollywood sign; a helicopter ride is the ideal way to see absolutely everything Los Angeles has to offer from a completely different perspective.
When it comes to searching for the perfect wellness holiday look no further. Whether it’s you’re first rodeo in terms of merging all things healthy into your vacations or you’re a pro at seeking out locations to really rejuvenate the mind and body, the new Mauritius Wellness Festival is guaranteed to get you excited to book a trip that won’t disappoint.
Heritage Le Telfair is already known for its healthy outlook to getaways but from May 3 to 5 Heritage Resorts is taking it one step further for the first time…
Keeping active
Guests will be immersed in activities such as yoga, dance and Pilates, plus talks and workshops with international wellness leaders and experts.
House of Coco got a sneak peak at the facilities during a recent stay where French yoga guru Karine Kleb was a returning special guest instructor. We started our day with morning meditation at the Wellness Pavilion and ended our days of relaxing on the beach, in between paddle boarding and kayaking, with a chilled out sunset beach yoga class.
But there’s also the opportunity to get outside of the resort and connect with nature at the most iconic landmarks in the south of the island. Part of the forthcoming Mauritius Wellness Festival experience is a trek to UNESCO World Heritage site Le Morne for some incredible coastal views and an opportunity to reach your step goal for the day.
We learned how to truly let go of everyday stress and anxiety during a forest bathing experience on the resort’s Domaine Bel Ombre, spotting monkeys and deer as we quietly walked past streams and lush green trees before cooling off at the on-site waterfall.
Want more of a metabolism push? As part of the accommodation at Heritage Le Telfair, access to the gym is complimentary and everything you need is available, including a rowing machine, stationary bikes and treadmills.
Chilling out
Other features of the Mauritius Wellness Festival include a relaxation zone, music corners, artists areas, an evening music festival by local bands with local instruments.
House of Coco particularly enjoyed the evening live music offering at Heritage Le Telfair’s piano bar Cavendish. It’s located right beside the aesthetically-pleasing main pool (there’s also an adult pool and the pool at C Beach Club).
But every corner of the resort provides an opportunity to unwind. We stayed in a Garden View Villa where daily hangs in the back porch hammock made all the difference. The deep bathtub – relaxing bath salts are provided – and in-room yoga mat encourages further relaxation.
Mindful eating
Of course, healthy food stations are one of the big pulls for taking part in the inaugural Mauritius Wellness Festival.
House of Coco dined daily at the resort’s beach front Le Palmier restaurant where crunchy palm heart salads were an example of the region’s healthy local produce and the menu’s wellness icons made it easy to select nutritious dishes such as the popular catch of the day.
An alternative dining experience is an organized trip to the nearby Chateau where guests can pick herbs, fruits and vegetables with the chef before returning to the Heritage Le Telfair to cook a local meal. We were impressed by our own carry making skills and made sure to incorporate some local rum in our dessert which ended up being banana flambé.
Otherwise Annabelle’s restaurant ensures you know exactly what you’re ordering by displaying the dinner menu dishes that you’re encouraged to view before making your mindful selection. The venue is also where the breakfast buffet – including freshly squeezed juices – is served.
Mauritius Wellness Festival costs from €95 for a one day pass to €375 for a 3 day pass with food. For more information visit www.mauritiuswellnessfestival.com
If you can’t make this year’s festivities, the Wellness Bliss Package is available year-round and costs £51 per person/night.
It involves an initial consultation with the Wellness Director who will help you achieve all your goals for the holiday by creating a personal programme of activities and exercise, including an eating plan.
Each guest can choose one daily Wellness Experience. They include detox and tension relief massages at the Seven Colours Spa, private Tai-Chi or Qi gong sessions and even Osteopathy treatments.
Hiking, shopping, festivals, spas, scenery, pools, casinos, fine dining, quirky bars; the list goes on. There is so much to do, so much to see and so much choice in this vibrant place that even finding somewhere to stay can be overwhelming, that’s why #TeamCoco has rounded up the five best hotels in Palm Springs.
The Willows
A hotel that romances you with not only its charm but its history too; The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn was designed to be a luxurious and exclusive private hideaway. Built in 1925, today, The Willows retains its unique ambience as a small Mediterranean hotel with just eight rooms. Expansive terraces allow guests to soak up the sun and the panoramic views of the entire Coachella Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. The gardens are extensive and boast a private waterfall, oozing serenity. It’s no wonder The Willows has been a getaway for the elite; if it’s good enough for Albert Einstein, Robert De Niro and Jared Leto, we’re pretty sure it’s good enough for us.
The Parker
The Parker Palm Springs is situated in Canyon Sands so it has easy access to all the city has to offer. This prestigious hotel offers luxury accommodation that is so comfortable it feels like home. The landscaping a decor is unparalleled and it’s no wonder The Parker is listed as one of the leading hotels in the world. Its bright interiors awaken a sense of adventure within you and decadent food and drinks leave you retreating to your room in a state of utter contentment. With an array of treatments and wellness options that are tailored to you and a shot of cucumber-infused vodka; the spa, aka, The Yacht Club is a destination in itself.
The Weekend
The entrance to The Weekend is the epitome of Palm Springs; modern, sophisticated and surrounded by Palm Trees. Originally built in the 1960s but now completely renovated to one of Palm Springs’s most exclusive places, it holds that 60’s vibe but with an elite feel. With just 10 rooms that are both chic and timeless, this is a sanctuary amongst the chaos. Situated within Las Palmas, this getaway is a quick walk away from the San Jacinto Mountains and the North End, for easy access to restaurants and bars. From the moment you enter the little red door, you escape into another reality where nothing is too much and every little detail is well thought out.
L’Horizon Resort & Spa
L’Horizon Resort & Spa, could not be better named, with incomparable views of the horizon, this hotel is simply idyllic. From its opening in 1952, L’Horizon has welcomed the likes of Marilyn Monroe and many other celebrities from Hollywood’s golden era. It has since been redesigned to reflect both its history and surroundings; now providing an intimate serene atmosphere. Sweeping over three acres, semi-detached bungalow villas, hold a total of 25 rooms, with private patios and even outdoor showers. The sleek modern aesthetic contrasts and compliments its desert surroundings making L’Horizon the perfect boutique hotel just minutes from downtown Palm Springs.
The Palm Springs Hotel
The ultimate boutique experience, timeless, traditional and elegant; The Palm Springs hotel combines the storytelling of the town with modern architecture and amenities. Bold yet simplistic the artistic flair of the hotel is in stark contrast to the desert surrounding it. An outdoor pool, hot tub, picnic area and fire pit are all part of the experience; this hotel is for those who love to relax and unwind in a sleek, intimate environment. Away from the heart of Palm Springs, this is a small oasis within the desert.
Strung out in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Madagascar, the island of Mauritius is perhaps best well known for its beaches – and with good reason. Brilliant white, protected by coral reefs and backed by the island’s lofty interior, they make Mauritius a dream destination for sand-between-the-toes types. But however beautiful its beaches – venture beyond and you’ll discover a large, lush island with a rich cultural tapestry. Thanks to its location as an outpost in the Indian Ocean, Dutch, Indian, French, English, Creole and Chinese influences have all woven together to create a culture that is distinctly Mauritian. From the country’s bustling capital Port Louis, where market stalls overflow with fresh herbs and spices, to the tea plantations and tumbling waterfalls found in the verdant island’s centre, here are seven things to do in Mauritius beyond the beach.
1. A tasting tour of Port Louis
A confluence of Indian, Creole, African, Chinese and European influences, Mauritian cuisine brings together a multitude of flavours to create unique dishes. The best way to taste all the island has to offer? With a walking tour of capital Port Louis by My Moris – a cultural exploration of how the island’s cosmopolitan heritage is intertwined with its street food scene. From the heady spice quarters, where Indian Muslims of Port Louis have traded in spices for generations (their Gujerati heritage influencing typical Mauritian dishes like Dholl puri – a stuffed crepe served with curry) to to the colourful streets of Chinatown, where you can try steamed dumplings in a fragrant broth.
2. Visit Bois Cheri Tea Factory
Dating back to 1892, Bois Cheri is the most historic and best-known tea producer in Mauritius. Exploring the fields, old factory and museum, you’ll discover the history of and importance of tea production in Mauritius first-hand. At the end of your tour, you can sample some of the flavoured brews (with biscuits, of course) at the hilltop chalet, overlooking the emerald-striped tea fields and taking in panoramic views of the south of the island over a cup of vanilla tea.
3. Lunch at Chateau Labourdonnais
Located in the north of the island and dating back to 1856, the Château de Labourdonnais is well worth a visit, both for its historic colonial architecture, dappled tree-lined avenues and gardens filled with exotic plants and centuries-old mango trees, as well as the local flavours on offer in La Table du Château’s restaurant the Domaine’s distillery, which can be sampled in the tasting bar.
4. Rhumerie de Chamarel
Set among the vast hillside sugar cane plantations of Chamarel in the South of the island, this working distillery not only grows its own sugarcane to produce the rum but also doubles as a museum showcasing the rum-making process. Here you can sample eye-watering varieties ranging from banana to some with an alcohol content of 50%. We recommend heading to The Alchemist restaurant next door, where you can soak up some of the rum with a menu featuring local produce and game like deer and wild boar.
5. Chamarel Waterfall and 7 Coloured Earth
At over 100m high and fringed by tropical forest, this tumbling waterfall has to be one of the prettiest we’ve seen. Hike up to the viewpoint from the Geopark access road to get a front-row view of the natural phenomenon. Continue up the road, and you’ll reach 7 Coloured Earth – a surreal landscape of rainbow-hued dunes, the result of a geological phenomenon that sees the multi-coloured sand separate and, incidentally, makes for a great insta-shot.
6. Electro-Bike tour of the South coast
While this might not be an activity for the faint of heart in the tropical climate, an e-bike tour is a great way to get off the tourist trail and under the skin of Mauritius’ scenic South coast. With Electro-Bike Discovery, you’ll pass unspoilt beaches, travel through traditional villages where you can catch a glimpse of everyday life, and along the route will stop in the home of a Mauritian to taste local specialities around the kitchen table. Plus, the company is ecologically and socially responsible, giving a portion of their sales to the less fortunate within the local community.
7. Black River Gorges National Park
The largest area of protected forest in Mauritius, the Black River Gorges National Park is 17,000 acres of wilderness, home to over 300 species of flowering plants and 9 species of birds unique to Mauritius. Here you’ll find waterfalls, pristine rivers and rolling mountain ranges. If you don’t fancy trekking, you can still take in the natural splendour from the Black River Gorges Viewpoint – which offers a sweeping perspective all the way up to the coast.
A savvy travel startup is making it possible to enjoy all the glamour of a hotel stay at a fraction of the cost, by letting people book rooms in the world’s top hotels for the day or just a few hours.
We sent #TeamCoco rep Rachel McAlley along to experience a South Yorkshire hotel to find out what the latest trend was really about and whether it was as exciting to check-in to a hotel for the day rather than the night!
Luxury hotel stays are often the preserve of rich travellers with plenty of cash to spare, but DayBreakHotels.co.uk is making it possible for guests of all budgets to kick back and relax in some of the world’s best hotels, whilst avoiding the eye-watering bill.
Users can take advantage of hotel facilities during the day (when most rooms are usually empty) and experience the suite life for up to 75% less than the cost of an overnight booking.
Guests looking for a taste of luxury simply search for their chosen location, choose which facilities they want to add on, such as spa access or a swimming pool, and select a date, before being shown available hotels. These range from popular chains such as Radisson and Hilton, as well as beautiful independents including the 5* Alexander House in West Sussex and The Athenaeum in Mayfair London, plus Scotland’s 4* Nira Caledonian in Edinburgh, and the Midlands 4* Holiday Inn Birmingham North are all booked for DayCation experiences.
Rachel opted to search for a Yorkshire-based hotel, in a rural location (not too far from a city), indoor pool, spa, good food and onsite parking. The 4* Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa was the Yorkshire option on DayBreakHotels and it catered for all her needs.
Check-in took place in the morning, it was as simple and as easy as normal check-in, although it did seem quite strange to be staying in a room for the day rather than overnight.
A ‘Privilege’ room was offered at the Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa, which gave comfy slippers and robe in room along with the luxuries of a Nespresso machine, biccies, and wifi.
Rachel took the opportunity to work from the bedroom desk with free wifi, drink coffee, and enjoy a little daytime TV, all while wearing comfy slippers and eating tasty biscuits. Early afternoon she took to the pool for a short dip, and back to the room to get ready for a late lunch in the hotel lounge and bar, including calamari followed by roast chicken sandwich with avocado mayo and a little cheeky portion of chips on the side.
Post lunch it was time to head back to the hotel room to do a little more laptop work, and get ready for a pamper session in the hotel spa where she had a Kenwood Hall signature back, neck, and shoulder massage with a divine head massage thrown in for good measure.
At 4.30pm it was time to pack-up and check-out of the hotel. This was as easy as checking-in, with no issues whatsoever, it was then time for the room to be remade for the evening guest arrival. All-in-all it was a great experience, one that is surely going to be the biggest craze of the year in the hotel sector.
Whether you want to take advantage of room service, relax by the pool, get pampered at the spa or fine dine in the restaurant, the DayBreakHotels platform will help you find a hotel that suits your needs and budget, making this the ideal daycation/staycation activity to experience with friends or loved ones, or even the perfect excuse to grab some me-time.
As well as the pleasure seekers and staycationers, the platform is also geared-up for the convenience of business travellers needing somewhere to rest and change between meetings or during layovers. Business travellers can book rooms based on their proximity to train stations and airports, as well as rent meeting rooms via the platform.
Co-founder and CEO of DayBreakHotels, Simon Botto, said:
“There are so many beautiful hotels around the world with amazing facilities on offer, but most overnight guests are rarely able to enjoy them properly and many others would love to experience the luxury of a hotel stay, but can’t spare the money or the time. With DayBreakHotels, we’re opening up the possibilities when it comes to hotel stays, making these amazing venues far more accessible.
“We’ve got a gorgeous selection of venues in the UK and we’re looking forward to welcoming even more hotels into our growing network over the coming months, so that Brits can enjoy the luxuries of hotels on their terms.”
The start-up aims to make hotel facilities more accessible for all, whilst helping hotels stay busy during quiet periods. In some cities worldwide, the incursion of Airbnb has resulted in a 1.5% loss in hotel revenue and a 1.3% decrease in hotel nights booked, meaning solutions like these that boost bookings and fill rooms are crucial if the hotel industry is to prosper in the long term.* The incremental revenue earned by selling rooms for day use allows hotels to boost profits by 10-20%.
The platform first launched in Rome in 2014 and is now operating in 15 countries with over 3500 hotels to choose from worldwide.
*Stats taken from a study into the effect of Airbnb on the accommodation market, as quoted on Forbes.com.
We would like to thank DayBreakHotels and Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa for organising TeamCoco’s first ever DayCay experience.
Jennifer Lopez debuted her latest music video on Sunday and there’s no doubt she’s looking better than ever. But one of JLo’s stand-out moments had to be her white-hot look as she caresses a crystal ball while belting out her new track Medicine.
Fashionistas will be glad to know the look could be available on your next sunny getaway to the United Arab Emirates because it’s from Dubai-based AMATO Couture.
With a store greeting visitors to the Dubai Design District, this label has been showcased at Fashion Weeks around the globe, including London, New York, LA and Miami.
The man behind JLO’s autumn/winter 2018-19 couture collection ensemble is Filipino-born designer – AMATO’s founder and creative director – Furne One.
The ruffled one-piece suit is for anyone looking to recreate that whimsical look that Jennifer Lopez does so well in a carnival show scene that takes place inside a transparent glass room.
In the Medicine video, she plays a fortune teller and wears an immaculate one-piece, accented with pearls and crystals.
It’s the perfect look for a night out in Dubai where you can channel your inner World of Dance star.
Jennifer Lopez is depicted as the ring leader of a white monochromatic freak show featuring fortune tellers and a 50-foot cake.
She goes from carousel to crystal ball in the video, and even throws in some pole dancing to the horn-tinged track just before French Montana makes his appearance.
Sounds like a night out at Fairmont Dubai’s Cirque Le Soir nightclub to us!
Supermodels Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks have been seen in the Dubai-based designer’s pieces. Jennifer Lopez isn’t the only star to put the spotlight on the brand in the music world; it has Beyonce, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Shakira, Nicole Scherzinger and Jessie J as fans!
Designed by master Sri Lankan architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa, this private home turned luxury villa atop the red cliffs of Mirissa on Sri Lanka’s south coast looks, from the outside, to be little more than a roof floating among the coconut palms. Yet this minimalist marvel, crafted from steel and glass, is arguably one of the architect’s most important works – a late example of Geoffrey Bawa architect in Sri Lanka’s tropical modernism, for which he was so renowned. In his signature style, it blends into the natural environment around it – creating a space that moves seamlessly
Built on the site of the former holiday home of former president and prime minister of Sri Lanka JR Jayawardene, it is this openness and simplicity that enables the property to showcase the drama of the topography. The bluff-top vantage point offers unrivalled views, the edges of the property seeming to fall away, leaving only sweeping sea vistas out over Weligama Bay – best enjoyed from the corner infinity pool that seems to hang over the ocean.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living in Bawa’s Villa
The whole effect of Bawa’s design fuses indoor and outdoor living to create a modern yet liveable space that immerses you in the natural environment around you. Spread across two levels, the villa feels expansive, with a large open-air pavilion providing the main living space from which you can soak up the ocean vistas. The villa’s three bedrooms, each boast their own en-suites and distinctive character – a king-sized master on the first floor, and another king and twin on the lower level of the property. There is a large well-equipped kitchen, but the villa also comes with a fantastic chef who will cook breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout your stay.
Exploring Red Cliffs Villa’s Enchanting Gardens
While the design of the villa may be modern, a walk around the landscaped gardens will transport you back in time, with a historic temple hidden within the grounds, and families of monkeys playing in the trees above you. At the bottom of the garden, a private staircase of around 100 well-built steps leads down to a private section of beach located at the bottom of the cliffs, with another small beach just a few minute’s walk away.
Exploring the Delights of Mirissa
Located on the northern outskirts of Mirissa, the location affords not only fantastic views but also easy access to some of the very best the region has to offer. Whale-watching tours depart from nearby Mirissa Bay, one of the most reliable places in the world to see Blue Whales, while the exotic fort town of Galle is under an hour away. Tempted? Read our article here for seven more reasons to visit Sri Lanka’s south coast.
Red Cliffs Villa is available to book through Eden Villas in Sri Lanka (www.evinsl.com) and starts from $450 USD per night based on 6 people.
