Hotels & Spas - House Of Coco Magazine

Adventures February 21, 2021

All the UK Staycations we are booking as soon as lockdown is lifted

Just like you, we cannot wait to once again set out on the road and start travelling again. With international travel still on the rocks, we’re looking at all the wonderful destinations in the UK to pre-pre-pre-plan our summer staycations this year.

Here’s all of the dreamy destinations we’re booking as soon as lockdown is lifted, so that you can satiate your wanderlust just in time for a summer of travel (we hope).

Francis Hotel Bath

A MGallery Hotel Collection property, the Francis Hotel Bath is set in the heart of Bath and is one of the city’s most impressive hotels. The luxury 98-room boutique townhouse hotel offers plenty of style and also a beautiful outdoor terrace for socially-distanced dining. Not to mention, eclectic Mediterranean restaurant Boho Marche recently opened at the hotel bringing sumptuous Moroccan flavours to Bath.

Castle Hotel Windsor

Castle Windsor is undeniably one of Windsor’s finest boutique properties. The 108-room hotel opened in 1528 and is steeped in history and is another jewel in the MGallery portfolio. The hotel is located across Windsor Castle and a short walk from the idyllic views of the Long Walk, Windsor Great Park, Savill Garden and the River Thames. Fun fact: One of the hotel’s most famous guests was the Duke of Wellington, who graced its halls after his victory at the Battle of Waterloo.

Glenapp Castle

Glenapp Castle is a stunning 17-bedroom castle property nestled in the picturesque Ayrshire coast in South-west Scotland. The hotel has added a list of wellness and outdoor activities including forest bathing, digital detox and yoga which join the signature ‘Hebridean Sea Safari, which gives guests the opportunity to discover the wildlife of the Scottish Isles. Not to mention, the hotel has just introduced a new Penthouse Suite called ‘The Endeavour’ which is the epitome of luxury and perfect for a splash-out staycation this summer.

Wild Frontiers

If you’re looking to add some adventure to your next staycation, adventure travel company Wild Frontiers has just launched its first-ever UK Itinerary which begins in the Highlands of Inverness and invites would-be adventurers to discover the northern island groups of Orkney and Shetland. Guests can visit historic sites going back to Neolithic times up amd hike a nature reserve on the most northerly point of the United Kingdom.

The Grove

The Grove is a five-star hotel in Hertfordshire, set in 300 acres of picturesque countryside. The hotel was once the home of the Earls of Clarendon and is just 18 miles north of London — perfect for a last-minute retreat away from the city. The Grove is also home to an award-winning spa and championship golf course. Oh and did we mention that it was dog-friendly too?

Latitude 50 Cornwall

If you’re looking for a staycation that’s more of the self-catered variety, Latitude 50 offers a suite of luxury self-catering accommodation in the North of Cornwall that are perfect for families both big and small. Latitude 50’s cottages are spread across Rock, Daymer Bay, Polzeath and Port Isaac, combining Cornwall’s breathtaking coastal landscapes with the ultimate in self-catering luxury.

Enfield House in Devon

Part of the Premier Cottages portfolio, Enfield House is a 13th-century thatched luxury cottage surrounded by rolling green hills and river valleys. Exmoor National Park is nearby, and the Devon coastline is just a short drive away, giving guests plenty to explore during their stay. With contemporary décor, and an enclosed lawn garden, Enfield House is the perfect cosy retreat to book with your close pals to celebrate the end of lockdown 3.

Wallops Wood Cottages

Another Premier Cottages property, Wallops Wood Cottages is just an hour and forty minutes away from London and is a great self-catering cottage option for families. Wallops Wood comprises a selection of generously-sized cottages with stunning countryside views and plenty of amenities including underfloor heating, wood burners, indoor heated pool, hot tubs, and pet-friendly gardens too.

The Samling

Overlooking Lake Windermere, The Samling is truly a special property in the Lake District. The Samling is a striking gabled Georgian house that balances the house’s timeless style with contemporary luxury amenities. The Samling is the perfect base to explore the natural wonders of the Lake District and offers plenty of space to enjoy some much-needed calm. It also offers an exceptional fine dining menu, including one of the finest wine lists in the UK.

Samarès Manor

Jersey is slowly becoming a favourite UK staycation destination and is second only to Cornwall, in terms of most searched UK holiday destinations in the UK. If you’re looking for a charming bolthole to enjoy the beautiful seaside views of Jersey, then definitely book a stay at the lovely Samarès Manor.

Samarès Manor are a group of self-catering cottages, located alongside Jersey’s famous Botanic Gardens. It is ideally situated in close proximity to all of Jersey’s main tourist attractions which include the Elizabeth Castle, Durell Wildlife Camp at Jersey Zoo, Barge Aground and Radio Tower. If you’re not feeling like checking out the sites, then Samarès Manor is certainly a treat in and of itself – and offer a great self-catering accommodation to fit the whole family too.

Hotels & Spas January 18, 2021

Cheval Collection announces London expansion

Here at House of Coco, we’re huge fans of Cheval Collection, having visited their apartments in London and Edinburgh in the past and never failed to have a great time. So when we heard that they had announced an expansion in London as part of a long-term strategic vision for growth, we were already planning a return visit. From Spring 2021, the Cheval Collection will have a stylish and luxurious additional property consisting of 30 apartments at Cheval Lexham Gardens. This follows Cheval’s expansion into Edinburgh, which took place in July 2020.

The all-apartment residence, which will be a luxury, state-of-the-art contemporary, and boutique West London property, will be available to book for any length of stay, from one night to one year or more. The 30 beautifully appointed and fully equipped one- or two-bedroom apartments, spread across six floors, are ideal for relocation, leisure and business.

A Stylish Blend of British Heritage and Contemporary Luxury

‘Racing Green’, ‘Luxurious Glamorous Red’ and ‘Cool Neutral Equestrian’ will be the three slick and stylish creative themes, honing in on the quintessentially British history of the South Kensington property. Cheval Lexham Gardens was stripped back to brick by contemporary architects Guarnieri Architects and Sally Sneddon’s Fife-based design studio Mojo Designs provided plans for the complete interior design, which includes spectacular murals, leather belt-strap headboards and gorgeously cosy kitchen window seat snugs. Guests will benefit from modernised finishes and features including a beautiful ground floor reception, a landscaped atrium garden and a state-of-the-art fitness centre, with equipment from Precor including a treadmill, elliptical and stationary bike, amongst others.

George Westwell, CEO of Cheval Collection, said: ‘The entire team at Cheval Collection is extremely excited about the opening of this brand new residence. The apartments are superbly located, just moments from Royal Parks, The National History Museum and vibrant Kensington, with easy access to public transport from Gloucester Road Station. This is an innovative development – the quality of the build and its high-tech fittings and interiors mirror the high standards of the Cheval brand. During 2020, we saw a 27% increase in our property inventory – we announced the expansion of the Cheval brand in Scotland with three new properties: Cheval The Edinburgh Grand, Cheval Old Town Chambers and Cheval Abbey Strand Apartments at Holyrood. This year, Cheval Old Town Chambers will see an additional 25 apartments join the 50 we already operate. Being able to develop and grow even further in the UK with Cheval Lexham Gardens and Edinburgh is a testament to the strength of the brand. Whilst 2020 has brought challenges for many, I am amazed at Cheval’s ability to adapt and grow. We have led the way in hospitality for over 39 years and I’m confident with our expansion, our loyal customer base and our strategic visions, this will continue through 2021.”

London’s Premier Collection of Serviced Apartments

Cheval Lexham Gardens joins eight additional serviced apartment residences in London and offers a stylish, spacious and private alternative to hotels. With a beautiful collection of serviced apartments, townhouses and penthouses in some of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, all just moments from key travel networks and transport links, Cheval Residences offers more than just a home and makes life blissfully easy for guests.

One-bedroom apartments will start from £260 per night. For further information about Cheval, visit www.chevalcollection.com

Coco Kitchen December 13, 2020

Galvin at Windows is taking Afternoon Tea to new heights

With 14 years at the (literal) top of London’s food scene, Galvin at Windows is now taking afternoon tea to new dizzying heights. Our girl Hannah Tan-Gillies got a sneak peek at the refurbished 10 Degrees Sky bar on the 28th floor of the Hilton on Park Lane to sample Galvin at Window’s revamped afternoon tea offering.

Don’t expect a run of the mill afternoon tea at Galvin at Windows, because their afternoon tea experience, curated by Head Chef Marc Hardiman, offers up taste, bubbles, style and ambiance in true elevated style, befitting its equally elevated location.

Galvin at Windows’ afternoon tea was crafted in collaboration with one of the world’s finest artesian tea companies, Canon Tea; and set amongst the lush tropical interiors of the relaunched 10 Degrees Sky Bar. The refurbed bar is art deco meets bold tropical flair, but the pièce de resistance has to be the unbeatable views of the London skyline.

Guests can choose from three indulgent Afternoon Tea menus: The Classic, The Gin, and The Champagne, with plenty of delectable vegan alternatives to choose from.

We (of course) sampled the wonderfully decadent Champagne option and started our experience with a perfectly chilled glass of bubbles. We began with a quartet of sandwiches which included roast ham, tomato & Pommery mustard, tapenade and basil on beetroot bread and of course the quintessential coronation chicken.

We also highly recommend trying out the seasonal brews from Canton Tea. The Vietnamese Black tea in particular, was an excellent cinnamon-blended infusion perfect for colder winter weather. In true Galvin at Windows style, the pastries arrives in a golden bird cage serving up three tiers of confectionery perfection.

We indulged in the chocolate gateaux opera, green apple mousse, baked apple vanilla panna cotta, and the refreshingly crunchy forest berry teacup. Don’t forget to dig into in the freshly baked scones too, and slather on a hefty amount of the cashew nut & vanilla cream and apple & cinnamon compote.

And if the afternoon tea wasn’t enough to take your breath away, then the panoramic views of London, particularly during the golden moment when the sun is 10 degrees off the horizon, certainly will.

Galvin at Windows Afternoon Tea at 10 Degrees Bar is available from Friday-Sunday 1pm to 4pm. For more information visit @galvinatwindows | www.galvinatwindows.com

Afternoon Tea December 9, 2020

A Cosy Après-ski Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London

With limited options to travel outside of the UK, Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London’s Apres-Ski winter wonderland transports visitors to the snowy Alps of Lech, Austria. #TeamCoco’s food culture writer, Eulanda Shead Osagiede, cozied up for a delightful afternoon of modern Austrian delights high above the London skyline.

Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London is giving guests a European winter experience similar to what you might find in the snow-capped slopes of Lech, Austria; an alpine-inspired ski lodge reception area, cosy winter chalets, ski gondola displays, and a gingerbread village.

The festive experience would not be complete without several standout culinary experiences like their Après-ski afternoon tea at TĪNG Lounge and Restaurant. Several delightful themed treats include their black forest chocolate sponge cake, the snowball coconut mousse, and their Christmas Kombucha welcome tea that will envelop you in a cloud of wonder.

The alpine themed decor and installations make a perfect backdrop for documenting special holiday moments. If you book a late afternoon tea, make sure to grab a photo of the bauble-forest window display behind the gingerbread village. The twinkling evening lights of London below will be on full display.

On New Year’s Eve, Shangri-La Hotel London will host an Après-Ski White Party with a unique twist. Night owls can toast the close of 2020 during Last Sunset celebrations on 31 December 2020. Guests can enjoy an extravagant five-course menu made from premium locally-sourced ingredients and accompanied with fine wine pairings. Early-bird guests can ring in the New Year during a First Sunrise brunch on 1 January 2021.

Guests looking for an indulgent New Year’s Eve in, can book a decoration and celebration room package, and an in-room massage featuring Neal’s Yard Remedies essential oils.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a laid-back alpine experience, head to Bar 31 on the ground floor to enjoy ‘Mama Macher’s Apfelstrudel,’ Raclette, Schnitzel, Glühwein and more winter warmers inside a cosy winter chalet, complete with a snow machine to provide the perfect snowy backdrop.

Après-Ski Afternoon Tea is available for £59 and £69 with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut per person. To reserve a table or book a room, please email specialevents.slln@shangri-la.com or call +44 207 234 8000. A superior double room begins at £950 per night.

Destination Inspiration December 7, 2020

Reconnect and Rejuvenate this winter in the Swiss Alps

Head into 2021 feeling refreshed and recharged by taking some much needed ‘time out’ to reset and restore your equilibrium.

If lockdown, dark nights and cold winter weather has left you in need of a wellbeing boost then the Six Senses Spa at The Alpina Gstaad has a wellness break designed to raise your vibes and up level your immunity.

Situated in the Swiss Alps, the spa is renowned for offering exceptional healing programmes, from ‘Yoga for Sleep’ and ‘Energy Sound Healing’, to ‘Holistic Anti-Ageing’ – think neuroscience meets ancient wisdom. Now, when we need it most, the spa has created two new programmes designed to put a positive spring in your step and kick start your new year.

Power Vibration Retreat

Turn negative energy into positive through a blend of vibratory sound and energy healing treatments, sophisticated daily mindfulness sessions and breathing techniques. The body’s subtle energy vibration is explored with different methods in order to rebalance, revitalise and reconnect with the inner self. A deep immersion into mindfulness, meditation and spiritual practices.

This retreat is ideal for anyone who needs to de-stress, this programme is about deep rest. It helps to build inner resilience and inspires more ease, peace and happiness.
From £6,245, including 6 nights’ accommodation.

Purifying Cleansing Immunity Boost Retreat, 1 – 5 days

A focused cleanse which combines customised treatments and nutritional supplements with personalised face and body treatments and the latest anti-ageing technologies, including a skin analysis.

This cleansing programme helps to boost and support your natural immunity, raises energy levels and can prompt a shift in excess weight.
From £4,932, including 4 nights’ accommodation and 3 lunches. A one-day taster is also available from £675.

For more information on the spa programmes and retreats available visit The Alpina Gstaad

Adventures November 24, 2020

All the luxury travel corridor destinations we’re booking in 2021

With quarantine restrictions being likened to a game of whack-a-mole, it certainly seems that long haul travel is out of the picture for most would-be travellers. However, there are plenty of destinations — especially those whose COVID-19 response has shined throughout the crisis — that people can still and should travel to as soon as we are able.

With news of a potential vaccine giving us a needed dose of hope, we’re beating the #BlackNovember blues by pre-planning all our holidays for 2021 to these stunning locales that are still open for tourism.

Coral Reef Club Barbados

With British Airways launching direct flights from London Heathrow to Bridgeton, there is literally no reason in the world you shouldn’t be pre-planning a beachy escape to the Coral Reef Club in Barbados.

This family-run hotel balances familial island warmth with tropical luxury and is undeniably one of the best properties on the island. Check into one of the Coral Reef Club’s 88 rooms and get lost within its 12 acres of garden. You can also relax and take in the calming views of the Caribbean or get stuck into a wide range of sporting activities.

For those looking for a little bit more adventure, there’s plenty of shipwrecks to discover in the West Coast. Keen environmentalists can also volunteer in the Barbados Sea Turtle Project, which is next door to the hotel.

Zannier Hotels Omaanda and Sonop

If you’re planning a trip to Namibia in 2021, why stay in just one incredible Zannier hotel when you can stay in two? The Zannier Hotels in Omaanda and Sonop are made up of just ten luxury huts and ten luxury tents respectively – and offer the ultimate in Namibian luxury.

Zannier Hotels Omaanda is surrounded by savannahs filled with breath-taking wildlife. You can fill your days with game drives or even participate in the Zannier Reserve’s Rhino Rangers volunteer programme, which helps to fight against poaching in Namibia.

At Zannier Hotels Sonop, you can take your holiday to (literal) new heights with a helicopter ride or hot air balloon safari overlooking the dunes. You can also check out the oldest and largest sand dunes on Earth at Sossusvlei, with some dunes rising to 383metres high (which is higher than The Shard!).

Bequia Beach Hotel St Vincent & The Grenadines

The Bequia Beach Hotel is known as the Caribbean’s best kept secret and it’s easy to see why. Bequia is remote island destination is located only on seven square miles of true tropical paradise west of Barbados and South of St. Vincent.

The hotel is nestled within nine acres of stunning tropical gardens on the beautiful Friendship Bay. Next year, the Bequia Beach Hotel welcomes the ultra-luxurious Villa One, which has five generously-sized suites that are perfect for a socially-distanced getaway with the family.

The hotel is also launching a saltwater infinity pool, refreshed menus, and a new wine cellar for 2021 – So how soon can we book again?

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort, Maldives

The Maldives have been added to the UK’s travel corridor list – hurray! And we’re satiating our wanderlust by pre-planning our dream trip to the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa. Pullman Maldives is an all-inclusive paradise set on 18 hectares of tropical forestry and pristine beaches. This January, global wellness coach Sarah Hoey is joining the resort for a wellness residency that will certainly eradicate all of your pent-up pandemic anxieties. Can 2021 come any sooner please?

Kagi, Maldives

Located in the Northern Male Atoll, the Kagi Maldives Spa Island is a newly-opened five-star wellness resort experience. Kagi Maldives was designed by Japanese architect Yuji Yamazaki, who built the resort to surround the 1500 sqm wellness centre. Guests can choose from a Beach Pool Villa, Lagoon Pool Villa or Ocean Pool Villa, but heck, if the resort is this spectacular – it doesn’t matter which villa you decide to stay in. Everything is perfect in paradise after all.

Hotel Fariones, Lanzarote

With the Canary Islands back on the UK’s travel corridor list, we’re looking at the Hotel Fariones for our next Spanish beach break in 2021. This casual laid-back hotel exudes effortless Spanish charm and features a rooftop bar and pool – perfect for watching the sunset.

Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

Overlooking the breathtaking St Lucia’s Pitons World Heritage Site, the Jade Mountain hotel is the ideal spot to get back in touch with nature. This incredible property features 29 open-air Infinity pool and jacuzzi sanctuaries. It even offers a ‘Six in Your Sanctuary’ in-suite Tasting Menu, which is just the thing those looking to social-distance while on holiday. The Six in Your Sanctuary Menu comprises six gourmet dishes with complementary wine pairings and served by a private butler too.

Alphonse Island, Seychelles

We can’t think of a better way to reward ourselves for surviving 2020 than with a trip to the Alphonse Island, Seychelles. Alphonse Island offers a wealth of experiences that celebrate the rich biodiversity and natural surroundings of the Seychelles. From fly fishing and scuba diving, to just spending a day lounging in your sustainable beach bungalow – we think this is Seychelles at its finest – and we can’t wait to visit.

The Peligoni Club, Zakynthos, Greece

With a select-few Greek islands still on the travel corridors list, we’re pre-planning a luxurious villa getaway to The Peligoni Club. This cool and laid-back members only property combines homegrown Greek hospitality with sleek and minimalist luxury villas. Perfect to give you some much-needed calm after what has been a pretty hectic year.

Glenapp Castle, Scotland

If you’re afraid to risk quarantining and want to avoid travel corridors in general, why not book a luxury staycation in the UK? Glenapp Castle is an incredible Relais & Chateaux castle that boasts timeless charm and a rich history. Located on the breath-taking Ayrshire Coast, it is easy to forget about the COVID-19 blues and lose yourself in Glenapp’s extensive grounds. Believe us, nothing is better than taking in the relaxing sea views of the Ailsa Craig and maybe even catching a glimpse of Ireland’s coast on a clear day at Glenapp Castle.

Adventures October 27, 2020

Tokyo Tripping

To mark their 10th anniversary, The Capitol Hotel, Tokyo invited House of Coco to join their virtual celebrations and gave us a sneak-peak around the hotel along with the inside scoop on some of the best places to visit in the city.

The hotel was recently awarded five stars by the Forbes Travel Guide and it is easy to see why. This luxury hotel successfully juxtaposes slick city chic with the calming aesthetics of traditional Japanese living. The interiors at The Capitol were designed by Kengo Kuma, the architectural genius behind Tokyo’s 2020 Olympic stadium. Clean lines, lots of glass and natural, light wood are set against a subdued palette. The impressive timber-clad lobby dominates the entrance along with the stunning water feature, which brings the tranquillity and serenity of nature, indoors. This is continued throughout, and the addition of the Japanese garden creates a zen feel, making this a great place to retreat from the bustle of the city.

The hotel showcases an art collection worth two million dollars and guests have the opportunity to admire and revere the works hung around the building.

Each of the 251 stunning guest rooms are large and contemporary, effortlessly blending minimalist Japanese tradition with modern style. Most of the rooms offer stunning views of the Tokyo skyline and on a clear day you can catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

When it comes to dining, there is a choice of three restaurants, all offering delicious dishes. Each restaurant has their own speciality chef. Indulge in teppanyaki grilled meats and vegetables, superb sushi, tempura, or the classic banquet-style kaiseki meals.

This sophisticated, modern hotel is in the heart of the city and connected with two major subway stations, so getting around is not a problem. From the hotel you have easy access to Ginza, Harajuku and Roppongi, all great for shopping and dining. If you like trendy cafes, boutiques, and vintage shops, the nearby Daikanyama neighbourhood is worth visiting. Despite being a vast city with lots of skyscrapers there are plenty of green spaces to enjoy. Just a short walk away is the famous Hie Shrine and the Imperial Palace grounds, both surrounded by lush, serene gardens. In the north west part of Tokyo you will find Okutama, home of forest bathing and a great place to reconnect with nature.

Japan has quickly catapulted to the top of my travel bucket list. Offering a plethora of experiences, a taste of Japanese culture and style I cannot wait for travel restrictions to lift so I can visit Tokyo.

For more information on The Capitol Hotel visit, capitolhoteltokyu.com

Dog-friendly October 20, 2020

TeamCocopup: A dog-friendly weekend getaway at The Noel Arms Hotel

Sometimes, all you need to beat the COVID-19 blues, is simply a weekend getaway to the Cotswolds. Whisked away to the idyllic market town of Chipping Campden, we checked into The Noel Arms Hotel, a traditional inn that’s brimming with both charm and history.

The Noel Arms is one of the oldest Cotswold inns and rumour has it that Charles II found refuge in these very walls during the English civil war. We too found some welcome refuge within the stone façade of the Noel Arms, which was filled with plenty of warm touches and antique details as old as the hotel itself.

We stayed in one of the Double En Suite rooms, which was cosy but not lacking in any creature comforts. A Bespoke hotel property, each room at the Noel Arms is different, combining modern amenities with antique furnishings. The pièce de resistance has to be the hotel’s 1657 Four Poster room, which features a stunning wood-carved 17th-century bed.

The Dovers Bar restaurant serves traditional locally-sourced pub food with an Indian flair. Head Chef Indunil Upatissa was awarded the Great British Pub Awards for best Curry Chef three years running, and it’s easy to see why. It would be a crime to dine at The Dovers Bar without sampling Chef Indunil’s curries — and we tried both the Sri Lankan Black Lamb and the Ceylon Style Seafood Yellow curry which certainly did not disappoint. On a bright sunny day, the hotel’s sun terrace is a prime spot to spend an afternoon enjoying a cocktail or two.

Outside the hotel, there’s plenty of dog-friendly activities in Chipping Campden. The famous Cotswolds Way is just at the end of town and offers some pretty breath-taking walks. The Broadway Tower — which was once the Cotswolds highest tower — is not too far off too.

The Little Oak Vineyard is a brief jaunt away from town and offers dog-friendly wine-tasting that offers some of the best locally-grown wines. Most of the quaint and utterly charming restaurants, cafés and shops in Chipping Campden are dog-friendly too, so there’s never a shortage of things to see and do.

For those looking for a quieter escape, guests at the Noel Arms’ can pop into sister hotel, The Cotswold House Hotel Spa just next door to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the spa. Otherwise, there is nothing better than getting cosy in front of the hotel’s roaring log fire, dog at your feet, and getting lost in a good book on a chilly early autumn evening.

Nightly rates at The Noel Arms start from £99 B&B for a double room

Destination Inspiration September 21, 2020

The Hotel Hot List: Every hotel we’ll be booking once we can travel again

While it seems like all the months of 2020 have blurred into one, we’re dreaming of a time when we can once again visit all the beautiful destinations this planet has to offer. To (virtually) satiate your wanderlust, we’ve put together some of the world’s most breath-taking hotels to inspire your next holiday… whenever that may be.

The Roseate Ganges, Rishikesh

Set in the breath-taking foothills of the Himalayas of Rishikesh, the Roseate Ganges is an awe-inspiring, yet serene luxury retreat that’s perfect those looking for a total escape from daily life. The hotel has 16 rustic-minimalist cottages set on the Ganges waterway, each one with picturesque views of the holy waters below.

The hotel was designed to inspire and rejuvenate and offers a suite of wellness activities including river rafting, spiritual hiking, bespoke beach therapies, yoga and meditation. Guests can also visit the nearby Rajaji National Wildlife Park to reconnect with mother nature, away from all the truly exhausting pandemic news.

La Sultana Oualidia

The La Sultana Oualidia, which was once a Moorish fortress, is now a 12-room luxury hideaway overlooking a tranquil saltwater lagoon on the edge of the Atlantic ocean. The hotel is located on a protected ecological site, which is often visited by a wide variety of exotic birds, including pink flamingos.

As part of its commitment to preserving its natural environment, hotel staff pick litter around the lagoon every Monday and also upcycle water bottles into plant pots that now house over 30 different palm species in the gardens.

Glenapp Castle, Scotland

This gorgeous hotel offers 17 luxury bedrooms nestled on the Ayrshire coast in Scotland. This handsome castle hotel is hidden away on 110 acres of beautiful Scottish countryside embraced by stunning views and never-ending coastlines.

The hotel offers a Hebridean Sea Safari which gives guests the unique opportunity to explore the wildlife of the Scottish isles. A professional crew (and a private chef) will take you on a voyage to remote islands, coastal castles and charming inns. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some dolphins, milk whales and seals. After a long safari day, guests can retire in a luxury glamping tent atop the Ailsa Craig, a beautiful wildlife sanctuary which is home to over 40,000 birds.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort, Maldives

There is nowhere in the world more luxurious than the Maldives, but the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort is a hotel that takes sustainable-luxury to new heights. The resort is set amidst 18 hectares of the lush tropical Gaafu Alifu Atoll and offers 122 water villas. It even has two luxury Aqua Villas that have underwater bedrooms giving a unique glimpse of the aquatic wildlife in the Maldives.

The hotel also offers plenty of wellness activities embracing sleep, sport, food and spa, each one capitalising on the beauty of its natural surroundings. The Pullman Maldives offers sunrise yoga sessions, aqua fitness, aerial yoga, and the signature Raaveriya Workout led by Global Wellness Coach Sarah Hoey.

The Harper, Norfolk UK

The Harper Hotel is one of the UK’s newest boutique hotels and marries all the quintessential charms of a countryside retreat with a touch of contemporary style. The hotel is located in Langham’s old glass blowing factory and reinterprets these historical features with an array of charming yet unstuffy design details. If you’re still looking for your next stylish weekend getaway, then we highly recommend checking out The Harper.

City breaks September 14, 2020

Wake Up Here: The Fontenay, Hamburg

Destinations are finally opening up and are ready to be explored after months of lockdown; people are coming out of their homes with wide eyes, ready to dive back in. Hamburg, the sophisticated water city which is just a short plane ride from the UK, is the perfect place to start. At Hamburg’s heart lies Lake Alster and the lush oasis of parkland that hugs it. The Fontenay, is located on the shimmering shoreline and encapsulates lakeside luxury. The five-star hotel opened in March 2018 and represents the perfect balance of nature and urban living which is exquisitely found throughout the whole of Hamburg.

Hamburg is known for being a green city, and not without reason, 27% of the city comprises of natural areas that surround the lake at the heart. Designed to be a reflection of modern Hamburg and the natural urban shoreline, The Fontenay has a free-flowing, sculptural architecture, stylish and spacious interiors and luxury living spaces. The ‘Heaven Mirror’ fountain in front of the hotel, which weighs one hundred tonnes, greeted us and we were welcomed in the lobby by the gracious staff and accompanied to our room which had freshly made pink macarons on arrival and sweeping views of Lake Alster.

The lake provides a great way to get a different view of Hamburg. Locals set sail on picturesque wooden boats, canoes, pedal boats, rowing boats or even venetian gondolas. We jumped aboard for an Alster Boat Tour which circumnavigates the lake in just under an hour and gives a glimpse of the centre of the city. We meandered from the south of Lake Alster to the older parts of the city, taking in the imposing Rathaus and Gothic Revival church, Mahnmal St. Nikoli. The jewel in the crown is the Elbphilharmonie concert hall in the HafenCity quarter of Hamburg which showcases the maritime history of the city as well as its elegant present. The building resembles a hoisted sail and has a free viewing platform to see the working port on the Elbe River from above. The city’s port, known as the ‘Port of Dreams’, was the last stop for millions of migrants from Europe before traveling to America. Fascinating tales of discovering the New World can be heard at the Ballinstadt Emigration Museum. Rich historical tales of when Hamburg was the ‘Gateway to the World’ should not be missed.

After a full day of exploring, we were welcomed back to the hotel and enjoyed a drink at The Fontenay’s 500m² outdoor bar terrace with a 320° view of the Hamburg skyline. All five of Hamburg’s main churches, the inner and outer Lake Alster dotted with sailings boats, the Elbphilarmonie and the Town Hall can all be seen from the bar. Lakeside al fresco living continued with dinner in the grounds at Parkview restaurant. Foodie highlights included the chef’s sashimi, beef tartar, crustacean ravioli, all paired with the house white, named after the hotel itself. Not forgetting the sorbet we had with champagne in between courses. We learnt a new word after our feast – ‘fertig’ which in German means ‘full up’ or ‘completely finished’. We definitely were, and it was fantastic. As we indulged our full feeling, we enjoyed the restaurant views of the lake and watched locals trickle out to the water for an after dinner walk with loved ones, after months apart.

From The Fontenay, it is a fifteen-minute walk along the banks of Lake Alster into the city centre, making the destination a perfect weekend break. Although close to the centre, the hotel remains incredibly peaceful and tranquil. The entire lake can be conquered on foot in just over two hours, or longer if visitors linger over cafes, museums and piers en route. The Fontenay also has bicycles to borrow to explore further afield for more active tourists. Our guide Tomas took us via bike to the fresh and green boulevards surrounding the hotel, to St. Pauli, the ‘shoulder blade district’ and we ended at the Ratsherrn Brewery for some refreshing beverages. We knew the St. Pauli region was more than meets the eye and headed back to chow down on delicious Levantine food at Salt and Silver, overlooking majestic and gigantic ships on the water, as the sun went down.

The day at The Fontenay starts in relaxed luxury with breakfast at Parkview. Tiered stands full of delicious regional delicacies are placed on the table for each guest including a range of cheeses from Northfriesian Backensholzer Farm, a selection of local charcuterie and smoked fish specialties. Egg-based dishes like omelettes, pancakes with local speciality Rote Grütze (berry compote), or buttermilk waffles with fresh berries can be ordered additionally. The weekend stay ended with time reflecting at the rooftop spa pool at the hotel, looking over the city. Hamburg is chic yet down to earth, which is also the same as The Fontenay; sophisticated and welcoming, never stuffy. The city has a high-end foodie scene but fantastic local cheap eats, is a working, industrious city yet laid back with huge open spaces. The balance was just right and the hotel refreshed and revitalised, just like fresh water.

A Deluxe Room at The Fontenay, Hamburg is priced from €350 (from £309) per room per night including breakfast. Rate includes full breakfast, Wi-Fi, a selection of drinks from the minibar, in-room coffee machine, VAT, city tax and service. To book, visit www.thefontenay.com. For more information about Hamburg, visit www.hamburg-travel.com.