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Hotels & Spas

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With the sun shining, and spring flowers blooming – London’s parks will soon be populated with sun-seeking picnic enthusiasts. If you’re in a sunny mood and already whipping out the afternoon prosecco; then don’t keep the fun to yourself and treat your fur-babies to some ‘dogtails’ too!

Enter Smith & Whistle. Located at the Sheraton Grand, and ideally positioned between Hyde Park Corner and Green Park, Smith & Whistle is the ideal spot for masterful martinis – both for humans and pooches. Not only do they have a mean cocktail list for humans looking to indulge in some tipple, they also have a permanent ‘dogtail’ menu for man’s best friend too.

Designed by David Jackson, Smith & Whistle’s dogstail menu is made of pet-friendly ingredients that will certainly get some tails wagging. TeamCocopup Charlie tried the ‘Hound’s Hops’ which is a special brew of dog beer with fresh mint. Afterwards, we went for the super healthy ‘Poochie Colada’, which is an organic green smoothie made of coconut water, kale, and broccoli – which keeps coats shiny and pups happy. Oh and did we mention that the Poochie Colada is made fresh by Smith & Whistle’s lovely bartender Alessio?

While Charlie was enjoying his dogtails, I was enjoying some masterfully mixed cocktails of my own. I recommend starting off with ‘The Pink Panther’; a delicate gin and Goji berry mixture, balanced with egg white and sparkling rosé — it is THE perfect aperitif. Afterwards, enjoy Smith & Whistle’s hearty lunch menu filled with several British favourites. We had the pork belly and the steak sandwich — both absolutely scrumptious — and washed it all down with a dessert (cocktail). The‘Catch me if you can’is a sinfully sweet mixture of Havana Club, dark chocolate, Luxardo bitter, lime, and gingerbread, made by the lovely Sergio. So before your next jaunt to Green Park this summer, definitely visit Smith & Whistle. ‘Keep the Poochie coladas coming please!’

www.smithandwhistle.com

There are very few hotels in London that are as classically stunning as The Lanesborough. Last weekend, TeamCocopup Charlie made his way to the Lanesborough, for a doggy afternoon tea at one of London’s most prestigious addresses.

As a member of the esteemed Oetker Collection, The Lanesborough Hotel is the absolute embodiment of London luxury. Cross the street and you’re immediately within the green expanses of Hyde Park. A quick hop skip and jump away and you’ll be in Knightsbridge, the world’s most exclusive shopping district. Perusing the carefully curated shop windows at Harrods, and Harvey Nichols. Charlie and I learned that a quick game of fetch in Hyde Park is the best way to calm the doggy nerves before afternoon tea at The Lanesborough.

Designed by Alberto Pinto, this grand luxury mansion features 93 beautiful luxury suites and bedrooms. After being greeted by the hotel’s chivalrous doormen, we were led to the Lanesborough’s beautiful Withdrawing Room – where we would settle in for our afternoon tea. Sumptuously decorated with gold details, luxurious velvet trim, hand-painted trompe l’oeil marbling and shimmering chandeliers; The Withdrawing Rooms looks exactly like how you’d imagine the Queen’s Royal drawing room to be –and here, both mums and pups get the royal treatment. We sat down in a prime spot right beside the fireplace, and Charlie was given to his own little doggie bed too.

Afternoon Tea is such a quintessentially British pastime, and it doesn’t get more British than at the Lanesborough. Every afternoon tea begins with the perfect brew, and The Lanesborough has one of the widest tea selections in London. With over 40 choices of tea to choose from, The Lanesborough’s afternoon tea menu is as exhaustive as it is indulgent and includes black, green, and aromatic herbal infusions. Our lovely waiter Luca took us through their expansive menu, and soon our stunning three tiered afternoon tea stand arrives. A mix of perfect cut finger sandwiches, wonderfully rich clotted cream, fresh fruit preserves, and freshly baked scones, and scattering of delightfully flavoured pastries and cakes. Our instant favourite were the incredibly light blackberry cheesecakes which sat on the top tier of our cake stand. Kudos to head pastry chef Fabio Bardi, because not a single pastry was too sweet or soggy, with even the most subtle of flavours brought to life. Charlie got some treats of his own, care of Bob and Lush at The Lanesborough. Bob & Lush is completely natural and is made of 100% freshly prepared meat, and are basicallyirresistible for any hungry pup. These treats are free from any artificial preservatives or colorants which means they are perfect for any sensitive puppy tummies. Safe to say — it was almost impossible to keep Charlie away.

Throughout the years, the Lanesborough has gained the reputation of being one of the best luxury afternoon teas in London – and for good reason! Incredible service, sumptuous surroundings, and an utterly delicious afternoon tea mean that the Lanesborough is really where the magic happens. The Lanesborough is a definite must-visit for tea and cake loving mums and pups the world over, especially for those looking for a very special way to spend a doggy afternoon.

www.oetkercollection.com

We pulled into the Althoff Hôtel Villa Belrose thinking we were flash, to be completely shown up by someone arriving in a helicopter mere moments later – that sets the precedent of the kind of people who stay here. The hotel, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is a country mansion in an exclusive private estate on the hill above St Tropez, with stunning views across the bay from the terraces and pool.

Discovering St. Tropez’s Tranquil Haven

Right away, I feel at home here, although many of those who frequent the Riviera turn their nose up at St Tropez, often deemed the spiritual home for models who like to get sprayed with Champagne, and those rich blokes who like to lick it off. Hidden in the hills, the hotel is a refreshing retreat from such behaviour.

Unveiling the Tranquil Charm of Gassin’s Hidden Retreat

Nothing succeeds like excess, St Tropez is ever the success, and everything you’d expect. The traffic that hits the main road is the stuff of legend, but what would you expect in a town so saturated with supercars, it makes a Porsche 911 GT3 Turbo look like a Nissan Sunny.

A turn away from the route départementale leads you through a heavenly maze of flower gardens, pine forest and expensive real estate up towards Gassin. Lose yourself for a second and you could be in Beverly Hills peering through windows trying to get a glimpse of Barbara Streisand pegging out the washing.

Experiencing the Splendor of Althoff Villa Belrose

Whilst you climb the hill with your back to the sea, you are blissfully unaware of the postcard-perfect view that’s unfolding behind you. The front of the hotel faces the hill, savouring those magnificent bay views until you’re safely over the threshold. For a relaxed check-in, elegant reception staff usher guests out onto the top level of the cascading terrace, with grand white staircases leading down to the pool, where you’d half expect Joan Collins to be lounging, wearing a floppy hat and eyeing up the lifeguard.

The incredibly beautiful Althoff Villa Belrose opens today for the summer season. We can just imagine ourselves sitting here with a glass of wine! #villabelrose #sainttropez #sttropez #gassin #luxuryhotel #holiday #travel #friday #view #france

A photo posted by Small Luxury Hotels (@smallluxuryhotels) on Apr 22, 2016 at 3:17am PDT

It’s all well and good when a view makes you speechless, but trying to put it into words afterwards is as equally tricky. Most of the hotel’s activity is focussed around the panorama; each of the 40 rooms has its private terrace and the 200-heated swimming pool (the largest on the peninsula), with its turquoise blue water, and the indigo sunshades are in perfect harmony with the colours of the bay. Around the pool, there is also Le Petit Belrose – the light version of the hotel’s main restaurant – and the fitness centre.

Experiencing the Timeless Luxury of Althoff Hôtel Villa Belrose

Each bedroom is decorated in a luxurious Florentine style with calming fresh cream walls and crisp white linen, and bathrooms are ordained with gleaming Italian green marble. Everything in the hotel seems to gleam, from the marble floor in the salon to the glassware out on the terrace, but it’s anything but bling; it’s off-the-scale elegance. It’s so elegant that they can be chill about it and nothing would be overlooked.

The hotel’s Michelin-star restaurant Le Belrose presided over by Chef Pietro Volontè also complements the sea views from its terrace by serving modern Mediterranean cuisine shaped by Italian influence – his signature dish is Risotto Pietro Volontè which is served in a wheel of parmesan. The restaurant is proud to offer the largest wine list in the region, featuring over 500 exclusively French wines.

The legendary clubs and famous celebrity-studded beaches of St Tropez are a matter of minutes away by cab, but you’d never know. Atop the peaceful hill, the Althoff Hôtel Villa Belrose is everything that a typical Riviera hotel is not, and that’s the beauty of it.

Althoff Hôtel Villa Belrose. Boulevard des Crêtes, La Grande Bastide, F-83580, Gassin, Cote d’Azur, France. 0800 0482 314. slh.com/belrose

Althoff Hôtel Villa Belrose was featured as part of a road trip through the South of France, from St Tropez to Monte Carlo. Click here to order a copy of Volume 7.

House of Coco sat down with the charming Elias Yiallouris of The Polo Bar Mayfair last week to chat about getting into hospitality, challenging Pierce Brosnan on his drink of choice and trends in food and drink. It went a little something like this…

HOC: Lovely to meet you in this rather snazzy bar, tell us a little about how you got here?

EY: In the old days hospitality was made of people who dropped out of school and to succeed you had to have a real passion for the industry. I was exposed to the industry when I was quite young and I started working at 14, completed a foundation course in hospitality and work my way through being a bar back, bartender and so forth.

It was probably only five years ago that immediate family started seeing this as a serious profession! Hospitality is often seen as something you do while filling time until you do the next thing.

I’ve worked in Claridges, Harvey Nichols and I’ve been here for 10 years in August. I still really enjoy it, here we have chance to try new things and keep pushing for excellence.

HOC: We’re meeting late morning on a weekday, I guess this place is quite different at the weekends?

EY: You wait, we’re always full at lunchtimes. We have our own kitchen serving sushi, foie gras, caviar. It’s a lot of people entertaining their clients and who I like to call ‘Mayfairians’ – people who live and work in this area. I like to claim territory here, it’s another pocket of the city; everything slows down and there’s a different pace of life.

That’s the beauty of London – there are different bar scenes depending on the postcode; Shoreditch, Notting Hill, Clapham all have their own approaches.

HOC: Outside of your bar, who do you think is doing great work in the bar world?

EY: If you want glamour and service, you need to look to the hotels. Claridges, The Connaught know how to balance taste, service and glamour. Sometimes service is the thing that suffers and why would you come out for a drink if you can make it at home if there’s no great experience?

Here our clientele are the people who make the city tick; the doctors of Harley Street, the lawyers. They don’t come here to be seen, they come here to be discrete.

HOC: What do you think of new trends in food and drink?

EY: We’re never content to do the same thing, we always need to keep pushing. We already change our menu by the season and aim to provide more ‘Wow’ factors. We’re looking at the design of the bar, running cocktail dinners and working on a new drink concept using sense and textures to choose your drink! The plan is that a box will come to your table full of fabrics for you to choose your fabric which is paired with a drink.

HOC: That sounds amazing, how do you think our relationship to alcohol is changing?

EY: We do seem to enjoy alcohol more now. There’s a real appetite for micro brewed beers and crafted cocktails. People’s education is changing and there are more chefs on TV which opens the imagination. People are also more adventurous when they are entertaining.

There’s also a trend for ‘healthy’ drinks which, I’ll be honest, is not something we’ve explored. I feel that if you are coming out for a good time, you can worry about it on Monday. I think you should think ‘I’m out for the night. I want to spoil myself’.

HOC: That’s a refreshing way to look at it! Thinking about the places you’ve worked you must have met some amazing people?

EY: Oh yes, I’ve been blessed with meeting many famous people. I once made a specific margarita for Paul and Stella McCartney which required a whole squeezed orange and no Cointreau. Madonna used to ask me to make her Cosmo whenever she came in with Guy Ritchie. Pierce Brosnan used to drink with us – a vodka martini with an olive. I remember telling him that he was taking the Bond role too seriously!

I do remember one night when we had Gwyneth Paltrow and a friend on one table, Madonna and Guy, George Clooney and Matt Damon, Bryan Adam, Paul and Stella all in the bar at the same time. I tell you who is the most gentlemanly of them all; The Lord of The Dance himself, Michael Flatley.

I always have believed it’s ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentleman. So it’s hard to get starstruck except for when it’s a real legend. We had Al Pacino staying in the hotel a little while back and he was a real gentleman; we closed the bar and stayed chatting with him a while.

HOC: Do you have anyone you’d love to make a drink for?

EY: I’ve never had the chance to service the Queen, that would really be the top of the London chain! I imagine she’d take a gin, a very dry, juniper-heavy, London gin.

HOC: Finally, what spirit tips do you have for the House of Coco readers, what should we be trying?

EY: Gin is still very dominant and summery – there seems to be a new gin every week! The days of asking for a Gordon’s, Bombay or Tanqueray are over. People want spirits that are artisanal, that more care has gone into. One I tried recently which was actually brought to me by a guest was The Botanist. The question is though, when does a gin stop becoming a gin if it has so many botanicals in it!

Japanese whisky is also on the up, its the fastest growing sector. There’s Nikka, Yamasaki, Hibiki – wonderful drinks!

On that note we wrap up and I am presented with some nibbles and a wonderful gin (hurrah!) cocktail with lavender. This #TeamCoco writer may become a ‘Mayfairian’ yet!

Essex may not be your first choice for a staycation. We get it, the East Londoners seaside town doesn’t have the best rap and even entering town on a gloriously sunny day you are faced with the sad looking high street which all UK seaside towns have perfected. But a 20 minute wander along the coast to Thorpe Bay, past the usual British seaside suspects, brings you to the seafront Roslin Beach Hotel.

On arriving at the hotel, we’re met by the wrap around outdoor veranda (‘The Terrace‘) playing low fi balearic music and Pimms flowing. The vibe reminds us of luxe but characterful boutique hotels of the California coast with the laid back beachy colour scheme offset with glitzy details; a huge guilted mirror here – a giant pink rabbit (we visited at Easter) over there. To use a favourite travel cliché – this place is instagrammable.

All this before we get to our room by following the banana leaf patterned wallpaper up one flight to a lush marine coloured room, complete with a balcony to gaze out over the bay. Small touches take the room from being too safe and obvious in design. We loved the touch of a Crosby record player complete with vintage records to choose from; encouraging us to unplug and melt into the cushy bed until it was time for dinner.

Talking about dinner, discovering that the hotel housed an AA Two Rosettes Restaurant and were delighted to be seated by the passionate waiting staff with a view over the water that was glistening by the moonlight. We started our dinner with a house cocktail and then proceeded to enjoy a varied but incredibly well curated menu.

Beautiful spring asparagus was loving topped with crushed hazelnuts and creamy mayonnaise on my plate ; exquisite quality seared yellow fin tuna on my husband’s. For mains, our waitress enticed me towards the Montgomery Cheddar soufflé (what a babe, thank you) and my other half to the steak with bérnaise. Both were fantastic and totally exceeded our expectation of what food can be found in this part of the country.

Rolling back up the stairs, it’s time for a bath and a herbal tea out on the balcony (not so rock and roll here, folks) before a great night’s sleep. Sidenote, readers; this is a civilised #CocoCouples location ; swap propping up the bar until the wee hours with Netflix and Chill, okay?

Waking up to the sound of gulls and the sunlight peeking through the curtains, all that’s left to do is grab some breakfast in the elaborate breakfast room between trees and silk flowers before it is set up for the hotel’s famous afternoon teas.

A mere 20 hours after checking in, we step out, blinking in the sunshine revitalised by some seaside R&R and promise to come back next time we need a reset… there’s a whole spa we didn’t get chance to try out!

For more information and to book a stay at Roslin Beach Hotel go to www.roslinhotel.com

No matter where you are in the world, Sofitel Hotels and Resorts can always be found in the most glamorous buildings – a palace here, a skyscraper there… London’s offering is no different, the Sofitel London St James is actually housed in an old grand bank building on Waterloo Place, sandwiched between The Mall and Piccadilly. When you stay here, you are literally neighbours with The Queen during your stay… keep that in mind.

Bank buildings are recognisable from their impressive facades, marble floors, vaulted ceilings and huge impressive entrances, each screaming money and power more than the last. During its conversion to a hotel, these touches were softened with a tasteful decor and a fleet of smartly in line with a 5-star modern establishment, but the old time feels are all there.

There might be a huge Union Flag hanging above the door, but inside you’re greeted with a French vibe. Quite literally, staff will welcome you in both French and English, paying homage to their heritage (Sofitel was originally a French brand which was founded in France in 1964). Whether you’re in a palace in Oman, on the Palm in Dubai, or in the centre of London, their mantra is to always ‘live the French way’ – spontaneous, carefree and with an unmistakable touch of joie de vivre.

The Sofitel London St James was even designed by a French guy. The esteemed Pierre Yves-Rochon handled the transformation into a high-class hotel in 2002 and again during their most recent renovation.

The result is sublime. A modern twist on a classic now sees a sixties vibe running through the rooms, with pops of colours and Warhol icons hanging on the walls. You won’t find a tea tray or a tiny kettle in sight here, instead they’ve kept it cool with Smeg kitchen stuff and retro style iPod docks. Bathrooms are swish and romantic (they were literally designed by the French, so what else do you expect?) and the toiletries are of course by Hermès.

Guests come here for the rooms but they stay for the food. The same Wild Honey St James which once stood on St George Street is now here at the Sofitel with all the powder blue glory of its former home. It’s casual all day dining but without being too obvious you’re eating in a hotel. The menu has clearly been very cleverly composed of fine European fare and Negronis that taste like juice which has been hand squeezed from an angel.

The hotel has that great nostalgia feel. It’s a throwback to a time where guests would find a quiet corner to read a book, or take tea leisurely smoking from tobacco holders wearing long gloves. We actually arrived unceremoniously early before the previous guests had time to check out, but enjoyed a peppermint in one of the adjoining salons and listened to a live harp performance. Possibly a first for House of Coco, but hopefully not a last.

Stay in a double room at Sofitel London St James from £399 per night. Continental breakfast is £19.50; £26 for continental plus an a la carte dish. Free Wi-Fi. To book visit www.sofitelstjames.com

Our girl Rachael Lindsay has been exploring Morocco’s bustling capital, Marrakesh. It’s a perfect winter getaway but with over 1,000 converted riads in the city centre, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.

In less than four hours, I went from a grey London morning to the bright Moroccan sun. We had a friendly transfer to our hotel, the spacious Les Borjs de la Kasbah. It is one of the biggest riad hotels I have seen in Marrakesh with 18 spacious rooms and a huge central courtyard, swimming pool and restaurant.

Before being shown to our room, my partner and I are treated to a delightful fresh mint tea. Poured from a silver pot, served with a plate of sugary patisseries and accompanied by the twitter of migrating swallows, I truly feel like I have arrived in a storybook world.

The rooms continue the story. Each is uniquely designed with traditional Moroccan furnishings and handcrafted zellige mosaic tilework. The owner describes how the entire riad has been constructed by hand, from the decorative archways to the hand-dug swimming pool, with the help of a trusty donkey of course. Burnt ochre and peach feature heavily with brass trellis lanterns, a dark wood four-poster bed and a natural marble bathroom.

We spend the evening exploring the nightlife of the Marrakesh medina. Its central square is a drama at night, filled with snake-charmers, story tellers, and bubbling cauldrons of food. The markets stay open late, selling intricate glassware, leather babouche slippers and earthenware tagine pots of every shape and hue.

After a deep sleep, we awake to a breakfast fit for a marathon runner with an extensive buffet of homemade cakes, jams, fruit, smoothies, bread and patisseries. I particularly enjoy the pancake station with its choice of six varieties of Moroccan and French crepes, warm and drizzled with honey. The restaurant serves up the usual Moroccan favourites of tagine, couscous and pastilla, a sweet flaky pastry filled with vegetables or chicken, as well as meaty French classics like lamb cutlet and tender filet of beef.

Having the space for a swimming pool is itself a luxury in such a central location and I treat myself to a morning dip before another day exploring the city. When it comes to sightseeing, I would recommend the Maison de la Photographie with its Orientalist documentation of Morocco and its stunning rooftop views, the newly opened city-centre oasis, the ‘Secret Garden’ and Yves Saint Laurent’s pristine gift to Marrakesh: Le Jardin Majorelle with its memorial, cacti and trendy tearoom. For shopping, there are plenty of excellent boutique stores, from the centrally located Max&Jan with its keepsakes, kaftans and striped jumpsuits made in-store on a handloom to the furniture and linens inspired by local craft and designed by Martin Raffone at maisonLAB.

After all the shopping, mint tea drinking and medina exploring, the relaxing riad of Les Borjs de la Kasbah is the perfect place to which to return. With a heated swimming pool in winter and cooling courtyards in summer, this is the riad for all seasons and our top recommendation of the many riads in Marrakesh.

For more information visit lesborjsdelakasbah.com.

If like me, you love a glass of wine almost as much as your husband or wife to be, South Africa’s Cape Winelands are an easy choice when it comes to planning your honeymoon. With its vine-striped valleys and white-walled Cape Dutch architecture, it has enough vineyards and restaurants to keep even the most seasoned wine-loving couple happy.
Just 40 minutes from Cape Town, this is the country’s wine capital and while you could (and absolutely should) spend days dotting between the top-class wineries, nothing feels quite as indulgent as staying on one – which is why we headed to luxury hotel and working vineyard Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch to beat our post-wedding blues.

Dating back to 1692, Lanzerac Wine Estate is of the oldest and most luxurious estates in the area, combining all the pedigree you’d expect of a 326-year-old working winery with the sumptuous surrounds of a five-star hotel and spa. Perhaps most famously, it is also the birthplace of the first bottled Pinotage – a cross between a Pinot Noir and Hermitage and South Africa’s first unique, indigenous wine grape variety.
Tucked away in the foothills of theJonkershoek valley, you’re just a few kilometres outside of leafy Stellenbosch town, yet the estate feels like another world entirely. Driving down the oak-lined dappled driveway is like taking a step back in time.

With its Dutch gabled exterior stark white against a bright blue sky and dramatic mountain backdrop, this is one special corner of the Cape. Having been preserved for decades (and now designated as a Provincial Heritage site) the iconic Manor House and Werf buildings make up the centre of the estate, while a series of white-washed cottages make up the 53 rooms and suites.
Sadly, a fire in 2017 caused extensive damage to the property, causing it to close its doors for a year. While it may have been a tragedy, the new interiors are astounding – fusing the period grandeur of the previous property, with its rough stone walls and exposed beams with contemporary elements like the walls in the grand dining room. You can practically see the history as you step from one type of flooring to the next, across different generations.
The estate is expansive, and we get lost several times, but it’s a joy to uncover all the different corners. The fountains, the courtyard rose gardens shaded by ancient oaks – one of many pools flanked by white loungers and backed by plane trees.

The gardens are immaculate, enveloping you in blooms and different scents as you walk to your room. While the rest of the estate may be beautiful, it’s just a warm-up for the rooms – which are the real show stoppers here. No two are the same, with four different categories ranging from classic to a suite, but all offering huge ceilings, chandeliers and romantic bathtubs.

Our pool suite is really more like a house – with an entrance hall and study leading onto the bedroom and living room. To one side, a marble-clad bathroom with steamy rain shower and rolltop bath stand next to shuttered white french windows that pull back completely to reveal a garden full of pink roses. Even the toiletries are in keeping, with Merlot bath gel and Sauvignon Blanc shampoo which smell so good I stash a couple away to take home.

Sliding doors from the living room opens up onto the prettiest courtyard, with a white gazebo and private pool and loungers for two, with a view right onto the vines and mountains beyond. Breakfast is included in our stay, so naturally, we order it to the Gazebo, where we eat in contented silence as the morning mist burns off the slopes. The mini-bar is also included, which, given that it is stocked with plenty of the estate’s own wines, means we’re a little loathe to leave this haven of a hideaway.

Unless of course, it’s to check out the Lanzerac Estate Winery – of which a cellar tour and wine tasting come included in our stay. The cellar tour is informative – our guide Nyameka giving everyone from the more expert to beginners a chance to learn about both the wines and the historic estate, whose rich winemaking history can be traced back to the early 1900s, when the first Lanzerac wine was bottled from grapes harvested on the farm.

After the tour, we’re given a choice of 5 wines to taste on the terrace upstairs, accompanied by a huge platter of cured meats, cheeses and chutney from Lanzerac’s deli. One of our favourites is the Mrs English Chardonnay – named after one of the property’s most influential owners, Elizabeth ‘Kitty’ English, who bought the estate in 1920, changing its name to Lanzerac, rumoured to be after Charles Lanrezac – a French General, after whom the red blend Le Général is also named. Mrs English passed away in 1929, but not before transforming the estate into one of the most modern wineries in the Cape, laying the foundations for Stellenbosch’s world-renowned wines, which continues today under the leadership of Cellar Master Wynand Lategan and Viticulturist Danie Malherbe.

For dinner, the more formal setting of the Manor Kitchen offers multiple courses of classical, contemporary dishes – from pan-fried scallops to venison loin. But wanting to enjoy the mild weather, we opt for a seat under the stars on a pretty corner table on the terrace at Taphuis, one of the property’s most historic spots whose wood-panelled walls have been housing thirsty guests since the 1960s. The pub-style tapas menu champions home-grown ingredients from local suppliers, with options like Smoked Snoek Mousse with Cape gooseberry compote and the Braai Broodjie (a South African BBQ sandwich) with Huguenot cheese. After dinner, cocktails in the Craven Cigar lounge are the order of the day, reminiscent of an old-boys club with its roaring fireplace, stags horns and selection of whisky and cigars which keeps my husband particularly happy.

The next day, with the use of the spa facilities also included in our stay, we head down to for an afternoon pamper session. The whole spa is bliss – a wellness retreat in its own right, with a glass-ceilinged heated indoor pool which leads right out onto sunbeds facing the vines, where I channel Ab Fab while waiting for my other half, cocooned in a dressing gown and sunglasses. A calming palette of white walls and tropical plants, there is also a bubbling jacuzzi, full gym and therapy rooms where you can choose from a range of treatments from facials to pedicures. We opt for the AromaVine Pinotage Massage – which uses antioxidant blends containing pure grapeseed oil and natural botanicals to help relieve stress and muscle tension.

Despite Lanzerac’s hideaway feel, the restaurants and bars of the lively yet leafy university town of Stellenbosch are just 5 minutes away via complimentary transfer. Yet in truth, we barely leave the estate – with all we could seemingly want for right here on our doorstep.

Hopping over the fence at the bottom of our garden, we take a sunset walk through the vines, with a bottle of our favourite wine from our tasting. It’s a rare feat, but Lanzerac Wine Estate is a place where old meets new, not in a collision but in a complement – contemporary, five-star facilities coupled with an extraordinarily rich Cape heritage that leaves us hoping for another visit.

To book, visit Lanzerac www.lanzerac.co.za

Harmony, balance and long-term rejuvenation are the gifts waiting to be discovered in the Austrian Alpine region of Saalfelden Leogang. Our CocoCouple, Omo and Eulanda, discovered those qualities and more when they stayed at 5-star Nature Hotel Forsthofgut, Leogang. This luxury hotel, built around the philosophy of creating harmony with nature, was the perfect base for experiencing summer in Saalfelden Leogang.

What is a “Nature Hotel”?

We discussed several possibilities during our one-hour drive from Salzburg Airport, heading south-west towards the Austrian region of Saalfelden Leogang.

Could it be a hotel where guests sleep in the open forest? Could it be one made entirely out of naturally occurring and sustainably sourced materials? Or could it be a hotel that simply encourages guests to spend time outdoors in nature?

When we arrived at 5-star Nature Hotel Forsthofgut, we were pleased to discover that the answer to our question included all of the above and more.

Nature Hotel Forsthofgut (Naturhotel) also turned out to be the perfect base from which to explore the towns of Saalfelden and Leogang and their surrounding landscapes.

Visit Saalfelden Leogang

If you decide to skip the quintessential Austrian postcard city of Salzburg in favour of exploring the ‘greener half’ of SalzburgerLand, you will be rewarded with a world of incredible natural beauty.

The towns of Saalfelden and Leogang are nestled within the Saalach Tal and Leoganger Tal valley and surrounded by soaring mountains. Alpine peaks dominate the horizon and lush green meadows, lakes and unspoilt forests complete the picture-perfect landscape.

Saalfelden-Leogang is a year-round destination. In the winter, the region forms part of one of Austria’s largest ski circuits comprising Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Leogang, and Fieberbrunn (a total of 270km).

The hills and mountains also come alive in the summer, not with the sound of music but with the buzz from hiking, mountain biking and other warm-weather outdoor activities. A major highlight in Leogang is its competition-grade mountain bike park which attracts downhill biking thrill-seekers of all ages and abilities every year.

Nature Hotel Forsthofgut complements these natural and man-made attractions by offering a stunning and luxurious property which puts visitors to the region right at the heart of it all.

Waking Up at Nature Hotel Forsthofgut

Arriving at Hotel Forsthofgut to find a large welcome board at the entrance bearing our family name made us feel very special. With check-in formalities quickly completed, we were offered a quick tour of this remarkable property run by Christina and Christoph, fifth-generation members of the Schmuck family.

Heritage, tradition and luxury combine to great effect at Hotel Forsthofgut. From the outside, you are looking at traditional alpine architecture. However, upon entry, you are embraced by a contemporary space which tastefully combines key design elements such as wood, leather, stone and soft fabrics. The resulting feeling is one of warmth, relaxation and luxury.

Our earliest and most significant impression of Hotel Forsthofgut came from our first-floor WaldHaus (Forest House) Lebensquell suite. The WaldHaus is a newer section of the hotel that was built as part of renovations in 2011.

Our first instinct was to immediately walk to the far side of the room, throw open the floor-to-ceiling terrace windows and marvel at the spectacular view of the Leogang mountains. Mountains make you feel like you are in the presence of greatness.

A high ceiling amplified the space while panoramic windows invited ample natural light into the suite. The spacious living room, a soothing box-spring bed, and the large double-sink bathroom completed the layout of the suite. Scented wood panels and a muted colour palette achieved a visual balance with the surrounding nature.

Through thoughtful design, Hotel Forsthofgut creates harmony between the guest and the surrounding landscape. This is even more evident in the winter when guests can ski directly from the slopes into the hotel!

The real treat was waking up at Hotel Forsthofgut the next morning, stepping out on to the terrace and inhaling the fresh mountain air.

Culinary Biking Tour around Leogang

Breakfast at Hotel Forsthofgut is a market-style affair where a diverse range of carefully selected items is laid out in a stall-like pattern. This healthy start set us up for a day of moderate activity with a pre-arranged electric biking culinary tour.

From the number of people around us wearing helmets and other protective gear, mountain biking was clearly the main sporting activity in Leogang.

However, for those of us with lower adrenalin-related ambitions, Leogang thankfully offers a variety of options. The region promotes itself as a wellness destination with a range of activities designed to provide relaxation, excitement and the inspiration for visitors to live a healthier lifestyle.

We picked up our e-bikes from the Elements Outdoor Sports shop at the Asitz Valley station and were introduced to our guide Sabine Enzinger. Sabine is an experienced tour guide and downhill mountain biker.

After a quick e-bike handling and safety lesson (which also served as a great warm-up) at the Riders Playground, Sabine led us out of town and uphill into the countryside to explore. Our cycling itinerary included stops at local organic farms, a farming cooperative and someone’s back garden which doubled as a schnapps production site.

Saalfelden Leogang has a strong agricultural community of which around 70% are organic farmers. Growers and producers focus on high-quality local products including meat, eggs, cheese and vegetables. This farming philosophy enhances the credentials of the region as a destination for sustainable holidays.

During the tour, we were grateful for the e-bikes which provided an extra boost for our untrained muscles and were easier on the joints. By the end, however, we were grateful to return to the relaxing comfort of Hotel Forsthofgut.

Experiencing Europe’s first waldSPA

Hotel Forsthofgut is home to the award-winning ‘waldSPA’ (forest spa), Europe’s first. This unique spa concept continues the hotel’s philosophy of preserving harmony with the alpine environment.

Relaxation rooms, saunas and fitness rooms feature regionally sourced materials, invigorating scents and natural ingredients, all designed to extend your experience with nature. A summer highlight is the opportunity to experience one of the hotel’s signature treatments outdoors in the forest.

A pre-dinner visit to the outdoor adults-only rooftop pool was the perfect way to recharge our bodies after our earlier e-biking exertions. The 25m infinity pool proved to be an oasis. For an hour, we swam under the watchful gaze of the Leogang Steinberg mountains, immersing ourselves in a world of relaxation.

Hotel Forsthofgut – Preserving Harmony with Nature

On our last night, we secured an outdoor table for dinner. We wanted to preserve the harmony we were starting to develop with nature for as long as possible.

While watching the sunset over the mountains and listening to a live 1930’s music cover band, we surveyed the menu. Hotel Forsthofgut leverages the availability of regionally sourced, fresh and organic ingredients to offer a nutritious menu, making the best from the Alps accessible on a plate.

There was a poached brook trout fillet dish with our name on it. This paired well with that evening’s sommelier’s choice of a 2013 Merlot from the Bernhard Ernst winery in Deutschkreutz, Austria.

Burying ourselves in a nook at The Botanist after dinner, we sampled cocktails from the hotel’s modern bar, reluctantly counting down the hours until bedtime.

The proprietors of Hotel Forsthofgut have done an excellent job of promoting the Saalfelden Leogang philosophy of providing visitors with a long-term sense of rejuvenation.

We might never be able to recreate the harmony and balance we experienced in Saalfelden Leogang. However, we now know where to go whenever we seek those things.

Travel information

Getting there: The nearest airport is Salzburg, 70km drive to Leogang. A holiday shuttle is also available at €44 per person.

Autumn bonus: Hotel Forsthofgutis offering a 5% bonus on autumn stays if you book four weeks prior to arrival. This offer is valid from September 15 to November 30, 2019.

Save money: Use the Saalfelden Leogang Card (free for tourists) to gain access to city buses, cable cars, swimming pools, museums and selected activities.

E-bike (tour version) rental is €30 per day (helmets and protective gear not included). Visit Elements Outdoor Sport Bike School for a bike fitting.

Here at House of Coco, we’re all about ticking off our bucket list, and the Northern Lights has to be right at the top. Who doesn’t dream of cosying up in a glass igloo, gazing up at that spellbinding cosmic show? Experience the magic firsthand as you sleep under the northern lights and create unforgettable memories under the dancing auroras.

While 2019 might be a year of ‘solar minimum’, where Aurora-causing sunspots fade – don’t lose hope. Experts at The Aurora Zone think that instead of disappearing, the lights are set to become more localised – so you’ll have to choose your destination carefully, and head further north, to rural areas with low light pollution. Better yet, you’ve also got the perfect excuse to stay in a glass-roofed arctic igloo, geodesic dome or slick Scandi design cabin – all in the pursuit of maximising your chances of seeing the elusive aurora, of course. Here are#Teamcoco’s top places to sleep under the Northern Lights.

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#arctictreehousehotel #finland #northernlights #visitfinland #scandinaviandesign #winter #snow #irreal

A post shared by Luis Davilla (@davillaluis) on Mar 22, 2018 at 10:49 am PDT

1. Arctic Treehouse Hotel, Finland

Let your childhood dreams come true and cosy up in one of these luxurious Lappish treehouses. Fusing sleek Scandinavian design with luxe interiors, these treehouses boast one entirely glass wall, with uninterrupted views from your plush, fur-covered bed out over snow-frosted fir trees by day, and with any luck, the wisps of the Aurora Borealis by night. Their Arctic Scene Suites, which each have a log fire, sauna and tub from which to soak up that scenery are simply spectacular.

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The best view to wake up to. Photo by @gianlucabruno3

A post shared by Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (@arctictreehousehotel) on Sep 5, 2018 at 12:13 am PDT

2. Harriniva Aurora Domes, Finland

Here at House of Coco, it’s no secret that we’re fans of glamping. So ‘Aurora Glamping’ sounds next level to us! Simple yet chic, these dreamy tent domes boast log-burning fires and Lappish decor to create the cosiest atmosphere, as well as north-facing transparent walls so you can hunt for the lights over Lake Torassieppi.

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Would you go glamping in these awesome Aurora Domes? ?❄? #auroradome #glamping #harriniva #bestinwilderness #muonio #lapland #amazing #visitfinland #onlyinlapland #auroraglamping #instagood #bucketlist #laplandfinland #onlyinlapland #snow #northernlights #aurora #sky #beautiful #torassieppi #winterwonderland #finland #ig_scandinavia #luxury #travel #glamorous #glamorouscamping

A post shared by Harriniva Hotels & Safaris (@harriniva_official) on Oct 14, 2015 at 6:47 am PDT

3. Borealis Basecamp, Alaska

Deep in a hundred acres of boreal forest, just 25 miles north but a world away from the nearest city of Fairbanks Alaska, these domes boast 16 feet of windows for guests to gaze up at the night sky from their beds. A dining yurt offers a fantastic fare of locally sourced Alaskan ingredients, while activities include aurora seminars and dog sledging in the surrounding wilderness.

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Wow! We’ve had some amazing photographers at the base camp this week. This picture says it all! #Repost @nateinthewild with @get_repost ・・・ Well last night was one for the books here at @borealisbasecamp! Settings; • @sonyalpha A7riii • Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM • 16mm, ISO 1200, 4 second exposure. #sonyalpha #alphacollective

A post shared by Borealis Basecamp? (@borealisbasecamp) on Feb 12, 2018, at 10:08 pm PST

4. Panorama Glass Lodge, Iceland

Overlooking a stunning fjord-scape on Iceland’s West Coast, this Scandinavian-inspired glass cabin boasts sweeping sea and sky views, offering guests the chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights either from your bed or the private outdoor hot tub – swoon!

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Full moon and northern lights last week? #ísland #iceland #icelandair #hvalfjörður #northernlights #auroraborealis #hotpool #glasscabin #sleepingunderthestars #traveltips #travelgram #tlpicks #bbctravel #architecture_hunter #glasshouse #glassigloo #glasshotel #bucketlisters #glasscabin #travelawesome #amazingplaces #auroracabin #reykjavík #reykjavik #poolwithaview #amazingarchitecture #traveltips #luxurystay #travelandleisure #fullmoon

A post shared by Panorama Glass Lodge Iceland ™ (@panoramaglasslodge) on Jan 8, 2018 at 2:22 pm PST

5. Northern Lights Ranch, Finland

Located far from any city lights in remote Finnish Lapland, Northern Lights Ranch offers unique Sky View Cabins, with glass windows and roofs to fully immerse guests in both the Arctic snowscape by day as well as the starry Northern nights. 200km above the Arctic Circle, you’ll be in with a good chance of catching the Northern Lights from your bed, or perhaps your own personal hot tub, if you opt for the Deluxe Cabin.

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Incredible photo taken by @adamrikys and @taylorosullivan? Who wants to be that girl? ▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️ #northernlightsranch #northernlights #auroraborealis #auroraspotting #northernlightsphotos #northernlightsfinland #bucketlist #laplandmagic #lapland #ourfinland #ourlapland #levilapland #finlandluxuryhotels #travelfinland #skyviewers #skyviewcabin

A post shared by Northern Lights Ranch, Finland (@northernlightsranch) on Mar 14, 2018 at 9:53 am PDT

6. Manshausen Island, Norway

You’ll need to take 2 planes, a ferry and a small boat to reach this isolated private island owned by polar explorer Børge Ousland, set well above the Arctic Circle on Norway’s northern coast. But these design cabins more than warrant the trip, with floor-to-ceiling windows and Scandi-chic interiors that beg to be cosied up in while you watch the Northern Lights dance across the ocean.

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This is a magical place! Photo taken by our very own architect @snorre_stinessen. Thank you! . . . #snorrestinessen #manshausen #manshausencabins #northernlights #manshausenisland #beauty #visitnorway #nordnorge #travel #travelnorway

A post shared by Børge Ousland (@manshausen_island) on Oct 16, 2017 at 1:41am PDT

7. Muotka Wilderness Lodge, Finland

You’ve probably seen those Insta-famous igloos at Kakslauttanen. But what they don’t tell you on the ‘gram, is that their lesser-known, and far less expensive next-door neighbour Muotka Wilderness Lodge, is actually a better option. Not only are the igloos much more spacious and even include your own sauna, but we loved the charming feel of this family-run hotel – from cosy communal spaces and family-style dining to sharing a drink with the staff after hours. They are also able to organise activities with the best local suppliers directly from the hotel.

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2018 is flying by, can’t believe this was a month ago! If you ever want to stay in an igloo in Finnish Lapland, the ones at Wilderness Hotel Muotka have huge windows for watching the snowfall and stargazing while you sleep – and you get your own private sauna! ?✨

A post shared by Beth Roberts (@travelhush) on Feb 23, 2018 at 4:27 pm PST

Learn about how Northern Lights illuminates indoor cultivation in this insightful article on House of Coco.

For more information on the Aurora Borealis and to discover a wide range of Northern Lights holidays and short breaks, visit www.theaurorazone.com.