Category

Wake Up Here

Category
Italy

Wake Up Here: Capesthorne Hall, Cheshire

As part of our ongoing Cheshire series, House of Coco set off on a mission to discover the county’s idyllic landscapes and history-book heritage.

After another month spent lamenting within the four walls of our interiors, the prospect of a 48-hour change of scenery was welcomed with open arms. Courtesy of the Bromley-Davenport family, Capesthorne Hall opened its doors – that have since been firmly bolted shut due to lockdown restrictions – to us for a weekend of rest, reset and adoration.

As anticipated, the scenery was not one to disappoint. Despite the building’s Jacobean interior casting similarities to a number of the country’s ‘Stately Homes’, a distinctive family-orientated ethos echoes through portrait-lined corridors and ancestral relics. A home not only rich in history, but also familial affection.

A room well-loved for its compelling qualities, The Saloon is frequently used to host and entertain guests of the family. A prominent feature of the space is the commissioned paintings of the Bromley-Davenport’s ancestors, which form a striking display of opulence.

The Drawing Room, often used as one of the primary quarters for wedding ceremonies, boasts a selection of Italian artwork and soft-toned Boulle furniture.

Featuring checkboard flooring and arched columns, brides descend their way down The Main Staircase before greeting their invitees in The Drawing Room.

South Tower

The public quarters refuse to shy away from their own grandeur. Nestled away from its gargantuan neighbour, South Tower Cottage celebrates a fusion of aristocratical heritage and contemporary London-townhouse style. Expect to be welcomed by a myriad of English fauna whilst, from South Towers window view, gardens swathed in perennials and seasonal blooms make for picturesque backdrops.

Lakeside Bridge View and South Tower Cottage.

Lakeside Village

A credit to the family, who’s values traverse through the Hall’s grounds and into the visitor havens, formally recognised as The Lakeside Village. Fashioned as a community of timber-clad exterior lodges, the fuss-free designs feature a spacious bedroom and bathroom complex, but the shared kitchen and dining space is where the true family affairs take place. Located overlooking the lakeside gardens, guests can enjoy mealtimes with relatives and relish within the privacy of their own familiarities.

Lakeside Village lodges interiors and the communal kitchen space, also recognised as The Potting Shed.

Adjoined to The Potting Shed lies Lakeside Cottage; a private sanctuary that overlooks the lodges, but is often saved for Bride and Groom to-be’s.

Localities

As for localities, the Hall finds itself at a notable advantage. Situated amongst a handful of Cheshire’s more-established districts, (Alderley Edge, Knutsford, Holmes Chapel) guests are never short of convenience, where local walking spots, independent boutiques, and quality eateries are concerned. An undisturbed oasis, minus the sensibility of isolation that so often accompanies a countryside hideaway.

Should you find yourself searching for an escape to secluded serenity, make Capesthorne Hall your first point of call.

Capesthorne Hall is closed to the public until local restrictions are reassessed on 02/12/20. For more info on the grounds, visit www.capesthorne.com.

by
Keep Reading
United Kingdom

Wake up Here : Native, Manchester

There aren’t many places we know of that are cooler than Manchester’s Northern Quarter – known for its indie coffee shops, tattoo studios and quality after-dark scene. One of the things that makes the Northern Quarter so good is that each new addition is exactly that, an addition, something that brings something new or of value to the neighbourhood.

One such venue is Native, an aparthotel created inside an old warehouse on Ducie Street. As well as the 166 serviced apartments, Native is a community hub that encourages people to meet up, hang out, grab a coffee, eat together, do some work or just simply go for a drink. For international travellers who want to experience what the North is really like, this is probably the best place to start. As far as hotel amenities go, you’ve really got a full cart with this one. There’s a gym, bistro, coffee shop, lounge, co-working space, and even a mini cinema with daily screenings.

At #TeamCoco we’re proud to live a nomadic lifestyle – picking up from where we want, when we want, because we know exactly what we want. And while WFH is great, being a prisoner of your own house for months during lockdown is not, and we’ve been on the hunt for great shared working spaces ever since.

Cultureplex is the part of Native that has the amenities and prides itself on being a place to come and graft during the working week and to have fun at all other times. It’s super casual which is exactly what you need for a working environment, but for anything slightly more formal you can hire some cool private meeting spaces.

166 apartments in one complex is big. To understand the sheer size of Native, stand in the lobby and look up. A huge atrium heads directly for a giant skylight, illuminating the corridors leading to the apartments below. Imagine the atrium of a really cool prison, only more stylish and less criminal.

The apartments are so well equipped you could quite easily live in one, Native pride themselves on being a home from home for their guests. The authentic Scandi design lives for detail, even down to the parquet flooring throughout, and the clean industrial look made possible by exposed bricks, concrete walls and chunky light fittings.

Apartments start from a cosy studio through to a grand duplex penthouse. Even though the most standard studio apartment is big enough for a huge king sized bed on top of everything else, we’d well recommend an upgrade to a two-bed with a view if you can. The penthouse apartments have wrap-around terraces overlooking the whole of the Northern Quarter below, and beyond. The sights, sounds and smells of Manchester will definitely liven your senses.

by
Keep Reading
Dog-friendly

TeamCocopup: Getting cosy and hunkering down at Higher Wiscombe

TeamCocopup Charlie and doting dog mum Hannah Tan-Gillies are getting cosy and hunkering down at the Higher Wiscombecottages in East Devon for a luxury doggy staycation that won’t get damped by bad weather.

We arrived in Higher Wiscombe late on Friday evening and right on the cusp of Storm Freya’s arrival. After almost four hours of driving through rain and harsh winds — with large chunks spent on the M25 no less — our arrival at the warm and undoubtedly charming Thatched Barn could not have been more perfectly timed.

Higher Wiscombe is a cluster of three, generously-sized, luxury self-catering cottages in the heart of East Devon. It is part of Premier Cottages collection, which features 1,000 four and five-star self-catering cottages all over the UK, from intimate boltholes, to large family-friendly estates, including a wide selection of pet-friendly properties.

Surrounded by rolling hills and just short drive away from the Jurassic Coast, Higher Wiscombe is the perfect spot to hunker down, get cosy, and wait out a storm.

We stayed in the Thatched Barn, which is a sprawling barn conversion for six with three ensuite bathrooms, heated floors, a fully stocked kitchen, outdoor terrace and oodles of charm. The Thatched Barn offers a wealth of contemporary amenities, but unlike other luxury properties, does not sacrifice character in pursuit of modernity. Each room follows a distinctive colour palette with the master suite also equipped with a handsome four poster bed and roll top bath.

On the kitchen counter, we were greeted with a welcome basket filled with a selection of locally-sourced products. TeamCocopup Charlie was greeted with a welcome package of his own, which included a Dicky bag, bio poo bags, and also some treats.

Alistair and Lorna, owners and custodians of Higher Wiscombe, live right next door and will go out of their way to make you feel right at home. They offered us plenty of recommendations on nearby restaurants and dog-friendly things to do – of which there are an abundance. The property is near many supermarkets, and you can even have your groceries delivered straight to your door before arrival.

As storm Freya raged on throughout our stay, we were unable to take a dip in the property’s heated outdoor pool. We did, however, get a private tour of The Winery. The spectacular cottage can sleep up to twenty and is the perfect spot to bring family and friends together for a relaxed weekend getaway or a big celebration. As with many other businesses ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, Higher Wiscombe has had to adapt, temporarily halving the Winery to abide by the all-encompassing Rule of Six.

Outside of your cottage, Higher Wiscombe offers 52 acres of private rolling Devon countryside, perfect for long walkies, even in the rain. You can also drive to the nearby coastal towns of Sidmouth and walk along the Jurassic Coast, the quaint mining town of Beer, or take a short drive to Lyme Regis.

Walkie enthusiasts can even access the East Devon Way directly from the property, which leads to a number of picturesque National Trust properties too. And finally, after you and your pooch have spent the day discovering everything that East Devon has to offer and more – there is simply nothing better than returning to the Thatched Barn, putting a log on the burner, and enjoying a nice cuppa. Because as we discovered, a stay at the Higher Wiscombe is truly a wonder, even in the middle of a storm.

A week’s stay in Higher Wiscombe’s Thatched Barn for up to six starts from £895. To book go to www.premiercottages.co.uk or call the owner on 01404 871360. Premier Cottages offers the widest range of accessible properties in the UK with many offering on-site facilities like swimming pools, gyms, spas, indoor games rooms and children’s play areas.

by
Keep Reading
Travel

Wake up Here : Selina Hotel, Brighton

If we had to rank places in the UK in terms of fun, Brighton would always come out on top. The whole place is literally built on having a good time, from the funfair on the pier to the former pleasure palace Pavilion. The Selina hotel, we’re very glad to see, is following such traditions.

Even in the face of Covid-19 and its many restrictions, they managed to pull off a (safe) drag-spectacular launch event that has firmed its place in Brighton’s little black book.

Selina is an experience-led hotel group, and their hotel on Brighton’s Kings Road is a self-described ‘traveler’s hub’ which is designed to bring together creative locals, digital nomads and world explorers under one roof – for what sounds like it could turn it to a pretty fun party.

There are 31 rooms and each of them have sea views, with the rusty remains of Brighton’s old West Pier still standing proudly in front in a juxtaposition of old and new. Brighton seafront (or Brighton, period) is surprisingly sparse for decent lodgings, so the Selina is a very welcome and refreshing addition, nestled among some of the only other noteworthy hotels for miles in either direction.

Room types are varied from standard and simple, to lofty and luxury. Each have the same level of thought throughout, and cheeky hints here and there remind you that these rooms were designed specifically with Brighton on the brain. Pro LGBTQ+ artwork hangs on the walls in a nod to the hotel’s unapologetic sense of togetherness.

The hotel’s designer Tola Ojuolape had a vision for the hotel to reflect the Brighton beach front location, and the city’s reputation as a creative powerhouse. Downstairs, well, we’ve never seen so many plants before in one room. The whole place oozes millennial cool vibes, but in a way that doesn’t feel like they’re trying to draw you in with a neon sign or a dry-ice cocktail. It’s raw and it’s real.

In a city that is absolutely chokka with fantastic foodie spots, from fine dining to ratchet hole-in-the-wall dive bars, the Old Pier is also a very welcome new spot. The hotel’s dining option is as casual as their laid back bartenders and pizza chefs, who whip up their signature sourdough pizzas and stuff to share. Brunch is of course on the menu, with Benedicts and boozy morning bevs.

www.selina.com

www.instagram.com/selina

www.facebook.com/selinabrightonuk

by
Keep Reading
Adventures

A night under the stars at luxury safari lodge Royal Malewane

Journey to South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park and you’ll stumble across the mesmerising Royal Malewane; a luxury safari lodge which sits, serene and beautiful, among wildlife and mystery.

Exuding romance and the beauty of a bygone era, Royal Malewane is like something you’d find in Nat Geo, or as the backdrop of a David Attenborough documentary. Built in December 1999, Royal Malewane was the first of The Royal Portfolio properties and it comprises of six Luxury Suits, two Royal Suites and Africa House, the latter of which is a six- bedroom family villa. Fast-forward twenty years, and The Farmstead, which sits on land owned by the local community, came to be. There, injecting yet more magic into an already astounding setting, you’ll find three Luxury Farm Suites, and The Farmhouse, which boasts light wood, deep verandas and a chic style more contemporary than the other rustic offerings.

Royal Malewane, which allows guests to immerse themselves in Africa like never before, was and is the brainchild of Liz Biden, the Owner and Founder. Discussing the postcard-worthy properties with House of Coco, Liz tells us of how space and privacy gives them an undeniable advantage, making it an understandable hot spot for celebrities.

Liz also went on to say how the hotels are so uniquely designed, with each oozing trademarks of each destination, in the design. Liz and her husband Phil, who both recently celebrated landmark birthdays, believe passionately in investing in Africa and using tourism to drive positive change, and House of Coco spoke to Liz about what makes Royal Malewane so magical, plans to expand, and the things you simply must try upon visiting…

What are some of the main highlights guests can expect while staying at Royal Malewane?

We are fortunate to have the most qualified guiding team in Africa at Royal Malewane – career guides and trackers who constantly strive to improve themselves and those around them. This makes a real difference to our guests’ wildlife experience – not only are the guests in safe hands, but the guides are able to tailor the experience to any level of knowledge or any particular interests.

What stands your luxury safari lodge above the rest? Can guests get up close and personal while staying with you?

Our people make the difference – they are passionate about giving our guests an incredible experience. Our guests feel comfortable and at home and become part of the family.

We have three of only seven living Master Trackers at Royal Malewane. This means that guests can go on walking trails getting close to the Big 5 on foot and gaining precious insights into the finer details of nature. As well of course as game drives on specialised safari vehicles.

How has your business been affected by coronavirus?

We are fortunate that our hotels and lodges have a lot of space and privacy. Luxury safari lodges are socially distanced by their very nature. While we have all had to make adjustments to the way we think and operate, we believe that South Africa will be an extremely desirable post-Covid destination with lots of space, nature, beaches, mountains and wildlife. South Africa offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with nature.

Have you had any famous faces stay at your wonderful lodges?

We have indeed – I think our hotels offer a lot of privacy without being stiff and formal. Celebrities seem to like that.

The décor found inside the lodges is impeccable –– do the interiors match the landscape of the Kruger National Park would you say?

I have tried to make the design of each of our hotels unique to each destination. Royal Malewane certainly has a bush lodge feel to it that befits the Kruger National Park, while Birkenhead House for example is a bright and breezy beach house.

La Residence is far more opulent with a touch of Versailles as it is located in the original French settlement of Franschhoek. The Silo Hotel is more contemporary with a focus on art and design.

How have the lodges adapted with the times? Do you promote sustainability at Royal Malewane?

A few years ago we launched The Royal Portfolio Foundation in order to formalise the community and conservation activities of the group. This has been hugely rewarding for everyone and while the Foundation is focused on projects specific to each hotel’s location, our Three Crown’s Sustainability Framework helps us manage the daily operations of the business in a sustainable way.

For those who don’t know too much about the cuisine in South Africa, what can they expect?

South Africa has a thriving culinary scene. Most visitors are amazed by the quality, diversity and value for money offered at our hotels and in our restaurants. The food scene is really eclectic and cosmopolitan with a focus on fresh local ingredients. Franschhoek is our culinary capital with several of the country’s top restaurants in one small town along with some of our top wine estates.

What’s something you simply have to try when visiting?

Well I’m biased, but our Cape Malay Seafood Curry at the Granary Café in The Silo Hotel offers a real taste of Cape Town. Followed by a sunset drink on the rooftop of course.

What’s been one of the most special moments you’ve had at Royal Malewane?

My husband Phil and I both turned 70 last year and so we invited a whole lot of family, friends and industry colleagues to the lodge for three nights. It was also the 20th anniversary of business. I never imagined it would turn into what it is today. So that was very special for me.

by
Keep Reading
France

Wake Up Here: Beech Hill Hotel & Spa, Windermere

Roaring log fires, cosy rooms, and dramatic views across Lake Windermere and the Western Fells beyond, welcome to your new favourite lakeland autumnal retreat.

Perched atop a hill on the Eastern banks of Lake Windermere lies the warmest of welcomes. A luxurious yet homely hotel, Beech Hill boasts 55 bedrooms, with many featuring private balconies and terraces on which to drink in the breathtaking views of the lake. Whilst the Lake District is considered a summer destination by many, the masses are missing out on the ever changing beauty of this very special part of the world during the latter part of the year.

Upon entering the hotel you are greeted by a warm and cosy lounge with sprawling, panoramic views over Windermere. The hotel’s elevated location means every window enjoys a picture perfect vista of the fells, forest, and water, the perfect place to relax, recharge, and feel fully cosseted during your stay. Furnishings are comfortable and cosy, focusing on quality, warmth and a feeling of well being. With an extensive list of Covid-safe precautions, you can enjoy the hotel without worry, the only items on your agenda being woodland and lakeside walks, fine food and drink, a warming trip to the spa, and snuggling down in your pillow soft bed at the end of the day.

Warm rooms with dreamy views

Furnished to a high standard, the rooms at Beech Hill are incredibly spacious for a Lake District hotel. With walk in showers and some featuring spa baths, the bathrooms are equally generous, the perfect place to wind down after a golden autumn hike or crisp winter walk. Several ground floor rooms have direct access to the gardens and lake below, wonderful if, like me, you want to get straight back to the warmth of your room or suite after an afternoon of exploring. Our room featured a small table and chairs both indoors and on the patio, meaning we could enjoy room service with a view and a half.

Food, glorious food

Headed up by chef Lukasz Zebryk, the award winning Burlington’s Restaurant is a destination in it’s own right. Serving up a fusion of English and French cuisine using locally sourced produce, guests and non-residents alike can enjoy a hearty breakfast, delicious lunch, delightful afternoon tea, or indulgent evening meal with a view. With a wide selection of wines and highly knowledgeable staff, drinks pairings are no issue here, just kick back, enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace, and let the attentive wait staff keep you well fed and watered.

The perfect place to unwind

The luxurious hotel spa is the icing on the cake: boasting three spa treatment rooms, a Himalayan Sauna with salt wall, an aromatic Steam Room, two outside Vitality Spa Pools and a 40ft indoor pool, you’ll be floating back to your room after an hour. The changing seasons and colder weather need not keep you indoors, as the spa views take on an almost Nordic feel whilst retaining traditional lakeland charm. Moody vistas and falling leaves make for a very special spa experience as you sup champagne in the Vitality Spa Pool overlooking snow-capped hills in the latter part of the year. Covid restrictions mean attendee numbers are limited for the time being, so I strongly recommend booking a slot at the spa upon checking in, this is a magical experience that really should not be missed.

Stroll on down to the lake

Now for the feature that clinched it for me: take a stroll down to the bottom of the garden where you will come across the a small, yet very special, entrance to Lake Windermere. Completely private, peaceful and still, we took our mugs of tea down here at 6 am to watch the sun rise and listen to the resident robin sing his little heart out. There wasn’t a soul in sight, not a boat on the water, just complete stillness, peace, and calm, the air fresh and buoyant with the scents of autumn. Get up early and you may notice the odd person doing the same thing, get up earlier and you will feel like the only person in the world. Not may hotels in the area can offer this level of privacy and serenity away from the tourist attractions and crowds, and this was the crowning moment in what had already been a very special trip. Set your alarms early, grab a blanket and a brew and slip out of your room as the first beams peek over the fells for the perfect ending to the perfect autumnal break.

Our recommendations:

  • If you’re an outdoorsy type or want to slip out early for a peaceful picnic on the lake, ask for a ground floor room with patio access to the garden. Whilst the upper floors have incredible views, these rooms offer the convenience of direct access to the dock below.
  • Book a slot at the spa upon booking. The staff are incredible, the pools serene, the experience feeling incredibly bespoke and private whilst numbers are limited.
  • If you’re a keen walker, book a room with a spa bath. Warming up in the oversized tub was a wonderful way to refresh after exploring the area.
  • Order the coffee creme brulee for dessert. Don’t question this, just do it.
  • Rent a boat from Windermere Boat Hire, located less than 6 minutes drive from the hotel. Costing £35 for an hour, this was money well spent and allowed us to see the lake from a different perspective. If you’ve left your captain’s hat at home, they also provide group boat tours from £12 per person.

How to book:

You can book your perfect Lakes escape direct with the hotel at https://beechhillhotel.co.uk/ Check out their offers page where for a limited time only you can get up to 50% on their midweek dinner, bed and breakfast offer, or substantial discounts on their Romantic Getaway package. If you’re looking for a last minute package and cannot find one that’s right for you, contact the hotel directly and they’ll be happy to locate an offer for you.
by
Keep Reading
Staycation

Wake Up Here: The Dunstane Houses, Edinburgh

Orkney soul and whisky business in the heart of the Scottish capital

A peaceful haven in the bustling heart of Edinburgh, The Dunstane Houses is an independent, family-run, five-star boutique hotel, over 2 Victorian townhouses set across the road from each other. Winner of The Best Boutique Hotel Experience In Scotland 2020 (and it’s easy to see why), The Dunstane offers modern luxury and a city centre location ever so slightly away from the noise and crowds of the main tourist traps. Standing at the gateway to old town Edinburgh but styled with the soul of the proprietors Orkney roots, The Dunstane offers sanctuary in the centre of the vibrant city.

With spacious hallways and a robust Covid-safety regimen, you can rest assured that you’ll be completely safe during your stay in one of The Dunstane’s 35 rooms and suites. From cosy singles to sprawling suites, every room is luxuriously plush and cosy (with the best bed I’ve ever slept on. Seriously), decorated in a neo-classical style with a touch of Orkney flair. The suites in particular are very special: feature baths, oversized headboards, crisp cotton sheets, and home made shortbread, no one could blame you for seeing little of the city when staying here.

A Neo-classical dream

The overriding feeling of everything at The Dunstane, from the bedding to the toiletries (whisky scented, no less), is one of quality. The care and consideration that has clearly been put into curating and creating this hotel is outstanding. From the decor, to the staff, the food, the experience as a whole, everything feels carefully thought out to maximise the guest experience. Even the scent as you walk through the front door feels designed to make you feel at home. Except maybe not my home, more like the home of a wealthy aunt with exquisite taste, but who is acutely aware that people just want to feel comforted sometimes. The type that wraps you up in a woollen blanket, hands you a glass of something strong and warming, and leaves you to relax by the fire.

Whisky business

The highlight of my trip to The Dunstane Houses was my whisky tasting experience with resident malt connoisseur, John Hindle. The hotel itself boasts a whisky cabinet of over 70 Scottish malts including rare and vintage drams that are very difficult to find elsewhere. We sampled 6 different whiskies whilst John regaled us with history, folklore, and technical knowledge peppered with a heavy dose of humour. Seasoned whisky drinkers and novices alike would no doubt enjoy an hour in John’s company, pontificating over heritage and flavour. If you’re feeling both brave and flush, you can enjoy a glass of exceedingly rare 40 year malt, so precious it is locked away from the bar, although the broad array of smokey, peaty malts and caramel soft drams will no doubt keep you satisfied if not.

Scottish Soul Food

Not just home to whisky, The Ba’ Bar bar and restaurant offers modern Scottish cuisine with that comforting, cosy feel synonymous with The Dunstane Houses. Whether you fancy Cullen Skink, whisky-slaked cranachan, or the ever-popular Dunstane burger, every dish is carefully prepared using the finest locally sourced produce and ingredients. If you’ve something to celebrate or just in the mood for a treat, then afternoon tea is a must. With a special selection of teas chosen for The Dunstane Houses by the Tea Lovers’ Company, freshly baked scones served with Heather Hills preserves, a delicious array of sandwiches and an abundance of desserts, you can relax and enjoy the ambience of The Ba’ Bar whilst the wonderfully attentive staff ensure you’re well fed and watered.

Our recommendations:

  • Whilst you won’t be disappointed with any of the rooms in The Dunstane Houses, the suites are spaciously exquisite and most certainly worth splashing out on.
  • Breakfast in bed is a must. The full Scottish breakfast is hearty and exactly what you need to set you up for a day exploring the city.
  • The whisky tasting experience is fantastic. John will talk you through everything, even if you’re a whisky newbie and haven’t tried it before. It’s entertaining, informative, and a one of a kind experience the quality of which I have not found anywhere else on my travels.
  • If you do opt to leave the comfort of your room for a wander around the city, Edinburgh Castle and the main tourist attractions are 5-10 minutes drive away. There are also excellent public transport links outside the hotel for those who need it.

How to book:

Debby Donnelly-Addison was hosted by The Dunstane Houses, a member of the Pride of Britain Hotels collection (never more than 50 hotels, to guarantee quality and exclusivity). The five-star Victorian town houses in Edinburgh’s West End boast 35 bedrooms and an all-day dining restaurant. An overnight stay costs from £174 per room (two sharing) including full Scottish breakfast. The whisky tasting is priced £40 pp. Contact Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 (www.prideofbritainhotels.com).

by
Keep Reading
United Kingdom

Welcome Back to the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill

Reopening today, September 7, 2020, five-star luxury hotel, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, is partnering with top Marylebone-based brands for Londoners and travellers alike to enjoy exclusive benefits to discover the best of the city’s chic urban village in style.

For fitness enthusiasts, as well as Hyde Park being only steps away, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill has collaborated with BXR, an exclusive, upscale members-only boxing gym to provide limited-edition day rate pass for the gym. A short 10-minute walk from the hotel, the studio offers a combination of the latest technology in fitness equipment, boxing and innovative training.Following a hardcore BXR workout, guests will deserve a spot of indulgence, and leading wellness brand ELEMIS will welcome guests to their flagship House of ELEMIS, only a short walk from Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill. The House of ELEMIS is a luxurious townhouse where spa meets science meets skin, inviting guests to relax, re-balance and renew with their tailored treatments. ELEMIS’ Elite Therapists will ensure that every transformative treatment is prescribed to each individual’s needs and personalised to the nature of their skin. Guests can book any tailored treatment and receive 20% off – from globally renowned facial treatments that combine groundbreaking technology with active ingredients, to luxurious body treatments comprising cleansing mineral salts, oil blends, and exquisite aromatics. Additionally, guests will receive 20% off any products purchases at the House of ELEMIS, ensuring they leave feeling completely refreshed and revitalized.

The ‘Discover Marylebone’ package is available for stays from 7 September 2020 – 31st January 2021 and is priced from £315 for a standard double room for one night, including private pick up from Marylebone or Paddington Station (or car parking), room service breakfast, choice of cooking masterclass or picnic (for two), private visit to Thompson’s Gallery, Mary-Le-Bone Gin and Tonic and access to the exclusive offers in the local area.*To find out more, click here. To make a reservation, please email lonch-rfp@hyatt.com.

*Exclusive offers are optional. Some incur additional cost.

by
Keep Reading
Travel

Wake up Here : Hotel Gotham, Manchester

Ever wandered through Manchester and spotted a yellow cab flying down Deansgate in hot pursuit? Or a hot dog stand in Piccadilly Gardens? Or Marilyn Monroe waltzing down Canal Street? Well, the last one we can probably explain, but there’s always been a strange connection between our beloved Northern neighbour and New York City.

Of course, you can’t compare the two. Manchester is a clear winner for us. But there are significant similarities that make Manchester the perfect UK understudy for Manhattan, and there are numerous film credits to prove it.

Now film sets come and go, but the constant piece of the Big Apple that remains sitting proudly on King Street is the Hotel Gotham. The building could definitely have come fresh from New York, with its wild Art Deco architecture sitting jarringly against its Victorian and Edwardian neighbours.

Everything here is in character, to the freshly dressed doormen, to the room service who slip the hotel’s newspaper, The Gotham Bugle, under your door. There’s even a pair of binoculars in your room you should you wish to try and spot a certain superhero flying around the place at night – just be careful what you use them for…

The traditional art deco interiors are broken up by modern flashes of geometric shapes and hot pink furniture. In the suites, vintage luggage chests double up as coffee tables and are stylishly adorned with thoughtful chunky books.

Hotel wardrobes aren’t usually one of the highlights of a room. A safe, laundry bag, and annoying hookless coat-hangers come as standard but at the Gotham, it’s just another spectacle. Not only is this where you’ll find your plush fluffy white robes, but also a minibar, cocktail station (complete with Martini glasses and Champagne flutes) and personal coffee area.

A mini bar and a cocktail set will have you set for the night. To level up your evening you quite literally need to level up to the top floor of the building where you’ll find one of Manchester’s coolest bars – Club Brass.

If you were wondering about the name, it’s a nod to the building itself (bank) and to what makes the world go round (money). If that doesn’t tell you how luxe this place is you probably don’t deserve a table, which is actually the case for some since the bar is open only to members and guests of the hotel. Think media tycoons, slick entrepreneurs and celeb class football players (Premiership only). Club Brass is linked with London’s Century Club, for more perspective on exclusivity.

Manchester isn’t short of well-known institutions. In fact, they’re world famous. Oasis, The Stone Roses, Northern Soul, The Industrial Revolution, The Haçienda, Coronation Street… Our guess is it won’t be long before the Hotel Gotham makes it up there with the best of them.

Nightly rates from £185 for a Cosy Club double room, or £200 B&B. Book here.

by
Keep Reading
Hotels & Spas

London’s Luxuries : Novotel London Bridge

If anyone knows how to glow up a hotel, it’s Novotel. Their dedication to refurbishments of hotels is about on par with our dedication to staying at them. The fresh faced Novotel London Bridge reveals all.

There’s a real trend of larger hotel chains honing in the surroundings of each particular property to make them feel more unique, but still on par with the standards you’d come to expect. In our book, if the honey at breakfast doesn’t come squeezed from the bees on the roof then to be honest we don’t really wanna know.

There are thirteen hotels in the wider London area including some airport locations. That may be unlucky for some, but definitely not for us. The Novotel London Bridge sits in the shadow of the city skyline. Put it this way, if this was the year 1066, you’d be overlooking some very royal neighbours in the tower next door.

Picky millennials like us have a word we like to use to justify when we want to have exactly everything we want… savvy. And savvy travellers are favouring the ‘chain vibes’ of big hotels less and less. Novotel have done away with all of that and now offer up a cool independent like vibe that we are completely here for.

What hasn’t been lost is the efficiency of the whole operation – check-in is quick and painless, and desk staff speak several languages. Quality and standards have a huge part to play in Novotel’s ethos and it shows, which is a true testament to really good hotel, and makes you sleep that little bit better.

There’s a minimalist style running throughout the rooms, with flashes of personality here and there, like faux zebra rugs or starry night sky murals. A signature red cuts through the crisp white, adding to that overall luxe.

Downstairs, the traditional buffet of yoghurt and tinned peaches has been done away with, and in its place is a quirky café style kitchen and bar. So many of the time hotels slip up with their dining offering and take the corporate road, which is enjoyable to only those in suits who chunter over the morning FT, but here it’s definitely more flat-white and a lot less white-collar.

Prices start from £116 per room per night based on two people sharing. www.all.accor.com

by
Keep Reading