J Wellness Spa truly is an oasis in the city with impressive spa facilities that include treatment rooms, a couple’s suite, steam sauna and relaxation area. Discreetly tucked away in stunning St James’s court it’s the ultimate wellness luxury bolt hole that cleverly fuses ancient Indian rituals with modern British luxury sensibilities.
There’s an extensive menu of pampering, detoxing and holistic treatments and spa treatments for you to choose from at J Wellness spa. Your shoulders lower as soon as you’re greeted by the friendly staff and offered the squishiest and comfiest of robes and slippers ready for your treatment.
With a plethora of treatments to choose from, picking one can be hard. If in doubt go for the new Healing Therapies, which offer a remedy whatever your wellness needs: For a reboot, go for the Svastha which uses the best Indian wellness techniques to rid you of any sluggishness and give you a new lease of life. For targeted pain relief, Nidra is a full body treatment that will dissipate all your aches and pain. For a complete detox, Shodhana combines exfoliation and massage to purge all those built up toxins.
The signature treatments are equally good, and the Indian aromatherapy massage is a great option for ultimate relaxation. The treatment is a 60-minute targeted full body massage that includes a choice of signature oil blends to suit your need: energising, relaxing and detoxifying options.
Treatment starts with a calming foot ritual and consultation and the bespoke massage that follows is completely relaxing, and effortlessly soothes out and harmonises any physical and mental tensions. You’ll feel your tension and worries dissipate as the therapist’s hands glide all over your body, encouraging lymphatic drainage, stimulating blood flow and restoring your energy and balance. The treatment does more than pamper, preen and polish, you’ll glide out looking like you’ve been given a new lease of life.
Post treatment, a snooze in the relaxation area rounds off a perfect spa experience.
Set on the golden shores in one of most idyllic spots of Morocco’s Atlantic coast is Taghazout Bay, a fishing village turned surfing and luxury travel destination.
FAIRMONT TAGHAZOUT BAY
A mere 30-minute drive away from Agadir and you find yourself in one of Morocco’s most spectacular locations. Nestled along this spectacular coastline with breathtaking sea view vistas and mountain views is Fairmont, Taghazout, the new luxury hotel on the Moroccan coast.
THE VIBE
From the stunning beach, to the hotels outstanding amenities with a slice of old Morocco this fantastical oasis is the stuff of luxury wellness reverie, where serenity combined with leisure offers peaceful yet unforgettable moments. If you’re after a chic (but immensely relaxing) and private sanctuary away from the bustle of Agadir, Fairmont Taghazout, bay is the smart option for heat-seeking sophisticates.
THE STORY
The first luxury resort to open in the former fishing village of Taghazout, Fairmont is a mere two years old, and is undoubtedly a big part of the renaissance of the area, accelerated no doubt by the emergence of speedy air links with the UK and Europe.
At Fairmont Taghazout, you don’t have to choose between luxurious wellness and culture – get the best of both worlds and fuse your much needed break with programmes that will nurture your mind and body. Whether you start the day with early morning yoga on the rooftop terrace, catch the surf in the afternoon or sip sundowners against a backdrop of the Atlantic ocean, this is the new luxury hotel on the Moroccan coast to know.
Facing the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Fairmont is sultry, seductive, and almost otherworldly, and provides the perfect escape for luxury seeking travellers whether you’re an aspiring yogi, or a burnt out professional hoping to switch off, or couple after a relaxing romantic break
STAY IN STYLE
Fairmont Taghazout offers 146 sundrenched rooms, suites and villas, all facing the sparkling sea. The property’s sienna hued walls blend into the local landscape and the hotel is sprawled across acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, stretching along along the sun-baked coastline. The decor is exquisite, with light coloured furnishing and wide expansive spaces creating a spacious and inviting feel in the lobby and communal areas.
The understated, luxury design extends across the hotel’s rooms, all of which are capacious and flooded with natural light. All rooms have their own private balcony with views that are as breathtaking as you can imagine. Bathrooms are cavernous with vast walk-in showers and large standalone bath. Plump for a room in the buildings closest to the beach, they’re worth it for the sea views and the sight of camels lolloping along the beach. Undoubtedly, this sprawling resort cuts a striking figure in this unassuming enclave, for decades recognized as Morocco’s surfing capital.
DESTINATION DINING
Your day at Taghazout begins with breakfast at The Commons where giant pastries and an impressive buffet menu awaits. There is also a live cooking station where the chef can whip you up perfectly poached eggs or indeed a breakfast dish of your liking.
A must try is a local dish called m’semen which is a kind of Moroccan pancake that is served warmed and topped with amlou, a tasty spread made of almond paste, argan oil and locally sourced honey.
Sitting adjacent to the hotel’s main pool is Beef & Reef restaurant, the resort’s surf and turf option where the signature beef and reef burger will stun you by virtue of its sheer size. The crab salad is by far the stand out dish here, a delicious wobbly creation of crab encased in mango jelly, passion fruit coulis, nori.
Beef & Reef fully capitalises on its privileged position overlooking the beach so your lunchtime meal will be punctuated by the sight of horses galloping through surf, people playing beach football or intrepid surfers taking on the waves.
Morimoto is the hotel’s main restaurant which comes alive at night time when the beautiful people descend in droves to gorge on the impressive Japanese menu with Moroccan influence.
This outpost is Chef Moromito’s first restaurant in the African continent. Inspired plates include braised black cod with sweet ginger soy and the Crab spring rolls with fig chilli sauce are also divine. Oenophiles will relish the restaurant’s impressive wine list with the local rose being a stellar choice to accompany most dishes on the menu.
The latest and most exciting addition to the impressive roster of restaurants at Taghazout Bay is the newly opened Tapa wine bar. Situated on a prime rooftop position with breathtaking views of the Atlantic, Tapa takes fusion cuisine to the next level combining Iberian, Moroccan, Italian Turkish, and Lebanese influence. Diners can indulge in dishes including crispy bruschetta with burrata, red onions and anchovies, the mouthwatering moutabal with pistachio or the unforgettable polpo alla gallega with baby potatoes.
TAILORED WELLNESS
With 1800 m2 sized spa, Fairmont Hotel Spa is a destination in its own right. Created in a unique and authentic style it is the largest within the destination with breathtaking ocean vistas and transportive treatments to rejuvenate guests. You can’t visit this spa without experiencing the traditional hammam which is a rigorous affair that involves an invigorating exfoliation followed by a generous basting of oil that will leave you with a baby soft skin.
In addition to the hamman, the facility also has massage rooms, a gym, and for the committed yogis, classes are held in the nearby gardens. Moroccan traditions and products including local oils are at the heart of each spa treatment.
ECO
Fairmont Taghazout is a zero plastic use resort which is a true testament to their commitment to sustainability. The honey that is eaten in the resort is locally sourced and bought from local cooperatives. All 146 rooms have automated aircon and lighting is kept soft to minimise energy use. They’ve also spearheaded a programme called planet 21 whose mission is to keep the local beaches clean.
A stay at Fairmont Taghazout is a real immersion into the soul of Morocco, from its selection of globally-influenced restaurants to authentic, insider experiences in and around Taghazout bay.
Planning a trip to London and feel like you need to cram in as much as possible? There’s no need to exhaust yourself running around getting sweaty on the tube in the summer months when there’s everything you need and more in Carnaby Street London . . .
With a compelling heritage that boasts the birthplace of Swinging London in the ‘60s, Carnaby is, today, the go-to destination for global fashion brands, unique independent stores, and world-first concepts. Located in London’s vibrant West End, just a short walk from Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus tube stations, the area invites you to discover over 160 brands spanning fashion, lifestyle, beauty, food, and drink across 14 streets, including the world-famous Carnaby Street.
Check out our guide on how to best utilise your time here . . .
Just a hop, skip and a jump from Carnaby (or a stumble depending on what time it is) you’ll find Karma Sanctum Soho – London’s original rock n’ roll hotel. In 2009, music insiders joined forces to create a sophisticated boutique hotel for music industry friends and guests. 30 guest rooms and suites range from compact bedrooms to roof terrace suites all of which sit across two converted Georgian townhouses in the heart of Soho.
If you’re looking for a playful and energetic place to stay to inject even more fun into your London getaway, then this is the place for you. There are surprising sculptures, eclectic artwork and rock n’ roll details around every corner. Live like a true rockstar and make the most of the 24-hour rooftop bar and alfresco Hydro Spa hot tub, screen a film in the subterranean cocktail bar or tuck into something tasty in the hotel’s Japanese restaurant and bar – Wild Heart Bar & Shokudo.
What surprised us most about the hotel is just how quiet the place is – being only two floors above street level we thought we’d be disturbed by the weekend nightlife below, but we didn’t hear a peep and had one of the best night’s sleep in a long time!
It’s the stay in the city that’s just a bit different.
Carnaby is known for its world-famous art installations, especially at Christmas, but this summer there are some exciting things to feast your eyes on.
Carnaby in Colour summer installation
Spanning across Carnaby Street and Newburgh Street is a brand-new, vibrant feature made exclusively from recycled plastic. Brought to you by the recycling brand ‘Are You Mad’ these three hand/heart-shaped arches will be suspended above the streets until mid-September. Sitting alongside the existing Welcome To Carnaby Street arches that have also been upcycled with colourful recycled hand embellishments, these installations form part of the wider Carnaby in Colour campaign. Crafted using 684kg of recycled plastic waste from local shops and restaurants the installation took four weeks of collecting waste plastic, 16 daysof sheet pressing and a team of 13 people to create the finished materials. We think the installation showcases the community, colour and care that Carnaby is all about.
Festoon lights, Kingly Street
Kingly Street is home to some of the best restaurants in Carnaby from Dishoom, Pizza Pilgrims, Kolamba and Dehes. This back street is the perfect place to dine al fresco and enjoy a photo on the outdoor seating under the pink festoon lights.
Ganton Street giant light bulb installation, Ganton Street
The West side of Ganton Street has been taken over by 51 ginormous light bulbs suspended from the sky. Impressive at any time of day, the installation is best viewed at night when the LED bulbs light up in a rainbow of colours creating the most spectacular light show.
Where to shop . . .
Forget trying to dodge all the people on busy Oxford Street and enjoy a calmer and more authentic shopping experience in Carnaby with over 100 stores to satisfy all your shopping needs. There’s everything from international and British heritage labels to independent boutiques, one-off concepts, and bespoke jewellery specialists to name but a few. Here are our standouts –
Mind is Carnaby’s first permanent charity shop and houses a carefully curated collection of preloved vintage and designer stock for the stylish West London shopper. Items in store include the likes of luxury designers Givenchy, Vivienne Westwood, Burberry, Coach and Louis Vuitton, plus new stock will be added to the shelves each day meaning no two shopping experiences will be the same. It’s worth noting that Kate Spade and Lulu Guiness donate unsold stock to them regularly, meaning you can pick up some real bargains, all for a good cause!
Annie’s Ibiza sells a mix of eclectic and rare, one-of-a-kind pieces. Every piece is handpicked by Annie herself and is a reflection of her wardrobe, with a majority of the pieces being exclusively available to Annie’s Ibiza. Even if you don’t buy anything, this store is an experience in itself and an Aladdin’s Cave of gorgeous garments. While there, we found a stunning dress made by Annie that was inspired by designs from the Ottoman Empire, as well as a dress made exclusively from recycled pieces collected from the shop over a year.
Ffern is a natural fragrance maker based in Somerset. It was born out of a simple vision: to restore perfumery to its artisan roots. With this in mind, Ffern creates fragrances that are organic, vegan and made from the highest quality, sustainably sourced, natural ingredients. Working with the rhythms of the seasons, they blend, barrel-age and bottle four unique fragrances a year, released at the equinox and solstice. It’s a beautiful store that makes you feel calm and grounded as soon as you walk through the door.
Kat Maconie shoes are instantly recognisable by their dazzling colour palette, statement hardware frames on architectural heels, and maximalist details. From beaded and bedazzled, to embroidered and appliqued; more is more. Uniquely comfortable and easy to wear, Kat Maconie shoes are designed with comfort and fit at the forefront. It’s a fun fashion for your feet and is bound to add a little spring to your step.
Hayley Menzies has opened the doors to a beautiful new boutique in the heart of Carnaby. The store hosts a highly curated edit of Hayley Menzies essentials for those embarking on a day out in the city’s revered shopping district. Pop downstairs to see what deals she has on and chat with the fab assistants to see what styles they recommend.
Where to eat . . .
With 60 restaurants, bars, and cafes to choose from you sure won’t go hungry in Carnaby. We’ve done the hard work and compiled some of the places that are a MUST VISIT, trust us, you wont regret it . . .
Darjeeling Express
This is Indian food cooked from the heart with the all-female kitchen, most of whom began as part-time assistants when Asma started her business years ago, have all been taught to cook by their mothers and grandmothers. Darjeeling Express started as a dinner for 12 guests at home, serving Indian food lovingly cooked from family recipes that go back to generations by founder Asma Khan. Based on the top floor of Kingly Court, her London restaurant is inspired by the interiors of Indian train station waiting rooms filled with terracotta pots and wooden ceiling fans. Discover mouth-watering textures and flavours in her compelling dishes including nourishing Dhall, tender Methi Chicken, and Prawn Malaikari paired with tantalising sides such as Beetroot Chop, Bulandshahr Rogni Roti and Spinach Pakora. The biriyani will have you coming back for more, which probably explains the regular queue outside the door. However, we recommend the set menu dinner served on a large silver tray filled with delectable dishes allowing you to have a taste of everything. And the cocktails are just as good as the food!
darjeeling-express.com
Dishoom
This famous Bombay-inspired eatery can be found throughout the UK, but the Carnaby site is the fourth in the London collection. Inspired by the old Irani cafes that were all the rage in Bombay in the ‘60s, Dishoom pays homage to these now rare places. Rich businessmen, courting couples and sweaty taxi-wallas all frequented the cafés. They were the first places in the city where people from any caste or class could have an inexpensive snack or a hearty meal, or just seek cool refuge from the street with a glass of chai. But now as the city rushes towards modernity, these beautiful old cafés are disappearing, mourned by Bombayites, and fading into memory.
Open all day, pop along for breakfast, lunch or dinner, but be prepared to queue unless you’ve managed to get a booking. Breakfast is our favourite, not only can you usually get a table, it will be a breakfast unlike any you’ve had before. Tuck into their famed bacon naan, try chilli cheese on toast or opt for the never-ending refillable date porridge. What we love the most, however, is that for every breakfast you eat at Dishoom, the restaurant will donate a ‘magic’ breakfast to a school in London. Magic Breakfast charity aims to end hunger as a barrier to education by providing nutritious breakfasts to its partner schools. Now, how lovely is that?
dishoom.com
Zahter
Located on the corner of Foubert’s Place, Zahter showcases true Istabanbulite cuisine with its vibrant places. The interiors comprise a pleasant blue and white palette with the wood and charcoal oven at the centre of it all. Long countertop tables are perfect to perch at and people-watch on a busy afternoon. The menu encompasses finely crafted dishes and exotic tastes all of which are cooked in the open wood-fired oven and are continually changed to showcase what’s in season.
All the dishes were small and designed to be shared, but the menu felt a little overwhelming having little knowledge of Istanbul cuisine, so we asked our delightful waiter to choose for us and boy did he do good! A watermelon salad paired with goat’s cheese, chilli and honey was not something we would have usually opted for, but it was heavenly and the baked aubergine is something like we’ve never had before. Using fresh ingredients is vital for the taste, hence sourcing ingredients from sources and small artisanal producers.
zahter.co.uk
What to do . . .
Pamper at So.Shell
Pop by Ukrainian nail bar, So.Shell, a place where customers don’t have to compromise between time and quality. Here you can get a manicure, pedicure and eyebrow treatment all done in just 90 minutes! However, their large treatment menu extends beyond this with nail extensions, nail art, lash treatments and brow lamination all available and performed by highly qualified professionals. So. Shell interior resembles a holiday destination, helping you to relax and recharge. Dip your feet into a relaxing bath followed by a massage, order a refreshing drink and escape from your daily routine.
I opted for a heavenly pedicure! My technician Irene gave my poor feet some much-needed love and attention, and I left with not only a beautiful bright red pedicure but also a spring in my step.
soshell.uk
Cocktails at Cahoots
Descend into Cahoots for an immersive 1940s experience where you’ll find yourself sipping on themed cocktails from a Toby Jug, jiving away to jazz and swinging the night away in a reworked 1940s tube carriage.
Inspired by the era that saw Londoners take refuge in the underground, as stations were commonly used as air raid shelters during the war, Cahoots replicates the wartime British spirit with drinks and sing-alongs around the piano to boost morale. With an extensive cocktail menu printed on an old newspaper, all drinks are themed and regularly change, making it all too easy to spend most of the evening down here. Be adventurous and ask your waitress (who’ll likely be in character) what they recommend. Wartime rations are served in the form of small plates to share with friends.
cahoots-london.com
Read more about colourful Carnaby over at carnaby.co.uk
Come with us to one of London’s most exclusive boroughs for an elegant evening in charming Chelsea.
As much as I adore the King’s Road in Chelsea, it can get a little bit chaotic, especially in the summer holidays or on a weekend. But if you’re in the know, there’s a hidden gem just off the bustling high street where you can retreat to rest and recharge ready for another round of shopping.
And at House of Coco, we know ALL the best places. This one in particular is located at The Sloane Club – an elegant private members club located just a short stroll away from the hustle and bustle of Chelsea’s Sloane Square.
When the sun is out in London, there is no greater occasion for drinking rosé on a buzzing terrace with friends, which is why The Roof Terrace at The Sloane Club has partnered with the iconic rosé brand, Whispering Angel, throughout July and August for a pop up of summer soirées and al fresco dining.
Whispering Angel have taken over The Roof Terrace at The Sloane Club to delight guests with crisp rosés accompanied by a mouth-watering menu by The Club’s Chefs. Diners can indulge in the menu that has a variety of light and fresh dishes celebrating British summer flavours with a delicious exotic twist from Messy aromatic lemongrass chicken burger with garlic aioli, pineapple salsa, spicy Asian slaw to Seafood and basil risotto with native lobster, Devon crab, tiger prawns & squid. Be sure to end your evening with the chocolate bombe – it’ll delight everyone at the table.
Enjoy The Pale Rosé, a juicy and elegant blend from the wider Provençal region in France; Whispering Angel Rosé made from Grenache, Cinsault and Vermentino – a dry wine with a smooth finish; and Rock Angel Rosé bearing a complex and structured taste profile, making it perfect as an aperitif.
The pop up is also the perfect place to inject a bit more sunshine into your summer, as let’s face it, this one has been a little bit drab! A flower arch and floral installation of beautiful pinks, greens, and whites set amongst the elegant surroundings of the roof terrace gives you that bright, sunshiny feeling. And if the British weather does what it does best and rain, they have a retractable roof that will roll on out to keep you nice and dry.
Open seven days a week from 12pm through to 11pm it’s ideal for ladies who lunch, a stylish business meeting, that all important first date, special celebration or even just a fun get-together with friends. And what’s even better is that the club’s sister property, Sloane Place, is located next door, giving you the perfect excuse to stay in stylish South West London.
Located in an iconic red brick building on Lower Sloane Street, the hotel is the younger sister of the 101-year-old Sloane Club next door. With a welcoming reception area, Sloane Place instantly gives the impression of being elegant, stylish, and refined – exactly what we’d expect of a hotel in the heart of Chelsea – yet retains that feel of exclusivity.
Making our way to the room, this feeling carried on throughout the hotel with a warming colour palette of creams, blues and deep golds. The bedrooms are surprisingly spacious for a London hotel with lots of natural lights thanks to the long sash windows. Molton Brown toiletries can be found within your bathroom, along with a deep bath and rainfall shower.
There’s another fabulous restaurant on the ground floor serving up as an alternative option to the roof terrace. We had breakfast here which was fantastic – think matcha lattes (make it dirty by adding a shot), American pancakes and avocado on sourdough toast. If you can bag a table by the window, do, as it makes for the perfect people watching spot.
We’d recommend Sloane Place for a London getaway, and will no doubt book the roof terrace when were in town – come rain or shine!
Synonymous with central London, and especially famous for its nightlife and LGBT+ community, Soho is much more than its lively streets and vibrant bars. In fact, you won’t need to venture far during your time in London to have a good time.
Check out our guide of how to best spend your time here . . .
Just a hop, skip and a jump from Carnaby (or a stumble depending on what time it is) you’ll find Karma Sanctum Soho – London’s original rock n’ roll hotel. In 2009, music insiders joined forces to create a sophisticated boutique hotel for music industry friends and guests. 30 guest rooms and suites range from compact bedrooms to roof terrace suites all of which sit across two converted Georgian townhouses in the heart of Soho.
If you’re looking for a playful and energetic place to stay to inject even more fun into your London getaway, then this is the place for you. There’s surprising sculptures, eclectic artwork and rock n’ roll details around every corner. Live like a true rockstar and make the most of the 24-hour rooftop bar and alfresco Hydro Spa hot tub, screen a film in the subterranean cocktail bar or tuck into something tasty in the hotel’s Japanese restaurant and bar – Wild Heart Bar & Shokudo.
What surprised us most about the hotel is just how quiet the place is – being only two floors above street level we thought we’d be disturbed by the weekend nightlife below, but we didn’t hear a peep and had one of the best night’s sleep in a long time!
It’s the stay in the city that’s just a bit different.
Spread across several streets in Soho including Berwick St, Broadwick St, Denman Street and Brewer Street, Shaftesbury’s Soho portfolio showcases 39 shops with plenty of independent boutiques, here are our top picks –
Sister Ray started as a humble record stall on Camden Market in the mid 80s and has steadily grown into one of London’s most iconic suppliers of quality, alternative vinyl and CDs. Set over two floors, you can expect the likes of the finest new releases alongside a huge range of classic albums and a superb selection of rare and second-hand vinyl.
A Day’s March is a Swedish clothing label with a three-story townhouse in the heart of Soho. The brand reflects their ambition to make clothes that get you through the triumphs and troubles of everyday life. Explore their classic menswear and womenswear collections of high-quality garments, featuring timeless designs for every occasion. You can also relax in their chill-out area post-shop. It’s just as cool as it sounds.
Aēsop specialise in fine quality products for skin, hair and body. Featuring both plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients, Aēsop’s products only use those with a proven record of safety and efficacy. The Soho store combines a vast range of products with a modern and minimal design. Head in-store for a personal assessment from on-hand trained consultants, who can provide you with all your skincare answers whilst trying one of their season-appropriate samples.
Where to eat . . .
Discover 31 restaurants, bars and cafes across several Soho streets including Berwick St, Broadwick St, Denman Street and Brewer Street. Here’s our favourite spots in Soho for some stylish sustenance . . .
Ember Yard
Specialising in dishes inspired by the amazing wood-fired grills of Spain and Italy, Head Chef Adam Kulikowski creates exceptional small and large sharing plates. No fuss. No fanfare. Just flavour. The restaurant is located in the heart of Soho over two floors, including an exciting downstairs space known as The Ember Bar, a slick area in which to indulge on small plates over their impressive cocktail list. Find yourself amongst an electric and buzzy atmosphere making it a perfect space to relax with a drink pre or post dinner.
The aim of the game here is to order a selection of small plates to share which will arrive as and when they’re ready. Their signature dish is the courgette flower which is just as delightful as it sounds, but other notable dishes include their soft shell crab burger, charcoal roasted scallops and prawn croquetas. Definitely try out a few different options from their cocktail menu if you can – they’re not only fun and inventive, but delicious, too.
emberyard.co.uk
Temper
One for meat lovers, this city spot near the shops of Carnaby Street is well worth a visit for those who appreciate great dining experiences. Temper is an ultra-modern and hip hangout that serves some satisfying and social dishes. Begin with creative snacks like the Caramelised Spicy Corn or starters like the Aged Beef Nachos or Beef Fat Cornbread with Gochujang Butter. The main event here is the selection of Barbecued smoked meats and seafood. Beef Brisket with Tajin in Paratha, Sweet & Sour Pork Rib and Chilli & Garlic Prawns all for your order.
Dine on a Sunday and indulge in their famous Sunday roast with a range of meats on offer. Expect enlarged Yorkshire puddings and comforting cauliflower cheese. The open kitchen makes for a theatrical dining experience while the space still feels intimate and cosy.
The grande dame of luxury 5-star hotels in London, The Landmark has recently undergone a major £1.3m refurbishment. Part of that project is to launch a brand-new luxury Champagne Bar. It is on a mezzanine level on their famous garden terrace. The vision of tropical palm trees and the eight-storey-high glass atrium recalls a bygone era of glamour and high society. The Champagne bar designed by Alex Kravetz Design is created to blend in with the luxurious surroundings. The main bar is hidden under a foliage-laden glasshouse. The furnishings have a mixture of vibrant greens, blues, and gold that transports you to the Jazz Age era.
Accentuating that imagery is their High Seas High Tea offering. The hotel offers a traditional afternoon tea at their famous Winter Garden Restaurant but at the Champagne Bar, it is very much seafood-focused. It is available every Saturday and Sunday between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. You will also hear the melodic piano sounds emanating from the Victorian Winter Garden atrium. They use the term ‘sandwiches’ but what is served up at the beginning is more tartlets of umami delights from the sea. They offer a tartlet of Scottish lobster, a tartlet of poached langoustine, salmon pastrami, Cornish white crab and yellowfin tuna. Focusing on local produce, the freshness of the seafood is top-notch. The salmon and tuna exuded healthy omega-3 fattiness, whilst the shellfish had a gentle sweetness when you bite into the firm, fresh meat. Each creation has been carefully crafted to maximise the flavours of the seafood. For example, the yellowfin tuna is served with ponzu, black sesame, toasted rye, and fennel butter. The citrus notes from the ponzu are a match made in heaven with the enticing tuna.
The fruity flavours were very much in evidence with their scones and desserts. The scones were either freshly baked apple or raisin scones. All the condiments you would ever need were present from clotted cream to a plethora of jams. The options included Bergeron apricot, London marmalade, strawberry, rhubarb, redcurrant & vanilla and raspberry deluxe. Each scone was generously sized and I have no doubt, they would offer you a refill if you asked.
The desserts were exquisitely presented with a parade of appetising colours. If you are looking for something subtle and delicate, there is the tartlet of nectarine, ginger, mascarpone and raspberry gel. The nectarines were sliced with military precision and presented in an intricate rose shape. If you are looking for textural variety, there is the black cherry and pistachio bakewell. The key is all the creations were sweet without being overbearing. And they do offer boxes for you to take away anything you can’t finish. They only use the finest of ingredients from Valrhona dark chocolate in their choux to English strawberries in their Swiss rolls.
The tea offering also shines brightly in this regal afternoon tea experience. They have green teas, herbal teas, oolong tea and white tea. That includes very high-end options such as Snow Buds white tea. which is high-altitude-grown white tea made entirely of silver-haired tea buds. That creates an elegant, sweet-flavour profile with delicate vegetal notes.
The afternoon tea is available at £75pp or £88pp with a glass of Ruinart Champagne Brut.
If you visit in the evenings, they do still offer seafood-focused small plates, as well as heritage tomato tart and British cheese plates. They also serve a caviar selection that ranges from platinum caviar to the rare, golden oscietra. They have a lengthy Champagne selection that includes on the top end, Krug, Grande Cuvée MV. They can offer a Taittinger Champagne flight, which is 100ml per glass which is great if you want to pair your glass of bubbly with your seafood.
If you want to impress friends or family with a special treat, do consider inviting them to a High Seas High Tea at The Landmark London.
To find out more about the afternoon tea, please visit
Introducing you to the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa in Tuscany, Italy
Nestled in the rolling Tuscan hills, the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa makes for an unforgettable and idyllic rustic retreat.
It’s remote, once you are there unless you have a car or access to a taxi, you are pretty much confined to the resort as nothing is within walking distance, but if this doesn’t faze you and a ‘do nothing’ kind of holiday appeals, then this four-star hotel will certainly appeal.
The biggest draw to this hotel and spa resort is the spectacular scenery which is simply spell-binding. It’s set on a lush green hilltop surrounded by over 1,500 acres of land which includes the Serchio Valley.
The nearest town Barga is just a short drive away where you can find a great selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
Everything you need is at this mid-Century Marriott-owned resort including a rather sublime spa. Expansive is an understatement, it feels huge despite only having 180 rooms and suites.
Upon arrival, you are greeted by a small selection of shops and the resort entrance with its warm terracotta exterior and terrace which overlooks a large azure-hued swimming pool.
Most of the rooms afford awe-inspiring views of the pristine Serchio valley making it quite the impressive wake up call when you open up the shutters first thing in the morning.
At night, the expansive skies are filled with stars with the surrounding towns lights twinkling in the distance.
The 180 rooms of the hotel are spread across two buildings and over seven floors. All are elegantly finished with a blend of traditional Tuscan styling and contemporary touches.
We stayed in a delightful junior suite which had a large bathroom complete with tub, a huge walk-in wardrobe (with his and hers bathrobes), seating area and a super-soft king sized bed.
There’s also a large balcony with those all-important valley views, ideal for enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning. Each room has lovely touches of detail including plush armchairs, crisp white linens and a lovely marble bathroom.
One of the main attractions is the spa which has a superb selection of both traditional and more wellness-oriented spa treatments.
From relaxing massages to invigorating scrubs and streamlining wraps, if you are looking to reach an inner (and indeed outer!) state of zenned out bliss, you are most certainly in the right place.
Guests can also take advantage of both the heated indoor pool, sauna and steam room as well as the aforementioned outdoor pool.
There’s also a gym and a tranquility-inducing relaxation area for those wanting to take a slightly less active approach.
The hotel’s main restaurant is Le Salette which serves up a fantastic selection of typical Tuscan dishes which includes a pretty mean risotto.
The waiting staff both at dinner and breakfast are absolutely first-class and made every effort to give us a magical experience. Dishes include an intriguing octopus tentacles on purple potato, salmon tartare, saffron risotto, Tuscan style soup, potato gnocchi and honey-glazed duck breast.
Whilst some might feel a smidge cut off, there’s something truly timeless and liberating about this hotel which really allows you to unwind. If stunning views somewhere that is truly special is high on the agenda, make sure you head on over to this off-the-beaten-path valley and rellllllaaaaxxxxx.
Check in: Double rooms start from £130 per night (not including breakfast)
Introducing you to the Grand Universe Lucca hotel in Lucca, Italy.
Centrally-located and impressively elegant, the Grand Universe Lucca hotel in the pretty city of Lucca certainly packs a punch!
Part of the prestigious Autograph Collection, the Grand Universe Lucca is at the heart of the city in an ideal central location of the main square, the Piazza del Giglio.
This grand palazzo has been elegantly transformed into a boutique hotel and like Lucca itself, has an illustrious musical heritage with the likes of jazz legend Chet Baker and opera legend Giacomo Puccini having graced the hallowed corridors.
The city of Lucca is housed within the famed city Renaissance walls and the hotel with its honey-coloured facade overlooks both the Piazza del Giglio and the Piazza Napoleone and is conveniently located to a great selection of shops, cafes and restaurants.
Lucca’s storied past blends effortlessly with its contemporary decor which is opulent with plush fabrics, warm hues and more.
As you enter into the hotel, you are greeted by a grand piano in the main entrance which forms part of the Symphony Lounge. There are live music recitals here, but we didn’t have the opportunity to partake in this during our two night stay.
For those really looking to make their stay at the Grand Universe a memorable one, you can even commission the resident pianist to compose a piece of music as a soundtrack for their stay at the hotel for guests on request which is just one of the ‘Autograph Collection’s highly unique tailored experiences.
There are 55 rooms and suites all of which are categorised by Lucca’s rich musical heritage) which include a standard room named ‘Piccolo’ to the more luxurious and spacious Maestro and Puccini Suites.
Our suite, a Maestro, was on two levels, with a living area with high ceilings with beams and parquet floors, an expansive set of wardrobe and storage, and a shower room with a large walk-in shower on the ground floor.
There were wooden stairs leading up to the mezzanine level where you’ll find a king size bed and yet another bathroom with a sunken bathtub sympathetically decorated in soothing shades of grey paying homage to the Lucchese stone typical of this city.
The ceilings are high and the windows large giving a real sense of space and light. It almost has the feel of a stylish apartment as opposed to a hotel room and it is a relaxing oasis to retreat to in the city.
The hotel’s restaurant – The Legacy offers a fantastic selection of dishes that take traditional Tuscan creations and reimagine them. The restaurant is small in stature, but the cuisine really packs a punch. We enjoyed eating alfresco and listening to the sounds from the Lucca Summer Festival which was taking place during the duration of our stay.
You can choose from a great selection of dishes which includes beef tartare, grilled octopus, cured meats from the region for starters. There’s also some impressive main courses such as Tuscan ragu, fresh pasta and more. Make sure you head upstairs to the tiny champagne bar where you can enjoy some of the best panoramic views of Lucca.
The Grand Universe Lucca is a sumptuous, yet understated hotel that has effortlessly blended the old with the new making this an absolute joy to check into.
Double rooms at Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection are priced from £220, room only.
Our roving doggy rePAWter TeamCocopup Charlie and doting dog mum Hannah Tan-Gillies are celebrating International Dog Day in style at the Pan Pacific London – a stylish five-star hotel which delivers five-PAW service for all pampered pooches.
Pan Pacific London brings the unique flavour of Singaporean hospitality to the heart of the City. The hotel towers over One Bishopgate Plaza and is just a hop skip away from Liverpool Street Station and the hipster cool bars and nightclubs of Shoreditch.
The hotel brings together a balanced blend of architecture, contemporary design and cutting-edge technology, alongside boundary-pushing holistic wellbeing. Also offering a varied selection of exciting destination restaurants and bars, Pan Pacific London is the ultimate location for classic yet accessible luxury.
From the moment we set foot in the beautiful lobby – Charlie was treated like a true VIP (Very Important Pooch). The lovely staff at the reception treated him to a banana chewie, AND a French puff pastry.
The Orchid Lounge – offers a delectable seasonal afternoon tea menu which is inspired by the Singapore’s neighbourhood coffee shops – so expect some exotic Asian staples like Kopi Tiam, mixed with the British classics.
The 43-storey bronze tower offers 237 rooms which are the picture of elegance and tranquillity. Curved walls and neutral palettes welcome guests into the rooms, whilst custom headboards act as personalised art pieces, adding a layer of calm through the depiction of oak, elder, elm and maple trees. The zen-like bathrooms give off an air of tranquillity. Dressed in sleek grey marble and with heated floors and a wealth of amenities – it’s the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day of exploring all that East London has to offer.
We were upgraded to one of the more premium top-floor rooms which offered incredible views of the City. Charlie was greeted with a luxury dog bed and dog bowls, while we were greeted with some delicious chocolate treats.
The Paws and Pan Pacific package gives pampered pooches a true VIP stay as pets can relax and indulge with bespoke massages, reiki healing, puppy yoga and even dog walks and training sessions care of the Concierge. They even have their own breakfast and dinner menu, created by dog behaviourist and nutritionist Anna Webb, which can be served in-room or in Straits Kitchen.
Charlie’s Sushi style lamb hot pot dinner looked so delicious – that I simply had to take a bite. His dish comprised of lightly seared lamb on a bed of mash parsnips, carrots and homemade chicken-bone broth gravy – and honestly smelled and tasted better than your average pub meal. For breakfast, he was served sous vide lam sausages on mash – and the look on his face told us that he had honestly never eaten anything better in his entire doggy life.
The gastronomic offer for humans is equally, if not more, impressive. For dinner, we dined at the Strait’s Kitchen, the hotel’s signature restaurant. Led by Head Chef Nick Yung, Straits Kitchen is a love letter to Southeast Asian cuisine and boy does it deliver. Dishes like Hainanese Chicken Rice and Lotus Root Salad show that this isn’t a Westernised pan-Asian restaurant – but one that truly respects its roots. It certainly doesn’t hurt that the chic interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows and eclectic collection of art adds to the experience too. Plus there is a fantastic selection of Chinese wines – with the Riesling our top vintage.
When it was time to check out, we had well and truly fallen in love with Pan Pacific London and though it may be a bold statement to say, this is definitely the best and most luxurious hotel experience Charlie has ever had in the city. 15 out of 5 paws from Charlie.
Available as an add on to any overnight stay, with rooms starting from £520 +VAT, the Paws at Pan Pacific London package is priced from £60 per pet per stay. Book now: www.panpacific.com
Chaos is a word best use to describe what ensues at Johannesburg OR TAMBO Airport upon landing after an arduous ten-hour flight from London.
Johannesburg itself is a vibrant, energetic smorgasbord of sights, sounds, smells and tastes- a veritable melting pot of sensorial delights. If all this starts to become a tad overwhelming though, then you’ll find plenty of calm at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel.
Before it became a boutique hotel in 1997, Fairlawns was previously a ten-acre family home which had everything from stables, training rinks, cow, geese and dogs too. This warm, cosy atmosphere still permeates throughout the now luxury hotel which has won a slew of awards from best spa to best restaurants from the likes of TripAdvisor, Joburg Awards and Luxury Travel Guide.
We were greeted by the doorman ‘Doctor’ upon arrival to the hotel’s grand driveway. Interestingly we met a lot of South Africans during our stay whose names portrayed professions or virtues their parents wished upon them. We also met a lovely lady named ‘Patience’ and another called ‘Joyful’. Beyond their names – they were memorable of course due to their excellent service, which is something that this luxury hotel can certainly be proud of.
The Fairlawns Boutique Hotel is located in the sleepy suburbs of Sandton which is the Central Business District of Johannesburg and near to all its main cultural sites. The estate is made up of individually-designed suites that exude elegance and grandeur – with the Grand Chateau Suite the pièce de resistance of the whole estate.
We stayed in one of the Courtyard Suites, which wrap a picturesque colonial-style courtyard that is the perfect place for a stroll. Picture Palladian-inspired suites, high-ceilings, four-posted beds, French windows and sumptuous fabrics and textures and generously sized bathrooms.
The interiors are elegant but punchy. Unlike other luxury resorts who embrace a rainbow of neutral tones, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel embraces the rich colours and textures of Africa but with a French manor house touch. Victorian-inspired portraits, French chairs and a veritable greenhouse of orchids are dotted throughout the space creating an ambiance of eclectic sophistication.
The lobby opens up to the Manor House Bistro which blends indoor and outdoor dining spaces and opens up to the striking outdoor pool. The restaurant offers a creative menu filled with international dishes that are perfect for all day dining. This is also where the excellent breakfast is served.
While it wasn’t yet opened during our visit, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel has teamed up with French Champagne house Perrier-Jouet to offer guests a refined luxury Champagne experience in-house. The new space is inspired by nature and connects to the beautiful Courtyard – which is a great spot to enjoy some bubbles while watching the African sunset. Truly – finding a place like Fairlawns Boutique Hotel amidst the hustle and bustle of Joburg is a true rarity indeed.
A night at one of the Courtyard Suites at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel starts at R9,400 (£391) on a B&B basis. For more information visit https://fairlawns.co.za/
