Located in the very heart of Rome’s historical centre lies Rhinoceros Roma, an incredible artsy hotel established by Alda Fendi in 2018 and designed by world renowned French architect Jean Nouvel.
Here you’ll find luxury, but in a slightly unconventional way. A contemporary design infused with raw materials and a splash of Italian architecture leaves the senses pleasantly surprised for the outcome is truly a one of a kind masterpiece.
What will I find at Rhinoceros Roma?
Home to 25 unique apartments, Rhinoceros Roma offers something for everyone, from Superior Apartments to Suite Apartments. Each apartment uses a juxtaposition of materials including my favourite; the exposed concrete with remnants of Graffiti from a past life.
Where is the hotel?
Set in the Velabro district, the hotel is located at the foot of Palantine Hill next to the Roman Forum. Less than a 10 minute walk from The Colosseum, the historic centre of Rome starts just footsteps from the hotel.
Also within walking distance you’ll find Circus Maximus, Venice Square, The Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, making Rhinoceros Roma the perfect hotel for exploring this ancient city.
Need to know?
Rhinoceros Roma also doubles up as an art gallery, currently showcasing an exhibition on the life and works of Pablo Picasso. Drawing in hundreds of visitors a week this gallery is a must if you’re in the area.
The place to relax
Located off the beaten track, Rhinoceros Roma is THE place for your next stay in Rome. The perfect spot to relax at the end of a day walking around The Eternal City, take a soak in the bath tub (the Himilayan bath salts were very kindly left in my bathroom along with a hand written note – a lovely touch after a long day), or cook yourself a meal in the fully equipped kitchen, this hotel really is the home away from home that you’ve been searching for!
Check out Rhinoceros Roma HERE, and book your stay HERE.
Award-winning five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel and spa, Cliveden House needs no introduction. This stunning, majestic manor house sits surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens on the edge of the river Thames and is the perfect countryside retreat to relax and reset. I was invited to their iconic spa to check out their new residency with sustainable skincare brand, Proverb and experience a signature treatment.
With a background in elite sports, nutrition and health, Proverb founders, Kirstie and Luke Sherriff are on a mission to deliver truly clean wellbeing products that work. The range includes refillable deodorant, hand sanitiser and their hero skincare which is showcased as part of their exclusive residency at Cliveden Spa. The couple have applied their passion for sustainable living and knowledge of sports wellness to create a unique spa experience that uses stretching and toning to create a workout for your skin.
From the moment I arrive at Cliveden I am wrapped in an envelope of zen. The grounds are a tranquil oasis, blooming with autumnal colours. I instantly unwind and after a warm welcome from the Proverb team, head to the spa. Set within a secluded walled garden, screened by mellow brick walls covered in scented roses, the spa includes an indoor pool, gym, sauna and steam, and a relaxing orangery-style room with views of the outdoor pool. My morning comprises of reading my book and hopping between the outdoor pool and hot tub.
Post swim I experienced the Proverb Skin Workout Facial. This 60-minute treatment is a specially devised high-performance skin workout like no other. I settle on the bed while the Ibiza beach club tunes fill the treatment room, a pleasant alternative to the usual generic whale music piped out in spa’s. My therapist starts by checking my range of movement with a few stretches and gentle neck rotations. She goes on to warm and prep the skin ready for the cardio section of this facial with a double cleanse and exfoliation using active natural and organic ingredients – proteins, antioxidants and enzymes formulated for lab proven results. We then move on to the workout which uses massage movements that mimic a HIIT class. The therapist’s expert hands dance across my face and neck delivering facial push presses and skipping movements. Ice globes and Gua Sha tools get to work on plumping my face, strengthening my muscles, and lifting my jowls. The energetic movements are invigorating yet surprisingly relaxing. As the face cardio comes to an end, I’m treated to a head massage.I sink further into the bed and notice not only do the products smell amazing they are delicate on my sensitive skin. My therapist finishes by checking on my range of movement, repeating the earlier assisted stretches.I am less stiff and flexible than I was before my treatment. My skin is left feeling soft and plump, a patch of dryness I’d noticed in the morning has also disappeared.I spend the journey home checking out my post-facial glow in the car mirror. I can confirm that this exclusive spa residency is going to be a HIIT.
The Proverb spa offering at Cliveden House will include a Spa Day Package and three Skin Workout Facials. Proverb Spa Days are available Monday – Wednesday from £330pp. Proverb Skin Workout Facials are available Monday – Thursday from £100pp and Friday – Sunday £120pp.
Nestled in the Italian countryside just 15 minutes outside of Florence ‘s city center lies Villa La Massa; built in the 13th century, this once private country house has since evolved into a luxury hotel.
Sitting on the banks of the picturesque Arno River, this stunning hotel has undergone a complete renovation, encapulating pure luxury, whilst still presenting it’s grandour and history. Set in a 25-acre park and surrounded by the Tuscan countryside, Villa La Massa is the perfect secluded spot to embrace peace and serentity away from the city center of Florence.
Arrival and check in:
I spent two wonderful days at Villa La Massa with my lovely Mum, we checked into one of the hotels 51 rooms and were greeted with a welcome card, fresh fruit and sparkling water – it was a lovely warm welcome!
We soon settled into our beautiful room, after spending several nights in the center of Florence; we were excited to unwind and absorb some peace in the tranquil surroundings of Villa La Massa.
Dining at Villa La Massa:
All of your dining needs will be met at the hotels on site restaurants so you won’t even need to think about leaving the properties secluded oasis.
From poolside lunching and casual dining at L’Oliveto, to breakfast served either in the rooms or at the hotels restaurant “Il Verrocchio”, you’ll find every need catered for.
Enjoy an early evening Aperitif at the hotels Medicean Bar, then follow up with a meal at Villa La Massa’s refined restuarant, Il Verrocchio; with it’s romantic terrace overlooking the Arno River.
We enjoyed our first meal at Il Verrocchio, home made pasta with fresh ingredients from the garden followed by a lamb and fish dish. The food was diving and the wine pairing was sublime. On our second day we enjoyed a poolside lunch at the hotels more informal restaurant; L’Oliveto for some more delicious food (and pasta!).
The Hotel:
Soak up the views of the Tuscan countryside whilst lounging by the pool, enjoy yoga lessons, the hotels Arno spa and on site gym – whether you’re looking to workout, relax or unwind – there is something for everyone at Villa La Massa.
Explore the hotels 25-acre plot and emmerse yourself in the gardens, play a game of tennis or take a bike and enjoy one of the cycling paths. Villa La Massa is the perfect spot to recharge.
Soak up some Italian sunshine and find a spot overlooking the Arno River for an aperitif!
Travelling for work can be a drag, and nothing makes it worse than staying in corporate hotels that have been designed for the 80s. The divide between work and pleasure has never been less distinct and thankfully, the world is wising up.
TRIBE is a new brand of hotels which launched a few years back, specialising in putting their hotels in handy gateway locations for business – think La Défense in Paris, or Amsterdam Noord. So what’s the story? The whole point of TRIBE is to focus on the key needs of the modern traveller – accessibility, affordability and connectivity – and stripping away the drab.
In London, nothing says business quite like Canary Wharf, and TRIBE’s brand new UK hotel brings with it a brand new energy.
Accessibility? Done. Just a quick walk away is Canary Wharf tube station which means you can be on the Jubilee or brand new Lizzy line and into central London within minutes. Also, Canary Wharf itself doesn’t mean just business. Some of the best places to eat in the area are actually based in Canary Wharf, and no it’s not all just generic chain places. Check out ‘Big Easy’ – an authentic New Orleans inspired BBQ joint, one of our favourite spots!
Affordability? Comfort Rooms come in at around £200 per night which is a steal for London based hotels. In a bid to simplify the whole process, TRIBE have done away with endless room categories. Instead, all rooms come well equipped with everything you need and nothing that you don’t (who ever read the bedside Bible?!) You have only three options – regular sized or XL, and whether the room is outward facing or into the atrium. Easy.
Connectivity? Piece of cake. As is becoming popular with a lot of hotels, TRIBE Canary Wharf has a 24 hour hub with spaces to suit all needs, whether that be working, drinking, meeting, eating, or just killing time (after all, being disconnected is just as important as being connected). To sweeten the deal, the spaces open up onto the hotel’s sun asked terrace.
Considering we make our own rules when it comes to work and travel now, some of us are choosing to bring our four legged friends along for the ride. TRIBE is a dog friendly hotel which couldn’t have been more accommodating for our resident House of Coco pooch, Angelface. There’s a grassy area nearby for them to run around, and you’ll find the whole of Canary Wharf as an area pretty dog friendly.
One important feature we couldn’t ever do away with is food. The hotel’s restaurant ‘Feels Like June’ is a fun all-day eating venue which flows seamlessly from breakfast bowls to late night Negronis. If you happen to stop by for lunch or dinner, we absolutely recommend the kale salad, and if you’re feeling either naughty or nostalgic, the banana split too. Winky face emoji.
Rooms start from £189 per night.For more information visit the website here.
Amidst the chaos of the world, nothing beats a relaxing spa staycation, especially with your four-legged best pal in tow. The Mallory Court Spa & Hotel is a beautiful Relais & Chateaux property in the heart of Leamington Spa. It is the epitome of a quintessential English country house and hotel, and mighty dog friendly too.
From the outside looking in, Mallory Court’s picturesque Grand Lutyens-style facade looks like it could be lifted from a John Constable painting. This award-winning hotel has four Red Stars from the AA, and a 3 AA Rosette award for its restaurant, and it certainly shows.
Inside, the hotel offers 43 elegantly decorated bedrooms that are as cosy as they are luxurious. The same tasteful restraint is expressed throughout the hotel’s spaces which are warm, inviting and evoke a sense of calm. There is a fabulous sitting room at the end of the main house and a garden Room, which is ideal for private lunches or dinners. The terrace is gorgeous and a perfect spot for afternoon tea or a glass of rosé.
We stayed in the dog-friendly Upton Suite, which overlooks the walled gardens. The spacious suite has a separate ensuite WC and bath, and was complete with a dog bed, bowl and treats for TeamCocopup Charlie.
The hotel is surrounded by 10 acres of perfectly manicured grounds. These is a beautiful rose garden, a croquet lawn, a flower garden and an orchard, which are great for idyllic walks with your pooch or for some mindful meditation.
There is plenty of space for energetic dogs like Charlie to run around, and plenty of beautiful scenery to feast your eyes on. Mallory Court grows much of its own herbs on-site, which adds authenticity and a true farm-to-table appeal to its award-winning restaurant.
Dining at the main restaurant is a splendid affair that brings elegance back to fine dining. Start with some aperitifs at the lobby, before indulging in the five-course tasting menu carefully crafted by Head Chef Simon Haigh and his brigade.
Using only the very best of locally sourced food on offer, and seasonal greens from the garden, Simon and team succeed in creating a menu that celebrates the richness and panache of British cooking.
We especially liked the heritage tomato salad, which was refreshing and grown just a few metres away from the restaurant, and the roast beef, which was rich, tender and delicious. Paired with an excellent bottle of pinot noir, you’d be hard done to find a better meal this side of Warwickshire.
No visit to the Mallory Court would be complete without a visit to the Elan Spa, which is everything you expect it to be and more. Hotel guests can also pre-book 1-hour pool access complimentary with any 55-minute treatment.
The spa, which is a sight to behold, has an indoor heated pool and outdoor jacuzzi. Outside there is a full tennis court, while inside there is a fully equipped gym and salon too. Inside, the spa is kept at a pleasantly warm temperature and is complete with sauna and steam room.
We tried the Rasul treatment, which combines the myriad health benefits of a steam or sauna, with the skin-enriching glow of a mud mask. The 20 minute self-treatment starts with a sugar scrub, followed by rounds of steam, mud, and some chromatherapy too. After 20 minutes of mud, steam, and pure relaxation – we left feeling lighter than air.
We also indulged in a quick 25 minute massage at the Elan Spa. The Spa uses luxury Elemis products, and is staffed by expertly trained therapists that will soothe your stresses and leave you feeling blissfully relaxed.
Amidst all the wonders of Mallory Court, what truly impressed us was the excellence and dedication of the staff. The service was first-class from check-in to check-out and everything in between. Led by General Manager Nick Hanson, who made sure our stay was five-star, the staff at Mallory Court were clearly a family and made us feel like family too. It is no wonder it is so highly regarded by all who visit. We, for sure, shall be returning.
Nestled away in the Cotswolds countryside, a mere 5 minutes from the M5 sits the majestic Stonehouse Court Hotel. A 17th Century Manor house steeped in history at every turn and overlooking the Stroud Valley this is one of those hotels that hits the mark in such a way, you don’t want to leave and I’m not just staying that. We planned our trip around visiting friends in nearby Stroud. We had an itinerary of drinks, dinner and a walk around the grounds at Stonehouse and then on to meet them. However, when it came time to leave both my partner and I pouted at the thought of being expelled into the real world. I didn’t care that I hadn’t seen said friends in a year – I wanted to drink red wine in the paneled bar before languishing in the in room roll top bath and then falling into a deep slumber in the biggest bed you ever did see. Alas, apparently it is rude to bail on your friends that have been looking forward to seeing you for a month and so, the boyf and I agreed on a time where we had stayed just long enough to be deemed appropriate so we could get back to base and make the most of that tub!
Within the hotel are 36 bedrooms, nine of which sit in the original manor house – these are the suckers you want for the full Lord and Lady of the Manor experience. The additional rooms are housed in more modern extensions. We stayed in the Master Suite complete with a super king size bed, roll top bath, walk in shower with views over the valley and all the players you like to see – fluffy robes, coffee machine, mini bar etc. Allegedly Queen Elizabeth I stayed in the very room – hey, if it’s good enough for Liz, it’s good enough for me. The views from this room were quite simply breathtaking, original windows sunken into the stone opening out to offer a vista of rolling hills, lush green fields and huge skies – I honestly just wanted to sip my champagne and gaze at what could be a Bob Ross painting until the sun went down but our in room checks wait for no one.
Once checked in, bed jumped on, sheet thread count checked and mince around the room in a robe complete we decided we should make the most of the last few hours of summer sun and take an amble through the gardens. As we bimbled down the gravel path, through the red brick walls, under the bowing trees we found ourselves on the Stroudwater Navigation canal complete with everything you would hope to see on a balmy summer night in the Cotswolds – weeping willow, a family of swans – goslings all flapping legs and fluffy feathers, someone off in the distance shouting at their Labrador to heel. It was idyllic, the perfect place to walk or sit and watch the world go by.
Returning to the grounds through the very Secret Garden-esque arched pathway, we made our way to the restaurant. Full disclosure, the dining room, in my opinion, does not stand up to the quality of the rooms – think table runners, striped carpets and glassware that could bounce. However, I do accept that I have exceptionally high standards when it comes to all things tableware and restaurant interiors. Our meal was good. We opted for twice baked parmesan and truffle souffle and a scotch egg to start and sirloin steak and lamb breast dish for mains. The souffle alluded that it may have seen a dash of truffle oil during some part of its birth but alas, it was missing the shavings of fresh truffle I was hoping for. The scotch egg hit the spot as any scotch egg should, jammy yolk, crispy breadcrumbs etc. My steak was cooked to perfection and served with proper chips and a vat of thick, rich Bernaise. The FOH team are fantastic – friendly without being overbearing, knowledgeable about both the menu and wine list and happy to help in any way possible. They deserve a special shout out.
After dinner we headed out to meet our friends. Nearby Stroud is only a ten minute drive and is a bustling town full of artists and creatives. If you are staying at Stonehouse Court and want to explore a little more than the hotel grounds, I would highly recommend a day or night bumbling around. With its vast array of cafes, pubs and independent shops there is something to do at any time of the day and its music scene is fantastic so be sure to check out what is on when you are in town.
Sated on red wine, red meat and good conversation we headed back to our base, picking up another bottle of red from the bar on the way, this is what I had been waiting for. The bath to end all baths – deep enough to lose yourself in, full of bubbles, glass of red in hand and log burner burning (yes I know it was a balmy summer night but I wanted the full experience). I can never quite place my finger on what makes a tub in a bedroom such a decadent experience compared to a tub in a bathroom, maybe the absence of the toilet and the promise of what is to come and with that a jolly good sleep et al was had.
Our stay was completed by a full English being delivered to our door to help with any hangovers that may or may not have made themselves known. If a bath at the end of the bed doesn’t scream “I’m a princess and I love it” then chowing down on crispy bacon, fresh orange juice and strong coffee is crisp white sheets most definitely does.
Stonehouse Court offers decadence and convenience for those looking to explore the Cotswolds or break up a grey M5 journey with a spot of luxury. The room prices certainly dictate the level of frill you get and whilst the food offering isn’t exceptional it is very acceptable. The traditional manor house, sitting within the rolling hills is quintessentially British and certainly ticks the boxes of those looking for the Jilly Cooper country escape and because of that, it’s a yes from me.
Do you remember those quaint little beach huts your family used to frequent during those nostalgic family getaways to the coast? Well forget them – because the new Beach Hut Suites at the Beachcroft Hotel in Bognor Regis are redefining coastal chic. Intrepid doggy duo Hannah Tan-Gillies and TeamCocopup check-in to sample the doggy getaway package.
Situated on a gorgeous seven-mile stretch of coastal footpath, the Beach Hut Suites take all the charm of classic beachside huts and imbue it with a luxury twist. The Beach Huts boasts double-height ceilings and generous bi-folding doors that open to a private terrace – with panoramic views of the coast.
The Beach Huts, and the Beachcroft Hotel, are fabulously dog-friendly, boasting all the bespoke touches that are present in any Peter De Savary property. Fans of the equally dog-friendly Cary Arms in Babbacombe Bay or The Eastbury in Dorset, will recognise the handsome decanter of Sloe gin that awaits them in their suite and the impeccable, warm and friendly service that has become synonymous with all properties in the hotelier’s portfolio.
Inside, white-washed walls meet light grey floors, ocean-inspired interiors and vibrant punches of colour, fabric and texture. Each Beach Hut Suite can house up to four people – with a double bed atop the mezzanine and twin bunk beds right by the entrance. We highly recommend requesting a breakfast hamper to your suite, which foregoes the need for rushing to the restaurant on those lazy summer mornings by the seaside.
Instead, the hotel delivers a fabulous wicker hamper with all your continental breakfast favourites already included. From freshly-baked croissants, ham, cheese, yoghurts, porridge, fruits and of course a nice cuppa – there is undoubtedly no better way to enjoy breakfast by the sea.
You can take it up a notch and order a champagne picnic hamper for lunch – which was a glorious experience – especially when enjoyed in your private terrace during one of the UK’s hottest summers of recent memory. The hamper includes classic sandwich fare, but also boxed fish and chips – the quintessential coastal meal.
The Beachcroft Hotel has three fabulous restaurants: the classic Tamarisk Restaurant, Monty’s Bistro Restaurant and Blake’s, which is an outdoor garden terrace restaurant complete with dining pods. Tamarisk offers elevated pub classics without any faff. Don’t expect fancy foams here, but instead hearty and delicious British dishes with a twist.
We were particularly impressed with the hospitality of Lucas the restaurant manager – and how all three restaurants were able to accommodate vegan, diary, gluten alternatives. Like other De Savary properties – doggies are treated like royalty at all restaurants and TeamCocopup Charlie got to enjoy some special meals too.
There’s quite literally an ocean of possibility surrounding the hotel in terms of activities. Enjoy a coastal walk using the hotel’s curated walking guides, go beachcombing or birdwatching at the neighbouring Pagham Harbour biological and geological site, wine tasting at the nearby Tinwood estate or visit Arundel Castle or the Portsmouth Historic estate.
There are buckets, spades and fishing nets for children available at the Beach Hut Suite. For the young at heart, the hotel also offers paddleboarding and adult bicycles – perfect for exploring the beautiful coastal landscapes surrounding the Beachcroft Hotel.
While travel has well and truly returned to the UK, it sometimes becomes easy to forget the beauty that we have in our own backyards. Our stay at the Beach Hut Suite offered ample amounts of nostalgia for those family holidays of old, but also showed us that a UK beach break, especially one at the Beachcroft Hotel, can outdo an expensive holiday at the Med any day.
A night at one of the Beach Hut Suites at the Beachcroft Hotel starts at £415 based on two people sharing B&B. For more information https://beachcroftbeachhuts.co.uk
These days, it’s rare to come across something that makes you think – ‘why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?’ which was exactly the case with South Place Hotel’s new Retox to Detox package. Team Coco ventures into the buzzy City to see if South Place Hotel’s new package is worth the hype (spoiler alert: it is)
If you’ve ever gone out out over 30, then you must try South Place Hotel’s new Retox to Detox package. City’s most vibrant boutique hotel has teamed up with Vitamin Drop specialists Get A Drip to offer the ultimate party-weekend experience for partygoers whose hangovers have worsened with age.
No need to sacrifice a whole weekend binge-watching the latest reality show after a night out, because South Place has created the solution with its Retox and Detox package.
South Place Hotel is artsy, cool, vibey and effortlessly so. A destination within a destination, South Place Hotel Is conveniently located to all of Shoreditch’s hipster haunts and the City’s sky-high bars – a perfect base for a night out. Not to mention, the hotel’s Secret Garden – which opens every Friday from August – is also an excellent spot for cocktails with guest DJs adding further allure.
We checked into one of the studio suites, one of the 80 stylish bedrooms in South Place Hotel. The suite was stylish, spacious and had plenty of delightfully clever amenities that we didn’t know we needed in our lives until right now. The BNO TV, for example, can be spun around remotely. No need to fumble with HDMI wires, because you can connect your laptop to the TV straight from the desk. The minibar, if you can call it that, contains a fabulous selection of artisanal gins and spirits – perfect to get the party started.
RETOX
There is also an in-room ‘Black Book’ Party Guide which gives you the low-down on the coolest late night spots this side of East London. We were also greeted with some champagne and delicious fruits – perfect to set the pre-game mood.
Package guests can enjoy a complimentary Tanqueray Gin cocktail at the hotel’s buzzy 3 Bar in the lobby, but we recommend also having a cocktail (or two) at the rooftop terrace just before sunset. We promise that you won’t get better views of the City.
For dinner, check out South Place Chop House’s new summer menu. Led by Head Chef Jack O’Riley, there’s plenty to chew on here (pun intended). From the generously sized Large King Prawns starter, which is cooked with chili, garlic and parsley butter to the Cobble Lane Charcuterie-board which offers Cappa, Lomo, Salami and Chorizo with a creamy celeriac rémoulade.
The star of the show is of course the Josper grill. Here, you can enjoy a selection delicious, juicy grass-fed steaks. Each cut is carefully aged, succulent and works perfectly well with a variety of delicious sauces and sides. They say a good meal is a precursor to a good night out, and so after our delicious dinner at Chop House – we danced the night away in East London.
DETOX
Going ‘out out’ often results in dehydration, headaches, and a general fatigue -which gets worse with age. Don’t fret – because South Place Hotel comes to the rescue with the detox part of the package. Start with a hearty breakfast the Chop House, followed by a Vitamin Drip treatment in your room.
Get A Drip is London’s top IV clinic and offers different drips depending on your needs. We went for the Energise drip, but you can also opt for Hydration Immunity or Detox. The IV Drops are administered by a certified nurse – and will not just give you a post-drip boost of energy, but leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and energised for up to four weeks after your treatment.
Once properly detoxed, South Place Hotel takes the relaxation further with a one-hour full-body massage at the Wellness Centre, so you can banish the aches from the night before. Believe us – once you check out of the South Place Hotel – you’d be asking yourself ‘where has this been all my life?’
Whether you are seeking adrenaline-boosting activities or relaxing on a stretch of white sand that nuzzles crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, this gorgeous island in the Indian Ocean ticks all the right boxes and more…
At first glance, you might think you have stepped into some kind of dream, a film set or an enticing Instagram post. But this place is very real and does a pretty stellar job of cranking up the dreaminess levels and spiriting you away on a paradisiacal retreat.
Writer Mark Twain was rumoured to have declared Mauritius as ‘heaven on Earth’ – and it’s easy to see why.
Mauritius is blessed with majestic mountains, lush forests, stunning national parks and spectacular waterfalls, which all go a long way to entice visitors to where it sits in the Indian Ocean.
Put quite simply, Mauritius is a feast for the senses – in particular, from a visual perspective. Gaze in wonder at the rushing waterfalls, mountainous vistas, as well as tropical forests like the mystical Black River Gorges National Park.
But if you’re yearning for more than a gorgeous view while sipping a cocktail, then you’re in luck – Mauritius is much more than just a pretty face.
An intriguing archipelago surrounds Mauritius and one of the best ways to explore this collection of islands and islets is via an organised tour by boat or catamaran. One Love Tours will whisk you away on an unforgettable island adventure, where you can explore the turquoise crystal waters of the Indian Ocean.
Sit back, and relax with a cooling drink as you experience the pure exhilaration of a thrill-a-minute ride on a speedboat. Each tour can take several hours and there are several stopping-off points along the way where you can snorkel, swim and explore.
Step off the boat into the waters and climb up to see Île aux Fouquets, also known as the lighthouse island by the locals, which is located in the bay of Grand Port, southeast of Mauritius. Despite falling into disrepair, this rocky island remains very popular with both locals and tourists and is one of the highlights of these curated tours.
For me, an absolute standout moment was seeing a pod of dolphins that suddenly appeared out of nowhere as the colour of the water transformed from shades of turquoise blue to more of a greenish hue whilst on our way to see the spectacular waterfall at the Grand River South East.
One of the island’s highlights is Île aux Cerfs, which has plenty of restaurants, shops and even a golf course! After a delicious meal, why not relax on the sandy beach, which nestles the turquoise coral-reef lagoon?
For those who hanker after some land-based action, the La Vallée Des Couleurs Nature Park – close to the village of Chamouny – is not only home to some pretty stunning flora and fauna, but is also a great place to enjoy some fun activities that have been designed in tune with nature. Try hiking, quad biking, or zip lining across the world’s third longest zip line, where you can enjoy a birds-eye view of waterfalls, canyons and valleys below.
You can also visit the geological wonder 23-coloured earth palette, which is spread over 450 acres of land. If you want to amp your coloured-sand game even further, head over to Chamarel to see the Seven Coloured Earths where you can find sand dunes in seven different colour ways.
Our tip – plan a trip to see it at sunrise to really see the colours in all their glory.
If happen to up at sunrise, we are sure you will be feeling peckish and if you are looking for a great place for a flavoursome breakfast – that is also totally instagrammable – head over to the Casela Nature park where you can eat with giraffes.
You also have the opportunity to feed these curious and gentle creatures! Be prepared to see a strutting peacock or two as well, as they catwalk across the viewing deck. Afterwards, if you feel the need to walk off your breakfast, why not do so with some big cats?
Along with the larger members of the animal kingdom, Casela is also home to smaller creatures like monkeys, giant tortoises and over 1,500 birds.
Mauritius is renowned for its wildlife which includes the fruit bat (also known as the Mauritian flying fox), geckos and lizards, colourful tropical fish, and, of course, the Aldabra giant tortoises. It was previously the former home of the dodo, undoubtedly the best-known extinct species, but this flightless bird was last seen in 1662
The Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens is an excellent place to learn about rare and endangered species, as well as being an incredible setting to capture some epic shots for Instagram. Prepare to get snap-happy at some of the attractions you can see throughout Mauritius, from the dormant crater Trou aux Cerfs to The Sacred Lake of Mauritius, also known as the Grand Bassin.
Here you will find a parade of Hindu goddesses and gods, from the majestic Lord Shiva to Saraswati – the goddess of music. It makes for quite the spectacle and visitors are able to light a candle and wash their feet in the lake, which, according to local folklore, is meant to encourage fertility.
You can also pay your respects to the larger-than-life statues of Hindu gods Shiva and Durga Maa at the entrance of this sacred site. Shiva is the highest-known statue in Mauritius – standing at 108 feet tall, she is absolutely awe-inspiring.
The Citadel perches above the city on top of Petite Montagne Hill, or to give it its formal name, Fort Adelaide – a famous spot for impressive views of the Capital.
The Fort itself is an impressive sight and provides a 360-degree view of Port Louis from Champ de Mars to Chinatown, which, despite being fairly traditional, has seen a degree of rejuvenation thanks to a group of young people who formed the New Chinatown Foundation in an attempt to bring some identity and vibrancy to the district.
Mauritius is world-renowned for its tea plantations, sugarcane production and, of course, rum distilleries. From the Bois Chéri tea plantation to the Chamarel Restaurant and Rum Distillery, where you can try all manner of rums as well as touring the distillery itself.
Want to shop until you drop? There are ample opportunities all over the island thanks to a wide selection of malls including the cavernous Bagatelle Mall but for a more traditional Mauritian shopping experience, head to the capital of Port Louis and meander around the bustling Central Market where you can let your senses be tantalised with herbs, spices, exotic fruits and more.
Considering where to stay in Mauritius is really easy when you see resorts like the five-star luxury resort Maradiva Villas. This stunning resort offers a pretty unique experience – every one of the 65 villas has a private infinity pool and an outdoor garden shower.
If you prefer your bathing experience to be more communal, then there is a gorgeous communal infinity pool, which has views of the dramatic Le Morne Brabant and is surrounded by swaying palms.
Maradiva also has private access to the gorgeous Tamarin Bay beach, which is made up of reef-sheltered waters and white coral sand. There are plenty of opportunities to soak in Mauritius’ cultural influences, from relaxing holistic spa treatments, including revitalising Ayurvedic massage, to witnessing the dazzling dance of Sega, an intoxicating traditional dance that originated in Africa and is regularly performed around the island.
Foodies will relish in the fine Indian cuisine at Cilantro and the sizzling dishes served at Teppan, an authentic Japanese restaurant, although you can taste traditional Mauritian cuisine which is a fusion of Chinese, European and Indian cuisines at Coast2Coast or via the in-villa dining.
For a slightly more cost-effective stay, Maradiva’s sister hotel, the Sands Suite Resort & Spa where you can enjoy ocean views from your balcony is a superb choice and has a great choice of water sports activities to choose from.
Perhaps travelling on one of the UK’s hottest days wasn’t the best idea to begin with, but travel does not wait for the weather, especially in the UK.
I was staying at one of London’s best-rated hotels, the Lime Tree Hotel in Belgravia. Established in London’s most elegant of neighbourhoods, you’ll find this lovely “bolt hole”, which has been ranked as one of the Sunday Time’s Best Places to Stay in 2021.
The Lime Tree Hotel is quaint and charming in many ways; with a decorative personality throughout, it offers rooms of all sizes from singles, doubles and even triples. This makes it a hot spot for anyone looking for a group weekend away, a sightseeing couple’s trip or a solo adventure, the latter being me.
For the centre of London, the rooms are reasonably priced and great for almost any budget, starting from around £125 for a single room and reaching up to £340 for a triple room.
Divided by three makes it nearly as cheap as staying in the North!
My evening was spent in a cosy double room, which was on the “snugger” side, but the room was still beautifully presented and comfortable for the most part. Unfortunately, the only let-down was a technicality that was overlooked during my stay.
As mentioned, I stayed during the height of the hottest day, and the hotel heating seemed to remain in full swing. This led to me having a far from comfortable night’s sleep and requesting ice and water at 4 am– which no one wants to do.
Thankfully, the hotel staff were brilliant and more than accommodating, for which I couldn’t thank them enough. The heating note was taken on board and was addressed helpfully.
The following day I relieved my slightly disrupted evening with a gorgeous breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant, The Buttery. The theme is rustic chic with country vibes, and the food delivers just that.
I delved into a delicious plate of Stracciatella on toast, and while my sleep cycle may have been left unsatisfied, my stomach left fully satisfied.
The testament to any excellent hospitality venue is how they respond when things go wrong, not just when things go right. And I must say, the staff at The Lime Tree Hotel were beyond helpful and did all they could to ensure I had a great stay.
And all in all, I did, and I will be returning soon.
For a centrally located boutique hotel, The Lime Tree Hotel is marvellous value for money and offers charm and style all wrapped up in one neat package.
It’s easy to understand why this one has become a travel favourite to so many passing through London!
Doubles start from £170. For more information or to book please click here.
