Fraser Place, Canary Wharf offered undoubtedly one of the best night’s sleeps I have experienced in a very long time. My beauty sleep is of the utmost importance to me when travelling, so Fraser, you’ve ticked one major box to start!
And what’s more, the views of the famous financial district and the Wharf are spectacular. Alan Sugar, eat your heart out!
One of London’s leading financial centres is placed tremendously on the riverfront, and Fraser Place brings everything you’d expect from a serviced apartment complex. As one would hope, this is a brilliant location for those visiting on business and comes packed with the amenities to boot.
From studio flats to a penthouse suite, Fraser Place boasts an impressive 108 apartments to choose from in total. They are subtle sophistication merged with modern convenience – of which they have plenty.
On-site, you will find a gym to keep your fitness regime on track, even when working away. A business lounge fit for meetings or boxing off projects. Throughout the hotel and complex, you can access free Wi-Fi with complimentary newspapers and magazines to keep you updated with world affairs (did someone say House of Coco latest issue wink wink). Simply scan the QR codes dotted around to access this brilliant little extra.
Rest assured, you’ll always be well looked after as there is 24/7 security and a concierge service to ensure you’re in safe hands at all times. There’s even a private on-site car park which is a haven given how difficult parking in London can be, just don’t forget about those pesky congestion charges if coming from out of town!
Most of the apartments come featuring their own private balconies, which means more epic views of Canary Wharf while you take stock over a glass of fizz. For those more extended stays, you can even make the most of the in-house laundry services and daily housekeeping to keep on top of the chores!
The rooms are spacious and calming respite – the perfect retreat to switch off after a busy day in the office.
Locationally, the apartments a tip-top for airport travel whether you’re coming or going. Heathrow is 45 minutes away, London City airport is 10 minutes away, and Gatwick is an hour’s drive. Airport transfers are available from Fraser Place on request as well.
One of the only let-downs I can note is that getting an Uber from the apartments is somewhat of a nightmare – though I suspect that is more a London/Uber issue than a Fraser Place issue and standing around waiting for the cab just meant that I had more time to enjoy the stunning views and day dream about hopping onboard one of the many boats on the Docklands!
What’s great about these apartments, though, is the extended-stay discount – if you need more than seven nights or even more than twenty-eight nights, they offer long stay packages starting from a very low and reasonable £221. *Books an entire month stay*
Fraser Place is more suited to the business tripper than the traveller, but it has amenities to suit all and welcomes everyone – so if you fancy seeing what all the Canary Wharf fuss is about, this is your Place.
Fraser Place Canary Wharf
80 Boardwalk Place, London E14 5SF, United Kingdom
If you still haven’t managed to book a summer break, then take inspiration from our round-up of some of the best luxury stays. Whether you are looking to recharge your batteries, explore, bar-hop or dine out, we have some of the best places to enjoy a long weekend in style.
JW Marriot Venice Resort & Spa
Avoid the crowds at this luxury hideaway in Venice
Situated on the secluded private Venetian island of Isola delle Rose, travellers can choose to unwind at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, a luxury five-star hotel that offers the perfect hideaway from the excitement of the city and busy crowds. New arrivals are transported by the hotel’s glamorous private water shuttle to the 40-acre resort, surrounded by charming views of the beautiful gardens and olive groves. Guests can choose to book from a choice of luxurious rooms, suites, and JW Retreats with private gardens, and enjoy award-winning cuisine, cooking classes and a choice of three pools. While those seeking a little downtime can head to the JW Venice Spa, a unique sanctuary that overlooks the Venice skyline.
Rates start from €450 per double room per night.
The Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort
Exclusive beach club access and benefits
The Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort has refurbished its Purobeach rooms with a design inspired by the beaches and sea of the Algarve. Guests staying in these rooms are offered free access to the beach club, Purobeach Vilamoura, along with a range of exclusive benefits including free sun loungers, towels and parasols, iced water, a welcome drink and after sun lotion plus a 10% discount on treatments at the Tivoli Spa Vilamoura. Purobeach features a programme of themed events and visiting DJs over the summer.
The club has two distinct zones – beachfront on the 5km long Praia de Vilamoura and poolside around the black tiled pool in the gardens of the resort, which is an adults only space. Guests can sunbathe either beachside or poolside on Balinese and Nomad style sun beds, enjoy cocktails brought to their loungers and dine on local seafood specialities to the relaxed sounds of the club’s DJs. At Purobeach poolside, guests can also join in morning yoga sessions and relax with a massage.
The 42 newly refurbished Purobeach rooms and suites are on the seventh floor of the hotel – each with a balcony or terrace. They have been decorated with soft tones and natural materials, inspired by the sand and the light on hot days, while the striped fabrics are a nod to the sails of the boats in the marina. Situated in the prime location of Vilamoura Marina the hotel is close to the shops and bars.
A stay at Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort in a Purobeach room in August, costs €600 per night (double occupancy) with breakfast and other Purobeach room benefits included.
Explore Madrid’s Golden Mile
The cosmopolitan, five-star BLESS hotel re-opened late last year in the heart of the glamorous Salamanca district, known as Madrid’s Golden Mile, following a major refurbishment with sensory interiors by Lazaro Rosa Violán. Each of the 111 rooms has unique details, with some retaining original Murano crystal features from the former hotel that occupied the historic building in the 1950s. Others have private terraces with hydromassage jacuzzis and anti-ageing sleep system technology.
Signature cocktails have been newly crafted by Libe’s expert mixologists and stylish events on the Picos Pardos Sky Lounge transform the hotel into a buzzy social hub for BLESS guests and Madrileños alike.
The hotel offers a range of experiences exclusively for guests, establishing it as a reference point in Madrid’s fashion, art and gastronomy scenes. Guests can make the most of their city break by immersing themselves in the capital’s cultural hotspots with a private five-hour tour of the Museo del Prado; Palacio Real and Madrid Antiguo, before enjoying a traditional lunch from the Executive Chef. Alternatively, the ‘BLESS Art Madrid’ tour of nearby private art collections allows guests to create their own piece of art with a local artist. Meanwhile an expert personal shopper and butler are on hand during the ‘BLESS Your Golden Mile’ experience, taking advantage of the Salamanca district’s many boutiques, followed by a relaxing in-room Bathology ritual.
Double rooms at the BLESS hotel are priced from £462 a night, room only.
Get a little dose of zen in Sicily
Having launched last summer, the10-hectare Grand Palladium Sicilia resort is the only five-star all-inclusive resort on the stunning island of Sicily. Perfect for a relaxing long weekend, the Zentropia Palladium Spa offers a complete wellness experience. Equipped with all the latest technology, it features a fabulous hydrotherapy zone, dry and humid sauna, chill-out zone, hot and cold hydromassage baths, and a sensation shower. Guests can treat themselves to a range of exclusive aesthetic treatments for the face and body and relaxing massages.
The magnificent white sand beach is just a stone’s throw away, while guests can also cool down in four spectacular pools within the resort. There is plenty to do to fill a weekend, as the resort is ideally situated for discovering both the city of Palermo and other coastal settlements such as Bagheria, Termini Imerese, and Monreale. Those who unwind best in nature will enjoy visiting the nearby Serra Guarneri nature reserve, whilst culture enthusiasts can head to the world-famous Mandralisca museum or cathedral in Cefalù.
Deluxe rooms are priced from £253.08 on an all-inclusive basis.
Mistral Beach Club, Split
Sundowners in Split
As part of the five-star Radisson Blu Resort & Spas, the Mistral Beach Club has become one of Split’s most sought after destinations, open to resort guests as well as outside visitors. This luxury beach club combines sunset and sundowners to make an unforgettable evening. International DJs and lounge music provide the perfect sound any time of the day.
Staying in the Radisson Blu Resort & Spas, however, comes with its own perks. Not only do guests get to enjoy luxurious facilities and an outstanding service within the resort grounds, they can make use of all the facilities Spalato Spa has to offer, dine in high-class restaurants, and explore the historical old town of Split, located only a stone’s throw away. A stroll through the romantic old town eases you into the Dalmatian way of life. Charming cafés offer foamy Cappuccinos in an oasis of calm within the lively city centre.
Rooms at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spas are from €309.13 per night
Lakeside Luxury for Less
Tucked inside the lower reaches of the Alps, the Northern Italian region of Trentino is famous for its Dolomites (UNESCO World Heritage Site), stunning landscapes, olive groves, rich history and picture-perfect historic towns and villages.
On the northern shore of Lake Garda in Trentino lies the beautiful town of Riva del Garda boasting a Mediterranean climate and filled to the brim with olive and lemon trees, palms, views of turquoise waters, and mountains for a majestic backdrop. This chic & stylish town with cobbled streets and historic buildings has great culinary offerings such as Al Volt, with seasonal tasting menus using local produce from across the region and is a short distance from the Dolomites mountain range, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The town is home to many activities such as sailing and windsurfing, paragliding, wine-tasting, hiking up soaring mountains, mountain biking, rock climbing & canyoning. A must-see natural attraction is picturesque 100-metre Varone waterfall.
Enjoy a 6-night stay at Hotel Portici Romantik & Wellness in Riva del Garda from £990 for two adults. The hotel is located in the picture-perfect historical centre of Riva del Garda and just moments from the crystalline waters of Lake Garda with soaring views of the mountains. Based on two adults sharing a double room, on bed and breakfast basis 21 – 27 August 2022.
Nourish your body and mind in Tuscany
Tucked away in between the pristine Serchio Valley and the Apennine Mountains, the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa is the perfect retreat to unwind away from the stress of everyday life. This small piece of paradise is located near the town of Barga in one of the most breathtaking locations in Italy and offers a variety of activities to care for the body and mind.
Guests can refresh in the sparkling waters of the hotel’s two pools or breathe in relaxation as they enjoy the spa’s extensive services, treatments, and amenities. The spa menu includes a special wine treatment using Tuscan grapes, a couples wine ritual that ignites the senses and treatments especially for men.
For those that would like to be a bit more active in their time away, there are a plethora of hiking paths, allowing visitors to be one with nature during a peaceful wander. The Garfagnana is known to be excellent for mountain biking and the many bike paths are perfect for exploration of the area on two wheels. There are also tours offered to discover all that is to see in the towns of Barga, Pian di Fiume, Guzzano, Isola Giovanna, Pieve di Controne and more and visitors can bring a packed picnic basket from the hotel’s kitchen to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery.
To nourish the body, the hotel offers a special ‘From The Land To The Plate’ day-experience where you visit the local market with a trained chef to pick out the freshest ingredients and afterwards prepare a three-course meal to enjoy alongside some local wine.
Double room per night in Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa is priced at £196
What better way to maximise the rare UK heatwave than with a quintessential summer picnic in some of the UK’s most idyllic picnic locations. Team Coco has rounded up our top three summer picnic picks so you can have a summer to remember House of Coco style.
The Francis Hotel Bath has created a summer picnic offering that will ensure all the family enjoy a day out in the sunshine. Francis Hotel’s picnic hamper includes glassware, crockery and comes with a picnic rug so that you can set up camp wherever and whenever.
The delicious summer menu includes a selection of cheeses, charcuterie, a sumptuous baguette with a range of fillings and all accompanied by a bottle of water. For those with a sweet tooth, strawberries and cream are just the thing for dessert, giving explorers a burst of energy as they continue their recce of Bath and its surrounding areas. The team at Boho Marché also offer bespoke picnic hampers for guests with special dietary requirements.
Set in the heart of Bath, the Francis Hotel is a 98-room boutique hotel that was first opened by Emily Francis in 1884 (perfect for Bridgerton fans!). Emily was ahead of her time and was a leading entrepreneur who merged seven Georgian townhouses to form the Francis Hotel. Located in the heart of a World Heritage Site, the Francis Hotel has plenty to explore on its doorstep.
HOW: Room rates at Francis Hotel Bath start from £139.00 inclusive of breakfast and VAT. For more information visit www.francishotel.com. Francis Hotel Bath’s picnic hamper starts from £15 per person and includes a bottle of water. A choice of drinks are available – including wine and champagne – and will be an additional cost. Bespoke options are available providing the team has 24 hours notice.
Castle Hotel Windsor is undoubtedly one of Windsor’s finest boutique properties. The castle is steeped in history dating back to 1528. With just 108-rooms at the heart of Windsor, situated opposite Windsor Castle and the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum – there is no better place to join a Windsor Guided Tour and explore the local sites than at Castle Hotel Windsor. The hotel is also just a short walk from a plethora of wide, open spaces including the famous Long Walk, Windsor Great Park – including the Long Walk – Savill Garden and the River Thames. All of which are perfect spots to set up and soak in the great outdoors whilst enjoying a picnic.
The hamper includes a charcuterie board complete with cheese and rustic bread for starters, followed by a choice of either a healthy superfood or Niçoise salad. Afterwards, guests can indulge in either a Coronation chicken wrap or hummus with grilled pepper vegan wrap. Finally, and remaining very English strawberries with cream offer a final sweet flourish to the hamper.
Castle Hotel Windsor is undoubtedly one of Windsor’s finest boutique properties. The castle is steeped in history dating back to 1528. With just 108-rooms at the heart of Windsor, situated opposite Windsor Castle and the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum – there is no better place to explore the local sites than at Castle Hotel Windsor. The hotel is also just a short walk from a plethora of wide, open spaces including the famous Long Walk, Windsor Great Park – including the Long Walk – Savill Garden and the River Thames. All of which are perfect spots to set up and soak in the great outdoors whilst enjoying a picnic.
HOW: Room rates at Castle Hotel Windsor start from £154.00 inclusive of breakfast and VAT. For more information visit https://castlehotelwindsor.com/. Castle Hotel Windsor’s picnic menu starts from £30 per person and includes a bottle of water.
It is easy to get lost within the castle’s 110 acres of private estate and local woodland or escaping to the majestic Scottish countryside for long romantic walks and beautiful views of Ailsa Craig and Northern Ireland. Glenapp Castle offers 65 diverse activities from stargazing, canoeing, coasteering, kayaking, yoga, forest bathing – making sure there is something for every kind of traveller.
One of the main attractions is exploring the west coast on the Glenapp Castle RIB boat. From the local port of Girvan, guests can spend the day on a private boat tour visiting the iconic Ailsa Craig, the volcanic outcrop that is home to an abundance of bird life. While not exactly a summer picnic, you can also enjoy a meal outside your glamping tent, cooked by a private chef. Now this is the kind of picnic that would impress even the most discerning luxury traveller.
The wonderful Glenapp Castle team can prepare a wonderful picnic with freshly prepared sandwiches, delicious salads and fresh fruit to enjoy after a busy day of exploring. There is also plenty of opportunity to spot amazing marine life, from twenty-foot-long basking sharks to dolphins, minke whales, and seals!
HOW: Glenapp Castle offers a private boat trip to the iconic Ailsa Craig costing from £750 for half a day. Picnics cost from £27.50 per person / www.glenappcastle.com / 01465 831212
When I say Porto’s nightlife is eclectic, I really do mean it. The bars in Porto can be found in the most random of places from former churches to courthouses.
If you are looking for a great night out in Porto, you won’t be disappointed. However, nocturnal shenanigans aside, there’s a whole lot more to Porto than meets the eye, but as House of Coco’s Music Editor, one of the main things I look for in a city break is what gigs are on whilst I am in town.
There’s just something about going to a gig in a different country isn’t there?! So, when I had the opportunity to visit Portugal’s second largest city, the first thing i looked at was what bands were in town during my visit.
As luck would have it, there were a few gigs on – Simple Minds and James. Both of which were absolutely incredible.
It was clear that this trip was going to be heavily music-focused and a large part of that was where I stayed, at the music-themed hotel M.Ou.Co. in the hip neighbourhood of Bonfim.
This quirky district is a twenty minute walk from the centre of Porto and is chock-full of coffee shops, little bars and the odd vintage boutique or two. Despite being a relatively busy district, it’s a peaceful escape from the city. There’s a sun-drenched courtyard where you can relax or enjoy a drink or two and there’s even has a swimming pool which is a lovely addition.
If there was ever an ideal hotel for a Music Editor to stay, it’s M.Ou.Co. whose ethos is “Stay. Listen. Play.”. Even the name M.Ou.Co. – M=música; Ou=outras; Co=coisas (Music and Other things…) emphasises how music is EVERYTHING at this hip hideaway.
Fancy channeling your inner Sheeran, Swift or Styles? Why not try one of the musical instruments available to play in your room and rock out? We hired the most beautiful Ibanez guitar that played like an absolute dream! What other hotels can lay claim to having their very own guitar menu?!
There are also rehearsal rooms where you can rock out and a treatment centre where musicians can enjoy specialist treatments. M.Ou.Co has devised a collection of unique ‘Music and Health’ programmes where musicians can visit the performance clinic and have a specialist assess and advise how to integrate health into instrumentalist training.
The night prior to our arrival, the hotel hosted indie rockers James who used this space as a warm up gig prior to their electric gig at the Super Bock Arena in Porto which was one of two gigs we attended whilst staying in Porto. On Saturday nights, they even have a DJ on hand to get the party started.
It’s fair to say that music is at the heart of everything at M.Ou.Co.- you can even pick five vinyls to listen to in your room too. Whilst there’s some eclectic choices in the music library, there’s also some evergreen classics in the shape of Nirvana, The Doors, Beastie Boys and Curtis Mayfield.
Whatever your musical leanings, you are certain to find what you are looking for in the music library which has over 600 records to choose from.
The hotel’s friendly staff had set up a record player in our room and it was really lovely to enjoy some downtime from exploring the city and relaxing with a coffee while listening to records.
You can even borrow books too – all music-orientated as well. Music is piped out everywhere in the hotel, at the bar, and in the restaurant and you can expect to hear tracks from everyone from The Beatles and The Cure to blues artists and more.
There’s a professional sound bar system and sound amplifier which you can use in conjunction with any of the musical instruments that you hire from reception.
Whether you are a newbie wanting to test the waters of guitar playing or you are an experienced musician, you will be impressed with the different guitars available at M.Ou.Co. You can borrow guitars from world-renowned brands like Gretsch, Gibson and more.
M.Ou.Co. is a relatively new hotel, a former warehouse that has received a meticulous redevelopment, it’s been transformed into a contemporary space filled with light (and music!) the rooms are a smidge on the small side, but are light and airy.
Like the rest of the hotel, the aesthetic is minimalist with post-industrial leanings, with large windows and high ceilings, but still retains a real sense of chic.
There’s plenty of storage which is always helpful, although a couple of things that were omitted from the room such as toiletries and bathroom hooks which would have been appreciated. Again, thematically, all the rooms are named after a piece of music which is a lovely touch.
Guests are presented with a smartphone upon arrival which is a nifty little addition which provides you with a direct way to contact the hotel. It also has little guides and recommendations for local attractions, things to do and restaurants.
The breakfasts in the hotel are excellent, as a coeliac on a gluten-free diet, they were able to provide me with some delicious treats which included gluten-free bread, pastries and muffins. The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner and is set in a relaxing room with exposed brick walls, lush greenery and some of the best coffee in the city.
We ate both lunch and dinner at the restaurant and were really impressed with the food that was served. If you are looking for a budget-friendly lunch, then definitely eat at the hotel’s restaurant, the menu changes every week and you can enjoy three courses (which includes a starter and dessert buffet) plus a ‘main’ for less than 20€ each.
When in Porto, there’s no shortage of amazing restaurants to choose from, but by far and away our favourite was tia tia. Not only was the food absolutely delicious, but guess what? It was music themed too.
Similarly to M.Ou.Co. guests can choose what they want to listen to – there’s a fantastic selection of records to choose from and we adored trying some of chef Tiago Feio’s menu which is centered around a combination of pescatarian, vegetarian or vegan dishes.
Tia tia’s style of cuisine is contemporary, seasonal Portuguese and all ingredients are sourced locally. We enjoyed carefully-crafted dishes like turnip, cashew and chilli oil, the most amazing mackerel, almonds and apple dish and line-caught hake, carrot and chard – absolutely exquisite! The service was exceptional and I would strongly recommend visiting tia tia whilst in Porto.
If you are looking for a city break that delivers on incredible things to do, an excellent selection of restaurants, a lively and vibrant nightlife coupled with a hotel that offers a completely unique experience that focuses on music, then definitely add Porto to your travel bucket list.
How to book:
Stay – Rooms at M.Ou.Co. start at 78€ for a basic room or 110€ for rooms with a kitchenette. Book via the hotel’s website for the best price. It’s situated around 45 minutes by metro from the airport and is a mere five-minute walk from Heroismo metro station.
Fly – Fly with TAP Air, Portugal’s flight carrier. We flew from London Gatwick directly into Francisco Sá Carneiro airport in less than two and a half hours.
Explore – We were lucky enough to be gifted two Porto cards from Visit Portugal which is essentially a city pass and a great way to explore the city on a budget. You can purchase one for 24, 48, 72 or even 96 hours which will give you free entry to the main museums, monuments, and tourist attractions in Porto. You are also entitled to a huge 50% discount on the entrance fees to a further 14 landmarks such as the Clérigos Tower, the Military Museum and many more.
You can purchase the Porto Card directly upon arrival, at the Airport or at any of the official tourist offices in the city.
Fans of the fabulously opulent Taj Hotel Group will surely be familiar with the old world glamour of the St. James Court Hotel. However, those expecting the same classic atmosphere as the esteemed hotel are in for a surprise, as the TH@51, its newly-refurbished modern Indian restaurant, is anything but traditional.
A sleek black hallway greets visitors at the door, revealing a stylish pale pink and mint green bar area, accented with gorgeous copper details. The TH@51 is a refreshingly modern juxtaposition to the hotel’s timeless interiors and stepping into it is like stepping into a completely different universe.
The pastel colour palette extends throughout the space, which features a large teak-wood bar area, minimalist grey marble accents and breezy salmon-coloured booths. The restaurant opens to a sun-lit glass half-dome, offering fantastic views of the hotel’s historical courtyard and the beautiful Edwardian buildings that surround it.
TH@51 reimagines traditional Indian dishes for the curious palates of the hotel’s international luxury clientele and London’s cultural elite. The restaurant draws colourful inspiration and flavours from around the world and brings these to life using only the freshest seasonal ingredients available. The adventurous menu offers just the right balance of exotic flavours and familiar home comforts, with each dish executed with flair.
We started with the Superfood Salad, which offers a generous serving of mixed sprouts with zesty pomegranate dressing, enhanced by a dash of sweet blueberries and roasted pine nuts.
The Portobello Phuket was a standout dish. A portobello mushroom is baked with sambal and aubergine and serves as the perfect base to absorb the rich Thai Green curry and cream cheese sauce, while the basil crisps add a welcome crunch.
The Teriyaki Salmon Risotto, a deceivingly simple dish, is a clever, lighter Japanese take on the Italian classic, resulting in a truly delicious risotto that you can eat forever.
The Bao Buns are a thing of beauty and are made with fluffy white buns and punchy, aromatic fillings. There are two Bao Bun fillings to choose from, the Indo-Chinese Chicken with pickled cucumber or the Tofu & Orange Marmalade. The latter is an excellent and tasty vegetarian version of the dish.
Finally, no meal would be complete without some cocktails, which is where TH@51 pulls out all the stops. All cocktails were curated under the theme ‘Biomes of the World’, with each creation inspired by different climates and cultures from across the globe.
These beautifully crafted and delicious cocktails add a final flourish (or in this case garnish) to what has been a superb meal at TH@51. It is clear that while the restaurant may have only opened recently, it already exudes the menu, service and confidence of the beloved St. James Court establishment it is soon to become.
Here at House of Coco Magazine we’re super fans when it comes to The Dorchester, probably because it’s one of the world’s most recognised and acclaimed hotels. Perfectly situated in the heart of London since 1931, this vibrant hotel stands tall in Mayfair with Hyde Park on its doorstep.
The Dorchester has engaged with the most renowned names in design and architecture to transform the hotel: Pierre-Yves Rochon is redesigning the hotel entrance, The Promenade, new Cake & Flowers boutique, and the guest rooms and suites; and Martin Brudnizki Design Studio has been appointed to redesign the bar.
With decades spent fine-tuning a tradition of placing guests at the centre of everything, The Dorchester has found a way to be true to its celebrated past whilst becoming fluent in what matters in an ever-changing world. By cultivating and encouraging sophistication without snobbery, style without excess, and curiosity without judgement, this remarkable hotel embraces its next chapter as the London home from home for those who make the world turn.
Rooms and suites
Pierre-Yves Rochon’s vision presents light, fresh and thoughtfully composed rooms and suites designed in varying colourways inspired by an English garden, from pale leaf green and rose fog pink, to heather blue and lemon yellow. New signature and junior suites will be introduced, allowing for spacious and more residential style accommodation for guest comfort.
On arrival
The Dorchester’s famous façade has been a prominent landmark of this dynamic international city for over nine decades. New lighting will rejuvenate the exterior, creating a welcoming glow across Park Lane. Guests will arrive onto an enhanced forecourt, featuring a beautiful green granite underfoot and a landscaped, verdant garden area located underneath the renowned plane tree.
The arrival experience will extend into an open lobby, flooded with natural light and bookended by two imposing artworks. Both are truly distinctive, yet each work connects with the other through their celebration of The Dorchester’s prized position, anchored in the landscape since 1931.
The Promenade
The Promenade will capture guests’ imagination as they move beyond the lobby into the heart of the hotel and the setting for vibrant dining experiences, including The Dorchester’s afternoon tea. A new destination will be unveiled towards the end of The Promenade, a glamorous and sparkling area for fun and frivolous evenings of Champagne, seafood and entertainment.
An original collection of contemporary artworks by British artists will be revealed throughout The Promenade. The pieces, uniquely individual and crossing a range of diverse media and techniques, all offer a new take on nature and have been created to evoke the sensation of strolling through a perfectly curated and cultivated British landscape.
The bar
Martin Brudnizki is redesigning the hotel’s legendary cocktail institution. Here guests will encounter a bar with movie star looks and a supporting cast of talented bartenders ready to curate evenings of mature fun.
The bar’s new interior is inspired by the spirit and elegance of the roaring thirties, a time when manners were still important and yet mayhem was celebrated. The new layout allows for a dedicated Park Lane entrance and an outside terrace with views towards Hyde Park. Ornate design runs throughout the bar, including a 1930s Palladium leaf ceiling creating a warm effect as Martini hour transitions into the evening. An upper area of the bar and cosy ‘snug’ provide more privacy without compromising on the atmosphere.
A series of Cecil Beaton pieces will hang within the bar to honour a long-standing connection between the photographer and designer and the hotel, and to remind guests of this glamorous decade. Some of Beaton’s original drawings and celebrity photography will be brought together with work by contemporary artists, such as Rosie Emmerson, who were inspired by both Beaton and the energy of that time.
Cake & Flowers boutique
With its own entrance on the Deanery Street corner of the hotel, Cake & Flowers, is an entirely new offering to entice the curious and sophisticated. Feature windows will come alive with captivating masterpieces that showcase the passion and mastery of in-house designer florist, Philip Hammond, and executive pastry chef, Michael Kwan. Within, shelves and cases will be filled with lively delights; signature pastries and cakes to take away, uniquely presented gift hampers, floral bouquets and a selection of Champagnes and artisan chocolates.
The Dorchester will be ready to reveal its new interiors as of early September 2022. The hotel remains open for guests throughout the renovation with its popular afternoon tea served in the beautiful Orchid Room and a Mediterranean concept at The Dorchester Rooftop throughout the summer. As The Grill, Alain Ducasse and China Tang completed refurbishments in recent years; they will continue to remain open as normal, as will The Dorchester Spa. The Ballroom, with its own entrance on Park Lane, the magically theatrical Penthouse & Pavilion, and the Chef’s Table continues to be available for corporate and social events.
Hannah Tan-Gillies hopped on a private jet to Nikki Beach Saint Tropez to celebrate 20 years of the original beach club.
Even the word Saint Tropez immediately conjure up visions of yachts, swanky luxury boutiques, packed Mediterranean cafés and glamorous beach parties. Nikki Beach Saint Tropez, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is all this and more – epitomising the ‘joie de vivre’ of the South of France.
Nikki Beach Saint Tropez is the first European beach club of the Nikki Beach Group. To celebrate its milestone 20th anniversary this year, Nikki Beach is inviting some of the world’s biggest DJs and chefs to take over its idyllic Pampelonne location. This includes music legends like Bob Sinclair, Martin Solveig, Cerrone and David Guetta, and 3-Michelin Star Chef Glenn Viel.
Our visit to Nikki Beach, while missing those big music names, was satisfyingly hedonistic. Nikki Beach is the kind of place that transforms throughout the day and the day of the week. At lunchtime, Nikki Beach is a family affair – a perfect spot for a delicious meal while sipping on rosé from the nearby Minuty winery. In the early afternoon, fabulously talented singer Abel serenades guests in French, Italian, Spanish and even Arabic, getting Nikki Beach’s international jet set crowd on their feet and sometimes on tables too.
When the sun begins to soften, influencers, models and Saint Tropez’s glitterati begin populating Nikki Beach’s pool area, and Sandy Sax the saxophonist (yes – indeed that is his name) comes out to play sweet tunes accompanying an endless array of club hits. Soon – the pool area becomes the epicentre of the beach club with bottles of champagne (sometimes arriving by rocket – and other times arriving by treasure chest) come out with much fanfare. It is a transformation that is fascinating to see but even more fascinating to be a part of.
There is something for every kind of vibe at Nikki Beach and if the bass-thumping, fist-pumping day club atmosphere isn’t your scene, then head over to the newly-opened Butterfly Bar for a champagne tasting at the Salon Dom Pérignon. Sundays are reserved for Nikki Beach’s ‘Amazing Sundays’ brunch and offer a more relaxed atmosphere perfect for lounging poolside or sipping cocktails by the beach.
There is also an on-site masseuse to help soothe the aches and pains from the previous day’s festivities. All of the food at Nikki Beach Saint Tropez, whether you’re enjoying fresh sushi or partaking in the buffet of the Amazing Sunday Brunch – scores top marks. Crafted by Executive Chef Alessandro Pizza, who has been with Nikki Beach since day dot – there is something to impress even the most discerning foodies at Nikki Beach.
The staff at Nikki Beach Saint Tropez are excellent. First of all – everyone looks like they jumped out of a Ralph Lauren print campaign. Second, when they’re not making sure you have everything you need to enjoy a VIP stay in one of the pool beds or serving up some of delectable cocktails – you will find them dancing on the tables adding fun and excitement to an already excellent beach club atmosphere. Anything goes at Nikki Beach – and the thick tables were created for exactly this kind of blissful table-dancing debauchery.
Beyond Nikki Beach, St Tropez has plenty to offer for travellers looking for style, culture and gastronomy. A visit to the nearby Chateau Minuty is highly recommended. During our visit, we went on a private tour led by owner Jean-Etienne – who took us through the winery and shared some of his favourite bottles of rosé. Minuty is the rosé of choice for anyone and everyone in St. Tropez and it would be an absolute sin to not enjoy a glass or five during your visit.
A quick walk around Saint Tropez reveals plenty of marvels too. Every Saturday, there is fabulous market in the town square. Here, you will find everything from spiced saucissons, recycled silk kaftans to mid-century modern furniture. Surprisingly – the market draws a crowd that blends both locals and tourists alike. It is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the daily hustle and bustle of Saint Tropez away from the curated glitz of its luxury hotels and restaurants.
Just across the market in Place de Lices is Le Café, a fabulous spot for an evening of romance, piano tunes and excellent Provençal cuisine. Opened in 1789 and still run by the Costa family, Le Café is one of the oldest, most beloved restaurants in St Tropez. Here, amidst a vibrant hodgepodge of low-hanging wicker lamps, rich Turkish fabrics and colourful ceramics, you will find a fantastic dining experience that celebrates local ingredients and time-honed Provençal recipes. At Le Café, you will come for the food and stay for the atmosphere – there is certainly plenty to go around.
After a day of sun, spritzes and sensational tunes – head back into the Byblos Hotel Saint Tropez to experience the very best of Mediterranean hospitality. Byblos has been a Saint Tropez institution since the 1960s, a true temple of pleasure originally conceived by Jean-Prosper Gay-Para. Over the years, this iconic hotel has hosted the likes of Cher, Mick Jagger, Jack Nicholson and Brigitte Bardot. Today, Hotel Byblos maintains this mythical quality.
From the fantastic Arcadia poolside restaurant to its cool Lounge Bar B – and of course the timeless and elegant suites – it’s easy to see why this is one of the most beloved hotels in St Tropez. In the evenings, head down to Le Cave du Roy, lovingly referred to as the ‘Temple of Tropezian nights’, for an unforgettable night of drinks and dancing.
After a few truly decadent days in St Tropez, we ended our Nikki Beach experience with a bang, flying back to the UK via private jet with Aero. Aero offers semi-private jet flights all over the world, creating an effortless and intimate flying experience between private terminals. All Aero jets have been meticulously designed and the service onboard is second to none.
Aero passengers also benefit from a personalised concierge service. Amidst the current chaos of UK flight cancellations – Aero brings the joy and luxury back to travelling. It was the perfect way to end our Nikki Beach Saint Tropez immersion, which was all about celebrating life and all its pleasures.
What a treat to be one of the first guests at the newly opened The Georgian, Coppa Club, in Haslemere, Surrey. With a laidback yet buzzy vibe from morning to evening, delicious British meets Mediterranean cuisine and spacious luxury rooms, this is the ultimate getaway only an hour’s train ride from London.
A modern members club vibe
Located right on the Haslemere high street, the hotel facade is all white splendour with union jack bunting still up following the platinum jubilee. This is a quintessentially British vibe.
But the interior is surprisingly modern and quirky. Lanterns light up the restaurant, modernist art hangs by a pastel tiled fireplace and little nooks and booths are filled with locals getting work done over a coffee or cocktails.
The Georgian joins nine other properties in the Coppa Club portfolio including The Swan on Streatley-on-Thames. Fans of the Coppa Club brand will recognise the high-end design, the ‘clubhouse’ atmosphere which makes you feel welcome from morning to evening and the delicious food and cocktails. The Coppa Clubs feel like private members’ clubs yet without the expensive fees or pretention.
What’s on
Being within commuting distance of London, Haslemere has plenty of wealthy residents and The Georgian offers as much for its locals as for guests staying in one of its 13 boutique rooms. There are regular events such as art classes, wreath making or gin tastings which delight locals and support artisans in the area.
I enjoyed sampling the locally made Silent Pool gin as part of a tasting as well as a ‘sip and sketch’ painting class with local artist, Jo Mithcell Long. While my artistic skills left something to be desired, these quirky classes are a great way to bond during a family break or girls’ weekend.
The real highlight of staying in The Georgian is the natural beauty on your doorstep. With the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as Devil’s Punch Bowl nearby and plenty of walks through the Surrey Hills, The Georgian is perfect for those with dogs, which are also welcome in the ground floor space and rooms.
For those who like to shop and chill, Haslemere itself is lovely, full of independent cafes and boutique shops to browse after a day’s walk. You will be glad of The Georgian’s divine food and drinks after all that exploring.
Cocktails and small plates
I was delighted to browse the quirky cocktail menu which included all the classics as well as the boozy Coppa Tea with Bourbon, white grape and apricot soda and refreshing spring cocktails including a Silent Pool gin with rhubarb and raspberry tonic and cherry syrup.
Coppa Club has recently partnered with Trip CBD to create delicious low alcohol cocktails with all the benefits of CBD. I recommend the ‘Peach Trip’ cocktail with peach and ginger CBD infused oil and apple juice.
The Georgian offers an all-day menu and we spent lunchtime sampling all the small plates from a creamy burrata to a sundried tomato arancini. The main menu includes hearty pastas, sourdough pizza and the renowned Coppa Burger but I ate a divine spice roasted cauliflower with tahini and pomegranate. It really hit the spot.
There is a lovely airy inside-outside feel to the main restaurant, but we opted for one of the outdoor ‘igloos’ in the private garden for a cosy lunch. I also enjoyed relaxing with a cocktail on a striped deckchair in the garden area, perfect for a cheeky sunbathe.
After sleeping like a baby and having a luxurious rain shower in my individually designed room, I sampled the breakfast menu. This includes a full English as well as lighter delights like crushed avocado and eggs with kiln smoked Severn and Wye salmon or buckwheat and rye pancakes with berries, granola and coconut yoghurt.
The low-down
Slap bang in the centre of this quaint market down with delicious food and drink and a smart yet chilled vibe, get to The Georgian, Coppa Club before everyone else hears about it.
Rooms can be booked from £90 for two people sharing a double room on a B&B basis on coppaclub.co.uk/the-georgian/.
Pre-March 2022, I would not have considered a staycation in the United Kingdom, given a general preconception of poor value for money offered by the hospitality industry. However, the last 2 year have shown us, that our hotel industry has seriously upped its game and have pumped countless pounds into its facilities to make them world-class. A case in point is my recent visit to Galgorm in Northern Ireland which is a mere half an hour from Belfast. With the recent airport issues, flying to Belfast is a much safer bet than flying further afield with countless flights from numerous British airports daily. (Although, saying that, I am still liaising with British Airways to claim compensation for a cancelled Belfast flight).
Travelling from Belfast to Galgorm is the opposite of the M4 Heathrow experience. Rolling green meadows and towering trees greet your arrival and if you want an even more VIP experience, arrange for one of their Rolls Royce Phantoms to pick you up from the airport. The long gardened drive up to the reception area sets the scene for a regal experience even if the front of the hotel building seems deceptively unassuming. There are over 163 acres of serene woodland for you to discover.
What immediately catches the eye is the picturesque beauty of the River Maine, which flows through the estate and the immaculately manicured flora which blooms on the estate. The resort used to be a very important local mill hence why the river plays such an important role on the estate. The hotel has been expanding exponentially with the boom in staycations and offers hotel rooms, shepherd’s huts, cottage suites, log cabins, residences and treehouses. The core of their business is the 125 hotel rooms divided into suites, deluxe and superior rooms. The rooms are extremely spacious ranging from 32 m² to 122 m². Most have impeccable views of the scenic river. Whilst the complimentary minibar is always a crowd-pleaser including local craft beers. You know it’s a no-expenses-spared experience when you find Aromatherapy Associate amenities, Dyson heater/fan and Marshall Bluetooth speaker. The king-sized beds offer a pure blissful sleeping experience with their King Koil mattresses.
There is no shortage of dining options to choose from including The River Room, one of only 4 restaurants in Northern Ireland to be offered 3 AA Rosettes. And options for Italian food lovers at Fratelli Ristorante, options for meat lovers at Gillies Grill and a gastropub experience at Castle Kitchen + Bar. The latter I would particularly recommend if you want a little trip outside of the estate, as it’s situated at the Galgorm Castle Golf Club and the hotel will provide complimentary transportation to and from the restaurant. Whilst the Gillies Grill is also well worth visiting, not just because they source some of the finest cuts of Irish aged steaks but they also have Asian twists on their meat-heavy menu. Their bang bang chicken with a hypnotic mix of sweet chilli, soy and satay is a guilty pleasure to savour.
The jewel in the crown of Galgorm is their thermal spa village. Calling it a village is a very apt description of their facilities with every possible spa experience under the sun available. This is not an exhaustive list but includes Celtic sauna infusion, snow cabin, sanarium, snail shower, the salt cave, Beltane hot tubs, saunas and pools. You can enjoy an exclusive individual hot tub relaxation session right by the river and this is the kind of restorative therapy that can take away every scintilla of stress from your body.
If you want to enjoy professional spa treatments, make sure you book well in advance as their slots do book up very quickly. Highly recommended are their opulent aromatherapy massage on a heated massage bed and the anti-aging skinceuticals expert skin-specific facial. With the former, they will even give your recommended regular treatment suggestions to ensure you reap the full benefits.
If you looking for a wellness escape, Galgorm is the place to check out with their world-class thermal spa village. It is a one-of-a-kind experience in Ireland and great value for money with what they are offering.
Rooms are from £195 per night including breakfast
You can book an individual hot tub in its secluded riverside spot to enjoy an hour soaking in the freshwater and watching the local wildlife with a bottle of fizz for £80.
Whatever pre-conceived notions you may have of what a Greek holiday may look like, think again, because a holiday at any one of the MarBella Corfu, part of the MarBella Collection hotels will surely go beyond all of your expectations.
Forget the blue and white-tinged architecture that comes to mind when envisioning a Greek holiday, because Corfu, which is a blend of Greek, Venetian and even Turkish influences is anything but. Corfu old town, which at first glance looks like a city in Tuscany (thanks to the 400-year Venetian occupation of the region), offers lesser-known Greek history, culture and flavors – but is well worth the exploration.
Just 30 minutes from the town is MarBella Corfu, a sun-soaked Mediterranean paradise in a world of its own. The hotel is located in the beautiful Agios Ionannis Peristeron, which is characterised by tranquil waters and gently curved coastlines, and could not be better placed as a quintessential Greek paradise.
MarBella Corfu is vast with endless outdoor spaces, restaurants and amenities that cater to its diverse clientele. This includes pools a plenty, a spa, a tennis court, a fully-equipped fitness centre with plenty of classes to choose from, exclusive excursions and a new aqua park. There’s plenty to feast on here for adventure-seeking guests looking to go beyond the ‘fly and flop’ holidays that the Med has become synonymous with.
The over-300 room hotel is spread across the hillside and has generously-sized rooms all offering incredible views of the Ionian sea. We stayed in one of the superior suites, which came with a glorious wraparound balcony and private hot tub, a perfect complement the mild chill of evenings in the Med.
MarBella Corfu has four restaurants which include a main buffet style restaurant, a Greek, Italian and newly-opened pan-Asian and French style restaurants. There is also a beach club in a private man-made beach, that is the perfect spot to relish in the gentle lapping of the waves of the Ionian sea.
The fabulously family-friendly hotel offers great value and visitors who take the Ultra All-Inclusive package means families can relax and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at any of the hotels food & beverage establishments for €69 per person.
After spending the day by the pool, exploring nearby Paxos in a private yacht, or maybe indulging in a pampering treatment at the spa, venture into the hotel lobby for some live music and dancing, that brings the hotel’s diverse cast of guests together. There is a sense of community here, helped by the friendliness and efficiency of the staff, and the magic of this place. It is clear that while guests book a stay at MarBella Corfu for the sun and sea, they come back because they become part of the MarBella family.
