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Hotels & Spas

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A part of the Small Luxury Hotels, what MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas may lack in size, it certainly makes up for in class.

Located just beside the larger-than-life MarBella Corfu, MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas is an adult only boutique that adds romance and elegance to any Greek holiday.

This intimate hillside hotel was inspired by a traditional ‘Corfiote’ or Greek Villa and is filled with inviting home touches that makes it feel less like a hotel and more like the stylish holiday home of a beloved family friend. Check-in is done at the beautifully appointed orangerie, complete with a flight of Corfu-themed welcome drinks – a great first impression and a precursor to the kind of attention to detail that would define our fantastic stay.

Like the name suggests, there isn’t a main building at MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas. Instead the villas are scattered across the hill and guests are shuffled around in buggies that climb the zig-zagged cliffside. We stayed in the Junior Suite, which was beautifully designed, blending rich textiles with traditional patterned tiling, a large, free-standing bath and panoramic sea views for days. The Junior Suite was a glorious retreat and filled with an air of serenity. So much so, it was hard to leave.

Outside, we had a breath-taking veranda, complete with private hot tub, that always stayed at just the right temperature. Two small bottles of Greek wines greeted us and the rosé was a delicious complement to a sunny afternoon spent on the veranda.

Aquavit, the hotel’s poolside restaurant, is also an excellent spot for lunch, with incredible views of the bay, while the Ala Carte restaurant offered some elevated classics that would impress even the most discerning connoisseur. As part of the hotel’s half-board or full-board package, both breakfast and dinner is served at the main buffet style restaurant.

Don’t let the word ‘buffet’ fool you, because if there was ever such as a thing as ‘fine dining buffet’ it would surely be this. Here, guests can enjoy dinner by candle light overlooking the sea below, while being tantalised by the culinary sensations available. Live mandolin music adds drama to breakfast, so you can enjoy your pancakes in a rarefied atmosphere unlike anything else on the Greek peninsula.

One of the advantages of staying in a boutique hotel over a larger property is the bespoke service. However, the team at Nido, led by General Manager Amarylise takes this up a notch – to astounding effect.

Amarylise knows every guest by name and often greets guests as they come for dinner. F&B Manager Achilles greets you with a smile (and a fistbump) whenever you visit the main restaurant, and the Head Chef will go above and beyond to cater to even the most exacting dietary requirements.

Heinz Troll photoshooting May 2018

Even going so far as to taking this picky eater through all the buffet items that I could have and making specially made desserts that were dairy, egg and gluten-free (a challenge for any pastry chef at short notice).

With amazing, truly personal service like this, it is easy to see why MarBella Nido is part of small luxury hotels and a firm favourite of honeymooners looking to create magical moments in a destination that is simply a cut above the rest.

For more information visit marBella.gr

MarBella Elix may be a bit of a treck away from Corfu and sister properties MarBella Corfu and MarBella Nido, but is well worth the visit especially for travellers looking to get lost in Corfu’s majestic natural landscapes.

The hotel blends modern architecture with natural materials and sits discretely atop a pine-forested hill. Unlike other hotels, MarBella Elix benefits from a unique location that blends fresh mountain air with sandy beaches, offering the best of both worlds in terms of Parga’s unique topography, which is located in the mainland across from Corfu.

Heinz Troll photoshooting October 2020

From the outside looking in, the hotel’s decidedly modern façade looks like it could be the final stage of the latest Bond Film. Inside, you will see a subtle blend of Greek, alpine and even Turkish touches – that is sleek, sexy yet approachable.

A live olive tree sits in the middle of the lobby and serves as a metaphor for the hotel’s indoor meets outdoor design concept. Here, the lines are blurred – and you are never quite sure where MarBella Elix ends and nature begins.

We stayed in one of the hotel’s generously-sized superior suites. The suite is understated and contemporary, yet features some welcome cultural touches like Turkish tapestries decorating the walls, and the fabulous hand-crafted wooden headboards and wardrobes. Our large balcony overlooks the Karavostasi beach and offers breath-taking views of the Ionian Coast.

In fact, every room at MarBella Elix offers the same sea incredible sea views, regardless if you are in the standard room of the amazing two-story terraza suite.

The Terrazza Suite, the crème de la crème of suites at MarBella Elix, is a sight to behold. Double height ceilings, a generously-sized bathroom and the most incredible infinity pool we have seen will welcome guests here looking to elevate their visit to Parga. Priced at around €500 during low season and over €1000 at high season, the infinity pool alone is worth splashing out.

MarBella Elix has three restaurants, each inspired by a different colour. Saffron is the main buffet restaurant and takes its name from the rare spice; Indigo is inspired by the colour of the hotel’s incredible infinity pool, Black Pearl the fine dining restaurant that welcomes a rotating roster of star chefs, and Aquamarine – the beach club. Each one offering a different colour and flavour perspective to Mediterranean cuisine.

The hotel’s show-stopper is of course the incredible pool deck. Located on the sixth floor, and home to three different pools, this is the perfect spot to luxuriate under the Mediterranean sun. On a clear day, you will even see the nearby islands of Paxos, Antipaxos and Corfu.

While MarBella Elix may be a bit more isolated in terms of location, there’s certainly no end of things to do to entertain guests. We recommend doing a fitness class with Chrysa, the hotel’s resident fitness expert, on the outdoor viewing deck. Because whether you’re doing a relaxing sunrise yoga session, or sweating it out with a HIIT workout – I can promise you won’t find a better backdrop for a workout anywhere else in the world.

For those looking for more exclusive experiences, search for Stamatis in reception. MarBella Elix offers a curated range of exclusive experiences that will certainly make any stay at Elix unforgettable.

For more information visit marBella.gr

With pet ownership on the rise in the UK, we’re looking to fill our summer weekends with endless staycations with our four-legged pals.

From Scottish castles, to cosy inns and even lakeside cabins – we’ve rounded up some of the best dog-friendly staycations in the UK so you can plan all your summer holidays, #TeamCocopup style.

The Bradley Hare, Wiltshire

The Bradley Hare, located in the charming village of Maiden Bradley in southwest Wiltshire, is a cosy country Inn that opened in 2021. Perfect for all your cottage core fanatics, The Bradley Hare has twelve homely and is located on the Duke of Somerset’s idyllic Estate.

The inn offers elevated countryside interiors and was designed by James Thurstan Waterworth, ex-European Design Director for Soho House. The Coach House is filled with cosy home from home details, with certain rooms featuring glorious freestanding baths. No to mention, all five bedrooms in the Coach House are all dog-friendly.

You can take their four legged friends out on relaxing strolls (and zoomies) around the estate or in the romantic 18th century Stourhead gardens. What’s more, all dogs will be treated as well as their owners with some delicious dog treats in their bedrooms too – hurray!

HOW: Weekend rates will start from £150 per room per night including breakfast. Dogs are allowed in the bar area of the Pub, the Skittle Alley, and all outside areas. For more information visit www.thebradleyhare.co.uk

Image by Emily Hunt

Glenapp Castle, Scotland

Glenapp Castle is a fabulously dog-friendly, 21-bedroom luxurious castle hotel tucked away on the breath-taking Ayrshire coast, Scotland. The castle is hidden away in 110 acres of stunning gardens and local woodland. It’s easy to get lost within the Castle’s extensive grounds or escape to the majestic Scottish countryside for long walks and beautiful views of Ailsa Craig and Northern Ireland – it really is the perfect dog-friendly escape! All furry friends will receive a welcome pack of specially selected doggie treats, bedding and bowls for both food and water. Glenapp Castle can even arrange a dog sitting on request, for those who want to take part in one of the 65 indoor and outdoor activities on offer.

Glenapp Castle has four spacious dog-friendly rooms at the castle. All of which have access to the gardens outside – which is ideal for late night doggy business. The hotel doesn’t allow dogs in the castle restaurant or the drawing room (where food is being served), but dogs are more than welcome to explore the grounds and take a swim in the glen. Guests can also take their four-legged friend along to the star-gazing activities on offer at the hotel. Wrap up in a warm blanket with your dog for a magical evening beneath the stars.

HOW: Guests can stay in one of Glenapp Castle’s Garden View Suites from £470 on a B&B basis. Dog-owners staying at the hotel will be required to pay a £25 housekeeping charge. www.glenappcastle.com / 01465 831212 For more information on dog friendly stays click here.

Castle Hotel Windsor, Francis Hotel BathQueens Hotel Cheltenham

Doggies are part of the family at Castle Hotel Windsor, Francis Hotel Bath and the Queens Hotel Cheltenham. Located in some of the UK’s most historic towns and cities, these M Gallery hotels are situated in the heart of their destinations, just a stone’s throw away from sought-after attractions, cultural activities and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Francis Hotel Bath is set in the heart of Bath and is a luxury 98-room boutique hotel has a contemporary interior design and beautiful outdoor terrace for alfresco dining and drinks. Queens Hotel Cheltenham is one of the first purpose-built hotels in Europe, while Castle Hotel Windsor was established as one of Windsor’s finest boutique properties steeped in history dating back to 1528.

The hotels are delighted to welcome up-to two well-trained dogs per room, for a cost of £30 per dog per day. Paw-fect hotel amenities include bowls, feeding mats, treats, beds and poop bags as well as specially-chosen doggie walking routes to discover the best of each town or city. These pampered pooches will surely enjoy their stay just as much as their owners do.

T&C’s: Dog friendly room reservations must be made in advance. Cost is £30.00 per doggie, per night. Please note that no dogs are to be left unattended in the hotel, grounds or car park and there are no pets allowed in the restaurant, lounge and bar areas, however they are welcome to dine with guests in the alfresco dining spaces.

HOW: Rates at Francis Hotel Bath start from £139.00 inclusive of breakfast // Rates at Castle Hotel Windsor start from £154.00 inclusive of breakfast // Rates at Queens Hotel Cheltenham start from £117.00 inclusive of breakfast. For more information and to book please visit: Francishotel.com //castlehotelwindsor.com // queenshotelcheltenham.com

Kylesku Hotel, Sutherland

Kylesku is a beautiful, 11-bedroom boutique hotel in the northwest Scottish Highlands, specialising in ultra-local seafood, meats and produce. The hotel is a magical haven surrounded by sea lochs, dramatic peaks and rolling hills. Whilst its well-renowned restaurant brings in many guests from all around the country, a stay here will truly make guests feel as if they are escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

This stunning highlands hotel is located along the North Coast 500 route and is totally remote, surrounded by stunning views, dramatic landscapes, and beautiful beaches – perfect for sea-loving doggos like TeamCocopup Charlie.

All 11 rooms at Kylesku Hotel are dog-friendly and dogs of all sizes are welcome. Pooches will receive a great welcome at Kylesku Hotel and will be provided with their own “doggy pack” which includes a feeding mat, a towel for drying off after adventures at the beach, a jar of dog biscuits, “poo bags” and a map of all the best places to go for dogwalks.

HOW: From £147 for 2 guests including breakfast and it is £15 per dog, per night / www.kyleskuhotel.co.uk / /www.highlandcoasthotels.com

The Royal Golf Hotel, Dornoch

Surrounded by the well-trimmed rolling green, beautiful seascapes and scented gorse, The Royal Golf Hotel, Dornoch is not just a golfers’ paradise, but also the perfect spot for pampered pooches.

With beautiful golden sand beaches, heather filled moors and woodland areas on all sides, there are plenty of dog-friendly activities nearby for everyone to enjoy whilst staying at the dog-friendly Royal Golf Hotel. Water dogs like TeamCocopup will love a stay at Royal Golf Hotel Dornoch with miles upon miles of golden sand with deep blue water and fresh sea air to enjoy at Dornoch beach.

Dogs are allowed in all guest rooms, as well as the reception and bar if it is not too busy. Doggie bags and baskets are also available on request for extra good pups.

HOW: From £129 for 2 guests including breakfast and it is £15 per dog, per night / www.royalgolfhoteldornoch.co.uk/www.highlandcoasthotels.com

Habitat Escapes – Lower Mill Estate and Silverlake

Habitat Escapes, which is the official holiday company for Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds and Silverlake in Dorset, certainly gets the TeamCocopup seal of approval. It offers a range of pet friendly properties from cottages to lakeside homes ensuring that guests can holiday in style with their four legged friends.

Walkies at Habitat Escapes will surely get dogs’ tails wagging. Both sites are nature reserves sprawled over hundreds of acres. The scenic reserves are perfect for guests and their dogs to explore, allowing pets to run free, collect sticks, and splash in streams. Dogs will need to be kept on leads in certain areas of both estates to help protect wildlife but in the woodlands, heathlands and fields dogs can roam free. Dog friendly houses at Lower Mill Estate include the Barn Owl and Rowan Cottage.

HOW: Stay at Barn Owl for two nights from £1,029. The property is pet friendly and sleeps up to eight guests.

HOW: Stay at Rowan Cottage for two nights from £819. The property is pet friendly, and sleeps up to six guests.

For more information and to book, please visit www.habitatescapes.com

Our sleep has a huge impact on our wellbeing. Lack of sleep can leave us mentally and physically drained and a chronic lack of it puts you at greater risk of obesity and developing health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Since the loss of my dad last year, I have had an up and down relationship with sleep, so when The Langham, London invited me down to road test their new sleep wellness package I packed my suitcase quicker than you can say goodnight.

One in three of us struggle with their sleep which is why Langham Hospitality Group has developed a comprehensive global sleep wellness programme in conjunction with the World Sleep Society. The new Sleep Matters programme focuses on the holistic benefits of sleep providing solutions from white noise sleep machines to wellness rituals and bedtime advice to help you get a good night’s rest.

The Langham, London is super stylish and situated within walking distance of Oxford Circus. This impressive property is perfect for a luxury five-star, city break. Inside the vibe is glamorous and opulent. As soon as you enter the grand lobby you are faced with huge dramatic chandeliers and marble columns. Beautiful flower arrangements adorn the lobby and after a swift check in I am shown up to my suite.

The Suite at The Langham, London

My suite is like a sleep haven and kitted out with a selection of goodies to help ensure I get the best night’s sleep. The décor inside is contemporary and clean, there’s lots of natural light and it’s spacious. In the corner of my room is the Mirror screen by ZENi, a virtual personal trainer that offers 10,000 classes on demand with a workout to suit you. Studies show that a light workout consisting of stretching and meditative moves like yoga help to improve sleep quality. There’s an OTO sleep pack full of CBD products and expert tips on how to get more healthy sleep.

If you are booked in a suite or Executive Room you get access to The Langham Club, an exclusive, residents-only sanctuary where you can enjoy complimentary drinks and cocktails with a selection of Hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie and cheese platters.

I was booked into Chuan Wellness Spa for a full body Harmony massage, designed to stimulate meridian harmony. This unique mind, body and soul experience uses the therapeutic elements of acupressure with various relaxation massage techniques to induce a deep sense of calm. It successfully hits the spot as I drift off to sleep just 15 minutes in. The therapist gently wakes me with an Elemental tea to compliment my treatment. The delicious combination of rose petal, hibiscus, and pepper is to help enhance my fire element. I float out of the spa and ditch exploring the West End in favour of a relaxing afternoon in my suite.

After an aperitif in The Langham Club, I head to Palm Court for dinner. Cream leather booths, ceiling to floor wall art and a plethora of chandelier and glass lighting gives the place a dazzling, Art-Deco feel. The service is slick and attentive. Dining at Palm Court is both relaxed and sophisticated. The menu is inspired by the grand cafés of Europe and uses the finest seasonal and local ingredients. I opted for a succulent steak served with greens, it was delicious. I decided to have desert back in my room so I could make the most of the sleep package.

Guests have access to a Sleep Matters Menu, which allows you to order a selection of wellness-related items during your stay, including a yoga mat and fitness ball for pre-sleep stretching; weighted blankets, a selection of pillow options and white noise sleep machines and in selected locations, Chuan elemental oils and lavender bath products for a restful soak before bedtime.

When I return to my room, I’m greeted with a chill out playlist, specially curated to help me relax. My Sleep Matters Turndown Kit includes herbal tea, branded ear plugs, pillow spray, cushioned sleep mask and Sleep Tips Cards courtesy of World Sleep Society.

After spraying my pillow and drinking my herbal tea I settled into my bed for the night. So did I get a good night’s kip? I drifted off quickly and woke up once during the night however, I managed to get straight back to sleep which I don’t often do.

The Sleep Matters package is available at global outposts of the The Langham. You can book The Langham, London Sleep Matters, Refresh and Renew Package from £800 per night for a double occupancy room. This includes:

  • Luxury accommodation
  • Daily revitalizing breakfast
  • One 60 minute Chuan Harmony massage
  • CBD OTO Mini Sleep Collections pack
  • Yoga mat or Fitness Bag in all rooms, subject to availability
  • Fitness Mirror if booking suites, subject to availability
  • Turndown amenities, including earplugs and pillow mist in all rooms and sleep masks in suites.
  • Late checkout, upon availability

North Norfolk has been cropping up more regularly in destination columns over the past few years, especially when ‘staycation’ became the buzzword of whatever that dark year was. Famed for its vast beaches, big skys, flint-built villages and pubs aplenty, it is no wonder why. I have always had a love/hate relationship with the place. Once I had ‘flown the nest’ and left for uni my parents decided Norfolk seemed like a good place to relocate to now they were child free and could spend their time doing things that child free parents do – country show committees, owning far too many chickens, an attempt at side saddle etc etc. Furious at being plucked from the safe bosom of the home counties where I had spent my adolescence, the thought of long summer holidays mooching around fields, miles away from any friends quite frankly, sucked. Thank god for lascivious gamekeeper’s is all I have to say. Once the university years were over I remained firmly rooted in London, refusing to leave the warmth of my smog blanket for such harsh easterly winds unless absolutely necessary. Fast forward ten years and as the gods would have it, I have ended up residing in Suffolk, the irony is not lost on me and despite Mummy Dearest being a mere forty minutes away, just over the border, there has been something stopping me from taking the trip, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it… until now.

I have been hearing murmurings of The Harper for the last year or so. I appear to have found myself in the socio economic group where midweek mini breaks and weekend staycations are par for the course; a quick reset in an environment loaded with food, wine and outdoor pursuits so we are free to fling around the hashtag #it’sallaboutbalance on social media. My instagram saved folder is full of such places that I absolutely must frequent. I hoard them to discuss with my gal pals over a chilled glass of Gris as I once did with football cards and Yazoo strawberry milk. So you can imagine my excitement when the stars finally aligned and The Harper visit was coming to fruition.

Driving across the border from Suffolk (its flatter, slightly more industrial and grizzly counterpart) something strange happened: instead of that sinking feeling I was half expecting, my fresh eyes that were here out of choice rather than duty could understand what my parents fell in love with all those years ago. Norfolk is bloody beautiful. Turning off the A47 – the last of the main roads that connects the outpost villages to some sort of semblance of civilization, I was back on the familiar single track lanes that had filled me with adrenaline in my early twenties. Reaching the passing places and allowing the sugar beet lorries to pass, getting stuck behind a tractor and accepting this is my fate now, might die here, might not, fields of pigs everywhere and if you get really lucky, a loose piglet causing absolute havoc. And the expanse, the sheer expanse of skies and fields with nothing but a lone barn breaking the two – there really is something special about this county and before even stepping foot in the hotel, my soul was beginning to feel rested. It is not very often that the journey somewhere sets you up perfectly for the next couple of days ahead but lo and behold, taking in the views, the quaint villages andthe working farms, by the time google maps had informed me I had arrived, I was blissed out and ready to relax.

Stepping into a leafy oasis that is The Harper’s reception area.

Stepping into The Harper you are greeted with the warmest of welcomes and feel that you have been here a million times before, there is a warmth exuding from both the building and the front of house team that swaddles you. It is hard not to notice the level of detail and finishing touches that are just about everywhere like a basket full of clean dog towels, an empty one next to it ready for the dirty. Shoe racks loaded with wellies for those ready to take in the North Norfolk Coastal path. Local art and curated trinkets begging to be taken home with you. There is a feel of a members club but without the high price tag or fear of being asked to close your laptop.

Pups catered for.

Even the dirty ones.

Checking into my room I was greeted by a huge four poster bed, you know, one of those that you absolutely want to jump on but every adult fiber in your body is pleading with your inner child to keep it together. My room had a juliette balcony looking over the enclosed courtyard, a mini bar loaded with Edmunds cocktails – a fantastic local supplier – a gorgeous huge desk complete with Angle Poise boasting the exact set up for any discerning writer to smash out their next column and above it, a HUGE TV preloaded with every streaming service known to mankind. Should I sit and write the thousand word article on Mother’s Day my editor is waiting for, or indulge in a The Walking Dead marathon? Tough call.

I believe it’s always a good sign when you also can’t decide if you want to explore the hotel or stay in your STUNNING room and pretend this is actually your home, but thankfully the decision was made for me as I had a very important meeting with a facialist.

The Harper houses a small, intimate spa area, again another characteristic that lulls you into thinking this hotel is actually a very nice home. As you are collected from your room by your therapist, whisked across the courtyard – given the exact right amount of time to not feel too self conscious in your robe but just enough to clock that delicious looking cocktail someone is drinking and make a mental note to order one later – taken into a perfectly tranquil treatment room (which can be set up for two), every last stress seeps from your body and you know, this is going to be good. And it did not disappoint, with a treatment menu created by Irene Forte skincare – lauded as the ‘New Natural’, a therapist who had the hands of an angel and zero pot bellied buddhas or whale music, I left relaxed, rejuvenated and most importantly GLOWING. The spa also includes an indoor pool looking out onto the courtyard and bathed in natural light, a jacuzzi and a sauna. The spa area needs to be pre-booked at reception – you are allocated a slot with your guest – this is an overhang from the dreaded C word but worked so well they decided to keep the system. A private spa with your nearest and dearest without any worry of who you will be sitting in a jacuzzi with, yes please. Given the size of the hotel (32 rooms) availability is good, you just need to be organised and the organisation pays off when you feel like the Queen you truly are doing backstroke without cannoning into another guest, or if you are my way inclined, setting up a private photo shoot, each to their own. Insider tip – try and book an early morning slot, the way the sun shines in is absolutely stunning and we all know it’s all about the lighting.

Jacuzzi for one.

Solo pool time.

Treatment room ready.

Feeling refreshed, it was time to head to The Bar. A low lit, intimate area providing nooks and corners for whispered flirtations or huge velvet sofas for group congregations. The Harper is full of areas varying from cosy to cavernous, just waiting to get lost in. It is worth noting that The Harper is only accessible for residents and so it never feels too busy even when at capacity, the ratio of space to guests is well thought out and exudes an air of luxury. The Bar is the perfect setting to take in a cocktail before heading upstairs to Stanleys, the onsite restaurant that boasts ‘fine dining without the flippery’. The menu champions local, seasonal produce and of course seafood. With a section dedicated to dishes cooked on the Josper – a charcoal oven – and a wine list suitable for the gods, I knew this evening was going to end in a swollen belly and a fuzzy head and I was absolutely ready for it. Smoked crevettes with a wild garlic aioli that were so unbelievably delicious, I ordered them again the next day – I never do this! A Norfolk Estate 20oz ribeye (to share… begrudgingly), parmesan & truffle beef dripping chips, bearnaise – need I go on? You know those pigs I was talking about earlier? I was one of them, in s**t. I finished with waffles topped with Baron Bigod, local honey and truffle which I categorically did not need but absolutely lapped up. The jeans were undone. I have no regrets.

It was time to retire to Ivys… yes, yet another area of sheer indulgence, luxury, taste and places to get lost in. A vaulted loft area comprising of seating pockets surrounding coffee tables laden the most beautifully curated books showcasing the works of Hockney, Hirst and cataloguing the best stage outfits of Mick Jagger and David Bowie – you don’t have to be an art collector to appreciate the works laid out in front of you. If book flicking isn’t your thing, there are towers of board games, libraries of paper backs and most importantly a self-serve wine machine that allows you to insert your room key and sample the most popular wines on the list without the need of a waiter meaning, you can keep sipping into the small hours. This is also a fantastic way to try wines that may be out of your price bracket or your comfort zone. They truly have thought of everything.

Self serve wine.

The next morning, loaded up on the most decadent of breakfasts, it was time to blow those wine-tinged cobwebs away and head for a coastal walk – a mere five minute drive and we were in Cley, a village famed for its views and iconic windmill. I can’t quite be sure if it was orchestrated or luck but we stumbled upon a man gathering reeds to make thatch and a woman painting a watercolour, all with the backdrop of the windmill and the sea and it was honestly the most Norfolk thing I have ever seen. I digress, taking in the expanse of the marshes as we traversed to Blakeney – this is a bird watcher’s paradise and, at the right time of year, the perfect spot to see the seals – tours are available – landing in Blakeney, it would be rude not to visit Two Magpies, a bakery making waves in the Norfolk and Suffolk food scene. A quick pit stop, a stroke of a dog and on we mooched to Morston – a typical Norfolk coastal village, very instagrammable, very quaint and the perfect spot for a pub lunch before heading back to The Harper. With a few hours to spare until the last supper and the sun well and truly on our side, a bottle of rose in the courtyard seemed the right thing to do. It was at this point where you could have confused this North Norfolk bolt hole for a Tuscan terrace – sitting under the olive tree, basking in the sun, sipping chilled wine. This is the stuff that repairs the overworked and overstressed.

Our final night saw us return to Stanleys before slipping away to The Den, yet another area we were yet to discover. Exposed brick walls, huge leather sofas, a pool table, a mere short corridor from the all important bar but if that was too much, one of the trusty wine dispensers has also been housed here. This is the place you while away the hours, new friendships are forged, new pool champions are made, relationships are strengthened and headaches may or may not be birthed – but they are totally worth it.

I don’t think I have ever been so sad to leave a place as I was The Harper, to the point I cancelled a day of meetings and worked from the courtyard for a further six hours. What they have done there is truly magic and the perfect escape to reset, recharge, detox and then subsequently retox – please note, the retox element is not mandatory.

What you need to know :

  • Rooms start at £190
  • The hotel is dog friendly but no pups in the restaurant
  • It is pretty isolated so driving is a must
  • Residents only so service is on point and no overcrowding
  • Food is available all day and can be eaten anywhere within the grounds.

You can find out more about The Harper here.

Hotel d’Inghilterra has always been the hotel of choice for Rome’s movers and shakers as well as Hollywood stars for the past 160 years. The beautiful building has a history that dates back to the sixteenth century and was originally the guest quarters for visitors to the palazzo directly across the cobbled street, belonging to the noble Torlonia family. Hotel d’Inghilterra takes its name from the poet John Keats who, together with Lord Byron and Shelley, made it their top destination when visiting the city on their grand tours.

Aristocrats and celebrities alike have entered through the soaring grand doors, paused in the breathtaking lobby and dined in the suave bar and restaurant. From Hans Christian Andersen to Henry James, Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, Elizabeth Taylor and Gregory Peck. If walls could talk. Nestled in the historic quarter in the centre of Italy’s capital, just a stone’s throw from the Spanish Steps, the property has been a stalwart for Roman society and is a timeless luxury hotel in the Eternal City.

84 rooms and suites are each seeped with their own style, identity and charm and each offer 24-hour room service. The decor is elegantly put together with antique furnishings and contemporary finishes, creating the perfect synergy of majestic meets modern. For an additional dose of decadence, book one of the Executive or Penthouse Suites, renowned for being some of the most iconic hotel rooms in Rome. The Executive Suite boasts a luxury furnished dining room, a lavish bathtub and sauna, two bathrooms in total, an ultra-comfortable pillow menu, sitting area, kitchenette, dressing room and a French balcony offering soaring views over the rust-coloured ornate Roman roofs. The exquisite Penthouse Suite offers an enormous private terrace with views over the city, the ideal spot for a private dinner or sunset cocktail. When dust descends, Hotel d’Inghilterra also offers a panoramic rooftop overlooking the city.

The best way to get tips and tricks for the day ahead is to eavesdrop on conversations at Café Romano where sensational breakfasts and steaming coffees are served up on monochrome tables that spill out onto the street. Discerning guests who know Rome like the back of their hands discuss those under the radar historic monuments, authentic espresso bars in Trastevere and off the beaten track restaurants peddling the best pasta in Lazio. Café Romano also serves dinner and is filled with epicureans seeking delicious Mediterranean cuisine as well as a selection of local delicacies.

The restaurant is perfectly positioned for watching the lively Via Borgognona and admiring elegant Romans sauntering past on their way to an Aperitivo hour in the afternoon. For additional expert information into the best sites, restaurants and shopping spots in the city, the hotel’s multi-lingual concierge team are on hand to fulfill every wish.

With a major renovation in 2022 but with its soul remaining intact, a new wave of guests will experience the beautiful hotel for the first time with a new look, as well as devoted visitors who venture back to Rome and stay at Hotel d’Inghilterra, time after time.

Superior Rooms at Hotel d’Inghilterra Roma​ are priced from Euro 326 per room per night on a bed and breakfast basis. www.starhotelscollezione.com

Preferred Hotel Group, one of the world’s biggest hotel groups, has launched Beyond Green, a collection of luxury and boutique hotels that are putting sustainability at the heart of everything they do.

Beyond Green by Preferred Hotel Group is a diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, and lodges offering a range of guest experiences in unique locations around the world. The project believes that traveling well, and with intention, can be a powerful force for renewing our planet and enhancing the lives of all its people – and we are all for it.

Beyond Green is all about inspiring renewal for planet and people and each member hotel demonstrates their commitment to sustainable leaderships through action and impact. From protecting cultural heritage to environmental and conservation stewardship, these hotels are fully engaged in minimising their carbon footprints. Collectively, the member hotels are helping to rewild more than six million acres of wildlife in both land and sea. This includes the conservation of endangered species too.

Here are ten of our favourite hotels from Beyond Green, because true luxury travel is good for the planet too.

Cavello Point, United States

Bushman’s Kloof, South Africa

Miavana by Time + Tide, Madagascar

Islas Secas, Panama

Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia

Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize

andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia

Xigera Safari Lodge, Botswana

The Brando, French Polynesia

andBeyond Vira Vira, Chile

Paris knows that you are going to fall in love with her no matter how hard you try to resist and I’ve always thought this rather presumptuous …

The city of light was calling to me after I had been miserable in dark and gloomy England for too long and so I booked myself a hotel, agreed to a date, and set off to see if I could be a Paris convert once and for all. With the pandemic finally over, I was willing to put my penchant for cynicism to one side for one weekend and willingly allow the city to seduce me. I needed to see if it was truly worth the hype.

To up the ante, I stayed right on the Champs-Élysées with the dramatic Arc de Triomphe in full view. The beautiful hotel was called Fraser Suites Le Claridge Champs-Elysées and was the perfect base in the city and within walking distance of the romantic Tuileries Garden and Place de la Concorde. I was greeted with sensational views of the Champs-Elysées from my private apartment as well as rose petals and chocolates – tick, tick! I took a moment to calm my nerves before my date in the typically French patio right in the centre of the aparthotel which felt like a complete oasis as the sun was going down, just moments from one of the busiest and most famous streets in the world.

With my chicest outfit I could bundle together on, I was ready to go. First up on the date was coffee (the key to my heart) and sharing a chocolate mousse (amen) at Les Deux Magots, truly an exceptional start. Watching rather aloof Parisians ping straight back to life at five o’clock after rushes of caffeine and chocolate was something I didn’t know I needed.

I know now that what I had been missing in previous trips to France was being shown around by a local. I received no eye rolls from waiters as a result of my terrible pronunciation, no sniff for obviously wearing a beret facetiously. I kept uncharacteristically quiet as my French language skills are très awful and was elated by how differently everyone at the restaurants and bars treated us when they thought I was Parisien. Maybe my outfit was chic?

First glass of wine down and people think I am French? Suddenly the standoffish demeanour of fellow diners, taxi drivers and Seine walkers was incredibly endearing and sincere. These are my people. Next up was Le Relais de l’Entrecôte for delicious steak and bottomless frites where we sat cheek by jowl with hungry chattering Parisiens. So far the date was going well but I couldn’t help but think how much my girlfriends would laugh at now hard I was trying to blend in and I had to physically restrain myself from calling them in fits of laughter from the bathroom, looking in the mirror and sternly saying ‘no mademoiselle’ to myself in a French accent. The dessert course consisted of me pretending to be purely focused on the profiteroles but in fact I was mapping out my next trip to the city with my flatmate back home in a month’s time, little did she or indeed he (my date) know. I had fallen in love with suddenly possessing this insider knowledge and having at least two good spots to take people, all thanks to the handsome Parisien man sitting opposite me and generously leaving me all the chocolate sauce.

After dinner, I wasn’t head over heels with Paris just yet and slightly craved the buzziness and eclectic vibe of London on a Saturday night but after we walked off our feast the stars were twinkling and I knew that the lights of the Eiffel Tower would definitely break me. My date told me to wait until it was right on the hour for the lights to beginng to sparkle (another great insider tip). I grabbed my phone, ready for the insta moment and a notification from my best friend transferring me £20 popped up with the message ‘I love your plan this weekend, you go girl, get yourself some pink Champagne’. I was sold, I ran to the nearest shop, bought some bubbles and popped them underneath the Eiffel Tower like the embarrassing tourist I am. Have you ever been kissed thinking you were in a movie with flashing lights all around wearing a beret at midnight? I would highly recommend it. Cheesey? Yes. But maybe we all need a little fromage after the last two years, the stronger the better.

Fraser Suites Le Claridge Champs-Elysées, Paris

Fraser Suites Le Claridge Champs-Elysées, Paris features fully-furnished luxury serviced residences, complimentary Wi-Fi access, with rooms ranging from deluxe and premier suites to one and two-bedroom apartments. Rates start from €320 per night for a Deluxe Suite with a patio view. Facilities include a fitness room, lounge with TV, café, 24/7 business corner with multimedia, printer and Wi-Fi facilities and meeting facilities. There is room and laundry services available as well as airport transfers and it’s pet friendly. In addition to a fully-furnished living space with separate dining, kitchen and bedroom areas, the serviced apartments offer a welcome kit and amenities for children.

www.frasershospitality.com/en/france/paris/fraser-suites-le-claridge-champs-elysees-paris/

Sofitel London St James has teamed up with Balmain and Z2 Comics to celebrate the new Balmain Dreams OR book with a Fashion Afternoon Tea. Team Coco Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies attended the exclusive media preview to check out the US$50,000 Balmain Dreams 10: OR edition, which celebrates Olivier Rousteing’s most iconic runway creations in the last decade.

The Afternoon Tea is served in the hotel’s stylish Rose Lounge from and is available from 3 February to 3 March. To celebrate the occasion, the Rose Lounge has been decked out in striking illustrations from the Balmain Book, which is currently on a world tour with Z2 Comics and Sofitel. Balmain Dreams OR is available via digital tablets at the lounge, but we got to see the striking US$50,000 Balmain suitcase and some of the iconic Balmain pieces that were featured, in vibrant colour, on the pages of the book.

Crafted by Head Pastry Chef Jamie Warley, the Fashion Afternoon Tea connects guests with the traditional French flavours in homage to the heritage of Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing. Much like Olivier moves away from classic runway tropes, so does Sofitel’s Fashion Afternoon Tea move away from classic finger sandwiches.

Pastries inspired by Olivier’s bold and colourful runway creations

Instead, it offers delicious savoury dishes like leek and potato soup, pulled pork gyoza with soya and ginger and truffle Gougères. The sweet courses, of which the Citrus Choux Bun, Praline and Caramel Delice and Cappuccino Macaron were all highlights, were inspired thematically by Rousteing’s sketches in the book.

Sofitel St James is the first hotel to host the Fashion Afternoon Tea which will be moving to other Sofitel locations in Dubai, Singapore and Seoul.

The Fashion Afternoon Tea will be served from Thursday to Monday in the Rose Lounge, 12pm to 4pm, from 3rd Feb to 3rd Mar at £55 per person or £65 per person including a glass of Champagne. To book, please visit The Rose Lounge at Sofitel London St James.

Nothing banishes the winter blues better than a soul-enriching dog friendly staycations with your favourite four-legged pals.

Our resident doggy reporter, TeamCocopup Charlie is always on the look-out for the best dog friendly staycation destinations in the UK – so you can find the perfect pet-friendly retreat no matter what you fancy this winter.

The Randolph Hotel, Oxford

Conveniently located in the city’s cultural epicentre, this handsome Oxford property is nestled within the University of Oxford and its iconic colleges, including Trinity and St. John’s. The quirky design of this 151-bedroom hotel was inspired by the university’s history. The Randolph is also close to St. Giles Street and its vibrant restaurants, bars, as well as the world-famous Radcliffe Camera and Ashmolean Museum – making all the highlights of Oxford just a quick walk away.

The interiors are bursting with bold hues, textural elements inspired by the region’s natural resources and locally inspired art which tells the narratives of Oxford’s past. You can warm up in the intimate snug, a cosy nook between restaurant and private dining with a bohemian spin on a traditional English library space. The Morse Bar remains, preserving the building’s heritage (when Inspector Morse was filmed at the hotel) with original design elements such as oak wooden panelling, and a perfect spot to get lost in a good book. This fabulously pet-friendly property also allows travellers to take their furry companion with them on their trip for an extra £25 per night.

The Graduate, Cambridge

Positioned along the idyllic banks of the River Cam, the 148-room Graduate Cambridge is surrounded by the University of Cambridge, within walking distance of several colleges, and a stone’s throw from the city’s best restaurants, bars and shops.

The hotel’s design authentically incorporates the history of the city, with the river as the focal point, especially in the lobby bar. The beauty of the pastoral landscapes is reflected in the rich colour palettes, patterns and textures in the hotel. The pet-friendly hotel also allows travellers to take their furry companion with them on their trip for an extra £20 per night.

The lobby will also be home to a hanging DNA installation to celebrate Rosalind Franklin, a pioneer in the development of DNA at the University of Cambridge. The guest rooms use an abundance of “Cambridge Blue”, with wallpaper replicating school gates, punting boats on either side of the bed, whimsical lamp shades in the shape of a penny coin and striking wood and leather desks to give a studious library atmosphere. So, you can get the Ivy league experience even if you have never set foot on those hallowed halls.

Garden House is the new restaurant within the hotel, nestled on the banks of the River Cam. Adam Wood, formerly of London’s award winning Perilla, leads the kitchen with his focus on open-flame cooking and seasonal East Anglian produce and certainly tantalises the tastebuds.

Treehouse Hotel, London

Treehouse Hotel is undoubtedly one of London’s most eco and dog-friendly hotels, The Ulti-Mutt Staycation guest package, launched in partnership with Lily’s Kitchen, is perfect for pampered pooches.

Described as an eco-oasis in the heart of central London, the Treehouse Hotel welcomes furry four-legged friends to enjoy a curated package packed with delicious natural treats from Lily’s Kitchen.

Dogs are certainly spoiled at the hotel with gorgeous Settle dog beds offered in each room. These eco-friendly doggie beds, made in the UK from regenerated plastic bottles, are super plump and outrageously comfy too. Four-legged VIPs will also be offered a pooch-ified mini-bar or room service menu, plus access to the new Treehouse Canine Concierge who will take care of canine necessities.

The Bradley Hare, Maiden Bradley

The Bradley Hare is situated in the beautiful village of Maiden Bradley is a fabulous dog-friendly retreat in southwest Wiltshire. The inn is located on the Duke of Somerset’s Estate and has twelve homely and individually-designed bedrooms.

Each bedroom is unique, overseen by ex-Soho House extraordinaire James Thurstan Waterworth, and boasts 18th & 19th century antique furniture. All the rooms will offer guests those sought-after home from home comforts, some with vast elegant freestanding baths and all with sumptuous beds and linens, fit for a duke or duchess.

With a ‘dine anywhere’ environment, the ever-changing menu echoes The Bradley Hare’s ethos and promises local and seasonal ingredients which will be used to produce exceptional pub classics.

Pet parents looking for ideal dog walks can travel a short distance from Bruton, Frome and Bath, Hauser & Wirth, King Alfred’s Tower, Longleat and Stour head – the splendid 18th century world-famous landscape garden and house which is run by the National Trust, there is so much visit right on its doorstep at the Bradley Hare.

The Kimpton Fitzroy, London

Housed in a landmark building, the Kimpton Fitzroy oozes old-world glamour from its classically-stylish public spaces to the elegant 334 bedrooms in the hotel. Designed by Tara Bernerd & Partners and Russell Sage Studio, the bright, comfortable interiors tip a hat to the building’s past without neglecting its present.

The fabulous Kimpton Fitzroy welcomes pooches of all shapes and sizes and has partnered with sustainable pet food company Marleybones and their team of talented and certified animal nutritionist to create a bespoke ap-PET-isers menu, for four-legged VIPs to enjoy.

Featuring the highest quality and natural ingredients, the dishes are prepared by our team of experienced chefs, who will make sure your beloved pets are treated like the royalty they are.