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The Indian Ocean island of Mauritius has been described as ‘brochure perfect’ and for good reason too. A luxury holiday experience at Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius brings to life in vivid detail, images of idyllic beaches, blue skies, crystal clear waters and traditional Mauritian hospitality. Our Team Coco writer, Omo Osagiede, recently visited the island’s eastern coast to experience this personal paradise with a touch of Shangri-la.

Welcome to Mauritius

Mauritius is well established as a long-haul, luxury island destination in the Indian Ocean.

The heat embraces you upon arrival at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Mauritius enjoys a subtropical climate for most of the year. However, the period from November to April (summer) is considered the best time to visit, with average temperatures settling around 26 degrees Celsius.

As you emerge from the airport, you are immediately bombarded by different welcome signs bearing the names of multiple holiday resorts located around Mauritius. After manufacturing and agriculture, tourism contributes significantly to the island’s economic growth and remains a key factor in its overall development.

The name we were looking for was Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius. This five-star deluxe property, located at Trou d’Eau Douce on the island’s eastern coast, would be our sanctuary for the next week.

We found our transport and began the hour-long coastal journey from the airport to Trou d’Eau Douce. Narrow roads wound their way through small fishing villages while sugarcane farms stretched as far as the eye could see to the foot of distant mountains.

The scenic drive brings to life the magical beauty of the Indian Ocean, a view which holds you spellbound (if you are lucky to get a window seat) upon final approach to the island from the sky. Nothing prepares you for your first up-close glimpse of the vibrant turquoise colours of the water or the talcum-white sandy beaches.

We were also unprepared for the warm welcome we received upon arrival at Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius.

A long tradition of Mauritian hospitality lives on

A resounding gong signalled the start of a traditional Sega welcome ritual delivered by local performers. The singer’s voice pierced through the tranquillity of our surroundings as a beautifully dressed dancer swayed and swirled to the pulsating rhythms from the sound of his drum.

If the ancient banyan tree standing proudly at the front of the hotel hinted at the resort’s past, an imposing woven sculpture, titled ‘The Weaver’s Belvédere’, told another story about its journey to the present day.

Le Touessrok began life in 1915 when a sugarcane farmer, Henri Wiehé, and his wife built a beach house and began hosting social gatherings with family and friends. This foundation of hospitality was established when it was later converted into a five-room guesthouse.

The 2015 partnership between world-famous luxury hotel group Shangri-La and Le Touessrok Resort & Spa has ensured the preservation of this long tradition of showcasing Mauritian hospitality.

The combination of the island’s culture mix and rich biodiversity with elements such as food and beverage and Mediterranean-style design create a brand that makes this resort a worthy choice for a long-haul island holiday destination.

A private hideaway, a personal paradise

The resort architecture includes 200 rooms and suites and three exclusive villas spread out along the pristine Trou d’Eau Douce Bay.

Our stylish beach-chic Junior Frangipani suite came with a king-size bed and provided direct access to one of six idyllic beaches located around the property. A design highlight was the in-room deep-soak bathtub. Its position, facing large bay windows, provided uninterrupted views of the lagoon and a chance to watch the sunrise while soaking in luxurious bath gels.

Rooms in the Frangipani Wing also come with special benefits including a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, à la carte breakfast in the Republik Beach Club & Grill, a complimentary mini bar and sunset cocktails. Fresh drinking water was placed in the rooms daily in glass bottles (we learned that the hotel is consciously reducing single-use plastics).

To make an already luxurious experience even more spectacular, there is also a private island, Ilôt Mangénie, to which the resort’s guests have exclusive access. Regular shuttle boat services transport guests across a crystal clear lagoon into an intimate experience that comes with a private beach cabana, champagne and butler service. A delicate truffle pizza was a highlight during our visit.

Keen golfers can spend the day at the neighbouring Île aux Cerfs. Although a popular destination for tourists, much of this island has been transformed into an 18-hole championship grade golf course. Designed by the famous German pro-golfer Bernhard Langer, guests of Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa enjoy complimentary green fees.

A host of aquatic activities are available. However, thanks to the reef which surrounds the island, our favourite activity, by far, was the ability to ‘walk in the sea’ during low tide.

Sampling local culture through gastronomy and adventure

Holiday resorts often come under criticism for not doing much to highlight the local culture. Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa makes a deliberate effort to introduce guests to Mauritian culture through gastronomy and curated excursions.

The days when Jacqueline Dalais, granddaughter of the hotel’s first landowner put this slice of Trou d’Eau Douce on the culinary map of Mauritius with her seafood-inspired restaurant in the 1960s are long gone. However, the resort now offers guests a choice of five dining options including the dinner-only Safran restaurant which offers a fusion of Mauritian and Indian cuisine.

After breakfast one morning, we spent time with Safran’s internationally acclaimed Chef Ramesh Bundi who explained that Mauritian cuisine is as diverse as the island’s ethnic makeup – Indian, African, Chinese and European. This fascinating blend of cultures is given expression through the restaurant’s menu. Our Lamb Rogan Josh and Poulet Kadai were cooked to tender perfection in a rich blend of spices.

Many people visiting Mauritius are often seeking relaxation rather than adventure. However, for the curious visitor, Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa can arrange soft adventure excursions including cycling tours and visits to local markets. Adrenalin-inducing outdoor adventure activities (including ziplining and quad-biking) are available at Domaine de L’etoile, a natural reserve located in Central Mauritius.

Slow and steady at Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa

In a place designed for ultimate relaxation, the concept of time quickly becomes irrelevant. After a visit to Ilôt Mangénie one afternoon, we booked a signature massage at CHI, The Spa at the resort. One sure sign that you are having an incredible spa experience is when the most important thought that occurs to you is deciphering bird sounds from the soft ambient music surrounding you.

For a time, the Maldives and Seychelles may have stolen the headlines as leading Indian Ocean island destinations for weddings and honeymoons. However, Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa makes a strong case for Mauritius as the paradise of choice if taking things slow and steady is your utmost priority.

Travel information

We flew directly to Mauritius from London Heathrow with Air Mauritius (12 hours). Transfers to the resort were pre-arranged. Rates for a 5-night stay in a Junior Suite Frangipani Beach Access room start from £920 per night for half-board (includes breakfast and dinner, golf club access and water sports). Costs are based on 2 adults visiting in November 2019.

For enquiries and bookings, visit www.shangri-la.com/mauritius

If you’re looking to live out your best impression of a Slim Aarons’ photograph, then hop on a plane to the south of France and check-in to the Radisson Blu Nice. Located on the picturesque thoroughfare of the Promenade des Anglais; the Radisson Blu Nice is an icon of hospitality in the French Riviera, combining contemporary interiors, impeccable service, and all without breaking the bank. Team Coco explores the Radisson Blu Nice’s new look and discovers all the colours and flavours of the Mediterranean.

After completing a 12 million euro refurbishment, the Radisson Blu Nice is unlike any other hotel in the south of France. Utilising the calming hues of the Mediterranean sea, the hotel is painted in shades of sleet, blue, and sea-foam, highlighted with warm tones of burnt sienna and ochre. Decorated by the acclaimed Spanish Interior designer, Jaime Beriestain, the Radisson Blu Nice takes Maritime inspirations and local motifs to create a space that is both functional and sophisticated. Native yellow Mimosas inspire the lighting fixtures in the lobby, while oxidised nautical metalwork appears in clever design elements all throughout the space. The serene design aesthetic also extends into 331 generously spaced guest rooms. Azure sea views, a subtle balance of textures, beautifully tiled bathrooms, and floor-length sliding doors make the Radisson Blu Nice’s guest rooms the perfect retreat to cool-off from the heat of the Mediterranean sun.

Not only does the Radisson Blu Nice have the best rooftop pool in all of Nice, it also has the only private beach club. The Regence Plage is just a short 2 minute walk away from the hotel and is the best place to catch the sun on the beach. Guests can rent beach beds, take in the sun, and enjoy a delectable lunch menu. Try the Salade Nicoise (with no potatoes of course, according to the locals), and enjoy an Aperol Spritz by the beach. If you prefer rooftop views to the sea, then check out the hotel’s stunning rooftop restaurant – Calade. With chef Maxime Bernard at the helm, Calade combines locally sourced ingredients with haute cuisine. Try the Bruschetta to start, and then the Prawns Risotto, and top it all off with the Galet Niçoise and a glass of pale pink Rosé. We can assure you, there is no better place in the south of France to watch the sunset and enjoy breathtaking views of the Baie des Anges; and there is no place better for your next stylish stay in the Mediterranean than the Radisson Blu Nice.

Radisson Blu Nice offers accommodation on a B&B basis from €284/£248 per room per night.

Last week, TeamCoco attended the glitzy new relaunch of JW Marriott Grosvenor House in celebration of its 90th anniversary.

Originally opening its doors in 1929, JW Marriott Grosvenor House has become emblematic of timeless Mayfair London luxury. Over the years, its esteemed guests have included the likes of dignitaries, celebrities, and even royalty. The hotel has even hosted countless iconic events such as the Royal Caledonian Ball, The Russian Television Ball, and the BAFTA After Party.

Rubbing shoulders with a-list celebrities and socialites alike, we made our way to the entrance of Grovesnor House, which was transformed into Royal Hyde Park. The Park Street entrance was decorated with a flurry of foliage, and even featured Yellow Rose Frame, especially created by Indoor Garden Design for the event. We were treated to an unlimited flow of champagne, and embarked on a culinary journey with Executive Chef Paul Bates, who created hors d’oeuvres based on the hotels’ most popular menu items. Our personal favourite was the simply delicious Dorset Raspberry’s tart.

Inside, there were plenty of things to discover, as the JW Marriott Grosvenor House was transformed into an immersive experience for the senses, as each area offering up something new and exciting. We began in Corrigan’s, where we indulged in oysters and Dickie’s Black Velvet cocktails. We then ventured into the hotel’s newest restaurant, Ruya, which served delectable Anatolian bites in the Grosvenor House’s handsome library. Finally, we made our way to JW Steakhouse, where we tucked in to some prime USDA cuts paired with some fine wine and bourbon tasting options.

Beyond the incredible food and drink on offer, the evening’s entertainment is also worth mentioning. There were contemporary ballet pop-ups from Elmshurt Ballet School, which harked back to the infamous days when Dame Margot Fonteyn herself was a resident at the hotel. There was also music from String Infusion and Super Stokes. And if you found yourself a bit overwhelmed by everything that was going on, there was also a team of experts from Aromatherapy Associates on to help guests find a minute of mindfulness. The evening concluded with a fabulous performance by the London Community Gospel Choir, which was the perfect ending to an evening of whimsy, luxury, and discovery — all by the ever impeccable JW Marriott Grosvenor House.

“Throughout the 90 years of its legacy, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London has played a role, whether large or small, in the history of this well-beloved city. This year, following significant transformations, our truly iconic hotel begins an exciting new chapter. We look forward to welcoming our guests as we head into the next decade feeling inspired and fulfilled.”

– General Manager Stuart Bowery

www.marriott.co.uk

It was revealed last month that Uganda, otherwise known as the ‘Pearl of Africa’, saw a 10% increase in tourist numbers to its national parks in 2018-2019. With such unique opportunities to discover wildlife, this does not surprise us at #Teamcoco. And yet we know that there is much more to Uganda than the bush. Its iconic Lake Victoria and the vibrant capital of Kampala are also unmissable and unmistakably Ugandan experiences. Having sent our girl, Rachael Lindsay, to visit Africa’s Pearl earlier this year, we take a look at her round-up of the best three resorts to experience the best of Uganda.

For the lake: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa

Nestled on the banks of the world’s largest tropical lake, the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa is our top pick of Uganda’s hotels. The winding pathways, bridges and fountains of the resort make it a joy to get lost in and the Marina restaurant offers fresh fish and sunset views at the lake’s edge. It has all of the luxurious touches that you would expect of a five-star resort as well as bespoke boat expeditions to nearby Ngambe Island, home to 49 orphaned chimpanzees.

For more information, visit serenahotels.com or read our full review here.

For the bush: Bwindi Lodge by Volcanoes Safaris

Set on the boundaries of Uganda’s Impenetrable Forest, this stream-side hideaway is the perfect place from which to visit Uganda’s mountain gorillas. A new deluxe Banda opened in June this year and all Bandas feature four poster beds, locally inspired furnishings and personal butler service. The local gorillas often choose to relax around Bwindi Lodge, making it both a stylish and natural spot from which to get to know these fascinating animals.

For more information, visit volcanoessafaris.com.

For the city: Latitude O, Kampala (due to open October 2019)

With stunning properties in Lilongwe, Malawi, and Lusaka, Zambia, Latitude Hotels offers experiences in Africa’s cities that match its great beach resorts and safari lodges. That’s why we had to include Latitude 0 in our list, which is set to open in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, in October 2019. Located among indigenous orchid-filled trees atop of Makindye Hill and with a Ugandan-inspired design using reusable materials, this hotel is going to be a seriously stylish addition to the capital and the perfect base to recover from those post-safari blues.

For more information, visit 0.thelatitudehotels.com.

Cover photo: @rachannelindsay at Lake Victoria Serena

The Dixon is the latest opening in the prestigious Autograph Collection Hotel Group, and it certainly lives up to expectations. Last Thursday, we made our way to The Dixon for a very special evening celebrating the art of set design. ‘Behind the Scenes’ was an intimate panel discussion with some of Britain’s most prominent set designers, hosted by no less than acclaimed film critic, Mark Kermode.

Located in the midst of Tower Bridge’s buzzy cultural scene, The Dixon occupies a former Magistrate’s Court andthe very definition of a ‘boutique hotel’. Handsome wood panelled interiors, a myriad of contemporary art on the walls, and a breathtaking entrance hall — give The Dixon instant impact, balancing references from both past and present.Originally designed by John Dixon Butler, (from whom The Dixon coins its name) this hotel exemplifies the impeccable standards of The Autograph Collection, while also being effortlessly unique.

One of The Dixon’s core philosophies is to ‘represent the finest local talent, from emerging artists to established producers’ — and so it makes sense that this beautiful hotel is hosting Behind the Scenes. Part of the hotel’s Indie Film Project, a multi-faceted program that celebrates the craft of filmmaking in support of local film makers, Behind the Scenes is in itself a celebration of individuality. The panel was composed of John Paul Kelly, Michael Carlin, and Gemma Jackson, whose collective credits include, The Theory of Everything, Game of Thrones, Colette, Stan & Ollie, and Aladdin. During the discussion, Mark Kermode talked about where the process of world-building jumps off from, the challenges faced by a production designer, and their authorial role in weaving the narrative of a film. They also discussed some key tips for aspiring production designers, of which the most memorable was, to take every opportunity to cultivate the spark, and keep the passion that drives you during late nights.

The most memorable thing we took away from this inspiring panel discussion is that, ‘great set design should go unnoticed’ , which may seem paradoxical, but actually makes complete sense. It is the production designer’s job to create worlds we can escape to, and the best ones will do it without you noticing. In the same way, hoteliers are also tasked with the job of creating a sense of escapism, a sense of departure from our day-to-day. Whether that be through the room’s interior design, excellent customer service, or an extra-indulgent breakfast, it is a wonderfully whimsical quality that The Dixon has in spades.

www.thedixon.co.uk

Now that winter is in full swing, we’ve got our eyes on sunnier destinations. If you’re looking at the good old holiday counter and browsing for your own place in the sun, then definitely check out the new Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso.

With stunning views of the sparkling Gulf of Aegina, and with one of the biggest spas in Europe, the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso is the perfect getaway to relax and rejuvenate in the heart of the Athenian Riviera.

In ancient Greek the word ‘thalasso’ means ‘sea’ and the word ‘therapia’ means treatment — and so Thalassotherapy uses the healing powers of the sea to create a series of wellness treatments that are not only utterly refreshing, but also use mineral-rich ocean ingredients to really give you that all natural Mediterranean glow. Sounds lush? Well, the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso resort has the biggest Thalassotherapy centre in Greece (the only one in Athens might I add) if you’re in the mood for some much needed pampering, definitely an lose yourself to the healing powers of the sea.

Outside the spa, the hotel also offers holistic wellbeing packages that include consultations, private training sessions, and fitness regiments. Perfect if you’re feeling inspired to add some much needed self-care into 2019.

Here at House of Coco we love far-flung escape and the growing trend for secret travel but we can’t ignore that our budgets don’t always stretch to the luxe long-haul break we crave or that our boss is always happy to sign off… bienvenue en France, a dreamy destination closer to home where a long weekend can take you to another world.

‘But the English, you have cheese after dessert, what madness?!’ is not necessarily the heated conversation I expected to have with a sommelier in a historic castle a mere 15-minutes drive from a markedly less luxurious campsite that I lived in one summer, learning French. Yet, there I was, dressed up for dinner at the stunning Château de la Treyne, overlooking the Dordogne river, my base for a long weekend of rediscovering the region. My grubby shared staff tent had been upgraded to the breathtaking Dordogne Master Suite with a terrace overlooking said river. If only my fellow kids camp animatrices could see me now.

The Château de la Treyne is part of the Relais & Châteaux family, meaning I was already dreaming of the luxe that awaited on our drive from Toulouse airport deep into the historical heart of France. Driving along in the mist of a November afternoon, the castle appears across the river, the tyres crunched over manicured gravel and the scent of delicious candles entered our noses as we were greeted by co-owner Stéphanie Gombert over a glass of fizz in the dark wood bar, in front of a crackling fire. Feeling not unlike a traditional Disney princess, I had arrived at my castle, butterflies in my stomach, drinking in the classic romance of it all.

You could very easily spend a week on and around the Château de la Treyne property itself with its heated infinity pool, extensive gardens, tennis court and walks across 120 hectares of private forests. But what would be better is to wake early to the ducks and mist over the river for a stroll around the gardens and a sumptuous, locally prepared breakfast, before heading out to explore

The beauty of this region of France is that it pretty much ticks all the boxes for reasons why you would visit France at all. Great food? Oui. Beautiful villages? Bien sûr. Nature’s finest? Exactement. A short drive from the Château will bring you to the medieval town of Sarlat, so well protected from modern life that you’ll be forgiven for going full-on Belle and wishing bonjour in a sing-song voice to everyone you pass. You’ll likely get some funny looks but, like I say, I reckon they’ll forgive you.

We drove into town on Saturday, market day, and it was buzzing with food and craft stalls – some more authentic than others and plenty of the town’s most famous produce – vegetarians and vegans please look away now – foie gras. With so much history, the town is packed with sights to see and museums to enter but the best experience has to be from taking winding cobbled streets at random and seeing where you end up. I entered the town with one vague aim, to track down the Bordeaux speciality, canelés and was rewarded with a dinky one on the end of a pick in my bière, sat in the winter sunshine outside Lemoin Canelé.

In fact, by hitting the road in this area you can visit numerous well preserved, evocative towns with towering castles like Beynac which you might recognise from the film Chocolat, Saint Cirque Lapopie which is consistently voted as one of the most beautiful towns in France and of course, the jaw-dropping Rocamadour teetering on a cliff edge, best seen at night as the lights sparkle. With deep religious and historical importance to many of the towns in the area, exploring the Dordogne region is a step away from modernity as development is fiercely controlled and tourism centres around what’s already there and not inventing new cheesy tourist traps.

A great example of where technology has been embraced to enhance the existing attraction is Lascaux 4 (24290 Montignac, lascaux.fr) which opened in 2016 at the foot of the hill where the original Lascaux was discovered back in 1940. The striking modern building mimics the landscape behind it and houses a replica of the original cave complete with the temperature, air pressure, scents and sounds from when it was discovered and became the most famous example of Palaeolithic cave paintings in the world.

In fact, a lot of the exploring to be done in the region is underground and you’re spoilt for choice with nearly every town including a cave attraction but don’t tuck into your evening cheese board without experiencing the epic Gouffre de Padirac (46500 Padirac, gouffre-de-padirac.com). On arriving at the Gouffre you’ll first be hit by the immensity of the chasm to the outside. Step by step, you’ll enter another world as the temperature drops and the light fades and you reach the floor, ready to enter the cave and onto a magical boat tour of the subterranean river. On our visit, we caught the last boat trip of the day meaning we had the awe-inspiring cave pretty much all to ourselves, which was incredible. Well, until a well-meaning staff member turned the lights out on clocking off…

Driving back to the stunning Château we were all quiet in contemplation at the wonders we’d taken in over just a short weekend and only a few hours from home. While we were staying at hand’s down the most incredible hotel in the region, the exploration of that luxe property and their flawless Michelin starred restaurant menu was only part of this seductive adventure. I can’t wait to escape to the Château de la Treyne again in warmer months for kayaking down the Dordogne, long walks and sundowners sat on the terrace, dreaming of upping sticks like Dick and Angel and starting my own romantic French adventure.

Where to stay:

We stayed at the stunning Château de la Treyne (chateaudelatreyne.com , phone: +33(0) 5.65.27.60.60 , email: treyne@relaischateaux.com) in Lacave where unique luxury suites start from 200 Euros a night.

If you are travelling with a group, the family behind Château de la Treyne also rent out the jaw-dropping 4 bedroom 14th Century Château de Bastit (chateaudubastit.com) only a 10-minute walk across the main property so you can have your family gathering and pop to the main Chateau for dinner.

Not far from either Château you’ll find the family’s 17th Century period property which sleeps 10 people for a week of relaxation and exploration (chartreusedecales.com)

This week’s dog-friendly adventure takes us to Knightsbridge, for a doggy afternoon tea at the Egerton House Hotel. Just a stone’s throw away from the iconic facade of Harrods, and a quick walk from the V&A and the Natural History Museum, the Egerton House Hotel is the best spot to spend a lavish afternoon in town for both mums and pooches.

As House of Coco’s official doggie journalist, Team Coco pup Charlie has explored plenty of dog-friendly places in London, but nowhere reaches the same level of puppy-pampering as The Egerton House Hotel. Part of the impeccable Red Carnation Hotel Group, the Egerton House Hotel exudes all of the essential charms of a luxury British hotel, balanced with the warm familiarity of a family run establishment. Before Charlie could do the proverbial shake, and excited tail-wagging, Andiswa, the Egerton House’s operations manager was already greeting us with a warm smile and some necessary fuss. She then led us to their beautiful Ivory hued Drawing Room, and to a table right by their exquisite bay window. While London winter did its worst outside, inside we were getting warm and cosy as Charlie settled into his perfect little doggie blanket and from the Egerton House Hotel.

Before digging into the perfectly baked scones, we started with a brief history of afternoon tea, and learned about how it is inextricably linked to British life. From traditional loose leaf teas, to minimal asian flavours, and even some show-stopping herbal infusions; the Egerton House Hotel has something for even the most discerning tea connoisseur. No afternoon tea would be complete without a selection of delectable sandwiches and pastries, and the Egerton House Hotel’s menu certainly doesn’t disappoint. The delectable sandwiches included organic smoked salmon on freshly baked Cape seed loaf (my personal favourite), roast ham and English mustard, and coronation chicken on granary bread among other British classics. On the sweeter end of the spectrum, the homemade cakes included a perfectly balanced carrot cupcake, lemon and poppyseed layered cake, coffee and walnut gateaux, and some lovely plain and fruit scones too. And while I enjoyed a glass of champagne with my afternoon tea, Charlie enjoyed a three course doggy menu of his own — also served in doggie-themed three-tiered tea stand.

This very special doggy menu comprises of homemade chicken and beef meatloaf, freshly baked dog biscuits, and some pure fruit doggie ice cream, not to mention some pup-friendly PAW-secco too — now that’s VIP (Very important Pet) treatment. Beyond the fresh food and beautiful environment, what makes Egerton House Hotel special is the absolutely faultless service. Because here, they welcome every guest like a VIP (even the four-legged ones)

The Egerton House Hotel’s Doggy Afternoon Tea surely gets five paws from Charlie, and we shall definitely be returning. If not for more cakes, then definitely for a luxury puppy staycation. You can rest assured that your pet will be treated like a king, from top to tail.

The Doggy Afternoon tea at The Egerton House Hotel is £45 per person and £25 per pooch. Afternoon Tea is served daily from 12pm to 6pm. The Egerton House Hotel also offers Vegetarian and Vegan options. For more information visit www.egertonhousehotel.com

With memories of sticky club nights at Manumission, fry-ups in the sunshine and an ill-fated hungover scooter ride from my last trip just over a decade ago, we dipped over the impossibly blue sea and landed in Ibiza. This time, however, I was to avoid singing Vengaboys as much as possible as we were off to explore the blissed out, bohemian side of the legendary isle.

A mecca for free-spirits since the 1950s, Ibiza’s hippy culture is still alive and the sound of drums at sunset increase the further you get away from the Brits abroad buzz of San Antonio. If you’re looking to kick back and focus on your well-being and meditation for a few days, read on. If you are hitting the clubs this summer and just want some hangover cure activities, the following should clear your mind and cleanse your spirit of the shots of the night before.

Tranquil Northern Ibiza

With the island only 40km long, staying far from the madding crowd couldn’t be easier. We stayed at the adults only (but not THAT kind of adults only, as I kept telling my friends) Barceló Portinatx (Venda de Portinatx, 62 barcelo.com ) resort in the north of the island just a 40-minute scenic drive from the airport. Take hand luggage only and you’ll be off the plane and by the pool in no time.

All the rooms in this bright and spacious hotel come with terraces with sun loungers allowing you to sunbathe in complete tranquillity if you just don’t have the energy to expend to pop down to one of the resort’s two pools or even the secluded beach, only 20m away.

The setting couldn’t be more idyllic with stunning sunsets and sunrises above the Portinatx cove which stood in for a much further flung island in the late ’50s film version of South Pacific. In fact, sitting in the hotel’s beachfront Noray restaurant with a goblet of G&T, guitar duo playing and the sky turning pink, it’s hard to believe that you can get here on a budget airline and no jetlag. You could just come to the island for some R&R and you wouldn’t have to go far with the tranquil outdoors Wellness Centre at Barceló Portinatx, with an almond oil massage and experience showers to jump into in between dips in the pool and a complimentary yoga class with views of the Balearic. But, this is the adventure issue so no lounging around for #TeamCoco… okay, maybe just a little bit with a mooch around the stunning true Ibiza feel shop/bar Los Enamorados (103, Calle de Portinatx, losenamoradosibiza.com) with a sundowner cocktail.

Portinatx is located in Sant Joan de Labritja and is the only true tourist resort in this region meaning that a short trip from this coastline you can lose yourself down dusty roads lined with fincas and their lemon groves. The village of Sant Joan is dreamily referred to as ‘the last village’ of the island with its white-walled houses with colourful doors begging you to sit in the sun with a cerveza or explore their artisan market every Sunday.

The village is home to a number of quirky small businesses, like intriguing coffee house-shop-hairdresser Los Otros (Carrer de Sa Cala 15, Sant Joan De Labritja losotrosibiza.com). Pop in for beautiful gifts and a trim and stay for their legendary veggie pink burger from chef Mirjam, author of popular veggie cookbook ‘Veggie Very Much’. After your healthy lunch and retail therapy pop to The Giri Cafe’s garden (Plaza España 5, cafe.thegiri.com ) for a few cheeky sun-drenched afternoon cocktails in the shade of their centuries-old townhouse.

There’s hidden magic to this island everywhere you look. The village of Sant Joan celebrates its patron, Saint John The Baptist on 23rd June with a riotous party with fireworks and bonfires. During the festivities, you can ward away evil spirits by noting down all the negative things that have happened to you in the previous year in a list and chucking it in a bonfire. Then, set intentions for the next year with a new list of goals.

Hippy Heaven

While many of the full-moon free-spirit partiers may have moved on from the hedonism of the ’70s, there are still authentic glimpses into nomadic life around, especially in the north of the island. Parked up in the dusty sand, in the shadow of pine trees in Portinatx, every morning you’ll find traveller couples enjoying breakfast on the rocks and sweeping out their vans. As the sun sets on a Sunday evening, if you are lucky, you’ll catch groups of them drumming on the beach here and also at nearby Benirrás Beach. Apparently, this tradition dates from ‘The Day of The Drums’ on Sunday 18th August 1991 when hundreds of people gathered to protest the Gulf War.

You won’t have to go far before stumbling over ‘authentic hippy souvenirs’ but take these with a pinch of salt. It’s not really the free-spirit way to have things mass produced for a profit. However, to soak up some of the atmosphere of the ’70s it’s definitely worth grabbing a cold one and losing yourself in Ibiza’s original hippy market, Es Cana in Punta Arabi, 10am – 8pm every Wednesday or the famous night market at Las Dalias which runs until 1am on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the summer months. The scents, sights and sounds of these markets will transport you back in time and have you considering all manner of floaty clothes that you’ll then attempt to work into your office attire when back home. A boyfriend blazer works over all kinds of maxi-dresses, trust me.

If you can’t peel yourself away from your sun lounger to make it to the full hippy market experience, check out WorldFamilyIbiza.com – the family-run free-spirited brand which has expanded from Las Dalias market to, fittingly, the world with their colourful collections.

Exploring the seas

You can’t come to Ibiza and not take the opportunity to get out in the sparkling sea. The clear water is thanks to the protected meadows of oceanic seagrass and you won’t believe the turquoise translucency of the water as you come into Formentera by boat. There are a number of larger boats which travel across from the port in Ibiza town but for a true sense of adventure chartering a smaller boat is definitely recommended from the luxe Marina Botafach. Leisurely floating along, hearing tales of pirates, spying luxury yachts that Robert DeNiro has rocked up on and even glimpsing a dolphin, you can see why people have flocked to these magical islands for decades.

Formentera is the smallest and most southernly Balearic island with bright white sands and out of this world blue sea and sky. It’s not hard to see why Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin embraced spending time here in the ’60s and Cara and Leonardo can be found losing themselves in these pinch-me-I-must-be-dreaming surroundings. Arrive here and grab a bicycle or scooter to explore your way, with beautiful beaches all around the coast and wall-to-wall sunshine, choose your adventure. From beach chiringuitos where you can grab snacks to the unmissable homemade vanilla ice-cream at the stunning Es Moli De Sal restaurant on Playa de Illetas, there will be plenty of instagrammable treats on the way.

Hidden Gems

Still got a hankering for more of magical, bohemian Ibiza? In the South of the island is the impressive towering island of Es Vedra where Tanit, the goddess of love and fertility is believed to have lived. It’s also where the sirens who lured Odysseus from his ship lived according to local legend and claims to be the third most magnetic spot in the world, just behind the North Pole and Bermuda Triangle. If that wasn’t enough mystery for you, it’s also said to be the tip of the sunken city of Atlantis. The location of this Atlantis is supposedly secret but if you are feeling adventurous, follow the track down towards Sa Pedrera (the cove’s non-new-age name), it’s a steep journey but one that will reward you with carvings and paintings left by the nomads before you.

Where to stay…

We travelled to Ibiza with British Airways and stayed in a Superior Room with Ocean View at the Barceló Portinatx (barcelo.com) including the gorgeous breakfast buffet.

The team at the hotel will be happy to arrange transfers and taxis to and from the hotel to help you explore off-the-beaten-track Ibiza.

Team Coco checked into Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa for a week of unrivalled tropical luxury. From lounging in our own private water villas, to sipping coconuts beachfront, farm-to-plate dining, and even sailing yachts among spinner dolphins; we’re letting our inner island girl free and living our best life at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa.

A picture is worth a thousand words – and so what better way to give you some mid-week travel inspiration than by sharing our own visual diary of our dreamy trip to the Maldives? We’ll just leave these here.

The Water Villas

Think natural wood interiors, a seductively comfortable king-sized bed, and a bathroom that’s bigger than a Victorian semi-detached. The Water Villas are exactly what our travel dreams are made of. Enjoy some in-room dining on your veranda, and lounge on a hammock-directly suspended from the sea. Have a soak in your oversized oval bath tub, or better yet shower outdoors. Trust us, there’s nothing more liberating.

Dining by Design

The resort has three restaurants, and each one has its own distinct personality, but if you’re looking for a truly bespoke culinary experience — try the Shangri-La’s Dine by Design. Fancy having lunch on the equator? A barbecue in your villa? Or maybe even a dinner in the Chef’s garden? Then let the Shangri-La’s expert chefs create an unforgettable dining experience just for you. We tried their new farm-to-plate dining experience, which began with picking our choice of island grown ingredients from the chef’s garden, followed by a visit to the neighbouring town of Meedhu.

A Traditional take on Wellness

Hidden amidst large banyan trees and tropical shrubbery, CHI, The Spa has eleven spacious treatment villas, two meditation pavilions, and a yoga pavilion overlooking the ocean. We tried the Kandu Boli Ritualmassage. This traditional treatment is a soothing body and face massage, where coconut oil is rubbed on you with a hot cowrie shell – absolute relaxation.

Eco-luxury at it’s finest

At the Eco-Centre, marine biologists take guests on nature trails, while dive-masters guide diving enthusiasts across the Addu Attol’s best kept snorkel gardens. After doing our part for the environment and planting some coral in the resort’s coral farm; We went on a snorkelling excursion just a 30 minute boat ride away from the island, and swam amongst incredible aquatic wildlife and coral — even spotting some sea turtles along the way.

Sailing with the dolphins

From jungle treks and golf to coral planting and sea-bobbing, here’s plenty to do at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa. We highly recommend venturing away from the resort’s many luxuries — and jumping onboard a Yacht for a sunset cruise like no other.During our brief expedition out to sea — we were greeted by large and friendly groups of Spinner dolphins, racing with our boat’s bow, and showing off with some pretty impressive flips too!

Room rates at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa are from US$645 (approx. £501) per night. This is based on double occupancy and includes all taxes and fees. To book, please visit www.shangri-la.com/male/villingiliresort or call 0800 028 3337.