At House of Coco we’re usually about getting from A to B. But every so often an opportunity arises where the journey becomes more important than the destination.
There’s a certain type of magic about steam trains that ignites something in every generation, whether that be excitement or nostalgia, or both. If you ask me, there aren’t enough things in life that make everyone happy like this.
Standing on the platform at Pickering station (sorry but this one is really for the Northerners among us), you hear the strangely familiar roaring toots of the whistle and watch as kids stare on in awe as the train pulls in.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway have the monopoly on steam locomotives ferrying people back and forth through time in their vintage carriages. Now I meant that as a joke but one of the stops on the line is infamous 60s village, Goathland, which feels a bit like you’re on a film set, if you’re up for it. Fun fact for any Harry Potter fans out there, Goathland Railway Station actually doubled for that of Hogsmeade, the village next to Hogwarts.
The ‘Seaside Special’ ticket for the summer takes you on the relaxing ride from Pickering, through the North Yorkshire Moors to Whitby. For anyone who doesn’t know (Londoners, we’re looking at you), Whitby is a historic seaside town on the North Yorkshire coast famous for Captain Cook and cobbled streets, towered over by the grand ruins of Whitby Abbey, which is linked to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. In the novel, the nefarious Count Dracula washes up on the shores of Whitby after his journey from Transylvania. Because of this, the town has been a tourist hotspot for years – especially for those with a penchant for the macabre.
Nothing on Dracula but I’d take a chilled glass of rosé over anyones blood, so lucky Whitby is also famous for it’s charming old-y world-y pubs. Before you head back to the train, top off your day with some other seaside staples – maybe walk on the beach, playing on the 2p arcade machines or checking out the quaint little antique shops.
Oh, and if you go to the seaside without tucking into some fish and chips, then what on earth are you even doing?!
A famous scholar once said, “if you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else, can I get an amen?!”
Yes, that scholar was America’s Drag Superstar, RuPaul. But does it make those words less profound? Absolutely not. At House of Coco, we’re all about self love, and sometimes we need to check out of the madness and check-in to somewhere a little less hectic.
Starlight Hideaway give everything away in their name. It’s a hideaway under the stars. I didn’t need to know much more than that to be sold on the idea, but I had no idea how much I needed it.
The hideaway itself is a luxurious cabin, nestled away in a private orchard in the East Yorkshire countryside. There’s a popular seaside town called Withernsea not too far away – but once you’re here, mentally, you might as well be on the moon.
First things first, I’m going out on a limb and saying hand on heart I have never been so impressed by a cabin in all my life. Every single detail has been painstakingly thought about, and it shows. It was designed by owners Emma and Dan, and made by expert craftsmen at Blackdown Shepherd Huts in Somerset – trusted builders of some of the most luxurious huts in the country.
Forget everything you think you know about huts because this one throws the rulebook right out the window. Inside, there’s a beautiful fully fitted kitchen – hob, fridge, kettle toaster – and you guessed it, even the kitchen sink. What’s more, it’s so stylish it’s putting my kitchen at home to shame – think black matte taps and a gorgeous copper worktop.
The star of the show is the bed, super comfy and dressed to impress with luxurious duvets and linen that make you want to sink into the mattress. It feels like every possible combination of bedding has been tried and tested for this scenario and we have found a winner. My favourite feature of the whole hideout is the glass skylight above the bed where you can really lose yourself while gazing up at the stars.
Spending time alone is so important, but it’s always nice to know you’re being looked after too. Your fabulous and caring hosts provide you with what you’ll need for a night under the stars. Logs, kindling and firelighters are supplied to fire up the hut’s log burner (literally if there’s a feeling better than a roaring fire on a cold night, we’d like to know about it). When you arrive you’ll also be greeted with your own welcome pack, with essentials like tea, coffee and delicious homemade bread, along with treats like hot chocolate to really cosy down with.
Oh, and did we mention there’s a hot tub too? In the middle of the countryside you’re set for a great sunset, with nothing but fields and flowers for miles ahead.
If you even remotely think that you need to take some time on your own to reflect and recharge. This is your sign. Do it now, and do it here.
Nevada is America’s desert state used primarily for high-risk explosive tests and entertainment. Nevada is a very intriguing place, and you should visit it at least once, especially if you are a US citizen. The state offers tourists plenty of natural beauty, exciting activities, and beautiful people. Nevada is a big state, and you will not have the time to see it all. It helps to know which places to go, so you can streamline your itinerary. The following are the places that you should visit when in Nevada.
Las Vegas
The most obvious choice of places to visit when in Nevada is the glamorous city of Las Vegas. Termed the world’s entertainment capital, Las Vegas is truly a sight to behold. Do not let the movies fool you; there is much more to Las Vegas than gambling. The casinos are fantastic, but they are only one element of the great city. There are sporting events always happening, great restaurants, fantastic theater, and more. There are plenty of natural attractions in Las Vegas, including the Grand Canyon and Death Valley National Park. Las Vegas is the place to visit in Nevada for an action-packed getaway.
Great Basin National Park
The Great Basin National Park is located about 300 miles north of Nevada and is an excellent place to visit if you are going toward Utah. It is a national park like no other, as it has rock formations and natural beauty that is very specific to that part of Nevada. There are enormous caverns to explore, which can take all day and is a frightening but exciting experience. There are lakes and creeks in Great Basin National Park, which add life to the park and offer opportunities for water-based activities. If you are not faint of heart, you can head underground with the ranger and explore the gorgeous stones.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area/Hoover Dam
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is located on the shores of Lake Mead and Lake Mohave in Nevada. This destination should undoubtedly be on your itinerary for a visit to Nevada. The area has gorgeous scenery that covers over 1.5 million acres and is a wonder to behold. It is a short drive away from Las Vegas, so you can visit if you are staying in a resort in the city.
Hoover Dam is the most compelling attraction at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Therefore, finding a reputable company that offers Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas is an excellent idea for a hassle-free experience. You can enjoy the luxury of hotel pick-ups, bonus stops, and a walk across the dam. You could also visit the dam independently. The dam provides electricity for most of Nevada and is a marvel of modern engineering.
There are numerous fun activities to engage in at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, including hiking, camping, swimming, and boat riding.
Lake Tahoe
If you visit Nevada, you must visit the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty is breathtaking and involves snow-capped mountains and gorgeous forests. The Lake is high in the Nevada mountains and lies on the border between Nevada and California, making it an excellent location for a road trip. The scenic routes along Lake Tahoe will make for an exhilarating drive. Many people throng the Lake during summer to explore the surrounding hiking trails, swim in the water, enjoy sunbathing at the beach, and camp on the many campgrounds.
Blackrock City
If you are one for unconventional adventures or want to do something different, Blackrock City is a place you should visit when you come to Nevada. You should especially visit Blackrock City during Burning Man. Where thousands of people spend an entire week developing the most incredible temporary city you will ever see. The best part about Blackrock City is the people; they are as diverse as you will find from all parts of the country and the world. You will also experience great music, which is part of the Burning Man festival. Visiting Blackrock City is an exhilarating experience. You will remember it for the rest of your life.
Reno
The entrance to Reno states that it is ‘the biggest little city in the world which is a marvelous contradiction. Despite being the second-largest city in Nevada after Las Vegas, it is still tiny by comparison and only has a population of about 250,000. You can think of Reno as a smaller version of Las Vegas, which is excellent for those who do not particularly like large cities or crowds of people.
There is much to see in Reno for tourists even though it is a small city. You can visit Reno for events like the National Championship Air Races, The Great Reno Balloon Race, and other events. You will find the National Automobile Museum in Reno alongside other interesting museums.
Virginia City
Many western movies are shot in Nevada because it still has a sense of the Old West. No city in Nevada conjures up such feelings of being in a Western as Virginia City. It is a small town near Reno with an incredible atmosphere. The town is reminiscent of 19th century America where everyone went west for the gold rush. There are even saloons and people wearing old clothes, precisely like in the movies. You should visit Virginia City, especially if you are a fan of westerns.
Valley of Fire State Park
The name alone is enough to entice curiosity to visit the park. The Valley of Fire State Park is one of Nevada’s most beautiful natural attractions. The park features extraordinary rock formations and colorful stone waves, making it one of Nevada’s most intriguing landscapes.
There are roads through the park ideal for scenic drives on a sunny day in Nevada. There are also many varied and long hiking trails for those who prefer using their feet. Other than the scenery, there are rock walls covered in petroglyph and old filming locations which take you back to the past. You will also experience some wildlife alongside the spectacular sites.
Nevada is a large state with much to see and do. The above destinations are a tiny fraction of the attractions Nevada holds. Take several weeks to enjoy them or visit them one at a time. Regardless, you are assured of an exciting adventure.
Do you think you will finally punch your teacher in the face if you hear the word test prep or GPA again? Do you feel like a scatterbrain on the verge of a mental breakdown from the endless assault of academic responsibilities? Fear no more. We know the feeling and have a solution!
Student travel programs are an accessible way of blowing off steam and treating yourself with enriching experiences. Designed for students, they are usually cheaper and include an education component, like cultural emersion and local language study among natives.
People have varying preferences and interests, but with so many alternatives to choose from nowadays, there has got to be a travel program for everyone. Check out our list of the best student travel programs we could find online.
Rustic pathways
Rustic pathways make sure you fully engage in local culture and end your travels as a citizen of the world! They understand and apply the vision that says that traveling is less about sightseeing and more about making cross-cultural bonds and forming meaningful connections.
They offer a wide range of specialized tours for people of all interests. The varietal choice of tours includes prolonged single-place visits as well as multiple destination programs.
Go Overseas
Have you grown tired of seeing Sistine Chapel or Mona Lisa only on Google images?
Or learning about art history and ancient monuments strictly on paper? Go overseas focuses on providing refined and cultured travel experiences for students. With Go overseas, visiting historically significant sites will be valuable even if you have been there before, as they are not just going to show you things but also teach you about them.
The constant stream of positive reviews from satisfied customers found on their website, as well as on independent review sites, reflects the quality that this service offers.
You can find more than 100 programs to choose from on their website.
Academic Programs International
Academic programs international offers student tours all around Europe, as well as more exotic destinations like Ecuador and Costa Rica. Their tour options vary from summer programs to more extended trips geared towards gap year students. You could even delegate some of your assignments to ‘do my research paper’ services to sneak in a quick getaway mid-semester.
UN Volunteers
Volunteering provides a noble opportunity to travel with a higher purpose.
This is a meaningful travel option that allows you to incorporate productivity and selfless help into relaxation. As the name implies, UN volunteers is a United Nations program. They can bring you around the world to experience exotic destinations while helping out underdeveloped communities.
Smithsonian Student Travel
Smithsonian student travel has been active and popular for years. Their tours range from 14 to 24 days and offer experienced trip leaders and tour guides with years of experience and country-specific knowledge. Their programs are open-minded and flexible, able to adapt to individual preferences and interests. They give much thought and attention to really allowing their customers to dive deep into what a country has to offer instead of simply coasting by cliche tourist attractions. Smithsonian has long been a highly popular choice among high schoolers and college students alike.
Travel for teens
Travel for teens specializes in making your journey educational and meaningful.
They offer activities for any interest – you can learn photography, improve your creative writing skills, and engage in sports or other recreational activities. It’s always a constructive approach to mix some productivity with pleasure, and if that’s the mindset you have, you can’t go wrong with Travel for teens!
Final thoughts
Covid has severely impeded worldwide travel, but with the pandemic dialing down, at last, you can finally pack your bag and hit the road once again!
Student years are all about new experiences, and nothing expands and diversifies your worldview more than traveling. As a student, your travel opportunities are limited by time and finances, so we hope our list helps you pick a travel program that fits you best.
Joanne Elliot is a passionate traveler and a photographer. She has recently taken up blogging to share her interesting travel experiences with others. She has already inspired many from her online community to follow her example and join in on the romantic and enlightening hobby of traveling!
So you’ve been accepted into an Erasmus program in Budapest: now what? Where are you going to stay? If you’re looking for an alternative to the cramped, hot, miserable dorms you’ve heard horror stories about, Dean’s College Hotel might just be what you’re looking for.
Dean’s is a unique student hotel in Budapest, a residence built to help you have the best experience possible during your time here in Hungary’s capital. Our rooms are comfortable, well-furnished, and safe. Our building features a wide array of amenities, ranging from a rooftop terrace to billiard tables to laundry services. What’s more, we are conveniently located just a short distance from Budapest’s city centre, and right next door to popular tram and metro lines. In addition, we offer free secure storage for bicycles. This means that, whether by tram, train, or bike, you’re just minutes away from anything you might want to see in one of Europe’s most exciting cities.
At Dean’s, our unique student hotel setup means that you’ll be surrounded by fellow students from around the world. They are going through the same tests, the same stresses as you—and will no doubt become your friends during your time in Budapest. In addition, Dean’s also serves as a hotel for visitors young, and young at heart, from around the world. Our short-term guests are looking for more than a standard tourist experience. Whether they’re coming for business or pleasure, they’re interested in seeing another side of the Hungarian capital, and are sure to be great companions in your exploration of all that the city has to offer.
So, whether you’re coming to Budapest from Spain or Scandinavia, Italy or Ireland; regardless of whether you’re studying law, medicine, history, or pretty much anything else, you won’t find better lodgings than at Dean’s.
If you didn’t know, Dean’s works as a hybrid hospitality hotel: part of it are rented out by international students while the other half is reserved by tourists. Mostly young couples, solo travellers and big group of friends who want to know the fun side of Budapest. This provides the perfect opportunity to meet new people whether you are passing through or staying at the hotel permanently. In the lobby, there is always a bunch of people studying, chatting, reading – and because of the university residents, there are also regular local events and activities in the hotel such us Halloween parties, game nights and even rooftop parties.
Dean’s is the perfect place to stay if you would like to hang out with young people and who knows, make new friendships in this hotel.
Do you remember those quaint little beach huts your family used to frequent during those nostalgic family getaways to the coast? Well forget them – because the new Beach Hut Suites at the Beachcroft Hotel in Bognor Regis are redefining coastal chic. Intrepid doggy duo Hannah Tan-Gillies and TeamCocopup check-in to sample the doggy getaway package.
Situated on a gorgeous seven-mile stretch of coastal footpath, the Beach Hut Suites take all the charm of classic beachside huts and imbue it with a luxury twist. The Beach Huts boasts double-height ceilings and generous bi-folding doors that open to a private terrace – with panoramic views of the coast.
The Beach Huts, and the Beachcroft Hotel, are fabulously dog-friendly, boasting all the bespoke touches that are present in any Peter De Savary property. Fans of the equally dog-friendly Cary Arms in Babbacombe Bay or The Eastbury in Dorset, will recognise the handsome decanter of Sloe gin that awaits them in their suite and the impeccable, warm and friendly service that has become synonymous with all properties in the hotelier’s portfolio.
Inside, white-washed walls meet light grey floors, ocean-inspired interiors and vibrant punches of colour, fabric and texture. Each Beach Hut Suite can house up to four people – with a double bed atop the mezzanine and twin bunk beds right by the entrance. We highly recommend requesting a breakfast hamper to your suite, which foregoes the need for rushing to the restaurant on those lazy summer mornings by the seaside.
Instead, the hotel delivers a fabulous wicker hamper with all your continental breakfast favourites already included. From freshly-baked croissants, ham, cheese, yoghurts, porridge, fruits and of course a nice cuppa – there is undoubtedly no better way to enjoy breakfast by the sea.
You can take it up a notch and order a champagne picnic hamper for lunch – which was a glorious experience – especially when enjoyed in your private terrace during one of the UK’s hottest summers of recent memory. The hamper includes classic sandwich fare, but also boxed fish and chips – the quintessential coastal meal.
The Beachcroft Hotel has three fabulous restaurants: the classic Tamarisk Restaurant, Monty’s Bistro Restaurant and Blake’s, which is an outdoor garden terrace restaurant complete with dining pods. Tamarisk offers elevated pub classics without any faff. Don’t expect fancy foams here, but instead hearty and delicious British dishes with a twist.
We were particularly impressed with the hospitality of Lucas the restaurant manager – and how all three restaurants were able to accommodate vegan, diary, gluten alternatives. Like other De Savary properties – doggies are treated like royalty at all restaurants and TeamCocopup Charlie got to enjoy some special meals too.
There’s quite literally an ocean of possibility surrounding the hotel in terms of activities. Enjoy a coastal walk using the hotel’s curated walking guides, go beachcombing or birdwatching at the neighbouring Pagham Harbour biological and geological site, wine tasting at the nearby Tinwood estate or visit Arundel Castle or the Portsmouth Historic estate.
There are buckets, spades and fishing nets for children available at the Beach Hut Suite. For the young at heart, the hotel also offers paddleboarding and adult bicycles – perfect for exploring the beautiful coastal landscapes surrounding the Beachcroft Hotel.
While travel has well and truly returned to the UK, it sometimes becomes easy to forget the beauty that we have in our own backyards. Our stay at the Beach Hut Suite offered ample amounts of nostalgia for those family holidays of old, but also showed us that a UK beach break, especially one at the Beachcroft Hotel, can outdo an expensive holiday at the Med any day.
A night at one of the Beach Hut Suites at the Beachcroft Hotel starts at £415 based on two people sharing B&B. For more information https://beachcroftbeachhuts.co.uk
Whether you are seeking adrenaline-boosting activities or relaxing on a stretch of white sand that nuzzles crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, this gorgeous island in the Indian Ocean ticks all the right boxes and more…
At first glance, you might think you have stepped into some kind of dream, a film set or an enticing Instagram post. But this place is very real and does a pretty stellar job of cranking up the dreaminess levels and spiriting you away on a paradisiacal retreat.
Writer Mark Twain was rumoured to have declared Mauritius as ‘heaven on Earth’ – and it’s easy to see why.
Mauritius is blessed with majestic mountains, lush forests, stunning national parks and spectacular waterfalls, which all go a long way to entice visitors to where it sits in the Indian Ocean.
Put quite simply, Mauritius is a feast for the senses – in particular, from a visual perspective. Gaze in wonder at the rushing waterfalls, mountainous vistas, as well as tropical forests like the mystical Black River Gorges National Park.
But if you’re yearning for more than a gorgeous view while sipping a cocktail, then you’re in luck – Mauritius is much more than just a pretty face.
An intriguing archipelago surrounds Mauritius and one of the best ways to explore this collection of islands and islets is via an organised tour by boat or catamaran. One Love Tours will whisk you away on an unforgettable island adventure, where you can explore the turquoise crystal waters of the Indian Ocean.
Sit back, and relax with a cooling drink as you experience the pure exhilaration of a thrill-a-minute ride on a speedboat. Each tour can take several hours and there are several stopping-off points along the way where you can snorkel, swim and explore.
Step off the boat into the waters and climb up to see Île aux Fouquets, also known as the lighthouse island by the locals, which is located in the bay of Grand Port, southeast of Mauritius. Despite falling into disrepair, this rocky island remains very popular with both locals and tourists and is one of the highlights of these curated tours.
For me, an absolute standout moment was seeing a pod of dolphins that suddenly appeared out of nowhere as the colour of the water transformed from shades of turquoise blue to more of a greenish hue whilst on our way to see the spectacular waterfall at the Grand River South East.
One of the island’s highlights is Île aux Cerfs, which has plenty of restaurants, shops and even a golf course! After a delicious meal, why not relax on the sandy beach, which nestles the turquoise coral-reef lagoon?
For those who hanker after some land-based action, the La Vallée Des Couleurs Nature Park – close to the village of Chamouny – is not only home to some pretty stunning flora and fauna, but is also a great place to enjoy some fun activities that have been designed in tune with nature. Try hiking, quad biking, or zip lining across the world’s third longest zip line, where you can enjoy a birds-eye view of waterfalls, canyons and valleys below.
You can also visit the geological wonder 23-coloured earth palette, which is spread over 450 acres of land. If you want to amp your coloured-sand game even further, head over to Chamarel to see the Seven Coloured Earths where you can find sand dunes in seven different colour ways.
Our tip – plan a trip to see it at sunrise to really see the colours in all their glory.
If happen to up at sunrise, we are sure you will be feeling peckish and if you are looking for a great place for a flavoursome breakfast – that is also totally instagrammable – head over to the Casela Nature park where you can eat with giraffes.
You also have the opportunity to feed these curious and gentle creatures! Be prepared to see a strutting peacock or two as well, as they catwalk across the viewing deck. Afterwards, if you feel the need to walk off your breakfast, why not do so with some big cats?
Along with the larger members of the animal kingdom, Casela is also home to smaller creatures like monkeys, giant tortoises and over 1,500 birds.
Mauritius is renowned for its wildlife which includes the fruit bat (also known as the Mauritian flying fox), geckos and lizards, colourful tropical fish, and, of course, the Aldabra giant tortoises. It was previously the former home of the dodo, undoubtedly the best-known extinct species, but this flightless bird was last seen in 1662
The Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens is an excellent place to learn about rare and endangered species, as well as being an incredible setting to capture some epic shots for Instagram. Prepare to get snap-happy at some of the attractions you can see throughout Mauritius, from the dormant crater Trou aux Cerfs to The Sacred Lake of Mauritius, also known as the Grand Bassin.
Here you will find a parade of Hindu goddesses and gods, from the majestic Lord Shiva to Saraswati – the goddess of music. It makes for quite the spectacle and visitors are able to light a candle and wash their feet in the lake, which, according to local folklore, is meant to encourage fertility.
You can also pay your respects to the larger-than-life statues of Hindu gods Shiva and Durga Maa at the entrance of this sacred site. Shiva is the highest-known statue in Mauritius – standing at 108 feet tall, she is absolutely awe-inspiring.
The Citadel perches above the city on top of Petite Montagne Hill, or to give it its formal name, Fort Adelaide – a famous spot for impressive views of the Capital.
The Fort itself is an impressive sight and provides a 360-degree view of Port Louis from Champ de Mars to Chinatown, which, despite being fairly traditional, has seen a degree of rejuvenation thanks to a group of young people who formed the New Chinatown Foundation in an attempt to bring some identity and vibrancy to the district.
Mauritius is world-renowned for its tea plantations, sugarcane production and, of course, rum distilleries. From the Bois Chéri tea plantation to the Chamarel Restaurant and Rum Distillery, where you can try all manner of rums as well as touring the distillery itself.
Want to shop until you drop? There are ample opportunities all over the island thanks to a wide selection of malls including the cavernous Bagatelle Mall but for a more traditional Mauritian shopping experience, head to the capital of Port Louis and meander around the bustling Central Market where you can let your senses be tantalised with herbs, spices, exotic fruits and more.
Considering where to stay in Mauritius is really easy when you see resorts like the five-star luxury resort Maradiva Villas. This stunning resort offers a pretty unique experience – every one of the 65 villas has a private infinity pool and an outdoor garden shower.
If you prefer your bathing experience to be more communal, then there is a gorgeous communal infinity pool, which has views of the dramatic Le Morne Brabant and is surrounded by swaying palms.
Maradiva also has private access to the gorgeous Tamarin Bay beach, which is made up of reef-sheltered waters and white coral sand. There are plenty of opportunities to soak in Mauritius’ cultural influences, from relaxing holistic spa treatments, including revitalising Ayurvedic massage, to witnessing the dazzling dance of Sega, an intoxicating traditional dance that originated in Africa and is regularly performed around the island.
Foodies will relish in the fine Indian cuisine at Cilantro and the sizzling dishes served at Teppan, an authentic Japanese restaurant, although you can taste traditional Mauritian cuisine which is a fusion of Chinese, European and Indian cuisines at Coast2Coast or via the in-villa dining.
For a slightly more cost-effective stay, Maradiva’s sister hotel, the Sands Suite Resort & Spa where you can enjoy ocean views from your balcony is a superb choice and has a great choice of water sports activities to choose from.
As I sat on the freezing cold boulder that drew me in to the bend of the icy river, I gave in to the truth that nature was healing me. That was what I was feeling.
I slowly breathed in the oxygen that felt thick and forceful, lovingly created for me by the forests around me, and that they had kindly offered to feed me with.
Pursing my lips to prevent the leaving rush of air, I held onto the exhale with a dizzying purpose. Hearing only the sizzle of the water as it bubbled through the rocks on the river bed, I closed my eyes. Resting the back of my hands on my crossed legs, I felt the Earth pull me back to lay down in peace.
I was forest bathing, Shinrin Yoku, in the snowy Alps near Morzine.
The moment.
The trip to Morzine could have been any snowboarding trip. Adrenaline filling every moment from the unnatural downward sliding to the all-natural buzz from dancing all night in your boots following Après.
Don’t get me wrong, it was all those things and more. The food and drink scene in Morzine leaves an indelible impression, as does the historical surprises discovered by chatting to the locals.
Yet, this trip to Morzine was more memorable than ever before. Proof that even if you still haven’t fallen head over heels in love with skiing or snowboarding, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a snow trip with friends or family.
Simone, our magical forest bathing guide, greeted us with the calmest, warmest, and most welcoming smile to take us on our enlightening tour.
Shinrin-yoku is a widely popular medicinal practice in Japan. It offers the opportunity to reconnect with our natural ability to heal, recharge our batteries, and therapeutically remedy blood pressure issues, anxiety, and depression.
With Magical Snow Treks in Morzine, guided by Simone, you’ll fully immerse yourself into the forest, re-awakening your digital-living battered senses.
Their moment.
We began our experience at a point in the forest where we asked permission to enter. One of our group, a guy who recently lost his mother, shed a tear at this early point. The powerful pull of nature often has a visceral effect on those who least expect it, when you and your group go all in.
The still silence of our movements meant that the forest and its inhabitants were comfortable in loudly being themselves around us. We showed them that we respected their home and were giving in to whatever lessons they were to teach us, if any at all.
After moving on from the forest gate, snowshoes strapped on and full cold weather hiking gear, it was time to give and receive with the forest.
Simone is a beautiful soul wondering around in this bonhomie radiating human being. She coaches and guides in a way that makes normal-people sense. Nobody felt silly or that they were getting anything wrong. There we’re moments of silence, receiving energy, offering thanks, and deeply getting to know the forest.
She asked us to get to know part of the forest that we felt pulled to, so I made friends with a tree stump that looked like it was reaching out for a hug. I don’t feel stupid about admitting that we had a chat. I asked if they were okay with what happened, they told me that it has been hard but with the support of the entire forest, the moss, and the animals around them they were thriving.
Your moment.
I’m a tree hugging, deep thinking, energy conduit so this was heaven to me. I often feel the receiving or giving of energy intensely. However, even if none of this represents you, please give forest bathing in Morzine a shot.
You’ll experience a slow walk through nature, with time to look around and take in an environment that you rarely get to relax in.
The final piece of the journey is enjoying freshly picked Norway spruce bud tea amongst the orchid filled clearing at the end. The perfect place to chat with your group about how the last couple of hours made you feel. You may even be surprised by yourself and others.
It truly is an inspiring way to relax, just a few hours out of the day or night and the chance to see more of the area in a new and mindful way.
If you’re looking for an adult playground to spend a long weekend fooling around with your friends, look no further than the Apple Tree in Boston, Lincolnshire. Part of the Away Resorts holiday park chain, this is a fun location that lets you find joy in the simple stuff once again.
Formally known as Boston West, Appletree is a stunning new 150-acre holiday park amid the Lincolnshire countryside.
We gratefully spent a long weekend enjoying all the amenities the park had to offer.
From rallying around in a golf buggy like we’d won the world tour to practising our golf swing like we were Tiger Woods to celebrating our victories with a hot tub party back at the cabin afterwards. Safe to say, you’ll be tuckered out from all the fun Apple Tree has to offer.
Unwind in Indulgent Lodges at Away Resorts
We stayed in one of the indulgent lodges, which are spacious and modern in design. Sleeping up to 8-10 people, the lodges even come with up to 3 bathrooms which is a must on group trips. They are also pet-friendly, which we love because who doesn’t want to bring their furry companions on a country getaway?
Fresh linen, towels and toiletries are also provided – our lodge, in particular, came with outdoor furniture, parking and a hot tub – and don’t we all adore a hot tub?
The resort overall was very quiet, but this made sense to the location itself. Thankfully, the historic city of Lincoln is a short drive away. You can visit one of the oldest standing cathedrals in Europe, Lincoln Cathedral and also Lincoln Castle which is just across the cobbles of the Strait. Then you have the option to test yourself on Lincoln’s famous Steep Hill or grab lunch along the idyllic Brayford waterside.
You’ll also find some of Lincolnshire’s favourite attraction spots not far away from the holiday park, including the Bubble Car Museum, Ark Wildlife Park and Maud Foster Mill.
Sadly, the food served at the restaurant on-site left much to be desired. We had to send our eggs back on several occasions and opted for eating elsewhere eventually but with them being so new, it’s expected to have a few teething problems. On the other hand, the cocktails and drinks were great, so this was a huge positive, especially after a day of fun on the golf course and at the driving range.
Your Perfect Family Getaway at Away Resorts
This is a brilliant holiday park for friends and family who want a long weekend break or a lengthier stay. There is an adventure playground and outdoor splash zone that is sure to keep the kids entertained for hours while Mum and Dad unwind over a glass of Chardonnay outside.
There’s accommodation for all budgets, including the Appletree’s onsite hotel if the lodge life isn’t quite for you. I recommend this break for anyone looking to escape the busy city life or those looking for a relaxing stay with little to no fuss.
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
