Here at House of Coco we feel most at home in the Caribbean because, there’s no two ways about it: life is better by the beach. The salty warm air, the sound of the waves, the feeling of the sun on the skin and, above all, the relaxed way of life. GoldenEye is no ordinary hotel, it is a collection of 49 villas, cottages, and huts scattered throughout tropical gardens, along a tranquil lagoon, beaches and a Snorkeler’s Cove.
The Beach Huts were created to match the style of Chris Blackwell’s own GoldenEye Hut and to mirror the way he likes to live, which is about casualness and simplicity; while offering the most relaxing, “barefoot experience” – organically connected to nature. Handmade touches equate to wooden floors and high ceilings to allow for the natural ocean air to filter though with simple clean lines, married with harmonious furniture built by skilled artisans carefully sourced from around Jamaica.
Guests can enjoy having an outdoor shower in the beach huts or a unique immersive open concept wet room with double rain shower heads, and all the Huts have Caribbean styled terraces for a sensory experience, in symbiosis with nature.
The village of Beach Huts are built at various heights and scattered around a tropical garden that stretches between the unique Snorkeler’s Cove and Shabeen – (an outdoor lounge with a whimsically designed freshwater pool) on one side and Button Beach with its’ gentle, almost wave-less waters on the other side.
Not only the unique accommodations, but the expansive spaces at GoldenEye are carefully designed for respite and relaxation, and for enjoying the relaxed beachy way of life. Guests can feel the sand, safely swim everywhere, enjoy the sunsets from the stunning Shabeen Bar, take a Yoga class at Playscape, listen to Drummers or paddle-board down the lagoon.
GoldenEye is the perfect place to experience a low-key escape, simply and harmoniously connected to nature, in a wonderfully expansive environment.
EXPERIENCE THE SIMPLISTIC BEAUTY OF JAMAICAN HUT LIFE AT GOLDENEYE. RESERVE 4 NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF 3 OR 7 NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF 5 IN A BEACH HUT. FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY.
Some people would say that proposing on Valentine’s Day is pure cringe and predictable whereas others would say it’s the most romantic day to do it. Whichever side of the fence you sit on, we’ve teamed up with luxury boutique hotel group, Dakota Hotels, who have revealed the top ring reveal tactics for those proposing today.
Below are the hotel’s top five ring reveal tricks for 2022:
Ring served in a fizzing glass of Champagne
Will you marry me? written on a dessert plate
Ring hidden in a short candle, revealing itself when the candle burns away
Ring placed inside a balloon and revealed when popped
Ring attached to the stems of a bunch of flowers
Lauren Martin, Guest Relations Cupid said: “We always go the extra mile for guests who want to plan special or elaborate proposals, but it can definitely be challenging.
“The ring reveal is no longer a traditional down on one knee in a busy restaurant kind of experience, it has become an all singing all dancing celebration of love, with no expense spared.
“At Dakota, we want to ensure our dedicated team can provide guests with the most romantic proposal experience they will never forget.”
Dakota Hotels, have also revealed the most unusual, ambitious, and downright bizarre proposal requests they have received from Valentine’s guests this year.
Hundreds of heart shaped balloons – One guest requested that thousands of pounds worth of red roses, alongside several hundred heart shaped balloons, be left in his suite for his partner to find!
A private helicopter ride over the city – When one guest requested scenic views of Glasgow serve as the backdrop to popping their big question, Dakota were tasked with chartering a helicopter for the occasion to help deliver a breath-taking proposal!
Bedroom String Quartet – One pitch perfect guest requested that Dakota Manchester provide a string quartet to play love songs in their bedroom. The hotel was also tasked with placing rose petals from the lift to suite door, before the big musical reveal!
Candle lit terrace – With panoramic views over the city, the terrace of Dakota Manchester’s Grand Deluxe Suite is the perfect backdrop for any romantic moment. When one guest requested that 300 candles, plus their partners name spelled out in rose petals, were placed on the terrace, it made for one unforgettable proposal.
Full Restaurant Take-over – When one guest wanted the service and luxury of Dakota Leeds destination restaurant, The Grill, for their proposal, they requested to hire the whole restaurant for guaranteed privacy.
What’s better than a trip to New York City? You could go during the holidays and see the giant tree while getting premium gifts for loved ones. Or you could go during the summer, while the weather is nice enough to enjoy a long walk to different attractions. Spring and fall are great for going to Central Park and other outdoor events. Whenever you choose to go, there’s always something amazing happening in NYC.
That said, NYC is a popular tourist destination. It’s very possible that you’ve already seen the more iconic attractions. You might be in the market for something new. Fortunately, there’s a lot of new things in the Big Apple happening at all times.
Below we gathered four things for every member of the family. From the sports fan to the theater junkie, we’ve thought of something for everyone. So give it a quick read and hopefully you find something new for your next trip to NYC.
Take A Swing At Sports Betting
New Yorkers visiting the city will often want to see a sports game. Both the Yankees and Mets play in the city, and Madison Square Garden is home to the Rangers and Knicks. Driving up to the city to hit up a sports bar then see a game is a great weekend trip. It’s hard to top the experience of a big city game, but there’s one new addition that can make things even more exciting.
New York now has legal sports betting, which you can do through sportsbook apps like BetMGM New York. Putting in your own money on the outcome of a game is a fresh way to have something to root for. Now it’s not just the team’s standings you’re vying for, it’s more money in your wallet. This adds a level of tension to a game that brings the thrill to new heights. You can bet on major league sports, college sports, and even attach your account to an online casino account to earn rewards points for goodies.
Experience The Magic Of The Harry Potter Store
NYC is famous for its stores dedicated to various beloved franchises. Disney has a shop, and Nintendo NY is the only store of its kind in the US. Now the Wizarding World of Harry Potter joins the ranks. Fans of the books and movies can grab a butterbeer, add Hogwarts House clothes to their wardrobe, and personalize wands or Quidditch jerseys.
See Broadway’s Latest
While the concept of Broadway itself has been around for awhile, there’s always a new show to see. There are two musicals about iconic stars playing right now: MJ and Tina Turner. David Byrne’s American Utopia offers a new way to experience music on stage. Classic shows like Phantom of the Opera and Wicked are still running, as usual.
Those looking to experience Broadway without the price of tickets can also check out the recent themed stores. The dedicated Hamilton store on 46th often gets exclusive goods and will be the closest many of us get while tickets are still always sold out. For those who can’t get enough of Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Drama Book Shop near Madison Square Garden is a newly rebuilt haven for Broadway and Miranda’s works.
Try The Best Pizza In NYC
There’s a lot of great pizza in NYC, but you might’ve missed Francesco’s. Located on 186 Columbus Ave, Francesco’s looks like a quick serve spot for a slice on the run. And it is, but it also offers sit-down customers amazing garlic knots and baked ziti. And of course, the pizza is heavenly. It’s truly a contender for best pizza in the city and is well worth taking a detour to the Upper West Side.
For some people, travelling is a lifestyle rather than an annual treat. Long-term travel looks a little different for everyone. Some might consider a month-long trip as long-term, whereas for others, it might be two or three years.
You could also move around from place to place or settle in a city for a few months or even a year. There are no rules – it’s entirely up to you. But if you’ve made this decision, you might be anxious about how to handle it and what to expect. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Immersing Yourself
Leaving your home for an extended period means that you’re probably ready to experience something a little different. Travelling somewhere new and settling down for a while is a great opportunity to truly immerse yourself in a different culture.
It’s up to you to put in the effort though. Make an effort to learn the language, experience the cuisine, take part in rituals and festivals. For example, if you’re religious, you might want to try reading the bible in Spanish and join in religious festivities that are slightly different from your own. This is a great way to learn and show the locals you meet that you respect and appreciate their culture.
Being Selective
Even if you’re travelling for years, you have to make peace with the fact that you probably cannot see and experience everything a city, country, or the world has to offer.
In this regard, you need to be selective about where you choose to go and what you choose to do there. Make lists of what is most important to you and prioritise these. This will help you to make sure you don’t finish your trip with regrets about not experiencing something amazing.
Learning More About Yourself
You might not be going on a trip of self-discovery, but you’ll probably learn more about yourself than you ever expected. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a partner or friend, new experiences can reveal different parts of us.
Long-term travel might open your eyes to new and different goals and aspirations for your life. Try to be open-minded to new paths and embrace what you discover about yourself.
Being Frustrated
Even if you’re obsessed with travelling the world, be prepared for the fact that it can be frustrating to be uprooted for such an extended period of time. Humans crave stability to some extent and being away from your roots, family and friends, and your normal routine will grow frustrating eventually.
Remind yourself of the positives of your circumstances and the fact that home will always be there when you decide to return.
Taking Care of Yourself
Finally, though it may feel like you’re on a never-ending holiday, remember to take care of your mind and body. Don’t neglect healthy habits, exercise, good nutrition and spiritual practices that keep you grounded and feeling mentally sound.
Even when things are unstable and chaotic, falling back on healthy habits and taking care of your mind and body is crucial.
What’s better than travelling? Travelling for free! Adventure travel company WeRoad has arrived in the UK and to celebrate the government’s removal of travel restrictions is hiding free holidays, worth up to £2,000 each, across the capital.
As UK travel restrictions are lifted on Friday, February 11 at 4am, WeRoad is giving ten adventurous members of the public the chance to win a ‘Golden Ticket’, the equivalent of a group adventure holiday of their choice.
A trusty WeRoad Travel Coordinator will be guarding the tickets and will only reveal the secret central London location when the clock strike’s 04:00 on 11 February. The location of the once-in-a-lifetime free trips will be posted on their Instagram account and the first ten people to find them will win them.
And that’s not all: the next 10 people who just miss the cut will win a £1,000 voucher to one of WeRoad’s group holidays in the form of a ‘Silver Ticket’. In total, the company will be dishing out £30,000 worth of holidays.
It comes as WeRoad announces its official launch in the UK, after first kicking-off in Italy in 2017. The brand is headed up by Milan-based Paolo De Nadai, Fabio Bin and Erika De Santi, with the WeRoad concept starting out offering group trips for solo travellers. Since then, the innovative travel company has brought together more than 30,000 solo travellers from Europe.
Travel Coordinators are a key part of the overall experience, and their 600 strong team are passionate travellers, all equipped with the necessary knowledge to give you a truly holistic and unique experience in your chosen destination.
Erika De Santi, Co-Founder & International Expansion Director, said: “Innovation is an integral part of our DNA at WeRoad, and we strive to disrupt and rewrite the existing status quo within the travel industry. Our unique direct to consumer brand experience aims to provide prospective WeRoaders with a life-changing travel experience, designed and delivered by our fantastic Travel Coordinators.
She continued:“As a brand we want to help bring together like-minded people with similar interests, joining a vibrant community of passionate travellers who want to share an unforgettable adventure together.
“We’re very excited to officially launch in the UK and with travel restrictions being lifted on February 11th, we’re giving people a helping hand to get out there again and go on a once in a lifetime adventure. To celebrate our launch, we’ll be giving lucky Brits the chance to win a ‘Golden Ticket’, which is the equivalent of a group adventure holiday of their choice.”
The trips on offer are numerous, whether it’s heading on a safari in Tanzania, hunting for the Northern Lights in Finland or island hopping in Mexico and the Gili Islands, WeRoad has organised group adventures to 180 long and short-haul destinations across nearly all the continents.
Its holidays are made up of 90% solo travellers, mostly aged between 18 and 35, looking to travel the world (without all the time-consuming planning), forming lifelong friendships along the way. Small groups of 8 – 15 people are fully immersed in new cultures, eating local cuisine and staying in guest houses, a truly authentic experience. Groups are matched based on their age and what kind of trip they’re up for – a relaxing escape or pulse-raising adventure. Couples and groups are also welcome.
In addition, it’s not just the amazing locations that people can visit that make a WeRoad trip such an unforgettable experience, it’s the people who really make the holidays so special. More than highly specialised tour guides, Travel Coordinators are there for the same motivations their fellow travellers are – to form new friendships with like-minded solo travellers while exploring the world.
Best of all? You barely have to lift a finger: all trips are specially designed to meet all WeRoaders needs. All anyone needs to do is arrange their flights, which aren’t included in the price of the holiday, because WeRoad doesn’t want to force travellers to depart from an inconvenient airport or end up with inefficient layovers and impossible connections.
For those struck by insatiable wanderlust, nothing will stand in the way of a truly incredible adventure- not even budgetary constraints.
Kenya is a market leader with plenty of jaw-dropping attractions and activities for visitors regarding African safaris.
Its wildlife safaris are unparalleled and attract repeat travelers from all over the world.
Although some of the safari packages were traditionally pricey, the country’s tourism industry has evolved to cater to budget travelers.
Nonetheless, knowing how to plan your budget safari will assure you of a phenomenal and flawless adventure. It will also guarantee maximum value for money while availing you a wholesome safari experience.
Here are some valuable pointers to bear in mind when planning a budget safari to Kenya
Destinations
All of Kenya’s unique destinations can be accessed by luxury and budget travelers alike.
The Maasai Mara Game reserve is among the most thrilling, a rich ecosystem teeming with a diverse array of wildlife species.
It is also the arena for one of the most spectacular natural wonders- the annual wildebeest migration. Today, you can book a Maasai Mara budget safari at the click of a button.
The most popular animals in the Maasai Mara include the Big Five. These include the African elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard.
The Mara’s other fascinating animals include giraffes, gazelle, wildebeest, dik-diks, aardvarks, elands, crocodiles, jackals, hyenas, and more.
Additionally, the park boasts more than 470 avian species.
Besides the Maasai Mara, you can also check out dozens of other natural wildlife reserves and conservancies spread throughout the country.
Alongside its rich wildlife, Kenya is home to some of the gorgeous beaches on the planet, key among them being the award-winning Diani beach.
Activities.
There are plenty of fun activities to enjoy in the Mara and other reserves.
Some of the popular activities available to budget travelers in most parks include camping, walking safaris, day game drives, night game drives, and (for Mara visitors) visits to a Maasai village.
The beauty of Kenya’s attractions is that they are pretty spread out across the country. That means that no matter which corner of Kenya you visit, there is a wildlife destination nearby.
Even travelers on tighter budgets or those pressed for time have the option of touring the Nairobi National Park. It has the distinction of being a sizable natural animal habitat located within a modern capital city.
Some of the striking beasts here include the black rhino, leopard, lion, cheetah, giraffe, buffalo, hyena, and more than 400 types of birds.
All the animals roam freely in the park, traveling in their native habitat.
Some enjoyable activities in the park include game drives, hiking, camping, and walking safaris. It also has secure picnic sites where you can catch a breather as you enjoy your packed lunch.
Should you opt for a beach safari, some activities to indulge in at the coast include swimming, snorkeling, big game fishing, swimming with dolphins/ dolphin watching, swimming with turtles, scuba diving, and kite surfing.
Travel Guides
Whether yours is a luxury or budget safari, it is always best to have a travel agent guiding your tours.
That is particularly vital if you are a first-time visitor to Kenya. A travel agent or tour company will advise you on the most efficient way to plan your trip.
Some professional travel companies benefit from native guides and consultants who will show you the country and its innermost details. Some were born and bred in the Maasai Mara and possess a vast knowledge of the animals and the Mara ecosystem.
Figure 3 AjKenyaSafaris Ltd, one of Kenya’s top indigenous tour operators
An agent will also guide you on the ideal travel times for each attraction you wish to visit. That ensures you get the most value for money, as you can structure your itinerary accordingly.
Also worth noting is that you are likely to enjoy discount options at most accommodations when you book through an agency compared to when you go it alone.
Hotel establishments and other service providers often extend these discounts to travel agencies since they tend to attract travelers. So, why not take advantage of these discounts yourself?
Accommodation
Kenya has plenty of accommodation options to choose from. These include boutique hotels, Airbnb, 3-star restaurants, and campsites for the happy campers among us.
Camping in the Maasai Mara is especially thrilling as you will literally be sleeping in the wild.
Also, there are different categories of camps, which vary according to the level of comfort you wish to have and your appetite for adventure.
Some of these camps feature flush toilets and open-air showers, which have walls but are roofless. You can enjoy a refreshing shower while enjoying the warm African sun on your skin.
Campsites are spread across the country, including the warm and humid coast, where you can pitch camp in designated areas, some close to the beach.
Transportation
While luxurious 4×4 vehicles such as the Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Prado, Land Cruiser, and land rovers cars are the best way to navigate the off-road locales, Safari vans are dependable yet budget-friendly.
These vans can easily navigate off-road terrain and are customized to ensure your comfort, with a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing.
Whether you opt for the land cruiser or the safari van, you can choose to take it on a self-drive or a guided safari.
Self-driven safaris are better for seasoned visitors who have been to Kenya before and are comfortable taking on the off-road terrain. You would have to hire a safari vehicle when going on a self-driven tour.
On the other hand, guided safaris take the hassle of procuring a vehicle out of your hands, as your tour agent will provide you with whichever car you choose.
Moving to a different country is perhaps one of the biggest steps you can take in your life. If it’s not for college, then it’s for work or because you simply want to experience a new adventure and see a completely different world from what you’re used to. Here are 4 things you need to know about moving to another country.
Cost Of Living
One important thing you should consider when thinking of moving to a different country is the cost of living. It varies from place to place; emigrating to Portugal means a low cost of living while the USA means a high cost of living. So how much money do you need to emigrate? Well, it depends on the standard of life that you’re used to. If you live in Norway or Denmark, where basic food is free of charge, then moving abroad will be expensive for you because your expenses will increase by at least 30%. So it’s advisable to go and check out how much things such as groceries, rent, and transportation cost before actually deciding to move somewhere. Once you have some idea, take some time to save money or find ways of earning extra cash before your trip. You don’t want any unnecessary stress while abroad!
Make Yourself Familiar With The Country’s Culture
In all honesty, there are some things you just can’t prepare for. You should be aware that every single country has its own unique culture and way of life. For example, in Norway, it’s rude to arrive several minutes after a meeting time because Norwegians perceive themselves as punctual people. In Hungary on the other hand it is customary to be quite late because Hungarians think they’re generous if they give their guests a few extra minutes before starting dinner or a party. Other examples of different cultures include:
In China, they have a completely different way of greeting people compared to the rest of the world. In China, it is common for people to bow instead of shaking hands or kissing each other on the cheek. Also, in China, it is considered polite to slurp your food when eating noodles. This sound means that you are enjoying your meal so much that you want everyone around you to have a taste too!
In Denmark, if someone visits your home it is customary for the guest to bring a small gift. It can be something from flowers to wine or even chocolates.
In Japan, starting a conversation with a stranger in public is considered extremely rude. Instead of speaking, Japanese people will send signals via body language instead!
You should also make yourself aware of the different traditions and celebrations other countries have during different seasons and times of the year. For example, Christmas in Norway is celebrated similarly to how Christmas celebrations happen regularly while in China, the celebration is held according to the lunar calendar and lasts for one whole month!
Learn The Local Language
It’s obvious that if you want to move to another country it would be beneficial if you learn at least a few words of the native language. This way you could make yourself understood and communicate more easily with other people in your new home. It will also help you fit in and not feel like a stranger among locals. However, learning a new language takes time and it helps if you know how much effort must go into achieving fluency beforehand.
In general, learning a new language requires: -A total of 2000 hours spent studying -At least 60% comprehension accuracy -80% production accuracy Of course, having a good memory and an active learning process helps too.
The Food Will Be Different
Not only the ingredients of the food you get in your new home will be different, but also the order in which they are served. For example, if you’re used to having a starter, main meal, and dessert when sitting down for lunch or dinner with your family then this custom won’t apply to most people living in Asia or South America. Instead, these countries tend to serve their meals according to what they think is filling rather than what goes well with each other. So instead of having one big dish per person like on a Western table, some dishes might be shared while others are served individually.
The bottom line is: if you want to move to a different country, do your research beforehand and make yourself aware of the differences that exist within countries. This way you’ll avoid unnecessary stress and ensure that your stay abroad will be as pleasant as possible!
Packing for a trip can be stressful. It might not be a big problem for light packers, but figuring out what to bring on a trip is a struggle for most people. Plus, you have to ensure that everything is within the recommended weight limit of your airline.
Most travelers have questioned the accuracy of weighing scales in airports. That is why having a luggage scale handy is a must for travelers. If you don’t have one yet, remember to check reliable luggage scale reviews online to give you an idea what’s the best model to use.
Pro Tips When Flying With Luggage
If you have plans to fly on your next trip, you must know the latest airline baggage fees, rules, and regulations. This way, you can avoid any inconveniences on the day of your departure.
1. Know the Weight Limit for Checked Luggage
Most big airline companies have similar requirements for checked baggage. Generally, it should not exceed 50 pounds for regular passengers. Those with premium tickets have up to 70 pounds luggage allowance.
On the other hand, budget airlines typically allow up to 40 pounds of checked baggage but require a higher fee than more prominent airlines. In addition, both ask for extra payment for excess baggage weight. To ensure you have the facts right, check your airline’s baggage weight requirements, including overweight and extra bag fees.
2. Know the Requirements for Carry-on Bag
The carry-on bag requirements vary among airlines, each having its separate set of rules and regulations for hand-carried bags. Most of the time, they are concerned about the bag’s size and not the weight. Your carry-on must fit the upper compartment.
Airline companies usually have crates at the airport, allowing passengers to check if their bags fit. However, some airlines also require weight limitations in addition to the carry-on bag’s size requirements.
In your carry-on bag, try to put all your essential items first, followed by some extra things you might need in a day, like undies and a different shirt. You can throw in some snacks, too.
3. Weigh Your Bags at Home
It’s best to weigh your luggage at home before leaving for the airport. Doing this ensures it’s within your airline’s limit, avoiding any hassle and inconvenience on the spot.
You can use a weighing scale for humans or invest in a portable luggage scale. It doesn’t matter whatever option you choose, as long as you get its weight. Also, planning and knowing how to pack wisely will significantly help prevent overweight luggage.
4. Send Luggage Ahead
Sending your luggage ahead is an expensive option but a more convenient one when it’s time for you to travel. The catch is that you need to pack in advance and have it picked up ahead of your departure date.
Most Reliable Ways To Weigh Your Luggage
There will always be discrepancies every time you weigh your luggage using different devices. At the airport, the airline agent decides whether your baggage is within the limit or not. Here are various ways to know the weight of your luggage:
1. Luggage With Built-in Scale
One sure way of knowing your luggage’s weight is by using one with a built-in scale on its handle—no need to buy a portable weighing device. Several manufacturers have developed this luggage model, making it more convenient for travelers.
2. Portable Luggage Scale
If you still have a working suitcase, an upgrade is not necessary. However, it is advisable to have a portable luggage scale handy. Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose from affordable to more expensive models.
Most of these scales come with a hook that you can link to your suitcase’s handle. Once attached, simply lift the luggage off the ground using the scale. Hold it steady for several seconds until the numbers level out on the display. Then, read and record the weight for reference.
3. Regular Home Scale
Although using your regular weighing scale at home is not the most precise and reliable way to weigh your luggage, you can make do with what’s available. There are two ways you can weigh your luggage using this machine.
Firstly, you can simply place the bag directly on top and read the weight. The other option is to step on the scale and note your weight. Next, pick up the luggage and weigh yourself while carrying it. Get the difference between your weight with the suitcase and without it.
4. Airport Scale
Many airports provide scales so that the passengers can check the weight of their baggage and make necessary adjustments before going to the check-in counter.
Accuracy of Airport Luggage Scales
There are plenty of doubts when it comes to airport luggage scales accuracy. Some believe that it’s common for different airlines to have inaccurate devices. Others say it depends on the airport.
In reality, these airline luggage scales are not accurate. Most of these devices are calibrated yearly, and the daily wear and tear make them unreliable. That said, it would be best to weigh your luggage before heading to the airport using your own reliable scale.
If you don’t, you will be surprised by the significant price difference between a suitcase within its weight limit and an overweight one. That’s an extra expense on top of the other ones included in your travel budget.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
There is nothing better to banish the winter blues then with a quick ski holiday to the slopes. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or planning for a late-season ski holiday, we’ve rounded up some of the best alpine retreats so you can get your alpine fix #TeamCoco style.
The Little Nell, Aspen Snowmass, USA
For those looking to splash out and travel a little further afield for their ski holiday this spring, The Little Nell Hotel in Aspen, provides a fabulous location for a bucket-list style trip to the slopes.
The stunning 5-star property, which is located right beside the piste, is a ski-in ski-out property that takes you straight out to the Aspen mountainside. Offering 92 individually designed guest rooms including 11 suites and 3 signature suites. Each room in the hotel is designed to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible with its cosy atmosphere and luxury in-room amenities. The hotel also has several spa facilities for guests to take advantage of while enjoying the mountain air. Guests can soak in one of the hot tubs or dip in the outdoor pool to unwind after a day on the slopes.
HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay at The Little Nell Hotel on a room only basis from £2,770pp, including accommodation, flights and transfers. Price based on two people sharing www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7761
Hotel Elizabeth Ischgl, Austria
Hotel Elizabeth Ischgl is a wonderful luxury ski holiday destination in the Austrian alps. Guests can enjoy the state-of-the-art spa facilities, cocktail bar, and penthouse pool, which all offer their own benefits after a long day out carving down the slopes. This ski-in ski-out hotel offers incredible views over the resort and the interiors of the hotel are finished to fine, luxury standards, with smart lounges, sleek bedrooms and walls decorated with art by 120 Austrian contemporary artists.
HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay at Hotel Elizabeth from £2,455pp, including accommodation, flights and transfers. Price based on two people sharing www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7761
Club Med Alpe d’Huez, France
Alpe d’Huez is located at a high altitude making it the ideal place to enjoy a spring ski holiday. With ski-in ski-out access, swimming pools, close to green slopes and its own kids club, Club Med really is kitted out with everything guests could possibly need for a perfect ski holiday.
For novices, ski and snowboard lessons are included in the price. Club Med’s all-inclusive, stress-free set up means guests can walk through the doors of the hotel and enjoy a relaxing holiday knowing every detail of their holiday is taken care of – so you can ski with ease.
HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay at Club Med Alpe d’Huez on an all-inclusive basis from £1,647pp, including flights, transfers, accommodation, ski pass, lessons, food and drink. www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7761
Hotel Schweizerhof, Saas Fee, Switzerland
Located in the in the Swiss resort of Saas Fee, Hotel Schweizerhof is a tranquil oasis for guests to escape to during a ski holiday this springtime. Lovingly called ‘The Pearl of the Alps’, the hotel boasts skiing on slopes up to 3500m high, making it ideal for a spot of late-season skiing.
The hotel’s strong emphasis on its spa and wellness offering means it’s perfect for those looking to unwind whilst enjoying all that the mountainside has to offer. The hotel’s incredible food offering has a strong wellness focus throughout the menu, but fear not, those still looking to let their hair down on holiday won’t be disappointed by the hotel’s very own Hofbar, which is complete with a glass roof and its own VINarium, which offers weekly wine tasting.
HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay at Hotel Schweizerhof on a half-board basis from £1,349pp, including accommodation, flights and transfers. Price based on two people sharing www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7761
Hermitage Hotel & Spa, Cervinia, Italy
Nestled on the south side of the Matterhorn, Cervinia is one of the highest resorts in the world and enjoys ideal skiing conditions all winter, perfect for a ski holiday later in the season. The family-run Hermitage Hotel & Spa is a Relais and Chateau hotel, with rooms that offer breathtaking views of the Matterhorn/. guests can also enjoy the use of the hotel spa, which offers a host of beauty treatments, access to an indoor pool, steam, and sauna.
HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay at Hermitage Hotel & Spa on a half-board basis from £2,425pp, including accommodation, flights and transfers. Price based on two people sharing www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7761
