If you're looking for a tasting menu to remember, then the secret multi-course feast at Nobu promises to leave a lasting memory. We recently checked into Nobu Marbella, which is a dreamy venue set amid tropical foliage in the ultra-luxe Puente Romano resort. This year, the dining area was extended to cater to more guests and it makes for a spectacular space. The interiors, in true Nobu style, have a minimalist yet cosy feel, with the use of natural woods, foliage and soft lighting. Tables face a terrace area which opens out on to an inner courtyard, which comes a bustling spot come the eve...
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If you're looking for a bit of escapism in the city with an adventurous twist, make your way to Mr Fogg's Residence in the heart of Mayfair. This eclectic and tucked away bar which notably features a hot air balloon and a penny-farthing hanging above the bar, has reopened much to our delight following closure due to the darned corona and it has a number of safety measures in place so you can concentrate on delicious drinks instead of worrying about hygiene. Firstly, temperature checks are performed on arrival with a little gun. Apparently I was 'hot' while my drinking companion was 'cool'. ...
Read more →Did you know there’s a sprawling school building just by Tower Bridge with a pretty mind-blowing Indian restaurant lurking inside and plush rooms to crash in after? Well, I had no idea The LaLiT London existed until a friend tipped me off about it and went to investigate. This boutique hotel is part of an Indian owned luxury chain and the only one outside of India. It is an impressive venue, housed within a red brick Victorian school building built between 1894 and 1896. Think high ceilings, large windows, parquet flooring and period wood detailing. After I finally found the entrance (t...
Read more →Cheltenham in Gloucestershire is a town that draws visitors from far and wide with its constant stream of events, from literary festivals to the horse races. But if you're a resident or visitor to the town and haven't been, I encourage you to gallop along to The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie. This restaurant, catering to 222 diners, is pretty stunning with it housed within a Grade 1 listed rotunda building. It is centrally located in town and less than a 5-minute taxi ride from the train station. I popped to the restaurant on a chilly Tuesday night and was immediately struck by the warm atmosp...
Read more →Location, location, location is what it's all about when it comes to the Kimpton de Witt Amsterdam. What's more, this slickly designed hotel boasts a top notch cocktail bar from the same team behind White Lyan, Cub, Dandelyan and Lyaness on the premises. I checked into the 274 room historic Dutch building on a Thursday afternoon. It's literally a hop and a skip from Amsterdam's central train station, which is the Eurostar hub from London and less than 20 minutes from Schiphol airport. From the outside the brick building doesn't look like anything special, but a garden wall and neon light...
Read more →I opened the plush velvet bedroom curtains to a view of a golden Willow tree blowing in the breeze, grassy banks twinkling with morning dew and the Thames trickling on by. It felt all very countrified but in fact I was just a short walk from a London tube station. Following a major refurb, I'd present the Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond as the ultimate London staycation spot. The interiors are chic yet cosy and with only 15 rooms, there is a certain intimacy about the place. I checked into the quaint redbrick townhouse (a former literary hub frequented by the likes of Ruskin and Yates) on...
Read more →I'd always heard great things about Cape Town and when I visited the city recently it surpassed expectations. It's a charming metropolis with clean streets, a buzzing marina, a mouth watering restaurant scene, mind bogglingly low prices and a wealth of nature on the doorstep. On the accommodation front, one spot that certainly won my heart was the Belmond Mount Nelson. I'd got a tip off about the hotel from a friend whose impeccable style and taste I firmly trust and with his recommendation, decided to investigate. This sprawling resort complex boasts 198 rooms and suites spread across s...
Read more →The 110-year-old Strand Palace as undergone a multi-million pound transformation and the results are pretty incredible. The 786-room hotel has been brought up to the 21st century, with some art deco touches adding to the charm. I checked in on a Friday night, with a friendly man greeting us on the door. The lobby had a cool contemporary feel with polished floors and wood-pannelled walls. There was also modern art dotted around the place, keeping my eyes distracted. Check in was swift and we were directed to a newly-refurbished superior king on the 8th floor. Despite it being a king, the...
Read more →You always know when you’ve found a good place when you’re reluctant to write about it, in fear of giving the secret away. But letting you in on a hidden gem... add the Aman to your Venice must-see list. This hotel, restaurant and spa is opulent and discreet. A slice of heaven on earth. The complex is housed within a grand 16th century palazzo, which is still owned by the family and leased to the Aman. The original features are intact, with dreamlike frescos, playful plasterwork and magical murano glass chandeliers. Careful care has been taken to blend the old with the new and the Aman’...
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