THE CHARING CROSS HOTEL – REVIEW
THE CHARING CROSS HOTEL CAN TRULY CLAIM TO BE AT THE VERY CENTRE OF LONDON: THE ELEANOR CROSS JUST OUTSIDE IS THE POINT FROM WHICH ALL ROAD DISTANCES TO THE CAPITAL ARE MEASURED. AS PART OF THE GUOMAN COLLECTION OF DELUXE OF LONDON HOTELS; THE CUMBERLAND, THE ROYAL HORSEGUARDS, THE TOWER, AND, OF COURSE, THE CHARING CROSS ARE THE IDEAL PLACE TO MEET, CELEBRATE, OR SIMPLY RELAX IN THE HEART OF THE CITY.
The Grade II listed building has been restored to all of its former Victorian glory giving it an elegance and grandeur that are both very much of its time, and yet completely suited for the twenty-first century and beyond.
From the moment I step in, I am made at ease by the impeccable Concierge service and impressed by the chic interior design highlighting the importance of elegance through the use of rich dark shades, opulent fabrics and signature statement pieces, designed to reflect the hotel’s iconic location at the official centre-point of London.
With 239 luxurious bedrooms and Junior Suites, the attention to detail and cutting-edge design is excellent. Each room includes black out blinds, large work stations with Wi-Fi, Hypnos beds (a brand recommended by the Queen), Egyptian cotton bed linen, bathrobes, rain head showers and tea/coffee facilities, for the optimum guest experience.
The hotel is also complete with a state of the art guest-only gym. With a modern chic look, the new gym is kitted out with three plasma screens, an iPod docking station, refrigerated refreshments and fresh towels. And if you need advice, or just a little extra motivation, you can book a session with their own fully-qualified Personal Trainer.
The inlaid mosaic floor of the Terrace on the Strand Restaurant is the Victorian original. Winner of an AA Rosette, it serves an adventurous menu of classic British and international cuisine. With the hotel so close to many West End theatres, it’s the ideal choice for a pre-show dinner or long lunch after a morning sight-seeing.
The discreet yet attentive service makes the Strand Lounge a calm, sumptuous place to relax. Settle back and savour our famous London Afternoon Tea, accompanied by magnificent views over The Strand and Trafalgar Square.
Strand Bar is open twenty-four hours a day for a drink, or light meal. Each Friday night there is live music in the lounge, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the great atmosphere of this Central London hotel.
The candles and tea-lights which adorn the length of the corridors and staircases on an evening are welcome tonic after the hustle and bustle of a day in the busy city.
The Charing Cross hotel is the gateway to London’s West End and its world-famous shops, theatres and other attractions. And with Charing Cross mainline and Tube stations literally next door, this iconic Central London hotel has firmly established itself as the leading ‘destination’ hotel in the area.
Charing Cross, The Strand, London. WC2N 5HX
Tel: 0871 376 9012
Fax: 0871 376 9112
http://www.guoman.com/en/hotels/united_kingdom/london/charing_cross/index.html
Words Almaz Ohene
UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN: HEALING ARTS AND YOGA HOLIDAY
ITALY… THE COUNTRY OF PIZZA, PASTA, TIRAMISU, ICE CREAM, CAPPUCCINO, MACHIATTO, LATTE, LIMONCELLO. THE COUNTRY OF LEONARDO DA VINCI, MICHELANGELO, SOFIA LOREN, MONICA BELLUCCI… THE COUNTRY OF HISTORY, ART, ROMANCE, PASSION, LOVE… I HAVE BEEN TO ITALY MANY TIMES SINCE I WAS 16 AND I HAVE ALWAYS ADMIRED HISTORIC ROME, CHIC MILANO, THE COSMOPOLITAN AMALFI COAST BUT THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THE TUSCAN REGION MORE MYSTERIOUS, MORE DISTURBING, MORE STRIKING THAT MAKES IT INCOMPARABLE WITH ANY OTHER ITALIAN REGIONS.
As my taxi takes me from Pisa airport to the Fattoria Mansi Bernardini, I can’t stop admiring the view, the postcard-perfect hills and trees that adorn the Tuscan landscape, creating a romantic and intriguing ambiance that has attracted millions of travellers for decades.
It’s the first Yoga & Arts Healing holiday held in this sumptuous villa so I am really interested to practise yoga and to find out the benefits of healing therapy.
My first session is a creative free flow workshop by Dalia Zermon, an abstract artist and creator of the company Paint Jam London, which offers art & meditation workshops. Dalia starts the session explaining that it’s not about improving our painting or drawing skills but a way to relax, release bad energy and do meditation through painting. I begin painting, mixing different colours and let my fingers freely move around the paper. It’s relaxing but after a while my paper is just full of random colours which I believe it’s not possible to mix anymore. Once everyone in the class has finished, Dalia asks everyone how we feel and what our paintings mean. Some people comment that the experience is very profound, enlightening and liberating. For me, it has been energizing, it feels great to let yourself go freely without worrying what other people think. Although not as meaningful and deep as I thought it would be, it definitely is an interesting journey through colour expression exercises and meditation.
Straight after, I rush to the yoga class. I have done sports since I was little and I work out often in the gym but I have never done yoga before so I am really curious to start the class and learn all about it.
The word yoga means “union” in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where yoga originated. Yoga creates a union of mind, body and spirit.
Until now, my limited view of yoga was impossible postures that improve your flexibility and meditation through breathing and exercise but our teacher, Francis D’Angelo leads me to discover that there is much more to it. Francis has been a yoga teacher for 14 years and his open-minded and humorous Hatha style approach to yoga promotes physical, mental and emotional balance.
Although some of the postures weren’t easy, I managed to do most of them. The class was really enjoyable and it’s a great small-impact work out. The breathing and meditation techniques make you feel purified physically and mentally.
After the class, I have a look around this magnificent place. The Fattoria Mansi Bernardini is a luxurious farm situated in the hills of north Lucca. Its name, Bernardini, comes from a family of merchants who invested their money in this hilly area surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. Over the centuries the size of the farm increased enormously as the Bernardini family purchased nearby properties and Antonieta, last heir of the family, got married to the marquis Rafaello Mansi, bringing new interest to this splendid estate. Their first-born son and present owner, Luigi, relaunched this place as a luxury farm.
The Fattoria Mansi Bernardini has 4 separate villas, each with their own garden and pool. This exclusive Tuscan estate has also a group of 4 smaller houses, called “Il Borghetto”, with their own garden but sharing a pool. Every house boasts a living-room with TV, video player and CD stereo. The room’s décor is luxury-meets-history-meets-rustic. All the rooms have modern comforts but have preserved the original layout. They are very spacious, with low-energy eco lights and cosy, with a very homely feeling.
The Fattoria offers also a wine tasting excursion in Tenuta di Valgiano, where it’s explained how they produce the wine in this region. Since 2005, Tenuta di Valgiano is a member of Renaissance du Terroir, an association of 160 wine-makers worldwide under the common denominator of byodinamic agriculture, which means that they don’t use weed-killers, synthetic chemical products, concentrator or cryoextraction.
As I taste the white wine Tenuta di Valgiano 2007, the red wine Palistori di Valgiano 2008 along with mozzarella, scamorza (typical of this region), salami and focaccia uva (Italian bread with grapes), I can’t stop looking at the beautiful surroundings.
After too much wine and cheese, I head back to the Fattoria to get ready for my theta healing treatment. Having done some research before coming to Lucca, I discovered that theta healing removes the negative beliefs that make you unhappy, unhealthy and unfulfilled, downloading positive energy that will allow you to live your life how you really want to.
This treatment is done by Lorena Granata, a theta healing and abundance practitioner with more than 20 years’ experience in holistic and Shamanic medicine. The healing is supposed to be instantaneous, as it goes to your subconscious and destroys the negativity you no longer need. Lorena starts asking me what troubles me in my life and a repetitive process of me acknowledging my problems and Lorena downloading positive energy takes place. After the healing, I talk to other people and to some the process has really changed their lives. Do I feel like it has changed mine? Not really, but maybe I am too sceptical. If you really believe it will change you completely, probably it will.
Nevertheless, I think it’s a complex process to understand yourself better and what you need to improve or change to live and feel happier.
When thinking of the Tuscan region, Lucca never seems to be named. Other Tuscan cities such as Florence, Pisa or Siena have been taking all the protagonism, but Lucca is starting to shine on its own as one of the prettiest and more picturesque cities in Tuscany.
Lucca has Etruscan and Longobard origins and was well-known in Roman times. Its wealth came from silk, wool and leather, which were exported to England, France and Flanders. Lucca’s glorious past has left stunning churches and palazzos and, specially, its city-walls, still complete and well-preserved.
Its famous Piazza Anfiteatro, where the famous Roman amphitheatre used to be based, has become one of the landmarks of this city.
Bizarrely, Lucca is the biggest producer of tissue and toilet paper in the world.
Besides, one of its cathedrals, Duomo di San Martino, has a controversial sculpture of a black Christ, which is not even mentioned in guidebooks.
After the visit to Lucca, I get ready for my next treatment: Advanced Deep Tissue and Neuromuscular massage, by Kristina Karanyizc. I have always loved massages. There is something very revitalising and calming about them so I am really looking forward to relax my mind and muscles for one hour.
Kiristina believes that our physical problems have a huge connection with emotional and psychological issues. She tells me that the right part of our back is connected to masculine problems (boyfriend, husband, father, male boss, male friends etc.) while the left part is related to feminine ones (girlfriend, wife, mother, sister, female friends etc.).
She starts massaging my back vigorously, releasing my muscular and energy blockages, eliminating bad energies and replacing them with positive thoughts to heal, balance and nourish my whole body. Her touch is strong but soothing and I can honestly say that it is one of the best massages I have ever had.
Kristina gives the most effective massage treatment possible. Highly recommended.
My last treatment is The Journey, by Sandra Ferreira, a type of healing that clears emotional issues and blockages stored in your body. Sandra takes me through an emotional journey, looking at my subconscious and problems from the past, to the present and the future. Sandra’s aim is to help others to achieve a free, healthy and rich life, bringing passion, peace, love and freedom.
The Journey is an interesting process to analyse your past, evaluate your present and consider what you want to achieve in the future.
The Fattoria is the perfect place to escape from everything, detox, relax and become at peace with yourself. The stunning natural surroundings, luxurious villas and delicious Italian food and wine will make you feel like you are in heaven.
HOW TO GET THERE
- EasyJet flies to Pisa from London Gatwick and London Luton in less than 2 hours. Prices vary depending on the time of booking. For more information, visit: www.easyjet.co.uk
- The Versilia beaches are 25kms away. The Conque Terre is about an hour’s drive away, while Florence, Pisa and Siena can be easily reached in about an hour on the motorway.
THE FATTORIA MANSI BERNARDINI
- Extra-virgin olive oil and DOC colline Lucchesi wine are produced here following traditional agricultural methods.
- Cookery courses can be organised in the villa kitchen, using old recipes from the Mansi Bernardiny family.
- The Fattoria can accommodate 60 people and it’s an ideal place for small congresses, conventions, company meetings, relaxing holidays and weddings.
- The next Yoga & Healings Art holiday will take place next May 2011. The price is £495 pounds and includes: 1-week accommodation, breakfast, dinner, yoga, wine tasting excursion, use of tennis courts, private swimming-pool and private gardens.
For further information visit www.divineretreats.co.uk
MASSAGE: £50 per hour www.involutiontherapies.com
THETA HEALING: £50 per session www.thetahealingpracticionerlondon.com
JOURNEY HEALING: £35 per hour www.holisticjourneytherapy.com
CREATIVE FREE FLOW: £30 per session, including material www.paintjamlondon.co.uk
You can also book massage, theta healing and journey healing together for £125.
Fattoria Mansi Bernardini
Via di Valgiano, 34
55018 Segromigno in Monte
Lucca – Tuscany – Italy
0039 0583 921721
www.fattoriamansibernardini.com
Words Veronica Carpio Martin
LEEDS LOVES SHOPPING
DURING 10 DAYS, FROM 14TH TO 24TH OF OCTOBER, LEEDS LOVES SHOPPING FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR ITS FIFTH ANNUAL SHOWCASE OF FASHION HIGH STREET, INDEPENDENT RETAILERS, VINTAGE AND CUTTING-EDGE DESIGNS.
The festival kicked off on Thursday 14th with the Victoria Quarter 20th Birthday Shopping Affair, where brands such as Harvey Nichols, Reiss, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Mulberry, Ted Baker, Karen Millen, Agent Provocateur, amongst others, offered exclusive treats and discounts, champagne and canapés to celebrate the latest fashion. All the shops were open until late and the atmosphere was buzzing with live bands, dancers and aerial acrobats. A smaller version of London’s Fashion Night Out but equally successful and entertaining.
On Friday 15th, I went to see the Marks in Time Exhibition at Leeds University which celebrated the 125 year anniversary of the loved and acclaimed retailer Marks & Spencer. The exhibition takes you into a historic journey from the company’s beginning as a market stall to today’s success as one of the most iconic retailers in UK and worldwide.
The influence that M&S has had in British culture through the years can been seen in rare documents, photographs and the display of iconic products such as the melting middle chocolate pudding (the advert’s seductive voice made the sales increase by 3000%) and the bras. Peculiar quotes trough the walls such as, “Nearly half of the UK female population wears M&S knickers” and comments from customers and staff members give an interesting insight of this successful brand.
Next, I attended the SHE DRESS-O-S at the Style House on Briggate presented by JoJo from Galaxy Radio. Style Director Lizanne Harris and Deputy Fashion Editor Pamela Harris from SHE magazine gave exclusive tips on how to wear this season latest trends.
M & S Exhibition
The catwalk showed the following newest looks:
- Romantic look: a gold sequel dress from New Look and an statement coat with flower details for an instantly glamorous look.
SHE Collection
For a harder version of the romantic trend, a nude embellished top from Monsoon gives an edge to the romantic look.
- Colour-bold trend: mix up colours to create a fun and confident look.
- Military look: leather trousers and military jacket from House of Fraser for a rock-chick military girl.
- 70’s look: camel trousers and sweater from Nicole Farhi for a hippy but glamorous look.
- Minimalism: keep it simple with clean-cut clothes that fit well such as navy trousers from River Island and jacket from Karen Millen.
- Winter coats: fake fur textures, leather and aviator jackets, skin sheep details, capes, military coats and the colours camel and grey are huge on the catwalk and high street this season.
After, I headed to the Leeds in Vancouver fashion exchange at the Style House, a networking event, hosted by Marketing Leeds chief Executive Deborah Green, where up-and-coming Leeds designers James Steward and Lisa Jayne Dann presented several pieces from their Spring/Summer 2011 collections that will be showcased during Vancouver Fashion Week. In a bid to support creative local talent, Leeds Marketing has teamed up with Vancouver to showcase for the first time British designers during its Fashion Week from the 3rd to 7th of November.
James Steward’s designs have already been worn by high-profile celebrities such as Kylie Minogue and Victoria Beckham.
Lisa Jayne Dann’s designs are stocked in several independent boutiques in England and her label is very popular amongst celebrities and fashionistas.
Also, local milliner, Beth Hirst, displayed a specially commissioned couture hat to promote Leeds as one of the most fashionable cities in UK.
Leeds in Vancouver will be a great opportunity to show to the world what Leeds designers can offer and also an excellent platform to network with the international media and buyers.
Prosecco and canapés were provided courtesy of Harvey Nichols.
The evening started with Leeds Rocks at Saviles Hall where fire eaters and living statues welcomed all the guests. The drink of choice was the complimentary “Leeds on the rocks”, a bittersweet cocktail made with amaretto, cherry brandy, angostura bitters and lemon. The event was a celebration of Leeds’ culture showcasing the latest talent from fashion, music and arts and although it wasn’t as rocking and spectacular as expected, it was a good attempt to expose and promote the city and its artists.
Leeds Rocks also supported Future Arts, a social organization who helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to develop their artistic skills.
On Saturday 16th, I visited GAP demonstration at Style House where Kate Lawler from Kerrang Radio presented GAP’s Autumn/Winter collection for men, women and children.
In womenswear, the key look was jeggings (a stylish and comfy combination of jeans and leggings), warm knitwear and shoulder pad jackets for a smart evening look.
The menswear follows the GAP’s signature American look with fitted jeans and cashmere sweaters and cardigans. His pieces are trendy but don’t follow a straight-from-the-catwalk style.
In kidswear, GAP gets inspired by Stella McCartney with warm jackets, a zebra print sweater and a red knitted sweater-dress. A very cute and stylish look for the little ones.
Leading luxury British spa and skincare brand Elemis was there also to give advice on the latest beauty products and treatments. I had a neck massage that left me very relaxed but energised too.
GAP store offered 25% discount throughout the day and a complimentary photo session courtesy of Venture.
During my stay, I had the opportunity to try some of Leeds most renowned restaurants such as Casa Mia Millenium, Cosmopolitan restaurant, Harvey Nichols Espresso Bar and Bird restaurant in Alea.
Leeds loves shopping is organised by Marketing Leeds, City Centre management, Leeds City Council with support from Leeds Retail Association and Yorkshire Forward.
Words Veronica Carpio Martin Images Dan Harley
SHOP, EAT, SLEEP!
LONDON, AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST FASHIONABLE CAPITALS, OFFERS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR SHOPAHOLICS, FASHIONISTAS AND ANYONE LOOKING FOR THE LASTEST FASHION ACCESSORY OR BARGAIN.
The famous American quote, “the city that never sleeps”, perfectly defines the busy, Oxford Street, well-known for high-street fashion with lots of trendy stores such as: Topshop, a tourist spot on its own, and the largest branch of the country renown for its straight-from-the-catwalk high-street versions, Primark, Zara, the Spanish retailer boasts high-quality and exclusive designs at high-street prices, River Island, offers a chic British style and interesting collections from graduate fashion designers and also, Mango, GAP, Jane Norman, Dorothy Perkins, Office, New Look.
The area also hosts luxury department stores such as: John Lewis, House of Fraser and Debenhams and Selfridges, the uber chic store has recently opened The Shoe Galleries, with 4,000 shoes on display and 55,000 in stock, this shoe-paradise is the biggest in the world.
For a more exclusive feel, the iconic Carnaby Street offers a unique shopping experience with a large number of mid-range fashion boutiques such as Miss Sixty, Replay, Diesel, Fornarina, to name a few and also the quintessentially British department store, Liberty, very well-known for its trademark prints, high end designer clothes and exclusive cosmetics that are very hard to find anywhere else.
The elegant Regent Street, also boasts numerous flagship stores such as Banana Republic, Ted baker, The Apple Store, Levis, Guess, Ferrari, Karen Millen, the world- famous toy shop, Hamleys, very popular amongst tourists, and traditional British labels such as Burberry and Jaeger.
For pure luxury, swanky Bond Street is home to the world’s most famous retailers. The northern part is called New Bond Street, the most expensive avenue in Europe, where you can find high-end designer stores such as Armani, Dolce&Gabbana, Fendi, Louis Vitton, Prada, Versace, Miu, Miu… The southern part, Old Bond Street, boasts prestigious jewellery shops such as Tiffani & Co, Leviev, Watches of Switzerland, Cartier, De Beers and also sophisticated designer boutiques such as Chanel, Ives Saint Laurent, Gucci, Alexander McQueen, DKNY. Bond Street also hosts Sotheby’s auction house, antique and art stores.
After shopping, I checked into the Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel, conveniently located near popular London landmarks such as British Museum, Soho, Covent Garden, Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus.
Following a 25 million pound makeover, this hotel has become a symbol of luxury, comfort and style. From the moment I step in, I am aware of the attention to detail and cutting-edge design. The reception boasts a wall covered by pages from Virginia Wolf’s most famous book, Mrs Dalloway and a striking art installation by Ian and Richard Able.
The bar area has a touch of exclusivity while retaining an intimate atmosphere which makes you feel welcomed and relaxed. The deep gold, crushed velvet sofas, designer curve backed chairs and bronze sculptures create a sophisticated and intimate ambiance.
The restaurant offers a very stylish décor with black leather chairs, black lacquer tables, tall scarlet vases set in alcoves and white orchids. The food menu showcases contemporary European food using the finest ingredients at a reasonable price (starting from £19.50 for two courses).
The refurbishment has added a brand new 7th floor and the hotel boasts some of the largest bedrooms and bathrooms in London. As I enter my deluxe room, the first thing that catches my eye is the extraordinary view over the British Museum’s famous dome. The king size bed, luxurious bed linen, fine leather headboards, bespoke furniture and Baccharat chandeliers create a luxurious and cozy atmosphere.
All rooms have the latest audio/visual technology with sleek flat screen TVs and complimentary high-speed wireless.
The hotel also features one of the largest conference spaces in central London, the Folio Room, with capacity for 300 people, unique Op-Art silver walls, in-built Blu-Ray equipment and intuitive touch-screen technology.
If you are searching for a hotel with a central location, superb service, excellent food, great comfort and the latest design, look no further.
Radisson Edwardian Hotels are giving The Pay, Save and Stay offer for Christmas, which provides 20% discount from all room nights between 19th December and 9th January inclusive, plus 25% off dining throughout all hotel restaurants.
Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel,
9-13 Bloomsbury Street, London, WC1B 3QD
020 7636 5601
www.radissonedwardian.com/bloomsburystreet
Words Veronica Carpio Martin
THE CAMBRIAN HOTEL: ADELBODEN
WHEN WE THINK OF SWISS ALPINE EXPERIENCES HERE AT AGENT2, WOODEN CHALETS, HEIDI AND CUCKOO CLOCKS POP INTO OUR HEADS – NOT TO MENTION THE SERIOUS AMOUNTS OF PHYSICAL EXCURSION IN THE FORMS OF HIKING, SKIING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING THAT ARE READILY ASSOCIATED WITH MOUNTAIN RESORTS.
Thinking of this usually brings me out in a sweat as my daily activity normally peaks at running from one meeting to the next, heavily laden down with laptop and a tall skinny latte.
Bearing all this in mind, I was more than pleasantly surprised to find Adelboden, in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland came with all the charm I had expected from a traditional mountain village but with equally mountainous sized portions of luxury and relaxation. With views across the mountains that would inspire even the most committed city dweller to don Lederhosen and Yodel, a quaint village atmosphere, picture perfect chalets and more top class restaurants and boutique hotels than you can shake a stick at, the village is a million miles away from my stereotypical preconceptions I originally had.
After an enjoyable and relaxing 2-hour flight from Manchester with Switzerland’s national airline, SWISS where I was served with chocolate and smiles, I was safely deposited in Zurich where a remarkably scenic journey to Frutigen was next on the itinerary with Swiss Railways SBB. The high-speed journey of 3 hours passed by with the true efficiency you would expect from a nation renowned for their clock-making prowess. After a short bus journey from the station I reached the picture-perfect village of Adelboden.
The area caters for a variety of tastes and requirements as both a winter and summer destination. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway for two, an outdoor, action-packed adventure or something to keep the kids occupied while the adults indulge then this is the destination for you. Conveniently situated at the base of the Wildstrubel, minutes from the cable cars that take you to the summit, the mountainous terrain is perfect for skiing and snowboarding during the winter season and hiking and biking in the summer. For those of you who prefer to indulge and relax, plans are also in the pipeline for a new wellness and sporting facility, Alpenbad, that will boast a huge spa, 14 different indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, a warm water pool with views over the Engstigle Waterfalls and a 5-star hotel to boot (work is due to begin in spring 2011).
I checked into The Cambrian Hotel, part of the Design Hotels group. The charming exterior melts seamlessly into the traditional surroundings and belies the interiors sleek modernism and quirky elements; the 71 rooms are a perfect marriage of ‘Scandi-cool’ and cosy with enough designer elements to have seriously made me consider buying a bigger bag for the return journey home! The Cambrian’s own bar, Scott’s, blends enough high-design and glamour to make anyone want to indulge in après-ski as well as warming up with plenty of avant-ski (a tradition we at AGENT2 strictly observe!). Nova, the hotel’s own restaurant serves up ‘new alpine cuisine’, their own fresh take on mountain classics with all ingredients sourced from within the region. Here you will find something for everyone from smaller plates to more hearty meals that would enable you to tackle the most rigorous of outdoor activities.
The Cambrian itself has everything you would expect from a luxury, boutique hotel with friendly assistance given at every step to make your stay is as pleasurable as possible. On arriving, scooter and chair lift rides had already been organised as well as a relaxing treatment in the hotel’s own world-class spa – no doubt to aid in the recovery needed after the aforementioned exhausting activities. Other packages are also available to make your trip as pain free as possible.
With the breathtaking scenery on your doorstep, activities arranged and a post-activity recovery plan in place, the pull of the outdoors is too much to resist!
The spa at The Cambrian provides a number of treatments using natural alpine ingredients and influenced by the different phases of the moon, and is open to both hotel guests and residents of the region. As a guest of the hotel I was at liberty to use the facilities whenever it took my fancy, and believe me, the fancy took me. The hotel has fantastic facilities including an indoor pool complete with its own waterfall, Finnish sauna with steam bath and rain shower and my personal favourite, an outdoor infinity pool complete with stunning mountain views.
Tearing myself from the warm, bubbling pool and beautiful scenery I moved on for my ‘Mountain Herb’ massage. This relaxing and revitalising, full body massage used oils scented with alpine herbs to leave my skin feeling energised as though I had just thrown myself into a mountaintop, glacial lake. With a number of packages to choose from it is advisable to book so as not to be disappointed. The ‘Hiking & Wellness’ package is to be recommended and includes many of the things highlighted in my stay.
Having arrived in Adelboden with the weight of fast-paced city living on my shoulders and preconceptions in mind I have found that all my cares have melted away in the crisp, alpine air as I sit, sipping thick hot chocolate from The Cambrian’s Winter Garden roof terrace. This truly is a destination with something for everyone where the pace is yours for the choosing.
TRAVEL DETAILS
Swiss Air operate regular flights from Manchester to Zurich with prices starting at £120 return. For more details please visit www.swiss.com.
We travelled from Zurich to Frutigen by train. See Swiss Railways SBB for more details.
We stayed at:
The Cambrian Hotel
Dorfstrasse 7
3715 Adelboden
Switzerland
Double rooms cost from £75 and a range of great packages are available.
More information on Adelboden and the surrounding can be found at www.myswitzerland.com.
Words Vincent Bernier Images The Cambrian Hotel
GLASGOW – STYLE AND IDEAS
IN MY HOMELAND CANADA, THERE IS TORONTO AND MONTREAL, IRELAND HAS CORK AND DUBLIN, AND SCOTLAND HAS GLASGOW TO ITS EDINBURGH. I HAVE SEEN AND ENJOYED BOTH, PERHAPS FOR DIFFERENT ASPECTS. ONE’S AN INDUSTRIAL, SLEEVES-ROLLED-UP, NO NONSENSE CITY AND THE OTHER A MORE REFINED AND CULTURED CITY.
Glasgow’s charm is very different from its eastern sister. If Edinburgh is a Hollywood blockbuster, with obvious character and beauty, Glasgow is more of an indie flick, hoping you’ll discover its quirky charm in your own way.
But on closer inspection of Glasgow’s architecture and unusual creativity, this industrial city has nothing to envy from the classic Edinburgh. The Scottish metropolis isn’t done with reinventing itself. To keep its high status of excellence, Glasgow has chosen to live following this rhythm of avant-garde and Scottish modernism, which began in the 19th Century.
Its red sandstone Victorian buildings provide contrast to the steel of its post-industrial era architecture, but it’s the Arts and Crafts movement constructions that won my heart.
The movement known as well through Europe as Art Nouveau, was instigated in Glasgow by ‘The Four’, which included Charles Rennie Mackinstosh, Herbert MacNair, Margaret and Frances MacDonald. Together, they created the vision which became world famous as the Glasgow Style – a blend of Celtic and Japanese art. In 1896, Mackintosh won the competition for the rebuilding of the Glasgow School of Art.
The movement contributed to Glasgow economic boon and international recognition by reinventing the fields of architecture, interior design and painting.
To have a taste of the Glasgow style, go for a nice cup of tea at the Willow Tearoom, the last room created by Mackinstosh for restaurateur Kate Cranston.
Glasgow was designated ‘Architectural and Design city of the UK’ in 1999. In fact, from interior design to fashion, nothing escapes the creative talents.
A major new centre for the arts and creativity opened last September called Trongate 103. It offers opportunities to view and buy a wide variety of art including printmaking, photography, digital media, film, video, kinetic sculpture, painting and ceramic all under one roof.
In the medieval quarter, the Merchant City, a beautiful Victorian building has brilliantly been transformed into the new home for 100 visual artists and cultural organizations and is available for visits.
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery has reopened its doors after a four year renovations and several million pounds spent in its refurbishment. It is the most popular art gallery in the UK after London. It has a superb collection from the Glasgow Boys, a wing devoted to Mackintosh and a magnificent variety of paintings from the Scottish Colorists and the French Impressionists. A must see.
Two years ago, Glasgow was named a UNESCO City of Music by a UN cultural body – to celebrate the city’s role a world player in music and its rich and varied music heritage. The city’s legendary music scene stretches across the whole spectrum from contemporary and classical to Celtic and country. Its venues are equally varied and include the famously loud and sweaty King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, the Barrowlands, Glasgow Royal Concert Halls, as well as many pubs and clubs throughout the city.
Like the famously incomprehensible accent of Glaswegians, this unpretentiously stylish city with its Georgian and Victorian glorious architecture, world-renowned museums, café culture and quarters like Merchant City and the West End deserves decoding.
WHEN TO GO
Glasgow is a vibrant year round city but we recommend a visit during The West End Festival which celebrates the cultural diversity of Glasgow’s West End with hundreds of performers covering music, comedy and theatre and the Glasgow International Jazz Festival that strives to bring a broad range of top performers.
WHERE TO SHOP
Che Camille On the top floor, above the busiest street in Glasgow. Browse the most exciting and innovative indie boutique/showroom space in Glasgow. Che Camille’s fashion house a cool indie boutique with a larger women collection and more modest but complete boy collection. You can also get a bespoke outfit with the help of their in-house designers on hand to help out with creative ideas as well as taking advantage of their onsite customizing and alterations services. Che Camille also sells music, art and crafts from local artists. Check that gem out!
Floor 6, Argyle Centre, Buchanan Street
WHERE TO EAT
Enjoy a relaxing dining experience, where affordable contemporary cuisine is served with a distinctly Scottish flavour. Try the excellent and mouthwatering scallops!
Top of Byres Road
Osteria Piero was voted best Italian restaurant in Scotland 2010. With over 90 years of tradition and experience, a warm and cosy atmosphere as well as a menu full of fresh rustic Italian cuisine.
111 West Regent Street
Voted Urban Restaurant of the Year at the Scottish Restaurant Awards 2009, the Left Bank is synonymous with laid-back eclectic dining and enchanting intimate surroundings.
33-35 Gibson Street
WHERE TO STAY
Blythswood Square in Glasgow city centre is the latest addition to the Town House Collection of luxury boutique hotels in Scotland. Aiming to be Scotland’s greenest hotel, the Blythswood is located in one of Glasgow’s most famous historical landmark, previously the home of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club
11 Blythswood Square
The recently refurbished Lorne Hotel Glasgow is the ultimate experience in luxury hotel. Located in the vibrant West End and near by botanical gardens.
923 Sauchiehall Street
Words and images Vincent Bernier
SCARLET BY NAME, GREEN BY NATURE
CORNWALL HAS ALWAYS BEEN A DESTINATION THAT CONJURES CARE-FREE IMAGES OF BOHEMIAN OUTDOOR LIFESTYLES IN OUR MINDS HERE AT AGENT2: SOMETHING THAT AS DEVOTED, FAST LIVING, CITY DWELLERS WE OFTEN STEER CLEAR OF WHEN PLANNING A WEEKEND AWAY.
However, The Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth, Cornwall peaked our interest with its promise of being ‘a place to eat, dream and play in peace and be influenced by the natural rhythms of Mother Nature.’ We were also more than a little curious to see if the UK’s first, purpose built, eco-luxe hotel could successfully shake off our preconceptions of sawdust toilets, hemp cloth bedding and self-righteous eco-warriors scowling at our every over-indulgence.
It is apparent that our pace of life begins to slow with every twist and turn of the roads leading to the hotel. The sleepy pace is soon jarred on arrival by the spectacular location carved into the North Cornish cliff above the crashing Atlantic Ocean.
The Scarlet was the brainchild of three sisters who also own the well established; family orientated Bedruthan Steps Hotel, further on up the hill. The entrance to the hotel ensures the mood is set for luxurious self-indulgence, with floor to ceiling glass offering us the unbroken view of an infinity pool, leading the eyes to the sea. Designed to blend into the surroundings with features such as a flat roof covered in sea shale, copper walls, sweeping timber curves and rock plants reflecting the cliffs and beach below; the hotel offers an ideal base to explore the Cornish coast and countryside if you can manage to pull yourself away from the lure of the hotel’s luxurious trappings as the interior seems to effortlessly melt into the beautiful exterior.
With the number of doors in the Scarlet purposely kept to a minimum in an effort to retain an air of tranquility, light envelops each of the spaces found in the hotel. The library is the perfect place for lounging in comfort while outside, two terraces; a natural reed pool and a scarlet, fire-heated hot tub offer views of Mawgan Porth Beach from a stunning, cliff- top location.
If you’d rather see than be seen then anyone of the hotel’s 37 rooms provides the perfect private sanctuaries. Each of the luxurious rooms offers a private balcony and sea view. Large head showers, deep bathtubs, thick and soft robes and towels and natural Cornish soaps make this little slice of heaven complete. The only thing that is going to get AGENT2 to leave the hotel is the fire alarm and even if that were to sound, we’d still need a little coaxing to leave this lap of luxury.
The word ‘sanctuary’ cannot be over used when describing the offerings at the Scarlet and one place we can really lay the use on thickly is when it comes to describing the hotel’s spa. Individual Ayurvedic ‘journeys’ are the relaxation du jour after a therapist’s consultation to identify your body type (they did refrain from hurting our feelings). The treatment rooms are tented with heavy curtains rather than doors, ensuring no sounds break the tangible peace and quiet. Wallowing in the subdued glow produced by a myriad of tea lights while a deep tissue massage is performed is followed by cocooning in one of the cushioned deep relaxation pods, suspended from the ceiling. This is just the ticket for pushing our feeling of deep relaxation into a more coma like state.
This seamless luxury that envelops each aspect of the hotel is not a miss in the hotel’s food offering. Ben Tunnicliffe (formerly of the Michelin-starred Abbey in Penzance) casts his masterful touch over the menu. Breakfast offered choices such as poached rhubarb with thick yoghurt; kippers and a full Cornish breakfast of locally sourced produce. The evening’s menu choices are equally as delicious and as you would expect from a hotel proud of its eco status, the items are locally sourced with an emphasis and great, fresh produce and fish that tastes as though it was just plucked from the sea. An extensive wine list compliments the menu but in the thoughtful fashion seen throughout the Scarlet, only European wines are stocked reducing ‘food miles’ in line with their green policy.
Luxury aside, we cannot brush over the Scarlet’s green credentials. As well as minimizing their visual impact on the landscape the hotel boasts solar panels that heat both the indoor and outdoor pool. A bio-mass boiler burns woodchips from local sources to heat the rest of the hotel. With a £120, 000 price tag, the boiler demonstrates the hotel’s green resolve. Grass roofing, water recycling initiatives and a team of litter picking staff discharged to the beach make sure this resolve never waivers.
A weekend at the Scarlet is more than enough to change our city-loving mindset and take a small timeout from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With high-design meeting the beauty of the natural surrounds of the Cornish coast, wonderful food and a spa that will tame the fastest of lives all topped off with a fantastically world conscious ethos, this is certainly one lavish, luxurious weekend retreat that will definitely leave you relaxed – mind, body and soul.
Scarlet Hotel Ltd
Tredragon Road
Mawgan Porth
Cornwall
TR8 4DQ
T. 01637 861800
Words Eileen Green Images Scarlet Hotel
HOT CHOCOLATE
JUST WHEN WE’VE PACKED AWAY OUR EASTER EGGS AND TOLD OURSELVES THAT WE DON’T NEED TO SEE ANOTHER CHOCOLATE SHAPED TREAT FOR AT LEAST A MONTH, WE ARRIVE IN SUNNY BOURNEMOUTH…AT NONE OTHER THAN THE DELECTABLE, THE DELICIOUS, CHOCOLATE BOUTIQUE HOTEL. AND IT’S CLEAR THAT ABSTINENCE OF ANY KIND IS SIMPLY OUT OF THE QUESTION. THIS IS A PLACE OF TRUE INDULGENCE, AND I CAME PREPARED – AN OPEN MIND, A SENSE OF HUMOUR AND A VERY EMPTY STOMACH.
It turns out that these three key properties are all that is required when staying at the world’s only chocolate-themed hotel, for everything is as unusual as it is tasty but all of it is just right. Parking up on this sunny April Friday, at the Grade II listed Victorian building striped with a signature chocolate-brown band, I almost skipped to the front door, asking myself how much chocolate can one eat in a night? The answer, after being greeted by a giant chocolate fountain – used at Peter and Jordan’s infamous wedding – and an oversized martini glass loaded with white, milk and dark chocolate chips, is a lot.
Being a chocolate lover, this wasn’t exactly a problem and peering through our chocolate-bar designed door to see the cappuccino, truffle and mocha decorated room, I could already spot some more delicious treats. It isn’t just the home-made melt-in-your-mouth chocolate handed out at every opportunity that makes The Chocolate Boutique Hotel as special as it is. It is the detail and quality of each of its 13 chocolate-named rooms that protects it from being kitsch or cheesy. Chocolate here remains seductive, elegant and divine and so too, does the hotel.
The flawless design of its textured café au lait wallpapers against its fluffy milk chocolate carpets and clean, sharp dark chocolate furniture creates an ambiance that indulges even the most sophisticated of clientele. And whilst falling back on the king sized beds might feel like you’ve collapsed onto a whipped-cream cloud, everything is so clean, simple and stylish, you never feel trapped in a Nestle advert. Far from it. In fact, even if you didn’t like chocolate before you came, you suddenly feel mesmerised and coaxed into this dreamy world of creamy molten chocolate and the seductive scent of the purest cacao. The huge canvasses of chocolate delights are enough to make even the strongest give into temptation. But then, when in Rome…
Opened in 2007 by chocolate entrepreneur, Gerry Wilton and his wife, Roo, this family-run hotel exceeds all imagination. The concept is almost so natural and familiar; it’s a surprise to hear that it hasn’t been done before. But as we sit here on mocha-coloured stools and sip from an array of chocolate cocktails, we learn that this is an experience that can’t be recreated in any other ‘ordinary’ hotel in the world.
And all in the little town of Bournemouth. Having only visited when I was a child, my memories of this coastal town were of ice cream and windy beaches, but as we walked along the famous seven miles of golden sands beside a promenade of trendy restaurants and bars, I realised that things have changed a lot since then. The short ten minute stroll from the hotel to the beach meanders through the lovely Lower Gardens, from where you can even try out the Bournemouth Balloon – a perfectly spherical hot air balloon that gives passengers a 20-mile view of Dorset. Set back from the bustling town centre where you can find any shop you desire, is this beautiful little patch with mini golf, picnic areas and, as my memories confirmed, plenty of ice cream stalls.
The Lower Gardens leads onto the standard seaside fairground, including carousel rides and caricature stalls, as well as a Helter Skelter at the end of the landmark pier.
The beach itself was filled with sunbathers, windsurfers, children playing games and pensioners reclining in striped deckchairs outside multi-coloured seaside huts. It was a perfect summer’s day beach scene that you sometimes forget can be achieved in this country, let alone in April. But the beautiful sights of the sun setting over the beautiful English coast couldn’t distract me from my task at hand. I came to eat chocolate and that’s what I intended to do.
After a quick stop at one of the many fancy fish (or fish and chip, depending on your tastes) restaurants beside the sea, we returned to the hotel for those much-anticipated cocktails. I sipped and slurped my Chocky Wocky Minty (£6) as it if were milkshake, which with its ingredients of Crème de Menthe, Crème de Cacao and of course, more cream, it nearly was. As diet-unfriendly as it appeared, there were even more calorie-laden choices, including The Chocmeister, crammed with chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream in addition to the creamy alcohol. But then, if you’re on a diet, this really isn’t the place to go!
Sipping my liquid dreamy mint aero, my eyes caught upon the flashing lights of Gerry’s much-loved automated cocktail machine. One of only two in the world (both of which, Gerry owns), this machine has the creative engineering reminiscent of a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang invention, with the retro design and bright ‘80s lights that would’ve belonged easily in Cocktail.
This machine, along with Tom ‘Gerry’ Cruise, made The Chocolate Bar come to life, far beyond creamy chocolate liqueurs. Serving colourful drinks, whilst chatting to the other guests in this cosy lounge room was something I’d never experienced in another three star hotel. Together with the spilling chocolate fountain and squidgy marshmallows that were just an arm’s reach away it was like being at your family’s for Christmas – without all the fights, tears and turkeys.
Waking up in the chocolate paradise, I was greeted with one of the most delicious of breakfasts – a crisp folded pancake oozing with pure melted chocolate complete with personalised ‘Good Morning Natasha’ message from Gerry, neatly scribed onto the plate. Tucking into this molten chocolate delight, sipping on my ‘Mighty Leaf Chocolate Mint Truffle Tea’, instantly brought a smile to my face beyond the effects of the superfluous chocolate endorphins that must have been racing through my body by now. For those who were sick of chocolate (though I didn’t meet anyone like this), there were plenty of other choices including a Full English. It is this amount of choice that makes The Chocolate Boutique Hotel perfect for everyone; guests can either totally indulge in all the complementary chocolate treats, or have other options instead. But quite frankly, I was here for one reason. The rest was just a bonus.
I truly learnt that extent of the public’s obsession with chocolate, when at 11 a.m. we were joined by 10 other people in the hotel’s famous Chocolate Workshops. Now operating in seven different cities with up to 30 people on each workshop, this short-course is the latest craze to sweep Red Letter Day gifts. And I can see why it’d be the perfect present. Mums, dads, children, grannies, everyone loves these workshops, where you are taught by a trained chocolatier how to make, design, and package delicious truffles yourself. In just over two hours, you’ll have created around 40 of the tastiest truffles you’ve ever had and the best part is you can take them home for yourself (or of course, put in neat ribbon packages as gifts for others, if you’re less greedy than I am.)
The whole Chocolate Hotel experience is a totally unparalleled holiday, but to really get an appreciation of what chocolate is about, where it is from, how it is made and how long it takes to craft one handmade truffle, you will need to experience a chocolate workshop.
A stay at The Chocolate Boutique Hotel was everything that I hoped it would be: gorgeous interior that brought back the seductiveness, richness and sensuality of chocolate, without the cheap gimmicky stuff, truly delicious home-made chocolate in endless supply, and one of the most enjoyable hotel atmospheres I’ve ever experienced.
The only chocolate hotel in the world, it has the potential to take the world by storm, but nowhere will quite be able to replicate the humorous, homeliness and hospitality of Gerry and Roo’s family-run hotel hidden on our beautiful English coast.
For more information or to book a room or workshop visit www.chocolateboutiquehotel.co.uk or call 01202 556857.
The Chocolate Boutique Hotel
5 Durley Road
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH2 5JQ
Enjoy a stay at three star The Chocolate Boutique Hotel in Bournemouth, where you will be greeted by all the chocolate you can dream of. Singles (The Cocoa Bean room) start at £65, doubles (Theobroma Room) at £120 and the deluxe suite, The Chocolate Truffle Suite at £160prpn.
Chocolate Workshop
Two and a half hours of Belgian truffle making, including lessons about the history of chocolate and the art of making delicious truffles, as well as coming home with plenty of tasty masterpieces of your own. Costs £59pp. See website for more details or to book a private lesson for two.
Try a Chocolate Weekend at The Chocolate Boutique Hotel
A two-night stay with two chocolate workshops and a chocolate party will set you back £259pp but for chocolate-lovers, it’s totally worth it.
Things to Do
Visit www.bournemouth.co.uk for more information on things to do in Bournemouth.
Bournemouth Balloon – Adults £12.50, Children (up to 14 years) £7.50
Land Train – Take the land train from Bournemouth Pier to Alum Chime for a scenic ride along the beach. £1.90 for adults, £1.20 for children for a single ticket.
Entrance onto Pier 60p
Words Natasha Al-Atassi
HEINEKEN OPEN’ER FESTIVAL 2010
STAG PARTIES, CHEAP BEER AND THE BOOM OF LOW-COST AIRLINES HAVE MADE POLAND A POPULAR HOLIDAY DESTINATION IN RECENT YEARS. BUT THERE IS ALSO ANOTHER REASON TO HEAD EAST THIS SUMMER: THE HEINEKEN OPEN’ER FESTIVAL 2010.
For those who slosh through the mud at Glastonbury every year, party at V Festival and buy a three-day pass for Leeds, this is another music event to add to your list. One of the largest rock, pop and dance festivals in Europe, it has also been awarded the title of the best. Earlier this year, it beat the likes of Glastonbury by winning the award for 2009 Best Major Festival at the European Festival Awards.
One of Europe’s biggest, and most important, music events of the summer, this four day July festival in Gdynia, North Poland is an excellent alternative to the best of our British festivals. Situated by the sea, it exudes the chilled ambiance of our welly-wearing weekends whilst being a whole lot cheaper than a ticket to Reading. To top that, the eclectic mix of huge names and some of the world’s biggest artists gives it a feel for a British line-up.
Taking to the stage from 1 to the 4 July, the line-up reads like a ‘who’s who’ of modern chart toppers with this year’s acts including Kasabian, Gorillaz Sound System, Nas and The Klaxons. Classic performers also grace one of the seven stages at the Heineken Open’er and this year you can sing along with Pearl Jam and Grace Jones and rock with The Hives.
Having been a permanent fixture of European festival calendars since its first show in Warsaw in 2002, the Heineken Open’er, now in Gdynia, has since become infamous amongst festival-goers, performers and the media the world over. With tented pitches such like our most beloved British festivals (though I’m sure with a lot less mud) and cheap-as-chip half-litre beers costing only £1.25, there really isn’t a reason not to give Heineken a go this summer.
Unless of course, you’re partial to the old mac in a sac once the British skies open, that is.
The Heineken Open’er Festival runs from 1 – 4 July 2010 in Gdynia, Poland. Ryanair, BA and Wizz Air all fly to the nearby town of Gdansk. For more information on the festival or to book tickets, visit www.opener.pl/en
Prices:
Adult three-day ticket £155 and individual days starting from £55.
Student three-day ticket £125 and individual days starting from £40.
Words Natasha Al-Atassi
GO WEST! HOTEL REVIEW
DESPITE DROPPING INTO THE CAPITAL ON A REGULAR BASIS, STRAYING FAR FROM THE WEST END NEVER SEEMS TO HAPPEN. SHEPHERDS BUSH IS A STONE’S THROW AWAY FROM CENTRAL LONDON BUT HAVING NEVER HAD A REAL REASON TO VISIT, IT HAS REMAINED OFF OUR BEATEN TRACK. NOW WITH THE OPENING OF THE WESTFIELD SHOPPING CENTRE, THE BIGGEST URBAN SHOPPING CENTRE IN EUROPE, AGENT2 FINALLY HAD A REASON TO MAKE IT A DESTINATION AND SAMPLE THE DELIGHTS OF THE STUNNING K WEST HOTEL AT THE END OF DAY OF RETAIL THERAPY.
Making your way through the revolving doors of K West Hotel, you find yourself walking straight into the lobby bar, the K Lounge. Divided into a seating area, dominated by leather and wooden furniture, and a mix of large and small tables, the bar is both minimalist and cosy. The very impressive long bar with green lighting is by far the main highlight of the space.
Near the staircase leading to the hotel’s mezzanine restaurant Kanteen, you will find abstract artwork, stones, and a very cool fire running along the wall that we at AGENT2 coveted for ourselves.
Overall, the ambiance managed to avoid the pretension of other lobby bars in Central London, despite its exciting clientele of both hotel guests and creative types working in the recording studios nearby, who meet up for unofficial parties until 2am. If you’re lucky, you may even rub elbows with some celebrities such as Girls Aloud or Franz Ferdinand. Expect the bar and restaurant to lack atmosphere at more quiet times though.
All eyes are drawn to the bartenders mixing up some cocktails and promising to surprise and tease your taste buds. The drinks menu with its list of cocktails is exhaustive at K Lounge– you will find the usual tipples from a very reasonable £6.50 as well as a few fresh new ideas direct from K West’s very knowledgeable bar tenders. Be sure to try the Funky Bitch, the Angel’s Kiss, or the Climax with a very rich mix of crème de banane, crème de cacao, triple sec, Amaretto, vodka and double cream.
The crowning glory at the K West hotel is its magnificent spa that has recently undergone a bit of pampering of its own. A £2 million refurbishment has completed the Spa with a relaxing Hydrotherapy Pool, a refreshing Snow Paradise, Sanarium, Sauna, Foot Spa, Steam, Sun Meadow as well as seven beautifully designed treatments rooms and Dry flotation Room. The Spa tops the luxurious experience of the K West, making it a spectacular and relaxing space to escape and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the ‘Big Smoke’.
With a spa to help you soothe your cares away and a night scene where it’s definitely cool to be, well, seen K West has everything you need for a stay in the city neatly wrapped up in a well designed packaged.
Go west! Life is tasteful there.
Richmond Way
London W14
020 8008 6600
Words Graham Gartside
