We stayed just outside of Cannes and were able to walk to the center in about 30 minutes. Cannes is a town that is literally buzzing during the Film Festival. A bizarre mix of tourists in their beach wear and people wearing full tuxes at midday whilst a-list celebs whizz by in various sports cars.

There is nothing typical about Cannes. Imagine a French seaside town where you can amble along eating a Nutella crepe, then you turn a corner and see a celeb being photographed by a group of a hundred papparazi. Yes it sounds ridiculous but somehow you find yourself becoming entirely swept up in the experience.

Walking the complete length of Cannes will take you less than half an hour and it is so worth it. The bay from the Radisson Blu hotel to the Palais des Festivals seems relatively understated, but then you hit the Palais des Festivals and suddenly feel like you’ve accidentally walked into an a list party.

What I just adore about it is that you can even get so close to the red carpet and if you’re prepared to weave in and out of the crowds. You can be casually strolling across the street and suddenly a fleet of Film Festival branded Mercedes pull up and out get several a-listers.

For those non-a listers like myself, there are plenty of separate events that the Film Festival put on throughout the two weeks. Each night they hold the cine a la plage where you can watch classic French films on the beach at La Croisette on Festival branded deck chairs and soak in the atmosphere for free. Do not miss!

 

Just when you think you’ve witnessed enough glitz in Cannes, along comes Monaco! Approx a 1 hour train ride from Cannes and the furthest point along the French Riviera before you get to the Italy border. A fleet of the world’s most expensive cars lined up outside the casino and Hotel de Paris. Check. Every designer shop you can imagine. Check. Hoards of tourists. Check. But still, don’t miss it. Even if you stop by for a few snaps and to soak in the money dripping atmosphere, it is so worth it.

Plus don’t even think about heading off to your next destination without wandering amongst the yachts. We also headed to the Fairmont Monte Carlo, which is practically on the Grand Prix circuit. This hotel has it’s own casino, Nobu, Nikki Beach and a great champagne bar, Horizon where we lost a couple of hours taking in panoramic views of the sea.

Villefranche sur Mer was such a great find that I still feel triumphant about this. On a crowded train back from Monaco, we pulled into the station and I spontaneously declared ‘let’s get off here’. What a decision.

Little did I know that Villefranche is actually home to the most expensive villa in the whole world. It’s easy to see why when you step off the train and follow a set of steps down to one of the most beautiful fishing bays I have ever seen. Somehow it’s become untouched by the glamorous insanity of it’s neighbours Cannes and Monaco and you feel like you’re stepping back in time.

We had the most amazing dinner here at Cosmo restaurant on the street just up from the main bay, opposite the traditional little church. Dreamy!

Pool day at an iconic French Riviera hotel anyone? Sure thing. Hiring a private cabana overlooking the mediterranean was an inspired idea.

The Grand Hotel Du Cap has been visited by throngs of a listers for years and is timelessly chic. As we pulled up to the entrance, decked with flowers, huge wrought iron doors and crisp white Four Seasons canopies, I began to get ridiculously overexcited.

The lobby is completely exquisite and decked out in the finest furniture, with huge chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and a panoramic terrace overlooking the garden. Plus there are white lillies everywhere you look.

We were directed through the garden and down the iconic path (cue a photoshoot session), through a gate which actually goes out onto a road and the entrance to Club Dauphin opposite.

Club Dauphin is easily the best leisure club I have ever seen. You couldn’t even call it a leisure club because that makes it almost sound understated. Imagine a leisure club where you walk through lush hectares of garden overlooking the sea which leads you down to a glass fronted outdoor cliff lift that takes you down to the pool level.

We were taken to our cabana which is completely private. So private that staff ask you if they can come in. The blue and white stripes of the cabana flap softly in the mediterranean breeze as you lie on  a sunlounger wondering how on earth you got here. A total bucket list experience.

Our cabana was big enough for 4 sunloungers, a table and chairs and a small fridge. Service was great and the afternoon flew by. We had lunch at the poolside restaurant, which overlooks the biggest swimming pool on the French Riviera. Sure you’ll be paying for this view, but the food was delicious and totally worth it.

Next time, I’m booking a room!

From one French Riviera legend to another. Sharp intake of breath as I recount the best day of my life. Rumour has it that the only way to travel to Eden Roc is by Riva boat, so of course this had to be tried and tested (with special thanks to my other half who arranged this following an epic proposal on La Croisette!).

The journey took about 30 mins, complete with several glasses of Laurent Perrier and a quick tour around St Marguerite island. As we approached the jetty which I have seen countless pictures over the years of a listers arriving on, I couldn’t believe my luck.

You may recall I made earlier reference to the Cannes Film Festival during our stay, which also explained the hoards of paparazzi that were camped out in the rocks adjacent to the jetty, desperate to catch a glimpse of somebody famous (who later turned out to be Leonardo DiCaprio lunching alongside us).

As we made our way out of the boat and up the stairs cut into the rocks, I felt like pinching myself. It was as I’d dreamed it. Crisp white furniture laid out on the most fantastic deck of the Grill Restaurant where we had lunch and gazed out at a mixture of the glistening sea and flashes from the cameras of the paps. This was not an everyday experience.

The iconic pool built into the side of the rocks as amazing. Only regret: not having time for a dip. There’s always next time!

I couldn’t finish my post without paying hommage to French Riviera nightlife. Baoli is at the far end of the Croisette. We booked a table for dinner and had cocktails overlooking the main bar area. You can also eat under the huge white canopies outside. The vibe is fairly chilled here until 11 pm when the restaurant turns into a club and they set the bar on fire. Yes, that’s right. The bar gets set on fire.

Reserving a table in the club can be tricky, so getting a table for dinner and hanging around afterwards is the way to go. Parfait.

What a trip! Already planning my return.

Aurevoir luxury lovers.

Sophie x

Too much choice in paradise. If you have the time then island hopping is without a doubt the way to go. Sadly we only had a week total for our stay as this was en route to Australia. In hindsight this actually made the decision easier as I’d always fantasised about going to Koh Samui. The original and classic one.

We decided on 2 nights in Bangkok after the long flight from the UK and then 4 nights in Koh Samui.

My only experience of Bangkok prior to this holiday was by people either saying to me ‘Bangkok is crazy, you’ll love it!’ or by what I’d learned from the Hangover II.

Based on being wowed by the Sky Bar at Lebua at the State Tower which features in the film (plus the fact this is an all suite hotel), our choice seemed unquestionable.

We booked a private car through the hotel to pick us up from the airport. There’s no better way to deal with the heat that engulfs you as you step out of the terminal than by being swept up and guided towards the shining light of a Mercedes C class, waiting like a dear old friend with it’s air conditioning and bottled water in the back.

Lebua at the State Tower stands proudly to attention in the Bangkok Skyline. At 67 stories high, it is beyond huge. As we pulled up to the entrance of the hotel, a swarm of staff approached the car and greeting us with perfect Thai smiles.

As we were staying in the Tower Club section of the hotel, we were whisked to a private lounge to check in where we could help ourselves to drinks and snacks. A stay in the Tower Club also grants you to access to the Club Lounge where you can have snacks, drinks and afternoon tea at certain times of the day.

Our whopping great room on the 58th floor (yes, I haven’t typoed – floor 58) was literally an apartment rather than a room. A separate lounge/sitting area, huge corridors, kitchen area with Nespresso machine (tick) and my old favourite, the marble bathroom with walk in shower and separate bath tub and of course, heavily embossed white towels (another tick).

We had a balcony too, which frankly gave me vertigo everytime I approached it, but the views of Bangkok were insane!

We ate in the hotel both evenings, because of a combination of factors – a. jet lag, b. the sheer volume of restaurants on offer and c. because I was basically in love with the hotel. We had a really good Thai meal in Cafe Mozu, which is located right next to the pool and the second night had pizza in our room. Why not when you have a separate dining room within your suite? Amazing!

Let’s talk about the Sky Bar. At 64 floors high, it’s Bangkok’s highest bar and has made numerous ‘best bars in the world’ lists over the years. Having a drink here is the epitomy of the Bangkok experience. They even have a ‘Hangover-tini’ in honour of the film. When you arrive a flurry of beautifully dressed Thai staff are ready to whisk you over to the bar, complete with a torch to make sure you don’t trip on the steps. Top points for this. Especially as at 820 feet up, even the bravest people will be feeling a tad giddy.

Yes you can expect crowds here, but it’s well managed and you’ll be so engrossed in the views of Bangkok, that you wont notice!

The Tongsai Bay will always be known to me as the hotel that I cried in when I checked out purely because I didn’t want to leave.

The resort is a hidden gem tucked in it’s own private bay in Bophut. This sits on the North coast of the island and is a far cry from hectic Chaweng and Lamai.

Koh Samui airport in itself is an experience. The arrivals terminal isn’t a terminal, it’s a wooden hut. With one luggage carousel and a totally peaceful vibe that is so different from any other airport I’ve landed in.

We were greeted with a welcome sign and a car from the hotel. On arrival at the resort we were given welcome drinks whilst we checked in. The lobby is so light, airy and relaxed whilst still looking impressive.

Getting taken to our pool villa is a memory that will stay with me forever. I could talk about this villa for the rest of my life. Big mahogany doors at the entrance, from which leads an immaculate mahogany staircase to the front door of the villa. You feel like you’re stepping into your own private house on an exclusive estate.

The front door leads out onto a mahogany deck with a private plunge pool, day bed and bath tub. Plus outdoor dining area complete with a kitchenette which has a fridge full of cold drinks which you can help yourself too and coffee machine.

Steps up from the deck take you into the main villa with floor to ceiling windows, a walk in wardrobe, changing area and huge bathroom with a walk in shower and separate bath tub.

The bedroom was colossal with a king size bed that looks out onto the deck. Totally outstanding. Everything is in a modern Thai style which is really inkeeping with the surroundings of the resort. The Tongsai Bay pride themselves on being an eco hotel and they do this really well.

We spent most of our time in the villa (why would you not?) apart from venturing down to the pool and private beach areas. We ate at the beachside restaurant one night which was great. Each time we’d return to our villa we’d be left a little home made gift of either cookies or cake which was all freshly made in house.

Huge points for turndown service here too as we’d find flowers and poems left on the bed every night. Amazing!

We were even given a later 3 pm check out on our last day and the hospitality and warmth from the staff was the best I’ve received anywhere in the world.

The hotel offer their own taxi service included in the price of your room. We took a trip to see Big Buddha, 10 minutes from the hotel and the driver even waited there to take us home.

World class! This definitely falls into the category of hotels which make you want to pinch yourself every 5 minutes.

A short, but sweet Thailand stay and I feel like we barely scratched the surface! I can’t wait to go back. If you’re thinking about going, do it! It is without doubt one of the places where you get incredible luxury at a fraction of the cost that you would pay in other parts of the world. Plus the Thai hospitality is second to none!

Sophie

x

The sheer volume of hotels in New York can mean this initially looks like a daunting process (approx 260 – to put this into perspective). Where do you even begin?

The good thing about New York is everything (roughly speaking) is within up to an hour’s distance. Make a list of the sights you don’t want to miss and study google maps for a while and I guarantee you’ll come to the conclusion that ‘somewhere in the middle of Manhattan’ is a good place to start.

Based on the length of your trip, I would choose your hotel wisely. I am sure that there aren’t many people who would disagree with me in saying that the most important factor is a comfortable bed. When you’ve walked your 10 miles you will want to be guaranteed a good night’s sleep.

I would always recommend Midtown. Chains are good. Depending on your budget. If it’s a special trip then peple are raving about the Knickerbocker, the Ludlow and the NoMad.

Don’t lose hours on your research though (as I have so often done). The beauty of going to New York is that you’re actually unlikely to be in your hotel room very much at all as there is literally so much to see. Pick something as a base, but make sure it’s got a big bed and is either in walking distance to a few places or near a subway station.

Nothing beats a Sunday stroll around Central Park with the Upper East Siders (yes, I am a Gossip Girl fan so please expect a few references). I’ve grouped some places together based on their proximity to eachother to make things easier.

Can I just say I love Central Park? This is approx a 30-40 min walk from Midtown if you head straight up. I always forget how big it is. You can easily lose a few hours just circling the park.

Highlights – look out for Strawberry Fields, the lake with the little boats and if you’re a tad obsessed by Blair and Chuck (GG reference – check 1) the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain.

We visited in the Fall – New York is great at any time of the year but wandering around as all the leaves are falling is pretty top notch.

The good thing about the park is you can frequently dip in and out of it if you fancy mixing it up and taking in some of the Upper East and Upper West sides. We wandered out onto Madison Ave and happened across Laduree for some refueling macaroons.

Don’t even think about heading up to Central Park without stopping at the iconic Plaza on the way. It’s pretty much opposite the entrance to the park so you can’t miss it. We had afternoon tea here (great cakes, but the tea and service was a tad questionable).

The Rockefeller Center is such a classic. Even in the middle of summer I’d find it hard to stand in the Rockefeller Plaza and not think about Home Alone.

You can pay to go to the Top of the Rock – or if you fancy beating the queues then look no further than the Rainbow Room. We booked a table at Bar 65 at the top for Friday evening (you can book this online a few weeks in advance). Reservations are free and you get the same views (without the tourists) and can spend the money you would have spent on a ticket for the Top of the Rock on cocktails instead!

If you’re an instagram addict (like me). It’s worth knowing that the skyline views from the Rockefeller are slightly better than the Empire State Building as you can actually get the ESB in your shots.

Just across from here you’ll also find the New York Palace (a total classic). Worth a stroll to see, especially if you’re a GG fan.

For a trip down memory lane, don’t forget the Public Library, Grand Central Station and the Chrysler Building which are all near eachother and iconic in their own way.

I can’t even count on both my hands the number of films and TV shows I’ve watched which have featured these three. Plus the architecture is just amazing and they are all free to see!

You shouldn’t experience much of a queue at the Library, but they will scan your bags before you enter. Expect crowds at Grand Central, but don’t be put off as it’s a must see!

Don’t miss out on the beautifully art deco Empire State Building. An ideal time to head to the top would be at sunset so you can come away with some day and night shots, but naturally this is the most popular time.

Luckily, you can book ahead online and even get a VIP pass to skip the queues (which can often mean you’re herded around various places of the building for around an hour before you get to the top). You don’t have to specify a day for your visit either, your online ticket will be valid for 365 days, so if you wake up one morning and it’s raining, you can go on another day instead.

Speaking of architecture, a short walk from the Empire State Building and you’ll come across the Flatiron building, right near Madison Square Gardens. We used this as a perfect excuse to visit Shakeshack, which has developed a huge following over the past few years. There are a few dotted around the city, but I’d recommend going to the one in Madison Square Park as this was the first of the chain to open and plus you can eat your burger and fries in the park underneath the twinkling lights which hang from tree to tree.

I mentioned at the beginning of this post how important it is to plan your time wisely. We devoted a day to Lower Manhattan and got a subway from our hotel in Midtown/Chelsea which took about 30 minutes tops.

In Lower Manhattan you can tick off another selection of greats, the Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, The new World Trade Center and the 9/11 memorial.

Let’s start with Brooklyn Bridge – an amazing walk across which will take you about 45 minutes. Expect crowds here and you’ll need to keep dodging out of the way for cyclists, but it’s so worth it for some epic views of the skyline.

Head up to Wall Street to see the Stock Exchange and also Battery Park to catch glimpses of the Statue of Liberty if you don’t fancy one of the cruises.

Don’t miss the 9/11 memorial fountain which is thought provoking but also serene and peaceful. The area around here and the New World Trade Center is poignant but beautiful with lots of open spaces.

 

There’s so much more to see that I haven’t had time to mention – comment below with any other suggestions of what not to miss in the Big Apple! If you’re thinking about going then do it as there’s something really special about the city that never sleeps.

Happy Travels!

Sophie x

Afternoon tea has become such a phenomenon. 10 years ago I’d have laughed in anybody’s face if they’d have offered me some tea and cake for £60. Yet suddenly I can’t get enough of it. Let’s face it – it’s now so much more than tea and cake. It’s the whole gloriously British experience encapsulated under the roof of a classy five star hotel.

I thought I’d take the time to give a run down of places I’ve been lucky to have afternoon tea (so far). As it’s my current obsession, this will no doubt be a growing list! Warning: endless pictures of delicious cakes incoming.

Let’s start with the big one. The original. The one everyone aspires to be. Where it all began. The Ritz, London. My mum fondly refers to this experience as the day where she almost threw up because she was so happy, so overindulged and so full of cake.

I’m going to cast my mind back to a warm Spring day in London where I could get away with wearing a paisley tea dress and a pair of ankle boots to swan into the Ritz in.

What a joyous building this is – a London great. A british institution. Classy and iconic in every way. This is the sort of bucket list experience that is so good that you can’t help but tell anybody in ear shot that you’ve been.

Cliche? Perhaps. But so necessary. And so damn good!

Starting price: £55 per person
Booking tip: Book early. Way early. I’m talking months. Maybe even years.

Perfect atmosphere. Perfect tea menu. Plus the opportunity to have everything refilled as much as you like (including the sandwiches and cakes). Then just when you think you’ve reached a sort of cake euphoria – the immaculately dressed and professional staff wheel out the speciality cakes of the day on a tray. If you get offered the orange cake. Do not refuse. This will be a liftetime regret otherwise.

Also, don’t even think about leaving without visiting the powder room. Exquisite!

 

Now for the understated one. The one you keep hearing the magazines mention. The hidden gem. I am lucky enough that Lime Wood, which sits in the New Forest, is approx a 45 min drive for me.

A glorious country estate which oozes understated chic. Think hunter wellies and soft pastel coloured walls.

Starting price: from £28 per person

Booking tip: Try and combine it with a stay. You won’t be disappointed. Plus they have some amazing last minute deals on their website which include access to the Herb House Spa.

What I love about this is that afternoon tea here is served in the courtyard. The hub of the hotel which at the same time is so peaceful. This is the place where you’ll go for afternoon tea and still find yourself sat in the courtyard taking in the atmosphere 5 hours later.

As it was my friend’s birthday and I informed the hotel of this when I booked the table, they gave us two free glasses of champagne! An amazing touch.

The tea totally reflects the theme of the hotel too. Loved the little welly boot biscuit!

 

The Plaza is undoubtedly the most famous hotel in New York having been in endless films and TV shows. The first time I visited New York I only got a glimpse of the Plaza as I walked by, but I knew if I ever went back it would be top of my list to make sure I actually got to go inside!

An American afternoon tea you say – could it be as good as an English one? Easy to answer to that is no. But the setting was fantastic and the cakes superb.

If you’re desperate to go to the Plaza, then I would advise it for ticking off your bucket list, but sadly I am pretty confident in saying we could have got a better afternoon tea in another New York hotel.

Price: from £65-70 per person depending on the exchange rate

Booking tip: View this as a bucket list exercise and enjoy the surroundings. If you’re going purely for the tea and cake, I think you may be a little disappointed

I’m lucky that the beautifully sophisticated Chewton Glen is only a 15 minute drive for me. Last year the hotel was awarded the Best UK Holiday Hotel by Conde Nast and also won Dining Experience of the Year earlier in 2017. On that basis my expectations were rather high!

Having visited the hotel regularly in the past few years, I knew we were in for a good afternoon.

Mint green shutters and perfectly manicured lawns add to the traditional yet glamourous English Country house feel.

Price: from £29.50 per person

Booking tip: the hotel has a secret path to the beach – if you’re feeling rather on the full side after all that cake, ask for directions and walk off the sugar!

What I loved about this was that we were presented with a tea box which let’s you actually smell the range of teas on offer before making a choice. As we visited just recently the theme had been adapted for Mother’s Day, which was nice.

Blown away moment: at the end of the afternoon we were given a token Chewton Glen box which is a little replica of the hotel with some tea leaves in! Top marks.

I seem to be forever scouring instagram for afternoon tea picks. Three London greats that have been on my hit list for a while:

Sketch, Mayfair – the one with the pink room and the toilets that everybody talks about. I need to get here immediately.

Sanderson, Marylebone – when I stayed here last year I got a glimpse of the Mad Hatter’s Alice in Wonderland themed tea – looks amazing!

The Lanesborough, Hyde Park – recently refurbished, grand and opulent with duck egg blue walls – what’s not to love?

Happy Brewing!

Sophie x

A glorious, colonial style hotel located on the coast of the resort of Playacar. Having done extensive research (for months on end may I add – no surprises there) and also seen glowing TripAdvisor reviews, I had pretty high expectations of this hotel.

The good news is that my expectations were totally exceeded from the minute we stepped out of the car. We arrived relatively late in the evening and were greeted with a glass of champagne whilst we checked in. Always a good start in my eyes.

The lobby areas here are so grand and impressive. Huge high ceilings and chandeliers with splashes of marble everywhere.

I loved the small, individual blocks of rooms and the bridges and hidden mini pools on your walk from the beach to the lobby. It gives the resort a really spacious feel.

Our room was near the Spices restaurant and main pool area, so we never had far to walk. It was more or less perfect – more on the traditional side and meticulously clean. Loved the addition of L’Occitane toiletries. Wi-fi or lack there of is normally a huge frustration of mine but we had perfect signal in all areas of the hotel – including the beach!

We had room service several times during our stay and this was significantly better than I have experienced in other hotels. Average delivery time was 30 minutes, the menu was really varied and the food always arrived hot rather than lukewarm!

 

The beaches here were literally perfect. Untouched white sand. Undoubtedly postcard material. The pool/beachside service here was also amazing. Endless staff on hand when you need anything, a drink, a club sandwich, a towel. No lifting a finger necessary. I’m also pretty sure I lost several hours gazing up at the palm trees (pictured) from my sun lounger. Always the sign of a good holiday in my eyes!

One of the main draws of this hotel was the sheer choice of restaurants that were available on the Half Board package. The Royal Hideaway has 6 different restaurants with so much on offer, including a gourmet italian, Mexican and Japenese/Thai – the choices are endless!

We were lucky enough to have the private dining room in Azia restaurant one evening where you take your shoes off before entering the room and sit at a traditional japenese table which sinks into the floor. Very cool.

Spices restaurant is also great as it’s right on the beachfront (breakfast is served here too). Just one thing to be aware of with the Half Board package which is that the hotel insist that you make reservations for each restaurant before you dine. When we were there we were asked to decide the schedule of restaurants for the whole six nights not long after we had checked in! Slightly odd – but don’t be too put off by this as there is flexibility to chop and change throughout your stay.

So to sum up. This resort is fab. It’s so easy to see why this is a member of Leading Hotels of the World. The Half Board package makes it a good value option too.

Beautiful in every way!

 

We spent 3 nights at this hotel for the family wedding at the end of our trip. I cannot thank said family members enough for picking this hotel for their wedding. I don’t use the word incredible lightly, but this hotel is I.N.C.R.E.D.I.B.L.E.

Most resorts in Mexico are gated communities and as we pulled into the main gates of Mayakoba (village over water in Maya language) we started to get the feeling of complete and utter exclusivity and this continues in the 5 minute drive up to the Banyan. As we arrived, I was literally blown away with the welcome from the staff (flower bracelets and green juice provided on arrival, nice touch!) and the first sight of the lobby is unforgetable with the Banyan Tree on display.

Check in here is done from your villa. What a great idea this is. We were whisked onto a buggy and to our pool villa within 5 minutes of arriving at the hotel. Luckily we had only come from Playacar, but this is a huge plus point if you’ve had a long flight.

Without being over the top, I am pretty confident in saying that opening the front door to this villa was one of the high points of my entire life. Huge mahogany doors which led to our own private garden which backed onto the Mayakoba lake. Two huge sun loungers plus a day bed sheltered with it’s own roof in case the sun gets too much. Plus a hamock outside the bedroom to sit and watch turtles swim past (in case you get bored of floating in your own private pool). What a dream.

Inside was just as impressive! The biggest bedroom I have ever had the pleasure of staying with huge high ceilings and separate walk in wardrobe. The bathroom was also unbelievable. His and hers sinks and Banyan Tree branded products everywhere. Including towels with the green tree emblem embroidered. The attention to detail is second to none and it’s easy to see why the Banyan Tree chain has such a huge following.

Can I add we also had an outside bath tub complete with a wall of candles? This also came with it’s own  menu where you can pick from various options and have the staff come and draw you a bath and provide champagne and chocolates etc (extra charge for this, of course).

Let’s also talk turndown service, the epitome of a luxury hotel experience. Hats off to the Banyan Tree for the best the best turndown service I have ever received! We returned to our villa on the first evening to find two Banyan branded black silk robes on the bed, slippers at the foot of the bed, incense burning and calming music coming from the speakers – guaranteed for a good night sleep! If that’s not enough to impress you, the hotel also provide you with a little gift each night on your pillow. On our 3 nights we received a little wooden turtle, a mayan style purse and a shot glass – amazing!

On the last night of our stay we decided to give room service a try and this was well worth it. Our dinner was delivered within 30 minutes and in a huge mayan style basket which kept the food really warm.

If we hadn’t have been staying at the hotel for a wedding then it would be fair to say that we may have actually gotten through our 3 night stay without bumping into a soul as the whole resort has such a private and exclusive feel.

As the resort is quite large, the easiest way to travel around is either by bike (each villa is provided with their own), boat or by buggy. A cycle to the beach from the hotel reception would potentially take 15-20 minutes, so a a buggy may be more preferable if it seems a little strenous! A must is to also take a boat tour which the hotel run regularly throughout the day. We went on a trip for an hour along the lake looking at all the wildlife (and got a good chance to have a peek at the Rosewood next door).

The two main highlights of our stay here were of course, the family wedding. You have a choice of locations for your wedding in the resort and we were lucky enough to experience a beach ceremony and reception at the beach club. The drinks reception on the beach following the ceremony was magical – soft string lights, the mariachi band playing in the background and further up the beach one of our party even saw some turtles hatching! Bucket list moment defined.

Our second highlight was visiting the spa. The Banyan Tree chain are renowned for their spas and we couldn’t have stayed here without trying this out! We opted for the rainforest experience where you get taken through various different rooms in the spa – including some amazing tropical walkthrough showers and the opportunity to make your own scrub. Well worth doing! Plus you can use the pool/hot tub facilities afterwards.

An unforgetable luxury trip – I’m still thinking about the margaritas now!

Sophie x

Ah, Dubai. Fashionable, forward thinking, and luxury on every corner. Yet is undoubtedly a destination that divides opinion.

When people ask me for my recommendations of somewhere new to go and I respond with Dubai, I find people either tilt their head at me, half grimace and say ‘Hmmm, isn’t it a concrete jungle?’ or, their eyes wide with interest.

Whilst I can’t deny that in places it actually is a concrete jungle. It is simply the best concrete jungle ever. I had slight reservations about going and feeling like I was stuck in the middle of a claustrophobic city with lights and cranes everywhere, but having done endless hotel research, there are ways to avoid this feeling! Pick your hotel wisely and it can make all the difference.

We chose the iconic Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa for several reasons. Firstly because I’d seen it consistently gracing the papers of many newspapers as a throng of celebs visited each week and secondly because it was actually one of the original hotels in Dubai.

Being one of the ‘original’ greats meant that it didn’t seem like a giant sky scraper at all. Instead it sat modestly with the main building being a mere 10 stories high (a dwarf in Dubai building standards). With it’s lush green gardens, you’d be forgiven for forgetting you were in the desert.

After a lot of toying over prices and with a warning from friends about the prices of food and drink, we decided to opt for a Half Board package. Best decision ever. As someone who is almost repulsed by the idea of queuing up for the buffet in the same restaurant night after night, I felt a little bit hesitant, but the Half Board package at this hotel is simply amazing. We were given a card detailing which restaurants were available for Half Board guests (virtually all of them). Including restaurants at the sister hotel, Grosvenor House. The hotel even operates a shuttle service between the two and it is well worth visiting.

The service here is exceptional. We arrived very early in the morning to find our room wasn’t ready, but we were treated to coffee and pastries in ‘Al Murjan’ and full use of the spa facilities whilst we waited.

The pool areas are great with fresh towels and complimentary ice slush drinks on hand. You don’t even need to lift a finger. This was one of the few hotels we’ve encountered which doesn’t add on an additional service charge for room service either. So you can enjoy a vast array of food in your room at no extra charge!

Whilst I could talk about Le Royal Meridien all day, it would be foolish not to mention some of the things to do. Dubai is literally a place which has the very, very best of everything. Nothing is substandard here. We found ourselves literally going from hotel to hotel as there are no standalone bars or clubs here. Everything is within one of the hotels, so it was a great opportunity to be as nosey as possible.

Located at the end of the Jumeirah Beach hotel walkway, this bar is one place you need to ensure you visit for a drink whilst in Dubai. If the stroll from the hotel to the end of the spit the bar sits on seems like too much of a trek, they’ll even bring you a golf buggy!

This is undoutedly the best place to soak up views of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. You’re so close to it you can practically see into the windows!

Plenty of opportunities for a good panoramic shot here. On my next trip I’m planning on a sunset visit!

Buddha Bar has such a good following and it’s easy to see why. A visit here wouldn’t be complete without taking in the entrance of the Grosvenor House hotel where the bar is located. Plenty of opportunities for some snaps of some seriously flashy sports cars here!

The buzz and atmosphere here is amazing. Don’t miss it! You can head here for drinks or dinner and enjoy the chill-out sounds.

Now for something more traditional. The Madinat is the perfect mix of old meets new. A resort in itself with a two luxury hotels, a whole host of restaurants and the chance to wander along the creek. Not to mention the Madinat Souk where you can shop for some arabian souvenirs.

Perfect for an evening stroll and a few drinks if you want to mix it up from moving from luxury hotel to luxury hotel!

A total icon. The Atlantis dominates the end of the Palm in a way that makes it seems like it’s guarding the city. It also looks to me like a far away palace which you dream of getting a closer look at.

Luckily, no dreaming is necessary! You don’t need to be a hotel guest to get a closer look. We visited the water park attached to the hotel and got day tickets, which also gave us access to the Lost Chambers aquarium.

You could easily spend a week here and not experience everything. This resort is literally huge. Almost like a theme park in itself with an endless mix of restaurants and entertainment.

The Royal Bridge Suite in the hotel which overlooks the city and spans the very top of the Royal Towers starts from a whopping £20,000 a night.

If the constant luxury dripping from hotel to hotel and mall to mall all gets too much (could it ever get too much?) there is some resbite. Don’t miss the glimpse of old Dubai at Deira Creek. Here you can take an abra water taxi for as little as 20p with the locals.

Take a stroll amongst the gold and spice souks for the chance to soak up some arabian culture. Just practice your firm ‘NO’ before you go, so that you can avoid the shop keepers and market traders trying to sell you every souvenir under the sun!

Two greats. Surely, there is no need to visit two malls whilst in Dubai, they must both be the same? Wrong.

Sure, the shops are the same. But both house iconic tourist attractions which means you can’t get away with visiting just one!

There are areas of these malls (particularly in the Dubai Mall, the larger of the two) which you’ll never see as it is just impossible to physically walk around it all in a day.

Mall of the Emirates houses Ski Dubai. An opportunity to ski in the desert heat is frankly, surreal but has become a well known tourist attraction.

The Dubai Mall has over 1200 shops. Insane! Highlights here include the huge Dubai Aquarium and iconic water fountain display.

And last (but definitely not least). The tallest building in the whole entire world. Wow. Expect major ear popping as you head up to the 148th floor where all other sky scrapers look like ants.

If you can, book online in advance before you go and try and get the sunset slot. Then you have the best of both worlds.

And finally, what trip to Dubai would be complete without a trip to the desert? We went on a dune buggy safari on the early hours of our last day, only to wake up for our 7 am pick up time and find it to be pouring with rain. Undeterred we went ahead with the trip anyway – let’s just say standing in the desert in the middle of a monsoon shower is quite the surreal experience!

We’re hoping to head back to Dubai as a stopover on our honeymoon next year and I can’t wait to go back and see what’s changed, because let’s face it – Dubai is the one place where nothing ever gets old!

Sophie x

50 Berners St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NG

Glamorous, quirky and fashionable sum up The Sanderson. Tucked away on a side street and in a converted office block means you’re in for a completely untraditional experience. The lobby greets you with it’s various modern art sculptures, including a sofa in the shape of a pair of lips and a suspended seat that looks like it’s been taken from the set of Austin Powers!

Rooms here are light, modern and spacious. The bed is HUGE. We were celebrating our recent engagement and the hotel very kindly left a bottle of champagne with a note and a slice of cake in our room. Top marks for generosity!

Top tip: Well worth exploring and taking a few snaps here. Don’t miss the huge room with the pool table and stained glass windows

Regret: Not getting a snap on one of the bar chairs with a cocktail in hand

Stratton St, Mayfair, London W1J 8LT

Chic, perfectly located and with a cult celeb following, the May Fair is perfect for a luxurious weekend. The frankly huge contemporary rooms are adorned in tasteful reds, golds and pinks. We stayed here for my birthday weekend and loved the rather indulgent marble bathroom (with his and hers sinks, always a must), the slick lobby and infamous May Fair Bar. This has the feeling of a boutique hotel with a glamorous past.

Top tip: Always a party on here. Don’t even think about not going to the bar. Request a quiet room though to ensure a decent night’s sleep (should you be able to tear yourself away from the bar)

Regret: Should have undoubtedly spent more time in the bar!

1C Portland Place, Marylebone, London W1B 1JA

The big one. An icon of the West End with it’s softly luxurious pink and grey interior that makes it so understated and enchanting . With a world renowned restaurant, amazing spa and a bar that was crowned ‘The Best Bar in the World’ in 2015, it’s easy to see why this is such a favourite with Lady Gaga (who was staying whilst we were there).

Spa access is included in your room cost, so it would be rude not to take advantage! Since we last visited there have been numerous room renovations taking place, which look even more amazing as the hotel looks to continue to offer a contemporary feel in a historical environment. We visited for my partner’s birthday and not only did he receive a personal birthday card from the hotel, but a selection of cakes too!

Top tip: Don’t even think about coming here and not going to the bar. They offer a colour wheel here for you to pick a cocktail based on your taste preferences. Go for the super panda cocktail.

Regret: Not seeing Lady Gaga. Should have checked in for the rest of my life

60 Hyde Park Gate, Kensington, London SW7 5BB

Otherwise known as ‘The glamorous Italian one’. So sleek. We stayed here for two nights over New Years Eve and got upgraded to the most amazing suite EVER! (the perks of being a travel agent back in the day). I’ll never forget this room. It was so perfect that sometimes I even scroll back through the pictures on my phone just to remind me of the Italian richness that was splashed all over the room. Deep purple? Yes. Gold? Yes. Nespresso machine? Yes. Black marble bathroom? Yes.

Top tip: Don’t always assume New Years Eve is a no go and will cost a bomb. Worth shopping around and booking early!

Regret: Should have booked a third night

109 – 113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5LP

I love how understated this hotel is. Modern, elegant and with cornflower blue bikes (with baskets on the front may I add) available to guests for use at your leisure, this is a winner. We were staying here on my birthday weekend and not only did we get a room upgrade which included a huge four poster bed, but the hotel also took the time to put a birthday card and some sweet treats in the room (serious brownie points here).

Top tip: Do you want breakfast included, Sir? Absolutely you do. The setting is perfect and the full English is delicious

Regret: Should have used the bikes!

222 Marylebone Rd, Marylebone, London NW1 6JQ

Grand, elegant and timeless. The entrance to this hotel is so stunning and the towering palm trees in the jaw-dropping Winter Garden definitely give the ‘wow’ factor. Traditional but luxurious rooms ensure a great night’s sleep complete with huge marble bathrooms and walk in wardrobes.

Top tip: Make sure you use the spa, the swimming pool is huge and often such a rarity in London hotels

Regret: Should have had a Sunday Champagne brunch in the Winter Garden (there’s always next time!)