New fun bike event in Ballater

A new fun and inclusive bike festival for all ages and abilities will be taking place in Ballater between Friday 23^rd and Sunday 25^th September.

The inaugural Thrive Bike is a weekend for mountain and road bikers, as well as non-bikers, to come and enjoy different trails, try out cycles from top brands and test their navigation skills in the Ballater Dash and Reliability Rides. Music and local food are among other highlights including children’s activities and a talk from storyteller and bike adventurer Lee Craigie of The Adventure Syndicate.

The Thrive Bike Team – Andy Lewis, Ben Allum, Richard Watts, Kate Stewart and Susan Allum – wanted to create a festival where everyone could enjoy the benefits of the local environment whilst reflecting the values of responsible tourism. Susan said:

“Biking is such an accessible sport, whatever your age or fitness level, and in Scotland, and particularly around us here in the Cairngorms, we have the most stunning trails. Thrive Bike is very much welcoming everyone, bikers and non-bikers, families and those of all abilities, to come and enjoy this beautiful area and a fun weekend full of activities. All of us behind this event know ourselves how good the natural environment is for our wellbeing, and we want to showcase the fantastic trails and scenery we have here but also the local food, hospitality and other brilliant businesses that make Ballater and the East Cairngorms such a great destination.”

The weekend’s activities include guided and self-guided rides, on road, gravel and trails and a chance to demo new bikes from top brands. Test your navigation and route planning skills in the Dash or take the Reliability Ride (26 or 125km) at your own pace, which the elite Alba Development Road Team will be joining, stopping for coffee and cake on the way, before relaxing at the end of the day with the film night or inspiring presentation from Lee Craigie of The Adventure Syndicate.

As well as a children’s play area, climbing wall, stunt show and disco; you can recharge from local food trucks on the greens; learn how to improve your health and wellness from a range of coaches, from foundation and personal training to breathing your way to better health and sports performance; and explore with Grampian Disability Sports how their bikes can open up biking for all abilities.

Learn too about how we can all enjoy the benefits of our outdoor space at the same time protecting the environment for future generations by chatting to Nature Scot and Forestry and Land Scotland.

Entry to Thrive Bike Festival is free, with tickets available for purchase for specific activities. Advance booking is necessary for certain events; demo bikes, guided rides, the talk and film night (full details at www.thriveballater.com). Bike hire will be available, but visitors are advised to bring their own where possible.

The Thrive Team’s aspiration is to – over time – build a recognised event of a world class standard, which balances our responsibilities towards the land, landowners, users, flora and fauna, while at the same time aiding the development of mountain biking in the area and protecting the environment for the benefit of current and future generations.

“This is Thrive Bike’s first year,” explains Susan, “And will be the foundation upon which to improve year on year.”

Profits from Thrive Bike will be invested in the local trail network, working with landowners, the Aberdeenshire Trail Association and existing, sanctioned projects. 

Keen mountain biker Andy Lewis, who will also be at the event with his wellbeing business, Highland Breathwork, said:   

“This event is exciting as not only is it, genuinely, inclusive, giving everyone at every level a chance to try new trails, bikes and meet like-minded people, but the profits are going back into local bike trails. The better we can make the trail network, the more we can all enjoy being in the outdoors, and make it work for bikers, landowners and locals for all to benefit and enjoy. The fact that the whole event is filled by people and businesses from Aberdeenshire or a connection with Ballater, is what makes it special, as well as knowing that it is so brilliantly run with the environment, community and local growth so front and centre.” 

The event aims to bring adventure tourism back and away from its more common association with extreme adventure races, to allow people of all fitness and ages to enjoy the holistic benefits of being in the outdoors, as well as working Cairngorm National Park and Scottish Disability Sport, to open up the magic and value of the landscapes to different abilities.

janecraigie.com

Opening of Noku Phuket

Noku Hotels has announced the opening of Noku Phuket. It is the fourth Noku hotel after Noku Kyoto, Noku Osaka and Noku Maldives.

A 45 minutes’ journey from Phuket International Airport takes you to the newly built resort that is a hidden gem nestled on the hilltop away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Surrounded by natural flora, the resort features amazing views of the Chalong Bay.

Noku Phuket has been lauded with the Green Mark Gold award recently from the Building Authority of Singapore for its green design and sustainable efforts.

There are a total of 91 spacious Villas and Lofts furnished in soft earthy tones that marries Thai modern architecture with the hotel’s hillside lush greenery.

Each roomy Loft features a large bathroom and balcony that overlook the surrounding forested hills. The spacious Hill Villas provide wonderful sea views over Chalong Bay, and each stand-alone Tree Villa is a private sanctuary nestled amidst a quiet green landscape. Unwind in your private pool in both the Hill and Tree Villas or have a relaxing soak in the sunken bath.

For dining, EMBRACE Restaurant offers guests the opportunity to enjoy mouth-watering Thai dishes using locally sourced ingredients. After a long day of exploring the sights and sounds of Phuket at near-by attractions, guests can wind down and sip cocktails at The Terrace bar while enjoying the panoramic view of Chalong Bay.

Designed around a reflective swimming pool, the Wellness centre features individual spa pavilions with curated massages, an Infra-red room and steam saunas. Other wellness facilities include a fully equipped gym and a yoga room.

The hotel provides complimentary shuttle services to nearby beaches, the Phuket Old Town and shopping malls.

nokuhotels.com/

Restaurant opening: Woven by Adam Smith at Coworth Park

Coworth Park has unveiled details for Woven by Adam Smith, the new restaurant opening at Dorchester Collection’s luxury country house hotel on 8 September 2022. Chef Adam Smith’s menu will offer a tapestry of familiar flavours reimagined in unexpected ways, combining the classics with modern touches and layers of personal experience. Martin Hulbert Design has created the interiors for the restaurant, crafting a theatrical and contemporary space that blends seamlessly into the Georgian manor house setting, whilst complementing and elevating the dining experience.

An eye-catching set of sculptures inspired by the Coworth Park gardens sits at the entrance of Woven by Adam Smith. Past these, guests will be welcomed into an impressive new wine room and pantry, with two floor-to-ceiling wine cellars, holding a unique curation of bottles. The culinary journey will begin with a selection of snacks served from the pantry including devilled egg; caviar, smoked roe, pine; Coronation chicken; andcured seabass, XO sauce, kalamansi, seaweed. Welcome drinks will pair seamlessly with Adam’s menu and introduce guests to a list that celebrates British wines alongside library vintages from some of the best producers around the world, and cocktails that use storied, sustainable British spirits from Sapling.

A light-filled conservatory with expansive views over the Berkshire countryside sits to one side of the pantry, offering an extension of the main restaurant space or an exclusive private dining setting for up to 12 guests. The main dining room seats 44, with interiors that champion quality, craft and natural materials at every turn. As a centrepiece of the restaurant, a striking plaster relief set with root vegetables sits on the back wall, made by artisans Locker & Riley. The eye is also drawn to a contemporary light installation that mimics a woodland canopy, with delicate rays of light pouring over the restaurant below. The design of the space sets the scene for a wonderfully storied dining experience.

With surprising twists and turns, Adam’s food challenges expectations of the classics, with recipes, ingredients and dishes reinterpreted through the lens of personal experience. Adam rose through the ranks in the kitchens of The Ritz and The Devonshire Arms, before joining Coworth Park as Executive Chef in 2016. He has gained numerous awards along the way; amongst his proudest moments, winning the prestigious Roux Scholarship in 2012 and being awarded Master of Culinary Arts in 2017. Woven by Adam Smith represents the culmination of Adam’s great career to date, with the chef taking his years of experience combined with a creative and hugely passionate approach to cooking, and fully expressing his unique style at the new restaurant. The menu champions British produce in dishes such as brown crab, radish, apple, basil and yuzu; Hen of the Woods, Old Winchester, turnip and truffle; and Hereford beef, potato, onion, tendon and tongue. In celebration of Coworth Park’s bee hives, desserts include black fig, estate honey, walnut andbee pollen. Alternatively, guests can indulge in Adam’s signature chocolate, sea salt, coco nib andcrème fraîche, or choose from a wide selection of British cheeses served from the pantry.

The menu is priced at £80pp for lunch and £130pp for dinner, with the experience starting with a selection of snacks ‘From The Pantry’, followed by a choice ‘From The Larder’, ‘From The Stove’ and ‘From The Pastry’, before concluding with a selection of sweet treats. Wine pairing will be offered at £80pp.

dorchestercollection.com

Acme Fire Cult bring new wave live fire cooking collaboration with 40FT brewery to Dalston this April

Main image: Photography by Steve Ryan

From April, Acme Fire Cult, a new live fire concept from chefs Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins, will open its first permanent restaurant at 40FT Brewery in Dalston. A collaboration with Steve Ryan of 40FT, Acme Fire Cult offers a new approach to barbecue, where vegetables take centre stage and where food and drink are intrinsically linked; from using beer by-products such as yeast and spent grain to make ferments and hot sauces to using Acme’s favourite ingredients as adjuncts in beers, such as ancho chillies.

Acme Fire Cult began in the spring of 2021 after Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkin’s successful summer residency at London Fields Courtyard in Hackney. Deriving from the Greek word akmē (the point at which something is at its best or most highly developed), the menu at Acme Fire Cult is an evolution of their London Fields Courtyard offering, but central to the collaboration with 40FT is the symbiotic relationship between the food and drink. The low waste menu will use beer brewing by-products to make ferments and sauces, such as their Acme ‘Marmite’, made from leftover beer yeast; Ancho hot sauce made with beer-soaked chillis, and beer molasses made by reducing down the ‘first runnings’ to be drizzled on desserts. Spent grain will be used for fermenting dish ingredients such as nukazuke pickles and even to make dog biscuits.

Photography by Steve Ryan, courtesy of Acme Fire Cult

The restaurant will have ten beer taps pouring fresh beers brewed on-site that will be paired with dishes. Special edition beers will be brewed each month by 40FT to pair with the menu, with ingredients that will later be used in cooking. The first of these is Acme Dark Lager, a schwarzbier with a malt bill of chocolate and dark malts with subtle complexity from ancho chillies.

In addition to 40FT beers, there will be a concise wine list from Holly Willcocks (ex Noble Rot, now co-founder of Half Cut Market, Camden) and a cocktail menu to pair with the food with classic negronis and margaritas and beer-based cocktails like their Michelada built on the Acme Dark Lager with Acme hot sauce and fresh lime.

Vegetables will be at the heart of the menu, alongside rare and native breed meat from regenerative farms such as Lyon Hill Farm and Swaledale Butchers, plus dayboat fish from sustainable suppliers such as Fin & Flounder and Bethnal Green Fish, in supporting roles. At Acme, inspiration is pulled from around the globe, evident in their grilling and fermentation techniques, as well as their heavy use of chilli and spices. The constantly evolving, seasonal menu will feature small plates such as Grilled Leeks & Pistachio Romesco, alongside the likes of Beetroots with a sweet & sour dill dressing, beetroot purée, pickled blueberries and sorrel, which is cooked in the ‘first runnings’ of 40FT Brewery Sunset Hazy IPA. The sweet, malty, beet-infused juice is reduced down to a sticky molasses, which is then used to glaze the beetroot as they’re smoked and semi-dehydrated over birch wood. As at London Fields Courtyard, there will be a selection of flatbreads available, such as Coal Roasted Celeriac, Mushroom-Kelp XO, Coco Bean Miso and Salsa Verde made with foraged mushrooms and hand-gathered seaweed; Dorset Crab, Bone Marrow, Jalapeno Verde and Salted Cabbage and Smoked Shortrib, Mustard Greens, Beef fat Crema and Ancho Koij, where the Shortrib is glazed with a molasses made from 40FT Eccles Cake Stout. Large plates will include new dishes such as ½ Herb Fed Chicken with Vadouvan Butter, Tropea Onion and Crème Fraiche, alongside some favourites from their London Fields Courtyard residency, such as a ‘Char Siu’ of Monkfish, which uses a sweet and sour molasses of (by-product) fermented beetroot juice, then is dusted in fennel pollen, and served with roast Jalapeño verde and grilled sea vegetables. There will also be a reduced menu of small plates and flatbreads served at the 40FT Brewery taproom across the yard, which will also be available to takeaway.

The restaurant will be opposite the 40FT Brewery tap room, seating 50 covers inside and 60 outside on the covered and heated terrace. A large custom made grill and smoker will stand proudly in the covered yard, serving Acme Fire Cult flavours whatever the weather. Inside, the space is pared back and dark with industrial elements. A bar seats six, behind which pickles and ferments line the walls.

Acme Fire Cult’s signature plant-based sauces and condiments will also be available for sale at the Dalston yard and online, along with a range of merchandise such as t-shirts and branded hardware.

During March, there will be a limited, outdoor only, teaser ‘First Fires’ menu available, with the full menu available from 1st April.

Of the partnership, Andrew Clarke said: “Steve Ryan and I have been friends for a long time, and I’ve previously cooked at the brewery as a guest chef. Daniel and I had been looking for a space for Acme in Hackney, and when the space at the yard facing 40FT came up, we had to seize it. The potential for the space is huge, and we want special events and guest chef dinners to become a big part of the offering. We’re really excited to be working with

Steve and 40FT. The synergy of the beer brewing process and menu creation is central to what we’re doing at Acme and encompasses all aspects of the menu. We can’t wait for people to try it.”

The space will be open Wednesday – Sunday and is also available for private hire.

acmefirecult.com

Spirit of Summer comes back to London

Olympia London from 23-26 June

The Spirit of Summer Fair returns this June 23-26, reimagined as an exciting pop-up event at the iconic Olympia London venue. This must-attend event showcases the finest accessories in home interiors and beauty & fashion, in addition to artisan food & drink. Everything visitors need to refresh the look and feel of their living spaces with elegance and discover beautiful new pieces for their wardrobes in one place.

Discover unique pieces from hundreds of independent brands and boutiques for stylish summer living. The Fair brings together an enviably curated collection of businesses for four days only; championing brands that are British made, ethically minded, and sustainably run. We are proud to support independent businesses and the wonderful people behind them and invite visitors to look beyond the mainstream to invest in well-made, long-lasting, and timeless products.

Be the first to uncover fabulous fashion, stylish soft furnishings, authentic accessories, and delicious delicacies. Pick up one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones, elevate a home décor and dazzle at social soirées.

Fair Director, Mary Claire Boyd, comments “After two years, we’re really excited to be bringing back the summer edition of this premium shopping event. We are proud to continue to support creative, small independent businesses, and enable visitors to once again source desirable pieces for summer from this unique seasonal offering. Products are selected for their style and quality, and all approved by House & Garden, so visitors will only find the very best, new collections at the Fair.”

A day out to enjoy with friends, visitors can browse a selection of boutiques, enjoy a sumptuous dining experience at the Summer Bistro and sip a glass of bubbly – or two – at the Louis Roederer Champagne Bar. There will also be a selection of interactive workshops designed to help visitors get the most out of summer living. These have previously included indulging in champagne tasting and getting creative with flower arranging.

Tickets to the Spirit of Summer Fair also permit entry to the co-located and much acclaimed Art & Antiques Fair Olympia. Here, visitors will discover a cornucopia of art, antique pieces and design spanning centuries, cultural movements, and continents. Timeless art and antiques meet mid-century modernism and contemporary design-thinking as our roster of dealers and exhibitors bring their finest treasures for showcase and sale.

Fair Highlights:
● Discover independent brands and boutiques
● Support sustainable and ethical businesses
● Enjoy a sociable day out with friends
● Louis Roederer Champagne Bar and Summer Bistro
● Interactive, complimentary workshops
● The Arts & Antiques Fair Olympia

Tickets start from £18 when booked online in advance.
Opening Times:
● Thursday-Saturday: 10:30am – 6:00pm
● Sunday: 10:30am – 5:00pm

spiritofsummerfair.co.uk

Mothers Day Inspiration

Gift ideas to help celebrate in style this Mothers Day

With Mothers Day just around the corner, we’ve put together a few delectable delights and experiences that are sure to impress the leading ladies in your life.

Darts Farm New Fizz & Truffles (£49 from dartsfarm.co.uk)
Make mum feel really special with the ultimate pairing of truffles and fizz. This indulgent gift of artisan chocolate truffles, handcrafted at Darts Farm’s in-house chocolatier, Cow & Cacao, paired with a bottle of Devon sparkling rosé from their own Pebblebed Vineyards, packed in a beautiful wooden box, makes the perfect gift for Mother’s Day.

Darts Farm New Fizz & Truffles

Newly opened Greyfriars Hideaway in the heart of Oxford City Centre is offering luxurious stays to celebrate Mother’s Day this year. Its two exclusive-use Listed properties each have breath-taking historical features, stand hidden away in an unrivalled central location and come complete with a menu of optional concierge services too, and to honour mother figures this year, complimentary fresh flowers, fizz and chocolates will be included as standard for all stays throughout March.
Greyfriars Hideaway has good availability throughout March and bookings for its Mother’s Day offer can be made at greyfriarshideawayoxford.com by quoting ‘MOTHER’S DAY’. An exclusive-use three night stay at The Masters Lodgings costs from £2800 on a self-catering basis for up to four people, while an exclusive-use three night stay at Cloisters costs from £4800 on a self-catering basis for up to eight people. The properties can be taken together from £7600 for a three night stay for up to 12 guests. Optional concierge services are charged as taken.

Greyfriars Hideaway

If you’re mothers ideal gift is a foodie looking to explore new and exciting dishes then prepare to tickle the taste buds with a choice of fabulous food kits from Hop & Roll (hopandroll.co.uk).
There’s a variety of kits to choose from, and each has been carefully curated by talented Hop & Roll founder Rosh and celebrate the diverse flavours and spices of Sri Lankan cuisine.
Kits come with the option of including the traditional Hopper pan, and we particularly liked the sound of The Island Life Kit (£54.99), which includes a veritable Sri Lankan feast, Arrack cocktails, curries and pan.

Hop & Roll

A quintessentially British delight, Hush Mayfair (hush.co.uk/afternoontea), in the heart of Mayfair, is offering a brand-new afternoon tea just in time for Mothering Sunday, with three tempting options, from classic and champagne through to gin cocktails.

Hush Mayfair

Available on Sunday 27th March, and then from Monday – Friday weekly from 2pm until 4.30pm, afternoon tea at Hush Mayfair is an elegant affair. Situated in the beautiful Brasserie or captivating Courtyard, indulge in delicate and flavourful finger sandwiches – think honey roast ham and mustard; oak cured salmon with chive crème fraiche; and traditional cucumber and butter on fluffy white bread. Scones are, of course, a must – at Hush Mayfair they are freshly baked and served with lashings of raspberry jam and clotted cream. Suitably sweet treats include honey financiers; zingy mini lemon meringue pies; indulgent cream-filled gold-leaf chocolate eclairs and rainbow macarons.
Tea is courtesy of master blenders Harney & Sons, with a choice of flavours including Jasmine, Gunpowder Green, Rose Puchong, and a classic English Breakfast.

The Traditional Afternoon Tea is priced at £50 for two, whilst for an extra special event opt for the Gin & Jam Tea, priced at £70 for two and including a gorgeous gin cocktail each. Choose from the T N Tea – a perfect pour of Tanqueray Gin, Savoia Bitters, nectarine, gunpowder tea and Fever Tree Soda Water; whilst the Breakfast Negroni is a tantalising blend of Highclere Castle Gin, Belsazar Rose Vermouth, Select Aperitivo, English breakfast tea and orange marmalade.
If you fancy fizz, the Champagne Tea is priced at £80 for two and includes a glass of Canard-Duchêne Cuvée Léonie Brut Champagne.

The Langham, London (palm-court.co.uk) has launched a brand-new afternoon tea collection, as part of a series of teas in Palm Court inspired by the nation’s favourite biscuits. An established member of London’s afternoon tea scene, Palm Court has served up some of the finest cakes and pastries for over a century, putting a modern twist on classic favourites.

The Langham, London

Priced from £65pp, guests can expect a truly decadent spread of delights, with the menu overseen by Michel Roux Jr. and created by Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett. The drink offering is just as impressive as the food, and guests can explore an extensive range of teas with the assistance of the tea sommelier. For an additional £10pp diners can try COPENHAGEN Organic sparkling tea or add a glass of English sparkling wine from Gusbourne for £15pp or a glass of Taittinger Brut Reserve for £21pp.

Raise a glass to the leading lady in your life this Mother’s Day and spoil her with the new “G & Tea” experience at Manetta’s Bar (flemings-mayfair.co.uk/fine-dining-london/manettas-bar), located within the opulent surroundings of luxury boutique hotel, Flemings Mayfair.

Manetta’s Bar

Priced at £45 per person, guests can enjoy an assortment of freshly baked patisseries and fragrant tea blends from East India Tea Company alongside a choice of one of three refreshing and botanical gin tipples, including Whitley Neill Raspberry Gin, Salcombe Gin Rosé and Nicholson London Dry Gin. Or there’s the option to treat her to all three gins for an additional £25.

Beautifully presented on an elegant tiered stand, delight in plain and fruit scones with thick clotted cream and homemade jams, followed by a selection of delectable mini patisseries and macarons whilst the expert bar team take you through the tasting notes of your gin and tonic selection.
The “G & Tea” experience will run from Mother’s Day (Sunday 27th March), continuing every Wednesday – Saturday thereafter from 1pm – 4pm. Book the experience online here.
Whether you’re booking in for Mother’s Day, or treating your leading queen in the coming months, elevate celebrations with Manetta’s indulgent “G & Tea”.

Spring 2022 issue

You may have noticed that we have been a bit quiet lately while we’ve been putting together our latest issue of Travel Dine Relax.

Since we launched the magazine in 2020, we’ve been overwhelmed by the feedback from our readers and we hope that our Spring issue doesn’t disappoint.

Jam packed full of ideas of where to visit, things to do and places to dine along with some inspiring interviews with two talented chefs, there’s something for everyone. So sit back and enjoy the journey.

Go for Gold with the New Golden Mile Experience at Ikos Andalusia

Luxury all-inclusive Ikos resort offers new hiking & biking experience along the Spanish coast

The team at Ikos Andalusia has introduced the new Ikos Golden Mile Experience, offering guests the opportunity to bike or hike, independently or with a guide, to the old town of Estepona, via a variety of scenic routes directly from the resort. The experience has been added to the portfolio of activities available with the Ikos Local Discovery scheme, designed to encourage visitors to explore their surroundings. Along with a multitude of carefully curated activities, guests can now discover the New Golden Mile or Nuevo Milla de Oro, a 13-mile route filled with luscious green parks, prime beachfront properties and stunning coastal views.

The Ikos Golden Mile

Stretching from San Pedro de Alcántara to the east of the town of Estepona along the Costa del Sol, the Ikos Golden Mile offers a myriad of trails to explore. Guests can choose to take the scenic route and head off on a solo adventure or hit the road with the whole family and a knowledgeable Ikos guide. With a limitless array of boutique shops, local cafes and Spanish fine dining along the way, the journey to Estepona promises an indulgent cultural experience. Families can pause to marvel at the beautiful blue and green coastline, flecked with striking Spanish architecture and extraordinary views of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar and, on a clear day, the northern coast of Africa. Those who opt to travel by bike can look forward to a beautiful five-mile route, offering an easy, idyllic beachfront trail suitable for all levels of skill and fitness. For those looking to up their step count, hiking the Ikos Golden Mile by foot offers a challenging climb with a rewarding view. Benefit from a personal guide who can customise your journey to push boundaries or take it a little easier. Whether working up a sweat or soaking up the scenery, all participants will be enchanted by the old town of Estepona where the trek ends.

Once in Estepona

Famed for its traditional charm, the old town of Estepona is one of the most beautiful in Andalusia and is known as ‘The Garden of the Costa Del Sol’. Uncover the region’s charming corners with a guided tour, exploring the hidden jewels of Estepona. Potter through the quiet squares and quaint streets of the historic town, perusing the storybook white houses draped in overflowing flowerpots. Alternatively, the Poetry Route offers a romantic walk through the town centre, where the streets and pavements are lined with famous poems from around the world. Budding poets will be delighted to discover the art form celebrated in an array of languages, accompanied by famous sculptures and murals discoverable nearby. For history buffs, the Route of The Murals is a treasure trove of antiques and rich culture, with street art by international artists adorning the city walls and oversized works of art decorating the local buildings.

Discovery & Beyond

The curated routes in Estepona, allowing guests to explore the beautiful old town, are all part of the Ikos Local Discovery programme. Along with the Ikos Golden Mile Experience, the Local Discovery scheme at Ikos Andalusia encourages guests to expand their horizons and explore beyond the resort. With complimentary use of a MINI car for the day, tickets to the best museums in Malaga or free green passes for golfers at the exclusive Los Naranjos Golf Club all included in their stay. The hotel also offers the pioneering Ikos Dine Out initiative, allowing foodies to enjoy meals at some of the best restaurants across Marbella and Estepona, all within their all-inclusive experience.

ikosresorts.com

JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa

New experiences to look forward to this year at JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa as they reopen for the season

JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa will reopen its doors this week, ready to welcome visitors to experience its tranquil setting and luxurious services on its very own Venetian private island escape. As part of the reopening, the resort will be launching a series of new and updated experiences for guests to enjoy.

Five new experiences to look forward to this year at JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa:

JW Venice VOGA Academy – traditional Venetian rowing
The JW Venice VOGA Academy is the resort’s first sports school dedicated to traditional Venetian rowing. Guests will have the opportunity to learn the unique art of Venetian rowing, both around the Isola delle Rose island and on some of Venice’s most famous canals. Lessons of about 2 hours a day will have guests experiencing the lagoon as the locals do and learn about what was once the only vehicle for transit and transport in the city. The JW Venice VOGA Academy is open to individuals, couples and families and can be booked via the resort’s app.

JW Culinary Experiences – 10 new Michelin starred Chefs join the line-up
Following the success of the previous years, JW Culinary Experiences is back from May 20th with ten new guest Michelin starred Chefs to showcase the best of Italian cuisine over a series of 10 culinary weekends. The package includes daily breakfast, a Friday night “Starry Aperitif” in collaboration with Chef Giorgio Schifferegger at Sagra Rooftop Restaurant, followed by a Saturday morning cooking class led by the guest chef at the Sapori Cooking Academy. On the Saturday night, guests will enjoy a four hand Michelin starred dinner at Fiola at Dopolavoro Venezia restaurant. Chef guest names in the line up include the two Michelin starred Massimiliano Mascia and Fabio Pisani, and one Michelin starred Paolo Griffa, Theodor Falser, Edoardo Fumagalli, Peter Brunel, Giuseppe Di Iorio and Luigi Lionetti.

New Kids Club for 2022 by Bricks 4 Kidz
Families travelling to JW Marriott Venice in 2022 will be able to enjoy a series of new experiences, including a paddle court, a bowling alley, and an open-air cinema – where a 3-metre screen will play movie classics for the whole family to enjoy. The Kids Club has been redesigned for 2022 in partnership with ‘Bricks 4 Kidz’. The resort will offer its younger guests a program of activities around both the resort and the city, helping keep the little ones entertained.

Pop-up Gourmet Pizzeria
JW Marriott Venice has partnered with Italian pizza maestro Renato Bosco: to bring a pop-up pizzeria to the resort exclusively for the summer 2022 season. Guests will be able to enjoy a selection of delicious hand-made pizzas that made the Veronese Chef famous.

Reopening of Fiola fine dining restaurant
Michelin-starred Chef Fabio Trabocchi, widely celebrated among the world’s leading restaurateurs, returns to the helm of dining at JW Marriott Venice this year, and the resort’s fine dining restaurant Fiola at Dopolavoro Venezia will be reopening on the April 14th 2022. Guests can indulge in the finest Venetian cuisine with a superb selection of wines where the menu perfectly combines seasonal ingredients from the Rialto market in Venice and the Adriatic Sea, vegetables grown in the garden and locally produced olive oil. The historical building “Dopolavoro” welcomes up to 50 guests in an intimate and elegant setting. It is an ideal place to spend pleasant evenings in the cool gentle breezes of the lagoon.

Speaking about the new opening, Cristiano Cabutti, General Manager of the JW Marriott Venice, has said: “The whole team is very happy to be able to welcome back our guests starting from March 16th. We are particularly proud to present many new venues and features in 2022. We have wonderful, renovated facilities and specially designed to make our guests experience a stay they will not easily forget!”

JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is an oasis away from Venice’s labyrinth of canals and bridges, with lush green spaces and wide-open areas where guests can spend days exploring the finest wellness and dining experiences on offer at the resort. All of this is just a stone’s throw away from the heart of Venice, making it just a short boat ride away to St Mark’s Square for those wanting to explore the city’s cultural attractions. Families will also be well looked after with a range of activities to enjoy, from the dedicated family pool to Venetian biscuit making at the Sapori Cooking Academy.

JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa’s 266 rooms and suites are split into two separate accommodation experiences; the JW historic main building with its rooftop pool and the JW Retreats – a cluster of residences set apart from the main hotel offering another level of seclusion with their own private gardens, with select properties including private pools.

jwmarriottvenice.com

Antillean Launches Pan-Caribbean Brunch

Antillean has announced that it’s launching a new Brunch Menu, available every Saturday to help kick-start guests’ weekends. Chef Patron Michael Hanbury’s three-course set menu welcomes diners to his restaurant inspired by the idyllic islands of the Antilles on London’s Blackfriars Road, with a bright new menu of refreshingly delicious dishes sure to kick-start the weekend.

The Pan-Caribbean menu reflects the heritage and vibrant multi-cultural influences of the Antilles.

The menu starts with a choice of sharing platters, including Mackerel Escovitch and Julienne Pickled Vegetables and Watermelon & Heritage Beetroot Salad.

Individual main courses are a variety of signature seafood, meat, vegetarian and plant-based recipes, including Ribeye Steak with Mojo Dressing and Yuca Fries and Grilled Aubergine with stir-fried Ackee.
Chef’s indulgent desserts feature a sharing selection of sweet treats such as Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Guinness Punch Ice-Cream.

For hungrier guests, supplement delicacies include Grilled Octopus with Mango, Cucumber, Mint and a Scotch Bonnet Emulsion and a selection of Ceviche such as Mojito Cured Grouper with Mint, Lime and Rum.

Antillean’s white coastal chic with its sleek interiors and high ceilings offer a cool welcome for guests seeking brunch in a clean and bright space in London’s SE1 postcode. And brunch here is about more than just the imaginative food. The restaurant hosts a resident DJ on the decks, and on select weekends, he is joined by the Caribbean jazz vibes of a live saxophonist, while a percussionist will also join in April.

After a welcome cocktail, keep the drinks flowing, with the bar serving an extensive selection of over 100 distinctive types of rum from around the world. Alternatively, choose another colourful cocktail from the exciting list, specially created to complement the dazzling dishes flying out of the kitchen.

Antillean sits proudly in a stunning listed 18th-century coaching house just minutes from Southwark and Waterloo stations.

antillean.co.uk

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa celebrates International Women’s Day

Cheese & Wine Tasting – 8th March

Dedicated to highlighting some of the West’s very best cheeses produced by women, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is taking attendees on a tasting journey, with guided samplings of five perfectly matched cheese and wines in the surrounds of the hotel’s cosy library.

Savouring Bath’s qualified cheese expert Mike will be joined by cheese-maker Julianna Sedli from The Old Cheese Room, taking guests through samples of Lypiatt, Berkswell and Wigmore among others. Limited to 10 attendees, tickets cost £45 per person and can be purchased directly from the hotel’s events team by calling 01225 823 333 or emailing events@royalcrescent.co.uk.

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa offers 45 individually designed suites and bedrooms, located in the heart of the 250-year-old Grade I Listed Royal Crescent in the historic city of Bath, the historical home of renowned female novelist – Jane Austen.

royalcrescent.co.uk

A New Vision of Modern Luxury Premieres in Dubai With the Arrival of The Dubai EDITION

EDITION Hotels premieres in Dubai’s iconic Downtown district, a stone’s throw from the city’s world-class retail flagships, commercial district and its flourishing art, design and culture hubs. The Dubai EDITION is the brand’s latest addition in the Middle East following the success of its launch in Abu Dhabi.

Welcoming guests since November 2021, The Dubai EDITION, with its own unique and original identity, embodies its sense of place at the centre of a thriving international gateway city that is steered by pioneering spirit and innovation while anchored in its rich culture. It is no wonder that EDITION has debuted in one of the most exciting cities in the world.

The Dubai EDITION heralds a new generation of modern luxury and pays homage to Dubai’s passion to create something entirely new. The result is an elegant, vibrant, urban hub that undeniably encapsulates the essence of this inspiring city and sets the bar for the luxury of the future. The Dubai EDITION brings a new bespoke, boutique experience with the acute attention to detail and finesse that the EDITION brand is known for.

From the outside, The Dubai EDITION stands tall within the Downtown district surrounded by world-famous attractions and landmarks. The green-filled entrance to the hotel is populated with bold terracotta pots transporting guests from the hustle and bustle to an oasis of calm. The clever landscaping continues throughout the hotel into the lobby, outdoor spaces and terraces, shaping intimate venues complete with lights beautifully woven through the gardens to create a playful dance at night.

As with all EDITION hotels, the lobby is a dynamic, social space that subtly reveals a sense of place and sense of time. In this soaring public space, the 50-foot-high domed ceiling is reminiscent of Italian architectural structures. You are immediately drawn to the centrepiece, a seamless triple spiral staircase, a truly unique design statement that connects the lobby to other public spaces. Dark woods, neutral tones, soft textures and warm lighting glide through the lobby lounge with furniture placed in intimate seating groups. This considered and intentional space is tranquil, comfortable, and effortless. A grand three-tiered crystal chandelier adds drama and decadence to this modern gathering place to see and be seen.

The cohesive design language flows seamlessly throughout the hotel and continues into the 275 guestrooms, including 41 suites and vast Penthouse. This simplicity in design immediately brings attention to minute details such as the matching of veins in the natural stone and wood. The palette is minimal yet warm, with a journey of slightly different hues and colours. The light oak wood and stone accents flow from one room to the other and evoke a feeling of tranquil luxury. The monochromatic colour scheme and contemporary minimalism make each room feel fresh and light and is complemented by the elegant lines of the furniture, textured upholstery and wooden-lined walls. Meanwhile, the spacious bathrooms, with natural-toned marble, are fitted with oval-shaped baths and custom Le Labo toiletries of EDITION’s exclusive scent. Floor to ceiling windows provide abundant light and lead onto large glass balconies with spectacular views over the iconic Burj Khalifa. Artwork by Carole Benitah adorns the walls depicting a young girl dancing in the Dubai fountains.

Accessible from the lobby, the ground floor is home to Duomo, the theatrical Italian restaurant serving modern interpretations of the traditional cuisine. Natural light fills the space through floor to ceiling windows, highlighting the pop of yellow in the velvet furnishings, a clear design departure from the natural-toned lobby. Abstract digital art is projected onto the dome ceiling above, creating an interactive and encompassing dining experience from the surroundings to the plate. The outdoor terrace is adorned with large potted olive trees and lit by lanterns at night with views of the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, in the near distance.

Tucked away in the lobby, Leon is a cosy speakeasy-style bar serving original custom cocktails and flavours from around the world. It is an exciting juxtaposition to the rest of the hotel with its punchy accents in orange and red against a dark, rich background. Clever lighting further enhances the vibrant colour-blocking throughout the space. It exudes energy and will be a place for visitors and those living in the city to enjoy live DJs, network and socialise. Leon perfectly channels EDITION’s ethos to surprise guests with the unexpected.

On the first floor, Jolie is a lively venue serving exquisite French cuisine inspired by Mediterranean coastal flavours. Here, wall to wall portraits inspired by Parisian high fashion set the scene for an energetic, glamourous space to transition from morning to evening dining. The restaurant is filled with natural, earthy hues from the bronze finishes, tan hide leather chairs and the raised olive and gold bar chairs that line the ‘U’ shaped bar. Rattan and teak chairs are interspersed with olive-green banquettes, while parlour palms and tropical plants give a sense of privacy. Seamless Terrazzo flooring is the statement design element throughout the restaurant. On the semi-enclosed balcony-inspired terrace overlooking Old Town, artwork adorns the walls depicting urban living.

By day, guests at Thia Sky Lounge can relax, soaking up the sun and jaw-dropping views of the Burj Khalifa. Large chaise lounges and private cabanas frame the beautifully landscaped pool that sits flush atop a deck with teak wood furniture and terracotta potted plants. In the evening, Thia Sky Lounge is a cosmopolitan attraction and an idyllic spot for sundowners and fresh light bites.

The Dubai EDITION offers modern event and meeting facilities, including three flexible meeting rooms, an event space poised to host the city’s latest happenings, and a ballroom with pre-function space. The hotel’s large 24-hour gym is light and airy, and fully equipped with Technogym equipment. The hotel will also feature an intimate spa with three treatment rooms.

Nestled in the epicentre of Downtown, the hotel is located near Dubai’s best neighbourhoods and attractions. It is just minutes to Downtown’s bustling boulevard, The Dubai Mall and Dubai Water Canal, and close to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera, the soon-to-open Museum of the Future and the financial district. The hotel is a serene escape from busy city life and a vibrant, social destination by both day and night. The hotel is housed in a 23-story building, with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Dubai skyline and unobstructed views of the landmark Burj Khalifa and the Old Town.

editionhotels.com