Next, I decided to explore Berlin’s art scene at Museum Island. I knew time was tight, so I chose the Alte Nationalgalerie for the romantic 19th-century masterpieces, but if you have more time, check out the Pergamon Museum for its jaw-dropping ancient treasures.
In the afternoon, I headed to Kreuzberg, the creative soul of the city, where I spent a relaxed afternoon browsing independent boutiques and hunting for vintage denim at Garage. Then, before heading back to the hotel, I refuelled with a traditional doner kebab from Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap – an institution in its own right.
After a quick power nap at Sly, I headed back out for dinner at Katz Orange. Think farm-to-table dining with a chic Berlin twist, set in a fairy-lit courtyard. Everything looked and smelled delicious, but the beef brisket in particular was a real standout. For night owls, however, this is just the beginning; Berlin’s clubs start late and end whenever you want them to.
Katz Orange
Katz Orange
Day two
After a quick coffee in the greenhouse, I grabbed an Uber across town to Charlottenburg and my second hotel. From the moment you pass through its gates, Wilmina surprises. A wild garden and intimate courtyard greet you, softening the red brick façade and heavy doors that hint at its women’s prison past. Once inside, rooms offer crisp minimalism, white walls, pale woods, clean lines and large windows.
Chris Abatzis
Chris Abatzis
After settling into my room, I headed for brunch at Father Carpenter. I know it’s basic, but I cannot resist an avocado toast and oat flat white, and Father Carpenter’s are better than most. Taking one of many suggestions for friends, Mauerpark was next on my list. On Sundays, it transforms into a sprawling flea market where you can score quirky vintage finds and watch open-air karaoke, which was a sight that must be seen but possibly not heard.
After a leisurely stroll through Tiergarten, Berlin’s central park, I headed back to the Wilmina to make the most of their dreamy rooftop sauna and pool.
For my last dinner, I sought out another highly recommended spot – House of Small Wonder, a leafy hideaway serving Asian-fusion plates. With decor reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film, it’s a treat for the eyes and the stomach. To finish off my trip in style, a rooftop bar is the only answer, and Klunkerkranich, a rooftop bar atop a shopping mall, has the best sunset view in the city.
In 48 hours, you’ll touch its history, taste its flavours, dance until sunrise, and maybe even leave with a thrifted treasure or two. And the best part? No matter how much you see, Berlin will always have more secrets waiting for your next trip.
When The Pierre Hotel opened its doors in 1930, it instantly became a playground for Manhattan’s elite. Over the past 95 years, this iconic hotel has witnessed everything from the repeal of Prohibition to jewel heists and Hollywood scandals, all while maintaining its reputation as one of New York’s most glamorous destinations. From its $15 million debut to hosting Hollywood royalty and surviving the Great Depression, The Pierre has remained a beacon of glamour in the heart of New York City since 1930.
A Complete History of The Pierre Hotel
Image by Nextrecord Archives / G
The Early Days: A Playground for Manhattan’s Elite
When The Pierre Hotel opened on October 1, 1930, casting its 714-room shadow over Central Park, it instantly became the playground for Manhattan’s elite. Merely four months later, E.B. White’s Ballad of the Hotel Pierre was published in the New Yorker, describing it as home to “The little band that nothing daunts/this year’s most popular debutantes.” This was true. Prospective debutantes had started booking the ballroom for their November entrances in June, months before the luxury hotel opened.
Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel posing in her suite at The Pierre during her first visit to New York City, on March 10, 1931.
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Within a year, the film and stage star Ina Claire was sinking into a club chair at the hotel as she discussed with journalists whether she would be divorcing John Gilbert. (She claimed she would not. She would.) In 1932, Coco Chanel called The Pierre home during her first visit to New York. And that same year, the famed “Tobacco King” Arthur Mower refused to leave his Pierre bed for his stepdaughter’s early morning wedding .
Little wonder no one wanted to leave. Every inch of the 41-story hotel offered an almost otherworldly spectacle. The 60-by-100-foot ballroom where those debutantes waltzed was paneled in mirrors flanked by rose marble columns imported from French quarries. The chandeliers above sparkled with traces of ruby crystals from the room that would become known for the “swankest presentation balls” given for the city’s “spoiled darlings.” Attendees might make their way to the Grill Room, which was decorated to resemble an “undersea garden.” Wall panels and ceiling murals replicated ocean foliage, and the carpet was woven with images of seashells and sea urchins. In the upstairs dining room, paneled in hand-carved French walnut, interspersed with gold brocade hangings, Auguste Escoffier, the father of French cooking, prepared the hotel’s first meal.
Bettmann Archive Miss Elizabeth R. G. Duval, a prominent member of New York society, and Sidney Wood, a well-known tennis star, sit on the steps inside The Pierre in 1933.
From Waiter to Hotelier: The Story of Charles Pierre
But The Pierre didn’t begin in those gilded rooms. It began in a kitchen, with a Corsican waiter named Charles Pierre Casalasco, who learned the trade from his father. When Louis Sherry dined at the Savoy Hotel in London in 1903, the American restaurateur noted a young waiter watching him with eager attention. Casalasco was “awed by this former waiter who had become proprietor of a smart dining room in New York.” Sherry was so impressed with the waiter’s desire to learn more about the hospitality business that, when he returned to New York, he made Casalasco his assistant. There, the waiter quickly dropped his surname in favor of being known simply as Charles Pierre. At that time, it was almost a forgone conclusion that New York’s debutantes were introduced at Sherry’s ballroom. Charles Pierre, tasked with organizing these splendid events, became “the favorite of the younger set, married matrons and the dowagers.”
Smart set, Mrs. Robert Goddard and Mrs. Roland Hazzard, in front of The Pierre.
Bettmann Archive
When Charles Pierre opened his own Park Avenue restaurant in 1920, his devoted group followed him. In 1930, their social set husbands, like Walter Chrysler, Edward Hutton, and C.K.G. Billings, helped finance his dream, The Pierre Hotel, which reputedly cost a staggering $15 million to build. In retrospect, too much may have been spent on those underwater-themed murals. By 1932, during the Great Depression, a petition of bankruptcy was filed—but Charles Pierre was kept on as managing director to run the hotel.
Disciplined and knowledgeable with a European flair, Charles Pierre ran the hotel with aplomb.
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The Return of the ‘High-Class Hotel’
When the repeal of Prohibition came in 1933, he rejoiced. No hotel man was more excited by the prospect of liquor coming back on the menu again. He declared that Prohibition had destroyed American appreciation for wine—and really any liquor that did not come from a bathtub. Now, a “new generation will have to learn all over again how to drink.” He intended to outfit The Pierre with a wonderful cellar to teach them. He planned gala celebrations. People could now gather for cocktails at his newly opened supper club, the Corinthian Room. He promised, “The next few years will see the rejuvenation of the high-class hotel.”
A young woman enjoys the luxuries of room service at The Pierre in 1943.
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He was correct. But sadly, Charles Pierre would never see the heights to which his hotel would climb. He passed away in 1934 at the age of 55 from appendicitis. He was too weak from an abdominal infection to be saved by medicine flown in from Florida in what was described as a “13-hour airplane race against death.”
But his legacy lived on in The Pierre Hotel.
Bettmann Archive Joan Crawford at The Pierre on January 22, 1959.
Celebrities like Joan Crawford and Claudette Colbert would flock there, as well as younger disciples. By 1938, following her father’s death, the 13-year-old heiress Lucetta Cotton Thomas was spending $1,416 a month (approximately $32,000 today) to live at the hotel. Eloise at The Plaza had nothing on her. By that time, the hotel belonged to oilman John Paul Getty, who quipped that it was his “only above-ground asset.”
In 1944, the hotel—and the room prices—were the subject of scandal. It was found that munitions manufacturer Murray Garsson had housed and paid the hotel bills for key personnel in the army’s Chemical Warfare Service in what was known as “Operation Pierre.” In 1942, the decorator Samuel Marx had redone the hotel’s dining room in red, white and blue, and commissioned murals of early American life for the Grill Room, so it was certainly a patriotic wartime pick. However, officers knew that, when traveling to New York City, they had a $6 daily stipend. As even young Lucetta Cotton Thomas could have told them, rooms at the Pierre cost somewhat more. Garsson may have received $78 million in government contracts, but was imprisoned for bribery in 1949. Still, no one at the trials said that they did not like staying at The Pierre.
Bettmann Archive Ginger Rogers gets her Daiquiri-toned French lace dress fitted by its designer, Richard Meril, in preparation for the “Prestige Award from France” fashion show at The Pierre Pierre.
1950s Glamour and The Birdcage Bar
By the 1950s, the hotel had reached new heights of glamour. Chief among the novelties was The Birdcage, a plexiglass bar suspended above the rotunda. It was splashily advertised as “a rendezvous for cocktails.” Charles Pierre, who once prophesied that people would flock to his hotel for drinks, would have been pleased.
In the coming years, the hotel would not only be home to the city’s toniest citizens, but Hollywood royalty. Joan Blondell noted that, when her dog “gave birth to seven puppies, the manager of the Pierre hotel assisted the vet in delivery.” Audrey Hepburn stayed there throughout the filming of that quintessential New York movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. During those years, she was feted at the hotel with a gala hosted by Countess Alexandra Tolstoy. The meeting would inspire one of her future roles in War and Peace.
Audrey Hepburn, who won Hollywood’s Academy Award for her performance in the film “Roman Holiday,” is ecstatic after finally receiving her Oscar at a special ceremony in at The Pierre. Sharing her enthusiasm is fellow winner William Holden
Bettmann Archive via Getty Images
The fact that in 1958 the hotel became a co-op, where guests could buy apartments, only added to its appeal. Especially as those apartment owners included Aristotle Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor, the thought of visiting New York from Middle America may have been exciting on its own. The thought of running into Elizabeth Taylor in the lobby of the hotel you were staying at was almost overwhelming.
Penske Media via Getty Images Bill Buckley and Nan Kempner at an annual gala held at The Pierre.
Jewel Heists and Fashion Royalty
By 1967, the hotel underwent a transformation also fit for royalty. The new owner, Peter Dowling, commissioned Edward Melcarth to paint the rotunda’s iconic trompe l’oeil mural. Inspired by 17th-century palaces, Melcarth claimed that he wanted to “make people feel very special and important when they walk into this room. The figures are heroic in scale because I want to rehumanize man as an individual. We’re not digits on a computer card.” The people in the mural, accordingly, were not confined to the past. The painting features columns and Greek gods in recline, alongside “a hippie boy and mini-skirted girl” meant to depict a modern Adam and Eve. Rather to her surprise, Melcarth’s mural also boasted a depiction of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. (Kennedy asked to be removed from the picture. Melcarth accommodated by partially disguising her, but a discerning visitor can still spot her image.)
Pat Nixon leaving The Pierre to go shopping.
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Visitors would get a less agreeable thrill when burglars broke into the hotel on January 2, 1972. On that day, four reportedly well-dressed gunmen pulled up to the hotel in a limousine. They handcuffed a variety of employees and guests. After, they proceeded to clean out 47 safe deposit boxes containing approximately $3 million in jewels, before departing, again, in a limousine. The men were arrested within a week, and the jewels recovered, though police recalled it as being one of “the biggest and slickest hotel robberies ever.”
Penske Media via Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld at The Pierre in the 1970s.
The flurry of reportage around the jewel theft only increased the hotel’s allure to the fashionable set. In 1970, the designer Karl Lagerfeld, a habitué of the hotel, would say, “I discovered New York from The Pierre . . . Distances in the city were measured only by how far they were from The Pierre.” He did not have to go far to see his friends. Givency, Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino were all regulars—Valentino even bought St. Laurent’s Pierre apartment in 2007.
Getty Images Andy Warhol outside of The Pierre in 1985.
Pat Nixon, not to be outdone by Jackie, had designers bring their creations to her while staying in a suite at the hotel. In 1975, Betty Ford went to see the first Chanel Fashion show in the country, held, predictably, at the hotel Coco herself had loved. By 1976, Jackie Kennedy was on the premises once more, this time with Valentino for his show benefiting the Special Olympics. Television Dynasty star Joan Collins showcased her hats at the hotel in 1985, with Andy Warhol in attendance. The hats were lovely, but did prompt a reporter to wonder, “When, besides for lunch at the Pierre, would someone wear a large straw hat?” This seemed as much an inducement for many to lunch at The Pierre as it was for them to do away with hats.
Getty Images Richard Nixon at The Pierre in January 1969.
The Pierre on the Silver Screen
By the 1990s, the hotel again found itself connected to Hollywood, although this time in front of the scenes. Al Pacino twirled in The Pierre ballroom for the famed tango scene in 1995’s Scent of a Woman. The penthouse served as the Anthony Hopkins character’s home in 1998’s Meet Joe Black. And, following the $100 million renovation The Pierre underwent in 2013, it was featured in the heist movie Ocean’s 8. Considering its legacy, there could certainly be no more fitting hotel for a film about a group of well-dressed female jewel thieves.
Jacqueline Kennedy with American diplomat/businessman Sol Linowitz outside of The Pierre.
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Ron Galella Collection via Getty Dionne Warwick and Burt Bacharach at The Pierre.
Today, the hotel is celebrating 95 years, an admirable accomplishment in a city where new establishments seem to pop up nightly. Perhaps part of its success has to do with the respect its owners have shown towards its storied legacy. Right now, the restaurant offers a tribute to Auguste Escoffier, and the mural, lovingly repainted in 2016, ensures that the rotunda is considered one of the most romantic rooms in New York. The details and owners may have changed, but The Pierre remains as glamorous and beloved as it was by those long-ago debutantes and Charles Pierre Casalasco himself.
Getty Images A view from Central Park of the Pierre (left) and Sherry Netherland hotels on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New York City. Both buildings were designed by Schultze and Weaver.
The number of hotels in Manchester has been burgeoning over the past decade, which comes as no surprise, given the city’s steady incline in popularity amongst tourists, celebs and ex-Londoners alike. Indeed, Manchester, the reigning queen of eclectic UK cities, is one of the most visited spots in England, offering plenty of wonders for tourists willing to make the journey up North. It’s home to a bustling nightlife scene with cool bars, cafes, restaurants and boutiques in every corner, making it the perfect city destination for your next girl’s weekend away or hen party. So it’s no surprise that luxury hotels can now be found in their hundreds.
If you’re planning the perfect Manchester getaway, we’ve rounded up some of the coolest, buzziest and most stylish hotels in Manchester for your perusal. From chic, luxury hotels to cosy stylish boutique hotels, our guide has got you covered for every style and budget. We’re certain you’ll find just the right Manchester hotel to make your weekend away one to remember.
There are also submerged treatment options, with in-water massages and ‘float therapy’ providing the opportunity to to soak up all the expertise of ‘bodyworkers’ without having to leave the lagoon.
If that all sounds far too relaxing, you can call on any member of the infinitely-attentive – yet in no way intrusive – team of hosts to book you on one of the many external excursions, ranging from helicopter tours of the Reykjanes Peninsula to guided photography tours, volcano tours, snowmobiling, snorkelling among the subaquatic hot springs at Kleifarvatn lake and ATV adventures.
We opted for the latter one morning, and quickly found ourselves motoring across lava fields, black sand beaches and insanely lunar-like mountainscapes before stopping-off to warm our freezing hands in one of those puffs of volcanic steam; the unmistakably eggy sulfur smell being the only thing to bring you back to reality during an otherwise entirely otherworldly experience.
Whether you spend your days white-knuckling your way around the island’s outdoor activity scene or soaking the day away in the lagoon, your worked-up appetite is in no danger of being left wanting.
With a cosy, universally dressing gown-clad breakfast served in the sunken lobby seating pre-sunrise (fear not the lie-in was safe – sunrise isn’t until 11am in December) and afternoon tea served daily in the same spot, other mealtimes offer up the impressive choice between the spa restaurant (serving an exceptional burger), Lava restaurant (relaxed dining with stunning views out onto the shores of the Blue Lagoon) or the jewel in the crown: Moss restaurant.
Having been awarded a Michelin star earlier this summer, Moss, led by Head Chef Aggi Sverrisson, sees 5 and 7-course set menus take you on a diverse tour of the heritage of Icelandic cuisine.
Switching effortlessly between food from the mountains to the farmlands, via rivers and oceans, dishes are almost Oscar-worthy in their visual theatrics, with dry ice tumbling over salt-fresh prawns and perfectly-seared beef served atop a smoking lump of authentic volcanic rock.
After heading back through that vast-yet-cosy lobby to our room on the final night, we received our first much-anticipated ‘wake-up call’ while packing. The Northern Lights had finally appeared.
If you have had the delight of visiting the Maldives, then you know that most resorts have a similar vibe. Picture: all white everything. White crisp bed linen awaiting a peaceful night’s sleep, white sheer curtains looking out to the crystal clear ocean and even the whitest of powder-soft sand, which stretches the entire island. Paradise, for some. Absolutely. But, what about those who want to add a ‘little spice’ as TikTok would have us saying?
Oaga Art Resort has taught me what I need in a holiday, and that is soul. From the moment I stepped from the boat, across the clearest ocean I’d ever seen in my life, to the island which had me singing Moana’s ‘Where You Are’ in my head for the entirety of my stay, I felt at home. For someone who gets a little anxious (at many things truthfully) but especially while travelling, simply being looked after by staff who treat you, almost like family, is the perfect remedy.
One thing Oaga doesn’t lack, which I think seems to be rare in the Maldives, is colour. I don’t know about you, but colour just lifts my spirits. I need it around me to feel good, even if I am in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Inspired by the captivating history and mesmerising folklore of the Maldives, Oaga’s walls are covered in colourful art created by local artists and craftsmen. They’ve taken the tropical oasis that everyone knows the Maldives to be, and married it with a more contemporary feel, overflowing with Maldivian culture. My idea of paradise.
What different types of accommodation do they offer?
When you say ‘The Maldives’ to most people, I guarantee you they picture the stunning villas which sit on pillars above the sea. I did, before visiting Oaga. Don’t get me wrong, they do have amazing Water Villas with brightly coloured slides aiming straight into the ocean, but I was won over by the resort’s Haruge Beach Villa, where I made a home out of for the duration of my stay. They pitch the triangular hut-like villas as the selling point for honeymooners, and I have to say, I couldn’t agree more. With its own small private circular pool and an ocean sunset view, these delightful high-ceiling houses are perfect for anyone celebrating their big day.
Romance has also been injected into their Voyoge Gallery Pool Villas, which have been inspired by a tale of two star-crossed lovers who jumped into the waters of a lake to reach each other, even though they were forbidden. Discovering the ‘Veyo Garden Stream’ which leads into each of the pools in the Voyoge Gallery Villas was just, mesmerising. It’s a little hidden away, so I’ll let you in on exactly how to find the secret haven. Head towards the water villas and you’ll find the Sobi Bar, which has an inviting swimming pool with a deceiving section which leads to the river-shaped oasis. Once you’ve found it you’ll likely be on your own and surrounded by luscious green foliage, vibrant tropical flowers and the melodious sound of the Island’s birds singing their favourite tune. Bliss.
I’m a relatively novice skier, having only been on two ski trips previously – but ahead of my visit to St. Moritz, the reputation of the luxurious ski resort wasn’t lost on me. Its reputation preceded it, conjuring up words like opulence, glamour, and old-money chic. I wasn’t sure what to expect.
But as I boarded the first train from Zurich airport to the main train station, I quickly realised I was in for an extraordinary journey. I travelled the entire journey to the mountains on the train, starting at Zurich main station where I boarded the train to Chur, before changing for the Bernina Express – one of the world’s most celebrated scenic railways.
The UNESCO-listed ride weaves through stunning landscapes, charming valleys and majestic glaciers – along the way, I passed over 196 bridges and through 55 tunnels, covering an 80-mile stretch of history and natural beauty across the Albula and Bernina railway lines which run between Switzerland and Italy.
Three hours later, I reached my destination. St. Moritz, which is known for its glamorous past, is experiencing a renaissance of sorts – drawing a younger crowd eager to explore its air of heritage and exclusivity. Surprisingly, only a fraction of its visitors come for skiing – a mere 40%, in fact. The rest are here for many other attractions – one such thing is the Sun Ice Festival, now in its third year, which transforms the town into a hub of techno-loving enthusiasts, drawing a staggering 30,000 revellers from around the globe.
Snow Polo on lake St. Moritz
Giancarlo Cattaneo
Then there’s the snow polo, which could be described as St. Moritz’s official sport. The typically grassy game finds its frozen arena in this ultra-luxe Swiss ski town, where the annual Snow Polo World Tournament, which takes place on frozen lake St.Moritz, is now a cornerstone of St. Moritz’s winter calendar.
I am not exactly known for my skills of organisation, so my husband’s expectations for his big birthday weekend were low to say the least. He considers himself lucky if I remember to get him a card.
Little did he know we were heading to the Valldemossa Hotel, a newly renovated manor house nestled in the Sierra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the edge of Valldemossa village in Mallorca. As we arrived, with ice-cold sparkling cava in hand and relaxing on the sun-baked red stone patio overlooking the mountains, we couldn’t believe how easy it had been to get here. Just a 90 minute flight from Gatwick and a 30 minute transfer from Palma makes this the perfect distance for long weekend escapism.
The property sympathetically blends contemporary Spanish art and modern designer furniture, with natural stone and earthy toned walls. This blend of high design with breathtaking nature is a signature of the IT Mallorca hotel group, which has several properties on the island. Our room was full of charming details; snuggly cashmere blankets to enjoy morning coffee on the terrace, a signature hotel fragrance of fig and lemon to create sensorial memories and the fluffiest giant bath towels.
On our first night we had a relaxed dinner at Café Umi – tuna tacos and a sweet yuzu black cod, if you’re wondering – before finding ourselves back at the all-day eatery in the morning for the most impressive breakfast spread I have ever come across.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and no one knows this better than the Intercontinental Maldives, where you can indulge in everything from sushi to shakshuka, blissfully crisp pastries and crêpes or one of their many freshly-prepared menu options. Perhaps my only regret of the trip is that there was never enough time to sample every endless option, with there truly being something for all, even the fussiest of eaters.
Each of the resort’s seven restaurant and bar offerings has its own unique charm and character. The Thai-influenced seafood restaurant Fish Market stands out in particular – if not for the delicious coconut prawn clay pot, then for the sheer novelty of gazing at angel fish as they swim beside you while you dine (be sure to ask for a waterside table!).
Meanwhile, The Lighthouse, our personal favourite, is the ultimate spot to watch the sunset, perched on the resort’s edge and offering unrivalled 360 views of the island and ocean. Book for 7pm and come half an hour early to enjoy the sunset before your meal that sees the finest seasonal ingredients transformed into delicate dishes, from zingy rainbow trout carpaccio to saffron infused seafood paella.
And that’s all before I’ve even got to mentioning The Collective’s pizza and deli offering, the Retreat’s tailored tipples, or the Pool Bar and Sunset Bar, where you can find just about any and every drink under the sun.
When it comes to keeping busy during your stay, while it would make perfect sense if you wanted to do nothing but soak up the immaculate vibes of the island on a sun lounger or in your private pool for the entirety of your stay, on the days that you do manage to tear yourself away from lazing in the sun, there’s plenty of ways to pass the time.
On the roof of a four-storey carpet shop in Tunis, the pale afternoon sun is sinking behind the jumble of sand-coloured houses. Huge kilim and margoum rugs hang between stone arches, and two small cats tumble and play at my feet, the ground beneath us covered in hundreds of intricate tiles.
“This is the best view in the old town, you just have to know where to find it,” says my local guide, Fathi. From here, on the large terrace of Palais d’Orient, you can see right across the medina, from the white domed mausoleums to the towering minaret of Zitouna mosque, the oldest in the city. Soon, the call to prayer rings out, ushering in dusk.
Back down the tiled steps, through rooms piled high with handwoven rugs, and I’m back in the heart of Tunis medina. This ancient maze of labyrinthine streets and alleyways is packed with souks selling everything from leather bags and shoes to lanterns, jewellery and perfume. The air buzzes with the chatter of market vendors and artisans hard at work, as locals flit down the narrow cobbled streets and between the marble columns housing local hammams, mosques and madrasas (schools for the study of Islam).
usaid_abbasi
It reminds me of the joyous mayhem of Marrakech and Fez, but the difference here is the lack of other tourists. I’m used to jostling for space with visitors in other souks, lining up to haggle for brightly-coloured pottery and Berber rugs, or for a spot in the rooftop café to order a mint tea. But there are no crowds here, unless you count the bustle of local vendors, and certainly no queues. Although it’s been continuously developed over the centuries – after being founded around 698 AD, the medina as we know it today was formed under the Hafsid rule of the 13th to 16th centuries – this feels like an untouched part of the North African puzzle, a welcome contrast to its popular neighbour.
“Only 8 or 9% of our visitors are British,” explains Mehdi Belkhodja, manager at The Residence Tunis, my base for this trip and the city’s grand dame hotel. “A majority are of course French – around 40% – and the rest are mostly other Europeans.”
Spread over 5 floors, the hotel has 81 rooms ranging from small superior rooms to suites. Guests looking for a special stay can opt for the Rembrandt room with its very own replica of his famous painting, The Night Watch, which housed the original painting before it was moved to the Rijksmuseum. There is also an option to stay in the Empress Suite, a crescent-shaped room which was once the boudoir of Empress Elizabeth of Austria with surrounding views of the canal. It’s a balancing act to combine the modern touches that guests expect from a modern 5-star hotel with the hotel’s heritage but the Tivoli manages to do so with an understated elegance.
And the food?
The name of the restaurant was inspired by the limited colours used by Rembrandt in his paintings. Omber, a rich brown tone, was the most used colour by Rembrandt.
Gastronomy is not something that is typically associated with the Netherlands, like some of its neighbours, but by investing in rich products produced in Holland, the culinary team at Omber hopes to bring the forgotten ingredients from the 17th century back to the present. Breaking away from the past, the restaurant wants to stand out by investing in the quality of the service and its menu. The newly launched menu is distinctly Dutch and aims to elevate each dish by combining ingredients in new creative ways.
Before launching the new menu, the culinary team visited Rembrandt House to find out more about what the artist ate during his time. Aside from the evidence of food in his work, they discovered a single document which detailed what Rembrandt ate. This inspired the restaurant to launch a herring bite, a fish the artist was fond of so you too can eat inspired by Rembrandt.
Breakfast is a quaint affair set in the Omber restaurant. You can enjoy a variety of hot and cold breakfast options, including scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, pastries, meats, and cheese with hot and cold drinks. Guests can also order from the menu for a wider selection of egg dishes such as omelettes and pancakes.
Available on the dinner menu is Dutch bread, butter and cheese which is matured for 45 months on a farm outside Amsterdam. For dinner, I enjoyed the meat tartare paired with Blare de Blancs wine, sea bass with mashed potatoes, paired with Dynamic Branco wine and apple crumble for dessert with a sweet Madeira Cssort wine which has been matured for five years.
Finally, the people at this hotel are its crown jewel and help create a truly welcoming environment for guests, whether that was the doorman who provided tips on things to do in the city, the restaurant manager who talked me through the tasting menu or the waitors at breakfast and dinner who asked about my time in the city. This is truly the best place to pitch up when you’re next in ‘Dam.
As Thailand‘s well-established holiday hotspot, Phuket is blessed with a huge variety of places to call home during your visit, from boutique hotels and jungle hideouts to the sprawling big-name blockbusters perched on sugar-cane beaches. Most of the luxury hotels are found dotted around the bays on the west coast, but there’s something to draw you in no matter where you pitch up, from the quiet shores of Cape Panwa to the buzzy nightlife of Patong.
Opportunity for fun abounds in Phuket, where warm waters teem with marine life (if you’re a keen scuba diver like me, you’ll find heaven in its rich coral and clear visibility), and postcard-pretty bays attract keen kayaking tourists in their droves. Book a tour of Phang Nga Bay and its prehistoric limestone caves, also making stops at Koh Phi Phi, James Bond Island and Maya Bay (yes, the one where The Beach was filmed). Don’t do as many tourists do and bypass the cultural hub of Phuket town, where rainbow-painted shopfronts line the bustling streets and vendors sell authentic, affordable Thai cuisine.
That being said, Phuket is also a place where those drained from the weight of modern life come to rest their weary heads. When I first visited the Pearl of the Andaman post-pandemic, I was searching for a quiet sanctuary – somewhere where my tired mind and body could finally slow down – and I’m not sure I could have picked somewhere better. No one will blame you if you spend your time on this wondrous and naturally diverse island – one of rolling verdant rainforests, powdery white beaches stretching to miles of electric blue sea, and dramatic sea stacks soaring from emerald green waters – simply being. Soaking in the views, the sunshine, the culture, and the enviable laidback way of life. It will do you wonders.
The best hotels in Phuket at a glance:
How we chose the best hotels in Phuket:
GLAMOUR’s travel guides and hotel reviews are compiled by our well-travelled journalists who have an in-depth knowledge of the destination. Our writers have spent time getting to know the area and have stayed in various types of accommodation, from the grande dame hotels to the lesser-known hidden gems. As a discerning editor who has spent time in Phuket and independently reviewed various hotels, old and new, I’m well-qualified to help you find your perfect stay on the island, depending on your preferences and what you want from your trip.
Ahead, we’ve narrowed down the hundreds of places to stay in Phuket to our edit of the very best, in no particular order. All you need to do is check-in.
If Ibiza is the party mecca of the Balearics, then Mallorca is its more laidback sibling. Long a popular destination amongst discerning travellers – Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco had their honeymoon here at Cap Formentor, while Audrey Hepburn, Winston Churchill, Princess Diana and the Dalai Lama were all frequent visitors to the island – it’s gained a reputation for luxury hotels, a buzzy restaurant scene (it’s home to 12 Michelin-stars) and fabulous shopping.
In recent years, the island has seen Kate Moss throwing karaoke parties, Pixie Geldof getting married, and Tom Hiddleston smouldering in The Night Manager (C’as Patro March, the Deia-restaurant where some scenes were filmed, is a pilgrimage for the film buffs), while it gets regular air time every summer thanks to Love Island, which takes place here.
The largest of the Balearics islands, it’s a melting pot of Spanish, Moorish and Catalan influences, with the architecture, culture and cuisine reflecting this. As well as delicious tapas and fine Spanish wines, Mallorca has incredible natural landscapes, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Serra da Tramuntana, Mondragó Natural Park and the Albufera Natural Park, while beaches like Cala Deià, Pollensa and Cala Vasques draw in both local and tourist crowds.
If – as it should be – Mallorca (or Majorca, begrudgingly), is on your list of potential holiday destinations for 2024, our guide to the chicest places to stay should come in handy – and make sure you peruse our Jet2Holidays discount codes and EasyJet promo codes for deals on flights.
Palma de Mallorca is the island’s capital city and cultural heart. Its beautiful Old Town (one of the best preserved Gothic centres in Europe) is home to many historic landmarks (such as Bellver Castle), museums and galleries (don’t miss the Fundació Miró Mallorca, dedicated to the famous artist), as well as Michelin-star restaurants (Zaranda is one of the oldest and the best), not to mention rooftop terrace, exclusive nightclubs, outdoor pools and picture-perfect beaches, natch.
Having returned to Hotel M.Ou.Co, following another stroll down to the picturesque Douro River, the penny dropped. It was a feeling throughout my three-night stay which I just couldn’t shake. Porto might be the best getaway destination in the world at the moment.
It offers essentially everything you could want. Restaurants that spill out onto the riverfront, with the sound of laughter and the clinking of glasses filling the air. An abundance of cuisine, more than you could ever dream to indulge in which you can stumble into without the need to reserve ahead of time… Take notes, London.
The weather is a dream—27 degrees, uninterrupted sunshine, not scorching enough to shelter in shade, nor chilly enough to warrant an extra layer for the night. Simply perfect.
And the shopping? Between the vintage boutiques and mishmash of independent shops to get lost in, you’ll be able to pick up something nobody else will have back home, before returning to your hotel to unwind.
It’s official! I’ve called it! Porto truly has it all.
Daniel Rodrigues
We arrived at M.Ou.Co on a blisteringly hot Friday afternoon, ready for a long weekend of exploring and eating our way around the city. We were greeted by a modern brutalist building, set away from the busyness of the main street. With large square windows, chestnut wood accents and brushed concrete walls, we immediately knew that the interior style would have us reaching for our phones to take all the pics.
Inside, the lobby and all the communal areas were a mid-century delight. Eames chairs, arched hanging floor lamps and trawling plants were dotted around the building. It was as if my interiors board on Pinterest had been brought to life. Having toured around the hotel to see the rooftop pool and breakfast-performance-bar-dinner room, we were led through ambiently-lit wood-panelled hallways to our room, the Vamos Fugir suite.
On a mission to reignite my love for reading (and hit my Goodreads target), I spent last summer galivanting around literary festivals, including Ireland’s famous Dalkey Book Festival, which has long been on my bucket list.
With James Joyce’s Ulysses taking up plenty of hand luggage space, I departed from Heathrow to Dublin with the very best of intellectual intentions. And look, if you’re going to hunker down with the 736-page epic, you may as well do so in the centre of Dublin, ideally within striking distance of the novel’s most famous locations – including Grafton Street, the National Library of Ireland and the Sandymount Strand.
The fact that The Westbury – a five-star boutique hotel – happens to be one of the most luxurious spots in the city centre? Well, that doesn’t hurt one bit. It’s also one of eight prestigious hotels owned by The Doyle Collection, which is a headline sponsor of the internationally renowned Dalkey and Borris Literary festivals. If, like me, you’re hankering after a bit of culture, this must surely be the place.
First impressions
An easy 40-minute car journey from Dublin airport (and only slightly longer via bus), the entrance to the hotel is nestled between The Westbury Shopping Mall – more on that later – and Balfes Bar & Brasserie – again, more on that later.
The Westbury’s exterior is a slick black-and-gold affair, with an art-deco theme that runs throughout the six-story building. The upper deck of the lobby is adorned with perfectly landscaped greenery, while the entrance itself is between two large planters brimming with flowering leaves – an encouraging sign of interiors to come.
A concierge swiftly dealt with my luggage – Ulysses and all – before directing me up the steps (a ramp is also available), through the revolving door, and into an achingly stylish hotel lobby. The aesthetic touches – including plenty of flowers, gold ornaments, and artwork – never infringe on the expansive, liberating feel of the space.
Ascend the double grand staircase (a lift is available – and what a lift it is…), and you’ll be greeted with a magnificent floral display, changed weekly to ensure maximum freshness and vibrancy, which adorns John Lavery’s 1912 oil painting of Miss Haslam; her hands, encouragingly, curled around a book.
After checking in and chatting with the sociable, knowledgeable staff at the reception desk, it was time to head for my room, located on the fourth floor. The hotel’s lift is small, but boy, does it have character. If you’re in the market for a selfie, the lift contains at least 18 separate mirrors panelled on the polished wood walls. And if you need to catch your breath? There’s a sofa… in the lift. Who says luxury and novelty can’t go hand in hand?
The room
I set up camp in one of The Westbury’s front-facing classic rooms, complete with a king-size bed, lavish cream and taupe furnishings, and a view of Balfe Street.
If you’re dreaming of travelling to a beautiful far flung destination, you can’t get much more idyllic than Mexico’s Riviera Maya on the south-east Yucatan peninsula. It’s the stretch of Caribbean coastline that reaches out from just beneath the party resort of Cancun, down through Playa Del Carmen’s beach clubs to Tulum’s bohemian oasis. In between? There’s magical cenotes for swimming and snorkelling, peaceful beaches, vibey nightlife, Mayan ruins and a nature reserve where you can see crocs, dolphins, turtles and tropical birds, all in one spot.
And if the Riviera Maya is on your bucket list for a winter sun destination in 2023 or a spring/ summer getaway in 2024, you’re not alone. British Airways’ first-ever travel report found that Cancun has seen a 134% increase in BA searches compared to 2019, so it’s clear this beautiful part of the world is high on travellers’ post-pandemic bucket list. Scroll on, and you’ll see why.
When is the best time of year to go?
The Riviera Maya’s high season is between January to April when the weather is the most settled. It’s best for beautiful sunny days and cooler evenings, however it’s also the busiest and most expensive time to go.
From May to September you’ll experience more humidity, with hot days and brief rain showers, but it’s also a lot quieter and cheaper. I travelled in June and experienced one rainy and one cloudy day out of 10, with gorgeous sunshine the rest of the time. However, it’s worth noting that the white sandy beaches are likely backed-up with brown sargassum seaweed as the temperatures heat up between May and October, so bear that in mind if you’re seeking lots of beach days.
October is hurricane season so tends to be quietest. November and December follow hurricane season and are cooler, milder and less busy than peak season, so another good time to go.
Where are the best places to go?
Take your pick between tropical jungle, chilled-out beaches, Mayan ruins – such as the pyramid-like temple of Chichen Itza – and natural cenotes, like Grand, Dos Ojos and Ik Kil where you can swim and snorkel in naturally-occurring water caves and wells. To the north, you can tap into Cancun’s iconic night life with clubs like Señor Frog’s and Coco Bongo along the Hotel Zone strip, or indulge in some retail therapy at the malls. You can also day trip to nearby islands like Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox.
The quaint fishing village of Puerto Morelos to the south of Cancun feels undiscovered and offers a quiet tranquility as well as gorgeous beaches. Halfway down the riviera, Playa del Carmen boasts feel-good beach clubs like Lido as well as a nightlife to rival Cancun. It also offers easy access for day trips to the cenotes and Cozumel island, or a drive to Chichen Itza to the west.
To the south, Tulum’s ancient ruins above Playa Paraiso give way to a 7-mile beach road speckled with bohemian boutique hotels and relaxed ocean clubs. The general vibe is barefoot escapism, and with everything that’s been going on in the world, it makes sense that we all want to withdraw to a sanctuary that centres on healing, spirituality, nature and peacefulness. For the social-seekers, there’s a bustling community, too, which just like the ocean beyond, you can dip in and out of as you please.
The buffet is ‘international’, with stations serving up…everything and anything. As a vegetarian, I was happy to find a station separated and marked as vegetarian-friendly. It’s always a worry of mine at buffets, that the dietary options will get mixed up. The food at the buffet was good, as good as buffet food can be- it’s still mass scale, so don’t expect to be blown away, but we enjoyed it especially for lunch. The dessert area was, by far, the best bit.
It was the Greek Taverna, though, that really stole the show. We ordered a dry Cava Brut from Rhodes, and devoured their set menu. The meze-like starters were my favourite bites of the whole trip, with fresh pitta that was pillowy almost like an Indian paratha. The olive tapenade was intense and mouth-puckering, and the garlic aubergines moreish. My partner had sea bass for his main, and ate it completely in silence because it was just too good to speak through!
GEORGE FAKAROSwww.fakaros.com
The Italian restaurant held its own, and if it was a local spot in London, I’d definitely return for their confit tomatoes on bruschetta and the ravioli with cream foam. The Asian restaurant was the only meal that I wouldn’t rave about, but largely I think that is because I am spoilt by England’s brilliant Asian eateries and generally I wouldn’t choose a ‘pan Asian’ restaurant as they are less authentic. The homemade spring rolls were great, however.
What type of room should I book?
At Amada, there are six types of rooms, three types of suites, and two villas to pick from. The resort is sprawling, but apart from at the buffet in peak-hours, you won’t feel crowded at all.
We stayed in a Sea View Junior Suite, as part of the Diamond Ultra All-Inclusive Collection. The Diamond package gave us access to an exclusive bar where we could order off-menu for breakfast and lunch, and enjoy some quiet time away from the bustle of the pool.
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