As shoppers redefine the traditional shopping experience with more shoppers than ever checking out online and in-app, it’s never been more difficult to predict where your consumer is going to head to the checkout. For example, shoppers may initially see a product that they love in-store, then add that product to their online basket, abandon the cart and then revisit the purchase after seeing an ad on social media the next month.
There’s no longer a one-size-fits-all approach to product purchasing. Different consumers purchase products in different ways and as such, have different expectations around the shopping experience– both in-store and online. To convert sales, luxury brands need to meet and surpass these expectations, particularly when it comes to payments.
Seamless payments drive luxury purchases, particularly when it comes to overseas growth and younger shoppers. So, here’s how luxury brands can create a luxury payments ecosystem to amplify business models, unify the customer experience and drive sales.
Seamless sales
When paying for a premium product, consumers expect a premium experience. In-store, that experience might include getting a fancy product bag or a glass of fizz when browsing the store. Whereas online, creating that feeling of luxury is slightly more difficult – with payments playing a bigger role than you’d think.
The checkout process should be seamless and quick and anything else becomes a barrier to conversion and may cause luxury shoppers to abandon their carts. An example of this could be complicated authentication checks and slow server response times.
Fraud
Another key element of the online customer experience is the mitigation of fraud. With more money on the line for consumers, brands that don’t embed double-shield protection, rules and criteria into their payment processes, risk not only the sale but the customers' overall brand loyalty – one of the key drivers for sales in luxury.
Historically, luxury brands have worked hard to address payment friction. Many brands have entered partnerships with a variety of payment methods, for example, Klarna, to offer customers a premium, seamless and simple, purchase experience.
The problem with this is time. The reconciliation of collecting each partner's bespoke payment data (i.e., sales volumes, VAT, purchaser demographics) and then bringing that data together in a meaningful way, is a significant undertaking taking a huge amount of capacity. One that many businesses will, mistakenly, skip when revenue is flowing in.
A bespoke shopper experience
To create a bespoke shopping experience aligned with the target audience, retailers need to first understand their customer: where in the world they’re based, how they like to shop, their payment preferences, the time of day when they are most likely to make a sale. To easily capture these insights, brands should partner with a merchant acquirer that offers a dashboard of data. The dashboard should provide live insights which instantly allow businesses to identify trends, fraudulent patterns and customers' payment preferences. Leveraging these insights, brands can go on to create the perfect personalised payment experience.
Again, the most important thing for luxury shoppers is a smooth shopping experience, regardless of the brand touchpoint. Whether the consumer is shopping on their mobile, tablet, or in-store via a virtual check-out, the process needs to be consistent and quick.
An easy solution to streamline the process across all digital platforms is securely saving card details. After the first purchase, the customer’s card can be immediately tokenised, protecting them from unauthorised access and fraud. Once stored on file, the card can be used for one-click payments, enabling customers to check out in moments, rather than minutes. The payment process becomes premium and the bespoke shopping experience is improved.
In addition, it’s important to align the payment options available to the wants and needs of the consumer. From open banking to buy now pay later, the diversification of payment methods is allowing brands to target an entirely new consumer.
For example, a luxury retail brand targeting Gen Z and Millennial shoppers may look to offer Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) at checkout. With BNPL, luxury products have become more accessible to those who want to purchase the products they love while paying in a way which works for them. Consumers can finance their purchases in part and pay off the remaining balance instalments giving them better control over their money. When targeting more established consumers, brands might look to offer other well-known and trusted forms of payment like traditional debit cards. The point is the target audience has huge implications on the payment method and retailers need to know their customer, to know what payments to offer.
Payments for innovation and expansion
Luxury retailers are often at the front of innovation. From Gucci and Louis Vuitton being among the first to have a presence in the Metaverse to redefined high street shopping experiences by providing digital hanging room backdrops, luxury continues to spearhead the retail sector into new horizons. Yet, many brands often overlook the role that payments play in innovation and expansions.
When looking to expand operations overseas, one of the most crucial steps is the ability to receive and send money in different currencies. Merchant acquirers are enabling brands to make cross-border payments simple and seamless, aligning the payment types to the preferences in that market. Overseas, payment options massively vary and it’s important again, to offer payment options aligned to your customers.
Getting payments right holds huge opportunities for building a brand and the most vulnerable part of a brand's interaction with the customers is the checkout. A solid, safe and seamless payment experience leaves the customer with an impression of trustworthiness, whereas a bad payment experience will prevent a shopper from returning, despite the products.
Finally on innovation, when leveraged strategically, payments can be optimised to improve credit card processing, increasing revenue. With the cost of living rising, financial margins are set to become significantly tighter for businesses of all sizes in all sectors. Streamlining back-end payments processes hold huge revenue opportunities for businesses – preventing fraud and saving countless hours on admin - alleviating some of the financial pressures faced, building business resilience.
Adopting an entirely new method of managing payments is always going to be a significant undertaking for an organisation, but it’s so important to get payments right the first time. Seamless payments are expected for premium products, holding opportunities for the business to grow and build customer loyalty. Now’s the time to build a resilient check-out experience, suited to the modern shopper.
But on the bright side, hotels in the country are reopening on 17th May and with so many beautiful corners to explore, a staycation won’t be the worst thing ever as let’s face it, we’ve all reached a point where anything that’s not our living room looks appealing! Read on to find out which are Finance Monthly’s favourite luxury hotels in the UK and get booking!
Coworth Park
Ascot
Just a 45-minute journey by car from London, Coworth Park is a five-star hotel housed in a stunning building that was finished in 1776. The interiors are refined and modern and the general vibe exudes luxury and affluence. With a Michelin-starred kitchen headed by chef Adam Smith, an exquisite spa, 240 acres of meadow (including a tranquil lake in the middle), an equestrian centre and its own two polo fields, Coworth Park guarantees lots of entertainment for the whole family.
The hotel has confirmed that it’s ready to open its doors for guests on 17th May, with The Barn and Drawing Room terraces opening for a meal on Monday 12th April.
To book your stay, go to https://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/ascot/coworth-park/
The Cary Arms
Devon
Set beneath the pink-soil cliffs on Babbacombe beach in Devon, The Cary Arms & Spa is a chic inn that perfectly captures the beauty of the English seaside. Located inside the curve of a bay, the hotel offers its guests jaw-dropping views of the endless sea and the old jetty (where both locals and seals can be seen fishing) and immense tranquillity. A true jewel in Devon’s crown, this beautiful hotel needs to immediately be added to your list of hotels to stay at as soon as we’re allowed to travel around the country.
Guests will be able to stay at The Cary Arms’ rental cottages from 12th April, with the rest of the hotel officially opening on 17th May.
To book your stay, go to https://www.caryarms.co.uk/
The Balmoral
Edinburgh
The city is Edinburgh. The address is 1 Princess Street. The place is the magnificent Victorian building with a clock tower right in the Scottish capital’s heart. The stars are five.
If you’re planning a staycation in Scotland and are looking for Edinburgh’s most iconic hotel, look no further than The Balmoral. Dating back to 1902 when it was built as a grand railway hotel, today the hotel offers world-class facilities, including Michelin-starred dining at Number One and award-winning afternoon tea at the Palm Court.
And if its ultra-convenient location, grandeur and opulence are not reasons enough to book your stay at The Balmoral, the fact that J.K.Rowling secretly lived there for six months to complete the last Harry Potter book might be that extra push you needed to do it.
To book your stay there, please go to https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Bath
When thinking about Bath, an image of its 150-metre-long sweeping crescent instantly pops into most people’s heads. It is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in Britain and in addition to being tourists’ favourite spot for a photo, the crescent is also home to The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa – a luxury hotel that perfectly blends modern luxury with 18th-century elegance. The interiors combine graceful opulence with design motifs from the Georgian era – think curvaceous staircases, high ceilings, gorgeous chandeliers, original artworks and antique furnishings. The hotel has a wide range of first-class amenities befitting its five-star status, including the three-AA-rosette Dower House Restaurant and the award-winning Spa & Bath House.
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa will be opening for outdoor dining and afternoon tea from 14th April. Spa days can be booked from 14th April too, while the full hotel will start welcoming guests again on 17th May.
To book your stay, go to https://www.royalcrescent.co.uk/
Benjamin Franklin said it best: "If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” We all need goals and objectives. Some of these should be ambitious and fanciful. We all have our dream house or dream vacation — even if we know it may never truly come to pass.
But you need some real-world goals grounded in reality. Ultimately, these practical items are what should be populating your “bucket list.” Sure, always keep a few unlikely-to-achieve items in your back pocket. But you want to really focus on the ones that you know you can — and will — tick off.
And don’t procrastinate! Your bucket list is hopefully long and full of great experiences. There’s no time to waste letting them just sit there.
Yes, achieving some things will be more difficult for many people this year for a variety of reasons. But don’t use excuses and instead focus on the other goals that you still can attack. And if you need a little inspiration, set your sights on checking off the following three 2020 bucket list items.
1. Explore Professional Development
For every person, in every line of work, there is always some thing that you know will help you develop in your career. Maybe it’s learning a new skill, like becoming a spreadsheet or data wizard. Maybe it’s improving your communication ability, like mastering public speaking so you can get your ideas heard. Maybe it's finding a mentor who can help you see something that you keep missing. Or maybe it is sitting down and devising a new strategy or process to improve your company that will surely knock the socks off you boss and earn you that promotion. But no matter what it is, get started today.
2. Keep Your Mind on Your Money
We all need to improve our financial literacy, strategy, or discipline in one way or another. It’s time to stop hoping and start doing. Do you keep tapping into your savings for discretionary purchases? Are you failing to put away enough for retirement? Are you throwing away too much on interest payments? Or, God forbid, do you still not have a good budgeting tool that keeps you on task? Perhaps now more than ever, you need to work to get your financial life in order, and you should look at all the financial services tools out there to help you get it done.
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3. Splurge on Something for You
While being financially disciplined is great, that actually isn’t the problem for many people. Some are too stingy and fail to hit their bucket list items out of an overabundance of caution. If that’s you, maybe now is the time to splurge a little. Do so responsibly, but recognize that there are some great prices out there on toys and luxuries that you may have been eyeing for years. Maybe today is the perfect time to buy that RV you have always wanted and do some road trip traveling to dream locations. Along with good deals, you can also find fantastic credit financing options that offer perks and cash back rewards.
Rethinking Your 2020 Bucket List Goals
Achieving your lifelong goals is never easy. That goes double in a year like this. But there are always ways to look at your bucket list from a different angle and start checking off some key boxes no matter what.
It doesn’t have to be all skydiving and flights to Paris. There are other objectives you can pursue even today. Start exploring your professional development goals, work on hitting a key financial benchmark for you, and don’t forget to find creative ways to splurge on yourself — and even travel.
The world may be more complicated than ever — but it’s still your oyster. Even when everything is turned upside down, your life can still be whatever you make it.
Capri by Fraser Barcelona offers a sleekly modern stay in a quiet residential enclave within a walking distance from the beach on the one side and Sagrada Familia on the other. Nestled in the up-and-coming 22@ business district within the Sant Martí area of the city, this intimate hotel offers 97 exquisitely designed apartments, perfect for both corporate travellers and tourists. The vibe is laid-back and modern, with lots of colour and cool art. Whether you’re staying in a studio or a one-bed apartment, you’ll enjoy a spacious living space with a 32” LCD TV offering a range of international channels, a kitchen equipped with a microwave, a fridge and tea and coffee facilities, and a dining area. Each bathroom comes with a rain shower and a selection of luxurious Malin and Goetz toiletries. For the business traveller, the apartments in Capri by Fraser Barcelona also have a designated workspace, where you can tick off some work tasks before going to bed or first thing in the morning.
The lounge and lobby spaces are inviting and classy, with funky art and oodles of comfortable seating tucked right up against the wall of street-level windows. Service is smart and top-notch - you’ll get to know the staff within a day, and they will know your name within five minutes. The shared amenities are impressive as well – there’s a children’s playroom, a laundry room, a rooftop solarium, as well as a fully-equipped 24-hour gym.
What makes Capri by Fraser perfect for business travel is its excellent conference facilities. Its four meeting rooms can be used for boardroom meetings (up to 48 pax), seminars with classroom-seating (up to 135 pax), theatre-style presentations (up to 110 pax), training courses and banquets. A business centre where you can check your email, prepare for a meeting or catch up on the news is available too.
Breakfast is served at Caprlilicious and consists of an extensive buffet. Tuck into a selection of continental classics and Spanish favourites prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant also offers an a la carte lunch menu, whilst drinks and snacks can be enjoyed at the lobby bar, where guests can sit down and unwind at any point of the day.
For more information and to book your stay, please go to https://barcelona.capribyfraser.com/en
And I can assure you that you’ll feel like you’re there for your entire stay; from the ‘namaskar’ that every member of staff – clad in Indian dress – greets you with, through to the décor which makes you feel like you’ve entered a palace in Mumbai, The LaLiT London offers its guest much more than just a hotel stay – it encapsulates the essence of India, fooling you into feeling like you’ve travelled across the world when you actually haven’t left London.
Housed in what used to be St Olave’s grammar establishment for boys from 1835 to 1968, the hotel is the first international offering from the luxury Indian hotel group The LaLiT. Many of the bedrooms which once used to be classrooms or offices in the grammar school now have super comfortable beds wrapped in Indian fabrics, with tall, hand-embroidered silk headboards in warm cream, white and orange. The original beams add a homely feel to the luxury interiors and the bathrooms come with marble temperature-controlled flooring, Japanese Toto toilets and mother-of-pearls mirrors with an anti-fog system. All the necessary amenities like a minibar, a Nespresso machine and a 40-inch LED TV are there too. Spread across three floors, a few of the 70 individually designed rooms and suites boast Shard views, whilst the Thames Suite offers a stunning view of the river.
During our stay, we popped into the Teacher’s Room (or the bar) for a chai infused cocktail before dinner to prepare our tastebuds for the culinary adventure which Baluchi Restaurant guarantees. The restaurant, which once used to be the school’s assembly hall, has been turned into an opulent, royal blue room which celebrates everything Indian but still nods to the building’s history. Sapphire-tinted glass chandeliers adorn the high ceiling and the wooden floors and wood-clad walls create a warm and intimate ambience.
Food at Beluchi Restaurant is all about modern Indian gourmet cuisine. The carefully crafted menu celebrates Indian flavours, serving a selection of proteins in fragrant sauces, finished off with creatively cooked garnishes. Mains can be paired with a scrumptious selection of traditional naans, rotis or parathas, or of course - rice. Breakfast is served there too and offers a spectacular collection of traditional Indian breakfast dishes, in addition to British and continental staples.
For a more relaxed and quick meal, try The Naan'ery where you can sample four Indian breads, made with seasonal ingredients and paired with a complementing wine. In addition to a 24/7 gym and a small spa that mixes both Eastern and Western therapies, The LaLiT London also offers two meeting rooms (suitable for 8 or 12 attendees).
The LaLiT London enjoys an excellent location for both people who are visiting London for work and travellers - it’s about a five-minute walk from London Bridge and its underground station and a ten-minute walk from The Shard.
For more information and to book your stay, go to http://www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-london/
Spread across a 125-acre North Devon estate between Exmoor and Dartmoor, Highbullen Hotel is the perfect spot for a relaxing weekend getaway. Once you enter the grounds of the hotel, you feel like you’ve escaped from civilisation, but if you worry about its isolated location – don’t; its 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool and a spa make it a destination of its own right where you won’t feel bored for a second. Wherever you are in the hotel, you’re surrounded by uninterrupted lush greenery as far as the eye can see, while at the same time, Highbullen Hotel is a convenient base from which to explore myriad picturesque villages, quaint pubs and of course, the beach, which is only a 40 min drive away.
The hotel is country-luxe personified: fires crackle at every turn, cosy lounges invite intimate nightcaps, and the attentive staff on duty make the manor house feel like a home. Rooms here are in keeping with the charm and cosiness of the house - each of the 12 bedrooms in the main building is lavishly decorated with antique furnishings, exquisite chandeliers and swagged curtains. For the best views, book one of the hotel’s Golf View rooms. In addition to these, there are a further 26 contemporary rooms in buildings across the estate which cater for bigger groups of people.
For afternoon tea, pop into the recently opened Laura Ashley Tea Room. Designed in the distinctive Laura Ashley style, it offers a menu of different types of afternoon tea, brunch and cakes and provides guests with unrivalled views of the stunning British countryside. The fine-dining 2AA Rosette Devon View restaurant serves seasonal and local produce with a modern British theme across all dishes, which could be paired with an array of sublime wines from the restaurant’s wine list. For a more casual meal or lunch, head down to Cellars Restaurants for fish & chips, a pizza or a Shepherd’s pie. Breakfast is served at Devon View and comprises a small buffet, as well as cooked-to-order classics such as full English, eggs and porridge.
A short walk away from the main house is the modern Pavilion, where there’s an indoor lap pool, a fully-equipped gym, a sports bar, a steam room, a sauna and a spa offering a number of relaxing Elemis treatments. In addition to the 18-hole golf course which surrounds the hotel, there are also four hard tennis courts, two half-courts for children, croquet lawns and an outdoor pool which is available in the summer only.
For more information and to book your stay, please go to http://www.highbullen.co.uk/
AA research suggests that after three years, a car will have depreciated by 60% from its original showroom price tag, and that is if the car is averaging 10,000 miles per year. The biggest losses come in the first year however, with a deduction of around 40% being made by the end of the first 365 days. Obviously, there are different ways of putting the brakes on depreciation. Keeping the car clean, regular servicing in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines, and one eye on the mileage gauge, will all go a long way in reducing potential losses. But is there another option to consider?
However, when the hypothetical family from number 28 parade the street in their new Mercedes A Class, doing somewhat of a victory lap, Google is just seconds away as we scout our next big purchase.
Funding the initial payment
In reality not everyone has tens of thousands of pounds kicking about in their spare bedroom. With PCP, the payment is broken down into three major chunks.
Firstly, you’ve got the initial deposit which is usually 10% of the car’s showroom value. Secondly, the monthly payments which will include enough to cover the depreciation costs incurred throughout the contract. Finally — and this is where things change once the final payment of the contract has been made, you get the option to either return the car or take a new one on a new contract. Or, you can pay a balloon payment and then the car is yours.
Another option is taking out a PCP lease - the monthly repayments are significantly lower than they would be with a finance deal. The option then presents itself is to drive a car that you would initially have deemed to be significantly out of your price range. Therefore, if you don’t have a big deposit and want lower monthly repayments, then this might be exactly what you’re after.
Personal Contract Purchase
A personal contract purchase (PCP) is proving itself to be a popular option amongst those who pick finance, with 78% of those choosing the agreement. Admittedly, it goes against everything our parents have told us to do, in regard to owning our own car, but if you can battle those initial demons, then we’re here to show you why this might be for you.
The beauty of PCP, particularly if you don’t use your car for your daily commute, is you can effectively buy a weekend car. When purchasing a new car outright, you are restricted by the constant reminder that you will have this car for the foreseeable future. With PCP, you can buy the car that caters exactly to the needs of your evenings and weekends. For example, an SUV if you go camping with the kids most weekends throughout the summer, or a two-door roadster, if your Sundays are filled by coastal runs. And, if your circumstances do change, you can simply exchange the car.
Not only has PCP offered motorists a car they would never have been able to otherwise afford, it has in some sense saved the British car market. For the past three years, the number of new car sales in the UK has stayed above 2.5million units per year, in comparison to 2011 when it was only 1.9million.
Premium brands such as Audi, Mercedes, BMW and Jaguar Land Rover have all performed outstandingly through the system. This is due to the fact these cars hold their value better, and therefore depreciation is less, ultimately benefiting both dealer and driver. Mercedes reported a 100% upturn in UK sales since 2010.
Mileage
Congestion charges, heavy traffic, and the cherry on the top of the cake — parking. Three reasons many drivers in the UK have steered away from the daily commute in the car and opted for public transport. A decade ago, our decision when purchasing a car will have depended hugely on our day-to-day usage — but when that isn’t the same, why should the choice be?
The average annual mileage of a car in the UK is 7,900. One drawback of renting your car through PCP is that is that when initially taking out the contract, you are given a mileage restriction and if you exceed this, you will be penalised. If, however, you would consider yourself to be one of those average UK drivers, then PCP offers no qualms. The opportunity to purchase a new contract once your current one is up means you aren’t going to have spent your days driving around in an old car with high mileage.
In summary, with more and more dealerships offering customers the opportunity to own a new car for £99 a month, when their total gym membership and mobile phone contract equates to more — well, it’s a no brainer.
Sources: https://www.ft.com/content/0e651206-0ee1-11e7-a88c-50ba212dce4d https://www.thinkmoney.co.uk/news-advice/what-is-the-average-miles-driven-per-year-in-the-uk-0-8581-0.htm https://www.lookers.co.uk/finance/pcp/ http://www.theaa.com/car-buying/depreciation https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/90794/pcp-personal-contract-purchase-car-deals-explained https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/should-rent-next-car/
Located in the City of London area, just a 10-minute walk from St Paul's Cathedral, Apex Temple Court Hotel offers surprisingly quiet rooms for its central location and is a place where you can unwind and recharge after a busy day of meetings. Once you walk through its doors, you enter a peaceful courtyard which immediately feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of London. This is where you can find the alfresco area of Fleet Street’s newest wine bar, The Amicable Society of Lazy Ballerinas. Offering an extensive selection of old and new wines, a menu of scrumptious small plates perfect for sharing and ultra aesthetically pleasing décor, the bar attracts both hotel guests and Londoners popping in for an after-work drink. There are also two private dining rooms, both offering seating for 16 guests, or alternatively, 30 guests for a drinks reception, which can be booked for meetings, events or wine tastings.
Across the courtyard, you’ll find the hotel’s Club Lounge, a relaxed place where you can have a casual business meeting or bring your laptop and work, and Chambers Restaurant, where breakfast is served. Start your morning with continental staples and cooked-to-order classics like Full English, Eggs Benedict and pancakes and come back for lunch or dinner – the a la carte menu offers everything from steaks and burgers, through to lighter options like fish and salads.
For a real taste of luxury, stay at one of the hotel’s suites. Home to every indulgent touch you desire, they boast impressive period features including beautiful fireplaces, huge, squishy beds, a cosy living area and a luxurious, marble bathroom with a walk-in shower and bathtub, complete with underfloor heating and bespoke furniture. With Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speakers, a vanity mirror TV in the bathroom and two more LED TVs (one in the bedroom and one in the living room), you are spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment. And if this isn’t enough, thoughtful touches like complimentary arrival drinks, a Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine, Temple Spa products and free-of-charge drinks and snacks at the Club Lounge which all suite guests enjoy exclusive access to will make your stay truly special.
For more information and to book your stay, please go to https://www.apexhotels.co.uk/apex-temple-court-hotel
Set right next to Mansion House station, Vintry & Mercer creates a feeling of grandeur mixed with a little millennial quirkiness. Every little detail is extremely aesthetically pleasing, whilst the ambience is so relaxed and refreshingly un-corporate that it feels more like a luxurious modern home than a hotel right in the middle of London.
Opened in February this year and named after the two commercial wards on the hotel's doorstep (Vintry where fine wines would be delivered from France and Mercer which is the former haunt of noble merchants who traded in high-quality silks, damasks and linens), the hotel’s lavish décor celebrates London’s trading links. Fusing the past with modernity, the 92 sumptuous bespoke rooms and suites (which come in 5 categories) take inspiration from Mercer and feature deep blue, maroon or mustard-coloured velvet headboards, leather door handles, framed London street maps and wallpapered walls. A flatscreen TV, minibar, tea and coffee facilities and an exquisite marble bathroom finish off each room, making it so cosy and homely that leaving it for the hustle and bustle of London feels like a ludicrous idea. And if you do decide to simply stay in, the rooms have a ‘do not disturb’ button (as well as a ‘make up my room’ button) instead of a card to hang on the door – we did warn you that the hotel is brand new and super modern.
For dinner, head down to the ground floor where you’ll find Vintry Izakaya - an Asian tapas eatery where wine plays an important part and is poured straight from large barrels lining the gantry. The menu oozes with bold Asian flavours and offers anything from classic steamed buns and shrimp tempura or Wagyu katsu sandos, through to more inventive dishes like beef rib teriyaki arancini or kimchi and blue cheese fries. Our personal favourites were the miso and sesame seeds Padron peppers and the cooked to perfection sweet miso glazed aubergine. The saddest thing about tapas dinners is that you often order so many small plates of food to share that you could potentially end up feeling too full for pudding, which is a pity when the restaurant offers dangerously inticing desserts like Vietnamese espresso mousse or matcha Opera cake with berry sorbet. All is well though – I suppose this would be a good enough excuse to visit again and hopefully order less this time around. Breakfast is also served at Vintry Izakaya and comprises of a continental buffet and cooked-to-order dishes like traditional full English, but also Asian options like eggs Florentine on steamed bao buns.
After dinner, move to the dimly lit Do Not Disturb cocktail bar inspired by the clandestine bars of 1920s New York and finish off the night with a barrel-aged glass of Manhattan.
Most wow-worthy, however, is Vintry & Mercer’s rooftop terrace and the stunning views it boasts. Filled with light thanks to the glass-panelled roof, the restaurant promises to be a popular dinner spot for Londoners this summer. The menu focusses on modern British cuisine, introducing guests to fresh meat and fish from the British Isles. Dishes include mouth-watering Cornish crab, British asparagus, oysters and lobster, as well as hay-smoked beef tartare and Tomahawk steaks. The atmosphere is vibrant and lively and the décor is ridiculously instagrammable.
For those willing to break a sweat after all the beautiful food on offer at Vintry & Mercer, the hotel also has a small gym equipped with the latest Life Fitness workout equipment — a treadmill, exercise bike, cross trainer and rowing machine, as well as an integrated digital screen with Internet access and an iPhone dock.
And if you need any more reasons as to why Vintry & Mercer needs to be your home away from home when you next visit London (not that you probably do), the newly-built hotel is functioning solely on renewable electricity, sourced from wind, solar and biomass generators. It has solar panels on the roof toe, ensuring a minimal effect on the environment.
For more information and to book your stay, please go to https://www.vintryandmercer.com/
Algarve, Portugal
From vast stretches of sand to coves backed by cliffs, the Algarve is home to some of Europe’s most breathtakingly beautiful beaches. And as scenic as the beaches are, the region offers so much more! Historic castle towns, elegant villages, glitzy beach bars and freshly caught seafood have been attracting over four million visitors every year – and once there, you’ll see why.
How to get there
Faro International Airport is located four kilometres from Faro – the capital of the Algarve, with a number of European airlines offering direct flights to and from the Algarve.
Where to stay
For exquisite views of Carvoeiro Beach and its soaring cliffs, stay at Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort.
Croatia
Croatia has been a very trendy summer destination in the past few years and we can assure you that the ex-Yugoslavian country is worth the hype. From its trendy islands Hvar and Korcula, through to the historic towns of Split and Dubrovnik, all paired with picturesque beaches and the country’s eight national parks, Croatia is wildly diverse and offers something for everyone.
How to get there
Depending on the way you plan your holiday in Croatia, you can fly to Dubrovnik, Split, Pula or the capital city of Zagreb. Airlines flying to Croatia from major European cities include British Airways, Croatia Airways and EasyJet.
Where to stay
For outstanding views of Dubrovnik old town, stay at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik. Riva Hvar Yacht Harbour Hotel benefits from an ideal location in the heart of Hvar and a waterfront terrace overlooking the Adriatic Sea, while Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Split is a perfect base to explore Split and its surrounding Dalmatian islands.
Zakynthos, Greece
While the starriest Greek islands Mykonos and Santorini grapple with over-tourism, more and more holidaymakers are heading to the quieter, but equally stunning island of Zakynthos. With its rugged cliffs, sea caves, tiny cloves and clear azure water paired with exquisite Greek tavernas and an abundance of water sports to try, the island offers much more than the crazy nightlife it’s famed for.
How to get there
Flights to Zakynthos International Airport are available from most European major cities. Over 30 airlines operate flights to the island during the tourist season.
Where to stay
The Lesante Luxury Hotel & Spa or Olea All Suite Hotel.
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia’s ultra-clear water is reason enough to visit the Mediterranean island. However, this doesn’t mean that the emerald water is the only thing that draws holidaymakers to the slice of paradise that Sardinia is. With its nearly 2,000km of coastline, white-sand beaches and fresh Italian food, Sardinia will teach you all about la dolce vita.
How to get there
International airlines operate year-round flights from cities across Europe to Sardinia’s three main airports Cagliari Elmas Airport, Aeroporto di Olbia Costa Smeralda and Alghero Airport.
Where to stay
Resort Valle dell’Erica Thalasso & Spa near Santa Teresa promises direct access to the sea and 5-star luxury.
Andermatt, Switzerland
And don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about all the mountain lovers out there. The Swiss Alps are an obvious and logical option for both winter and summer holidays, and the charming village of Andermatt (1444m) offers everything you could possibly desire from your next Alpine adventure.
How to get there
Andermatt’s nearest international airports are Zurich, Milan and Geneva. They all have easy rail links to Andermatt, and even quicker road links using airport shuttles or private hire transfers.
Where to stay
For spectacular 5-star opulence, stay at The Chedi Andermatt – an exquisite deluxe hotel offering local hospitality paired with Asian touches.
Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa is the perfect place for a weekend of relaxation away from the office. The main hotel building is all about classic interiors - as soon as you enter the snug and the reception area, you’re greeted by plush fabrics, elegant wallpapers, moulded Lincrusta wall coverings, oak panelling and antique furnishings. Once checked in, cosy up there, next to the flickering log fire, and flick through the day’s papers while sipping on a nice cup of tea. All of the hotel’s 59 rooms are atmospheric and beautifully styled and come in five categories. For a real taste of luxury, stay at one of the suites or better yet – book one of the two 2-storey lodges which are set just off the Courtyard.
The short walk between the hotel and the spa takes you to a very different setting. Opened in 2017, the multi-million pound spa feels like it belongs in a resort somewhere in the Alps and not in a traditionally English inn. And with its truly impressive collection of experiences to try, it guarantees to make your shoulders ease as soon as you arrive.
The main entrance leads you through the kind of lounge you want to luxuriate in, with its contemporary design, cosy fireplace and velvet armchairs. Once in the spa itself, you’re welcomed by a sublime pool that runs both inside and out and comes with in-built relaxing loungers and various hydrotherapy features. By the outdoor side of the pool, you’ll find three cosy Alpine lodges with fire pits where you can cuddle up and relax. Don’t spend too much time there though because the real fun is inside. Make sure you try the stone bath and the two saunas, which offer different heat options and experiences and go straight to the shower walk after you’re done. Its settings include waters of varying temperatures and sounds which recreate the experience of a warm tropical rain and summer storm, a cold Alpine rain or a mist and end with a cold bucket shower. If the bucket shower sounds too scary to you but you still want to have a cold shower after a sweat session, try the snowstorm experience. Ye Olde Bell spa also offers a herbal steam room, infused with herbs from their very own herb garden and a Salt Inhalation Room where you can have a relaxing nap.
When all that relaxing gets too much, move to the spa restaurant for a beautiful three-course meal (and try their gnocchi salad with rocket, sundried tomatoes and pine nuts). And if you want to leave feeling truly revitalised and rejuvenated, top off your spa day by indulging in a Turkish massage or an aromatherapy facial in one of Ye Olde Bell Spa’s six treatment rooms. Let me warn you though: with glasses of prosecco constantly flowing (brought to you by very helpful spa butlers) and the abundance of things to try, leaving the spa to go back to the hotel and get ready for dinner could be a very difficult task.
Dinner (and lunch) is served in Restaurant Bar 1650 and St Leger Bistro-by-the-Bar, both of which have been awarded an AA Rosette. Menus feature classics such as steaks, pan seared sea bass and venison loin, all celebrating creative cooking and modern British cuisine. The guests of Ye Olde Bell are also invited to join them for a traditional afternoon tea with a contemporary twist (served on beautiful vintage china) or a mouth-watering Sunday roast. With its impressive six banquet suites, Ye Olde Bell is also renowned for its wedding, banqueting and corporate events – and we’re struggling to think of a better place that will cater for your event if you’re in the area!
A stay at Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa, which includes spa time, starts from £149.50 per person.
For more information or to make a booking visit www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk or call 01777 705121.
The Vicarage
Set on the outskirts of the sleepy village of Holmes Chapel, The Vicarage offers everything you could possibly desire for a glorious countryside weekend. Housed in a 17th Century Grade II listed building and centred around its cosy restaurant and bar area, the hotel finds the perfect balance between rustic, vintage interiors and contemporary edge. Stunning woodwork, perfectly restored original features and thoughtful details give the inn a sense of place and the general friendly and warm ambiance make you feel at home.
The 26 rooms fall into two categories, standard and signature, and offer supremely comfortable Queen and King-sized beds, Nespresso coffee machines, rainmaker showers and a lovely selection of second-hand books – a nice little touch that adds to the hotel’s charm. For a real treat though, book one of the three signature rooms which are a tad more lush and characterful.
Driven by the gardeners, foragers, farmers and suppliers of Cheshire, everything in the main restaurant’s menu is locally sourced and comprises a number of beautifully cooked classics. Stand-outs include a mouth-watering smoked salmon and caviar starter and a cooked-to-perfection sea bass main. Served in the light, bright conservatory and the restaurant room next to it, the breakfast buffet isn’t huge but covers all the essentials: fruits, yoghurts, cereals and granola, juices, pastries and an impressive toast bar which comes with everything from butter and a selection of jams through to Marmite and peanut butter. You can also opt for freshly cooked to order Full English breakfast (vegetarian option available too), Eggs Benedict, Florentine and Royale, avocado on toast and sweet or savoury pancakes.
For more information and to book your visit, please go to: https://www.thevicaragecheshire.com/
The Courthouse
A renovation of what was previously Knutsford Crown Court is another great base for a weekend escape in Cheshire. Beautifully refurbished to mimic the building’s style and history, The Courthouse is home to Barristers Restaurant, and The Court Room – a popular weddings and events space, as well as the recent addition of three stunning bedrooms.
As one would expect when hearing its name, Barristers Restaurant stays true to the history of the building – barristers’ wigs hanging from pegs, framed pictures of famous offenders lining the walls and a menu that consists of ‘opening statements’, ‘proceedings’ and ‘main evidence’ instead of the more commonly used ‘nibbles’, ‘starters’ and ‘mains’. Why not make the most of what’s already there? Working closely with local suppliers, Executive Chef Steven Tuke crafts traditionally British menus that change with the season and include classics such as slow braised lamb shoulder, smoked cod loin and swordfish steak. And the verdict seems to be that everything he’s doing is working - whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, locals flock to the restaurant for Chef Tuke’s hearty creations.
Earlier this year, The Courthouse opened its first three rooms – the Twin King Suite, the Superior Bridal Suite and the Signature King Suite. However, the owners of Flat Cap Hotels, brothers Dominic and Oliver Heywood, are not planning to stop here and are opening eight more luxury bedrooms in the existing wings of the iconic building. Stay tuned for more from the duo.
For more information and to book your visit, please go to: https://thecourthousecheshire.com/
