Experts at Bondora have uncovered the private investments of professional footballers across four countries.

Whether sports cars or SUVs, mansions by the lake or penthouse flats: the following research analyses the lifestyle of the highest-paid national football players on the basis of their salary, properties and vehicles, and compares these with the salary, vehicle and property value of the average citizen.

Table: Information on the annual income, property value, car model and car value of the British national team

Table: Information on the annual income, car value and property value of the average UK citizen and Football player

The top earners among the England national team are Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, earning £9,735,785 from Tottenham Hotspur and £8,518,812 from Manchester City respectively - 95.9% more than the average UK citizen.

Despite Ashley Young having the smallest net worth from the Top 10 list, £6.23 million, his house is the most expensive. With a price tag of over £12 million, it’s forty times the property value of the average UK citizen.

The second most expensive house is owned by Phil Jones, right-defense for Manchester United. His home set him back a hefty £5 million - almost twice his annual salary.

Dele Alli from Tottenham Hotspur owns the most expensive car, a Rolls Royce worth over £370,000. However, the centre-right midfield player has one of the cheaper homes out of the Top 10 list, valued at just over £2 million. It’s 17% of the price of Ashley Young’s property, but almost seven times more expensive than the home of an average UK citizen.

Compared to his net worth of almost £49 million, John Stones from Manchester City has a fairly modest car. The centre defence player owns a Mini Cooper just double the price of a car owned by the average UK citizen.

The lowest paid star from the Top 10 is Marcus Rashford, earning £2,433,946 per annum. His property set him back just over £2 million, 83% of his annual salary. His car, a Mercedes CLA 45 Coupe, may be just 2.5% of his annual salary, but is over nine times the price of a car owned by the average UK citizen.

(Source: Bondora)

It’s hard not to fall in love with Cornwall and its long, rugged coastline and hundreds of sandy beaches. It’s also hard not to fall in love with Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa and its perfect location right next to surfers’ favourite Fistral Beach. In addition to sensational views, staying in a room here grants you access to the hotel’s stunning Dune Restaurant, the cosy Bay Bar, excellent spa, pool and an abundance of things to do within a walking distance from the hotel. Should you wish to venture outside of the grounds, the beach and the Quiksilver Surf School are less than 200 yards away, while Newquay is just about 2 miles from the hotel.

The interiors take full inspiration from the hotel’s surroundings – clean lines, Navajo white walls, classic blond wood furnishings and neutral fabrics with pops of aquamarine jazzing up the rooms’ ambiance. All best rooms come with stylish bathtubs right next to floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies with wicker table and chairs – the perfect spot for a quick glass of champagne before heading downstairs for dinner.

After a morning exploring Cornwall, an afternoon in the spa will feel well-needed. Ideal for those seeking relaxation, the spa features a vitality pool, whirlpool tub, sauna and steam room and an extensive list of superb treatments. If you like to work up a sweat even during a relaxing weekend, Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa offers an excellent fitness room fully equipped with all the essential machines for a good workout.

Dune Restaurant’s carefully compiled menu changes regularly to ensure that it makes the most of fresh, seasonal Cornish produce. Perfect for a special lunch or dinner, the atmospheric restaurant celebrates freshly caught seafood and feels very intimate and relaxed. We enjoyed a beautifully prepared three-course meal paired with fantastic wines, while looking out over the sea. Settle on a squashy sofa in the bar after your meal for the perfect end to a truly wonderful day.

Breakfast is served in Dune Restaurant too, where you can find a continental buffet featuring fresh pastries, fruit and a selection of cheese and meats, as well as a menu of hot options.

Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa’s outstanding location, gorgeous food, exquisite spa and friendly staff make it the perfect base to explore one of England’s most beautiful counties. It is the perfect place to escape to – and the perfect place to spoil yourself and the one you love.

Nightly rates start from £80 on a bed and breakfast basis.

For more information and to book your stay: 

Phone: 01637 852221

Email: reservations@fistralbeachhotel.co.uk

Website: https://www.fistralbeachhotel.co.uk

With views of both the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Blanca mountains from almost every corner of the town and an astonishing 320 days of sizzling sunshine, Marbella is sought after by the most rich and famous from across the globe. Earlier this year, Nobu opened its latest venture set on the Andalusian town’s glitzy Golden Mile. And despite Nobu Hotel Marbella’s central location, its impressive chic restaurants, bar and club scene will make you feel like you’re in the heart of the action without having to leave the hotel’s grounds.   Stepping into Nobu Hotel Marbella, you instantly feel the weight and stress of your usual daily life left behind as you escape into a very private and exclusive haven that seems to offer everything you could possibly desire. The hotel shares grounds with one of Marbella’s original luxury resorts – Puente Romano, which means that guests of Nobu can make the most of all the Puente Romano facilities, which include a range of restaurants and cafes, three swimming pools, a world-class tennis club (where you can often bump into Novak Djokovic), the Six Senses Spa, lush walkways surrounded by tropical greenery and an elegant beach bar and restaurant with beach club sun loungers and day beds.

Perfectly blending traditional Andalusian architecture with Nobu’s signature SoCal-meets-Asia interiors, each of the 81 rooms and suites in Nobu Hotel Marbella is beautifully decorated – think clean lines, earth tones, natural fabrics and laid-back, refined luxury. Most of the rooms gaze out over the lively central plaza and its electric restaurants and bars, but you can also stay in a quieter block within the Puente Romano estate while still being just a short walk away from the party. With a tranquil balcony overlooking a superbly maintained garden, our room felt miles away from the brimming-with-life square, allowing you the option to disappear from the rest of the world without sacrificing all of Nobu’s luxuries. Bathrooms are spacious and airy, with sublime rainfall showers, his-and-hers sinks and luxe Natura Bissé toiletries. As we’re getting ready for dinner in our Nobu kimonos, two different members of staff bring us a glass of the ‘cocktail of the night’, as well as a slice of an incredibly gooey and decadent brownie. What could be a better way to start the night?

Nobu Marbella’s centrepiece is the hotel’s La Plaza courtyard and its exhilarating variety of restaurants and bars. And it’s not just the unmissable world-class Nobu Restaurant serving exquisite Japanese cuisine mixed with local influences (we’re still obsessing over their padrón peppers with miso dressing and sesame seeds as well as the must-try black cod miso) that makes the plaza a foodie’s dream. In addition, you can also dine in Michelin-starred Chef Dani Garcia’s restaurant, indulge in hearty Italian dishes, freshly made Thai specialties or mouth-watering tapas in a cosy brasserie - all whilst gentle Spanish guitar flows from Nobu Lounge at the centre of the courtyard. Finish the night off with a sake cocktail or head straight into the exclusive La Suite nightclub for a night of dancing.

During the day, laze around Nobu Hotel Marbella’s peaceful pool, sip on fresh coconut water or a delicious cocktail (holidays are for day drinking, aren’t they?) and order a poke bowl from the pool menu, which charming waiters will bring to your sunbed.

Offering a complete experience, Nobu Hotel Marbella’s all about the finer things in life and is the perfect place for all those who could use a break from buzzing iPhones, dull boardrooms and cranky clients. Work hard, play harder.

Nobu Hotel Marbella is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Hotel rooms start from £521 per night including breakfast.

To book your stay, please visit: www.slh.com/nobumarbella

Located in the Heart of Hungary’s historic capital city, The Corinthia Hotel Budapest is one of the most luxurious hotels in the region and is within walking distance of several of the city’s most exciting attractions.

Formerly known as the Grand Hotel Royal, much of the building was sadly destroyed in the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and despite re-opening its doors in the 1960s, the Grand Royal remained a shadow of its former self. That was until new owners, Corinthia Hotels, started an extensive restoration project in the 1990s that would retain the best of the old, while sensitively adding the new. Once restored to its original glory, the newly named Corinthia Hotel Budapest re-opened its doors as a luxury property in 2003. While the gracious frontage, extravagant marble floors, the amazing sweeping staircase and breathtaking, six-storey Atrium preserved from the original building offer glorious hints of a bygone age, the levels of comfort and convenience are all reassuringly up-to-date.  Over a century of heritage has been perfectly restored with no expense spared for a new generation of travelers.

Rooms

Corinthia Hotel Budapest boasts a staggering 439 rooms, including 31 suites and 26 Royal Residences. I was lucky enough to stay in the spacious and luxurious Junior Suite. The room featured a bedroom with the most comfortable king size bed, an expansive living area, an impressive marble bathroom, comfortable sofas and all the luxuries that you would expect from a premium hotel including satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi and a Nespresso coffee machine.

Dining

From fine dining, to a casual meal, you will be truly spoilt for choice when dining at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest where every palate is catered for in their four lavish restaurants.

During my stay at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest, I chose to eat in the The Brasserie and Atrium restaurant which offers delicious International and Hungarian dishes. It is an ideal place for both business and casual meetings. The restaurant is open all day, beginning with the morning buffet breakfast, through to lunch and then á la carte dinner. Uniquely in Hungary, on every Sunday, the Brasserie and Atrium restaurant presents themed brunches, where besides culinary joys, the focus is on entertainment and live experiences.

Guests staying in Deluxe or above rooms will also benefit from use of the Executive Club which offers complimentary breakfast, fine Hungarian wines, a wide range of spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, tea, coffee and refreshments throughout the day. The Executive Club was designed for today’s discerning traveler and is the ideal environment for conducting business and relaxing while working away from the office.

For more information about dining at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest, please visit www.corinthia.com/en/hotels/budapest/dining

The Royal Spa

Steeped in history, The Royal Spa is a unique attraction from the 19th century and has been given a new lease of life - remodeled as a luxurious and contemporary spa with a 15-meter pool.

The pool first opened in 1886, at that time it contained steam baths, wave and shower baths, electric baths, a pneumatic chamber and a medical room with cold water. The spa operated until 1944 when it closed for many years. The abandoned, obsolete spa was rediscovered in 1983 and, according to the original documents, there were plans to use the spa area for parking facilities. Thankfully, the proposal was turned down and the spa has since been beautifully restored to its original splendor offering the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day taking in all that the beautiful city of Budapest has to offer.

Also available at the Royal Spa is an extensive menu of treatments, including a range of luxury wellness and therapeutic body, face and massage treatments along with a fitness room, saunas, steam bath, jacuzzi, and various relaxation areas.

Whilst Budapest is known as the city of Baths, you need look no further than The Royal Spa when you are wanting to relax and unwind, it is the jewel of luxury at Corinthia Hotel Budapest. Within the framework of its classical interiors, the Royal Spa has been carefully redesigned to provide over 1,000 m2 of vitality, tranquility and well-being.

Conferences and Events

Perfect for conferences, the Valletta Exhibition centre is a showpiece of 21st century architecture and technology, offering a large event or display space which can be partitioned to create up to 12 syndicate rooms or opened to create large event spaces with refreshment areas.

The facilities also include a Grand Ballroom which offers the perfect venue for a truly unforgettable event. The Ballroom has been restored to its original beauty with rich, baroque-style decorated ceilings and walls and is connected to the Valletta Exhibition centre via a glass bridge meaning the two centres can easily be linked to support a more extravagant, large-scale event.

Then there is the Royal Lounge which is elegantly furnished and features private meeting rooms, boardrooms and rest sections, all fully equipped with built-in smart screens, a wireless printer and mobile chargers, making it the perfect place to meet clients.

For more information and to book your stay at Corinthia Hotel Budapest, head to

www.corinthia.com/budapest

Budapest Key Attractions

Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, is divided by the River Danube. Once two cities known as Buda and Pest, they are now connected by the 19th-century Chain Bridge.

Here, we take a look at the top things to do whilst visiting this wonderful city.

Parliament Building

Situated on the banks of the River Danube, Parliament building is sure to take your breath away. Take an evening river cruise along the Danube to see this amazing building at its best. A guided tour of Parliament is also advisable where you can admire the architecture and grand decoration whilst learning the history of this magnificent building.

Shoes on the Danube Bank

Also situated on the banks of the River Danube and just a short stroll from the Parliament building are the Shoes on the Danube Bank, a memorial to honour the people who were killed by fascist Arrow Cross militiamen in Budapest during World War II. They were made to take off their shoes, and were shot at the edge of the water leaving their bodies to fall into the river and were carried away. The iron sculptures represent their shoes left behind on the bank.

Heroes’ Square

A major square in Budapest that contains statues featuring the Seven chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian national leaders, as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

St Stephen’s Basilica

The third largest church building in Hungary, named in honour of Stephen, the first King of Hungary whose right hand is supposedly housed in the reliquary.

Castle District

Take a ride on the Funicular up Buda Hill to the Castle District and admire the spectacular views of Budapest along with the historic attractions of Buda Castle, the Royal Palace, St Matthias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion.

All of the above are within walking distance of Corinthia Hotel Budapest, but are also easily accessible via Budapest’s extensive transport network. A tram stop along with a bus stop are situated right outside the hotel.

The Rothschild banking family was at one point the richest family on Earth and, unsurprisingly, today it is one of the most popular subjects of conspiracy theories. But just how much of what you might read online is true?

The Rothschild family came from Frankfurt, where the house they had lived in for generations was marked with the sign of the Red Shield (Roth + Schild). Like many Jewish families at the time, the Rothschilds were involved in finance, specifically currency exchange and collectible coins.

That was the business of the Rothschild patriarch: Mayer Rothschild. His success in this business attracted many wealthy customers, including Wilhelm, the future ruler of Hesse. Mayer managed Wilhelm's fortune and successfully protected it from Napoleon's invasion, for which he was greatly rewarded. Mayer had 5 sons, which he spread throughout Europe. Each established his own family and banking business in the five great European capitals at the time: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna and Naples.

Throughout the 19th century the five brothers and (eventually) their heirs cooperated in numerous financing projects, lending money to governments and the nobility. By the end of the 19th century the wealth of just the French branch was the equivalent of $500 million today.

The 20th century, however, wasn't kind to the Rothschilds. The Naples and Frankfurt branches became effectively extinct when their last patriarchs produced no male heirs. A more sinister fate befell the branches in Vienna and Paris, who had the vast majority of their wealth confiscated in the course of the Second World War.

Only the branch in London survived intact, and today it is still a powerful force in Britain. At present the wealth of the Rothschilds is hidden in a series of shell companies originating in Switzerland. It is unclear exactly how rich they are, but by all visible measures they appear to have lost the majority of their richest during the 20th century.

Thus, ironically, one of the most popular subjects of conspiracy theories today has instead been on the decline for well over a century. Under the kind patronage of Nagabhushanam Peddi, Dan Supernault, Samuel Patterson, James Gallagher & Brett Gmoser.

Known for all of its high-end flamboyance, Dubai is on most people’s bucket list destination of travel. And we do not blame them; fear not of conforming to the ‘wanna-be’ celebrity WAG’s ideal home away from home, because Dubai truly will baffle you.

Grandeur being her middle name, the United Arab Emirate city overshadows the Middle East with its ultramodern architecture and skyscrapers. From luxury designer shops to serene beaches, once branded as the Middle East’s most expensive city, Dubai’s character is to feed the slight hedonism in all of us.

She also feeds the adventure in us. From the tamer dune bashing and sandboarding, to the extreme paragliding and parachuting, this city has the perfect climate and atmosphere for you to overdose on adrenaline; and to try and stop you from changing your mind, hotels such as Amwaj Rotana are a quick two-minute walk from the beach you will be jet skiing across.

But for those who indulge in the history of a nation, Dubai also flaunts true Emirati culture; it will feel like you have travelled back in time. Step off the metro to hop on an abra – a traditional wooden boat – to discover tantalising cuisine and your hidden talent of haggling (the locals love a challenge).

The Old Souq is packed with stalls selling traditional Arabian textiles, including fine silk and cotton in every colour, intricately woven rugs and dazzling sequined footwear. Spoil your eyes awing at the vividly colourful, fresh spices and treat your nose to the musky scent of ‘liquid gold’: Oud. It is no surprise that with Oud being one of the most expensive raw scent ingredients, that Tom Ford, Gucci, Guerlian and an array of designers have snatched up the unique fragrance. At Dubai’s Deira Souq, you can be your own version of Jo Malone; from essential oils to incense sticks, vendors will be more than happy to give a crash course in perfumes for you to personally create your own.

And of course, the most famous market: The Gold Souq. Covered with bespoke jewellery and statement pieces that would even make the Queen’s diamond collection look dry, the Gold Souq has an overwhelming choice of gold and diamonds. My tip? Have a good look around before you settle on the perfect ring.

Amwaj Rotana is situated near the metro line, where you can be in Deira via public transport in around an hour. You can also get a taxi (which aren’t too dear), which will take around half an hour.

If haggling and bustling market is not your thing and you much prefer shopping in luxury, the infamous Dubai Mall is for you. The Mall itself, I think, could easily be the size of a town. It is also home to the aquarium which is much loved by adults and children, as well as an ice rink, cinema, the Emirates ‘flight’ experience, a virtual reality park, and of course, a mass array of designer shops, Emirati shops and places to fine dine or casual eateries.

If that is not enough (you must be a tough one to please), but the Mall is also the neighbour of the tallest building of the world: the Burj Khalifa. Standing 828 metres tall, the tower not only showcases the entire city, but you can treat yourselves to afternoon tea on the outskirts of heaven.

Amwaj Rotana is situated 50 minutes away via public transport, or a short 20 minute drive via taxi.

Where to stay

Amwaj Rotana is situated a short two minute (101 steps, to be accurate) walk from the Jumeirah Beach; if the swimming pool isn’t enough for you, you can be dipping your toes in the sea in no time.

For special VIP guests, you can bask in the comfort and feel at home at Atrium Lobby Lounge as you indulge on an array of juices, cocktails and freshly made cakes, treats and delicious pastries. A fine selection of tea and coffees is also available should you wish to enjoy a relaxed cup of tea or discuss business over coffee.

The spacious rooms overlook the city and coast, or, if you want to get out of the room and join those you’re overlooking, you can order a limousine to drive you around. The hotel staff are happy to organise day trips to the desert where you can befriend camels and enjoy a night of Arabian entertainment, or if you fancy something more subdued, enjoy a relaxing massage at Rotana’s spa.

With award-winning dining concepts offering Italian, American/Japanese, British/American and international cuisine as well as live entertainment, and the friendly staff are more than happy to cook something on the spot for those with dietary requirements.

The staff at Rotana are friendly in nature and are more than happy to offer advice for those who are new to Dubai.

Kids? If you want to enjoy the jacuzzi in peace, send them off to Amwaj’s Flipper’s Kids’ Club or, try and find a willing member to babysit them at Dubai’s much-loved waterpark, or at the Splashpad located at the Jumeirah Beach.

Emirati hospitality is something you must experience for yourself. A perfected mix of luxury and warmth, Dubai is an ever-growing city that is grand in nature.

Stay at the five-star Amwaj Rotana in Dubai from 795 AED (approx. £155) per night inclusive of breakfast based on two adults sharing a Classic Room. To book or for further information, please visit www.rotana.com.

Whether you’re looking for a (last-minute) summer holiday destination, a cultural city break or a foodie weekend getaway - Malta has it all! With history that spans 7,000 years, unique prehistoric temples, medieval towns and some of the oldest architectural designs in the world, on top of its breath-taking landscapes and clear blue waters, the small Mediterranean island is richly packed with things to do, see and discover.

The capital Valletta is brimming with grand architecture, hidden restaurants and picturesque back streets, but drive 8 kilometres inland and you’ll find yourself in the chic residential area where Corinthia Palace Hotel is located. Peppered between traditional Maltese houses, the hotel is far removed from the island’s touristy areas, whilst remaining perfectly connected.

The General Vibe

Opened in 1968, the 147-room hotel is the original flagship of Corinthia Hotels – a collection of five-star hotels worldwide. Stepping into the spacious marble foyer, you’re greeted with a glass of fresh orange juice and the instant feel that the staff will do their best to help you with any request. The rooms are traditional, elegant and they all come along with a balcony overlooking the hotel's extensive gardens.

The Restaurants

With three restaurants to choose from – Asian, fine dining or a relaxed al fresco restaurant serving summer favourites, Corinthia Palace Hotel caters to most tastes.

With a menu that is a colourful mix of dishes from Thailand, Japan, Singapore and China, the award-winning Rickshaw restaurant takes you on a gastronomic journey to the Far East. From pork, cabbage and water chestnut gyozas, through to Singaporean frog porridge – the food is exotic, innovative and absolutely mouth-watering.

For an authentic Mediterranean meal cooked with sustainably sourced, local produce, or a quintessentially British afternoon tea, cosy up in the elegant Villa Corinthia restaurant, housed in a stunningly restored century-old villa.

If you’re spending the day lazing around the pool, have lunch in Corinthia Palace’s al fresco venue - the Summer Kitchen. Set within the hotel’s lush gardens and overlooking the pool, the restaurant serves anything from fresh salads, grilled fish and meat, through to scrumptious pasta dishes and pizza cooked in their brand new wood-burning oven.

The Athenaeum Spa

With its stunning outdoor pool that calls for a relaxed afternoon of soaking up the sun with a good book and a cocktail in your hand and a spa that offers everything from a Jacuzzi and a sauna through to a steam garden, Corinthia Palace is the kind of hotel that you’ll probably struggle to leave after breakfast. The extensive list of treatments and procedures at the Athenaeum Spa includes manicure, pedicure, bridal and evening make-up, tanning and ‘healthy glow’ treatments, as well as rejuvenating massages, anti-ageing, body exfoliation and detoxifying body wrap therapies.

And if you get a sudden burst of energy after a day of relaxation or like to start your day with a workout, the gym at Corinthia Palace boasts state-of-the-art cardio equipment, a resistance area and a studio with morning and afternoon classes, including pilates, yoga, and more. Private training sessions and tennis lessons with a qualified coach are available too in the hotel's own tennis court.

Rates at Corinthia Palace Hotel start from €180/night withbreakfast for a double room and from €330/night with breakfast for a suite. For more information, please go to: www.corinthia.com/palace      

Pulitzer Amsterdam is a boutique hotel in the heart of Amsterdam’s trendiest neighborhood, the Negen Straatjes. Made up of 25 17^th and 18^th-century restored canal houses, it’s a unique fusion of quintessential Dutch elegance and contemporary style.

The Accommodation

Overlooking the picturesque Prinsengracht canal, Pulitzer Amsterdam has beautiful waterfront rooms where you can sit at your window and watch the canal boats pass by. With tall windows and original features, the hotel’s beautiful design elements transcended into the rooms and the accent colours of lime green, dark teal and purple is a match-made-in-heaven.

Upon arrival in the room, we discovered a packet of biscuits from the hotel bar, a bottle of champagne and a handwritten note from the Pulitzer team welcoming us to the hotel. Along with bone china teacups, a cafetiere with freshly ground coffee and some Dutch waffle biscuits, the room felt like a luxurious home away from home.

Hotel Restaurants

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Jansz Restaurant serves contemporary bistro fare in a bright space overlooking the canal. The restaurant specialises in seasonal modern takes on classic dishes, which could include morano-spiced salmon with couscous or roasted lamb with lentils - all prepared in the exhibition-style open kitchen.

With a wall of windows and a menu of light dishes, casual breakfast plates and crisp wines, the more casual restaurant Pause is an excellent place to recharge between bike rides or enjoy a cup of tea on the terrace.

Pulitzer's Bar

The bar at Pulitzer Amsterdam tells a tale of cocktail history through a classic menu and effortlessly elegant atmosphere. The warm, clubby bar channels vintage glamour with leather seats, mood lighting and dark corners for cosying up. One could easily flee the bustle of the city and spend the night talking away over a cocktail or two.

The Verdict

Pulitzer Amsterdam ticks every box. Perfect location, dream interiors, food that is to die for and friendly staff – what more could one possibly ask for?

Website: https://www.pulitzeramsterdam.com/

By Katina Hristova

Good Hotel is not your typical London hotel - and I mean this in the best way possible. Moored by the Royal Victoria Docks and housed in a floating platform, the hotel stands out not only from the neighbouring buildings, but from any other hotel in England’s capital. And not only because it looks differently. Dedicated to helping people, Good Hotel is a unique example of philanthropic hospitality. Recognised with a REBEL Award for greatest innovation/disruption in the industry, the hotel offers employment and training to unemployed people in the community. But the reasons to stay at Good Hotel don't stop here - laid-back chic industrial design and furnishings, a hip restaurant, rooms boasting magnificent Thames views, a spacious rooftop bar and a general community-focused feel. Whether you’re visiting London for business or pleasure, Good Hotel is an ideal place to come back to after a day of meetings or exploration. 

The General Vibe

Stepping into Good Hotel, you’re greeted with dark ceilings, low-hanging lamps, plants, neon signs and wooden tables that make up the massive living room area, which is where the bar, restaurant and reception are. During the day, the area is filled with people working on their laptops whilst sipping on a coffee, business people headed to one of the meeting rooms on the ground floor or friends having late breakfast. The ambiance is all about minimalism and modern Scandinavian interior details.

Rooms are small and compact and have a nautical cabin feel to them - something that is further enhanced by the aforementioned Thames views. But don't expect to be spending a lot of time in the room - at Good Hotel, the main reason why the living area is so spacious is to encourage the communal spirit of the hotel.

The restaurant is friendly and open, and was busy and buzzing when we visited on a rainy Saturday evening. If the sun’s a-shining, book a table by the expansive windows to make the most of those stupendous views over the Thames. The food is unpretentious, but tasty - simple classics cooked beautifully. Breakfast is a relaxed affair here, with a Continental buffet selection, a range of juices and smoothies and well-made coffees.

The Cause 

Good Hotel Founder Marten Dresen launched the concept in Amsterdam, turning an old detention centre into a chic, modern hotel that gives back to the community. The floating platform was transported over the North Sea to London in October 2016. Aiming to redefine the model of doing business, the hotel employs long-term unemployed people - offering them a fresh start and a future in the hospitality sector. After completing a free training, individuals are offered a three-month contract of employment, followed by endless opportunities for a permanent job in the field. And as if this isn't enough, the hotel also supports kids of low-income families living in the mountain villages around Antigua, Guatemala. Talk about hospitality with a cause.

Website: http://www.goodhotellondon.com/

Oh Madrid! Elegant boulevards, lush parks, stunning architecture and thousands of hip cafés and restaurants – it’s very difficult not to fall in love with everything that this bustling with life city has to offer! Madrid’s countless attractions, museums and art galleries make it the ideal destination for a culture-rich weekend or city break. And even though this city never sleeps, you’d still need a welcome relief after a day of walking around, overdosing on culture and eating tapas. Only YOU Hotel Atocha is a conveniently located boutique bolthole, whose trendy industrial interiors and upscale comfort will make it hard to leave the hotel after a lazy brunch at the sunlit terrace.

Only YOU Hotel Atocha is the second Only YOU Hotel in Madrid and opened its doors in December 2016. Both hotels boast urban interior vibes, courtesy of Catalan interior designer Lázaro Rosa Violán. Brick    walls, exposed pipes and wooden flooring are tastefully paired with modern industrial furnishings and funky artworks – Only YOU Hotel Atocha perfectly combines fresh contemporary atmosphere with state-of-the-art comforts. The hotel offers 205 rooms and suites, scattered across seven floors. For a truly lush experience, stay at the Terrace Suite on the top floor, which, naturally, comes with a fully furnished solarium terrace, a separate lounge, amenities kit by RITUALS and stunning views overlooking the busy streets of Madrid.

On the first floor, you’ll find the bar and restaurant area that features a giant bookcase serving as the centrepiece of the area, cosy armchairs and bright furnishing accessories. Sample’s the bar’s cocktail menu or grab a quick bite in the restaurant, whilst languid jazz is playing in the background.

On the seventh floor you’ll find the light-filled, stylish SÉPTIMA restaurant, where the hotel hosts music sessions and special events. This is also where breakfast is served. You can also enjoy your eggs and coffee on the beautiful terrace, if weather permits - which it normally does in sunny Madrid. The expansive buffet selection offers freshly made juices and smoothies, an extensive list of cheeses and cold cuts, homemade pastries and muffins and an omelette bar – you’ll find everything that you’d need to fuel up for a day of exploring the energetic streets of Spain’s capital.

Whether you’re visiting Madrid for business or pleasure, Only YOU Hotel Atocha’s characterful, contemporary luxe and central location make it an ideal place to stay in the never-stopping city of jamon and flamenco.

Double rooms at Only YOU Hotel Atocha start at £127 in low season; and from £170 in high (breakfast excluded).

Off to London for a business trip or a week of sightseeing and looking for the perfect hotel that would combine excellent location and unmatched luxury? Belgravia is an area known for its upscale streets, elegant townhouse residences and opulent hotels. It is also the home of The Wellesley Knightsbridge - London’s finest boutique hotel. Situated across the street from Hyde Park Corner tube station, the hotel’s 36 stylish rooms and suites promise Art Deco glamour, contemporary luxury and views overlooking Hyde Park. 

Interior & Character 

Everything in The Wellesley screams opulence - from the bronze doors and the doorman welcoming you in the marble lobby with grandiose crystal chandeliers, through to the impressive service that combines polite charm and easy-going personality. The two restaurants are just as lush - typical traditionally British elegance paired with a sense of indulgence and exclusivity. With its innovative menu, the Jazz Suite is an ideal location for Afternoon Tea, whilst the dimly lit Oval Restaurant’s Italian inspired menu guarantees a truly unforgettable fine dining experience. After dinner, move to the Crystal bar, but don't be fooled by its diminutive size - the drinks list includes an extensive selection of rare whiskies and cognacs, as well as cigars, which cigar enthusiasts can enjoy in the covered terrace. To mark its five-year anniversary, the bar recently launched a brand new cocktail menu that features drinks inspired by its signature offering.

Travel in style during your stay and let The Wellesley's Rolls Royce drive you to your desired destination.

Rooms & Suites 

All rooms and suites in The Wellesley have the decadent Art Deco feel to them that every little detail in the hotel boasts. However, the modern amenities you would expect from a five-star hotel in the heart London are of course all there too - electronically operated curtains, flat screen TVs (even in the bathroom), a tablet and a smart phone, as well as fast Wi-Fi. All bathrooms are marble and are finished off with vintage photos from Vogue and Hermes toiletries.

The Penthouse Suite 

The glamour doesn't end here - for the ultimate Wellesley experience, stay at the penthouse on the sixth and seventh floor, which can be enjoyed as a one, two and four-bedroom option. Part of the penthouse, The Churchill Suite boasts its own winding staircase, rooftop views, a spacious lounge area with feature fireplace, a private Humidor and Decanter Bar, as well as a butler, who will be on hand 24 hours a day.

Double rooms at The Wellesley Knightsbridge start at £329 per night; The Wellesley Penthouse starts from £2765 per night. 

Eleesa Dadiani, Founder and Owner of Dadiani Fine Art, recently became the first Fine Art gallery owner in the UK to accept cryptocurrency as payment for works of art, including bitcoin and five others. Here she delves into the prospects of the fine art and other luxury markets investing in the proliferation of cryptofinance.

The luxury market is often seen as stale and self-serving, an opaque world that is difficult to penetrate and resistant to change. I should know – I’ve owned a Mayfair art gallery for three years and I have witnessed it at first hand.

Earlier this year, I decided to introduce something new to the market. My gallery - Dadiani Fine Art - became the first in Britain to accept Bitcoin and all other leading cryptocurrencies. I have since launched Dadiani Syndicate, the UK’s first and only cryptocurrency luxury goods exchange, which will allow luxury assets and commodities such as diamonds, hyper cars and bloodstock to be purchased in digital currency.

This will broaden the market, bringing a new type of buyer to art and luxury. The cryptocurrency market is currently worth over £110b and there are cryptocurrency millionaires who now want to use this wealth to buy assets.

However, this is not an entirely demand-driven move. I am doing it because I am evangelical about cryptocurrencies, the Blockchain technology that underpins them, and the profound impact they will have not only in the art world but in every sphere of business and our everyday lives. This is a revolution that goes far beyond the art and luxury markets.

Examples of work found at Dadiani Fine Art

I realise that there is still a great deal of scepticism about cryptocurrencies and it needs to be confronted head-on. The first objection people always raise is that it provides cover for criminals and encourages criminality, that it’s used on the dark web to buy drugs and the like. There’s no doubt in the very early days of Bitcoin there was a criminal element involved, but the landscape has changed a great deal since then. Furthermore there are plenty of criminals with conventional bank accounts laundering money, so let’s not pretend mainstream banks aren’t affected by the same issues.

The mistake most people make is to think of cryptocurrency as a currency. It’s not – it’s the internet of money. Money is just one of its applications, but it’s not the most important. It’s the technology behind it that is revolutionary and the coins represent the technology; that’s what people are investing in. The technology will allow us to re-claim power, paving the way for de-centralised, peer to peer transactions without the intervention of an intermediary.

People accept structures that make no sense just because they have known nothing else – they pay interest to banks and pay fees for sending money abroad just because that’s always been the way things have been done. A decentralised exchange eradicates that.

In time, cryptocurrencies will change the world of business completely, but I understand there will be resistance just as there is with every innovation. However, when traditional markets – and the art world is one of the most traditional of them all – start to embrace it then we will see real, transformational change.

Are the art and luxury markets crying out for this change? Of course not. These markets will run themselves as they choose. But once you invent the infrastructure you create the demand. Before the car was invented we happily travelled by horse; we didn’t know any better. If you are travelling on a muddy path a horse will serve you well, but on an asphalt road you would choose a car over a horse every time. Once we all used cameras to take pictures, we had no alternative; then the smartphone was invented and it killed Kodak.

For cryptocurrencies to be recognised on a global scale you need to make a start somewhere; if you can start with a market that doesn’t need to adopt them but does it anyway that sends out a powerful message. It’s a bridge to other industries and markets.

This will be a new epoch. It does not mean we are going to change the art and luxury markets out of all recognition – the value of artwork and luxury products has been created over centuries and they will always be exclusive markets – but we are giving more people the chance to buy and to do it in a different way. And when that is done peer to peer, person to person, without the intervention of a centralised authority taking big transaction fees it demonstrates the power of decentralisation. The old world remains but is powered by new world technology.

Blockchain is a smart contract; it does not to have be verified by a central authority. Once we have embraced the concept of a mathematical model that has been designed to run itself we will wake up to its possibilities. Digital ledgers will give us back control; if only we could understand that we are not in control of our money when it’s sitting in a bank.

I understand that the world fears change and there will be plenty of cultural hurdles to overcome, but this is an exciting moment. I want to be in the vanguard of this change and see the art and luxury worlds lead the charge.

Eleesa Dadiani, Founder and Owner of Dadiani Fine Art