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WINTER SUN
Paradise found
ASK THE CONCIERGE
Take a punt on Cambridge
Zalán Schuster, Head Concierge, University Arms, Cambridge “With buildings that have endured the test of time for nearly a thousand years, Cambridge is remarkable. Beautiful in any season, there is so much to see here. To find your bearings, climb the 123 steps of the tower at Great St. Mary’s, which offers panoramic views of the city. Architecturally, St. John’s could be described as the most beautiful of the colleges. Amongst its alumni are the playwright Ben Jonson and the poet William Wordsworth. It is also worth having a look at The Bridge of Sighs – according to legend, undergraduates would sigh as they crossed the bridge if their exams had not gone well. Another must see is the Wren Library, which contains Sir Isaac Newton’s notes and the original Winnie-the-Pooh manuscript. Stop for a gourmet sandwich at Bread & Meat. Afterwards, pop into Jack’s Gelato for an ice cream, or Fitzbillies for one of their famous Chelsea Buns. Visiting the Botanic Garden is highly recommended: the 40-acre-garden with its 8,000+ species of plants is the perfect spot to find some head space. Round your day of sightseeing off with a drink at The Eagle, the most famous and historic pub in Cambridge. There are so many options where dinner is concerned, from excellent steaks at The Chophouse to vegan favourites at The Old Bicycle Shop. Alternatively, if you’re after fine dining, you can’t beat Midsummer House.” universityarms.com
WELLBEING BREAK
Soul Survival
We don’t need to tell you that travel is good for the soul, and a new staycation package from one of London’s top boutique hotels has been designed to harness that power – even when we aren’t able to truly get away. With the importance of mental and physical health at an all-time high, The Mandrake have introduced their ‘Soul Revival Package’.
An archipelago of 155 islands off the coast of East Africa, with its miles of spellbinding white sand beaches lapped by the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is about as close to paradise as its possible to get. And with no quarantine requirements on arrival, travel deprived as we are, there’s nowhere we’d rather be jetting off to. Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury accommodation here, though top of our wish list is the brand-new Mango House, by LXR Hotels & Resorts. Nestled in the fragrant fruit trees along the shores of Anse Aux Poules Bleues bay on Mahé, the largest of the islands, it is an intimate and exclusive oasis. Originally built as a family dwelling by celebrated Italian photographer Gian Paolo Barbieri, the hotel offers 41 impeccably designed guest rooms, suites, and villas, all with unobstructed sea views. Those in search of the ultimate family getaway can book an exclusive cluster of 13 guest rooms. Known as Cliff House, this is the largest villa in the Seychelles and comes complete with its own private, elevated pool. The luxurious facilities encompass
Every aspect of the luxury Fitzrovia hotel has been curated and designed to offer an immersive experience, from the towering living walls of jasmine and passionflower, to the cocoon like bedrooms and suites and the ground-breaking ethnobotanical cocktails served in the bar. Following the successful introduction
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two glorious pools, three exclusive restaurants serving fresh local cuisine, a cocktail bar and poolside bar, a secluded spa offering treatments incorporating locally made products, a well-equipped fitness suite and a kids club. Staying true to the LXR brand, every element of Mango House is connected to its surroundings with a focus on sustainability and supporting local businesses where possible. Feisal Jaffer, Global Head, LXR Hotels & Resorts says: “Mango House has an abundance of captivating stories to be told and we cannot wait to share them with our guests. Developed in harmony with its surroundings, Mango House mirrors the traditions of southern Mahé folklore, with the fascinating Seychellois culture woven into every aspect of the personalised guest experience.” For more information, see lxrhotels.com/mango-house-seychelles For help planning your trip to the Seychelles, visit seychelles.travel
of a spiritual wellness concierge last year – the world’s first – the hotel has designed a new overnight package to guide guests into the post pandemic world with an assortment of traditional and ancient wellness practises: from in-room bespoke energy healings to sound baths. All sessions are hosted by the best practitioners in their fields, such as
Shaman Eddy Elsey and sound healer Maria Lodetoft. The package also includes an overnight stay in an evergreen terrace room and a complimentary dinner for two on a private balcony. The ultimate escape: you’ll return from your night away feeling like you’ve spent a month away. From £730. For details, see themandrake.com
fabricmagazine.co.uk
17/09/2021 12:47
