Warm Welcome Magazine - April Issue by Ryan Leon Media

April Issue Core products leading the way for Adactus in 2022

Finally! A decaf tea from teapigs

String of new partnerships for BC SoftWear

Pages 18-19

Pages 26-27

Pages 34-35

warmwelcomemagazine.com

Contents 4

Hotels

Food & Drink Expo Show Preview

Hospitality Technology

Contract Flooring & Surfaces

Travel

To feature in an upcoming issue or to discuss advertising opportunities please contact a member of the Warm Welcome team; Publication Manager Dean Little - 01227 314 324 dean@warmwelcomemagazine.com Sales & Marketing Manager Michael Amor - 01227 314 324 michael@warmwelcomemagazine.com Editorial Assistant Carol Jean - 01227 314 324 carol@warmwelcomemagazine.com

Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style with Pride of Britain Hotels Earlier this year (6 February), Her Majesty the Queen became the first British Monarch to mark a Platinum Jubilee, following 70 years of service. Pride of Britain Hotels, the iconic brand which represents the very finest of British hospitality - and which, this year, celebrates its own 40th (Ruby) anniversary - invites everyone to mark this momentous Royal milestone with its guide to the most sparkling celebrations around the British Isles. Pride of Britain Hotels’ expertly-curated collection of the finest independent hotels in the UK offers a plethora of Platinum Jubilee-inspired experiences from which to choose. Here is our guide to enjoying the long weekend, whether you wish to partake in the celebrations or simply to enjoy a serene staycation. Choose from indulgent afternoon teas and menus featuring the finest British seasonal produce, to showstopping parties in resplendent garden settings, or sparkling staycations in sumptuous spaces, plus elegant city breaks showcasing the heritage and history of the country’s most distinguished hotels.

Plan your Platinum Jubilee calendar with Pride of Britain Hotels’ guide, below, to this bonus summer break: London The Queen’s private estates around the country will be joining in with special Jubileethemed events. In London, Buckingham Palace will open the doors to the Royal Mews, where visitors can discover coaches, horses and carriages (including the Gold State Coach used by The Queen for her Coronation in 1952) at the beautiful working stables (19 May-2 October). There’s much to look forward to over the official Jubilee weekend in June, including The Queen’s Birthday Parade, Trooping of the Colour (2 June), a special Service of Thanksgiving for The Queen’s reign at St Paul’s Cathedral (3 June) and a Platinum Party at Buckingham Palace (4 June). Buckingham Palace will also reopen its State Rooms this summer (22 July2 October). Special exhibitions include the Mary Gillick Jubilee exhibition at the British Museum (2 June-31 July), highlighting the life and

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work of the little-known sculptor known for designing the engraving of Elizabeth II used on coinage in the United Kingdom and elsewhere from 1953 to 1970 and the Imperial War Museum in Lambeth (as well as its museums in Manchester and Cambridgeshire), which is hosting a special photographic exhibition to mark 70 years of the Queen’s reign (summer). Visit the only hotel with a Royal Warrant from The Queen, in London’s Belgravia Located in London’s Belgravia, The Goring has been welcoming royalty since it was opened in 1910 by Otto Goring. It is the only hotel in the world to have been granted a Royal Warrant, in 1990, for hospitality services by HM The Queen, and is still run by the Goring family today. The historic hotel is located close to Buckingham Palace and is a firm favourite of the Royal family, with the Queen Mother formerly a regular visitor (she enjoyed the hotel’s classic Eggs Drumbiko dish) and the Duchess of Cambridge famously staying there with her family before her wedding to Prince William.

The Goring will commemorate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a sequence of celebrations, including a Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea (£60 pp, or £70 pp including a glass of champagne; available 19 April-2 October), a Coronation à la carte menu inspired by the dishes the hotel created for guests in residence for Her Majesty The Queen’s Coronation in 1953 (dishes from £19 pp; available from March), a Jubilee Fizz gold leaf champagne cocktail (£28 pp; available now) and The Goring Jubilee Goring Stay, which includes the Platinum Jubilee Tea, Jubilee Fizz cocktail with regal canapés, a threecourse Coronation-inspired dinner with Champagne and full English breakfast (costs from £868 per night*; two-night stays available from April to September). Jubilee Afternoon Tea in Mayfair The Athenaeum Hotel is the epitome of Art Deco elegance. Overlooking Green Park – the 40-acre Royal Park next to Buckingham Palace where a range of memorials, fountains and statues can be found – you’ll hear Royal Gun Salutes when ceremonial guns are fired to mark special royal occasions. Available 30 May to 5 June, the hotel’s Jubilee Afternoon Tea costs £45 and includes a selection of the Queen’s favourite sandwiches on bread from Royal Warrant Bakers ‘The Bread Factory’, including Burford Brown egg mayonnaise, chive and carraway, coronation chicken, and Severn & Wye smoked salmon with dill and cream cheese; handmade cakes and pastries including Battenburg, Victoria sponge, Royal chocolate cake and lavender choux; and scones with the Queen’s Royal Warrant choice of jam, Wilkins & Sons, along with clotted cream. Upgrade with a Royal Warrant tipple – from a choice of Pimm’s cup (£18), strawberry basiltini with Tanqueray Gin (£18) or Bollinger Special Cuvée (£25). An overnight stay costs from £331 per night*, including full English breakfast and use of the spa facilities. The South East The Platinum Jubilee Celebration in Windsor (12 -15 May) will see over 500 horses and 1,000 performers create a 90-minute piece of arena theatre that will feature actors, artistes, musicians, international military displays, dancers and global equestrian performances. The show takes place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, in same arena used by Royal Windsor Horse Show.

A Jubilee House Party in West Sussex Park House in Bepton is marking the Platinum Jubilee with a full day of celebrations and an overnight stay on 5 June. The West Sussex bolthole is hosting a Big Jubilee Lunch followed by a Jubilee Garden Party in its grounds, complete with village show traditions, games, al-fresco afternoon tea and Champagne. The extraordinary Sunday Stay costs from £310 per night*, including the House’s Big Jubilee Lunch, Bepton’s Jubilee party, full English breakfast and use of the spa facilities.

Hotel & Spa sits in manicured gardens in Newmarket, the birthplace and global centre of thoroughbred horse racing. The Queen’s love of horses – and horse racing – is well known, though less well known is the fact that her horses have won many prestigious races at Newmarket over the years. An overnight stay at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa costs from £120 per night*, including full English breakfast and use of the health club facilities. Hartwell House & Spa

Talbooth House & Spa is also celebrating its Platinum anniversary this year. The bucolic country house has seven days of spectacular events planned to mark its seven decades, all with a dash of royal glamour. Events at the Platinum Festival (1 to 7 May) include a Champagne Tea Party (2 May; £70 pp), Wine & Food Safari (3 May; £75 pp), Music & Magic (4 May; £110 pp) and a Bordeaux Dinner (5 May; £200 pp). An overnight stay at Talbooth House & Spa costs from £210 per night*, including full English breakfast.

Once home to Louis XVIII, the exiled King of France, and used as a training ground for British and American forces during the Second World War, Hartwell House, in Buckinghamshire, is steeped in history. The Grade I listed 17th century stately home is set in 90 acres of grounds, and the King’s Bedroom, situated at the top of the main Jacobean staircase, was occupied by Louis XVIII from 1809 – 1814. Guests can sleep in an antique four-poster bed and admire the same uninterrupted views that the King of France enjoyed over 200 years ago. An overnight stay at Hartwell House & Spa costs from £210 per night*, including full English breakfast and use of the spa facilities.

Royal steeds in Suffolk

The South West

Originally built as a Georgian hunting lodge for the Duke of Bedford, Bedford Lodge

On 5 June, a classic car run will travel 70 miles through Cornwall, from Bodmin to

Double Platinum celebrations in Essex

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Penzance. Organised by the Rotary Club of Bodmin, this social classic car run will include 70 beautiful British vehicles – one for each year of The Queen’s reign. The earliest car will be a 1952 MG TD and the latest a 2022 electric Jaguar. Stay like a sovereign in a stylish suite in Cornwall

hosting a Platinum Jubilee Celebration Tea on 2 May, featuring an exquisite selection of sandwiches, pastries including lemon & Earl Grey macarons and raspberry fondant fancies, and scones with jam, lemon curd and cream, at £35pp (£12.50 for children under 12). An overnight stay at Kilworth House costs from £145 per night*.

of the bucolic garden include a potager, a knot garden, secluded pathways, statues by Simon Verity and borders of magnolias, tulips and white spirea. An overnight stay at Barnsley House costs from £224 per night*, including full English breakfast and use of the spa facilities. Scotland

The Cotswolds With its dramatic location overlooking the sea, The Headland Hotel & Spa in Cornwall has hosted many royal guests over the years, from King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in the early 1900s to, more recently, the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal. Available in May and June, the iconic Victorian hotel’s two-night Platinum Jubilee stay costs from £570 per night*, including accommodation in a Fistral suite, Ocean suite or Best suite, full English breakfast, a three-course dinner and a glass of Champagne, plus a two-course supper and a Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea. Dine (and sleep) like a Queen in Bath With Palladian architecture fit for a Queen, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is a honey-hued hideaway located on one of Britain’s most iconic Georgian crescents (also the setting for the hit regal Netflix drama, Bridgerton). Dine like royalty in neoclassical surroundings and enjoy a delightful Champagne afternoon tea and a decadent six-course tasting dinner, before sinking into a sumptuously comfortable bed for a night of sweet dreams. Jubilee Joy costs from £530 per night*, including accommodation in a Deluxe room, a Jubilee-themed cocktail, a six-course tasting dinner, Champagne afternoon tea and access to the spa facilities. Available 1 to 6 June; two-night stays only. Central England

A royal escape in Gloucestershire A grand 15th century manor house in glorious parkland, Ellenborough Park overlooks Cheltenham Race Course, where the pinnacle of racing, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, is held each year. Cheltenham Racecourse has long been a favourite of the Royal Family, with the late Queen Mother a regular at the track and The Queen also attending. Ellenborough Park is known for its elegant afternoon teas served in sumptuous surroundings; in the splendour of the hotel’s Great Hall, indulge in a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with rich clotted cream and preserves, sweet treats and a choice of tea and coffee. Follow this by an overnight stay for the ultimate indulgent escape. Available throughout 2022, A Royal Escape costs from £270 per night*, including accommodation in a luxurious room, Afternoon Tea with a glass of Kir Royale and full English breakfast. Royal garden design in Barnsley, near to Roman Cirencester 17th-century Barnsley House is a wisteriaclad, chic retreat in a picturesque honeystone village in the heart of the Cotswolds. The house was once the family home of acclaimed garden designer Rosemary Verey, who advised Prince Charles on his garden at nearby Highgrove. Highlights

In the UK’s long tradition of beacon lighting that celebrates royal jubilees, weddings and coronations, across the country on the 2 June, 70 beacons will be lit in each county to mark the monarch’s 70-year reign. Leicestershire will be lighting up its National Space Centre and County Hall, and communities across the county will be lighting their beacon braziers at night. The Severn Valley Railway’s 34027 Taw Valley steam locomotive engine is temporarily being renamed Elizabeth II, and is being painted purple by the railway in honour of the occasion. An elegant celebratory afternoon tea in Kilworth Kilworth House Hotel & Theatre in South Leicestershire, a magnificent Victorian manor house hotel with its very own theatre set within an idyllic English country garden, is 6

Hotels

This year, the grounds, gardens and Ballroom at Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s Scottish holiday home, will be open daily from 1 April – 2 August. The Ballroom exhibition will display the Queen’s outfits and celebrate all aspects of life on the much-loved estate, and there will also be a special Jubilee weekend afternoon tea available. Meanwhile in Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyrood will showcase a selection of outfits worn by Her Majesty on different occasions to celebrate the Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees. A shipshape celebration with royal history in Edinburgh Berthed in the historic Port of Leith, Scotland’s only luxury floating hotel, Fingal, is marking The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with sister ship, The Royal Yacht Britannia, by offering a truly unique quayside celebration. Fingal is a former Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) vessel (Princess Anne had a cabin on board as patron of the NLB), and Britannia is The Queen’s former yacht, where royalty, dignitaries and celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra were entertained. The special experience (price TBC) includes a private quayside welcome via red carpet, a captivating guided tour of The Royal Yacht Britannia, Afternoon Tea with Champagne or dinner with waterside views and a Britannia Guidebook. A royal tour of Edinburgh and a stay fit for a Queen

The historic Dunstane Houses, in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End, combine modern Scottish hospitality with classic Edinburgh architecture, Victorian period features, Orcadian soft furnishings, authentic tweeds, a huge range of whiskies, and even their very own botanical ‘DunGin’. Take advantage of their special ‘Royal Jubilee Package’ (from 1 May to 31 October, except August), which features a private chauffeur-driven royal tour of the city with a visit to the Queen’s residence, the Palace of Holyrood, Craigmillar Castle and the Royal Yacht Britannia for afternoon tea. The two-night stay in a Luxury King Double includes a Full Scottish Breakfast each morning and a first night glass of Champagne plus dinner in the Ba Bar, from £475 pp. A Scottish Highland fling Nestled within the spectacular landscape of the Cairngorms National Park, The Fife Arms is close to Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s Scottish holiday home. Owned by Manuela and Iwan Wirth, two of the world’s most influential art dealers, the imaginative hotel is brimming with art and antiques. The Braemar Gathering, or the Royal Highland Games – part of the Scottish Highland Games –

takes place five-minutes’ walk from the hotel each September. Since 1848, the gathering has been attended by the reigning Monarch and members of the Royal Family. The hotel’s Victoriana Suites, where Queen Victoria once stayed, were inspired by the Royal Highland Games. An overnight stay at The Fife Arms costs from £250 per night*, including full English breakfast. All aboard for a Scottish small-ship cruise Set sail for the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The Hebridean Princess cruise ship is a firm favourite of HM The Queen, who has commissioned it twice for family holidays, including her milestone 80th birthday celebrations. The luxury small-ship cruise boat sails from Oban and carries just 50 guests and 37 staff. Seven-night, all-inclusive cruises start from £5,220, based on two sharing a cabin in low season. Regal afternoon tea at a fairytale castle in Ayrshire Glenapp Castle, a fairytale Scottish Baronialstyle castle in 36 acres of gardens and woodlands overlooking the coast and nearby Ailsa Craig, the Isle of Arran and Holy

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Island, will host a Jubilee Afternoon Tea. With a regal theme of purple, gold and diamonds, the menu will feature pastries such as Tonka Bean Macaron Topped with a Royal Crown, and Blackcurrant Choux Bun with Hendricks Gin Jelly & Parma Violet Cremeaux, including a free glass of Champagne for anyone named Elizabeth (£35 pp or £50 pp including Champagne). Nationwide initiatives including The Queen’s Green Canopy, which invites individuals to plant a tree for the Jubilee, and The Platinum Pudding Competition, a baking competition to find the perfect new royal pudding, will create a lasting reminder of The Queen’s Jubilee. Platinum Jubilee Beacons (2 June) will see over 1,500 beacons lit throughout the UK and Commonwealth to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Furthermore, The Big Jubilee Lunch (5 June) will see street parties up and down the country as communities are encouraged to get together to mark the occasion. *Room prices are based on two sharing, including breakfast and additional items mentioned. Pride of Britain Hotels may be contacted on 0800 089 3929 or visit the website at: www.prideofbritainhotels.com

Hart Shoreditch introduces a unique and Authentic Design Hub in the East-End Stay in style at Hart Shoreditch, from Curio Collection by Hilton, located just a convenient 5-minute walk from Old Street Station and Shoreditch overground. From its opening in 2020, Hart Shoreditch offers a fantastic base in which to explore all of London’s East End hotspots and is a unique celebration of the area’s heritage of craftspeople and makers. Working with the internationally acclaimed, yet East London local design studio – Fabled Studio whom conceived a unique and captivating design that is deeply rooted in showcasing these historic London industries including furniture makers, metal works and silk weavers seamlessly blending these within the modern-day Shoreditch, for a warm, welcoming, one of a kind stay for those seeking a new stomping ground in the Big Smoke.

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Communal Spaces and Community Guests are immediately met with the hotel’s craftsmanship links and unique touches at check in, with the reception desk’s unique copper detailing hammered into the desk, harking back to the metal workers of Victorian Shoreditch. The hotel’s bright and airy lobby is the perfect spot to bring local creatives together with its contemporary co-working space, featuring crafted dark mahogany lights designed to replicate cabinetmaker’s boxes in homage to the area’s rich carpentry past. Those seeking privacy for get togethers or meeting can make use of the hotel’s bespoke and vibrant event spaces down the iron spiral staircase, designed to emulate the look and feel of 18th century Huguenot townhouses synonymous with East London and its silk weaving past.

Engulfed in the heart of the neighbourhood, the building stretches onto Great Eastern Street and is surrounded by authentic local shops from independent book shops, florists and more that flock to Hart as a hub of creativity. Restaurants, Rooms, and Special Touches Hart’s distinctive design and historic homages continue through the restaurant and rooms and are reflected throughout the rest of the building. The hotels on site Eastern Mediterranean restaurant and bar, Barboun, boasts an industrial-luxe aesthetic with rattan and Thonet-style chairs and partition’s inspired by the Victorian furniture makers workshops of Great Eastern Street. Settle into dinners with delicious freshly prepared dishes cooked over the wood fire and grill, in a contemporary and unique setting. Guests can further delight in design and drinks at Tavla Bar, which hosts DJ’s and emerging talent along with serving up signature cocktails and flatbreads inspired by the flavours of Anatolia. For a purely unique, post dinner caffeine fix, order a

Turkish coffee cooked over hot sand and let the senses be awaken. The bar area is adorned with textured woven stools mixed with lounge chairs in muted tones and softened textures giving the space a modern, residential feel for guests to feel truly relaxed and at home in. The rooms themselves exhibit and embody the design ethos of Hart, complete with soft textures, furnishings, warm lighting, raw materials, industrial touches, and workshop aesthetics. Guests can relax in one of the 126 elegant rooms or suites, which each offer an imaginative and sophisticated space with large floor to ceiling windows with London views. Those looking to unwind can do so in the luxurious marble showers and bathtubs in a warm, urban space. Nightly rates at Hart Shoreditch start from £189 on a room-only basis. For more information or to book please visit www.hartshoreditch.com or call +44 (0) 20 3995 3655

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2022 Wellbeing trends, and how the luxury hospitality industry is responding With self-care high on the nation’s agenda in the wake of Covid-19, the start of 2022 saw a flood of trend predictions for the world of wellness. Experts hypothesised on the correct way to scrub our skin, stand on our heads, and stimulate our senses for the year ahead. As an industry compounded of various beauty, spa and fitness fields, the ever-changing ‘wellness’ landscape can be a challenging one to grasp. Utilising our diverse roster of industry experts (and leaders in their field), Sauce Communications has taken a deep-demystifying-dive into how these predictions have manifested. From the rise of CBD in Yorkshire to spa rewilding in Sussex, read on for an insight into how consumers are prioritising their health this year and what we can expect to see next. - Trend: THE RISE OF CBD: Over the past year, previously underrated CBD has gained more prominence in the health and leisure industries due to its natural properties and healing benefits. The Coniston Hotel in Yorkshire has seen its many benefits continue to be discovered.

- Reality: After launching a range of bespoke OTO CBD massage treatments and utilising CBD in their food and drink through cocktail bitters, The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa have partnered with OTO to host ‘The Power of CBD’ retreat in the Yorkshire Dales. Held between 17th – 19th March 2022, each day of the two-night retreat will be themed on one of OTO’s three pillars - Focus, Amplify and Balance. Guests will understand the remarkable benefits of CBD, whilst immersing themselves in an enriching spa experience at Nàdarra Spa nested within The Coniston’s picturesque and private 1,400-acre Yorkshire Dales estate. Expect sunrise yoga, a gong bath, sound meditation and more. - What next: The rise of bathing: Baths have always been a fantastic way to relax and unwind, however now have added health benefits. At The Coniston’s Nàdarra Spa you can enjoy spectacular scenery and fresh Yorkshire air whilst soaking in either of the outdoor roll-top baths, either pure Scottish seaweed, which is naturally healing, moisturising and has anti-ageing benefits, or therapeutic tea, which is detoxifying,

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immune-enhancing and great for balancing your body and mind. Rates start from £549 per person (double occupancy) or £689 per person (single occupancy). - Trend: Spa Rewilding: With climate anxiety an unmoving obstacle for 2022, spa goers are looking to achieve physical and environmental regeneration in harmony. Fresh water pools and ponds are set to become an essential element for forward thinking, eco-conscious spa developers. - Reality: Exclusive Collection’s South Lodge Hotel & Spa in Sussex is helping guests rewild their body and mind with their large natural filtered outdoor swimming pool which forms the centrepiece of the Spa. Botanica, the hotel’s Mediterranean inspired restaurant has also introduced a number of plant-based plates to encourage circular consumption including the Wasted Burger, made entirely from left over pulp from the morning juices. - What next: Social Spa’ing: The spa team at South Lodge have found a real focus on the social side of the spa experience with an

increase in over 20% for the couple’s mud room treatment compared to 2019 and regular requests for groups of friends spa’ing together. They have seen a huge increase in requests for spa events for both membership and day guests with skincare workshops and social gatherings being very well attended. Rates at South Lodge start from £285 per night on a B&B basis. - Trend: Happiness Through Hobbies – Picking up new hobbies and creative hacks has been on the rise since lockdown and consumers continue to seek out events and masterclasses that improve our skill credentials.

to meet new people and enjoy a herbal tea by the communal fire side. Rates at Bedruthan start from £165 on a B&B basis. - Trend: Personalised holistic treatments –The move away from generic advice and one-size-fits-all treatments. Consumers are seeking personalised experiences where they can learn more about themselves and determine practices that benefit their own holistic healing.

- Reality: A scandi-inspired retreat on top of the Cornish clifftops, Bedruthan Hotel & Spa is a colourful, idyllic choice for nature loving travellers. In 2022 the hotel will offer a myriad of creative workshops for guests young and old, from outdoor survival camps for kids to surfing for grown-ups, candle making for couples and beginners’ embroidery. Each month of the year will see guests exposed to tricks and tips from local artisans, encouraging visitors to leave their holiday with new skills under their belt.

- Reality: Renowned for its eco spa and clifftop wooden sauna, Scarlet Hotel in Cornwall has built a reputation for sustainability. The fundamental wellness offering at the hotel however, is the use of Ayurvedic principles. Each guest receives a personal consultation to determine how best to achieve total natural balance for them individually. The ‘Solo Ayurvedic Journey’ invites guests to discover a guided combination of restorative treatments, including a long therapeutic massage accompanied by the sound of crashing Atlantic waves. Treatments take place in tented, lantern-lit rooms and include stillness afterwards in the deep relaxation room’s suspended cocoon pods.

- What next: Emotional Fitness – Responding to the emphasis on mental contentment and the ‘It’s okay not to be okay’ movement of 2021, hotels will prioritise making space for meditation, therapy and group recovery. Bedruthan Hotel & Spa are set to host their first men’s mental health retreat in 2022 and already offer shared spa experiences for guests

- What Next: Emphasis on Community – A new era of humanity hospitality will see consumers giving back to the destination through charitable contributions. For personal wellbeing to flourish, the team at Scarlet believe we must take care of community and environmental wellbeing too. The hotel is a member of the Cornwall Sustainable Tourism project (CoasT) and

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offers guests the opportunity to support charities such as Surfers Against Sewage with a £5 donation per booking. Rates at The Scarlet start from £245 on a B&B basis. - Trend: Spa Simplicity – After two years of strict travel restrictions, controlled movement, long queues and confusing rulebooks, travellers are looking to experience minimalism for a sense of wellness. When it comes to going abroad to source wellbeing, the less complicated, the better. - Reality: Embracing this trend, Discovery Hotel Management in Portugal, allow guests complete autonomy with no check out times, no deadline for breakfast and pools open night and day. Azores Hotel houses a natural pool with no chemical usage and works with 100% natural and organic products, whilst Èvora Farm Hotel offers 11-hectares of total tranquillity, with nature walks, food and wine tastings, breakfast on the hotel’s meadows at dawn, and learning more about farm life a handful of the wellness experiences on offer. - What Next: Local Immersion. The team at Spa Azor have seen continued guest interest in the connection between the Island of São Miguel and hotel spa practices. A strong appeal for guests is that all ingredientes at the hotel are produced locally, be that the essential oils of Laurus Azorica and Cryptomeria used at the spa or the Azorean milk, yoghurt and pineapple available at breakfast. Rates for 2 nights at Evora Farm Hotel, based on 2 adults sharing start from €108.

Hospitality leaders launch auction to raise funds for Ukraine crisis A collaboration of hospitality industry representatives has created an auction of extraordinary experiences to help raise funds for the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. More than 50 incredible prizes have been donated by hotels and hospitality organisations to Hospitality Auction4Ukraine. Items include a suite and cocktails at The Savoy, a private dining experience for 12 guests at Corrigan’s of Mayfair, and a stay at Claridge’s. Amongst other lavish items on offer is a Vintage Steam Boat Experience at Henley Regatta, two tickets to the Hurlingham Club Grand Prix Ball, a South of France Classic Car Road Rally as well as a collection of four Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Whiskies and more.

Proceeds will be donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which is operating in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to help meet the needs of refugees and displaced people. With four million people expected to be displaced by the Ukrainian crisis, the money raised will provide direct aid to those who need it most. Hospitality Auction4Ukraine is open to all, not just the hospitality industry, with the opportunity to place bids online. The auction will close at 9pm on 14 April. Stuart Bowery MI, multi property general manager, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London said: “The launch of Hospitality Auction4Ukraine is a vital step in the hospitality industry’s collective fundraising

goal to support the Ukrainian people in their time of need. We are extremely grateful to the businesses that have donated prizes to help us reach this goal.” Hospitality Auction4Ukraine was launched in conjunction with Lunch4Ukraine, a fundraising event which takes place at JW Marriott Grosvenor House on 5 April. UKHospitality, The Master Innholders, The Caterer, Gold Key Media, Custard Communications, Hospitality Action and the Institute of Hospitality aim to raise £100,000 for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine appeal. Hospitality Auction4Ukraine is now open for bidding: www.superstars-auctions.com/ lunch4ukraine

Where the UK food & drink industry meets Informing, inspiring and connecting the industry

We look forward to April when the industry comes back together at the UK Food & Drink Shows, encompassing Food & Drink Expo, National Convenience Show, Farm Shop & Deli Show and The Forecourt Show. Make sure you come along to Food & Drink Expo to build your network face to face, touch and taste the latest product launches, discover business building insight and save time by seeing everyone in the same buzzing space.

Food & Drink Expo Food & Drink Expo is set to return to the NEC, Birmingham this April (25th – 27th) as part of the UK Food & Drink Shows, bringing the very best from across key industries back together for an unrivalled three days of trends, innovation, networking and insight. The flagship event for retail, wholesale and foodservice audiences, Food & Drink Expo centres itself around ground-breaking new products and technologies that are set to help hospitality businesses thrive in 2022 and beyond. Visitors looking for inspiration will get the inside track on this year’s latest, greatest launches, alongside the chance to see, sample and secure a fast track to profitability. Market Fresh, Radnor Hills, Food & Drink Wales, Meatless Farm and Peck & Strong are just a handful of the innovative exhibitors preparing for the show alongside many others, including: Suma (Stand Q240), the UK’s largest independent wholefood cooperative stocking over 7,000 products including vegetarian, fairtrade, organic, artisan, ethical

and all-natural produce as well as extensive chilled and frozen ranges. Dojo (Stand K169), the company that processes transaction 80% faster than the industry average and provides cuttingedge payment technology to over 30,000 businesses across the UK and Ireland.

Meanwhile, The Grocer Magazine’s Talking Shop Live will hold a series of events to discuss and debate the key challenges facing the sector. The stellar line-up of business boosting live seminars will be discussing everything from sustainability and the latest trends to boosting profits and customer satisfaction. Don’t miss:

Refresco (Stand P150), the world’s largest independent bottler. Creators of popular branded and private label juices, juice drinks, carbonated soft drinks, mineral waters as well as ready-to-drink alcohol and freezables, Refresco also supports product development, category management, trade marketing, selling and distribution of other brands. Zumex (Stand M189), the leading provider for fruit and vegetable juicing solutions. Having launched the first automatic commercial juicer for the hospitality industry in 1985, they have since developed a prestigious portfolio from the most compact automatic citrus juicer in the market to the best performance machine for high demand areas.

‘Purpose and profits: how values add value to your business’, an inspiring panel session centred on the positives and pitfalls of embracing a more ethical approach (Tuesday 26th April, 12.40pm, The Grocer Talking Shop Live). For all the latest insight on pressing issues and key trends across the hospitality landscape, broadcaster Louise Minchin is joined by experts from across the industry in ‘The View from the Top: Where are we now?’, (Monday 25th April, 12.40pm, The Grocer Talking Shop Live). ‘Lessons from the Pitlane’, a session with Formula 1 manager Marc Priestley who will be sharing his tips on how to inspire people

Food & Drink Expo Show Preview

to work together under pressure and talking about strengthening your team whatever your role to help keep everything on track (Monday 25th April, 1pm, The Retailer Hub). At the Dragon’s Pantry, brave entrepreneurs will experience the ultimate retail test. Game-changing start-ups will have 15 minutes to pitch their ideas to a team of fearsomelyexperienced industry ‘dragons’ and impress with their ideas, strategy and understanding. With thousands of visitors expected – drawn to the variety of products on show, the insight from expert panels and the opportunity to take stock of the market in person for the first time since the pandemic hit – Food & Drink Expo is firmly in the diary as the event to attend in 2022 to reignite business while rubbing shoulders with some big industry names. Andrew Reed, Managing Director – Wine & Exhibitions, William Reed, said: “Visitors and exhibitors alike will benefit from the insight, innovation and trends on show at Food & Drink Expo. The entire industry has had a tough time of it over the last two years and I’m so glad we’re able to bring people back together to share new products, create networking opportunities and celebrate the fantastic business that is hospitality.” Encompassing four key sectors across the industry the UK Food & Drink Shows, comprising Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show and The Forecourt Show, are unrivalled in their ability to bring people together, build and foster better relationships, discover business building insight and celebrate innovation, all with the support of the multi-award-winning William Reed brand. Registration is free and one badge provides access to all four show. Find out more and register today at: www.foodanddrinkexpo.co.uk

Food & Drink Expo Show Preview

NOTHING . BUT . NATURE Tired of the same old shhh…? Being creative, bold and adventurous with flavours is our passion and our excitement is seeing the look on your face when you try a Blendsmiths for the very first time, knowing full well, life just got that little bit more colourful! A love for food, drinks, good people and challenging the everyday routine is at the heart of what we do. The exploration of taste started long before our launch in 2017, but ever since then, we haven’t wavered in our commitment to providing a range of exciting products using the best quality, natural ingredients we can get our hands on. Blendsmiths drinking chocolate and superfood blends bridge the gap between the avid tea drinkers and the exuberant coffee enthusiasts. The blends themselves are an explosion of excitement and a sensory overload, bursting with flavour. Innately, we are creatures of habit, home comforts and routine. But driven by our access to immediate information, the speed at which we live life and the influence of those around us, we are ever evolving into inquisitive beings ready to indulge in experimental flavours. We’ve been locked up for way too long and we all want to get back out there and be wowed by life again. We want to taste life and all that it has to offer, experiment with excitement and adventure into the unknown. It’s true, it’s been a turbulent 18 months for us all. Honestly, we still don’t know what the 16 20

future holds (as we never really did) but as the hospitality industry begins to re-open, it’s important that we value and spoil our customers more than we ever have before. Our blends have been disrupting the British café scene for the past four years and have absolutely cemented their place on menus up and down the country. New the market this winter aretoour Brandtonew to the market and besingle launched serve sachets,will perfect for the home users, cafés, this summer, be our single serve restaurants, gyms for andthe hotels. With the expected sachets, perfect home users, cafés, increase of people staycations restaurants, gyms embarking and hotels.onWith the this year, we need to ask of thepeople question - are the same expected increase embarking old selection of non-alcoholic drinksto really on staycations this year, we need askgoing the to cut the mustard?! We also something question - are the same oldhave selection of uniquely refreshing hitting thegoing shelves non-alcoholic drinks really tothis cut the summer, the game changer is on its way. mustard?! Expectations have elevated, quality over quantity is what people are looking for and the Great British public are on the hunt for ‘health’ orientated products after nearly two years of being told that we’re all sick as a dog! Thankfully, at Blendsmiths we create delicious plant-based, vegan drinks that have many advantageous health and medicinal benefits, although we do blend with the emphasis of taste at the forefront of what we do. We have a healthy range of powders that can be used in a variety of ways. They can be made into hot drinks, iced beverages ready for those summer months, or the powder

can be used in milkshakes, ice cream, baking and even cooking. Our storage jars, point of sale material and ‘how to make’ video demonstrations, will help every stockist get the most out of our wonderful blends. But most importantly, by stocking our range, you will show your customers that you are ready to cater for the wider more adventurous audience and keep-up with the ever-evolving drinks scene. Our blends arrive in beautifully hand designed, recyclable bags that any establishment would be proud to display. We have committed ourselves to creating shared values with our suppliers. We ensure that the ingredients we source are produced without both human and animal suffering, with a strong emphasis of being cultivated and produced with minimum impact to the environment. As part of our ‘Better Together Program’, we also donate a % of revenue to Mustard Tree. This life-changing charity, from our home city of Manchester, supports and creates opportunities for communities in the local area, tackling both causes and consequences of poverty. For a FREE sample pack of our blends or to set up an account, please contact us at hello@blendsmiths.com or visit our website for further details at www.blendsmiths.com

Take a ‘sip’ into the unknown and join the blending revolution

Food Food&&Drink DrinkExpo ExpoShow ShowPreview Preview

17 21

Core products leading the way for Adactus in 2022 Our hospitality clients have shifted focus from tactical efforts to pick their way through the Covid minefield to more strategic development, designing their customer experience for the next five years and beyond. As a result, Adactus has shifted focus from bespoke software projects to the launch of 3 customer experience product ranges: • • •

Ordering transactions Reservations, waitlists and event ticketing Data-driven intelligence

Orders Adactus Orders offers a range of Restaurant/Food service ordering features, including Order at Table, Waiter Service, Kiosk, Click and Collect, Delivery and Drive-thru. This product helps hospitality businesses to improve the consistency and quality of the customer experience offered, by: • •

• •

Identifying the right location and type of order Showcasing products, prices, offers and deals in a way tailored to the guest’s needs e.g. kids menu to those with children, nutritional or allergen info to those who need it Enabling the guest and their party to manage the pace of their visit – including payment when it’s time to go Ensuring the front- and back-of-house team are consistently and accurately informed on what the guest wants – so they can offer a great service

Guests consistently spend more money and report greater satisfaction when using the product versus offline ordering – and important marketing data is collected about every visit.

Reservations Adactus Reservations was initially designed for the hospitality sector but has adapted to cover other sectors’ operations, with features including resource reservation, service appointments and event ticketing. Offering a reservation service is a win-win; many customers need the certainty of a confirmed booking when planning a visit, and businesses are better able to plan service and offer a personalised welcome to customers who have booked. At busy times, a waitlist can allow customers to be contacted via a call, SMS or email when, for example, a table is free — so a sale that would otherwise be lost is captured. Deposits and communication tools can reduce the impact of no-shows, and integration to ordering can offer guests the option to pre-order or pre-pay – e.g. for Christmas parties.

Intelligence Our Data Intelligence product offers CRM through a single view of the customer, collating and organising data from all customer touchpoints. Key features include: • • • • •

Secure and GDPR compliant single view of the customer (SVC) database Integration with all customer systems – ordering, reservations, EPOS, wifi, website, email... Segmentation tools so brands can personalise and tailor communication to be more relevant Manage and evaluate always-on and campaign communication Analyse business performance over time to find new opportunities

We work with some of the biggest names in hospitality. We’ve built solutions that address real business challenges, whether you have one venue or four hundred. To find out how we can help your business, contact us: 01844 269090 hello@adactus.co.uk

Core product range

We’ve built solutions that address real business needs. Contact us to find out how our products can help your business.

01844 269090 adactus.co.uk hello@adactus.co.uk

Table Service App: Global ordering app saving thousands of restaurants money by reducing fees from Just Eat, UberEats and Deliveroo With no downloads or complex sign ups, Table Service is the fastest, simplest and most affordable ordering platform on the market Table Service - the superfast, trailblazing web app with refreshingly low fees - is making a head-turning move into the takeaway sector following global success in hospitality. Using the latest in real-time web technology and QR codes, Table Service enables restaurants to offer a rapid, direct means of ordering to its regular customers without paying high fees to delivery

giants like Just Eat, Deliveroo and UberEats. Many people stick to their favourite options when they order takeaway, choosing the same venues every week. Table Service takes the approach that restaurants should not have to pay big fees in this scenario. With the Table Service web app, venues have the tools to keep their loyal fanbase coming back without the big price tags - but also the ability to convert new customers that stumble across their restaurant on delivery platforms.

Hospitality Technology

Table Service makes things easy by producing a QR code, sticker or even fridge magnet - which users can scan to bring up a fully-branded menu and order anytime (even bookmarking it on smartphones). Not only does this offer users faster access to their most-loved takeaways, it eliminates the need to scroll through the competition - building and strengthening customer loyalty in the process. Venues can enjoy huge savings as a result - empowering them to offer discounts to their regular, happy customers.

Table Service has proven enormously popular with diners for its speed and ease of use since its launch back in 2020. Over 1,500 venues have implemented the tech so far - with restaurants taking advantage of some of the lowest transaction fees available. All orders are sent straight to the Table Service dashboard within the venue in real-time - allowing restaurants to effectively manage demand and payments. Founder Ben Hogan - a former mobile app agency owner who developed order-at-table software for his local pub when the pandemic struck - said that Table Service started as a passion project, but quickly took off with users and venues alike. The web app is now used across the UK, Germany, USA and Spain - with venues able to get up and running in less than 30 minutes. Ben stated: “The reason Table Service has done so well is because it’s so completely frictionless.

There are no downloads or signups, no browsing through hundreds of other restaurants. “If you fancy a Chinese you simply open your favourite Chinese restaurant menu, if you fancy pizza you simply open your favourite pizza menu and order directly. If you can’t decide, jump on one of the big apps and eat your way through to discover new restaurants until you become a regular. “When you’re ordering a takeaway, it’s like Netflix: You spend 30 minutes debating and then go for the option you always knew you were going to. “Historically, it’s been hard work ordering food on your phone - having to download a different app for each place and then waiting ages for the menu to load. We changed that with easy QR code tech to make things simpler

Hospitality Technology

and faster - and now we’re introducing it for takeaways. “Table Service takeaway ordering lets customers choose their favourite place instantly without all that needless timewasting browsing. It’s fast and efficient and builds brand loyalty - converting casual customers into regulars. “There are no monthly costs or set up fees for Table Service - just some of the lowest transaction fees in the industry from 1% plus 14p” Alongside restaurants and takeaways, Table Service software is being rolled out across social clubs and room service for hotels, with the brand projected to grow further in 2022. Learn more about the Table Service app on the official website: www.tableserviceapp.com

Data visualisation helps Hotels boost guest satisfaction In personalised guest experiences, leading to higher Guest Satisfaction Scores.

strengthening of its reputation as one of the best value brands in Spain.

Data is enabling hotels to be more responsive to market changes and guest needs with innovative visualisation. VIVOOD Landscape Hotel’s team can deliver a more personalised service through using a live dashboard which displays guest data intuitively from the PMS.

Zeus utilised VIVOOD’s data from SIHOT. PMS to highlight key concern areas in the guest experience and hotel operations. Through a customised centralised dashboard - accessible to all staff, including reception, spa services and catering - the hotel team can access full guest details, giving them the ability to provide enhanced personal interactions.

The hotel staff found the tool helped them build a greater understanding of each guests’ needs, requirements and sentiments, allowing them to quickly respond to customers’ needs to heighten the guest experience. With real-time data access, VIVOOD’s custom dashboards address core commercial objectives and elevate the guest experience within the resort. By reviewing the impact of key customer touchpoints, the hotel has been able to make faster and more accurate operational decisions which have led to increased guest satisfaction and the

“Any employee can easily visualise what is happening in the hotel. We can know at any moment of their stay the level of satisfaction of each guest, and any special needs, so our team can act and interact accordingly. Whether in the restaurant, spa or reception, having the data at their fingertips lets our team build meaningful relationships with our guests,” explains Daniel Mayo, General Manager, VIVOOD. The hotel managers incorporated a customisable and automated operational

Hospitality Technology

panel into their dashboard, highlighting daily strategic data points, that optimises the PMS data. Zeus developed the KPIs to calculate performance tailored to the property including a dashboard displaying a map of rooms that required turnaround. “Data is easily accessible from Vivood’s PMS without the need of developing an API. Not only are we able to extrapolate vast quantities of performance data from across the hotel, but we can use daily snapshots of hotel information,” said Vicente Castillo, Project Manager, Zeus. “A hotel’s success depends on making the right decisions from optimal data management. VIVOOD’s vision demonstrates the value of the comprehensive data we make available to all our customers,” said Carsten Wernet, Chief Executive, SIHOT Hotel data can be extracted from the PMS, or hotels can set up automated data retrieval, providing updates in real-time.

Finally! A decaf tea from teapigs It’s been a long time coming but teapigs are thrilled to finally unveil their first ever decaf tea. Using the C02 method to gently decaffeinate the tea leaves, this creates a cuppa with all the award winning full flavour of teapigs everyday tea, but with none of the caffeine. The premium decaf black tea market is currently pretty limited so this new launch is an exciting trade up for stockists and customers from a trusted brand, particularly amongst the pre and young family consumer groups who are willing to spend that little bit more on better caffeine free teas to enjoy throughout the day. Decafs and caffeine free options are also extremely possibly with consumers to help them relax at the end of the day so this is an ideal addition to any tea offering in hotels and venues with accommodation. “The decaffeination process can be quite harsh which often leaves you with a sad and tasteless tea,” says Louise Cheadle, teapigs co-founder and tea taster. “Our decaf uses the C02 method which is a lot more gentle on the leaves and gives you a stronger, better tasting brew. We know that some of our stockists are still serving a bog standard decaf in a paper teabag next to our premium teapigs teas and herbals. For a customer it can be a bit confusing and off putting to be faced with a hotch potch tea offering from more than one brand. Well, the wait is finally over. Now people can complete their tea menu with a delicious decaf that has all the taste but none of the caffeine. Magic, right?” This new blend from teapigs comes in 100% plant based packaging, which is standard across their award winning range. And, what’s more, with every pack sold a donation is made to the teapigs ethical scheme which supports vulnerable young people in Rwanda (where teapigs source much of their tea). Teapigs decaf English Breakfast will be available for general wholesale order from April and comes in a variety of formats to suit all your business needs – from 50 servings packs for foodservice, tiny sample packs of 2 servings which make cute retail options, to individual single serve envelopes for your rooms teapigs have got you covered! 26

Havwoods The Garden Room Situated in the heart of London is the beautiful Middle Temple Garden Room bar and restaurant. Part of a modern institution with a long and distinguished history, Middle Temple is one of the four Inns of Court which houses chambers from which barristers practise. The Garden Room within the estate was recently constructed to offer a beautiful place to work and socialise, along with indoor and outdoor areas to relax and enjoy the garden views. Flowing beautifully across the seating areas and throughout the bar and restaurant, Havwoods’ stunning Fendi Flooring in a striking herringbone finish was used to create a light and airy feel. Part of the Venture Plank range, this board is perfectly suited to more commercial spaces thanks to its high-quality and robust design. Its oiled finish ensures that it offers exceptional durability whilst maintaining a truly natural appearance. The overall interior of The Garden Room is further characterised by neutral colour schemes and modern furnishings – leaving a beautifully welcoming and on-trend space for everyone to enjoy. www.havwoods.com/uk

Contract Flooring & Surfaces

Luxury wood flooring and cladding

info@havwoods.com | +44 (0) 01524 737000 | www.havwoods.com/uk Product: HW693 Cocoa Prime

The new environmental report for the year 2021 is available Superior quality, sustainable innovations and global award-winning design – the Vorwerk flooring brand stands for this unique combination in all of its floor coverings. The traditional company has placed special value on sustainability from the very beginning and proves this with an environmentally conscious production process which is continually optimised, as well as with sustainable products which are not only manufactured in a “green” way, but that are proven to make room concepts healthier too. Everything the company has done for sustainability has now been published in the annual ECO BALANCE Report.

Sustainability as it is lived out at Vorwerk The idea of sustainability is deeply rooted at Vorwerk in the company’s history. The entire production chain for carpet manufacturing has been built up around this standard and optimised continually over the years. This is especially seen in the internal recycling station, which processes about 40 per cent of the textile waste resulting from production and feeds this back into the production process. The dye dosage and coating stations likewise function in a very ecofriendly way: defective batches and left-over material are avoided thanks to computercontrolled and thus exact dosing, meaning complicated waste disposal and expensive filter processes are eliminated.

Tried-and-tested values remain the standard The over 130-year-old Vorwerk history and its continually lived-out values will remain the standard for both the product line-up and all business actions in future too. More than 15 million individual tests every year, independent environmental and quality labels, as well as a zero-defects tolerance – from the raw materials to production to delivery – underscore this standard which Vorwerk flooring places on itself. The result is a floor covering which is particularly long lasting, has been tested for harmful substances and is not only manufactured in a “green” way, but that has been proven to make everyday life healthier.

Healthy rooms thanks to healthy floor coverings All textile floor coverings from Vorwerk flooring significantly reduce the amount of fine dust in rooms. Because the carpets absorb fine particles, even allergy sufferers can breathe easier – making Vorwerk flooring carpets suitable for people with allergies and even recommended for them. Thanks to their innovative textile backing, which has been specially developed by Vorwerk flooring, the new acoustic tiles from the house of Vorwerk also allow for a healthier room climate. This is because they

Contract Flooring & Surfaces

avoid the use of bitumen or PVC – resulting in the advantage that a real Vorwerk carpet is also absolutely odour-neutral. In addition to the advantages which a textile floor covering offers for the air quality, it is also noise absorbing and kind to the body’s joints, and it can even lower heating costs with its insulting and thermal-storing characteristics. Sustainable products with Econyl® Ocean Plastic Not only are the characteristics of Vorwerk flooring products sustainable and healthy – sustainability also play a role when it comes to the choice of material from which the high-quality floor coverings are made. For instance, the surfaces of some Vorwerk carpets are made of special yarns (ECONYL® fibres), which consist of 100 per cent recycled material (fishing nets). Some products from the house of Vorwerk have a share of recycled material that is up to 40 per cent. Thanks to the use of these environmentally-friendly materials, these carpets feature the GREEN LABEL PLUS and comply with the strict values laid down by the US Carpet and Rug Institute. Information centred round the topic of sustainability at Vorwerk flooring can now be found online in the ECO BALANCE 2021 environmental report.

Specifying a CFA member for your next flooring project could mean the difference between success — or a flooring failure. Most of the UK’s largest and best known Manufacturers, Distributors, Contractors and Consultants are CFA members — and for good reason. • CFA members promote high standards, knowledge and expertise • CFA members will maximize your investment and minimize costly flooring failures — which is good for your client, good for your reputation and also helps promote future business • All members have to pass a vetting process

See the “Downloads” section at www.cfa.org.uk and download our leaflet TODAY

Courtesy of Forbo Flooring UK Ltd

Tel: 0115 941 1126

Courtesy of Loughton Contracts plc

www.cfa.org.uk

Courtesy of Amtico International

Email: info@cfa.org.uk

String of new partnerships for BC SoftWear Leading hotel and spa textiles supplier, BC SoftWear, has expanded its portfolio with six new partnerships, all in brand new UK spa developments. The Bokeh Spa at the recently-opened Montcalm East in Shoreditch, London – an Autograph Collection hotel – will use BC SoftWear’s fast-drying SupremeSoft range for the high energy savings it can offer. Spa Manager at Bokeh Eleanor Jeffrey selected BC SoftWear having experienced stand-out service while working with them in four previous spas over the last 10 years. Having opted for extra-large Gharieni treatment beds in the spa, Bokeh needed specially fitting and extra-large linen, which BC SoftWear is able to provide. Meanwhile, The Spa at Breedon Priory in Derbyshire, an exciting new project designed by Claire Caddick of Spaticulate, has chosen BC SoftWear’s SmartKnit knitted

towels and SupremeSoft spa linen due to their inherent sustainable features, faster drying times and snag-free nature. In addition, the newly opened Wellness at the Randolph in Oxford has selected BC SoftWear’s logoed waffle robes and Serenity waffle spa linen, while The Treatment Rooms at the University Arms Hotel in Cambridge has selected SupremeSoft spa linen, Pure Linen duvets, pillows and pillow cases. Heavenly Spa by Westin, at the Marriott’s Westin London City Hotel and Spa, has also selected BC SoftWear as its spa linen partner of choice, opting for logoed deluxe Elegance robes as well as the Sumptuous Deluxe towels for spa beds. Finally Spa by Wildes at Van Dyk Wildes, a luxury 4-star hotel situated in Derbyshire, will be showcasing Comfy slate grey robes with matching slate grey towels.

Barbara Cooke, founder and managing director at BC SoftWear, says: “I’m thrilled to announce a string of new spa partnerships for BC SoftWear as we begin the year. We’re delighted to be working with the very best in the business to provide spa guests with the luxury experience they deserve at each of these new facilities. “Often the towels, robes or linen are a guest’s first touch point when they enter a spa – particularly since the pandemic began. With handshakes a thing of the past, that initial touch is ever more important and we’re committed to making sure customers’ first physical encounter is the very best it can be.” BC SoftWear is already the towelling company of choice for many of the UK’s most prestigious spas including Chewton Glen, Pennyhill Park, Champneys, Cliveden Hotel and Spa, and Fairmont St. Andrews Hotel & Spa.

Your guests’ first touchpoint is the bathrobe and towels Make their first

TOUCHPOINT memorable

Exclusive Services Bespoke embroidery Tailor made labels

UK & INTERNATIONAL enquiries@bcsoftwear.co.uk Sales: +44 (0) 845 210 4000 www.bcsoftwear.co.uk

The ultimate in luxury spa linen, robes and slippers for your hotel and spa

Get off to a flying start during the Grand National this April Whether it’s organising sweep stakes, setting up the big screen, or stocking up on extra drinks for the bar, preparing your venue for the Grand National later this month is no doubt well underway.

Ltd if you’re using the television for showing sports and other programming in public.

From setting up your ‘specials boards’, to working out your rotas, you have probably already thought about most things, but have you also thought about making sure you are correctly licensed to show the race – including the music used as part of the broadcasts?

A TV licence allows you to receive the broadcast signal to the television within your business. However, it does not give you permission to play or perform the music within the broadcast.

It can be a little confusing, which is why have put together a quick guide to help to ensure you can get off to a flying start this Grand National. Know your licences Obviously, a TV licence will be required to show the race to your customers. However, sports programming uses more music than people often realise, such as in the opening and closing titles, highlights and featured sequences, as well as the advertisements during commercial breaks. You’ll therefore usually need TheMusicLicence from PPL PRS

Why do I need a TV licence and a music licence?

Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, permission is needed from the relevant copyright holders – those people who create music – in order to play or perform music in public. TheMusicLicence gives you that permission, for virtually all commercially released music available. So, this Grand National, make sure you are correctly licensed to entertain and immerse your customers, from the first hurdle to the very last leg. To find out more visit www.pplprs.co.uk/ seasonal-music/get-off-to-a-flying-startduring-the-grand-national/ or call 0800 086 8803.

Herald: Stay calm and weather the changing market Quality disposables manufacturer and supplier, Herald is preparing its customers for the rising costs, inevitable in these challenging times, while seeking to reassure by securing its product range and ensuring there are always alternative choices available. With many major cities in China being forced back into some form of lockdown, and the supply chain under threat, there’s a shortage of materials, which is causing a sharp, pre-emptive rise in prices across the market. If you add to this the increasing fuel costs, and a general lack of stability for all businesses, the immediate future holds quite a bleak outlook. There’s a current air of unease which is spreading its way about all those who stay on top of the world situation. In terms of disposables, we’re seeing a potential 25 per cent increase in the cost of materials - and it’s hard not to be

concerned when this is paired with transport problems and gas and electricity rising costs. However, the message here is simple – please don’t panic buy. Panic buying kills the market. It turns a bad situation into a critical problem and forces prices even higher, making many businesses unsustainable and bringing them to their knees. For our part, we will continue to be transparent about what we can deliver and any extra costs we have to impose. Good communication is vital in trying times. By continuing to adopt an open and honest approach, we can ride out the situation together. Plans in place Our position has always been to secure extra product so that the customer gets access to

the products they need without too much delay. We have taken these steps in recent months and we have the storage space necessary to hold these products. If products do run out, we can advise and steer our customers towards suitable alternatives. And if price rises mean that certain products are not viable in the short-term, we will make sure that we continue to offer as great a selection as possible so that you can make the best choices. We’re in this together and we’ll do all that we can to keep providing our customers with a service that is second to none and quality products that are affordable. For further information on Herald and its products, log on to www.heraldplastic.com or call 0208 507 7900 to order a copy of the new catalogue.

Kraft Soup Containers The ideal partner for the perfect sandwich Herald’s double wall, kraft and white containers, with lids, provide an instant win for those offering soups to accompany a luxury sandwich selection. Available in an assortment of sizes, the quality containers can accommodate a multitude of uses, from soups and noodles to salads and desserts, providing an all around, best packaging choice. See how Herald’s packaging can complement any gourmet produce.

0208 507 7900 sales@heraldplastic.com www.heraldplastic.com HE

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DISPOS

Y, G R E E N

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Ten Locks ventures into vermouth Cucielo Vermouth De Torino flies into the portfolio Ten Locks has taken Cucielo under its wing and added the inspirational Italian De Torino vermouth brand to its expanding portfolio of conscious premium drinks. Available now to the UK off and on trade via Ten Locks, Cucielo is geared towards professional bartenders and premium retailers seeking high quality aperitives to meet surging consumer demand. Due to its versatility as the heart of classic cocktails, vermouth is experiencing a renaissance both at home and on drinks menus nationwide. Cucielo Rosso and Cucielo Bianco – both meeting the high standards of Vermouth De Torino – are created using Italian-produced alcohol from quality molasses, naturally sourced botanicals and Italian wine from carefully selected, quality Trebbiano di Abruzzo with Grillo and Ansonica from Sicily to create a truly authentic vermouth. Cucielo works beautifully as a core component in classic or aperitivo cocktails yet is equally as delicious on its own over ice. At 16.8% ABV, the personality and style of the vermouth is able to shine through. Cucielo pays tribute to the original golden era of Vermouth with its art deco-style branding, but provides a fresh perspective to the traditional vermouth image with a new design that also expresses the brand’s sense of adventure. Central to the design is a migrating cuckoo – also the brand’s mascot “chuck” – which travels the length of Italy on its journey from West Africa to Scotland each year. An integrated PR, social media and experiential campaign will express the brand’s classically Italian positioning with a contemporary twist via its “Il Tempo Vola” - or “time flies” - campaign which will urge consumers to take time for the aperitivo moment. Cucielo places sustainability at the heart of the brand; all components used in the production process, where possible, are from renewable sources or are 100 percent recyclable, striking a chord with the rest of the Ten Locks portfolio which collectively strives for positive change. Becky Davies from Ten Locks said: “Cucielo produces classic and hugely respected 40

liquids, and their sensitive distilling process makes them distinctive with a compelling point of difference. It’s true to its Italian roots and legacy yet is future-proofing the brand with its drive to work in harmony with the environment and appeal to younger consumers - as well as stalwarts in the aperitivo space. “We see Cucielo not only flourishing in the cocktail arena of the UK’s best bars but luxury retail department stores and food halls where - owing to their ability to showcase brands with tasting sessions and cocktail inspiration – we know it will hit the right note with consumers.

“A stand-out winner of the at-home cocktail making trend, which was borne out of the lockdowns, vermouth is of growing interest to the UK on trade, too. Once a relatively unnoticed ingredient in Negronis and Manhattans, vermouth is finally seeing its day in the sun.” Cucielo joins Ten Locks portfolio of premium drinks brands including Salford Rum, Ace + Freak, Cambusier, Bourgoin Cognac, Diablesse, Mary White Vodka, Nusa Caña Rum, Applewood Gin, Banhez Mezcal, El Tequileño, Langley’s Gin, Redwood Empire Whiskey, Sollasa and West Cork Irish Whiskey. www.ten-locks.com

Hotels with availability for Easter bank holiday weekend 2022 UK Hotels South Lodge, West Sussex

Lainston House, Winchester

The Forest Side, Cumbria

Where: South Lodge is a quintessential West Sussex countryside hotel, set within 93 acres with unrivalled views of the South Downs.

Where: Lainston House is a five-star country house hotel, situated on 63 acres of lush Winchester countryside.

Where: The Forest Side is a gothic fairy-tale mansion located in the heart of the Lake District in the quintessentially English village of Grasmere.

Why: The hotel’s state of the art spa is home to the UK’s first wild swimming pool which uses no chlorine or chemicals but instead oxygenates plants to clean the water making it wildlife and environmentally friendly. Other top of the range facilities include a vitality hydrotherapy pool, an indoor infinity-edge pool. Book a three night stayand receive a Madlug Eco roll top rucksack, two bottles from Ocean Bottle, Marvellous Maps Adventure Map and a Montezuma’s ‘Happiness’ bar’.

Why: The dog-friendly hotel offers luxurious suites, award-winning dining, ‘Season’ cookery school and an indoor games room. The property is within proximity to rides and rollercoasters galore at Paulton Park, walks in Farley Mount Country Park. Book a three night stay and receive a Madlug Eco roll top rucksack, two bottles from Ocean Bottle, Marvellous Maps Adventure Map and a Montezuma’s ‘Happiness’ bar’.

How: Rates at South Lodge start from £1635 for three nights during Easter Bank Holiday Weekend based on two sharing inclusive of spa access and bed and breakfast

How: Rates at Lainston House start from £930 for three nights during Easter Bank Holiday Weekend based on two sharing inclusive of bed and breakfast

www.exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge

www.exclusive.co.uk/lainston-house

Why: Helmed by Chef Paul Leonard, The Forest Side’s Michelin-starred restaurant is recognised as one of the finest in the Lake District and designed to be a reflection of the scenic landscape in which it sits. How: Rates at The Forest Side start from £1238 for two nights during Easter Bank Holiday Weekend based on two sharing inclusive of an eight-course dinner, bed and breakfast. www.theforestside.com Bedruthan, Cornwall Where: Bedruthan is a scandi-inspired retreat on top of the Cornish clifftops above Mawgan Porth Beach. Why: Bedruthan are offering Spring Escape discounted rates for one or two nights for two adults sharing and 10% off spa experiences. Practice Nordic thermal therapy at Bedruthan’s Sensory Spa Garden, partake in one of the many craft courses on offer with classes led by local Cornish artisans and enjoy Bedruthan’s outdoor swimming pool, reopening for spring from the 15th of April. How: Rates at Bedruthan start from £165 on a B&B basis. www.bedruthan.com Lympstone Manor, Devon Where: Lympstone Manor is a Grade II listed Georgian manor house set within 28 acres situated in the heart of Devon on the foreshore of the tranquil Exe Estuary. Why: A vision of Michael Caines MBE come to life, Lympstone Manor offers Michelinstarred dining, wine tasting from the fruits of its very own vineyard, access to water sports, a tennis court and, in summer 2022, a heated swimming pool. How: Rates at Lympstone Manor start from £1,505 for three nights during Easter Bank Holiday Weekend based on two sharing. www.lympstonemanor.co.uk

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The Biltmore Mayfair

Further afield for families:

Evora Farm Hotel & Spa, Alentejo

Where: Located in London’s prestigious Grosvenor Square, The Biltmore Mayfair within walking distance of the bustling streets of Soho and Covent Garden, The Biltmore offers a moment of quite in central London.

Azor Hotel, Sao Miguel Islands, Azores

Where: Situated in the serene Alentejo region of southern Portugal, Évora Farm Hotel & Spa opened in August 2021 and offers a calming escape for those seeking a rural getaway.

Why: The Biltmore is home to gourmet dining concepts are overseen by Michelinstarred chef Jason Atherton, including the brand-new Café Biltmore Restaurant & Terrace, with its beautifully landscaped, relaxed outdoor space and The Pine Bar. On the 16th and the 17th of April, The Biltmore is hosting a ballerina Alice in Wonderland Tea Party, perfect for young children. How: Rates at The Biltmore start from £1,448 for three nights during Easter Bank Holiday Weekend based on two sharing. www.hilton.com/en/hotels/longsolthe-biltmore-mayfair-london

Where: With panoramic views across the island’s main city and ocean, Azor Hotel is placed at the centre of the action and perfect for those looking to soak up the bounties of the Azores. Why: Try whale and dolphin watching, lagoon tours, walking trails, canyoning and diving. These experiences will promise lasting memories for families. The hotel is home to a rooftop pool looking across the harbour, spa, gym and À Terra restaurant. How: Rates for six nights over Easter holidays (2 adults and 1 child) start from £822 in a Sea View Room – 6th-12th April www.azorhotel.com/en/

Why: Experiences at the hotel include stargazing, hot air balloon rides, nature walks, food and wine tastings and breakfast on the hotel’s meadows at dawn. For culture vultures, the ancient city of Evora boasts Roman temples, painted houses, picturesque squares – in fact, here is so much history that the entire city has been rated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 11-hectare property houses two magnificent outdoor swimming pools and spa with an indoor pool. It is also home to an orchard, petting farm and an organic vegetable garden. How: Rates for seven nights over Easter holidays (2 adults and 2 children) start from £2,142 in a Family Pool Terrace – 6th13thApril www.evorafarmhotel.com/en/ Palacio Da Lousa, Coimbra Where: Formerly Viscondessa do Espinhal Palace, Palácio da Lousã was transformed into the country’s first boutique hotel and is classified as a Historical Heritage Building of Public Interest. Located in the heart of the city centre, the hotel is in easy reach of the Serra da Lousa mountain range. Why: The Coimbra landscape boasts rivers, waterfalls, deer and wild boar, for nature lovers and the mountain range is also the perfect location for activities such as picnics, hiking, cycling and climbing How: Rates for seven nights over Easter holidays (2 adults and 2 children) start from £1,305 in a Family Suite – 6th-13th April www.palaciodalousa.com For Couples: Douro 41 Hotel & Spa, Castelo De Pavia Where: Douro 41 Hotel & Spa, a design hotel situated at kilometre 41 of the Douro River in Castelo de Paiva, blends effortlessly into its natural surroundings.

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Taking inspiration from the neighbouring river and the healing and calming power of water, the hotel’s spa is situated right on the riverbank, with floor to ceiling windows bring the outside in, immersing guests in nature as well as creating a serene, minimalist space in which to relax. Why: Two outdoor swimming pools, an indoor heated swimming pool, hydrotherapy, sauna and Turkish bath, and five treatment rooms - all with panoramic river views. How: Rates for four nights over Easter weekend (2 adults) start from £1,242 in a Deluxe River View Room – 14th-18th April www.douro41.com/en Monchique Resort & Spa, Monchique Mountain Where: Monchique Resort & Spa in the Algarve is a true haven in the middle of the mountains. Often regarded as ‘the other Algarve’, Monchique is a luxury property offering an abundance of outdoor activities and wellness-focused retreats. Why: Cycling, walks in the mountains and luxurious spa – couples can get out in nature and enjoy an alternative side to the Algarve How: Rates for four nights over Easter weekend (2 adults) start from £442 in a Balcony Patio Suite – 14th-18th April www.monchiqueresort.com Vila Monte Farmhouse, Algarve Where: Surrounded by citrus trees, pink bougainvillaea and olive groves sits Vila Monte Farm House in an unspoilt corner of the Algarve. Just a stone’s throw away is the Portuguese bucket-list destination of Faro, and the quieter fishing village of Olhão is a 15-minute drive, for couples seeking some salty sea air and a suntan. Why: On property, guests can enjoy local restaurants, two swimming pools, a tennis court and wellness activities. The property is the epitome of boho chic with an array of beautifully designed luxury suites and rooms. The design takes its cues from traditional Algarve architecture with whitewashed walls, wooden trusses and rustic roof terraces. How: Rates for four nights over Easter weekend (2 adults) start from £1,463 in a Deluxe Room – 14th-18th April www.vilamonte.com/en/

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Baglioni Hotel Luna Venice reopens following 360 redesign, appointing michelin starredcChef Baglioni Hotel Luna Venice, the oldest hotel in Venice, dating back to the 12th century, has reopened following an extensive property redesign. Introducing a new fine dining restaurant, Canova Restaurant by Sadler - headed by the famed Michelin Starred Chef, Claudio Sadler and Venetian-inspired spa designed by Spagnulo & Partners, the property’s common areas have also been reimagined including the entrance, lobby, reception and Canova Bar. Residing in an elegant mansion just behind the Grand Canal, Baglioni Hotel Luna is steeped in history, reportedly housing the Knights Templar in 1118. By 1574, the property was already known as ‘Locanda della Luna’ and in the 18th century was decorated with frescoes by students of the renowned artist, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, who is recognised as one of the world’s greatest fresco painters. These magnificent works of art still adorn the ballroom’s ceilings today. Hotel Luna’s standout location is another of its greatest features - opposite St Mark’s Square

and Doge’s Palace. Guests arrive by gondola to the hotel’s private jetty, and are greeted by the portieri.

duce, Sadler’s menu highlights will include Lobster Tagliolini, Red Mullet Au Gratin with Venetian Lagoon Fish Stew, and Rossini

The hotel has 91 rooms and suites, one fine dining restaurant, the Canova Bar, and a spa. The Baglioni charm continues in the hotel’s Marco Polo Ballroom, where breakfast is served each morning, decorated with decadent glass chandeliers that illuminate the historic frescoes. Another highlight is the famed San Giorgio Terrace Suite, with its own 100 sqm terrace and some of the best views in Venice overlooking St Mark’s and the San Giorgio Isle.

Pigeon. An innovative seven course tasting menu is also available, encapsulating a sophisticated balance of flavours and flare.

The Canova Restaurant by Sadler, opened March 2022 After gaining a Michelin Star at Baglioni Resort Sardinia, the team are once again partnering with Chef Claudio Sadler to bring his authentic yet creative cuisine to Venice. The Canova Restaurant by Sadler is a seasonal contemporary restaurant. Leading the kitchen with a focus on modern healthy Italian cooking and seasonal Venetian pro

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Baglioni SPA, launching Q2 2022 The brand new Baglioni SPA will be located on the first floor, consisting of a Turkish bath wet steam baths with 47 degree waters - massage rooms and a relaxation area. Inspired by the Venetian aesthetic, canals and bridges, interiors will be embellished with classic textile panels, bronze glass inlay and smoked-glass mosaics. A variety of treatments including massages, facials and Venetian Rituals will be offered, in partnership with INSIUM, an Italian, PETA-certified skincare brand. Hotel Redesign Taking inspiration from Venice’s eclectic history and cultural present, the hotel’s

redesign – led by Spagnulo & Partners - a Italian architect and interior-design studio founded by Federico Spagnulo - celebrates diverse Venetian traditions and materials. Complementing the existing modern furnishings, new marble inlaid flooring and grand chandeliers - in antique Murano glass - have been installed throughout the hotel entrance and Fireplace Lounge. Furthermore, Canova Bistrot, which overlooks the canal and the Royal Gardens, features handcrafted wooden tables and Rubelli designed armchairs. This more informal restaurant is the perfect venue for a light lunch, serving classic Italian dishes such as Milanese Cutlet, Venetian Pasta and Caprese Salad. Cultural Experiences Venice Biennale (23 April - 27 November) Post-pandemic travel trends show travellers will be returning to their favourite destinations. UK guests make up 8% of Venice’s visitors, behind US and domestic Italian travel. The Biennale is of course another major highlight in the Venetian calendar, after a hiatus over lockdown it returns this year for the first time since 2019. Titled The Milk of Dreams, this 59th edition is curated by Cecilia Alemani, the first Italian woman to hold this position, and will exhibit the work of 213 artists from 58 countries. During these cultural moments, Baglioni Hotel Luna has crafted a range of luxury cultural experiences for guests including: - ‘Codega dinner experience’ - a charming tradition that follows ‘Codega’, an ancient figure who walked the dark streets of Venice with a lantern, for walking tours around San Marco, followed by dinner at Canova by Sadler - ‘Carnival all year round’ - paying homage to the legendary Carnival, this experience includes a choice of Venetian costumes, a professional photoshoot and tour exploring the city’s hidden highlights including Campo San Rocco and Ponte Ca’ Foscari - Additional activities will also be announced After two years of Covid restrictions, Italy announced a relaxation in rules for travellers arriving from outside of the EU from 1st March 2022. The General Director of Federturismo said that spring and summer would finally be the light at the end of the tunnel for Italy’s tourism industry. Baglioni Hotels & Resorts has recently announced the upcoming opening of Baglioni Masseria Muzza in Puglia, opening in May, and Casa Baglioni in Milan in Q4.

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Hilton Lake Como’s eForea Spa launches exclusive use packages and sumptuous silk treatment menu Hilton Lake Como is delighted to launch a series of pampering new offerings at its award-winning eForea Spa and Health Club. For the first time, couples, families and groups alike will be able to book the state-of-the-art oasis on an exclusiveuse basis. The spa has also launched a new Sumptuous Silk Treatment Menu, offering a trio of treatments that celebrate Como’s history of silk making excellence. Ideal for special celebrations such as hen and bachelor parties, weddings, birthdays and anniversaries, the new exclusive-use packages offer the ultimate opportunity to unwind with loved ones in style and complete privacy. Guests can choose from a variety of exclusive packages for groups of up to 20 and take over the sprawling spa entirely for several hours by day or night. Offering sublime service throughout the experience, for an extra special touch, the team can prepare a round of Apertitivos or a bottle of prosecco for the group to enjoy as they relax by the pool.

Also new for Summer 2022 is Hilton Lake Como’s spoiling new Sumptuous Silk Treatment Menu. A celebration of Lake Como’s centuries-old tradition of silk craft and the property’s history as a former silk factory, the trio of treatments harness the material’s relaxing and soothing benefits. The treatments include: Silk Touch Massage, €115 This is a vigorous workout for the body, perfect for alleviating high stress levels. Tailored entirely to the client’s needs, it leaves one feeling grounded and focused. The therapist will select an aromatic oil according to the client’s concerns, be they muscle pain, stress relief, pure relaxation or emotional balance. Skin is prepped to release toxins and the flowing massage works deeper and deeper into areas of tension, encouraging optimum circulation. As effective as an hour’s stretching, but so much more nurturing. Ultimate Silk Bliss Facial, €165 A powerfully rejuvenating facial treatment to effectively iron out wrinkles and energise

the skin towards optimum performance using microcurrent pulses and red and blue light therapy. This is followed by a deeply relaxing hand treatment that is the last word in conditioning, restoration and anti-ageing for hands. Silk Head To Toe Face & Body Treatment, €175 A deeply relaxing back massage to relieve tired aching muscles combined with a nutritional boost facial rich in superfoods and essential minerals. This treatment is designed to transform stressed, dull skin with energising, detoxifying active ingredients, and is combined with the Signature Silk Stretching Massage. Hilton Lake Como is a new generation hotel with spectacular scenery, traditional charm, and jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the lake from its rooftop pool. Formerly a silk factory, the building is steeped in history and is now home to 170 spacious guest rooms, with a variety of stunning suites to choose from, a pampering spa and a popular rooftop cocktail bar and restaurant. The hotel is ideally located in an area full of unique experiences on and off the lake, which has made Lake Como an international must-visit destination for families, business travellers and couples. The exclusive-use packages at Hilton Lake Como’s eForea Spa include two (weekends) or three (weekdays) hours of exclusive spa use and start from €690 for a maximum of 10 guests (or €900 for up to 20). Available between 9am-9pm, Monday-Friday. Nightly rates at Hilton Lake Como begin at 180 Euros per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included.

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Coming up next month in our May Issue, features on: Contract Furniture & Furnishings • Outdoor Solutions Safety & Security • Uniforms & Workwear

As per usual we will be running our monthly editorial features on hotel openings, industry news, advice articles and travel locations. If you would like to send us editorial content to be considered for submission then please send information to carol@warmwelcomemagazine.com. The closing deadline for the May issue is 20th April. 50

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