Showing guests “their way”

Dao by Dorsett West London

Dao by Dorsett’s West London apartments are tailored to meet the needs of both business and leisure travellers and offer guests a unique and luxurious stay

“Dao translates into English as ‘the way’ and emphasises how Dao by Dorsett aparthotels will empower our guests with the choice and flexibility needed so they can truly travel the way they want to. The value of connections in life is more priceless than ever. By offering a longer-stay option with thoughtful services and amenities, our guests will be able to maximise their time reconnecting with loved ones and sharing memorable moments with the local community as they start to travel and explore the world again!”

President and Executive Director of Dorsett Hospitality International – Winnie Chiu

Located adjacent to Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush Hotel, Dao comprises of 74 high-quality serviced apartments overlooking Shepherds Bush Green, just five-minute’s walk from Westfield London and the vibrant White City area.

This was our first apartment stay in London, so we didn’t know what to expect. To say we were surprised is an understatement. We stayed in a two-bedroom duplex apartment, which is ideal for families or friends travelling together. It was set on two floors and included two double rooms with king-sized beds, ensuite shower and bath, luxe furnishings, Greener Lifestyle toiletries, fluffy white towels and ultra-soft. microfibre bathrobes. On the lower floor, there is a sleek dining space and kitchenette furnished with de signer hob, oven, fridge and dishwasher, complimented with a range of kitchen utensils.

The apartments are modern and spaciously designed with well thought out fittings and furnishings, including chic sofas and the latest in-home audio entertainment.

Dao by Dorsett shares the lobby with Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush Hotel and the glamorous, relaxing atrium area which hosts Jin Bar – perfect for a delicious breakfast buffet, meeting friends for an evening drink and snack, or a business meeting. Alternatively, Authentic Chinese Restaurant, Shikumen, located close to the main reception, serves lunch and dinner, Monday to Sunday from 12.30 until 23.00.

Whether you want to relax or keep up your exercise regime, you can enquire at the front desk about special discounts on an in-room relaxing massage from the Spa, Gymbox or Fitness First day passes or a class pass to Dao by Dorsett’s partner yoga studio, Yoga West.

Facilities available include a communal, complimentary guest laundry room, which includes self-service washers and dryers, a Paws Galore Pet Sitter service for your furry friends while you’re spending or exploring, and a 24-hour front desk with welcoming staff, who are happy to assist anytime.

Dao by Dorsett is an amazing place to stay. The apartments are beautiful, the rooms are spacious with comfy beds, and if you don’t want to go out and eat, the kitchenette is equipped so that you can cook. However, west London has a wealth of excellent restaurants, including Michelin, informal, bistros and bars. You can also find some of London’s oldest pubs and hidden gems known for their good food and fine ale.

Dao by Dorsett is a mere five-minute’s walk to Westfield, so it’s ideally situated for shopping, but if you fancy exploring west Lon don, there are attraction parks, scenic destinations and the 107-year-old Shepherd’s Bush Market, located right next door to the hotel.

We visited with our daughters to do some shopping just before Christmas. We had been two years prior and if you’ve been to Westfield, you’ll know why we wanted to return. We’ve since decided it’s something we NEED to do every year! Everything you need is under one roof and if you can’t do your Christmas shopping here, you can’t do it anywhere. Westfield also has a special wing, called The Village, devoted to 30+ luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada, plus the usual mall staples, restaurants and a cinema. And if you are shopping for little ones, there are so many gorgeous shops, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

So, what’s not to like. See you in December 2023!

Alpine adventures in Andermatt

With some of the best hiking and biking trails in the world, the Swiss Alps make for a spectacular summer holiday. Natural beauty is everywhere, with colourful wildflower meadows, picturesque peaks and some of the highest quality air in the world all within easy reach from The Chedi Andermatt.

Sitting 1,447 metres, admire the dramatic beauty of the sunny Swiss Alps from the comfort of the Asian-meets-Alpine resort, The Chedi Andermatt. To wind down after a day of hiking in the scenic surroundings, visit The Chedi Andematt's spa, a world of calm – and perfect for swimmers, given the 35-metre indoor pool. At the spa, choose from a variety of Asian-inspired treatments, all curated to achieve a balance of energy, body and mind.

Whilst the Alps are often known for their distinct cheese-heavy cuisine, at The Chedi Andermatt, the top choice is The Japanese, a Michelin-starred restaurant that brings the highest level of authentic Japanese cuisine to Andermatt. Dinner pairs perfectly with a taste of sake – and The Chedi Andermatt has the most extensive sake menu in all of Switzerland.

Canal cruising and romance in Venice

Venice is known for its romantic, artistic and quirky personality, all of which makes it one of the most ideal destinations for a romantic getaway this year. Take a gondola ride for a slow drift along the Grand Canal and weave through the narrow waterways of the city, taking in the sights and sounds before reaching St Mark’s Square for sunset.

For those looking to explore Venice’s artistic history, Palazzina Grassi is the place to stay. Located in the San Marco district, this is a sultry hotel, designed entirely by Philippe Starck and sat just behind a 16th-century facade by the Grand Canal. The hotel is full of unexpected delights, including a champagne bar and contemporary suites with terraces. Then, at midnight, the masks come off as world-class DJs take over at Palazzina’s glamorous The Club – an exclusive concept-space accessible by invitation only to VIP guests.

For slow travellers – Brussels

Just two hours from London by train, Brussels makes for the perfect weekender trip if you’re trying to travel in the ‘slow lane’ and avoid airports this year.

In the heart of the city lies Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte Hotel, seamlessly blending art, culture, heritage and creativity. The hotel, located moments from the giant Tintin mural on Rue de L’Etuve, is the perfect hub for those visiting Brussels looking to get lost in its world-class contemporary art, historic and cultural sights.

Treat yourself to some delicious Belgian waffles at Maison Dandoy, see the infamous 17th-century Manneken Pis in the city centre – a statue that has been repeatedly stolen and damaged throughout its history – and after a day of exploring, relax in the signature Tintin Suite that features artworks, books and prints hand-picked by the Hergé Foundation – including a drawing signed by Steven Spielberg when he stayed at Hotel Amigo during the Tintin film launch.

For a dose of sport in the sunshine – Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Sardinia is often overlooked for its neighbouring island, Sicily, but this year, the northeast corner of the island, Costa Smeralda, will be buzzing with new restaurants, pop-up fashion boutiques and as always, a roster of exciting sporting events.

Already considered a ‘foodie’ destination, Costa Smeralda is home to countless global restaurants, such as Novikov and Nikki Beach Club, and in 2022, international contemporary Japanese restaurant Zuma also landed in Porto Cervo. Zuma returns for another season this summer, bringing its signature izakaya dining experience to Costa Smeralda.

With endless dining opportunities abound, you may wish to work off your lunch with a few rounds at the Pevero Golf Club under the Sardinian sun or dabble in some light-hearted rallies of tennis and padel at Club Cervo, all set against the verdant backdrop of North-east Sardinia.

For riviera elegance – the French Riviera

The Côte d'Azur is known for glitz and glamour, and the iconic Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel, embodies this spirit, tucked away in the pines of the Saint-JeanCap-Ferrat peninsula.

The hotel is now more family-friendly than ever, with a new five-bedroom villa opening in 2023. Ideal for big groups and trips with grandparents and grandchildren, Villa Beauchamp has its own 16-metre pool and entertainment centre, with a home cinema, sauna, hammam and fitness centre.

Jump on a golf buggy up to the hotel for Michelin-star dining with sweeping views over the sparkling coastline before heading out into Nice.

For a 60s-style escape – Positano

Italy is, and always will be, a top pick for a summer holiday, but no other era was quite as glamorous as the 60s and 70s. If you’re seeking a hit of nostalgia this year, rather than a sleek new hotel, head for Villa Treville, a cliffside estate that spans 12 floors and overlooks Positano.

More family home than hotel, Villa Treville is a celebration of 60s and 70s Amalfi life. Formerly the private home of Italian film and opera director Franco Zeffirelli, the villas that make up Treville retain all of their historic charm, filled with oddities and eccentric items, which tell a theatrical and colourful story of Positano’s history.

Directly overlooking the azure waters of Amalfi and the cliffside town of Positano, this charming, dramatic cliffside property has such a warm, homely feel, with old-world glamour to be found in every corner in secret tunnels, private plunge pools and terraced hideaways with steps that lead down to a private seaside sundeck and jetty.

For culture vultures – Porto’s Cultural District

Porto gets its namesake from the liquor that we so often associate with Christmas, but there is much more to discover, with museums and restaurants aplenty.

Nowhere embodies this more than Porto’s Cultural District, where you can get your fill of culture thanks to the district’s 12 restaurants and cafés and seven museums, all dedicated to Portuguese and local culture. Start with a visit to Planet Cork and learn why cork was used in rockets going to space before sitting down and enjoying a rich ‘Francesinha’, a local delicacy in Porto. Pop into the Wine School to top up your wine knowledge (and your glass) before heading to the Pink Palace and take picture-perfect snaps in a pink Cadillac whilst sipping on five different types of rosé.

For a wellness reset – Hoi An, Vietnam

For a well-deserved break and escape from modern life, head east to Vietnam – known for its ancient and holistic approach to wellness.

Four Seasons Resort Hoi An (The Nam Hai) is home to an award-winning spa, with tailored programmes to tired travellers, ensuring that people return to work refreshed and rejuvenated. Don’t miss out on the new ‘Five Elements Bodywork’, designed to balance the body and improve circulation as well as mental and physical wellbeing.

Crystal singing bowls as well as stretching and palm effleurage are followed by healing from within with fresh food from the resort’s garden, which tastes as good as it looks.

Please, sir, I want some more…

Last weekend was our friend’s 50th, so we headed to Granada to celebrate. One of Andalucía’s most beautiful of cities, Gra nada is also famous for its great tapas and as I do like my food, I was in. We did the usual tourist stuff. The Alhambra. Generalife Gardens. Sunset from Mirador de San Nicolas. Plus, hours happily wan dering the narrow streets, but come Saturday night, it was time for the foodie highlight, the degustation menu at an up-and-coming restaurant. We’d all enjoyed tasting menus in the past, so, we arrived, excited, and eager for our seven-course feast.

First up, we were presented with an array of artisan bread, accompanied by local olive oil and ceremoniously presented by Waitress One, as if it were a bottle of 1945 Château Mouton Rothschild. But when our friend, the Marquis of Monda, asked for butter, she recoiled in horror and, nose wrinkled in disgust, simply replied “No”. A tad taken aback, we poured the forlorn Marquis a large glass of wine, laughed it off and awaited our second course.

Waiter Two then explained course two in detail for seven minutes, before Waitress One and Three placed large platters in front of each of us. We stared down, con fused. Where was the food? Leaning in, we found it. One centimetre of a leek. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love me a leek. But maybe more than one centimetre. But here comes Waiter Four. Yay. But no, he was simply delivering a thimble of or ange jus. And the Marquis’ vegetarian option: Foam. Green foam. One centimetre long, 5 millimetres wide. An homage to asparagus, according to Waiter Four, but tasting of peas.

OK, we thought, they’re just toying with us. This second course is a highly amusing, amuse-bouche. Course three will be fab. But no, back came Waiter Two, droning on again before Waiter Five and Waitress One grandly presented eight large bowls. Excellent. Grub’s up. But alas, no, what do I spy but bowls of runny, raw eggs. So, taking the lead from Waitress One, I recoiled in horror and, nose wrinkled in disgust, pushed it away and simply replied, “No”.

By course four, we realised the only way to get through this pretentious farce was alcohol. And unlike the food, lots of it. The waiters, forced to serve diners with palates of Neanderthals, agreed. An uneasy truce formed. We all made it through courses three, four, five and six. But the pièce de résistance was course seven. Dessert. A now ravenous Marquis picked up his spoon and dived in. Over ran the Head Waitress, furious. “Nooooooo… it is not ready. Stop eating. Nowwwwww.” A shocked Marquis dutifully obeyed. Too scared not too. And we looked on as Waitress Six, head bowed in priest like so lemnity, blessed each plate with one teeny, tiny mint leaf.

Well, the now inebriated and, frankly, starving table exploded into hysterical laughter. I tried not to pee my pants. His Lordship tried not to spray the cava contents everywhere. The Marchioness tried to cry silently, head laid on the table, whilst a forlorn Marquis dreamt of butter. But tears of laughter were replaced by tears of despair 30 minutes later, when the waiting staff got the last laugh, grandly presenting us with the bill. 175 euros a head. I kid you not. Which hurt even more when, shortly after, we found ourselves at KFC.

Right, must dash. The Marquis is coming for lunch and I really do need to check our butter store…

By Catherine Saunders /