{a glamorous mix}

{take me away : bora bora, tahiti}

In the depths of January, its hard not to spend far too much time dreaming of the promise of warm sunshine, white beaches and getting away from it all...

...Like the island of Bora Bora, Tahiti; where the hardest decision to make in the morning is whether to rest and relax on the sandy beaches, rejuvenate at a local favorite, the Deep Ocean Spa By Algotherm, or take a helicopter ride above the waters, palms, thatched roofs, vibrant flowers, and sandy beaches below...

...Or, for those who prefer to fill their days with adventurous activities; discover ancient rituals by touring Bora Bora’s stone temples, or may go snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, parasailing, or choose of one of the many lagoon excursions...

And for a real treat to catch a glimpse of the tropical animals and sights beneath the waters without entering, you may book a classic glass bottom boat ride. This unique boat allows visitors to glide gently over the waters, and view, up close, various multicolored and exotic coral and fish life. Far more my style than scuba-diving!

In the evenings, beneath shimmering stars, enjoy romantic sunset cocktails and walks along the deep blue waters, with golden lights flickering in the distance, and a whole new look to Bora Bora.

I've had this South Pacific gem on my to-do travel list for some time, and thought it about time to share with you all some of the most beautiful hotels, beaches, places to eat, drink and relax and of course - what to wear.

w h e r e  t o   s t a y . . .

01 | Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort

This incredibly deluxe resort and spa is located on a motu with a stunning view of the famous Mount Otemanu. There are 20 garden suites with a private pool, 10 beach suites with a private jacuzzi and 50 over-water bungalows to choose from. Each suite or bungalow is kitted in beautiful, traditional warm woods that line the interiors, with not a detail or single luxury amiss.While staying at the Pearl Beach Resort, one may enjoy impeccable service, delicious cuisine (there are four lovely restaurants in total) and indulgent spa treatments. 

Places to Stay: The Feversham Arms, North Yorkshire

I adore a romantic (see term; dirty weekend...) break with the boy, and its often refreshing to opt not for a city break, but for a gorgeous rural hotel in the country with nothing but an amazing room, spa, restaurant and each other  In the pretty (up)market town of Helmsley, The Feversham Arms is made up of a cluster of rustic pale stone cottages arranged around a heated outdoor pool, this place has it all.

For me, the highlights of staying here include, but aren't limited to, the gorgeous champagne afternoon tea by the fire, Aroma Stone massage and Anti-Ageing Smoothie facial in the Verbena spa, our amazing suite - Room 22 – a galleried poolside suite with a wood-burning stove and the Poached white peach, vanilla shortbread and lemon verbena granite. As amazing as it sounds.

Michelin-starred chef Chris Staines (formerly of Marco Pierre White’s Oak Room) is now at the helm, alongside head chef Simon Kelly (ex The Waterside Inn, Bray and Nico at Ninety Park Lane). Dinner is served in the hotel restaurant between 6.45 and 9pm with a choice between a five-course tasting menu and a three-course a la carte. The restaurant has a modern take on fine dining and comes with a real sense of occasion, so pack heels and your favourite clutch. The five-course tasting menu is treat not to be missed. Dishes such as lemon-baked halibut with chervil hollandaise and asparagus keep the local foodie fraternity flocking here (and my chef beau happy!).

Places to Stay: Riad Meriem, Marrakesh | Morocco

I adore Morocco. Its one of my favorite counties, when in Marrakesh I love nothing more than soaking up the strong North African sunshine and completely losing myself in the romance of the city and Moroccan culture.

Ex-pats doing up riads has been an ongoing trend in Marrakech for years now, and the sunning Riad Meriem is the creation of New York interior designer Thomas Hays. Inside the riad, dappled sunlight lands on oriental rugs and doorways lead into secret hallways. But it’s not all archways, polished plaster and filigree lanterns, there are modern touches, too, such as dramatic fine art, photography and custom-made lighting. You can book one of the five rooms and stay a deux, or rent the whole place, and take it over for exclusive use – the managers are experienced event planners from London and can organise special meals and even belly dancing.

Places: Champagne Afternoon Tea at the Dorchester | London

Tasseled drapes and soft lighting, tufted settees and silk cushions, crisp white table cloths and silver-rimmed china, salmon pasta shell roll served with toast, lox and caviar, freshly backed scones with clotted cream, tea and delicate pastries and it's champagne afternoon tea at The Dorchester, London. Don't make a trip to London without a visit here . . .

Places: Wythe Hotel, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Its easy to fall into the routine of always staying on the island when visiting New York, but the gilded mirrors and retro-modern style of the wythe hotel on the Brooklyn waterfront may convince us otherwise - not to mention the rooms with views of the Manhattan skyline...

Places to Stay: Hotel Missoni, Edinburgh

In 2009, the first Missoni Hotel opened its doors on Edinburghs Royal Mile. Injecting some well received Milanese glamour among the grey streets of the Scottish city, this glamorous addition to the local hotel scene has gained a massive seal of approval by hosting a string of celebrities from Lady GaGa to The Kings of Leon.

Places to Stay: Sanctum Soho, London

Contrary to the name, there's nothing low-key or sanctuary-like about this boutique hotel in Londons party quarter. Two beautiful Georgian houses have been converted to create this luxury bolthole. You can pick a room category to suit your needs, from tiny, capsule-like Crash Pads for the shortest stopovers to a choice of suites. Some even come complete with disco lighting, dramatic mirror-mosaic tiled pillars and, resplendent in the middle of the room, a roll-top bath.

Alongside the perfect Soho location, highlights include; circular beds, the sleek rooftop garden and the gentlemans afternoon tea, which ends with Jack Daniels and cigars!

The restaurant, No 20, is a vintage-glam destination which positively shimmers with wickedness. It's the place for striking a pose with a martini at the sexy lipstick-pink bar, and then relaxing with a menu among its pink columns clad in glass rods, Altfield gold-rose wall coverings and ultra-shiny bronze gold leather banquettes. Tucked away up on the fifth floor, a drink at the cute residents’ roof bar is very much not to be missed (a roof terrace in Soho is a rare find). The sleek roof garden also comes with its own alfresco hydro spa, although those of a nervous (or more sober) disposition may wish to give the rooftop Jacuzzi, with its reputation for swimwear-less decadence, a miss. 

Doubles start from £195.00 per room per night. The hotel is close to both Tottenham Court Road and Leicester Square tube stations.  The nearest mainline station is Victoria, only 15 minutes in a taxi. London Heathrow airport is around 40 minutes in a taxi (allow a little longer in rush hour). Check is is from 3pm, with check out being a leisurely 12noon. Soho’s vibrant social life is on your doorstep, as is Theatreland. For a a little greenery and fresh air to cure a West End hangover, Hyde Park isn't far away.

Rachel x