Face the elements from the relaxation terrace

Let’s start with the lipstick-red hot tubs. Set at the edge of the reed-filtered outdoor pool with soaring views over Mawgan Porth beach, a steep 100-foot-long stroll below, they are the perfect metaphor for this hotel: sexy, unique, sumptuous and sleek.

There are two of them blushing playfully against the horizon, heated by a log-fired burner and filled with green-tinged water, bobbing with bundles of seaweed, algae and other mineral-rich stuff – slightly unnerving, but very good for your skin, according to the affable young lad whose job title I imagine is ‘Head of Hot Tub Operations’. Like all the staff here, he is relaxed and infectiously enthusiastic. After a spectacular drive along Cornwall’s north coast, interjected with a coastal walk at Boscastle and fish fried in beef drippings at Rick Stein’s posh Padstowe chippy, this is one hell of a fun start to our stay. All things considered – the sunset, the crashing waves, the champagne, the boyfriend – this is definitely the most spoiled I’ve felt in a long time.

From the moment you enter the Scarlet Hotel through electric doors, the hotel lobby immediately floors you. Panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows frame a gob-smacking scene: acres of sky, cresting surf, rolling green cliffs towering over an achingly cute scoop of sand… you simply couldn’t dream of a prettier setting. But the Scarlet doesn’t take a back seat to the views, bowing down with meek seaside pastels and creams – no, it is wickedly slick and gutsy, decorated with flashes of colour and humour borrowing from London’s Soho Hotel school of cool. As we stand gawping at the view, at the kitsch Missoni-print sofas and the funky local art, a laidback Aussie girl sits us down for a chat. We are free to wander round the hotel in the Scarlet’s dressing gowns and curl up in any nook we like the look of, she tells us, as she shows us round an interconnecting nest of terraces, bars, lounges, restaurant, library and chill-out-room-cum-yoga-studio, all spread over three tiered levels.

But it’s not just the easygoing atmosphere and casual chic of The Scarlet that places it light years ahead of other coastal properties – its innovative design heralds a new era of high-end eco luxury in the UK. Yes it looks gorgeous, and yes, there’s lots of weathered wood, but the ‘eco’ element here isn’t greenwashing; there are no less than 101 sustainable initiatives (so says the welcome booklet in our room), including a biomass boiler system, rain-water harvesting, solar panelling, locally sourced food and a 10% discount for guests arriving by foot, bike or public transport.

One look at the car park, though, backed up with Mercs, BMWs and the odd Ferrari, will tell you this is not for the dreadlocked masses. However, despite rooms costing from £180-£430 (€212-€510) per night the vibe here is completely unpretentious. This is Cornwall as it should be, with an eco conscience and a good deal of seaside fun – it just comes with a serious dose of sex appeal this time. And as it’s a “grown-ups only” hotel, it is blissfully free of screaming kids, perfect for a romantic getaway, a girlie spa weekend, or a peaceful beach break for any stressed-out city-dweller.

Back to those rooms: they are quite stunning. Categorised as ‘Just Right’, ‘Generous’, ‘Unique’, ‘Spacious’ and ‘Indulgent’, all 37 are roomy and sun-drenched, laid out in open-plan style (be prepared for nakedness – bathtubs stand unashamedly within the bedroom). They come with a flat screen TV, hanging felt lamps, wood-stencilled wall trees and, with our “Just Right” room, a garden terrace of sage-coloured sea thrift, swaying reeds and hypnotic sea views.

The very aptly-named 'Just Right' room

And if you’re not sufficiently soothed by all this, follow the sweet wafts of organic Tri-Dosha oils through the hallways towards the canvas-tented spa, cocooned at the heart of the hotel. Ayurvedic treatments include seaweed baths, hammam body scrubs and deep-tissue massages, which you can follow with relaxation time in the steam room, sauna or heated indoor pool, and conclude with a snooze in one of the hanging womb-like cushioned “pods”.

I’m loathe to talk about the Scarlet’s shortcomings – it is so damn close to perfect – but this young hotel has one teething issue: restaurant service is too slow for a luxury hotel. Granted, I visited in the last weekend in June – the busiest since their September launch, I suspect. During dinner we waited half an hour between our first course (succulent homemade terrine, by the way) and second course (sublime chunky monkfish). The next morning several tables waited impatiently for breakfast (an amazing selection of sautéed apples and yogurt, scrambled eggs and kippers, amongst other things); when the food’s this good it’s such a pity to have to wait for it. One woman was in a flap about being late for her spa appointment – how ironic to be in this absurdly picturesque setting, awaiting a massage and stressing out about our untimely kippers. I sensed we all felt awkwardly guilty about it, too. Were we not mellow enough for this dreamy Cornish eco-pad?

Nevertheless, and despite not getting my coffee fix quickly enough, I still fell head over heels in love with the Scarlet. The perfect marriage of nature and design, humour and heart, this is more than just a hotel, it’s an experience.

Next time, I’m extremely tempted to see what these blustery Atlantic views look like in winter. I shall swap martini cocktails for mulled wine, the log fires will be crackling, and mmm, those red-hot hot tubs will be even more sizzling…

For more information and bookings, see the Scarlet Hotel’s website.

A tour of the Scarlet Hotel…

BA brand ambassador Rachel Weisz

If you’re one of the rarefied few who habitually turns left when boarding a long-haul flight you’ll know it’s possible for travellers to feel as though they’ve arrived even before they’ve reached their destination. In an era of cut-price budget flights, premium-spend passengers are airlines’ very own manna from the skies and the launch of British Airways’ new first-class cabin shows just how much gratitude the airline is willing to lavish on its most discerning passengers.

The result of a £100million investment, the new cabin is being introduced to BA’s aircraft on a rolling basis. For those who expect the very best of everything, at all times, it’s a return to the glory days when flying meant indulgence and glamour rather than interminable queues and enduring an all-over grope before you’re allowed through security.

The design of the first-class cabin itself has been inspired by premium British automotive brands and so focuses on classic lines and reassuring durability rather than gimmicks and gizmos. An enhanced bed is the focus of each passenger’s private area and, although the 400-thread Egyptian-cotton bed linen, demure, adaptable lighting and complimentary pyjamas should help lure you to slumber, if you’re spending all this money on a first-class experience it would be wasteful to sleep through it.

To keep passengers entertained, each suite includes a 15” in-flight entertainment screen for on-demand distraction. More quaint is the leather-bound writing table – presumably business travellers will be placing their laptops on it rather than scribing missives with quill and ink but it’s another discreet nod to tradition from the designers. Of interest to leisure travellers is that each suite is also provided with a personal wardrobe. Sadly our hope that this might be stocked with some tailor-made British garb from the likes of Burberry and Westwood wasn’t realised but it does mean you can easily follow a Victoria Beckham-style flight routine. She apparently dispenses with her figure-hugging outfits and dangerously high heels every time she settles into first class, changing instead into casual gear and relaxing in one of the few places she can avoid the paparazzi. Passengers can emulate her further by indulging in some beauty treatments when onboard – everyone is provided with a complimentary Anya Hindmarch washbag with toiletries from esteemed London brand D.R. Harris & Co.

Applying some moisturiser, at least, is a good idea because politely accepting the near limitless flow of champagne can really dry the skin. Cuisine on board is of the quality you’d expect from the finest restaurants, with afternoon tea also provided should you feel peckish between courses.

With the experience and service so satisfyingly sophisticated throughout it sets a high precedent for the rest of your holiday. However, there are a few telltale signs that your companions enjoy equally indulgent experiences when they touch down. Looking through First Life, the magazine BA produces exclusively for its first-class passengers, we noticed an advert for a holiday package. Five nights in the presidential suite at the Bellagio in Las Vegas certainly sounds nice, particularly when it includes the opportunity to dine with multi-Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse and play a game of poker with “a team of high rollers or a selection of supermodels, or both” but it’s a first-class experience we’ll have to give a miss. It costs a minimum of £200,000…

Breath-taking views at SHA Wellness Clinic

SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain

Where does Kylie head to when she’s in need of a little pampering and some me-time? Ms Minogue books into the SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante; a super deluxe resort offering a variety of well-being programmes in sumptuous surroundings. A symphony of sleek modern design, glorious sea views and magnificent infinity pools, the SHA Wellness Clinic boasts top-notch treatments to match its luxe appearance. Various programmes are on offer to treat anything from sleeplessness to stress, but to kick start a healthy lifestyle and begin to get your body into toned and taut bikini-ready perfection, we recommend the resort’s 14-day weight loss plan.

SHA’s personalised programmes help guests to lose weight, and to keep it off, and to gain vitality and fitness in its place. At the start of your stay you’ll have consultations with the resort’s resident medical staff, nutritional therapists and a personal trainer who will determine the best solutions for you. A tailormade diet is planned and administered to balance metabolism and reduce blood sugar, complemented by a specially created range of herbal drinks that facilitate the elimination of excess fat. You can also participate in activities at the SHA Life Learning Centre, including yoga, tai chi and chi kung. Acupuncture and shiatsu are also part of the programme and we definitely recommend checking out the resort’s spa for a little extra pampering – it recently won a prestigious Condé Nast Traveller award. And if it’s good enough for Kylie…

The seven day Weight Loss Programme at the SHA Wellness Clinic costs from €1,600 per person. Further information is available on the resort’s website.

Ayurvedic cuisine at Parkschlösschen

Parkschlösschen, Germany

Located in a quiet valley in the Moselle, treatment at Parkschlösschen is based on the ancient Ayurvedic principle that health comes from being in harmony with oneself and one’s nature. This is Europe’s first fully Ayurvedic luxury resort and you can expect harmony in everything from the gourmet meals to the interior design. Parkschlösschen’s Panchakarma detox programme is an intensive ten- or 14-day plan designed to rid the body of harmful toxins and to rebalance both mentally and physically. Therapy includes step-by-step removal of accumulated waste and impurities under the supervision of the resort’s trained physicians. Treatment also includes soothing oil massages, cleansing herbal steam baths and warm oil body baths so you really have no excuse but to relax and let go of stresses and strains.

Parkschlösschen also focuses on re-aligning the body nutritionally and the menu is based on light haute-cuisine meals that won’t make you feel like you’re on a hardcore diet. As well as the resort’s thermal baths, there’s a luxury spa with treatments using Aveda products and fresh, tailormade preparations based on Ayurveda. Even the rooms and suites have been designed with relaxation in mind, as a balanced environment creates a sense of inner harmony – you can expect pure silk wallpaper and furnishings that calm or invigorate. If this resort doesn’t relax and rebalance, it’s fair to say that nothing will!

Ten-day Panchakarma detox programmes start at € 2,105 per person. For more information see the Parkschlösschen website.

The pretty Lot region of southwestern France

Camp Biche – France

Calling itself the ‘original luxury fitness boot camp’, Camp Biche is situated in gloriously verdant southwestern France and offers programmes combining a variety of sports with blissful spa treatments. The camp makes the most of the surrounding countryside with daily hikes in addition to a customisable exercise schedule that can include a wide variety of pursuits both leisurely and intensive, from yoga, pilates and swimming to Thai kickboxing or triathlon and marathon training.

Whether you choose the ‘Kick Start’ or ‘Endurance’ programme, daily hour-long massages are included. The camp’s spa was voted one of the best in the world by Tatler, so whatever ache or strain might be bothering you you’re in sure hands here. Meals are ‘portion-controlled’, but the camp serves gourmet grub so there’s not too much hardship. There’s also a ‘Lifestyle’ package available which is individually tailored to each guest and offers daily fitness classes designed to teach you workouts you can continue to do at home as well as cooking lessons showing you how to prepare delicious, nutritional meals. Should all the options on offer prove overwhelming you can chill out and cool down by taking a dip in the camp’s swimming pool and drinking in the view of the serene Lot countryside. Or if you’d like to tone up mentally as well as physically, French lessons can be arranged. It would seem that Camp Biche might just add a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to kick-starting a bikini blitz…

Week-long programmes start at €2,546 per person. For more information see the Camp Biche website.

A taxing well-being programme in Elounda...

The Blue Palace – Crete

With stunning views over the impossibly blue expanse of the Aegean Sea, luxuriously decorated rooms and private villas, a stay at the Blue Palace in Elounda, Crete is as far as you can get from a Spartan holiday experience! The resort’s Thalasso Slimming Programme is six days of low-impact exercise and marine-based therapies designed to transform you into a Grecian goddess with a minimal amount of effort. Muscles are toned and tightened though fitness routines in seawater pools and the package includes a selection of spa treatments which also harness the healing power of the sea. From sea water hydromassage baths using mineral salts and marine algae to submarine showers and thalgothermic body wraps, you’ll be pampered from top to toe.

Massages are administered to rid the body of harmful toxins and you can make use of the spa’s marble hammams, sauna and jacuzzis to prolong the relaxation process. Signature treatments use Cretan herbs, pure olive oil and crushed olive seeds to ensure perfectly radiant, glowing skin.  The Thalasso Slimming Programme includes nutritionally balanced meals based on the local diet and uses fresh organic ingredients – think just-caught fish, crisp salads and authentic Greek specialities. If this doesn’t feel like enough exertion, you can choose to take part in yoga or aerobics courses or perhaps try out a Cretan dance class. As you watch yet another sublime sunset, spare a thought for all those poor souls taking to the treadmill.

The five day Thalasso Slimming Programme costs €845 per person. See the Blue Palace’s website for more information.

Get away from it all in Le Marche

The Hill That Breathes – Italy

Looking to get away from it all and slow down? Il bel paese is reputed for the relaxed pace of life (it’s is the birthplace of the Slow Food movement and if you ask anyone who has spent any time here, just about everything – apart from the driving – is approached with a laid-back attitude!) The enigmatically-titled resort is situated amidst the rolling hills of the Le Marche region and offers retreats, yoga breaks and classes that will give you the opportunity to take time out, away from the stresses and strains of everday life. Whether you choose to book in for a detox week, try one of the hotel’s yoga programmes, or go for their renowned “F**k It” breaks, you will be forced to release control and let your worries evaporate!

The Hill That Breathes is actually a 100-acre wooded hill, with accomodation in an eco-friendly renovated farmhouse. Rooms are decorated in cool tones and furnishings mix modern design and vintage treasures – the hotel wouldn’t look out of place on the pages of Wallpaper. You’ll feel at one with nature during the resort’s activities: there’s a saltwater pool with stunning views over the surrounding countryside and yoga classes take place in a vast Geodesic Dome with floor-to-ceiling windows. And if you book a massage prepare to be lulled into a peaceful slumber by a soundtrack of chirruping crickets and a gentle woodland breeze – treatments take place in the great outdoors! If you’re a bit of a foodie, this may be the resort for you; the delicious vegetarian menu features locally-sourced, seasonal produce, whipped up into healthy Italian fare by the resident chef. And if you need to take a break from yoga, breathing classes, massages and sunbathing, you can take part in one of The Hill That Breathes’ cooking classes. The cab back to the airport may be a bit of a shock to the system…

Programmes cost between €845 and €995 per-person, per-week, depending on the week and course. More details are available on The Hill That Breathes website.

Hakkasan's muted interior

In these tough times it’s not your average restaurant that can afford to chuck out paying customers but such is the demand for a table at Hakkasan that diners have two hours to feast their eyes and eat their fill before being ejected. Not a policy that ingratiates but, after having eaten here, one I fully understand – we so enjoyed our meal that had they not removed us it’s possible our party might be there even now, bursting at our glutinous seams and facing financial ruin as we gobbled yet another serving of pricey dim sum.

Set up by Alan Yau, the restaurateur behind high-street chain Wagamama, Hakkasan is just a stone’s throw from Tottenham Court Road underground station but a world away from the dilapidated buildings that surround it. A basement venue, we descended to its depths to be greeted by a beautiful receptionist whose hand was on fire. Not an auspicious start to our evening and presumably quite painful for her, but closer inspection revealed that, in actuality, she was holding a clutch of smouldering incense. Not what we had expected but it seems this is the type of thing they do in really posh places! Suitably impressed, we were then led to a similarly beautiful receptionist who took our coats and directed us to her beautiful colleague, who showed us to our table.

Dimly lit, the interior of Hakkasan is a murky mix of dark woods, carved lattice screens and solid, simple fixtures. We thought it both timeless and effortlessly stylish, and at 7pm it was already full to capacity, the clientele a mixture of office workers, trust-fund kids with rarefied taste and couples with something to celebrate. From Hong Kong, Yau’s background is duly represented throughout the menu of Cantonese dishes, with its dim sum a signature dish.

Eager to try as much as possible we ate Chinese-style by ordering a selection of dishes to share. And it was a good call. Unlike some other restaurants which seem to decrease the size of portions proportionate to any increase in price, Hakkasan’s servings were generous and presented in abundance – perfect for sharing and shortly after ordering we were left to tackle an accumulation of dishes including stewed Hakka pork rib, roasted mango duck and plate after plate of steaming dim sum. All were exceptional, but it was the steaming parcels of dim sum and their sodden, indiscernible fillings that were the winner. Although we weren’t really sure what it was we were eating the flavours were phenomenal, textures intriguing and presentation perfection. In fact, I would go as far as to say that they were as good as any dim sum I’ve eaten in China or Hong Kong. Controversial, I know, but there, I’ve said it!

A decadent dining experience at Hakkasan

Consumed as we were by our concentration on the flavours we were experiencing we paid little heed to the waiting staff but this is obviously a behaviour they’re used to. Service throughout was discreet and intuitive without being intrusive. Hands appeared from nowhere to remove dishes, wine glasses remained topped up despite our drinking deep, stupid questions were answered competently and courteously. It was all a pleasant departure from the snobby service that is so often associated with exclusive restaurants and was a wonderful complement to an excellent meal.

Until that is, we were disturbed from our dessert of luscious, creamy, moreish ice creams, sorbets and mousses to be told that our time was up. A all-too-soon end to an exceptional meal but perhaps it’s a good way to ensure repeat custom after all – as soon as our bank balances can face another Hakkasan hit we’ll be back for more.

More information is available on Hakkasan’s website.

Vibrant yet elegant, a guestroom at Bishopstrow House

Plenty of hotels offer impressive service with porters on tiptoes awaiting guests. But at Bishopstrow House, the general manager himself offers his hand when I pull up in a taxi, then carries my bags in for me. This is the kind of warmth and lack of pretension that runs throughout this quintessentially English hotel.

Surrounded by 27 acres of untamed countryside, Bishopstrow House is a handsome ivy-clad Georgian building and the latest von Essen hotel to undergo a multi-million pound facelift. Each of its 32 bedrooms has been given a flamboyant lick and polish and a brand-new spa has been added.

Moments after our little party arrives, tea and homemade cookies are laid on in the library, and even though we are determined to save our appetites for dinner, we cannot resist. Well, it is an icy-cold evening after all. Every furnishing in the library is imbued with British style. Well-loved rugs, a six-seater leather Chesterfield, antique lamps, fresh wild flowers and, of course, a log fire crackling away in the corner. Then out come the big guns: foie gras canapés, quails’ eggs on soldiers and baked cheese hashbrowns, and did I mention the Bollinger? We’re in hotel heaven before we’ve even seen our rooms, which by the way, are roasting warm, filled with colourful silk cushions and plenty of va va voom on the walls.

Dinner is at Mulberry, Bishopstrow’s new-look contemporary restaurant. We are served modern English cuisine at its best: twice-baked Devon crab soufflé, butter-roasted Turbot with buttered leeks, wild mushroom duxelle and crisp ratte potatoes, followed by hot double chocolate cake with blood orange sorbet and homemade marshmallows, all of which is impeccably presented and piping hot. It’s easy to see why the restaurant has been awarded 2AA rosettes. In the kitchen, the head chef is Ben Streak, a South African who sources more than half of his ingredients from Bishopstrow’s gardens and is more than happy to share a few of his culinary secrets over a nightcap.

Mulberry, the hotel's restaurant

Next day, we don our bathrobes and head to the Halcyon Spa – a major new feature of the hotel’s refurbishment. Sadly, it’s somewhat of a disappointment. The changing rooms are rather akin to what you’d find at your local gym (rather steamy and sweaty with little privacy) and unsightly slip-proof mats unfortunately flank the swimming pool. My Elemis facial, however, is superb, and a rigorous 30-minute back massage grants me two full weeks free from back pain for the first time in years. Remarkable.

There is plenty to see and do in Wiltshire. Stourhead House and Gardens is a must, so too is Stonehenge (20 minutes away). Plus, the glorious Georgian city of Bath is just up the road. Or, closer to home, there’s clay pigeon shooting and archery within the grounds of the hotel and if you really want to get into the spirit of things, trout fishing is an option from April 15 to October 15 on Bishopstrow’s private stretch of the River Wylye.

Bishopstrow House doesn’t quite compete in the style stakes when it comes to its trendy neighbours such as Babington House, but therein lies its charm.

www.bishopstrow.co.uk

In the current financial climate, life is all about chiconomising. Splash out in one area of life and go no frills in another. Thus we will continue to book with the adorable people at Ryanair, but we will be travelling in comfort and style with a super soft cashmere stole from the masters of Italian luxury, Loro Piana.

Made from the finest cashmere sourced from Hircus goats in Northern China and Mongolia, this is an investment, and an ethical one at that! The Loro Piana Opera stole is the perfect travel blanket/chic evening wrap meaning that you’ll stay toasty warm whether you’re snuggling down in a wipe-clean seat on a Ryanair plane, or attending a gala. The fabric is incredibly soft and each stole is finished with a discreet gold ring as proof of the quality and workmanship. The stoles are available in a range of subtle and sophisticated tones that may not match Ryanair’s yellow and blue livery exactly, but they will certainly go well with any of your party frocks. Mental note to self: book flight with Ryanair asap in order to make the very necessary investment in that cashmere stole.

For a list of stockists see the Loro Piana website.

The suitcases are made from Vulcan Fibre, a mysterious fibre invented in Britain in the 1850s which is ultra-light as well as very hard-wearing. The fibre is patented and its composition remains Globe-Trotter’s most closely guarded secret.

The cruise collection suitcases are an attractive royal blue with navy leather accents on the corners and straps. Lined in fresh blue and white striped cotton, the cases were inspired by yacht races on the Isle of Wight. For an extra touch of luxury you can have your initials hand-painted onto the case. And you aren’t someone who knows how to travel light, never fear! The suitcases are available in no less than nine sizes, so you could purchase a selection to ensure that you have space for all of those essential items. A word of warning: they’re so pretty that you may not want to unpack!

http://www.globe-trotterltd.com

The place where lovers say 'Yes': the Villa San Michele.

Perched on the side of a steep hill overlooking the red roofs of Florence, this converted 15th-century monastery is enshrouded by Italianate gardens filled with lemon trees, jasmine and rosemary, and plenty of nooks and crannies to play ‘hide and smooch’ in. A moss-encrusted statue here, a flower-covered pergola there, an ancient chapel tucked up in the trees – actually this is one of the hotel’s 45 rooms – how private can you get?

The strict ‘no mobile phones’ policy ensures the atmosphere is always peaceful, which is huge relief when you want to wash the worries of the world away, lying by the pool. As tempting as it is to spend all your time around said delightful pool, there’s a free shuttle service that makes it dead-easy to pop into town for a visit to the leather market, Uffizi or Duomo before returning to the villa for an early evening aperitif.

Dinner is at La Loggia, the hotel’s open-air, cloistered restaurant. Here, giant vases of pink hydrangeas and cream tablecloths decorate the scene, and all the tables are directed towards the spectacular views of Florence and the Arno Valley. Order the warm lobster fillets with celeriac and thyme purée or the homemade Tuscan pasta with wild duck ragout and one of their finest bottles of Brunello, then settle in for one of the most magical meals of your life.

I can honestly say I have seldom come across a five-star hotel that boasts as much charm as Villa San Michele. All the original features of the main house have been preserved, including rustic terracotta floor tiles and frescoes that date back to 1602, yet the rooms – all scattered around the property – are tastefully updated with shiny walnut furniture, flat-screen TVs and enormous Carrara marble bathrooms. No wonder celebrities such as Brigitte Bardot, Vivienne Westwood and Julia Roberts return year after year – I know I’ll certainly be back.

www.villasanmichele.com

Tel: +39 01 852 67803

Welcome to Ischia. An authentic island paradise, Ischia has always remained in the shadow of its neighbour, the world famous isle of Capri. However, thanks to top end hotels, spas, and restaurants, and celebrity sightings, Ischia is steadily growing in popularity.

Ischia’s ‘curative’ thermal springs derive from volcanoes that last erupted in 1302. The Roman gods themselves are said to have bathed in the thermal waters. Today, you can enjoy a relaxing spa holiday and benefit from the springs’ purported healing powers to reduce stress and relieve aches and pains.

For the ultimate thermal experience, visit Giardini Poseidon, a thermal garden and park situated atop a mountain with an expansive view of the Mediterranean Sea. Giardini Poseidon offers 22 thermal swimming pools of varying temperatures—start in the coolest and work your way to the Roman sauna!

Or if you prefer the sea, head for the island’s white sand beaches. During the summer, the beaches will still be packed but less so than the beaches of neighbouring Naples and Capri. And during the off-season, beaches can feel downright secluded while the temperatures remain warm.

If you do feel compelled to leave your lounger, the island offers more than thermal springs and sandy beaches. There are plenty of distractions for history and architectural buffs as well as vineyards for wine tasting.

At night, the sleepy Mediterranean island wakes up and everyone comes out to play. Visit any of the island’s restaurants to sample the local cuisine—Ischia is know for its rabbit dishes and seafood—and Epomeo wine. Ristorante Alberto is favoured for its prime location on the beach and its celebrity guest list including Matt Damon, Kate Moss, and Gwyneth Paltrow. After dinner, take a stroll through the island town of Ischia Porto. Start out at piazzetta dei pini, a lively neighbourhood of bars and clubs. If you want to spot some stars, make your way to the club Valentino.

Ischia is fast losing its status as an unknown destination, drawing more stars and stargazers. Best to visit before it gets too popular…

So beautiful, we really should keep it a secret...

]]> http://runninginheels.co.uk/articles/ischia/feed/ 0 http://runninginheels.co.uk/articles/inamo/ http://runninginheels.co.uk/articles/inamo/#comments Tue, 17 Feb 2009 11:28:52 +0000 Alice Revel http://runninginheels.co.uk/?p=340

Inamo's interactive tablecloths - all part of the experience!

London likes technology. If you’ve lived in the big smoke for any amount of time you’ll have avoided the queues in the supermarket and checked out your own shopping, played with interactive ads whilst waiting for the bus or saved a cab number via a bluetooth link in the tube. Well amidst the plethora of dining opportunities on Wardour Street in Soho, you’ll find London’s newest addition to technological wizadry. The new kid on the block is Inamo, an oriental fusion restaurant with a difference. Noel Hunwick and Danny Potter, two Oxford grads with a thing for sushi and technie fun have come up with an interactive eating experience that will make desperately making signals to a blank-faced waiter a thing of the past.

Don’t expect to be handed a menu, at Inamo this is projected directly onto the tabletop. Through the interactive interface you can order food and drinks, play games or even change the virtual tablecloth. Everything is up to you, so if you feel like starting with dessert and ending your meal with an entrée, you can! Inamo offers oriental fusion cuisine so you can opt for wild boar rolls, whilst your date enjoys a Thai red curry. The drinks menu is top notch, offering a choice of wine and saké as well as a cocktail selection including such delights as a bellini made with green tea or the “Dragon” – an exotic combination of lime, chilli, ginger and rum.

When you come to the end of your 21st century dining experience, if you need to order a taxi or want to find out about things to do in the environs, you can do this through the control panel under your empty plate.Inamo is a great spot to go with friends or on a first date – if your dining partner is not the most interesting company, you could always suggest a game of Battleships. True, it may be slightly gimmicky, but is five years ago someone had suggested that one day you would be checking out your own shopping, you probably would have thought they were crazy.

For more information and reservations, see Inamo’s website.