When it comes to sustainable swimwear, recycled swim shorts are a great choice. Not only do they reduce plastic waste, but they also come in a range of stylish designs. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which ones to choose? Here are some tips for choosing the best recycled swim shorts.
Material
The first thing to consider when choosing recycled swim shorts is the material. Look for shorts made from high-quality recycled materials, such as Econyl or Seaqual. These materials are made from recycled plastic waste and are both durable and comfortable to wear.
Seaqual, which we use at Reef Knots, is a popular material for recycled swimwear. It is made from recycled plastic waste collected from the ocean, so has a higher degree of provenance than other fabrics. Seaqual is also known for its soft texture and quick-drying properties.
Econyl is a popular material for recycled swimwear. It is made from recycled fishing nets, fabric scraps, and other nylon waste. Econyl has a similar texture and durability to regular nylon but with the added benefit of reducing plastic waste.
Note, that many brands will use recycled material that is not collected from the ocean, and some will used fabric that is not recycled at all.
Fit
The next thing to consider is the fit of the swim shorts. Look for shorts that are comfortable and allow for ease of movement. Recycled swim shorts come in a range of styles, from form-fitting to loose and baggy. Choose a style that fits your body type and feels comfortable.
Length is another factor to consider. Swim shorts come in various lengths, from mid-thigh to above the knee. Choose a length that feels comfortable and suits your style.
Design
Recycled swim shorts come in a range of stylish designs, from bold patterns to subtle solids. Consider your personal style and choose a design that reflects it. If you're feeling bold, go for a bright and colorful pattern. If you prefer a more understated look, opt for a solid color or a subtle pattern.
Brand
When choosing recycled swim shorts, it's important to consider the brand. Look for a brand that is committed to sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices. Some brands even donate a portion of their sales to ocean conservation efforts. At Reef Knots, we fund the release of a baby lobster into the ocean for every pair sold, as well as supporting the work of the Blue Marine Foundation.
Price
Recycled swim shorts can vary in price, from budget-friendly to high-end. Consider your budget and choose a pair of shorts that fits within it. Remember that investing in a high-quality pair of swim shorts will save you money in the long run, as they will last longer than a cheaper pair.
In conclusion, when choosing the best recycled swim shorts, consider the material, fit, design, brand and price. By following these tips, you can find a pair of swim shorts that are both stylish and sustainable. Hopefully you'll be diving into the ocean in a pair of swim shorts that helped to clean it!
]]>Polo shirts are a timeless classic, worn by people all over the world for a variety of occasions. Whether you're playing a sport or simply looking for a comfortable yet stylish top, a polo shirt is an excellent choice. But where did this iconic garment come from, and what is the history behind it? In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the fascinating history of polo shirts, and explore how they have evolved over time.
The story of polo shirts begins in the late 1800s, when British soldiers stationed in India began playing the sport of polo. The traditional long-sleeved shirts they wore proved to be uncomfortable and restrictive during matches, so they began experimenting with different types of shirts. Eventually, they settled on short-sleeved shirts made from a lightweight and breathable fabric. These shirts featured a buttoned collar, which could be fastened to protect the neck from the sun and wind during matches. The buttoned collar also helped to keep the collar in place while riding a horse, which was important for safety.
The popularity of polo shirts grew outside of the sport of polo in the 1920s, when tennis players began wearing them as a more comfortable alternative to traditional tennis whites. The French tennis player René Lacoste is often credited with creating the first modern polo shirt. In 1926, he designed a shirt made from a lightweight cotton fabric, featuring a buttoned placket and a crocodile emblem on the chest. The shirt was an instant hit, and soon became known as the “Lacoste shirt.” Lacoste's design was quickly adopted by other tennis players, and soon became a staple of the sport.
Over the years, polo shirts have continued to evolve and adapt to changing fashion trends. In the 1950s and 1960s, they became popular among preppy and Ivy League students, who wore them with khaki pants or shorts. In the 1970s and 1980s, polo shirts became a symbol of casual style, and were often worn with jeans or shorts. In the 1990s and 2000s, they became popular among streetwear and hip-hop fans, who often paired them with baggy pants or tracksuits.
Today, polo shirts are a versatile garment that can be worn in a variety of settings, from the golf course to the office to a night out with friends. They come in a wide range of colors and styles, from classic pique cotton to performance fabrics designed for athletes. Some feature bold logos or patterns, while others are more understated and minimalist.
If you're looking for high-quality polo shirts that are both stylish and comfortable, look no further than Reef Knots. Our collection of polo shirts features classic designs that are perfect for any occasion, from a casual weekend brunch to a day on the golf course. Made from high-quality organic cotton, these shirts are built to last, and will become a staple of your wardrobe for years to come.
In conclusion, the history of polo shirts is a fascinating tale of evolution and adaptation. From their origins on the polo field to their current status as a wardrobe staple, these shirts have come a long way over the years. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a fashion-conscious individual, there's a polo shirt out there for you. And if you're looking for the best of the best, be sure to check out Reef Knots' – you won't be disappointed!
]]>There are a few things in life that get slapped by the open-hand of undeserved flack, but nothing more so than dating apps. We don’t know why, but people seem to snigger at dating app users because it’s seen as - what? - sad and desperate and uber-untraditional, which is kind of funny because most singles are actually signed up to more than one app. And rightly so. It’s how people hook up (and fall in love) these days.
It’s your chance to stumble across someone you’ve never stumbled across before, get chatting, discover your similarities, laugh over the same silly things, and become so crazy about them you start thinking about all the time, even when you should be thinking about something else, like how to operate that semi-dangerous power tool you just hired from Homebase.
The problem is, it’s hard to become good at dating apps.
You want to be you, but you also only have two seconds to make a first impression and, if that impression isn't unbelievably irresistible, well, it's another night alone, eating a pop-di-ping meal on the sofa in front of Love Island (oh the irony), the ad breaks becoming a blur of smiley faces, holiday snaps and heavy filters, as you swipe left and right ten times a second. It’s frustrating.
Thankfully, we’ve pulled together a list of tips to help you up spark up a conversation with that someone you could possibly fall madly in love with. So, without further ado, here are the opening line moves you need to turn dating apps from frustrating to modern-day cupids:
There’s not many things more intriguing than a random fact. It could be a random fact about you (like how you once shared a takeaway mac n’ cheese with a drunk Daniel Craig in Soho), or it could be a random fact you just discovered (like how sloths can hold their breaths longer than dolphins can - true story).
It’s a guaranteed chemistry-starter. Either she’ll chuckle, say “wow” and reply to you straight away, or she’ll share your random fact with her mates, and they’ll chuckle and say “wow, and then she’ll start thinking about the cool and funny guy from her dating app. She’ll think of you as funny and intelligent and confident. It’s a win-win-win.
Some people are born with funny bones, others have to try a bit harder -- and for those people, the “would you rather” question is like gold dust. It’s a fun way to kickstart a chinwag. And she’ll see that you embrace your idiosyncrasies, which is bonus point right there. Just try and keep everything within the funny bracket and avoid anything that might make her grimace or throw up.
To be safe - and to show you paid attention - read through her profile for any clues. If she’s said she likes photography, you could open with something like, “Would you rather have Andy Warhol by your personal photographer or be a better photographer than Andy Warhol?” C’mon, if that doesn’t get the conversation rolling then nothing will.
We mentioned the untapped source of interests that is her dating profile, and we’re celebrating its power again, because asking her about something that’s on her profile shows you’re interested in her. It shows you want to get to know her for who she is and not because she looks good in a sun hat. Think about it: she’s thought long and hard about what information she shares in her bio, wanting it to be perfect at first glance (yeah, just like you did), so ask her about it.
Ask her why she likes cooking and what her favourite dish to cook is. Ask her about the story behind that photo of her surfing. Or ask her about her love for The Smiths. It’s all there to help you understand why you would be great together -- so ask away, buddy.
You should always be yourself. But if you need help being witty to grab her attention, then that’s fine too. Of course, it doesn’t have to be something so hilarious Chandler would be proud of, it could be something innocently funny or, better yet, something that relates to her profile - something she would see as an inside joke. It’s basically a sure-fire way to show you’ve got a great sense of humour.
And failing that, you can always pinch one of these hilarious opening lines from the unofficial list of most hilarious opening lines ever… “You must be my appendix because I don’t know what you do but this feeling in my stomach makes me want to take you out.”
There’s not a human being on the planet that doesn’t go slightly pink-cheeked when they get complimented, so if you’re vibing a cute girl on a dating app, state your attraction and watch your chemistry ignite. Just keep it classy, pal. Tell her she has beautiful eyes, a smile so good it could be the ad for a dentist, and lips more wow than all of the Kardashian clan. But definitely don’t open the conversation with any admiration for her breasts or bum because you’ll end up as the accompanying screenshot on a Facebook rant faster than you can say, “it was meant as a compliment”.
As for adjectives, “cute” is the winner. Don’t get us wrong, “beautiful,” “stunning,” gorgeous,” and “sexy” will all be met with a smile, but “cute” will make them bite their bottom lip. It perfectly teases the area between innocent and flirty like nothing else.
An awesome way to strike up a conversation - and learn a bit more about what makes them, them - is to ask for a recommendation. Open up with something like, “Ah, cool, you live in London, could you recommend…” and then hit them with anything. A cool bar in Spitalfields Market, favourite eatery, music venue, anything. Or you could look at the photos for clues, spot they’re holding a novel and ask them to recommend a good book (“yeah, I love reading”. And that’s just a scratch on the surface. There’s Netflix Originals, gin cocktails, music bands and a gazillion more options.
And then there’s the added bonus of actually getting a cool recommendation. High-five.
It’s almost never a bad thing being told you look like a celebrity babe. But try and think outside the box. Why? Because if the girl who’s stopped you swiping is the spitting image of Angelina Jolie, she’s probably heard that one a few times before. She’ll enjoy the compliment, sure. But she’ll do so and move on with a yawn. Do better than that.
Ignore the obvious and tell her she reminds you of such-and-such because of their fun personality, or their happy smile, or the positive energy they give off. You’ll find noticing something that’s non-physical is nicer because it has that much more substance. Simple.
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off if you do).
]]>That’s right, there’s a whole world of collar-styles out there.
]]>Okay, we’re going to hurl ourselves straight into this one -- it’s bad enough that you’re forced to wear a button-down shirt to work every day, but rubbing tabasco sauce into the wound is the annoyingly unnecessary amount of shirt collar styles to pick from. It’s like being sat on Death Row and being given a twelve-page menu of grub you can order for your last meal - it’s too much choice for any mortal man to wade through.
It’s a shirt collar, for heaven’s sake. A collar. That’s all. So why there needs to be three-dozen different types is totally beyond us. But instead of sitting around and complaining about it (and saying typically grumpy and British things like, “this is exactly what’s wrong with the world nowadays”), we’ve been busy whittling the options down to the seven essential shirt-collars worth knowing about and possibly adding to your wardrobe.
No, you probably don’t need them all, and if someone had a water-pistol to our heads and was forcing us to pick just one (don’t ask us why!?), we’d probably pick an Oxford, with either a traditional collar or a button-down. But we’ve promised you seven collar-types and seven you will get.
So, without further ado, here’s your no-nonsense guide to the best shirt-collar options out there and how to wear them. You. are. welcome.
The Traditional Collar
This is it. The classic. The one that you think of whenever you close your eyes and imagine shirt collars (which, in all honesty, probably isn’t that often) - and rightly so, because this collar is more universal than jazz music and more fitting than a pair of one-size ski goggles.
Also known as a forward point or straight collar, this style works for any kind of man, in any kind of suit, with a penchant for any kind of necktie knot. It’s the collar to pick when you’re not sure what to wear because it’s impossible to get wrong. It’s tried, it’s tested, and it’s fail-safe.
You can pair it with a skinny black tie for those formal evening affairs, pop it on with a colourful silk tie for your day job, or leave it open for those more casual outings (unless your style icon is Simon Cowell, because no one needs to see that much chest hair).
The Button-Down Collar
We love this guy. He’s dapper but casual. The most stylish and sophisticated dude in the group. That maverick who knows how to strut along the line, adding a pinch of flair to his look without doing anything drastic enough to be told off by the boss - who he probably plays tennis with at the weekends (when he’s not dating his daughter). That’s the vibe this collar gives off.
It’s also one of the most versatile collars out there because it can be worn confidently at both casual and formal events. Need to wear a tie? This guy will hold it securely in place, no problem. Been invited to one of those annoyingly ambiguous smart-casual events? Drop the neck accessory and pop a jumper over it. Want to impress a girl over a pub lunch? Unbutton it and show her your charm. It’s an all-around good egg.
The Spread Collar
We call it the spread because we’re English. But Americans tend to call this collar an English Spread, which is because it’s most commonly worn here and in Italy (don’t ask us why it’s never called the Italian Spread? We can only think it’s because that sounds a little bit naughty). Anyway, the reason for its name is pretty self-explanatory: the points of the collar are spread wider apart.
It’s the tie of choice for businessmen and anyone that has time to perfect a full Windsor knot. Why? Because this collar is perfect for any chap wanting to look one-part sophisticated and one-part confident. It’s basically your chance to look formal and powerful and composed, but without going too far.
The Cutaway Collar
Once again, this style does exactly what it says on the tin: it looks like part of the collar has been cut away -- thankfully by someone who has OCD when it comes to symmetry. It’s sort of like The Spread Collar, if The Spread Collar had taken steroids. The distance between the two points is huuuge. Not even a Windsor knot could fill it. But that’s the point. It’s a tie that only a certain type of man can pull off. A man with confidence. A man who can rock the regal look. Are you that guy? We reckon you are.
The Neck Band Collar
This is one of those styles that leaves most people looking a bit confused, wondering whether they can take out their phone and look it up without being caught. But if we called it The Peaky Blinder Collar, you’d know exactly what we meant. It’s the collar that is currently taking the world by storm, even though it’s not actually a collar. It’s like a non-collar. It’s just a band of shirt material that is clearly lacking any form of a collar, making it a no-go for all work, business and formal events. And yet we still love it. Thank you, Tommy Shelby. Thank you).
The Club Collar
All the best decades in good-time history celebrated this collar. The Roaring Twenties? Check. The Swfinging Sixties? Check. A coincidence? We hope not, but that’s only because we want this collar to come back into fashion and signal the start of another raucous era. And it totally suits that kind of fun, wild and alternatively sophisticated setting.
And what separates it from the other collars on this list is the sloping curves it has in place of the usual angular points. Sure, you need to have a certain je ne sais pas to pull it off - and be a guy known for having a really good time - but we believe in you. You can kickstart the Club’s comeback.
The Tab Collar
This is the collar for any guy that’s a) still living in the ‘60s and b) loves nothing more than showing off how good he is at necktie knots. This is because the tab collar has what’s called “a snap”, which is a button tab that lifts your expert knot and frames it perfectly in the narrow gap between the collar. No, it hasn’t been particularly popular since the early ‘70s, but then came Daniel Craig’s first appearance as James Bond and - BOOM! - this collar flew out of the barrel of his PP7 and shot back in vogue. Just remember this collar can’t be worn without a tie. Well, it can, but it won’t look right. It might even scare people slightly.
Checking The Collar Fits
Nothing looks more scruffy than a shirt collar that’s too loose and nothing looks more uncomfortable than a shirt collar that’s too tight, meaning there’s a fine line to tread on the size front. That’s why you need to add this little hack to the Notes app in your iPhone. It’s a sure-fire way of knowing your collar fits comfortably. And it only requires two fingers.
All you need to do is put your index and middle fingers together, try and slide them down the side of your collar, and then check the amount of space that lies between. Voila. You have the perfect collar-fitting utensil ever created, which sort of makes you a Swiss Army Human.
Anyway, if you struggle to fit two fingers in the gap, then it's probably going to be a little tight for your liking. And if you can fit more than two fingers (such as your whole hand), then it’s probably too big. And that’s all there is to know.
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off if you do).
Is it just us or is Valentine’s Day one of those annual moments that creeps up on people. Like, you know it happens on February 14 every year, but even when it gets to 5th February, you still think it’s pretty damn far away. It’s crazy. That said, it could be because a) you’re the sort of person that only just took down the Christmas decorations or b) your wallet still hasn’t fully recovered from all your festive splurges and self-prescribed retail therapy that you’ve been indulging in since Boxing Day, only to have that Oh goodie, Valentine’s Day is rolling around again moment.
But the real problem for us guys is making your crush-slash-lover-slash-SO-slash-wife think she’s bought you that something you wanted more than anything else on the planet, even though she’s actually bought you something you’ve got 0.6% interest in. That’s the worst. But what can you do except stand in front of the mirror and practise your God, you know me well face?
Well, we’ve had an idea.
Guys, if you’re in need of an awesome and thoughtful (but mostly just awesome) present, all you need to do is leave this article open on your phone (or send it to your ladyfriend) because we've got you covered. Just make sure you’ve got your own gift-giving skills down because you’re going to need something special to get on her level after this list of goodies.
Double-Burner BBQ
You might suck at cooking indoors, but when it comes to flipping burgers al fresco, you’re the ultimate chef. And that’s why you should not-so-subtly drop a hint about how cool the Primus's portable outdoor grill is. And it is. It even has a nonstick grill grate, which will help you produce the neatest meat patties ever.
A Bottle Of Next-Level Gin
Most dudes want to like bourbon because it’s manly. The problem is, most dudes haven’t acquired a taste for it yet, so it’s a much wiser idea to ask for a really expensive and delicious bottle of gin. Maybe a bottle of Salcombe Gin, or a Twelve Keys, or a Brockman’s. But here’s the best bit: you can then show off with your gin cocktail knowledge by reading our gin cocktail guide.
Jazz Night At Ronnie Scott’s
If you’re someone that loves a non-cliché romantic night out, you can’t do better than a few bottles of vino and jazz music at the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s. It’s where it all began. Jazz’s first home outside of America. And it’s still got that yesteryear sexiness to it. Seats upholstered in oxblood velvet, low-lit table lamps, a dark mysteriousness, and the sexiest sounds in London.
A Latest Video Game
We know it’s not cool to be a video game nerd, but it’s a lot cooler than it used to be. So embrace your love affair with your PS4 and ask for a new game. Just be warned, if you haven’t geeked out on a game in a while, they’ve gotten epic. Like, melt your mind epic. Just ask for Red Dead Redemption 2 if you don’t believe us.
You Mean, Valenties Day
Wearing a suit with a cheap tie is like driving a Ferrari so dirty you can write, “also in red” on the back bumper. So why not let us be your Valentie this year and ask your other half to get you one of our envy-inducing ties. Pink flamingos, red polar bears, parrots, micro fish, sea turtles or planes? Whatever’s gonna make you smile when you get dressed in the morning.
Amazon Vouchers
Only grandparents seem to be okay with giving people Amazon vouchers as a present but, let’s be honest, we’re all chuffed with Amazon vouchers. We get why your partner may not want to give you them (they aren’t exactly romantic and you can see exactly how much they’ve spent on you) but they’re the best gift. You can literally buy anything you want. And you don’t need to practise your Yay, thank you face.
Books A Gentleman Would Read
Being called a gent is like the greatest compliment you can ever receive, and wanting to be a gentleman is like the greatest ambition you can ever chase. But for all the traits that make up a gentleman, there’s only one thing they all have in common: books. Being well-read. That’s why we’ve come up with a whole new genre of books called gentleman-reads. Trust us, they’re books you’ll want to read because they’re actually epic, and not books you’ll read because you want to be someone who reads. Anyway, you can check out our list of gentleman-reads here.
An Electric Guitar
You can’t go wrong with an electric guitar. Even if you don’t play, the idea of having a Strat in the corner of your living room is cool. It’s a feature piece. Of course, you may be asked if you play, so it’s worth getting a couple of easy songs under your belt. You’ll also get to feel like a total rockstar while you’re at it. Oh and then there’s the whole learning a new skill bonus. (Cliché alert) It’s the gift that just keeps giving.
Fresh Pair Of Trunks
Us guys might not care as much about what trunks we wear as women fuss over the shape, style, colour and cut of a bikini-slash-swimsuit, but we still want to lounge on a beach wearing a cool pair of swim shorts. Comfy, but cool. And that’s exactly what our range of summertime all the time swim shorts celebrate. All you’ve got to do is cough the words Reef Knots trunks and hope she picks up on the hint.
Beer, Whisky, Home-Cooked Meal
Let’s be honest for a moment - what could be more awesome than getting home from work and seeing the girl you’re madly in love with holding a couple of glasses of whisky in her hands as the sound of steaks sizzling fill the brief moment before you say, “God, you’re the best.” The answer: nothing.
Tickets To The Game
How you interpret “The Game” is totally up to you. It could be the next NFL match to stop by London, or tickets to see England dominate at Twickenham, or your football team play at home, or it could literally be tickets to see the rapper, The Game, do his thing. Of course, you might want to specify two tickets, because going to a live event by yourself is never that fun.
Cards Against Humanity
Once you’ve played Cards Against Humanity, you don’t want to stop playing it. But the reason you haven’t bought it yet is because you’re not totally okay with spending £30 on a card game. But receiving it as a present, now that would be totally fine. More than fine. That would be the best Valentine’s present ever. You’ll cry laughing playing this one. Just be prepared that you might start throwing around in-game terms like “nipple blades” during everyday conversations.
The Cookbook You’ll Actually Use
When a guy receives a cookbook, he usually has to consciously stop his eyes from rolling as the thought, “what the heck am I gonna do with this?” fizzes through his frontal lobe. But there’s an exception to every rule, and the exception this time around is Mob Kitchen. Not only are the recipes crazy delicious, each one comes with a song suggestion and, man, are these tunes gonna make you look like a man who knows his music when you next host a dinner party.
A Vinyl Subscription
Every guy gets to an age where he desperately wants to build an impressive record collection that he can show his mates and then say something like, “they just sound so much warmer?” That’s why you need to drop a major hint in the form of Magnolia Record Club, which will stock your shelf with three new LPs - plus original art and notes - each month, curated to your tastes. Talk about a winning gift idea.
A Dope Duffel Bag
Okay, just to be clear, we’re using the term dope in the same way hipsters would and not saying you should ask for a bag to carry narcotics. That would be uncool. And what we mean by a dope duffel bag is a nice-looking bag that you can use when hitting the gym, or going on a business trip, or packing for that weekend getaway you’re planning together. Something simple and stylish. That’s the luggage dream right there.
Really Good Headphones
Like, really-really good ones.
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off if you do).
A shot and sweet guide to the best gin cocktails
]]>Depending on when we get round to post this, it’s either the middle of Jan or the start of Feb, which means you’ve one again attempted to give Dry January a whirl and forego booze, which is because you spent a large dollop of December ruining your work’s Christmas party, consuming booze you wouldn’t touch at any other time of the year, and hurling wine-fueled expletives at your weird Uncle Jim with the dodgy political views.
Of course, like with every year prior, it’s clear that imbibing alcohol isn't something you really want to stop doing. It helps with life, puts a full stop at the end of each tough day in the office, let’s you turn a normal night into a future anecdote and, given all the bars are currently empty, it allows you to order that cocktail that usually takes forever knowing it’ll take a little less forever.
The question is: when faced with a bar stocked with spirits from around the world and a drinks menu longer than the Magna Carta, which cocktail do you choose?
It’s a tough one to answer. Sort of like, which of your children do you love more? Thankfully, on this occasion, there is one elixir that rises above them all: gin.
Sure, bourbon is a close contender -- a spirit that has an almost irresistible connection to balmy southern nights, a gentle breeze carrying scents of jasmine, and the distant sound of jazz music encouraging feet to stomp on tables. But gin offers that little something extra; that delicate pinch of flavour, refreshment, and je ne sais quoi. And to prove this, we’ve handpicked a handful of classic gin cocktails that will help you retain retain your debonair appearance while getting you gloriously drunk (suck it, Dry January!).
You can’t have a list of gentleman cocktails and not mention the most famous cocktail recipe of them all: the Martini. It’s one of those rare drinks that conveys a certain gravitas upon all those who partake of it; a drink that allows you personalise it to your nature - extra dry, stirred, shaken or served dirty. It’s a drink with a murky history. A drink made famous by super-spies. A drink known as “the elixir of quietude” (whatever the heck that means?!). It’s a drink that embodies the very essence of what a classic cocktail should be: elegant, refined, wonderfully sophisticated and perfectly balanced.
But while its origins remain shrouded in mystery and speculation, there’s no argument when it comes to creating the perfect Martini.
Ingredients
Instructions
There’s no denying that Bond - James Bond - is famous for ordering a Martini, but the Vesper was the original 007 grog given it was invented and named by Sir Ian Fleming in his 1953 novel, Casino Royale.
"A dry martini," Bond says. "One. In a deep champagne goblet.”
“Oui, monsieur." The barman nods.
“Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?"
That’s how the off-the-cuff order goes. However, it’s not until his first introduction to the beautiful Vesper Lynd that this cocktail gets its name. And it’s been considered sumptuous, elegant and timeless ever since - although it’s seen a few tweaks over the years. Improvements if you will.
Ingredients
Instructions
Nothing is more refreshing than the first sip of this classic number - not even the azure waters of the Amalfi coast slapping against your shins feels this good. It’s the ultimate summer drink, perfect for those days when the rays are beating down on the small of your neck. And don’t just take our word for it because this drink that has made such an impression on ye olde world, someone with the authority to do so actually named the glass after it. Ergo, its unrivalled ability to refresh has been immortalised.
The only downside is the ease in which this tipple slips down, so make sure you have plenty of gin at hand. That said, if you do run out of gin, you can simply tag in your favourite bourbon and treat yourself to a John Collins. It’s the cocktail that just keeps giving.
Ingredients
Instructions
This drink hasn’t just enjoyed a revival over recent years, it has become the undisputed cocktail of the moment; a staple choice among gentlemen gin-sippers the world over - and a big reason for this is the delicacy required in making it perfect. Get it wrong, and the Campari can fall the wrong side of an acquired taste. But get it right and this seductively vermillion cocktail dances along the tightrope of sharp, bitter, aromatically complex and yet, somehow, wonderfully refreshing.
It brings together the bracingly sweet vermouth and the herbaceous gin in such a way it’s impossible to forget your first Negroni. And here’s the best bit: the Negroni has a ratio of 1-1-1, making it a recipe you can master in no time at all.
Ingredients
Instructions
Some people believe it’s a crime to use champagne as a mixer and - on the most part - we would probs agree. But not when the other ingredients are of the same high-quality, of which gin is definitely one. It’s what makes this one of the most exceptional gin cocktails out there; one that oozes sophistication and bubbles with grace. It is also one of the most disarming drinks you can ever make a lady for the simple fact this drink dazzles in three effortless ways: the distinguished flavours, the familiar feel of champagne bubbles dancing along the tongue, and the smile-inducing sound of a cork popping.
As a small word of warning though, this drink does get its name from the French artillery guns of the First World War. That is to say, she packs a bit of a bloody punch.
Ingredients
Instructions
One of the most traditional gin cocktails out there is the Gimlet; a thirst-quenching drink that falls into the realm of “sours” thanks to the simple 2:1:1 ratio it shares with similar cocktails, such as the Whiskey Sour and even the Daiquiri. But while the more stalwart traditionalists refuse to abandon the argument that a real Gimlet can only be made with ‘Roses’ lime cordial (which is how the original recipe goes), we much prefer using fresh ingredients, including lime, making it not too dissimilar to a Gin Rickey.
Ingredients
Instructions
Done right - and by right we mean done perfectly - the gin and tonic is nothing short of an alchemic masterpiece; the cocktail version of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. It’s what made this simple tipple the most quintessential summer cocktail, bar none. The key is choosing a top-shelf gin - something like a Salcombe Gin - and pairing it with an expensive tonic mixer - a Fever Tree perhaps. Other than that, this tipple is incredibly hard to mess up. It’s a cocktail that will allow you to pour liberally, eyeballing each part of the alchemy safe in the knowledge your taste buds are about to trip the light fantastic.
Ingredients
Instructions
For those guys and gents that like a bit of gin, this is the only cocktail guide you will ever need. If, however, you’ve never considered popping “gin guy” on to your CV, or it’s been awhile since you last throw a gin down your throat, it’s probably time you got into a forgiving mood and gave this elixir a second chance.
And now that we’ve talked ourselves into a real thirst, it’s time to quench that feeling with a perfectly made Negroni. Or maybe a classic G&T. Or a Vesper. There’s just too much choice, dammit.
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off if you do).
]]>A guide to getting back on track after the festive season!
If you’re thinking we’re a little late to the party given we’re posting this sometime between mid-January and the humble beginnings of February, let us confirm it was semi-deliberate. You see, we wanted you to get on the whole “New Year, New Me” flex all by yourself. We didn’t want to be like that nagging girlfriend you’re about three weeks away from breaking up with because, well, she’s a nag. We wanted you to take control of your destiny, do a Tim Henman-style fist-clench, and want to undo all the damage you did to your body over the festive period. But we’ll admit it: that was a foolish move by us.
You might have finally stopped swimming in Christmas-themed cocktails and gravy but, let’s be honest, you’re still kinda treating your life as one big celebration. Which is good in some ways and bad in others - like your health.
So to help you press the reset button in the wake of what was one deliciously gluttonous few weeks, we did the “next step” thing of chatting to a nutritionist and all-round-health-nut about how to undo all the damage you did to your “temple” in December (and probably the start of January). That’s the good news. The bad news is, we probably can’t help you undo the damage caused by that wine-fuelled argument you had with your uncle (unless it’s to help you get that red stain out of the rug, in which case use vinegar and washing detergent).
To a degree, everyone suffers from FOMO, which is why your festive antics shunned all chances of enjoying a routine. Instead, you stayed up late, slept in, dismissed the concept of exercise, added a daily kebab to your diet, and swore by coffee. So, with that in mind, the first thing you need to do is get back into a schedule. It’s what your body is craving. It loves a bit of consistency, and that all starts with waking up at the same time, going to bed at the same time, eating your meals at the same times every day, and sticking to a workout routine. That’s the first step to levelling yourself out after a month of doing what you want, when you want, and how you want.
If you woke up on Jan One and groaned the words, “This year I’m just gonna eat healthy foods and work out a bunch of times,” you’re probs not going to do it. Why not? Because how the heck do you even measure those goals? You’re setting yourself up for failure, dude. The trick is to cut out all the mega-vagueness and grandiose promises, and swap them out for specific goals, sort of like “I’m going to have a salad for lunch three times a week” or “I’m not going to drink any more Coco Cola” or “I’m going to run around Brockwell Park for half an hour, twice a week”. That’s what you need -- you need goals that are so specific you can check them off with a tick, track how you’re getting on and be the kind of awesome you were hoping for.
Just to confirm, we’re not suggesting you fight fire with fire by trying to drink 589 lager tops before Valentine’s Day. What we’re suggesting is water. A nice tall glass of iced water. Don’t worry, it’s not forever. But bidding adieu to booze totally for a few days and letting your body rehydrate with a refreshing dollop of the clear stuff is a great way to recover. And that’s not all. It’s also good for your weight and confidence. How? Because you probably gained a little bit more than you bargained for over December and that’s because you were hoovering up empty calories like there was a sale on, most of which were consumed in booze form. So, instead, take a few days off from ye olde boozing and try to drink about 8 or 9 glasses of water, and then revel in the fact you look good and your skin is glowing, which is uber-confidence boosting.
Kind of like the whole neglecting booze thing, it doesn’t need to be forever. But if you genuinely want to recover from that bloated feeling brought on by a hardcore Christmas, you should start eating way more fruits and vegetables for the next two or three weeks. This is because F&Vs are proper wealthy on the fibre front, and that’s what will help your digestive system start firing on all systems and work more, ummm, efficiently. Oh forget it - you'll poop more, and that’s gonna help with your bloat. The reason for this is kind of simple: your body is an A-Grade student when it comes to breaking down plant-based foods thanks to them being much lower in fat. And, don’t worry, just because you’re abstaining from your favourite cuts of beef doesn’t mean you’re going to be malnourished. There’s plenty of protein in fruit and veg.
Okay, we’re gonna jump straight into this one -- planning your meals ahead of time is a golden ticket for the New Year, New Me train, and the reasons are, like, three-fold. 1) By preparing your meals better you have more control over what you're eating. 2) The chances of you flipping the bird at your health goals are drastically reduced because you won’t be tempted to eat anything greasy on the fly. And 3) you’ll have way less food waste in your life, which makes you a better human and that’s got to be good for your health. Sure, preparing meals sounds a bit long, but all it really means is making a few extra portions of your dinner and then taking them to work with you for a bit of yummy lunchiness. Easy-peasy.
And with all that said and done, you’re ready to try again with your December recovery hopes and finally start undoing all that nasty stuff you did to your body at the tail end of last year. We know it’s not as fun as drinking cocktails and eating greasy foods from eateries who hide their hygiene certificates, but it will be worth it in the long run.
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, be the ultimate man and be a way more awesome human all year round, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and sign-up for our naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off if you do).
]]>A guide to delicious food from around the globe
In fact, why not go completely the other way and travel the world in search of the best food (instead of waiting for these foods from around the world to come and find you?) That’s gotta be the best reason to cross oceans... ever!
And with that in mind, we've been busy assembling the most extravagant, essential, sensual and downright yummy reasons to stamp your passport and get your eat on. Let’s do this.
There are sandwiches, and then there is the smørrebrød. And there is no comparison -- it’s the best sandwich you've never eaten. They’re basically slabs of dark rye bread with toppings, but because they’re designed by the Danish, the toppings are deliciously mad. Blue cheese with hazelnuts and pear. Scandinavian smoked salmon with a dollop of dill and sprinkling of remoulade. And don’t get us started on the Danish meatballs. They’re like Ikea’s but a million times better. They are basically like designer sandwiches for the eccentric.
Don’t get us wrong: we’re all for a plate of Singapore chicken rice, tearing into a chili crab and teasing your Insta-followers with an edited snap of some laksa. But it still begs the question, what are you gonna have for brekky? The answer: a pot of cheap coffee served by an unreliable waitress and some semi-burned toast drenched in creamy kaya (translation: coconut jam) topped with soft-boiled eggs that have been slathered in soy sauce and pepper. There’s nothing like it. It’s sort of like the food version of peeing when you've been holding it for, like, seven years. It’s amazing.
Forget everything you know about pho because it’s probably wrong. In Hanoi, where this almighty dish hails from, there’s no chance of slurping it down for lunch or dinner. No way. For the good stuff, you’ve got to set your alarm horribly early and resist hitting the snooze button. Why? ‘Cos that’s when the herbs are at their freshest, the noodles are at their supplest, and the broth is at its most fragrantest. Trust us: do this once and you’ll be having pho every morning thereafter.
One word: Meze. Turkish-bloody-meze. A starter that offers a solution to a very real problem - why order one dish when you can much on, like 12? And they’re all epic. We’re talking cured meats, fresh cheeses, dips for days, a smorgasbord of grilled seafood, and vegetables that have been perfectly pickled. You’re basically getting to go on a journey through all the different Turkish cuisines, making it a foodie’s dream.
No one is travelling halfway around the world to buy some lukewarm grub from a convenience store, not least because if you’ve been to one 7-Eleven you’ve been to them all, right? Wrong. Which is because Japan is on another level. Sure, they look the same at first glance -- the strip lights are eye-hurtingly bright and the cashiers look fifty shades of glum -- but the food is crazy delicious. Don’t believe us, try the onigiri, which are seaweed-wrapped rice balls stuffed with a) spicy tuna or b) salted plum. Or the katsu sandro, which are deep-fried pork sandwiches. They’re nuts.
Anyone who tells you poutine is the food of Montreal is either regurgitating what they’ve heard secondhand or they’re taste buds are liars, because there is only one reason to go to Montreal -- their smoked meat sandwiches. The meat is juicier than a pint of OJ, the cheddar cheese is melted to perfection, the mustard makes your tongue tingle, and it’s all sandwiched between two pieces of toasted rye. That’s life completed, mate.
Australia may be famous for its beaches, boardies, deadly critters and slightly above average sports teams, but Melbourne is notorious for its coffee. And rightly so. This place probably does coffee better than anywhere else on earth, which has a lot to do with the Italian and Greek immigrants who settled here after World War II, bringing with them the most sophisticated of cafe cultures. It’s basically the perfect city for people who like their breakfasts long, black and wet -- aka an Americano. Saying that, the world also has Melbourne to thank for avo on sourdough. So, to sum it up, Melbourne is where everyone secretly wants to wake up every morning.
We know what you’re going to say: pizzas have learned how to travel well, so is it really necessary to book a flight and fly all the way to Naples just for a slice? Well, having done it, we’re sorry to say: YEAH IT IS! And you’ve got the famous L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele to blame for that. It’s the world’s first pizzeria, and eating one of their soft, fluffy, mozzarella-laden pizzas while perched on a slab of black volcanic flagstone in a local piazza is a pizza-eating experience everyone needs to enjoy.
The best of the bunch are found on the beaches of the Caribbean. Actually, let us rephrase that: the only place you can get a roti is the Caribbean, which makes travelling a total necessity this time. These little beauties are sort of like a thick crepe that has been filled with spicy curried potatoes and goat-slash-chicken meat. Oh and it should probably be said that you don’t need to curl your toes in the sand and stare out at the lush mountains and clear-as-glass waters to enjoy this grub, but it does help.
Any food that gets served in a bread bowl with a ladle gets a head start in our books - and you won’t do better than a bunny chow, which is a thick curry made from unicorns. At least that’s how magical it tastes. Traditionally, this dish from the ocean fronts of Durban was a favourite of Indian laborers and black South Africans, although they could only get their hands on it as a takeaway from restaurants they weren’t allowed to enter (making this dish a culinary history lesson). Thankfully, though, these days are gone, and this basic dish has now been remixed by chefs all over South Africa and turned into a funky gourmet meal made with things like high-end meats and the finest vegan ingredients. Yummy-dummy.
And there we have it - a sort of bucket list that will please the food-loving, self-indulging, money-spending, wanderlusters among us. But not only that because you’ll also be able to become that really annoying guy at a dinner party who always says something like, “Oh! You’re going to sachandsuch. Then you've got to try the food.” Which is what people tend to do when you travel, well, practically anywhere these days.
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off if you do).
If there’s one thing us blokes have learned to do, it’s to laugh at our #firstworldproblems - those little, annoying, niggly issues that maybe, probably, definitely shouldn’t bother us in the slightest but, well, do. You know what we’re talking about.
Not checking your pockets for tissues before you toss your jeans in the washing machine. Running out of loo roll in the morning and then forgetting to buy more on your way home from work. Watching that show you recorded on Sky Plus but then forgetting to fast-forward through the adverts. Not shaking the bottle of ketchup before you give it a squeeze only to watch on in horror as that nasty-ketchupy-water-stuff squirts onto your plate. Or forgetting to turn the lights off before you get into bed and then having to decide whether you’ll leave your uber-comfy set-up or concede defeat and just sleep with your head under the pillows. Well, you can add picking a tie to this list of problems because the struggle is real.
Trends change, styles shift, fashions ebb and flow, magazines change their tune and, if that’s not enough to pop a spanner in the sartorial decisions facing us suit-wearing office-bound folk, there’s the little matter of tie widths to overcome too. Yup. Tie widths. But don’t start breathing into a brown paper bag just yet because we’ve got your back (or neck, if you want to be super-specific).
Before we pull on our proverbial snorkels and dive into the wonderful world of neckties, however, there’s a question at the centre of all this that desperately needs answering: what’s the sweet spot when it comes to tie widths?
Well, to answer that as simply as possible, any tie that falls between 2.25” and 3.3”. Stray out of these boundaries on either side and you’re at risk of attracting some quizzical looks from people without these aghast onlookers really knowing what’s wrong.
And, with that covered, let’s crack on with the other factors you need to consider when picking the tie width that’s right for you.
No More Mr Wide Guy
Okay, that subheading is an incy bit misleading, but we couldn’t resist a quick pun (spoiler alert: there’s loads more on the horizon). What we’re getting at, though, is the importance of knowing your body type before settling on a tie width. Thankfully, the equation is simple: the wider you are, the wider you tie should be. Nonetheless, let us break it down for you a little more:
Slim Shady (skinny men): 2.25” - 2.75”
If you’re a slimmish, skinny chap, you don’t want to be puttign on a wide tie for one reason: it is going to look extra wide on you, especially compared to a gent who’s got a healthy dollop of bigness on his side. So keep it slim. That said, if you do want to push the boundaries of what’s possible, we’d say slender men could maybe drop down to a 1.5” - 2.0” tie and still look dashing - you just want to be aware that some people might think you’re trying to rock a retro-look while your mates might do the classic, “cough hipster”. But if you feel great in a skinny-tie, then who cares what others think. It’s all about confidence.
Athletic Guys (aka average): 2.25” - 3.3”
Being called average isn’t anyone’s cup of tea but, on the tie front, if you’re an average dude with an average build you’re laughing all the way to our tie rack because the world is your oyster, sir. You can rock them all - it’s just a matter of taste. Pop on a wider tie to get that classic city look, or go for a slimmer one to give off a trendier, more creative and youthful vibe. It all depends on what sort of day you’ve got planned, really.
Notorious B.I.G. (broader men): 2.75” - 3.3”
Wide guys need wide ties. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve built a massive chest in the gym or bought a bigger belly in the pub - skinny ties can make broader blokes look a little, umm, amusing. That’s why you want to push the wide tide trend. Trust us: you’ll make a lot of people jealous that they can’t pull off such a power move.
Grab Life By The Lapels
Given we’re talking about widths affecting other widths, we should probs talk about lapels because those folded flaps of cloth that run down the front of your suits, jackets and blazers hold the key to picking the perfect tie width. In short, the aim of the game is to match the width of your tie to the width of the lapel.
Of course, that brings in a bunch of new vestiary obstacles to hurdle because, like with tie widths, the world of lapels chops and changes more than which Z-list celebrity is the media’s flavour of the month. However, the same principle remains resolute: slim lapels go with slim ties and wide lapels go with wide ties. Disobey this unwritten rule and you’ll throw the proportions of your whole look right off balance. Oh, and never wear skinny ties with double-breasted jackets; that’s what your Mum would call “a big no-no”. Anyway, the reason we’re giving you a lapel-based heads-up is to help you out the next time you go for one of those spontaneous “I’m gonna bag myself a new suit” shopping excursions (#weddingseason #jobinterview) ‘cos you might want give a little thought to your tie-rack too. Who knows, you may end up needing to add a few more silk numbers to your collection.
Do Knot Worry, Buddy
There’s not any single tie that is going to be perfect for every suit on every occasion no matter the season. The tie unicorn simply doesn’t exist, which should take some pressure off you. That said, there is a “perfect” knot for each tie width, and knowing which one to use when is an art form that will help you properly deploy your neckwear. So, let’s crack on with it, shall we?
The Skinny (1.5” - 2.25”): Four-in-Hand
The Sixties (2.25” - 2.75”): Pratt
The Classic (2.75 - 3.3”): Half-Windsor
The Mafia Boss (3.3” plus): Full-Windsor
Wear Width Confidence
Like we said above, the unicorn tie doesn’t exist. There’s no single tie that’s perfect for every situation. We wish there was, but the world of men’s fashion isn’t that sartorially pure. Instead, the best advice we can handover is this: pick a width that makes you feel more comfortable than Sunday mornings at an all-inclusive resort and more confident than four pints of Moretti on a Thursday evening.
Trends will change, styles will shift and what was in vogue last season probably won’t be forever. That’s why you should treat yourself to a few new ties and give yourself the best thing in life: options. And with that in mind, go with your gut, strut over to your closet with purpose, pick the tie that’ll fill you with swag, and go kick today’s butt in whatever neckwear makes you feel groovy. That’s all any of us blokes can do.
Thanks for reading.
For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off if you do).
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Anecdote alert: on our way to the office this morning, we spotted a guy sat in a striped chair getting a straight-razor shave by a tattoo-sleeved, bowler hat-clad barber who was so good at wielding said tool he must have been doing for a couple of decades at least -- and we’ll happily admit it was one of the coolest things we’ve seen on our morning commute. But we’ll also admit we’re a little bit intimidated by these pieces of kit, especially the idea of using them on ourselves, and here’s why:
Reason No.1: What if you had a couple of snifters the night before followed by eight hours of broken sleep? Using a straight-razor can’t be safe in that scenario.
And reason No.2: There must be a reason the grooming world has become monopolised by safety razors, and it’s probably to do with this old-fashioned utensil not having a place in the time-starved modern man's vanity cabinet.
But then we realised something: a) some things are worth exercising patience for and b) if you’re going to learn any new skill, what could be cooler than cutthroat shaving? The answer: nothing - and the cool thing is just one of the winning tickets from the good news tombola.
Rocking a single blade is kinder to the skin than PETA is to animals. They’re awesome at handling those awkward spots around the nose and corners of the mouth. And, if that ain’t enough, you’ll get to kickstart your days with a real sense of satisfaction before admiring your skills in the hallway mirror next to that portrait of your super-handsome Great Uncle John.
So, without further ado, here’s how to master this instrument and give yo’self a perfectly-close, single-blade shave.
“Grooming? Completed it, mate.”
Step 1: It’s All In The Prep
When you’re in a rush and all you can find is one of those orange disposable razors your ex left on your bath, by the taps, you can be forgiven for making your own shaving cream out of shower gel. But not with a straight-razor. With one of these, you need to prep the right way. That means jumping in a hot shower, letting the steam soften your facial hair, and then cleansing the parts of your face you’re gonna shave. Once this has been ticked off, slap a bit of shaving oil about, but don't wash it off. Think of it as a lovely-jubbly layer of lubrication. Then, the second you step out of the shower, apply your shaving gel or cream. It may sound a bit long, but it’s mega-relaxing.
Step 2: Get Your Angles Right
This is where the skill part comes into the proceedings. First things first, phone your mum, find out where your pencil case from school is, dig out your protractor and learn what a 30 to 35-degree angle looks like because that’s where you’re gonna want to keep your blade. Any more and you’ll probably cut yourself, any less and you’ll tug the hairs out at the root and that’s just irritating - literally. The good news is: starting your shave at 30-35 degrees is actually pretty easy. The bad news is: maintaining this angle as you glide over the contours of your face is harder than trying to understand Tolstoy’s Peace & War. But once you’ve mastered this part - boom! - your shave time is going to speed up like a NASCAR driver on the first race of the year.
Step 3: Tighten Up, Buttercup
Nicks. The problem with shaving is nicks. You know, catching your skin with a blade - those sorts of nicks. They’re the miniature-nuisance safety razors have built their entire fanbase on. That said, you probably still pull a bunch of weird, semi-frightening and skin-tightening facial expressions to avoid this happening, and straight-blades use the same principle -- to avoid nicks just pull your skin as flat and taut as you can. And the best way to do this is to take your non-razor-holding-hand and use it to pull your skin in the opposite direction to the razor. It will take a bit of trial and error to get this perfect because different areas of hair grow in different directions, but you’ll find the perfect technique in no time.
Step 4: Stroke Style
There is a right way and a few wrong ways to shaving with a straight-razor, which is a bit annoying. That’s why we’re going to talk you through the correct way, and it all starts with you making an entrance at the base of your sideburn and then working your way down your cheek, before repeating on the other side until all you’re left with is a strip of stubble from your top lip to your Adam's apple. Next up is your chin. To get a close, nick-free shave on this area, use your thumb and forefinger on your free hand to stretch the skin flat and then carefully shave perpendicular to whichever direction the hair is growing, working your way across. Then, to get a hair-free bottom lip, curl it into your mouth and shave against the grain in one smooth movement, scooping the blade to finish. As for ye olde top lip, pull a funny lip-stretching face, shave downward on each side of your nose until you are left with a distasteful square of hair we can only describe as "the Adolf”, and then quickly use your free hand to pinch-stretch your lip and remove this final patch before anyone has a chance to photograph you.
Step 5: Less Is Best
You don’t have to know what “razor-burn” is to know you probs want to avoid it. Basically, it happens when you re-shave a patch of hair with a straight-razor. To avoid this, try and keep your strokes short and precise - about a centimetre per stroke - and hope that you get it all in that stroke. If you didn’t get it all, wait until the end to get your vengeance. Oh and, yeah, make sure you use a tissue or flannel to clean the blade after each stroke. It’ll boost your chances of a “shaved first time” scenario.
Step 6: Inspector Gadget
Apart from winning the lottery on New Year’s Day, there most satisfying feeling on earth is finishing a cutthroat shave nick free and clean. It’s how your great-grandfather felt each morning. However, you probably won’t achieve this first time around. So what you need to do now is rinse your face with handfuls of warm water, dry yourself with a cold towel and then lean into the mirror to get a closer inspection. There’s just something about a dry face that lets you see all the strays you've missed. If there are any, simply slap on some more foam and shave the areas that have made it to the second round. Once done, use some balm or moisturiser to lock in the moisture in and protect your face dermis.
And with all that said and done, you’re ready to master the cutthroat razor on a bleary-eyed morning. We know it’s not as quick or easy, but that’s irrelevant. Think of it like driving: safety razors are like automatic cars, whereas a cutthroat razor is your chance to rip up the tarmac in a manual. Yes, they require a dollop more skill, but damn are they more fun and rewarding.
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off if you do).
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If we had to pick fault with just one thing in life, it’s the fact we let little things stress us out way more than we should. Seeing unpopped kernels in our microwaveable popcorn. Accidentally buying round deli meat for our square bread sarnies. Getting comfy on the sofa only to realise we’ve left the TV remote on the other side of the room. Trying to remove a bin bag from a bin. Sitting on a cold loo seat. Sitting on a warm loo seat too. They’re all way more stressful than they should be - and trying to choose the best steak from a restaurant menu is no different.
There are just so many different kinds of cuts of meat to choose from and, to make things worse, the person sat opposite you is performing all the facial expressions of a part-time connoisseur. At the risk of offending PETA, chowing down on a lovely bit of meat is meant to be a treat. But when you haven’t got the foggiest as to which piece of the cow puzzle goes where, it can actually be quite stressful and FOMO-inducing and, in the end, you just end up doing the same thing you do when choosing a wine by going for the second least expensive out of fear you’ll be overpaying.
Basically, bovine knowledge is power, my friend. It doesn’t matter if you’re at an eatery and wondering what the difference is between a ribeye and a tenderloin, or you’re at the butcher’s the day before a dinner party and desperate to choose a cut your guests will enjoy the most - it’s a pretty grand idea to know what the different types of cuts are so that you don’t spend a massive chunk of change on an undeserving slab of meat.
So, let’s fire up the grill and crack on, shall we:
Ladies and gents, meet your “special occasions” steak. An absolute favourite among steakhouse-lovers and spare-no-expense-meat-eaters. And we get it. It might not pack the biggest flavour-punch as some of the other cuts, but it’s the leanest, the most tender, and the most buttery of all the steaks. It’s next-level deeelicious. Just be prepared to cough up a bit more cash for one of these.
Insider’s tip: if you can’t see it on a menu, don’t worry. There’s no need to breathe deeply into a brown paper bag just yet. Monsieur Tenderloin will probably just be using one of its other monikers - filet, fillet or filet mignon.
It’s place on the cow: this oblong shaped cut has three parts to it - the butt, centre and tail - and it can be found nestled nicely between the sirloin and short sirloin.
Okay, so the chuck-cut has got a bit of a reputation for being a value steak, but that doesn’t mean you should shun it because this overlooked slab can be uber-yummy when cooked properly. What’s more, it’s also one of the most diverse cuts of meat because it’s used all over the shop. The chuck-eye is like the ribeye’s slightly more rough-around-the-edges little brother, the top blade is used for flat-iron steaks, all of it can be used for a pot roast, and the other bits make for great burgers. Think of Chuck as that guy who doesn’t belong to any one clique, but floats around all willy-nilly because he’s welcomed by them all.
Insider’s tip: If you’re gonna grill or braise it, make sure you give it a good old tenderising first, otherwise it’s perfect for a fail-free slow-cooker jobby.
It’s place on the cow: chuck is essentially that bit of the shoulder, right behind the neck.
Sort of like the popular kid at school that never reached his full-potential but is totally fine with it, the ribeye had everything it needed to become a prime rib, before it got hacked off with a butcher’s cleaver and chucked in the “to grill” pile. And boy-o-boy are a lot of people pleased about that. The ribeye is just so flavourful and buttery and full of that crazy-good fat marbling, which is what gives it an extra-awesome juiciness. They’re total melt-in-the-mouthers.
Insider’s tip: (sorry again PETA but) this one was born to be eaten bright red and medium.
It’s place on the cow: you’ve got a 50-50 chance of getting this right and, no, it’s nowhere near the eye. That’s right, it’s right in the ribs.
These are what we like to call “wow-factor steaks”, and two of the most worshipped cuts on a cow. They’re the bits of meat you can imagine a bunch of butcher’s fighting over like Black Friday shoppers that have discovered an awesome TV deal. Anyway, the reason we’ve chucked these two cuts together is ‘cos a lot of carnivores have a tough time telling them apart. So, to give you some pub quiz ammo, porterhouse steaks boast a larger amount of tenderloin, while T-bones have a way more badass name. It’s simple. But here’s the bottom-line: both are super-tasty.
Insider’s tip: these are ideal for those who suck at decision-making or struggle with food envy because they’re basically the best of both worlds. They’re like a filet-mignon-New-York-strip-hybrid, only bigger.
It’s place on the cow: the tastiest part of the short loin (which is at the front-end).
Whether you call it a strip steak, a strip loin, a shell steak or refer to it by it’s officially unofficial name, the New York Strip (some dude in the Big Apple claims to have made it mainstream), this baby is one of the most popular cuts in the whole world, especially steakhouses. It’s what they would call their classic, and it’s all because of its truly beefy flavour. But it’s also tender, lean, got a fine-grain texture and that all-important fat marbling. Basically, it’s got everything you would expect from a cut found on the thick-side of a T-Bone.
Insider’s tip: what you want is a strip steak that’s fairly firm and boasts some gorgeous marbling. That’s the goal right there.
It’s place on the cow: middle of the bovine’s back (or the short loin, as it’s also called).
A lot of people confuse the chateaubriand by thinking it’s just a posh name for a tenderloin - but that’s not quite right. Close, but not a bullseye. This cut, also known as a top sirloin, is actually the cut right below the tenderloin or, for those that want a quick snigger, it’s the “top butt”. And, if you get it right, she’s a real good-time gal.
Insider’s tip: make sure you read the fine print on this one because the last thing you want is to end up with a sirloin. To get your money’s worth, you want a “top sirloin”. They’re usually an inch or two thick and have a lovely-jubbly band of fat.
It’s place on the cow: the small of the back (the cow equivalent of where your first university-fling had a tribal tattoo).
This is a neo-renaissance cut if there ever was one, and it all began in the 50s when a Californian dude stopped using it to make burgers and threw it on the grill instead. And, you know what, we’re glad that light bulb moment happened because it was a seminal moment in culinary history - it was the birth of the Santa Maria steak. This heart-shaped cut is still very much a Californian classic (your first beachside, tri-tip sandwich smothered in barbecue is one you’ll never forget), but they’re increasingly popping up all over the shop these days. They’re also pretty inexpensive, making them perfect for a cheeky afternoon behind the BBQ.
Insider’s tip: try and pick a fatty tri-tip if you can. The reason being they’re pretty big, meaning they can need a lot of grilling, and that’ll dry them out if they’re too lean.
It’s place on the cow: near the back, just above the flank.
This cut is a real tough guy. Like really tough. Like ‘cross the street out of fear you’ll be beaten up’ kinda tough. That’s why it usually needs to be super-slow-cooked or super-fast-cooked in order for your jaws to have a chance of chewing it. The trade-off is worth it, though, ‘cos this long cut is well-endowed on the flavour front. As such, it’s become an uber-popular choice for Chinese-restaurants serving wok-n-roll stir-fries and those that have nailed the art of making wow-factor fajitas.
Insider’s tip: if you’re buying your own from a butcher, make sure you grab one that’s got a fairly consistent girth so that you don’t undercook some of it and overcook the rest.
It’s place on the cow: under the fat of the belly.
And there we have it - your essential guide to the different steaks. Now all you need to do is bookmark this post, save it to your favourites, and then re-read it before every client meeting, use it to show-off on your next date, and let it smash every dinner party you host right out the park.
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Men, it’s okay, we all do it - we all tell people we love reading even though we know deep down (and not so deep down) we haven’t picked up a book since GCSE English. It’s not that we don’t want to read; it’s just that we’re too busy to get around to all the books we want to read. The idea of slipping into a wingback leather chair, pouring yourself a glass of something single malt and Scottish, and picking up a book is grand in theory but, in reality, there are only two places a bloke actually reads: on vacay and in the bathroom. And even then, there’s the whole “what books should I be reading?” struggle.
It’s such a hard decision it makes choosing a movie on Netflix look easier than breathing in your sleep. Should you get into YA novels? Try your hand at Sci-Fi? Dedicate your toilet-time to biographies? Save space in your suitcase for thrillers-only? What? What should a man read in his spare-minutes.
Well, to help you, we’ve come up with a whole new-genre - it’s called gentleman-reads. Think about it. Being called a gent is like the greatest compliment you can ever receive, and wanting to be a gentleman is like the greatest ambition you can ever chase. But for all the traits that make up a gentleman, there’s only one thing they all have in common: books. Being well-read.
Think of it like this: if you want to be a world leader, there are certain books you should read. If you want to be an entrepreneur, there are niches to dive into. If you want to be a writer, there are authors whose words you should almost-definitely worship, and the same goes for explorers, scientists and politicians alike. But if you want to be a modern-day gent, then you need to pop these 12 books into your bedside-library and start checking them off one bathroom-trip at a time.
by Patricia Highsmith
On paper, this novel is proof that psychopaths-as-heroes make incredible protagonists. Using that same philosophy, however, this book probably shouldn’t make a very good read for aspiring gentlemen. Yet it does. It really does. Ignoring Tom’s ability to climb the social ladder by telling lies, forging signatures and impersonating people, this books is set against the backdrop of New York City, the Italian island of Ischia and the glamorous San Remo, and offers the reader a masterclass in fine wine, good tailoring and beautiful paintings. Even Tom Ripley’s taste in killing is quite genteel.
by James Joyce
This may sound kind of confusing, but there is not a single gentleman in this novel. Nope. Not one. Instead, there is a crummy-but-cultured writer and an advertising salesman whose lives intertwine one day while wandering the cobbled streets of Dublin in 1904. We know what you’re thinking, “Why does every gentleman need to read this then?” Well, that’s simple: it’s the finest novel ever written in the English language, a novel that’s as powerful as it is important, a novel that touches on the human consciousness like nothing else that came before or after. It is a marvel to read and one book everyone should fawn over at some point in their lives, especially soi-disant gentlemen.
By Scott F. Fitzgerald
This novel is electric, set at a time in history every single one of us would visit if time-travel was possible - New York City in the rip-roaring ‘20s. The fashion, the music, the pace of life, the uncertainty and hope, the beating heart of a refined adventure, the feel of euphoria, the parties and the mysterious billionaire neighbour. Yes, beneath all the delicate metaphors and the incredible writing, this is a cautionary tale and one that sort of reminds us not to get above ourselves. But it’s the journey to that conclusion that every gentleman can benefit from. And, if nothing else, the jazz-age backdrop coupled with lavish over-indulgence will provide you with some serious inspiration when it comes to hosting an epic party.
by Jack Kerouac
Okay, so this book is more about two boys road-tripping across America than it is about gentlemen. But it’s still an epic read. It’s a journey set against the mesmeric counter-culture embraced by a nation, the two friends looking for something they can’t describe as they dance through drunken revelries, back-alley bars and envy-inducing speakeasies. Don’t get us wrong, gentlemen appear in moments and flashes and from unexpected places with unexpected characteristics, and the magic of jazz and poetry takes centre stage page after page. But, it’s the coming of age journey these two chaps are on that makes it an essential read; a search for freedom and ambition, hope and authenticity, and what makes life a frenzy of fun.
by George Orwell
This is one of those books that everyone has heard of; a book everyone knows they should read; a book about Big Brother’s control; of Oceania and Winston Smith; and a book of social science fiction about a totalitarian future. But these aren’t the reasons you need to flick through the pages as fast as you can. No. You need to do that because this is a true, thought-provoking classic that explores propaganda, power and political rebellion. It’s a book that embraces philosophy, dystopian literature, technological predictions, symbolism, a love story like no other and, at the heart of it all, a far from perfect hero - and it’s the latter that makes this book so disarming and charming. It’s the story of a human that’s been broken by the small corruptions of day-to-day life, something that will stimulate you to try and do more with your life.
by Cormac McCarthy
The greatest adventure a gentleman can ever go on is fatherhood, and nothing touches on that relationship better than The Road. Man and Boy wander south through a post-apocalyptic wasteland, searching for food and water while trying to avoid the horrendous turn society has taken, the other survivors doing horrendous things to make it through the coming winter. But despite all the skin-crawling moments, the tension and fear and anxiety, the what ifs and please no’s, the thrills and chills, and the grim grey backdrop of a world in catastrophe, it’s the great story of fatherhood at the spine of this epic that makes it a modern masterclass and, a big part of that is, well, it’s more tactful than anything else we’ve read in a very long time.
By David Grann
Squint your eyes and history looks like an rustic treasure chest full of awesome stories, plucky adventures and twisting enigmas - and none is more gripping than the one regaled in The Lost City of Z. Quite simply, it is the greatest exploration mystery of the 20th Century. In short, the author is desperate to discover what really happened to Percy Fawcett, whose disappearance made headlines in every corner of the world. But it’s everything that accompanies this audacious journey that makes it a must-read for those gentlemen chasing a great exploit. Death, madness, obsession, disappearances, and the hope of finding a lost civilisation beneath the impenetrable canopy of the Amazon jungle. And that’s not all. To add some gunpowder to the fire, the protagonist is as driven, troubled and flawed as any gentleman you’ve ever read about. It’s a perfect storm.
by Joe Simpson
Set in the unforgiving Peruvian Andes, this book details the heart-stopping, nerve-strangling and truly terrifying adventure of two climbers, Joe and Simon, who reached the 21,000-foot peak of the remote Siula Grande in 1995. Then, at the summit, the worst kind of disaster struck and a few days later Joe was found dragging himself back into Base Camp, alone. Exhaustion, frostbite, starvation, long nights in darkness, snow blinding blizzards, grief and guilt; this book details an impossibly gruelling ordeal, all of it culminating at the moment a man was forced to cut the rope on his best friend. This is an epic story of fear, suffering, torment and survival that will leave you sat in silence for minutes - if not hours - after you’ve turned the final page. But that is a testament to how powerful this book is. On the surface, it is about survival. But dig a little deeper and it becomes a compelling testament of unshakeable courage and friendship, and how two men tried to overcome such torturous elements.
By Potter Style
Oscar Wilde said it best: a well-tied tie is the first serious step in life. That why this book was chosen. It is essential. It is absolutely essential. For a gentleman, it is imperative to present yourself with an unrivalled sense of style. Classic style. The kind that will never fall out of fashion, and that’s where a tie waltzes onto the playing field - it’s the finishing touch to any suit. But you already knew this. What you may not have realised, though, is how many different ways there are to tie a tie, what knots you should learn, how to introduce different fabrics (from soft wool to a thick knit), what colours work best with one another and how cufflinks can add a touch of finesse to your look. How To Tie A Tie explains it all, which is why you need to make space for this modern-day bible on your bedside table and pop a highlighter on top. Like we said, it’s an absolutely essential read.
by Josh Sims
This book suggestion may seem super-obvious given it shines the spotlight on the likes of Steve McQueen, Paul Newman and other infamous style icons. But that isn’t what this book is about. Nope. This book is about the wardrobe essentials every gentleman needs to own: tweed jackets, penny loafers, trench coats, three-piece suits and so much more. But what separates this book from the thousands of others that delve into the origins of timeless style and the history of, let’s say, Desert Boots, is the deft writing. It’s the author’s clever take on classic menswear that makes this a truly interesting blue book and one you need to peruse more than once in your lifetime.
How To Win Friends & Influence People
by Dale Carnegie
There’s no need to dress this one up with poetic prose because, quite simply, it’s a book that will change your life. That’s its genius. Its allure. That’s why it has been bought by over 16 million people, including Warren Buffett, who found a worn and torn copy of it on his grandfather’s bookshelf when he was just fifteen. Why are we telling you this? Because Mr Buffett credits Carnegie with transforming his life. In no uncertain or unwavering terms, it has everything the young gentleman needs. It has the secrets of success; it has lessons on how to be likeable and persuasive and influential. Yes, the language and the references have become as dated as the Spinning Jenny, but the detail in every section is as applicable now as it was during the Great Depression, if not more so. Empathy, charm, leading with a smile, remembering people’s names, praising the success of others, listening, giving centre stage to self-worth and honesty - everything in this book is timeless, which is why this book has become a must-read classic for everyone that wants to find the best version of themselves.
by Thomas Fink
The way we see it: we saved the best until last because this is the one book every gentleman needs to buy over and over and over again. That’s right. Buy a dozen copies and pop one on your bedside table, one in your bathroom, one on your coffee table, in your kitchen, your briefcase, your overcoat, in your car and somewhere in your office. The reason for this is simple: it has everything a man needs to know about being a man. How to tie a bow tie. How to mix the perfect martini. How to make a potato gun. The 50 essential guy movies of all time. The mathematical equation to help you pick the best urinal when you next visit the little boy’s room. Selecting a beer, growing a beard, shaving your beard, curing your hangover, playing darts, tying a sheepshank, starting a fire in the woods and just about every else you could ever possibly need. It is as much a helping hand as it is a conversation starter and so, if you want to be a quintessential gentleman - and who doesn’t - you need to leave your phone at home and get into the habit of whipping out this exceptionally thorough and hugely entertaining book instead. It pertains everything. In fact, it will make you the most cultivated gentleman in every room you ever stroll into.
And there we have it - a toilet/holiday reading list for all wannabe gents out there hoping to be a little more cultured and whatnot.
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off if you do).
In case you hadn’t noticed, the world has gotten a bit bleak. The days are darker than Voldemort’s soul, the nights are longer than the Nile, the news is terrifying and climate change is frightening, so it’s pretty nice to have the festive season arrive on our doorstep with its twinkly lights, spring-in-your-step spirit, chilly rose-coloured noses, and hot mugs of mulled wine topped-off with all the extras. It’s as close to real-life magic as it gets for us adults. And nowhere does this season better than London. Okay, maybe NYC. But second-best is definitely London.
Aside from having the most amazing eateries, it has all the holiday classics you could throw your money at in the name of branded festivities and unfettered capitalism. But it’s also totally possible to put on your winter glad rags and celebrate the festive season without leaving Winter Wonderland more broke than a snow globe whacked with a sledge.
London’s got a whole winter’s worth of epic things to see, do, celebrate, Tweet about and take selfies in front of. So skip Kew Gardens, avoid London Zoo and step around Leicester Square because this year you’ve gotta try something new -- you never know what little slice of London-y magic may become a contender for future tradition.
Why queue up outside that history museum thingy or try and bribe the bouncers at Somerset House when you can hone your skating skills in Canary Wharf (and pop into our new store at the same time)? The ice is pretty much the same as every other rink you’ve been on, but the sky-tickling towers of The City will give your Insta-stories a pretty epic backdrop. Oh and, if you don’t like the idea of strapping dangerously sharp blades to the soles of your feet and taking to the most unstable surface on earth, there’s a bar there serving seasonal drinks. That means you can get merry and giggle at everyone who thought ice-skating was a good first-date idea from the safety of a heated terrace. And you’ve got until mid-Feb to enjoy it, so there’s every chance you’ll become a repeat offender.
Only one thing screams Christmas more than hibernating beneath a blanket with 3-5 boxes of M&S mince pies, a magnum of red wine, and your favourite festive films lined up to go, and that’s leaving the confines of your living room to watch your favourite festive films on a pop-up screen in the snow. Basically, you know this peripatetic cinema club isn’t going to lose any money with this experience. And it is an experience because a) the screen is in a snow-filled grotto, b) you can only reach said grotto by going through a magical wardrobe and c) they’re showing all the classics #LoveActually. But be quick because this one ends on December 23rd. This year. Obvs.
If you frequent South London but have never seen Eltham Palace at Christmas, have you even been to South London? We mean it. This epic, art deco, mega-mansion is the place to go during the holiday season if you want your mind to melt out of your ears and your jaw to DROP. It’s fifty shades of wow. There are torchlit trails full of fairy-light tunnels, a light maze, holographic talking birds, post-walk mince pies - basically everything you need to keep you going for the next 11 months of waiting for Christmas to come back around. Just be quick because the magic all comes to a halt on Christmas Eve Eve.
Most museums are cool in a boring way. But the V&A’s Creative Studio at this time of year is cool in the tastiest way - it’s home to a city made from spiced-biscuit walls, icing mortar, gumdrop decorations, hundreds of pounds of gingerbread, sweets and gum, all whittled together by a bunch of architects, designers and engineers who were either commissioned because they’re super-great or did it cos they’re not great and have a whole lot of time on their hands. Either way, it’s been sat around for a while, so it probably ain’t gonna make for a suitable snack.
So much better. Essentially, it’s the same game, it’s just that the creatives at Dabbers Social Bingo have found a way to totally remix this classic. You’ll still have a hall full of people holding bingo cards tightly in their paws, but there are some differences to be enjoyed. The crowds are young, the callers are actually comedians, the fruit machines are burlesque dancers and the venue doesn’t smell like stale wee. There’s also a different theme to be had each day of the week, so you could easily become a regular here without getting bored. It’s where we now spend all our weekends, pulling on our best dayglow onesies for Disco Saturdays and then recovering with a bacon sarnie at Family Brunch Sundays. It’s epic.
We always thought you had to be visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past to become a super-good person - but it turns out that’s a total lie. You just choose to be good and what better way to kick off your good-tidings outlook than volunteering this Christmas. There’s the London Basket Brigade that plonks food on the tables of those in need on Christmas day, Shelter From The Storm who help the homeless, Crisis At Christmas and oh-so-many more. And it costs zilch. Just a few hours out of your day and you could be giving someone their best Christmas ever. Don’t get us wrong, receiving everything from your Santa List (aka your Amazon Wishlist) feels great - but this will feel a thousand times better.
We’d love to say Canary Wharf is a touristy goldmine, but we know our noses would grow about six-feet long if we did and we’re not willing to live life with that handicap. The truth is: Canary Wharf isn’t the epitome of fun, frolics and cheeriness - until January, when a warm, fuzzy, glowy feeling falls over this financial corner of the city and leaves it looking totally awesome. Spectacular, even. It’s called the Winter Lights, and the uber-tall skyscrapers are the perfect backdrop for them. On paper, they’re just a bunch of light-emitting artworks, installations and interactive tidbits. But in reality, they’re hair-raising, mind-fizzing and jaw-dropping. We’re talking about neon graffiti walls, immersive rainbows and light tunnels that pulsate (sort of how we imagine a hippy’s migraine would look). Oh and, yeah, once again, you can top of your experience by popping into our new store and buying some Christmas gifts for everyone you forgot to buy gifts for (and all those who got you gifts you weren’t expecting to get you gifts). It opens on January 15th for a week.
Christmas markets are intimidating places. Or maybe not intimidating but overwhelming, which is why most people stick to scoffing foods from the crimson-coloured peripheries of these pop-up labyrinths. But, trust us, there are so many reasons to take in a lungful of smoggy air and step inside them. Even the most Grinch-like Londoner will feel their heart begin to glow like ET’s as they make their way through the Southbank Centre Winter Market, the one in Greenwich, the Clapham Common one, and the one in Kingston. Sure, they can be a tad cold (they’re open-air), and the stuff they’re peddling are usually more expensive than you can grab them on Amazon, and they’re full of slow-walking tourists, but they’re still super… oh you know where we’re going with this. They’re great. So go try ‘em out before you have to wait another 11 months.
And there we have it - a list of things to in London this winter that are actually cool (and not cliche). Who would have thunk it?
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off if you do).
]]>It doesn’t matter if it’s a Monday evening and you just can’t be bothered to go home and cook or you’re going on a second date this weekend, the decision can be really, pretty difficult - and that’s without factoring in your belly-rumbling hunger, medically-prescribed FOMO and anxiety of getting your choice wrong. Ladies and gentlemen, the struggle of picking somewhere to eat in London is real. In fact, with so many mouth-watering options on almost every street in every borough, It’s like trying to battle uphill on a unicycle with a flat tyre and rusty chain.
But that’s why we’re writing this blog post - to take you on a food trail through the savoury-smelling streets of London so that you don’t die from indecision-induced starvation. Actually, this list is so full of amazing, on-point, flavour-of-the-moment-spots, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to bookmark this page and refer to it the next time you’re involved in a group-decision, landed a dinner-date or you’re struck by a bout of office-jaded laziness.
Blandford Comptoir, Marylebone
If you know anything about Xavier Rousset, you’re probably wondering whether this chap is actually a reincarnation of King Midas because, seriously, everything this dude touches turns to edible gold. On paper, it’s just another London gaff that does Mediterranean cuisine, but there’s something extra about it. Yeah, it’s great food and fine wine, but there’s this informal n’ relaxed atmosphere that’s super-appealing. Okay, we take that back. It’s the 300-bottle strong list of epic wines that accompany the Italian-influenced menu of small or large dishes that has made it so popular amongst the experience-centric foodies kicking about town. But the subtle classiness and electric energy doesn’t hurt. And if you can’t make it to Marylebone as often as you like, you can do just as well at the City’s Cabotte or Mayfair’s Comptoir (which Rosset also owns).
You know a place is good when they don’t need to take reservations, which is Padella. They’re popular enough to save themselves that hassle. But while some might think this is a bit of a pain in the you-know-where, it kind of adds to the atmosphere of this pasta palace. And that’s exactly what this eatery is: it’s a temple that worships the Pasta Gods. Each day they roll, stretch, cut and make their own pasta dough in such a way that you’ll wonder why you aren’t dedicating more meals per day to this happy food. But here’s the best part: their menu is small. We’re talking five antipasti options, half a dozen pasta dishes, and just a couple of puddings, which is not just good news for indecisive diners, it’s good news for those who love a serious amount of flavour because these dishes are packed with them.
Neal’s Yard has become an iconic pocket of London for foodies of every kind, but its The Barbary that’s really stolen their hearts (and tongues). It’s storytelling through food, the menu taking its inspiration from the Barbary Coast where Moroccan, Algerian, Tunisian, Libyan, Israeli and Mediterranean flavours have amalgamated since the 16th Century. It’s the Med meets the Middle East. And because of the counter seating, it’s the perfect place to pop into as a twosome - whether that be a date or a catch-up with your bestie - sharing a selection of delicious dips, marinated meats and veggies so tasty you might consider becoming a full-time one. Oh, and then there’s the buttered naan. It’s no wonder Time Out plonked this eatery at the top of their restaurant rankings.
Before you yawn, roll your eyeballs and mutter the words, “yay, another Thai restaurant”, you need to check yourself because this isn’t just another Thai restaurant - it’s the regional Thai food your taste buds have been begging to meet since you were born, and that’s because the head chef’s journey to this spot was as determined, unorthodox and heartfelt as any. It started with a six-month pilgrimage to Bo.Lan - one of Bangkok’s most worshipped food joints - where Andy Oliver learned to cook authentically, getting the most out of every flavour and spice and, even then, he didn’t jump straight into Som Saa. He had to take a detour through single-grills-ville, Mount. Restaurant-Residency and then, using his newly-formed army of food-disciples, he crowdfunded his way to £700,000 and opened up this place on Commercial Street. Yeah, it feels kinda rustic, but that only plays into the hands of the food because the menu here shines brighter than the North Star from a countryside viewpoint.
Butcher & Bab, Liverpool Street
There are kebabs and then there are kebabs, the kind that are made by kebab-istas using only free-range meat from Devon and super-tasty sauces that are all homemade. But that’s just what’s what you get when a gorgeous couple who seriously care about good, quality, healthy foods open up a single-table-slash-takeaway joint on the cobbled streets of The Arcade. Yeah, it’s less a dinner place and more a smile-spreading lunch spot (NB: they’re only open for lunch), but it’s one hell of a lunch spot. With Parisian and Italian roots bursting through in every bite, it’s no wonder this place has become a favourite with city folk wanting a little bit of wow. Oh, and Sabs Saucy Scotch Bonnet sauce is some. thing. else. It’s on another level (which is why it’ll be coming to a supermarket near you very soon).
The Barrafina team have now opened three restaurants in London, but there’s something about going to the original, sitting elbow to elbow on those red leather stools around the marble-topped bar and watching in awe as the chefs create masterpieces in the open kitchen (as the next-in-line diners watch you in envy as plates of tapas start to arrive). It doesn’t matter which region of Spain you claim has the best grub, they do it all at Barrafina, something both Instagram-foodies and Michelin-star hander-outers have taken noticed off. There might be a queue by the time you arrive, but it’s so worth standing, shuffling and waiting for your turn on the stools because this place is mega-tasty.
This haunt has got the hard-fought-for pedigree a lot of restaurants don’t - it’s a supper club that proved so popular it became a fully-established eatery. To put that in musical terms, while so many “musicians” hope the X-Factor will hand them instant success, Pidgin did it the tough way, sleeping rough, taking gigs at whatever first-floor, smoky pub-rooms it could and built up a loyal fan base that way (#edsheeran). And it hasn’t let its new four permanent walls distort those roots either. The supper club ethos is still there for all to devour, which is why they still rock a four-course tasting menu that varies each and every week, giving you 52 excuses to make plenty of return visits. In short, the combination of supper club vibes and the ‘no choice’ menu make this place a total thrill for anyone that gets the kind of major food-envy that’s been known to ruin eating-out experiences in the past.
If you thought bistro culture was dead and buried, think again because Petit Pois has brought this culture back to the heart of Hoxton and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon. It’s a place that lives, sleeps and breaths excellent cooking, and because it’s so inspired by that classic French way of dining, it’s become the perfect place to go no matter the occasion, from a lunch with new clients to a first anniversary with your SO. It’s one of those rare places you get to walk into and go, “well, this joint’s clearly run by a merry gaggle of movers and shakers,” because what they’ve done is thought about every tiny detail, found a way to make them uber-chilled, and turned the space into this unassuming, modern and intimate venue. And then there’s the food. The delicious food. The oh-so-tasty food. It’s all French and it’s all insanely good.
The world became a better place on March 10th, 2013 when a super-ballsy baker decided to invent the Cronut, and now that modern-day Victor Frakenstein has brought his “we know no boundaries” bakery this side of the pond. The conclusion: yes, Cronuts really are as good as the hype, if not better. But it turns out this isn’t the only delicious, diet-destroying treat Ansel is awesome at - there are loads of them. The issue is, the bakery is the size of a stamp, which is why it is mainly a takeaway stop. However, there is a semi-secret garden out the back, which means you can pretend you know the owner by walking in, ordering a box of too-easy-to-munch madeleines for yourself, a Banoffee Paella for your date and then say to the baker, “do you mind if we head out back, if you know what I mean?”. It’s worth the trip, and not just because dessert dates are so on point right now.
First things first, to save yourself some embarrassment when you phone up and make a reservation, don’t pronounce this place Mmmmber. It’s Ember, and it’s one of the most subtly glamorous spaces in all of London, not to mention it’s subterranean too. From the moment you walk in, it feels regal, but not The Queen sort of regal. Prince Harry regal. It’s full of dark red leather, deep purple velvet and then shiny copper accents to make it all pop. It’s as lavish as it is hidden and as intimate as it is delicious. And it really is delicious. But here’s the real selling point: it embraces the Filipino way of dining, which means it’s all about feasting, sharing and involuntarily saying, “that’s the best thing I’ve ever eaten.” That said, the food is from all across Asia, which is what you’ll notice when you glance at the menu: braised octopus, Vietnamese goat curry and, our personal faves, their wagyu beef & foie gras burger. Holy heck, we’ve just remembered how awesome this place actually is. It’s almost unrivalled.
And there we have it - a list of the most mind-fizzing foodie-destination in London that will cater for every kind of taste bud.
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]]>TV shows are awesome, Time Magazine will be full of (unintentionally) hilarious pieces on spiced pumpkin treats, your Facebook feed is gonna fill up with cheap, city break, flight deals and, best of all, you’ll get to enjoy the teeny-tiny comfort of rocking long-sleeves without your pits turning into waterfalls. Yup. It’s autumn clothing time, the season that welcomes epic overcoats, chunky-knitwear, cardigans under suits, cheery-coloured beanies and, to top it all off, it’s still bright enough to stroll the streets wearing sunglasses even though it’s bitterly cold. Sunglasses and layers - it’s the greatest double team since Simon met Garfunkle.
So, whether you’re looking to get snapped by an online magazine running a #streetstyle competition, heading to an Airbnb on Rue De Somewhere in Paris, or you’re going for a long weekend in the country to embrace all those breathtaking colors, reconnect with nature, and drink ale in the sort of pub-pub where the landlord still lets people light up cigars inside, we’ve got you covered, dude. How so? By curating the most important autumn style lessons you need to know in what is unquestionably the coolest season of the year.
Lesson 1: Layering Up
Layering is an art. Period. Get caught short on the layer front and you’ll find yourself shivering uncontrollably as you try to brave the cold in your favourite Versace-inspired satin tee, but miss-time a chunky roll-neck jumper and you’ll feel that dreaded finger of sweat run down your spine as you head to work on the Tube. The trick is to pile on loads of thin layers that you can rip off or put back on as you navigate the awkward autumn climes. The ideal pieces to throw together would be a thick button-down Oxford shirt, a thin earthy-hued sweater, something to chuck on top - whether that be a thin trenchy or a chore jacket - and start rocking some chunky socks like the goddamn autumnal king you are. You could even pop a charmer scarf and fluorescent, fisherman-style beanie in your pocket too. It’s going to get cold eventually. And when it does, you’ll want a couple of stylish extras you can whip on (or off) when the temperature calls for it.
Lesson 2: Learn The Power Of Everyday Casual
If summer style is all about shorts, short sleeves, your favourite sun-washed baseball cap and a pair of classic Vans paired with bare ankles, and winter is just about not freezing on your commute (#glovesandbalaclava), then autumn is all about looking good, even on those casual days of doing nought but running menial errands. That’s the beauty of autumn layers. You want to rock a couple more layers than you did in July, but not so many that you become the Michelin Man of winter, which means nailing the sweet spot of effortless cool. You might just be popping out to get a pint of milk, six eggs, an avo, and some sourdough bread, but should you bump into that gorgeous someone you have a crush on - or, more crucially, your ex - you’ll want to look super-handsome without looking like you tried. So, pop on a forest green Henley shirt, one of those denim-slash-suede jackets with the faux-sheepskin collars, jeans with rolled up cuffs, a pair of brogue boots and go strut your stuff down the Tesco Metro aisles. You’ll thank us later.
Lesson 3: Not All Wool Is Born Equal
A good wool jumper is as necessary as oxygen, so it’s time you learned the difference between wool and wool, and there’s no wool quite like the merino. This crazy cool fabric comes from the pelts of burly merino sheep, whose wool is known for being long, smooth and hollow. This is good because it means your crewneck jumper will be dry and crisp enough to insulate your torso when the weather turns nippy and then yet kind enough to let your body breathe (and not sweat) when you step onto that overcrowded train carriage at rush hour. It’s a material you can wear from the first day of autumn right through to the last days of spring, maybe even the first moments of summer. Basically, it’s Mother Nature showing off how intelligent she is.
Lesson 4: Every Guy Needs A Great Fall Jacket
Just in case you skipped over the subheading above, we said a great jacket. Not a coat, not a blazer, or a puffa, or a trench, but the sort of trans-seasonal jacket that looks so good in the mirror you won’t want - or have - to take it off until it’s summer vacay time. It’s about hunting for something thin enough to be worn over three layers and yet warm enough to cocoon you on its own come those unplanned-for-cooler-moments. As for style, well, that all depends on what you are confident stepping out in on all occasions: weekend getaways, pub catch-ups with your “we don’t do this often enough” uni mates, second-date nights, standing in the stands of your favourite rugby/football/underwater-hockey team, everything. That might be a single-breasted denim jacket, one of the bomber variety, the sort of leather number that makes people think there’s a Harley Sportster parked outside your Shoreditch apartment, a sherpa-inspired trucker jacket, a vintage mustard-coloured corduroy piece, or even a suede-blouson jacket. As for the colour, neutral shades will make it more adaptable, and that’s what you want. Jackets like these can only be worn for a few months each year, so make sure invest in one that’s more adaptable than a method-acting chameleon; something like dark green, olive, grey, camel, blue or brown (you feel a bit awks walking into a store and asking the assistant if they have any mocha jackets, but it will be worth the pink cheeks - trust).
Lesson 5: Nothing Beats A Good Boot
Rule No.16: Autumn is all about boots. That’s why we’re of the opinion you can never have too much of this clobber in your collection. In fact, in an ideal world, the bottom of your wardrobe should be lined with:
If you’re not really a boot person, however, but you’ve conceded to the notion you need at least one pair of boots, our advice would read like this: buy a streamlined pair with as little going on as possible, preferably in dark brown or black, so that you can shoehorn your way into them whether it’s a suit occasion or you’re just going out in jeans and a jumper. Oh, and as Spiderman said in the autumn of 2012, “with great boots comes (the need for) great socks.” Okay, he probably didn’t say but, still, the last thing you want to feel is your foot slipping around in your boot as you try to walk normally on a first date.
Lesson 6: When In Doubt, Thicken Out
Not everyone has a knack for fashion. We get that. In fact, go on any of your mate’s Facebook pages, click on their profile picture, head left instead of right, and you’ll be comforted by the notion everyone has made a few faux-pas. That said, if you’re looking down the barrel of autumn style and your palms are starting to get a bit clammy, take a deep breath and just buy the things you’ve been wearing religiously every spring and summer for the past three years, only in thicker, more autumn-friendly fabrics. It’s as simple as swapping out your poplin shirts for those that embrace a slightly thicker wool-cotton cocktail, waving bye to your chinos in favour of jeans, popping your summer suits back into their moth-repellent bags and investing in some woolier versions, thickening up your sweaters and… well… you get the gist. And should that fail, you can always just give the beer and comfort foods a good go and thicken yourself up a bit. Whatever’s easiest.
And there we have it. All the tips you could possibly need to start showing off your epic autumn style while slurping down on warm cider, snacking on some spiced pumpkin pie and trying to convince everyone sat around the crackling bonfire that you can be responsible with fireworks.
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That’s what life’s all about. It’s about finding your own treasures, stumbling across somewhere that’s not yet been written about in Travel + Leisure a billion times already, and having your own stories to tell. It’s about venturing out the way to find the unsung soul of whatever city you’re in, dropping into neighbourhood bars with a “yes man” attitude, grabbing a bite to eat at authentic restaurants and kicking it with the bona fide locals that love these ice cold quarters. As the philosopher, Andre 3000, once said, “what’s cooler than being cool? Ice cold.”
That’s why we’ve been busier than a hipster at a craft beer festival pulling together a list of Europe’s coolest neighbourhoods. Don’t worry, though, we’ve not listed anywhere based on how many beard rollers and tubs of moustache wax they manage to sell. No. All these places are hip, hop and totally cool because of their endemic charm, untouched wow-factor, relaxed vibes, down-to-earth character and quirky enterprises where you’ll actually want to hang out. They’re that sort of cool. So, let’s do this shall we:
There’s a bunch of cool things to do in Athens, from hiking in Kolonaki to queuing outside the Greek Parliament to popping a selfie of you and the Acropolis on your Insta-stories. But doing any of that stuff at the cost of skipping the Exarchia neighbourhood will leave you missing out on the epicentre of Greek politics, vibrancy and counterculture. It’s where all the students hang out, and that’s what keeps it so energetic and friendly. It’s one of those places with such a laid-back vibe you’ll feel at ease the moment you step out of your cab. Yes, it’s got everything on the hipster wish list in that it’s got cool cafés, graffiti-covered walls, an underground culture and a busy arts scene, but it’s not forced in the slightest, and that’s what makes the atmosphere so unique.
Sweden oozes cool. It’s not something you need to go in search of on a bicycle or hand-painted longboard, it’s just something you’re surrounded by… all the time… from the moment you step off the plane, ferry, bus or whatever you arrived in. It’s a country that loves minimalism and creative gastronomy and pulling on a warm layer of swagger before you leave the house. It’s just that Sødermalm does it better than anywhere else. It’s a labyrinth of cool streets dotted with epic eateries, drinking holes, vintage stores, music shops, knickknacks and bookstores. Yes, even the bookstores have a hip vibe. As a neighbourhood, it’s awesomely creative. And it’s uber-relaxed too, which is probably what adds that extra layer of coolness. It’s got that whole “I’m not going to try and impress you, I’m just gonna impress you” thing. It’s so worth checking out.
London’s got a bunch of cool places - there’s no denying it. But what makes a place cool to begin with is creatives moving there and painting it in their vision - writers, artists, designers, photographers, poets and all those culture-shaping types. But what’s happened recently is, well, London got expensive, and so all these culture-shapers have moved to Bristol, and that’s why it’s enjoying such an epic moment, especially Montpelier. It’s the home of Banksy and Alex Lucas, of beatnik cafés and mind-melting street murals, of restaurants where you can sit on swings and play board games, and some of the most foodie-worshipped restaurants in the UK. It’s everything hipster’s want in a place, except it’s genuine and that’s what makes it so cool.
Nestled between the Musée National Picasso, Metiers Art Museum and the Bataclan is the new cool kid on the block, or the new cool block in the city. Either way, Canal St. Martin is where the young crowd gather these days, flocking to their favourite spots to catch up with friends and sip on whatever wine’s second cheapest on the menu as the soak up the warm evenings and canal-side views. Like everywhere, the gentrification of this hip-hub has well and truly begun, but that’s one of Paris’ best traits - it’s such a celebrant of local charm and quaint traditions, nowhere can ever truly lose its identity, and Canal St. Martin is proof of this. Cocktail bars aside, there are too many long-time cool cafés and mmmmmm-inducing bakeries for the culture to fall into the canal and float away. But we still recommend you get here before it becomes a bit done with.
It doesn’t matter which city you point at, the trendiest neighbourhoods all share a similar trend in their history: cool enclaves are built on gritty pasts and sassy reputations, and Praga is no different. What was once a decidedly dodgy hood nicknamed “the Bermuda Triangle” for all the wrong reasons has been totally transformed into one of Europe’s most awesome creative hubs. It’s still overflowing with once-abandoned warehouses and forgotten factories, but all these monolithic-looking structures have been converted into bars, clubs, eateries, restaurants, art-house cinemas, galleries and venues. It’s the nucleus of Warsaw’s buzzing culture; the energetic pulse of the young boho-types - a melting pot that’s been influenced by New York revelries as much as it has the Cold War era - and it never ceases to dazzle.
Having been influenced by everyone, from Bismarck to Bowie, JFK to Hitler, it’s no wonder Berlin’s become such a mesmeric place and Europe’s capital of cool again and again... and that’s got a lot to do with Kreuzberg - the cool-capital of Berlin. Sure, some people say this mantle has been snatched by Neukølln, and it could well be heading that way (there’s a massive abandoned airport right in the middle of the city, that’s why!), but it hasn’t happened yet. The thumping activity and non-stop noise that comes from this district are what pumps through Berlin’s arteries more than anything else. It’s got an unrivalled combination of grit and glamour and a distinctly Turkish vibe that can’t be replicated anywhere else. Eclectic bars, foodie-obsessed dinner joints, independent stores, infamous techno clubs, highbrow this and lowbrow that, and an awesome mix of expats, creatives, and old-school Berliners are what make this place the cultural trendsetter it is. There’s no other way of putting it: the Berlin we know and love today would be nothing without the drumbeat of Kreuzberg.
Five-four-three, even two years ago, plonking Zurich and cool in the same sentence was so oxymoronic a single chuckle could have created a chorus of snort-laughs. Zurich has just never been one to hang around with the cool kids. For most people, Switzerland is still that place with a square flag that invented muesli and sitting on the fence. But what you’re forgetting is that this country also gave the world velcro, absinthe, bobsledding and the Swiss army knife, and that’s the break-the-mould Swiss mentality that Langstrasse is choosing to rock n’ roll with. Not trying - choosing. The culture on this super-long street (that’s literally what Langstrasse means) is awesomely diverse, the atmosphere has that stay up-all-night kind of vibe, the bars are buzzing, the clubs are crowded with good-time people and there are neon lights everywhere. Okay, so heading here might be a little bit of a risk because it’s still got some catching up to do before it becomes one of the cool kids at the back of the bus, but a) give it time and b) if you’ve got buddies working over in Zurich, tell them you’re coming to stay for the weekend and then go check this street out for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
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]]>And nothing’s changed, baby.
We’re now semi-deep into the 21st Century and Maroc is showing no signs of turning down the music. No way, hosay. This medieval city is just getting started, lapping up its latest renaissance as the most luxe destination for the high-rollers with nowhere they need to be. And we totally get it. This African-labyrinth is the Tooth Fairy of destinations. It’s mythical, colourful, otherworldly and an absolute assault on the senses in the most epic way imaginable. You’ve got snow-capped mountains overlooking open-air spice markets, boiled-dry deserts flanked by mega music festivals, and a bunch of hotels, restaurants, bars and spas surrounded by all the magic you could wish for - endless sand dunes, bustling souks, terracotta riads and lofty minarets - all set beneath the cerulean skies.
Maroc really is the new Ibiza, and it’s time you found that out for yourself.
There might be a smorgasbord of quaint little boutique boltholes and traditional riads for you to grab some kip in at the end of each day but, if you’re hoping to swan around somewhere that’s synonymous with unparalleled luxury, there are only three names to pop into the hat:
Mandarin Oriental: This is one of the most spectacular residences in all of Morocco. A 50-acre tranquil oasis hidden away less than 20 minutes from Djemaa el-Fna (the city’s main square). It’s terracotta buildings, orange and lemon groves, tall palm trees, glistening pools and gardens scented by 100,000 roses. Mmmmm.
La Mamounia: This place is so lavish, so magnificent and has played retreat for so many big names, it’s almost impossible to think the dust-specked souks are just confetti-throw away. It’s amazing. It’s a place where they encourage you to get lost at your leisure and rightly claim to be “a hotel for those who have all the time in the world.”
Royal Mansour: No amount of adjectives, praise or photographs could ever do this place justice. Instead, all we’ll say is it took 1,200 craftsmen more than three years to create this scene-snatching idyll and it was worth every hour because the Royal Mansour is quite literally fit for a king. It’s laid out like a medina with citrus-scented pathways winding their way from riad to riad, so you still get that authentic Moroccan experience, just in a place where you have your own rooftop plunge-pool and mosaic-tiled courtyards.
In its rawest form, Marrakech is a spectacular and disorienting mix of old world meets new age - a place you’d head to on an epiphany trip to do a little soul-searching (if it weren’t also the most amazing place to head on a tour de friends) - and you can taste that European/Middle Eastern duality in the fine dining here.
Le Grand Café de la Poste: the phrase, “there’s really nowhere else like it” is more overplayed than an Ed Sheeran song, but there really is nowhere like Le Grand Café de la Poste. Hidden down a secluded Medina alleyway, and situated in a 17th-century mansion with 1920s Art Deco styling, this place mixes a sense of French elegance and charm with some Gatsby-esque sophistication, and it does so in an African city that never stops hustling and bustling. Whether you want a late dinner or early cocktails, this place is lit.
Dar Yacout: Sod beating around the medina on this one because Dar Yacout is quite simply one of the most popular Marrakech eateries. Period. There’s just something about the combination of a theatrical interior and some truly unforgettable cooking that draws the diners in (weird, huh?). Thanks to the way the extravagant grandeur has been elegantly offset by the rustic dishes that appear from the kitchen, it’s like stepping into a fantasy palace from Arabian Nights. Oh, and the roof terrace is the perfect place to sip on a pre or post-meal drink.
Bo-Zin: This restaurant goes down such a contemporary route with its take on Moroccan food, it almost does away with the traditions entirely. But don’t let that put you off because there’s something in the air here that makes the diners become dancers as the night ticks on. The pergola, the bar, the garden spaces - all of it gets entranced by the music; the singers and bands and DJs. In fact, the music is such a huge part of the Bo-Zin experience, you can pick up a CD packed-full of Bo-Zine tunes to recreate the feeling back home (which is so Ibiza).
If beaches are your thing, then Marrakech is gonna make you smile. That said, if luxury beach clubs are even more your thing, then you are gonna want to start entering all your details into whatever penny-pinching travel apps you swear by because Marrakech has proper upped its game.
Nikki Beach: While most places on the Moroccan coast are old fishing towns that only attract wanderlusty gaggles of scruffy-haired surfers and hippified backpackers, Nikki Beach has brought in their own touch of European chic and St. Tropez elegance. The food, atmosphere, music, cocktails, cabanas everything. It’s that place every Instagrammer needs to add to their Marrakech story.
Fiesta Beach: The moment you push open the doors to this outdoor paradise and discover the tropical atmosphere with your own two eyes, you can almost feel your hedonistic urges rise. From vibrant cocktails to Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, to waving over more and more bottles of Grand Crus, Fiesta kind of forces your mouth and tongue to let out a not-so-subtle “wow”.
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it, well, we’ve said it once. But we’re going to say it again: Maroc has music in its bones, which is why it comes as no shock this city has welcomed the rise in music festivals with open arms and a chauffeur-held placard at the airport, as it tells Ibiza to shuffle over.
The Oasis Fest: This festival has been doing its thing for five years now, and it’s finally ready to step out of the shadows and shake the radar so hard people can’t possibly miss it. But it’s not just the musical offering that makes this one so special. It’s got a bunch of unique traits tucked away in the nooks and crannies that give it an uber-chilled out and stress-free atmosphere. Oh, and it doesn’t refrain from pointing the spotlight on North Africa’s very own music, arts and culture scene too.
Atlas Electronic: Urgh, being lost for words is such a cliche thing to say, but the uniqueness that is location is pretty hard to chuck justified lexicons at. It’s just so Moroccan, and intimate, and wow. That’s all we can give it - a mouth open “wow”. But that’s a pretty huuuge deal in a world where crazy electronic music gigs have become the norm. So, for Atlas Electronic to have done what it has and build something truly unique out in the desert - while shining a light on Morocco’s rich traditions - is pretty mega.
For all the hidden secrets dotted about the alleyways, squares and souks, when it comes to settling into a spa session, there’s only one place worth begging, borrowing and/or stealing your way into, and that’s La Sultana. First off, this hotel is a UNESCO World Heritage listed, luxury riad-style property that’s tucked inside the Medina, glistening like a cracked-but-not-broken gemstone. And yet, that’s just the start because, after a short walk along the ornate corridors, you’ll reach the spa. Don’t worry, you can’t miss it. It’s the part of the building that opens up to reveal the most magical fairytale crystal cave. From settling into a traditional Moroccan hammam to relaxing your way through a four-hands body massage, or even requesting a sugar, spices and honey body scrub, this place has reinvented bliss.
Marrakech is a rarity in that it will slap your senses from the second you wake up and rub your eyes to the moment you finally slip off to sleep - slowly, and then all at once. It’s a place where every sight, sound, taste and touch will dazzle, frazzle and totally enchant you, and the best thing you can do is slip on your babouches and dive right into the madness.
Soak Up The Souks: it doesn’t matter how many bazaars you’ve bartered at, or markets you’ve bagged a deal, you’ve never experienced anything more satisfying than bargain hunting your way around the souks in Medina. It’s boisterous and bustling, heavy and hustling, but there’s something about the twinkle in each vendor’s eye that makes you enjoy their bravado, wanting to snap up something special just to enjoy a deal-making handshake, whether that be some argan oil or a strong spice, a handwoven rug or some local leather. Of course, the same rule applies: it’s all about knowing when to (pretend to) walk away.
Track The Desert Dunes: You’re in Northern Africa, on the peripheries of the Sahara, so hiring a couple of buggies and a few quad bikes is a mandatory adventure; making tracks in the windswept sand and causing skin-itching clouds as you doughnut the dunes. Of course, with so many vendors offering near-identical things, the struggle becomes real. That said, our limited experience suggests Dunes + Desert is the top dog in these parts. Why? Because they take you on a ride through the Agafay desert and along the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, even throwing in a chill out session at a local hamlet so you can slurp down some proper mint tea - the way it should be done
Rock The Kasbah: About a 90-minute excursion from the centre of Marrakech, tucked away in an Atlas valley, is a breath-stealing, five-star retreat called Tamadot owned by one Sir Richard Branson. But don’t be fooled, it offers up a very different Morocco to the one of opulence you might have gotten used to because this place is very North African - the looks, the styling, the feel and food and, yes, even that cleaner-than-anywhere fresh air.
Jemaa El-Fnaa: This is the beating heart of the city; the Marrakesh you hoped you would experienced but feared you were two-hundred years too late for. It’s a huge city square that’s absolutely teeming with snake charmers, henna tattooists, fortune tellers, traditional food sellers, merchants manning odd-bit stalls, and just about every other age-old delight your brain can conjure up.
Get Your Tannery On: You need to head to the north-east of the medina because the tanneries here are something no Instagram account can do without, nor can your Marrakesh-an adventure. Don’t worry, though, you won’t need to ask for directions; the smell will lead you there. And there you’ll find everything from bags to dresses, satchels to saddles - treasures of every kind - and they are all made in the same way they always have been.
And there we have it.
Proof this Moroccan city is starting to steal the thunder from the island of Ibiza, not just the jet-setting in-crowd that have been helping the renaissance wave get bigger and bigger over the last few years. The reason? It’s different. It’s cool and classy, elegant and exciting, sophisticated and soothing. It grabs a handful of culture, music, spices and luxury and then slaps your senses silly, and who doesn’t want to be slapped by all that stuff?
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off if you do).
Nothing beats it.
You can feel your belly doing a bunch of delicate barrel rolls as you carefully rush through the payment process, the smile on your face growing and growing until you finally click the “confirm” button, your brain now fizzing like a can of shaken Fanta because you know the few hundred bucks you’ve just saved on the journey is going to be spent on beachside cocktails, fancy restaurant meals and a semi-snazzy hire car the moment you touch down. It’s the ultimate spirit-lifter.
The problem is: boy-o-boy can it be tricky to pinch pennies on ye olde flights. In fact, saving money on flights is a modern day art form, and in order to become a total master - let’s call it ‘the Pablo Picasso of booking airplanes’ - you need to have the right tools.
Of course, you’re probably thinking to yourself, “Ha! I’ve got Kayak and Expedia perpetually open on my laptop.” And, yeah, that’s kinda cool n’ all, but neither of them is that great. Actually, coming to think of it, all your big-name search engines fall short in their hunt for greatness. They might “work”, per se, but to squeeze any sort of cheap fares out of them you need to spend hours and days on the prowl, and even then you rarely save more than a few measly quid [insert long empathetic exhale].
That said, the world isn’t short of travel hacking apps. They’re a dime a dozen - more common than green leaves in a jungle canopy - but only a few of them can actually claim to be genuinely legit, useful and downright epic at finding cheap airfare deals. Thankfully, they’re the ones we’ve dug up for you.
So, without further ado, here are eleven websites the best money-saving savants have kept secret from you (while enjoying the fruits of repeated savings themselves). Trust us: the next epoch of your life going to be blessed with mega-cheap flights.
Heading overseas should never be stressful. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to book a family holiday, your honeymoon, a business trip to catch up with your favourite clients or a put-your-feet-all-the-way-up all-inclusive - it should be as relaxed as the images in your head. You know the ones. Beach towel pinned to a white sand beach with three conch shells and a cocktail, waves forever washing the shore as you twiddle a piece of sea glass between your fingers and try to guess which brand of Factor 50 you can smell wafting in the air. But reaching this point has always been marred with stress; your body hunched over a laptop as you skip between the 79 tabs you’ve opened, hoping you don’t pay a pound more than you have to because you can’t bear the idea of taking that regret abroad with you. It’s the part of travelling we all love about as much as falling off a bicycle on a gravel driveway.
But thanks to the eleven sites above, these days have been exiled to the past-tense - twice over. Not only do they take the headache out of flight hunting, they also guarantee you’ll get the best price no matter what sort of trip your planning, what timeframe you’re operating on or how nonchalant and relaxed your travel criteria might be, all of which begs the question: why are you still reading this? Go and get your next escape booked in.
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]]>That’s why we’ve simplified all that important guidance into one beautiful, bite-size piece of sustainable travel advice: take only pictures and leave only footprints. That should be the very minimum each travel-addict adheres to before going on another adventure-slash-all-inclusive holiday, and the reason we said very minimum is simple: voluntourism is taking off with more gusto than a Eurofighter Typhoon.
Now, for those that haven’t heard of this concept before, it’s about taking sustainable travel up a notch (or ten), helping the planet while you're “out of office” by volunteering with wildlife around the world. It's a total win-win.
But we’re not talking about cuddling a tabby cat or stroking the feathers of a poorly pigeon. We’re talking about you aiding a scad of incredibly exotic animals, the sort that would probably snack on your for dinner or trample you into the ground if you met in any other circumstance. And with that in mind, we’ve pulled together a list of truly epic creatures you can show some tender, love n’ care for on your next voluntourism trip.
Ya’an Sichuan, China
Now we know any debate about which animal is the cutest would have to be classed as subjective, technically speaking, but we disagree because there’s nothing cuter than a panda bear. Nothing. Not even a litter of puppies watching The Notebook. So imagine how quickly your heart would turn to smush if you got to get up close and personal with a real-life, bamboo-chewing, super-cuddly one at the Giant Panda Centre in China, the world’s most awesome panda breeding base. For seven days and nights, you’ll get to help the panda-keepers with their day-to-day tasks, from feeding to cleaning, general medical care to collecting all-important behavioural data. The point is: everyone loves a panda, but only a few get to say they’re friends with one. Remember that.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you’ve done one of those slightly-cliche post-university “treks” through Indochina, then you probably spent a dollop of time in Thailand and, during that time, you were probably offered the chance to ride on - and play with - a bunch of elephants a bunch of times. When you compare it to your last visit to Twycross Zoo, it’s a totally bonkers opportunity. And yet you probably didn’t take up any of these offers because they always carry a bit of baggage in the form of negative thoughts. You just knew, deep down in your gut, this “enjoy an elephant” market has a far-from-innocent underbelly and, quite rightly, you didn’t want your tourism budget to go to bad people who abuse elephants. But that’s what makes the Elephant Nature Park in Northern Thailand different. It’s a total paradise for all long-trunked pachyderms because it actually rescues elephants from all those dodgy Thai “elephant sanctuaries”. So if you’ve got a week spare - or a month - volunteer here and enjoy the chance to bathe, feed and walk these amazing creature and, wait for it, even shovel up their humongous poop. Come on, it’ll be fun.
Somerset West, South Africa
If you didn’t know we were referring to Cheetahs or South Africa and we asked if you would like to put a leash on a cat and take it for a walk, you would probably roll your eyes, bear both sets of teeth in an awkward gesture and say, “thanks but, ummm, no thanks”, which is fair enough because taking a cat for a walk is not cool. Not in anyone’s eyes. But tweak the details a touch and change ‘cat’ to ‘jungle cat’ and it probably becomes the coolest thing you could ever do. Well, if you volunteer at Cheetah Outreach in South Africa, taking a stroll with a cheetah is actually one of your normal tasks and, man, will you feel like a badass. And that’s not the only reason you should volunteer here. The other reasons include free accommodation, free grub and the keys to some cool transportation vehicles, not to mention kicking it with some usually ferocious felines. Feeding, cleaning, maintaining their enclosures, taking people on tours, walking them - these responsibilities will all fall to you. It’s epic.
Calga, Australia
If someone randomly came up to you in a pretty official-looking white lab coat and said you had just been popped onto the critically endangered species list, we’re guessing you would need a nice big cuddle. You’d also want to live in a sanctuary surrounded by a team of dedicated volunteers that are focussed on your health, happiness, rehabilitation and general survival, but you’d want a cuddle first. Well, and we say this with the most gut-wrenching amount of regret, koalas are in this exact boat. Thankfully, you can volunteer at a sanctuary that works its butt off to help these cuddlicious creatures live a happy life. Over the course of four “impossible to forget” weeks, you’ll get to help with a spot of animal husbandry work, a bit of enclosure cleaning, some leaf changing, supplementary feeding and, maybe just maybe, become the trusted sidekick to a koala rescuer. Talk about living your best sustainable traveller life.
South Water Caye, Belize
When weighing up a list of all the most terrifying/hardcore/insane things a person can do, we used to think it was voluntarily stepping onto a forty-year-old fishing boat knowing you were going to be put into a decidedly-dodgy cage and dropped into shark-infested waters wearing a makeshift meat suit. But it turns out shark cage diving is actually pretty tame, at least when you compare it to spending 10 days snorkelling your way around the beautiful Belize reefs with a bunch of teeth-baring sharks... no metal bars included. That’s right. Join the team at Earthwatch and you’ll get the chance to ride on a research boat, working alongside a bunch of amazing marine scientists as you count, catch, tag and film the different sharks and rays here. It’s amazing. But the most amazing part is probably the fact you’ll be doing it in SHANGRI LA (aka paradise). Just maybe don’t watch Jaws, Jaws 2, Jaws 3-D or Jaws: The Revenge before you go.
Skukuza, South Africa
Okay, so this particular voluntourism trip probably isn’t for the faint-hearted because a big part of your “job” will be to chase roughly a 150 white rhinos with a dart gun and a) they probably won’t like you a whole lot for it and b) they weigh around 2,300kg each and have a sharp horn attached to their face. Basically, it’s a total thrill ride, but it’s all for a great cause too. Admittedly, we made it sound a lot meaner than we needed, but the reason you need to dart these gorgeous animals is to notch and microchip them, something you’ll do alongside the Klaserie Nature Reserve’s chief vet. But that’s not all you’ll be doing (we know right!). You’ll also be riding shotgun on a bunch of game drives aimed at big cat and game encounters, and take part on interactive game walks, where you’ll get taught how to track and identify birds, reptiles, mammals, insects and trees (although we’re pretty sure tracking a tree won’t be too tricky).
Costa Rica
There aren’t many times in history when the entire world stopped in its tracks, but that’s exactly what happened one Sunday night, when Blue Planet showed footage of the Green Turtle’s epic battle for survival. It was a scene that made near enough 7 billion people shed a tear and start Googling “how can I help save some turtles?” Well, to help you on your quest, the answer is Costa Rica… and Sri Lanka… and Greece… and basically everywhere else that turtles call home, and that’s because each of seven species of sea turtle are listed as either a) vulnerable, b) endangered or c) critically endangered, and if we don’t play our part in their survival the harm caused to these cute little flipper-wearers will become irreversible. Basically, turtles desperately need some positive intervention, and you could be it, with the added bonus of sending your Insta-followers into an absolute frenzy. Trust us: the cocktail of tropical beaches, amazing swimming shorts, turtles getting saved and people doing good deeds is a winning combination.
And there we have it.
6 truly epic voluntourism trips you should absolutely sign up to because they will blow. your mind. It doesn’t matter whether you have a week’s worth of holiday days to use or you’ve managed to convince your boss a month-long sabbatical will boost your productivity on return, each of these sustainable travelling opportunities will give you the chance to make the world a better place, all while cuddling up to a bunch of typically hard-to-cuddle creatures. Pffffttt. Come on. What are you waiting for?
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Instead, nipping away on a quick jolly abroad means heading off somewhere it's socially acceptable to have a beer before midday, lounge around in bed all day without feeling guilty about it, over-indulging in all the food the upper part of your stomach can handle and reading that epic novel you almost started last summer. Basically, it’s the best.
But for all our hype, there is one thing that tops a normal holiday: going all-inclusive. This really is the sliced bread of the vacay-world.
For parents, you can leave your offspring in kids clubs, have all the cooking done for you, be entertained every night and actually have a holiday instead of just doing the same stuff you do at home, just inside a fan-oven. And the benefits for non-parents are equally cool: you don't have to lift a finger, carry a wallet in your trunks, or engage in a decision more tricky than "should I have blueberries or bacon with my pancakes?”.
Yes, there is usually a tradeoff in that you’re sipping on cheap booze, eating from lukewarm buffets, and playing a game of musical chairs where there’s no music and two-hundred guests fighting over three beach chairs. But this isn’t always the case. And to prove this - to prove not all all-inclusive resorts are born equal - we’ve found some that really, truly, definitely don’t suck. Enjoy.
Before you scroll on because you’re imagining Howie’s Homestay to be an old farm barn sat slap bang in the middle of the Louisiana Swamps run by a WW2 veteran with a soft spot for spam, we have some good news for you: it isn’t. It is fact a luxury resort in Chiang Mai, Thailand and, trust us, your jaw will hit the floor a hundred times a day no matter how long you stay. But what’s most astonishing is just how at home you feel surrounded by this much-unabashed opulence, and that’s because it’s run and owned by a super-friendly American expat, Howie, and his wife and, before they turned it into their dream resort, they actually built it to be their dream home. What really sets this place apart from the rest, though, is how they say you and your group will have the entire resort to yourself: the private hotel, Royal Lanna style villas, romantic gardens, all of it. The problem is, this isn’t entirely true because you’ll have Howie there playing the role of caretaker, host, cocktail maker, chef and tour guide so, if we’re being pedantic, you won’t have it all to yourself. But that’s fine with us.
Visit: howieshomestay.com
It doesn’t matter how much of a seasoned wanderluster you might be, or how many times you’ve stayed in the VIP glamping section of Glastonbury, it’s worth putting down a bet on this place stealing your breath each morning because it absolutely will. How can it not? It’s as staggeringly beautiful as it is mind-bogglingly far-fetched. It’s living in wooden-lodge luxury on the edge of the Kruger National Park with poolside views of the Klaserie River. Seriously. This all-inclusive is like nothing you ever deemed possible. It takes the relaxation thing and cranks it up to eleven, meaning your resting heart rate will drop to around 6 bpm. It’s swanky suites come posh Nespresso machines and mini-bars stocked with Champagne, champagne and more Champagne, which you can then pop into a cooler, take onto your private terrace and sip with a smile before waking up properly with an al fresco shower. Some suites even have pools - la-di-daa. As for the other moments that make up your all-inclusive deal, you can enjoy a ton of gourmet meals, daily drives into the bush for a bit of Big 5 spotting, the best nature walks you’ve ever been on, and a few sundowners at, wait for it, the Treehouse Pub. Talk about living your best life.
Visit: Kapama.com
If you asked us to paint a picture of paradise, we would completely ignore what happened to Tom Hanks and Wilson and choose to get marooned on some teeny-tiny island in the heart of the Pacific. That’s not because some of our best friends are actually volleyballs or because we can grow a great beard. It’s because this is where the most amazing all-inclusive resort is hiding: Royal Davui. One week here and you’ll leave with little bruises from all those pinch-yourself-moments. Only reached by speedboat (or helicopter), this 10-acre private island boasts 16-luxury beachside villas complete with plunge pools, curved palm trees, lush jungle and the chance to adorn a snorkel and explore a tropical marine reserve - and if that doesn’t make your fingers open up the Hopper app we don’t know what will. It’s luxury meets nature like never before, something you’ll discover when you’re served the most Instagrammable-meal ever in the Banyan Tree restaurant (translation: you’ll enjoy a foodporn dinner in a tropical treehouse on a Pacific island).
Visit: Royaldavuifiji.com
When you hear the words “surf school”, your brain probably throws up some frown-inducing images of dirty backpacker hostels, almost inedible grub that’s sold as “authentically local” and days spent getting knocked off your board left, right and centre while your semi-qualified instructor tries to hit on your two hot classmates. Basically, heading to an all-inclusive surf retreat is a pretty niche thing to do. Of course, there’s an exception to every rule and, in this instance, that exception is Kalon. Sure, a lot of your trip will be trying to master the waves just off the coast of a jungle-thick paradise and putting down some elbow grease as you wax your board, but that’s just part of the adventure. The rest of it is dipped in luxury, from enjoying an endless ocean-view from your cabana-styled suite to indulging in a mid-morning massage to mmmmm-ing your way through locally-sourced meals. All that and you get to hone your surfing skills too, making it perfect for anyone that shudders at the thought of bathing on a sun lounger for a week straight.
Visit: Kalonsurf.com
The thing about Granada is, well, its neighbours are Monsieur Barbados and Madame Antigua, which is why it rarely gets the praise it deserves. But my gosh does this jewel of an island deserve praise. Nay. It deserves a shrine in every home and a whole lot of worshipping, especially Spice Island. That said, the obscurity surrounding this paradise is what makes it so special, and that’s exactly what the Grand Anse Beach is. It’s special. It’s a barely populated gem hidden in plain sight, each of the moon-white cottages dancing with the soft sands of this breath-snatching beach - all 64-rooms of it. But if that’s not enough to take your mind away from the humdrums of life back home, each boutique boudoir comes fully-stocked with high-end booze and fine wine, not to mention there’s all the tennis, scuba diving, cycling, golf and other recreational activities you could possibly hope for or a quiet Caribbean island. And if that’s still not enough to make your mind start sparking like a cattle prod gone haywire, this all-inclusive resort also boasts a AAA Five Diamond Award, which means the food is pretty good, and you’ve got two beachside restaurants to choose from as well. Yipee ki-yay.
Visit: Spiceislandbeachresort.com
It takes something pretty spectacular to earn the barely-whispered nickname of “Cloud 9” but that’s exactly what Nay Palad (formerly Dedon Island) is referred as - at least to the surfer’s that make a tri-monthly pilgrimage to these shores. But it’s not just the amazing waves that will have your eyes widening more than a hungry labrador at dinner time. It’s the way this all-inclusive resort has translated the meaning of luxe living. To delve into what a stay here looks and feels like, it’s a nine-villa property in the Philippines that’s owned by former goalkeeper and Bayern Munich legend Bobby Dekeyser and, trust us, he clearly has an eye for the finer things in life. We’re talking about an outdoor cinema, sunrise yoga classes, top-end surf schools and a spa so relaxing you might not gain full consciousness for the rest of your vacay. Seriously. Of course, no world-class all-inclusive is complete without world-class food, which is why every meal you’re served has been prepared by a private chef using ingredients grown on the resort’s very own organic farm. Mouths will water and taste buds will trip the light fantastic. They always do.
Visit: Naypalad.com
And there we have it.
Six super-luxurious resorts that go a super-long way to restoring the venerable history of the all-inclusive holiday; resorts that make sure every premium-paying guest gets to switch off for as long as they stay, wandering around these little patches of paradise to explore the smorgasbord of fancy restaurants on offer, slurp down a selection of top-notch wines and replace their normal, boring decision-making criteria with the chance to do remarkable things and collect incredible memories. Yeah. That’s what these places are all about. They are single-price spots able to rival the most luxurious five-star places on the planet. So, what are you waiting for? Pick a resort and relax. Don’t just live your normal life but in a hotter climate; actually relax. Properly. Like a king and/or queen. You probably deserve it.
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That said, if you’re looking for a holiday hotspot that boasts the following - curved palms, soft white sands, azure waters, cocktails so delicious you’ll forget about your worries for a week and the sort of #nofilterneeded views that will make your 397 Instagram followers uber-jealous of you - then you can close your incognito tab and stop your search because a quick jaunt to the Caribbean is exactly what you’ve been praying for.
Of course, this brings about its own semi-troublesome question in the form of: which Caribbean beach is going to tick all your boxes? So, to help you out, and using our own humble opinion, we’ve pulled together a super-subjective guide to the best Caribbean beaches out there right now. All you have to do is read, choose, head to Skyscanner, book, pack and relax, which is what we call living your best life.
If there was a Reef Knots Book Of World Records, this piece of sandy paradise would be taking home an unprecedented amount of awards. There would be The Most Postcard-Worthy Beach Award, The Best Public Beach On Earth Award, The Best Ocean Reflecting Sunset Award and The Most Super Wealthy And Yet Surprisingly Modest Capital City Award. Seriously. This is that place your mind conjures up when you close your eyes and imagine the Caribbean. Despite being famous for its luxury hotels, impossibly attractive villas, and queue-for-a-month restaurants, Seven Mile Beach is a rarity in that it has something for everyone. From holding-hand honeymooners to volleyball-loving beach bums, those that want to lay on a cabana and work their way through the cocktail menu to those who can’t get enough of water sports, hopping between coral reefs and sunken shipwrecks, snorkeling and scuba diving. Oh, and did we mention the sunsets. Probably. But it’s worth mentioning them again because the entire beach faces that way, meaning you get to enjoy that life-affirming moment of watching a huge red orb slowly sink into the ocean while saying “wow”.
Pretty much every single beachside town with a Caribbean postcode gets to boast a fine white sand beach, crystal clear waters and great restaurants just a short walk away. But what makes Cuban resorts different is the feeling you get when you stroll through the windswept streets in your white Oxford shirt, matching shorts and Birkenstock sandals: it feels so much more authentic (thank you, embargo). But while you can enjoy this at any Cuban resort town you like, the best of the bunch is Varadero. It’s a verdant paradise with laid-back beach vibes. It’s a ten-mile stretch of foot-massaging sands that are lined with a thousand palms, a hundred happy necklace salesmen and over twenty hotels, all of which cost a fraction of those in other Cuban resort towns. And if you really want to make your Instagram disciples double-tap their screens, just take the short boat ride to the explorable caves just off the beach. They’re like nothing else you have ever visited.
If you’ve ever dropped in on Jamaica before, you’ll know free public beaches aren’t exactly enjoying the emancipation you might of hoped for. But that’s what makes Winnifred Beach so special. It’s a truly tropical secret that requires a little dollop of local knowledge just to discover it’s hiding place, which is in the island’s most incredible parish of Portland, to the northeast of Jamaica. But they’re all the clues we going to give you because a) we don’t want to be the subject of a Wikipedia page about the history of Winnifred Beach and b) the best things come to those who want it most. All we’ll tell you is this: this sandy destination is worth the riddle-filled journey. It’s a place hidden behind tall tropical trees that momentarily open up to reveal a rustic paradise - a real Caribbean treat - that will make you feel calm in an instant. It’s the rawest Jamaica. It’s beaches perfect for soaking up the rays, waters you’ll want to swim in all-day and local cuisine at its best; the rough-built wooden shacks selling fresher-than-fresh conch soup, jerk chicken, local seafood, coconut water and, of course, Red Stripe beer. Mmmmm.
This is the place for anyone that’s dreamed of escaping everything and enjoying life on the edge of paradise, where your critter-singing stroll along a thick jungle path leads you to an impossibly stunning beach without any warning your destination was in sight. Literally. Where the soft sands and curved palm trees end is where the jungle-covered cliffsides begin It’s the most beautiful kind of dramatic you will have ever experienced with your own eyes. Of course, while escaping to the edge of paradise is great for a while, the chance to be pampered quickly resurfaces again, which is what makes this beach so unique. It somehow manages to blend the two worlds, keeping it authentically local while doing all it can to keep the tourists here happy. Oh, and because you’re in Trinidad, you’ll also get to try the maybe-maybe-not-super-healthy national dish the locals call Bake & Shark which, oddly enough, does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s deep-fried shark stuffed into deep-fried bread. With all this on offer, it’s no wonder this is T&T’s most popular beach.
If you’re wondering how somewhere called The Baths made our list of best Caribbean beaches above the smorgasbord of other incredible sandy spots, let us point you toward the landscape, which is entirely made up of ginormous, sky-high boulders that were formed 70 million years ago after a volcano sneezed out a whole bunch of lava and created this moment of eye-rubbing beauty. It’s one of those places that could create some trust issues between you and your eyes. But monstrous boulders aside, the most amazing thing about this beach is the grottoes that get flooded with seawater, grottoes that make for the most breath-snatching swimming pools and snorkeling spots. But if that’s most amazing thing, then the coolest part has to be the winding trail through these caves to Devil’s Bay; a 20-minute trek that can feel a little bit like a luxury Tough Mudder as you clamber over boulders, splish-splash your way through tidal pools, and suck your belly in as you shimmy into almost-impossibly slim passages before jumping down onto the sugary-sand below. Most beaches are made for lounging around and soaking up the sun’s radiation, but not this one. This is for those madly in love with living a little.
When you’ve been bitten by the FOMO bug, nothing is worse than getting back from the holiday of a lifetime to discover you missed out on a must-have experience and, in this case, that would be traveling all the way to the Bahamas and not swimming with those world-famous swimming pigs - the ultimate ethical adventure. It’s a moment that should live in the memory of everyone that puts a flip-flop on this picturesque island. But these nautical swine aren’t the only reason you should book a flight to the Exumas. You should do it because this place is renowned for its blissfully isolated beaches, it’s world-famous diving spots, and resorts so calm and undisturbed they have been known to dissolve every kind of trouble quicker than a bath bomb under hot water. You should also ask a local tour guide to take you to the “washing machine”. We won’t tell you what it is exactly, but it’s only a short walk and it’s probably your only chance to feel like a load of luxury laundry.
And there we have it.
A subjective guide to six of the very best Caribbean beaches. It doesn’t matter what sort of close-your-eyes-and-picture-paradise sort of escape you are after, this little chunk of planet earth has a beach for everyone. Beaches to lounge around on, beaches to explore the jungle from, secret beaches to live the local life and beaches made from ancient volcano snot. All you need to do is head to the one that tickles your fancy the most. Schimples.
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off if you do).
Think about it for a moment. When you close your eyes and imagine going somewhere like, oh we don’t know, Sardinia, you probably picture yourself already there, your beach towel pinned to the soft white sand with four perfect conch shells, the sound of the azure waters slapping the shore as you curl a piece of sea glass between your toes, the Mediterranean sun making you thirsty for yet another beachside beverage. What you don’t picture is being hunched over your work laptop with a hundred and one tabs open as you hunt for the best airfare deal, weigh up the different hotels to see which has the most baller pool, while furiously scrolling through a million online travel guides because you have been bitten by the FOMO bug with no tonic in sight. We know this because we feel the same way. It’s not that we hate the planning part of a holiday. It’s just that we get more excited about a trip to the dentist with a root canal already booked in.
Of course, the obvious answer is to get off your sofa, pull on some trousers and head into the office of your nearest travel agent. But who needs a travel agent when you have a smartphone?
So, without further ado, here are the must-have travel apps for every wanderlust addict that hates the planning stage:
An app that somehow manages to analyse billions of flights, predicting when prices will drop with Robin Hood accuracy, meaning you can get a sweet deal for less money and less hassle.
If you’re the kind of planner that tells everyone they are great planners while secretly conceding you aren’t very good at planning you need Hopper; an app that swoops in wearing a coral-coloured cape (or is it red - we can’t tell). As we all know, travel isn’t cheap. It’s cheaper than it was, but it still isn’t cheap-cheap. Thankfully, there are a handful of sneaky tricks you can use to make it more budget-friendly, which is why it’s so bloomin’ frustrating to see a flight you booked 8 days ago being sold for metaphorical peanuts. With Hopper, though, this miserable part of your life gets picked up and popped into the past tense. The way it works is simple: you put your travel plans into their “system”, and the app will then tell you exactly when the best time to book your flight is. It’s the best kind of crazy.
This app opens the diamond-encrusted doors to those most secretive, luxurious, exclusive and elusive rooms usually reserved for celebrities, billionaires & the mafia. Yup. The airport lounge.
We’ve all been there, walking through a halfway-airport at silly o’clock in the morning, the bags under your eyes heavier than the bags in your hands, your energy levels in the red and your brain melting so fast it’s dripping out of your ears, only to have envy thrown into the mix as you watch a group of people swan into the airport’s executive lounge. It’s a sight that makes you pray to each of the ancient Greek god’s, ready to make a small ceremonial sacrifice in exchange for just five minutes in a comfy armchair in an air-conditioned room. That’s where LoungeBuddy comes in. You can become the person attracting envious looks - no sacrifice needed. All you have to do is sign-up and you can book a spot in almost any exclusive lounge for a one-time fee. Uh huh. That’s right. No subscription charges. Just choose the airport(s) you’re heading to, the date you’re traveling and, voila, you can pick a lounge. Basically, you get to enjoy all the comforts of premium travel without paying a premium to be a member. It’s pretty cool.
Thanks to this app, you don’t have to be a language graduate to speak the local lingo, making it so much easier to find the best restaurant-slash-Irish bar in town.
When you head to a new country, one of the coolest things you can do is (secretly) learn a few local phrases and colloquialisms and then bust them out on your first night, playing it cool as everyone in your group looks on with wide eyes and even wider mouths. You don’t need to become fluent or anything, but when you’re traveling to a non-English speaking place, whipping out a bit of local know-how will make your trip so much more awesome. You’ll be able to use the subway without suffering from heart-palpitations, watching on as the high-rise city turns to countryside. You’ll be able to order from a menu without being scared each time the waiter comes out of the kitchen carrying plates. And you’ll be able to increase your chances of a cheeky holiday fling. That’s why you need to download Duolingo. That and the fact you’ll get to learn through the medium of a super-fun and impossibly addictive game. Goodbye Candy Crush, hello Italian.
This app takes the pain out of packing by creating a custom ‘pack this and only this’ list based on the details of your holiday. It’s like being a child again when Mum packed your bags.
We know it’s a bit of a #firstworldproblem, but a solid 78.9% of all our travel stress boils down to one thing: wondering whether we have packed enough or, worse yet, packed too much and will be faced with the embarrassment of unpacking this, that and t’other in the airport foyer. Yes, the aim of every getaway is to only pack the things you will absolutely need and wear, but trying to work out exactly what you will need and wear is harder than trying to solve a compound fraction written in hieroglyphics when you’re destination is some faraway pocket of the planet you’ve only heard of because Karen in sales went there last summer and highly recommended it. It’s exactly this scenario that PackPoint thrives on. Just pop in your half-formed itinerary, the destination, the activities you might possibly do, and anything else you can think of, and then sit back as it creates a bespoke packing list for you, complete with clothing, gadgets, toiletries and any other original items you might want to include. Work trips, weekend escapes, romantic breaks, honeymoon hideaways, family holidays - this app takes the panic-attacks out of packing.
This app… ummm… well… it helps you discover the best way to get anywhere without even the slightest smidgen of fuss.
The name is a bit misleading. You get the sense they are offering an extremely niche service because, come on, how many people are desperate to travel from Rome to Rio? At least, that was our first thought. But then we took a punt. We downloaded this app and it changed everything, by which we mean we haven’t had to unfold a map, squint at a train station schedule or zoom in on Google maps ever since. It’s incredible. It doesn’t matter where in the world you are or where in the world you want to get to, Rome2Rio will tickle you with the very best options, taking in every mode of transportation you can possibly think of (minus teleportation) before advising you on which routes you should consider. We’ve had hours of fun with this app without actually wanting to go anywhere. We just wanted to see how many different transport options we could get to show up in a single search. Our record included a plane, train, bus, car, ferry, bicycle, taxi ride, and a short walk, all of which was accompanied by an average cost and an extremely detailed map that somehow managed to weave together the different segments of our metaphorical journey. It’s incredible.
This app is, ahem, “the only personalized, location-sensitive safety app on the market.” Basically, they’ve gone, “people probably want to be safe on their travels,” and then made it happen.
As much as we wish there was gold at the end of rainbows, hailing a cab meant climbing in the back of a unicorn-drawn limousine and eating chocolate didn’t make you chubby, the world isn’t that place. Not even close. Bad things happen, which is why it’s more important than ever to know what’s going on, keep on top of events and be plugged into the different circumstances that might compromise your safety abroad. Or you could just download GeoSure. All you have to do is tell it where you are thinking of going on ‘oliday and then this app sets about collecting data from hundreds of different sources (such as the CDC, the WHO and the UN, as well as loads of local authorities) before delivering a “safety score” straight to your phone; a score that weighs up all the possible worries. We’re talking health risks, political unrest, environmental hazards, chances of a natural disaster occurring and whether there is an increased level of threat to women. And that’s not all. This app also taps into all the crowd-sourced information in any given area to inform you of any thefts or street crime, and will even be gentlemanly enough to tell you if it's safe to enjoy a stroll back to the hotel or whether you need to get in a cab fast and keep your head down.
In its most basic form, this app is essentially a map-slash-city guide. But, in truth, it’s so much cooler than that because it’s a guide to all the cool spots and cool things to do in your area.
Nothing beats exploring an urban jungle on foot, meandering down the quirky backstreets of your far-flung destination, eyes flitting from left to right as you soak in all the perfect imperfections of the cosmopolitan around you. Apart from getting your head massaged by a scalp massager, it’s the best feeling in the world. And yet Sidekix has found a way to make it even better. It’s like having the love child of Apple Maps and Yelp in your back pocket, this app mapping out the best direction to walk based on the things you’re into and the things you were kind of hoping to see and do. Simply set off on a mid-morning stroll and you’ll find your Sidekix map starts suggesting cool stuff for you to explore, from must-see museums to modest eateries, badass bars to quaint coffee shops. And, just like that, you’re in the know.
Because, sometimes, the language barrier can turn your relaxing trip into an epic adventure you didn’t sign-up for.
It doesn’t matter how experienced you are at this whole traveling thing - or what score you have achieved on Duolingo - everyone can get walloped by the different-language-migraine. It’s part of the whole traveling abroad thing. Luckily, that’s where Google Translate comes in. For a traveler, having this app is just as important as having your passport. Not only can you hold it up like a dictaphone, have it listen to a conversation and then smile at the high heavens when you see the translated text appear, it’s also incredible at turning foreign text into words that actually bear meaning to you. But the piece de resistance (translation: the most important or remarkable feature) is the way it uses your smartphone’s camera. Simply point it at that confusing sign and wait for it to translate. Trust us: travelling abroad just got a whole bunch less stressful.
This app is the labrador of the map-app world. It’s loyal, loving and will never, ever let you down.
It doesn’t matter how brave you are, how many times you wandered around Amsterdam (or wherever), or how much you want to impress your significant lover with your “just go with the flow” outlook, there is going to be a time where you start to sweat a bit and then wish you had a map. But instead of sprinting to the local tourist office before it closes to get your hands on a paper map you can’t understand or pulling up Google Maps only to be met by a magnolia-coloured screen, make sure you have Maps.Me on your phone. It’s the map that won’t let you down because, unlike most other map-apps, this one works offline too. That means you won’t get saddled with some savagely high data roaming charge and, more crucially, you won’t be the sort of clueless tourist locals love chuckling at. Phew.
And there we have it.
Nine travel apps that every traveler needs to pop on their phone; apps that actually make the planning part of a trip enjoyable. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking to pinch a few extra pennies, keep the whole experience more relaxing than a Turkish bath or wanting to come back home without any scrapes, scratches or “we wouldn’t go back there again” stories to tell.. So, what are you waiting for? Head to whichever app store you trust the most and make planning great again.
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In your heart, you hope you’re handing your tourism money to the sort of place that’s dedicated to saving our magnificent animals, but your brain isn’t quite on the same optimistic-slash-naive wavelength. Instead, that prosthetic-limb-coloured organ in your skull keeps yelling, “WHAT IF THIS “SANCTUARY” IS ACTUALLY HURTING THEM AND PRODDING THEM WITH STICKS AND STUFF?!”
Sure, this isn’t always the case. For example, you might be chilling on a beach in Thailand and notice the sea is glowing with bioluminescent plankton, in which case, rock your best resting beach face and go for a paddle because there’s nothing to worry about. But for pretty much every other wildlife-based vacation, there’s always a dollop of confusion to contend with.
So, to give you some peace of mind, we’ve pulled together a list of truly ethical wildlife-destinations every animal lover can visit guilt-free; places you can enjoy without worrying that you might be contributing to harm and abuse; places where your every baht, dollar, peso and zaire goes towards amazing conservation efforts. Now go and enjoy.
What: Sloths
Where: Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
We know they are called sloths, but if you want to sound like Sir David Attenborough, you need to add a ‘w’ before the ‘t’ and pronounce them ‘slowths’. Anyway, that’s beside the point. The point is: some of the most popular sanctuaries - ones that are meant to love these impossibly cute animals like they are their own - have had their practises and intentions questioned by anyone with morals. So, instead of spending your money “meeting our sloths”, it’s a much better idea to spend your cash on an friendly guide and try and spot them in their natural habitat - aka the wild - and there’s nowhere that offers better odds than Costa Rica, or as the locals call it, “Sloth Paradise” (okay, that moniker is made up, but it could be true). That said, exploring the whole of Costa Rica with a fine tooth comb in search of two-and-three-toed-sloths could take some time (even if it is five times smaller than the UK), which is why you should head to the magical Monteverde Cloud Forest and hunt (figure of speech) for these creatures on both day and night hikes. It’s amazing.
What: Elephants
Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand and riding elephants go together like breakfast tea and custard creams. Seriously. In the same way the streets of Bangkok are saturated with eye-raising establishments, the rest of Thailand is saturated with chances to play with and ride on elephants. Unfortunately, and we say this with the deepest regret, these elephants don’t view it with same bright-eyed optimism because none of them actually want to be there. Not one. Luckily, there’s a solution. Instead of handing a decent chunk of your tourism budget to people and places that abuse elephants (spoiler alert: that’s pretty much all of them), give your money to a sanctuary that works its butt off to help these damaged elephants live a happy life, such as the Elephant Nature Reserve. This place is absolutely extraordinary. It’s like a retirement home (read: rehabilitation center) for elephants that spent their former lives being abused by logging companies and tourists having the wool pulled over their eyes. Now, we don’t get your hopes up, so we need to inform you there’s no riding elephants here (trust us, that’s a good thing for these big-eared wrinklies), but they do let you feed them, wash them and play with them, and without feeling guilty about it too, which is a bonus.
What: Grey Whales
Where: Baja California, Mexico
For those that don’t know, Baja California is pretty much Mecca for wildlife-lovers on a gap-year of any kind. But the jewel in the crown is being able to chill out with a bunch of grey whales. That’s no exaggeration. The whales here are so laid-back, curious and friendly, they will make their way to your boat just to play with you. Splash them with water, strokes their heads, whisper (innocent and not-weird) sweet nothings into their ears - whatever tickles your fancy. It’s all totally legit. It doesn’t hurt them, it doesn’t annoy them, it doesn’t go against their ancient commandments, and it doesn’t mess with their migration patterns either, meaning it’s one of the only places you can legitimately pet a massive sea creature. Anyway, the most popular grey whale hangouts are Magdalena Bay and Scammon’s Lagoon (with some VIPs preferring the San Ignacio Lagoon). Just make sure you head in the spring for the best chance of having your mind blown.
What: Pigs
Where: Exumas, Bahamas
When writing a list about cool wildlife spots, you’ve gotta include swimming with pigs. It’s just too Terry Pratchett to believe until you’ve pulled on some trunks, popped a snorkel in your mouth and seen it with your own two eyes, and the best place to do this is Bay Major Cay, an island in the Exuma area of the Bahamas that’s not home to any humans, but rather a drift of swimming pigs. Now, you may be thinking, how can swimming with wild pigs go wrong, and we see your point. But it turns out some pig-seeking tourists couldn’t differentiate between swimming with pigs and snacking with pigs which - to give you the short story - saw seven pigs ingest sand and come to an early demise. So, whether you go with a tour guide on a boat full of disbelievers or you hire your own vessel, make sure you a) book out an entire day for this one and b) stick to the swimming-with-them-thing. We promise it’s way more Insta-worthy than feeding pigs. That you can do in Norfolk.
What: Gorillas
Where: Virunga National park, Democratic Republic of the Congo
When it comes to seeing a critically endangered animal like the mountain gorilla, there’s no better place to hunt them down (once again, figuratively speaking) than in a national park that was set up to protect them. That’s what the Virunga National park is. It’s a place where the last remaining gorillas can live in safety; the park rangers devoting their lives to ensure this humanitarian mission is a success (all they are missing are t-shirts that say #screwyoupoachers on them). Anyway, what this level of dedication means is, any gorilla trek you go one has been meticulously thought out so that you can’t possibly harm the gorillas here or the environment they live in. There’s nothing thee guys and girls haven’t thought about, right down to the surgical masks they give you as a ‘just in case’ (it’s nothing against you and your probably very clean habits, it’s just gorillas don’t have immune systems as awesome as our). As for when you should go, that depends on which part of the country you’re visiting. If it’s the south, go between April and October. If it’s the north, try December to February.
What: Humpback Whales
Where: Hawaii (All Of It, But Mainly Maui)
How cool would it be to sing with a male humpback whale (it’s the blokes that tend to sing in that Finding Nemo-style way), while enjoying the breath-snatching island of Maui? It just doesn’t get better than that. Seeing them is one thing, but hearing them perform like they’re in the live finals of the X-Factor is something else entirely. And we’re not just talking about spotting them from afar either because these magnificent creatures are more sociable than a Prom King that’s just moved to LA. Simply book a boat trip in February and they’ll swim right up to you as if they’re the ones ogling another species on a day trip. Where the question mark over their wellbeing comes in is the data surrounding their numbers in the wild. Not that long ago, humpback whales climbed their way off the endangered species list, but scientists aren’t sure if we have the full picture yet. As such, we recommend you make a donation to the Hawaii Wildlife Fund (and the Blue Marine Foundation) to do your bit in supporting the conservation work surrounding humpback whales.
And there we have it.
6 awesome places around the globe you can enjoy wildlife without worrying about which side you are on or whether you are being a living contradiction, rocking your Critically Endangered Socks as you hand money to animal abusers. It’s so sad to think there are sanctuary’s making lives worse for animals. But the first step in putting an end to this abuse is knowing where the good guys are and making sure it is them who get your love and money.
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off if you do).
But even though the English countryside is so beautiful a single tear rolls down your cheek the moment you leave London, we all wish the weekend was roughly twelve days longer than it is so that you could go travelling and actually escape reality for a bit. The problem is, travelling - like everything else in this crazy thing called life - costs a whole chunk of change, meaning the best any of us can hope for is a cheeky weekend away, taking the Friday off work so we can extend that window of opportunity by an extra twenty-four hours.
Luckily, ye olde England perfectly placed because Europe is packed full of epic places to spend a solid three days relaxing, recuperating and taking selfies of you living your best life. Sure, it might not be Mexico, California or the Gold Coast, but for a three-day break, these spots are plenty exotic enough. So pop that out of office on early, get ahead of the rush hour traffic, leap onto a plane come Thursday night and enjoy an overseas weekend adventure full of cocktails, romance, fun times and memories, and we’ll see you back in the office on Monday.
If you’re thinking about upping your Insta-game and seeing those likes and follows fall into your lap like that time you opened a box of cereal upside down, you need to head to Cinque Terre; a place of pastel-hued perfection and coastal vistas more dramatic than the cast of Mean Girls, making it perfect for a mini-but-mad-roadtrip. No, it’s not the uncharted slice of Shangri-La it once was, but do you really care? You’re going on a weekend getaway. If you wanted to visit a platter of sleepy fishing villages, you would just head to Suffolk, which this isn’t. This is a place where the wine is delicious, the beaches are beautiful, the cliffs are otherworldly and your chance to have some sophisticated laughs may as well be endless.
Split is rare. It’s that somewhere awesome you won’t forget in a hurry. A place where the hustle and bustle keeps rolling; a 24-hours city where each fuzzy-eyed morning starts with a fresh coffee in some quaint café outside Diocletian’s Palace, each day is filled with long walks along stone-laden beaches, gentle hikes into the coastal mountains, and plenty of delicious food - from upmarket seafood dishes to cheap eats - and each night ends with a dollop of moonlit revelry as you dance, dance, dance; the bass-heavy clubs near Bačvice beach refusing to let up as you throw yet more dodgy shapes and try your hand at some semi-fancy footwork. Wake up. Coffee. Explore. Eat. Drink. Dance. Repeat.
Forget the hip-hop feuds of the 1990s, the real west versus east coast battle belongs to Sweden because if Stockholm is the bigger and better-known Biggie Smalls then Gothenburg is Tupac - that laidback alternative with a sunny disposition. It’s as chilled as a seal on a sun lounger, where neoclassical buildings line the tram-jiggled streets, locals soak up the rays on canal banks (local beer in hand) and a slew of alternative attractions ooze from the least expected places. There are artist-run galleries and a buzzing indie-art scene, quirky eateries celebrating the most recent foodie renaissance to sweep the city, local microbreweries you will love and one of the best clubbing scenes to ever pop up from nowhere. Basically, if you’re looking to escape the norm for a handful of days and experience something totally fresh and weird, Gothenburg’s the place.
People who consider Portugal for a bit of whistle-stop escapism tend to stick to the same two places that make up the Portuguese rite of passage: Lisbon and the Algarve. And we can’t argue with it. One is a capital city everyone should delve into once and the other is epic beach bars and life-affirming beach bonfires. But we still think Porto is the better option. It’s the truest Portuguese experience, full of fine wine and finer food and jaw-dropping views. It’s a place with so much romance it makes Paris feel like that Little Chef just off the Mildenhall roundabout. It’s a place for book-lovers and sandwich-chompers, those that love chit-chatting to locals and those that feel a shiver run down their spine when surrounded by history; gorgeous history. It’s one of those rare cities where you get a chance to enjoy the past while forever looking ahead. It’s a place that - literally - bursts with charisma.
Putting Barcelona into words isn’t possible. Not with a thesaurus, and not with the same command of counter-culture language as Hunter S. Thompson or Charles Bukowski. Instead, it’s a place that leaves you speechless. The out-there architecture, the tongue-fizzing foods, the toe-tapping music, the beaches and bars, La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter - the culture in this seaside city is too vibrant to detail. It’s a place that has become more popular than Kylie Jenner, and yet it hasn’t lost any of its indie-spirit or jazz. It has a cool streak that can’t be dampened. It doesn’t matter what your reasons are for escaping - whether it’s to get your creative juices flowing, skate the best cities of Europe or just hangout somewhere that doesn’t quite feel real. If you haven’t already, you need to be shaken and stirred by Barcelona for a long weekend.
Belgium isn’t big. Not by anyone’s standards. In fact, it’s about the size of a Pac-Man snack. But don’t let that fool you because this almost-always-overlooked spot is bursting with confidence, and it has every right to be. It has everything you could need for a great weekend escape. It’s historic yet hip, beautiful yet bizarre, confident yet reserved, medieval yet modern, and multicultural to its roots and beyond. Explore the palaces, walk the eerie streets, take a selfie at Manneken Pis, try the local mussels, indulge in Belgian waffles, scrunch your face at the crazy architecture and then give in to that urge by saying, “we should definitely come here again” because this place - whether it’s cool to say or not - is a game-changer.
This is one of those weekend getaway suggestions that tends to make people roll their eyes because, come on, everyone has been to Prague. Some go there on a rugby tour, others find themselves their via praguepissup.com, while most head there on a cliche but epic stag-do they only remember through photographic evidence. But there’s more to Prague than bars and clubs, and more to it than an ABC tour (Another Bloody Castle). There are beer spas, nuclear bunker expositions, a museum dedicated to sex machines, the St. Vitus Cathedral, the mind-bending astronomical clock, the picnic-perfect Petrin hill and, yes, lots of bridges and castles. Basically, it’s the perfect place to stay up all night having fun and then smile all day as you step back in time and enjoy the sites because they are all tonics for hungover eyes. Also, coming to think of it, God the beer is good here.
Amsterdam is one of those places everyone should live at least once, for a minimum of six months. It’s just one of those places that surprises you with how much there is to do and see. And yet the amazing layout of this urban paradise is perfect for those spontaneous adventures and impromptu trips. It’s an open-air treasure chest that has everything for anyone. Idolised-museums that will make you bite your bottom lip, shops packed with vintage tidbits, golden age canals you won’t want to stop exploring on two-wheels, buildings that tilt to left and right, gables you can’t stop gawping at, the Rijksmuseum, the Vondelpark, crazy coffee shops and some of the most amazing places you could ever hope to drink and dine. Forget about the weed and the drugs and all that stuff; Amsterdam is no normal trip - it’s a culture trip, dude.
We were going to steer clear of Berlin and tickle your curiosity with Munich instead. But we couldn’t do it. We just couldn’t step around Berlin. It’s too awesome. It’s a place where every single night is designed to excite you; shivers rolling up and down your spine like mallets on a xylophone. It’s a rare spectacle where glamour and grit are shaken in the same cocktail mixer before mesmerising your every sense. It’s quirky, it’s cool, it’s vibrant, green, packed with culture, loaded with secret spots, rich in kooky watering holes and bursting with cutting-edge architecture. It dances with underground scenes, from art to music to counter-culture. It does food for foodies like nowhere else on earth. It holds the sort of history that will blow your mind and, yeah, it’s perfect for partying. It doesn’t matter what sort of weekend escape you want, need, hope for or desire, Berlin will deliver something you won’t forget in a hurry.
And there we have it.
Nine places that are barely a stress-ball throw away; places that know just how to make long-weekends great again. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking to get blind drunk with the lads, soak up a far-off culture on your own, whisk your significant lover away somewhere romantic or you’re just hoping to keep it summertime, all the time. These hotspots tick all the boxes. So, what are you waiting for? Pop that out of office on and get the hell out of dodge.
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off if you do).
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The trick is to discover a primo travel destination at just the right time - right before the Kardashians klan are photographed enjoying their latest family holiday, followed by swarms of tourists that are going to suck the photogenic lifeblood out of it - otherwise you’ll find yourself overpaying for cheap beer, visiting all the overhyped touristy spots, checking boxes you’re not that fussed about because that’s what everyone else is doing, and getting agitated by all those people in the back of your Insta-stories.
You want to find a wow-factor spot that’s not quite on the radar yet. Think about Pont Des Arts before it was engulfed by padlocks, the Colosseum when it was still stable, Cuba before every price tag went up a million percent, the Bahamas before people thought it was cool to swim with bacon and Iceland before the year 2010. The point is: how cool would it be to go somewhere in time to be one of the cool kids?
To help you with this, we’ve found 8 incredibly badass spots that are destined to become popular, but you still have a chance to explore before tourists swoop in to wreck the scene:
It’s amazing how a decade of drug-fueled civil war can make millions of possible tourists head elsewhere, but that’s exactly what happened to Colombia. Thankfully, all that gunfire and violence hoopla has petered out, paving the way for spring breakers, roadtrippers, backpackers and honeymooners to call this place home for the foreseeable future. That’s why you should explore Choco. With so many other places on the Colombia hit list, we’re predicting this coastal paradise will be forgotten about (for now!), giving you the chance to taste the local culture with all your senses: the food, the powder-white beaches and the obsession with salsa. Trust us: it’s one of the most picturesque pockets of the planet; a Caribbean country with perpetually hot weather and the Pacific ocean to enjoy. What could be better? And Cartagena isn’t far away.
In a world where reputations count for almost everything, Johannesburg’s rep for being rich in guns and home to a thousand gangs hasn’t helped it become a top 10 tourist destination in anyone’s book. That’s the thing with notoriously unsafe places. But forget what you might have heard before today because Johannesburg is fast turning that unsavoury image on its head as it fast becomes one hell of an epic destination. As a city, Jozi is more vibrant than a Roy Lichtenstein print, a city where super-hip and artistic neighbourhoods tango with roarsome lion parks, a city that makes New York look perpetually city, where casinos light up the night sky and fun is almost impossible to evade. But go now, before it’s too late.
The stranded inhabitants of the Azores may have Portuguese passports in their bedside tables, but they belong to somewhere truly unique; a nine-island archipelago surrounded by the Atlantic ocean, over nine-hundred miles from the nearest European mainland. It’s otherworldly. A stack of magical moments, each one boasting its own distinct version of wow. From gurgling volcanoes to mountain forests, crater lakes to enchanting waterfalls, patchwork farmlands, bubbling hot springs, sexy AF cliffscapes, Instagrammable tundras and so many mythical water-creatures you’ll eyes will start to fizz like bottles of shaken-Fanta - blue sharks, sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins and pods of sperm whales. It’s one of those places you won’t believe actually exists until you scratch its surface with your own fingernails.
If you haven’t heard of Nacpan Beach yet, you will have in five years time because not only is it voted the best beach in Asia, it will probably be the name of Kylie’s next lipstick range and the name of Kim and Kanye’s next child. Not that we can blame them. This place is a tonic for tourist-sick eyes. White-sand beaches, secret lagoons, forests of emerald green palms and only those that are lucky enough to be in the know. But this cluster of dreamy islands isn’t just for those that are looking for somewhere to finish their summer-novels because there is one heck of an awesome city to play in. Seriously. The downtown areas of Real Street, Rizal Street, and Calle Hama will have you dancing from dusk until dawn every day you are there.
Right now, this very second, the coastline of Mazunte is uber-laid-back. Lost on the southern coast of Oaxaca, this place is a rare diamond neatly tucked off the beaten path; a place of rugged shorelines, glistening gold sands, chilled vibes, and rolling waves that only the most dedicated surfer’s know about. But it won’t be long before the sleepy fishing village vibe goes the same way as Tulum and becomes a cliche hotspot for all those to hop around the world as semi-famous-Insta-travelers. Thankfully, the coast of Mazunte, just south of Puerto Escondido, isn’t quite there yet. It probably won’t be long until this hideaway gets held aloft like a World Cup trophy for all to see, but it isn’t there yet. So pack your favourite summertime swim shorts and enjoy having this stretch of beach all to yourself.
When you hear the words Gran Canaria, your mind probably hits both sides of your skull before landing on a vivid image of some fancy beach resort overrun by other human beings, which is a pretty gross image to be stuck with. But with more the 80 beaches to explore, you can be sure as sh*t there are some uncovered strips of sand and heavenly hideaways ready for you to explore and snap. Just don’t make the mistake of thinking this small pocket of planet earth is just a mass of picture-perfect beaches because barely a party popper away from its endless shores is a city full of colour and culture; a city that comes to life with music, costumes, and carnival vibes. Imagine Rio before all the tourists took over.
Santorini may get all the Instagram models, Hollywood celebrities, and Travel+Leisure journalists, but with that comes holidaymakers by the planeload - a sensation that is as overpowering as it is annoying, which is why you should head to Greece’s second-city; Thessaloniki. It’s like the more spectacular, humble and noble little brother to Athens. Yeah, on the surface, it’s a megapolis full of ancient monuments, mysterious runes, notable landmarks and jaw-dropping museums. But dig a little deeper and you’ll stumble across a myriad of bizarre moments. Train cemeteries, haunted houses, ancient brothels, and gardens of the Pasha, all of which fuel the whispers about this place being Europe’s most underrated city. Of course, all good things must come to an end, so make sure you visit this city before the last great chapter gets closed.
If there’s one thing we learned from our university days, it’s that there’s no such thing as a good nickname. We hung out with people called The Hot Mess Express, The Dalai Drama, Cheeto Von Tweeto, and Big Mac. None of them were positive. But with monikers like The Paris of Vietnam, The City of Flowers, The City of Lovers, and The City of Eternal Spring, Da Lat shatters that notion completely. It’s the exception to the rule, and it deserves all the praise it gets because, hidden high up in the Vietnamese mountains, is the most incredible highland retreat you’ve ever seen; a town surrounded by waterfalls, pine forests, and a lake so breath-snatching it made Mumma Nature shed a tear. It’s a town with a seriously cool French Colonial vibe that’s been entwined with traditional Vietnamese culture. With plenty of places to kick back and relax and spots that will make your heart race so fast you can see each thud through your linen shirt, it’s no surprise this secret spot is considered the perfect escape from bustling city life.
And there we have it.
8 lesser-known slices of the good life that you just know will feature in the next season of KUWTK; spots that are fast becoming more affordable, more accessible, more popular than the school rugby team and more intriguing than the sort of Whatsapp message that comes with an NSFW warning. But head there soon and you’ll be able to say you discovered these destinations way back when they were cool - flashing everyone the date on your ‘Gram as proof before smiling as the crowds go “whoaaaaa!” like you some sort of living legend; a relic from cooler times.
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off if you do).But in terms of sweet-ass holiday destinations - some places get all the luck. Yeah, we’re looking at you Italy, with your perfected-for-skiing-snow-capped mountains, rolling hills covered in coveted vineyards and cypress-tree-embellished valleys. But that’s not all. Oh no. Because on top of that splendour, Italy’s also managed to pull Mother Nature aside and wangle more than 5,000 miles of epic coastline; a coastline that’s specked with postcard-perfect coastal villages, panoramas of breath-snatching ocean views, and warm waters from which you can lose yourself in the rows of coloured houses that blanket the dramatic cliff-faces; not to mention the plethora of secret caves, secluded coves and stretches of glittering golden sand. The point is: Italy has all of this to play with and we’ve got Skegness. It’s just not fair.
But it’s not all bad news because it only takes a splash of ad-libbing and the balls to book a cheap flight, and you can be adding all of this beauty to your Insta-stories in less than 2½ hours. And to help you out, we’ve pulled together a list of luxury AF coastal spots that will inspire you to uphold the privilege of spontaneity.
So, from the top of the shin to the toe of the boot, via a few island hotspots along the way, here are the very best moments the Italian coastline has to offer:
If you’re anything like us, you’ve definitely experienced a moment where you’re sat at your desk, the air-conditioning unit humming away as you close your eyes and imagine you’re on some paradisiacal beach. This is that beach. It’s like Bora Bora but better because it’s closer, and yet it still boasts all the ingredients of paradise - soft white sands, shallows of azure water, curved palms bending upward, vistas of tropical bush dancing between the sun-scorched rocks and the Maddalena archipelago to explore through your cocktail-tinted eyes. Oh, and if you ask around, you might be able to find someone selling Casu Marzu. You can then stay away from this person and his cheese.
Stay in luxury at: Casa Cala Granu
Usually when a place has garnered a reputation, it’s something to be wary of. But not the cliff-side fishing villages of Liguria, Manarola, which has a reputation for being the most colourful town on the planet - and it’s impossible to disagree. The way each vibrant building tussles with the next on the rugged rock-face overlooking the lapis lazuli waters is like staring an artist’s palette. But the closer you get, the clearer the imperfections become, and that’s it’s real charm. The cracked facades of old buildings, the peeling paint on either side of the tunneling back streets, the cobbled floors, uneven brickwork and leaning buildings - not to mention the the Church of San Lorenzo, which is as romantic as any amount of brick and mortar can ever hope to be. It’s super-wow.
Stay in luxury at: Villa Delfino
If your idea of sun-soaked heaven involves endless stretches of hot-white-sand stretching far enough for it to be classified endless, we have a dollop of dreary news for you because Acro Magno is not that place. Instead of powder-soft-sands, it boasts a pebble beach where every rounded stone celebrates a slightly different shade of grey. And yet it still gets our vote because it’s one of Italy’s best kept secrets and one of the Mediterranean’s most surreal coves: a shell-shaped lagoon where emerald-green waters gently lap against the secluded rock faces and all-natural stone arch. No, you won’t find it comfy to lay back and sunbathe, but you will have an million chances to break Instagram.
Stay in luxury at: The Ionian Private Beach Villa
The Amalfi Coast is a dart board full of one-hundred-and-eighties. It’s an absolute winner. It’s a place with unparalleled wow-factor, where every moment leaves your jaw dropped another inch or two and the rustic charm leaves you feeling like a glamour-hungry film star. But the pinnacle of this photogenic region is Positano. Everything about this spot is drama. The serpentine coast road that weaves along the slim mountain edge, the elixir of salt, sand and wind whipping through your hair as you grip the wheel and stare out to sea. The sight of sun-weathered sculling boats being pulled ashore and emptied of fresh fish beneath the vibrant town, which looks like a slightly collapsed wedding cake; uneven from top to bottom, where it spills onto the shore. This is la dolce vita served to you on a gold platter, with a chilled shot of limoncello for old times sake.
Stay in luxury at: Villa dei D’Armiento
Everything about this spot makes it feel like a Ernest Hemingway novel. It’s a place where the mountains meet the Med, while its name seems to dance with mythology, the people here long believing it was sirens and temptresses that originally gave their name to this most seductive of towns. Spin on your heels and every snippet will make your heart visibly thud through your linen shirt. The orange and lemon groves that alternate with ancient vineyards. The luxury villas dotted here, there and everywhere on the almost vertiginous mountainsides, the substantial specks of peaches, pinks and primroses all claiming to have the most breathtaking views across the Bay of Naples and right the way to Mount Vesuvius, where sunsets have never been more awe-inspiring. Trust us: Sorrento really does have one of the most extraordinary landscapes. It has the Amalfi Coast to the North, rolling hillsides to the east, and the island of Capri just a short speedboat ride away. Not to mention some of the best pizzas and falanghina in all of Italy.
Stay in luxury at: Villa Jewel
Nestled between the French border, Emilia Romagna and Tuscany is the Riviera di Levante; the ultimate playground for anyone with a happy-days bank account, a closet of high-end loafers and a penchant for women in super-sized sunglasses. And Portofino is its crown jewel. A hotspot for the well-heeled that a looking for a summer escape loaded with luxury. Dotted along its distinctive half-moon harbour are pastel coloured buildings adorned with Belle Epoque details, while the horizon of shimmering water is specked with mind-blowing super-yachts, each one reserved for the one-percenters. It’s the epitome of upmarket. Quaint, cutesy, stylish and special, and there’s no better place to soak it all in then Castello Brown; a 15th-century castle that salutes the world from the highest hillside in Portofino.
Stay in luxury at: Villa Bea
Sat on the southern tip of Italy is the Italian town of Polignano a Mare, a quirky mishmash of architectural antiques that celebrate its far-from quintessential history - Baroque churches tussle with Romanesque cathedrals, while the whitewashed buildings and traditional conical trullis make up the rest of this coastal spot. But none of that matters when you arrive and find yourself perfectly placed on the streaked limestone cliffs, the azure seas ebbing and flowing beneath you as you sip on a chilled Moretti, the sun dancing along your forearms and exposed chest. Yeah. This place is Italian right down to its boots; a maze of unique houses, narrow alleyways, and panoramic terraces that look out across the Adriatic. But the best bit of all is the food. From fresh fish to juicy melons, from-the-tree figs to local olive oils, Puglia wines to the world’s best pasta - this is the place to go for an indulgent weekend.
Stay in luxury at: Borgo Egnazia Villa Bella
Riomaggiore is postcard perfection. A place you imagine pulling up to in a wooden-hulled speedboat wearing a white button-down shirt, pastel blue shorts and box-fresh loafers, tying yourself to the tiny harbour and saluting the serene blue waters of the Gulf of Genoa as you make your way up the steep ravine, past the paint-peeling pastel buildings and into the first restaurant that has a view of earth’s most romantic sunset. That’s what this place feels like. It feels like a moment of luxury that is yet to be discovered. A place that demands a certain swagger from you and your significant lover, before you indulge in everything this village is famed for - from its Sciacchetra sweet wine to the Via Dell’Amore or, as it’s better known, the Lovers’ Path.
Stay in luxury at: Villa Chianti Fornace
And there we have it.
Eight of the most luxurious coastal spots Italy has to offer, where rustic meets romance, history meets heaven, and the sun shimmers across the sea like a million scattered stars, all of which make for a truly perfetto getaway. So, what are you waiting for?
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off if you do).
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The facts are there. That’s right, the facts, Not the fake news, but cold-hard, hard-to-swallow, swallow-you-must facts, and we’re going to regale you with some of them right now
]]>The facts are there. That’s right, the facts, Not the fake news, but cold-hard, hard-to-swallow, swallow-you-must facts, and we’re going to regale you with some of them right now:
Unlike The Notebook, Doctor Zhivago and The Great Gatsby, it’s not pretty reading. Actually, coming to think of it, it’s more like some sort of sick and twisted M. Night Shyamalan film - one you can’t turn off.
But just because an ocean-pocalypse seems inevitable, we believe it’s totally possible to prevent further harm from hitting our oceans. Like so many other environmentalists, we believe there’s every reason to stay ocean positive, to keep fighting the good fight and to keep pulling more than our weight to protect our future.
The problem is, people still think it’s enough to just ‘like’ the odd oceanholic articles they scroll past on Facebook, double-tap images of straw-impaled turtles on Instagram and nod enthusiastically when the topic of “Oh, sh*t, the oceans are looking pretty rough at the moment.”
But that’s not enough.
It’s not enough to diagonally roll-up your copy of Shortlist Magazine, turn it into a makeshift-megaphone and then shout about the unfolding catastrophe from your skyscraper office or down the platform of your nearest tube station. All you’ll get from doing that is a sore voice, and that will result in the plastic packaging of another Strepsils box finding its way to the Plastic Island off the Pacific coast of Hawaii.
No. What the oceans really needs from you, us, Dave down the pub, Julie next door, Karen in accounts, Dennis Quaid, John Boyega and the rest of the world is the immortal words of The King himself: a little less conversation and a little more action, please.
Now we know it probably feels totally overwhelming because the ocean is massive and the problems it faces is mahoosive, but there are still plenty of things we can all do on an individual level that will make a positive impact.
So, without further ado, here are 11 Things You Can Do To Save The Ocean (All Of ‘Em):
The ocean is responsible for more than half of our oxygen supply. Literally, every other breath we take comes from the ocean, and here we are trying to turn off its life support machine. Well, that needs to stop. Collectively, we need to do more. So much more. But that starts with each of us. It starts with us doing that cliched thing of being the change we want to see and dragging those around us along for the ride. It means getting involved with the movement so that it can gain so much traction it leaves the best kind of tyre marks in the history books. We’re not sure about you but, to us, it feels like the world is at an almighty crossroads and it needs our help. So instead of doing nothing and running the risk of a Station Eleven-type endemic erupting - one that sees factions of survivors roaming a desolate planet and talking about life before the ocean fallout - let’s be the generation that saves our oceans and start giving the planet everything it needs to recover.
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off your first order at REEF KNOTS if you do).
Sign up to the Reef Knots Beach Club here:
Sometimes they can be venues for the craziest parties anywhere on the planet; the sort that you dreamed of attending when watching the MTV Dance channel as a teenager, secretly accepting these scenes of leaping into a pool with a red plastic cup in one hand a bikini-clad stranger in the other are totally manufactured by spotty DJs. Other times, you find yourself tussling for a sun lounger with a group of heavily-oiled German’s who’s budgie-smugglers are fast disappearing into the fold beneath their big beautiful bellies as they suck down another canned beer, half of them watching their kids wrestle on pool floats while the other half invites you to a late dinner at their condo, before challenging you to a game of backgammon in front of some decidedly dodgy Eurotrash film. The point is: hotel pools can be a pretty mixed bag.
That’s why we’ve gone and taken the guesswork out of it for you, traversing our wonderful world in search for the most extremely beautiful, totally unbelievable and ridiculously baller spots to take a dip after you’ve digested your buffet lunch). From infinity pools that will boggle your mind for hours on end to glass-bottom tanks that hover in the air twenty-stories above ground, to those places that are so luxurious they probably come with a tanning-butler to help you protect that patch of pale back-fat you can’t quite reach, these are the most breath-snatching hotel pools you’ll find in any pocket of the planet.
We love a safari. We really do. But, like most people, we’re not always okay with getting up at dawn’s crack, yawning from the backseat of some rickety, open-top jeep while secretly hoping we’ll spot an animal of interest at some point during the five hours we’re driven about the wilderness. Thankfully, that’s not how the Singita Grumeti Sasakwa Lodge does their animal-spying safaris. Oh no. They’re all about you sipping on an ice-cool cocktail in their infinity pool as a herd of antelope wanders past, followed by a few elephants and whatnot. That’s right. The main pool at this lodge gives you a front-row view of Africa’s savannah and all those creatures that dance among it. It’s incredible.
If you’re searching for that somewhere super-high-class, then you need to book the next flight to Tibet, regardless of how many stopovers you might have to endure, and book a week’s stay in The Iridium Room at the St. Regis Lhasa Resort because it has the one thing absolutely every person is looking for in a hotel: a perfectly heated and gold-plated dipper. Yup. You read that right. This pool is bejewelled with GOOOOOOLD! And yet it’s not distasteful at all. Okay, maybe it’s a puny-pinch garish, but the timber pillars, mahogany-clad walls and endless stretches of plush sofas make it the perfect place to retreat, refresh, relax, float in luxury and find your spiritual centre, which is what a getaway should be about.
This is it. This is paradise. The sort that flutters across your imagination before you even get a chance to finish muttering the word. It’s a place you can’t comprehend until it’s waltzed with your eyes in real life because, perched on an all-but-hidden hillside on the stunning Isle of Capri, is this most luxurious of resorts. It’s a place where you can - literally - surround yourself with blue hues, as you fold your arms over the edge of this irresistible infinity pool and do nothing but daydream. It’s… it’s… just... wow. It’s a 90-ish-foot pool made from cobalt that’s been designed to match the intense cerulean colour of the bay it overlooks; the Bay of Naples. But what makes it super-special is the sunsets. The dusty silhouette of Mt. Vesuvius made all the more spectacular by the amber glow of the Mediterranean sky. It really is a daydreamer’s paradise.
Without a splash of doubt, this has to be the scariest pool ever envisaged - one that will yank your eyes open, make your fears fizz and leave your heart pounding in your ears as you do lengths of this glass-bottomed pool that’s somehow been suspended by clever cantilevers and inexplicable magic twenty-four stories in the air. It’s incredibly daring, giving anyone able to tear their eyeballs away from the drop beneath them a seldom chance to stare across the skyscrapers of Shanghai. It’s as close as you’ll ever get to swimming through the air because that’s exactly what you’ll be doing. So, if you're a teeny-tiny bit afraid of heights, you may wanna keep your eyes closed and stick to paddling around at the kiddie end of things. But if you love that feeling of your heart thudding against your sternum, well, this is the hotel pool for you.
In the same way that it only takes five-seconds to know if a stranger is vegan or not, you’ll know if someone’s taken a dip at Jade Mountain because the resort pool here is probably the sexiest and most one-of-a-kind pool anywhere in the world. Its views over St Lucia’s famous and otherworldly Piton Peaks alone will be enough to leave your arm a bit sore from all the pinching yourself you’ll be doing. But it’s not the resort pool that you’ll be spending your time in. Not. A. Chance. Not when each of the twenty-four wood-and-stone Sanctuaries has its own private pool and the sort of vista that will leave you speechless. Oh and we’re not talking about plunge pools that can barely squeeze a slender couple in because these glass-tile oasis’ are huuuge. Really huuuuge. Between 400 and 900 square feet kinda huuuuge. And they’re all open to Mother Nature’s magnificence too.
If you think there’s something a little weird about packing a pair of speedos or funky trunks for a bracing trip to the top of a mountain, then you and us are singing off the same song sheet. But there is an exception to every rule and, on this occasion, it’s the Cambrian Hotel in the Swiss Alps. Head here for a whisked-away weekend and you’ll live in your swimmers more than your ski boots because it’s not often you get to dive into a heated pool that overlooks the snow-capped mountains of Europe. Trust us: this place is like nowhere else. The rejuvenating waters of this outdoor dipper are gorgeously-equipped with floating massage bed and relaxing jets, while the perfect reflection on the pool’s surface means you get to enjoy two mountain views for the price of one. It’s a bold call but, if we were to go skinny dipping in any pool, this would be the one.
Nowhere feels more secluded, more magical or more honeymoon romantic than this cold-water pool. It’s a big bath of glistening Grecian liquid that’s perfectly nestled inside the white-clay walls of an ancient cave turned luxury resort. It’s simply stunning. It’s the epitome of Santorini Luxe, your mind fizzing with nothing but good vibes as you lounge inside this cavern, looking out across the Aegean Sea and toward what we hope is an extinct volcano (or “ηφαίστειο” if you fancy a spot of the Greek). It’s pure peace and tranquillity. It’s the perfect place to escape the humdrum of everyday life and pretend you’re a Polar Bear for a week or so. It really is idyllic in every sense of the word.
Bali is one of those rare places that doesn’t need an awe-inspiring infinity pool to be beautiful because this island is fifty shades of magical all on its own. But that hasn’t stopped the Alila Hotel from going the extra mile and carving out a watery-wonderland you won’t believe exists until you slip into your Gecko swim shorts and glided over to the edge of this infinity pool to gaze at the sunset, your jaw dropped and eyes wide. And that’s just the pool. We haven’t even mentioned the setting yet, in which this resort is sat on top of a dramatic limestone cliff more than 300 feet above the glistening Indian Ocean. And you’re in Bali. You’re surrounded by unrivalled natural beauty. It’s Shangri La. It’s absolute magic. It’s a pool that manages to relax your mind, body and soul in ways you never knew were possible.
This pool is as spectacular as they come. It’s your chance to swim on top of the world as you float this way and that in the warm waters of the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, your heart skipping a beat fifty-two times a minute as you gaze down on the glittering skyline of Singapore from fifty-seven floors up. It’s a place so breathtaking that no photo will ever do it justice, and yet every photo from this vantage point could break Instagram. It’s that perfect place to take a dip before stretching out to catch some rays on a plush poolside lounger, the wind tickling your sunkissed skin as you roll into the shade of a manicured palm tree, a flute of chilled champagne making the sunset of colourful clouds that much more unforgettable. We just hope they don’t use those clever chemicals that colour the water because, when you're swimming fifty-plus stories up, it’s pretty likely you’re going to let out a little bit of excited wee.
And there we have it.
Nine of the most badass hotel pools you can ever hope to blag your way into for a quick dip and celebratory glass of bubbly. Of course, it doesn’t matter get to enjoy one of these mind-boggling puddles by hook, crook or just good old-fashioned booking.com, each one of these pools will be worth every ounce of hassle and haggling it took to finally get wet. Trust us on that.
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off if you do).
Sure, there is the teeny-tiny downside of losing a few Insta-followers thanks to the ginormous tube sticking out of your gob, not to mention those funky-looking masks that squash your nose, make your eyes seem bigger than a bush baby’s and your skin look paler than Lidl’s own-brand butter, but it’s still the most fun you can possibly have in the water (that doesn’t involve a 120bhp outboard, a vast sundeck and fridges full of chilled rose wine).
In fact, the way we see it, snorkeling is like a slightly-more-awesome version of scuba diving in that you get to enjoy all the incredible views, point at schools of colourful fish and spy on some of the most spectacular underwater vistas ever imaged, just without forking out £649 for a basic certification, trying to maneuver with a two-tonne tank on your back and then running the risk of a) the bends and b) an embolism.
Yup. All you need to soak up the ocean’s most-secret scenery - without straying too far from your boat or beach - is some basic swimming skills, the snorkeling mask to end all snorkeling masks and an inside scoop of the best snorkeling spots the planet has to offer. The latter is where we swoop in.
So, without further ado, here is a list of snorkeling sites that will knock your flippers off. Enjoy.
Much like choosing a great roadtrip, there are snorkeling spots and then there are snorkeling spots - the kind that makes bumps appear on your skin even though your breast-stroking your way through 30 degree coastal waters, your eyes fizzing at the vibrant sights of this, that and t’other, as your brain enjoys the peace and quiet of submarine life. Well, Isla Mujeres is the latter - a haven of sea creatures barely nine miles off the coast of Cancun. From the bow of a boat, it’s just another paradise of glistening turquoise waters. But the moment you slip under the surface, it’s a buffet of beautiful bonito tuna and whale sharks, as well as two underwater statue parks, both of them filled with more than five-hundred life-size sculptures that sit on the ocean floor just over twelve feet down. Oh yeah, this slice of Mexico is nothing shy of magical.
We know what you’re thinking. Telling you there’s great snorkeling in Hawaii is like telling you there are great bars in Soho and nice cars in Mayfair. It’s no secret. But that’s beside the point because knowing exactly where to find the best spots is no easy feat. However, if you’re exploring the lush island of Maui and keeping your ears pinned to the palms in the hope of catching the whiff of a whisper so you can discover the best snorkeling secret, you’ll want to head to the eastern end of the Papalaua Park where you can slip into the shallow coral reef and have your breath-snatched in the best way possible. Because the reef is so close to the surface of the water, you’ll get to experience sights that are usually exclusive to those with tanks, respirators and certifications. From blacktip reef sharks to bluespine unicorn tang, fourspot butterflyfish to green sea turtles - there are creatures here that snorkelers rarely get to revel in. You’ll also get to wave at Hawaii's state fish and then chuckle for hours after as you mutter the name “humuhumunukunukuapua'a” over and over again, sat around a beach bonfire as a delicious local beer warms in your hand. Now that’s how to live your best life.
The Great Barrier Reef might be the biggest in the world, but it’s been done a billion times and billion times more, which is why you need to book a trip to the Caribbean coastline of Belize and dive into the sunken corals of the world’s second largest turquoise covered playground. It’s your chance to dance with exciting eels, rays rarer than red beryl gemstones and an almost infinite amount of fascinating fish as you explore the hundreds of cayes and atolls, your cheeks hurting from all the moments that yank your eyes open and keep your smile stretched wide. It’s also home to the pretty self-explanatory Shark Alley - a stretch of sea that’s teeming with nurse sharks, all of them quite happy to let you fulfil your swimming-with-the-sharks fantasy. Oh, come on, we all secretly want to slide our hand down the leathery skin of an ocean predator and live to tell the tale at every-other dinner party from this day forward.
Dancing along the invisible halfway marker between the sensational Såo Paolo and raucous Rio De Janeiro sits the underwater wonderland of Ilha Grande - a technicoloured gem off the coast of Brazil. It’s an experience that will jerk your eyeballs every which way from the moment you clamber out of your hammock and wander through monkey-rich jungles down to the brilliant blue waters that glisten on the surface; a plethora of dazzling fish hiding just beneath it. What sort of mind-jerking moment you have is completely up to you though. If it’s far-flung wildlife you’re hoping to swim with, you’ll want to dive into the warm waters of Lagoa Azul (“The Blue Lagoon”), where you’ll get to float with seahorses, stroke the shell of a swimming sea turtle, follow an angelfish through the sunken jungles of this coral and wipe your lenses in disbelief as you ogle the enchanting coves that litter this part of the world. If, however, you’re hoping for a Swallows and Amazons style adventure, you’ll want to rush into the waters off Ilha Grande, where dozens and dozens of sunken ships stand to attention on the ocean floor - the heart-jerking remnants of a bygone time, when the Portuguese were locked in canon-filled battles with daring pirates, tussling over plunged treasures and caches of lost jewels. Just be prepared to suck in a lungful of water through your snorkel because your breath is going to be snatched. Hard.
We know what you are thinking: “The Philippines? Really? I mean, it’s pretty and cool and all that, but, a top ten snorkelling spot, come on?!” And we get it. This ain’t no obvious pick. But, trust us, this place will make your heart flutter like a jacked-up butterfly with a penchant for Vodka Redbulls because the water that flows and ebbs around the 7000 islands in this archipelago boasts one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet; one that’s full to the brim with wow-factor wildlife. From leaping into the warm waters at the Bay of Donsol where you can try and glide effortlessly with a pod whale sharks to a long visit to the coral reefs just outside Noa Noa Island, the stunning Palawan promises to produce happy-photos that will live in your downstairs loo forever. Of course, if you want to pull together a shot list before you go, we recommend you get an underwater snap of yourself swimming in one of the many fish-filled lagoons, a picture of you diving into the water at Honda Bay, one of you exploring the Tubbataha reef on the back of a snazzy speedboat, and maybe even a video of your day trip to Starfish and Cowrie Island, where there are more underwater tenants than you ever believed possible. Yeah, it’s a huge, Roman-style thumbs-up for this part of the Philippines.
It doesn’t matter what time of year you snap up a Skyscanner deal to this place, you’ll be met with crystal clear waters where your goggle-covered eyes can see over a hundred feet, your brain forever taking mental snapshots of the dazzling reefs around the Turks & Caicos Islands. But while the summer is sensational, it’s the arrival of winter that really sweetens the pot for snorkelers, as crowds of humpback whales arrive in this stretch of the Caribbean between December and February, ready to feel the love and get all fins-on and frisky with each other, before giving you the chance to enjoy an episode of One Born Every Minute you never thought you would see. Yah-hah. Sloshing around between the islands of Grand Turk and Salt Cay is the Columbus Passage - a stretch of shallow and warm water that is pretty much ideal for momma humpback to teach baby humpback how to breathe and swim and sleep and do all that other basic whale-life stuff. Essentially, you’ll get the chance to behold underwater greatness, the voice of Sir David Attenborough swish-swashes around your head as you look on, stricken by awe.
For most people, The Maldives is a faraway paradise that madly in love couples disappear into the day after walking down the aisle, kissing one-another in front of cheering crowds and shouting the words “I do” with that foreign twang of bliss, and it’s all because The Maldives is one of the most drop-dead-gorgeous destinations in the world. But forget about all that white-sand-curved-palm-tree-above-the-water-stuff for a moment because some of the island’s most staggering sights are scattered beneath the surf. It’s a paradise of postcard islands surrounded by aquamarine waters that play home to a kaleidoscope of tropical fish - everything from tuna wahoos that always wow to beautiful butterflyfish. But it’s not just the 700 species of fish that will grab your attention and shake your eyeballs, it’s the other marine wonders too. Reef sharks and sea turtles, anemones and coral, octopus, squid, eels and rays, all of them gliding in their own distinct way, showing off for all those lucky enough to snorkel in these shallows. That said, you don’t actually have to pop a tube in your mouth and goggles over your eyes to enjoy the undersea gardens here; that’s how crystal clear the water is in The Maldives. It’s magical.
This is the place to pop off for anyone that’s ever been hooked by Blue Planet, your mouths releasing a myriad of involuntary noises that range from whoooahh to aaahhhhh. It’s the reef that never sleeps - the carpet of colourful coral and curtains of dramatic fish forever rioting without pause for breath (that’s presuming fish and corals breath?!). There is just one teeny-tiny problem, however. Like staring at a Michelin-starred menu of mouth-watering bites, the island of Sulawesi is spoilt for choice. So, to help you out, our Chef’s Special would have to be Kungkungan Bay in the Lembeh Strait; a hideaway hotspot that snorkeling dreams are made of, the reef easily-accessible from shore and decorated with scads of exotic life, from blue ribbon eels to colourful cuttlefish. But that’s not all. There is also a local phenomenon that has swept this island by storm called muck diving, which is a pretty unusual way of checking out the unusual critters that live amid the unusual black sands on the ocean floor. It might not be anyone’s definition of glamorous at first, but once you’ve got past the original brow-furrowing realisation that you’re sifting through seabed-muck, your snorkeling experience will reach new heights as you behold a motley crew of seahorses, leaf fish, pipefish, bobtail squid, flamboyant squid and the fabled blue-ringed octopus, to name but a few. It’s really quite special.
And there we have it.
Eight mind-blowing snorkel spots that will prove scuba-divers don’t have more fun; the calming sounds of the ocean tide a mesmerising contrast to what your eyes will catch glimpses of, darting from left to right, up and then down, unsure of which moment is most magical. Where to disappear off to is never an easy choice. But you can sleep easy knowing each of these destinations can be popped into a hat, pulled out at random and leave you with enough polaroid-moments to fill albums and walls and 64gb phones.
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Yup. If there was such thing as PA (Polluters Anonymous) and humanity could be represented by a single person, we’re pretty sure that’s how he or she would kick off the meeting. We know this because somewhere between the chillaxed coast of Southern California and the paradisiacal islands of Hawaii, floating about in the perfectly azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, is an island of discarded plastic roughly twice the size of Texas which, in terms of elephants in the room, makes this one pretty bloody mahoossive.
But we can’t ignore it any longer. No way.
Single-use plastics have become the human addiction that none of us seems to be bothered about; an addiction that we need to face head-on; an addiction that is polluting our precious blue planet, poisoning our waters, wreaking havoc on our food chain and rolling the dice on our health in general.
It’s got well out of control - like a box of fireworks that’s fallen onto its side, the finale of rockets spiralling and sparking and fizzing in any which way they like. Except, instead of dodging fireworks, we’re staring into a world where 12.7 million tonnes of plastic is finding its way into our oceans each and every year. 12.7 million tonnes. That’s a truck-load of bottles, bags, microbeads and lost-Lego landing in our oceans every. single. minute, floating about on ocean currents and popping up in every pocket of the planet, from our Cornish coasts to those far-flung Pacific Islands. There are even pieces of discarded plastic being found frozen in the Arctic ice.
Of course, this is nothing new. You know plastic is bad for the planet and you know there is no Planet B. But how bad has it really got?
Well, in order to back up that little voice rattling away at the front of your mind, we’ve pulled together a list of facts to show just how sh*t plastic is for our planet.
“Man, that sucks. What can I do to play a part in protecting our oceans from plastic pollution?”
It’s the question that screams and throbs like a hammer-whacked thumb inside all of us. But one that has an answer. Lot’s of them, in fact. So, without further ado, here are some super-simple ways you can make a difference, pull on the metaphorical cape and start saving the planet one little tweak at a time.
We get why you pick up a bottle of water when you’re out and about. It’s healthier for you than tap water - that and you’re in the habit of bagging yourself a meal deal from whichever local supermarket is nearest your office. But the healthy-thing is a myth. There’s no scientific evidence whatsoever that says bottled water is better for your body than tap water. None. Nada. Zilch. In fact, the people at the World Health Organisation have issued an investigation into the potentially harmful flakes found in the majority of shop-bought water. Either way, one thing is for sure: these transparent vessels are terrible for the environment.
There’s the ludicrous amount of water it takes to make a bottle of water, the CO2 damage caused by transporting bottled water around the globe, and the fact plastic bottle caps can’t be recycled. But the solution is so simple. Grab yourself a filter-topped water bottle and get into the heavenly habit of refilling it every time you pass a tap. So simple and yet so darn effective.
Single-use plastics are the biggest threat to the world right now. Bigger than cows trumping or Donald Trump living for another fifty years. They’re just the worst. So, wherever you live, wherever you call home or waltz into work, the most awesome thing you can do is refuse single-use plastics.
Take plastic bags with you to the supermarket, carry a reusable water bottle on you at all times, only accept paper straws and cardboard cups, and politely decline any plastic forks that get dropped in the bag with your foil takeaway containers. Nothing is worse for the world than using a plastic fork for two minutes when it has a lifespan of 2,000-plus years. Like we said, there’s no excuse for single use.
If you can’t rethink plastic, then make sure you recycle the stuff. That should go without saying. If can be recycled, then recycle it. Make whatever little tweaks need to be made to make it recyclable and get into a habit of saving the planet one piece of plastic at a time.
Clean out your dirty salsa tubs, remove the caps from your Fanta bottles and tear of that flimsy plastic film from the top of your pop-di-ping meals. Whatever it takes to keep your plastic tidbits out of the ocean and reduce the amount of “new” plastic currently in circulation around the world. Pleeeease.
Pppuffffffffffffffffffffffff. That was the sound of us exhaling a huge lungful of air, unsure of where to start on this one. So let’s go with a Layman-style definition. Microbeads are the teeny-tiny plastic balls - almost invisible to the naked eye - that are used in so many everyday personal care products; things like shower gels, face scrubs and toothpastes, all of which are marketed by sensationalists as: "helping to clean you".
The problem is, after using these products, the tiny beads get rinsed off your body, into your sink, down the plug hole and into your drains, before they end up in our waterways and oceans affecting fish, sharks, whales and all the other amazing animals that swan around the oceans minding their own business (oh and these beads also get in your gums and your mouth because, well, you were brushing with them). Anyway, the small fish eat these beads thinking they are food, the big fish eat the little fish because that’s how the food chain works, and we eat the big fish because they taste so damn good. This is worrying as one in four fish we eat has consumed a microplastic that can be traced back to face scrubs, shower gels and toothpastes. The point is: microbeads are a massive global issue affecting all of us humans.
There are hundreds of people, organisations and brands doing more than their bit to protect the oceans, and they could really do with your support in whatever form that might be. It could be that you donate money to an ocean conservation group, organise a beach clean up with the support of Surfers Against Sewage, or just buy your bits and bobs from brands that have a worthwhile collaboration with a charitable body. Yup. That includes us. For every Blue Ocean Plastics tie you buy, we donate 25% of proceeds to the Blue Marine Foundation. And we’re just one of the thousands doing a similar thing. Basically, it’s never been easier to pat a hero on the back and lend them that extra bit of support. Just do it.
Seriously. Success on this front is all about spreading the word, so take whatever excel spreadsheet you’re carrying in your hands, roll it into a DIY megaphone and become a voice of reason in your area. Stay informed. Share news articles related to plastic pollution on your Facebook page, shame companies that are still producing one-use plastics on Twitter, drop our little planet-saving tips into general chit-chat with your friends and familias, and get people around to yours for movie nights where you press play on documentaries focused on plastic pollution; documentaries like Addicted To Plastic, Bag It, Plasticized and Garbage Island. Anything that will motivate the other people in your little world into doing more.
The ocean is responsible for more than half of our oxygen supply. That’s how important it is to us. But, through plastic pollution, we are impacting the balance of nature and shooting ourselves in the foot as a species. So let’s be the generation that stops polluting our oceans and give the planet time to recover. If not... well... you guys have seen Pixar's Wall-E right? Spoiler alert: It’s not good news
Thanks for reading. For more ideas on how to embrace the endless summer, chase the horizon and keep your skin sun-kissed all year round, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and sign-up for a naughty-little newsletter below! (you’ll get a cheeky 10% off your first order at REEF KNOTS if you do).