When in Covent Garden…

Covent Garden is a place close to my heart – one of my first jobs in London was walking distance from it, so many a lunch times were spent there.

And while is has all the tradition, it also has modern and luxurious options. Visiting London? A Covent Garden hotel is the perfect base to explore the area and the capital.

Theatres? It’s got it. Walking distance to many city landmarks? Check. Many restaurants, catering for all tastes and budgets? You bet!

What about cocktails? Covent Garden is a lovely place to go for drinks and some foods after work. Many places have great happy offers on drinks!

We picked the new SushiSamba, there for just a year, with a beautiful decor to match their flamboyant cuisine.

It is located at the top of the old market, with views that allow you to take in the historical surrounds of the market.

Because you are in the heart of theatreland, most restaurants will offer a fixed price menu at a pre-show time, usually until 6:30. And that was the case there too, for my surprise.

For £28 per person you get 3 courses to taste their menu – it’s great for an express lunch too, which gives you the chance to sample their Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian fusion cuisine.

I had ceviche, salmon sushi and a delightful banana cake for desert. Move to the bar after dinner, for some cocktails amongst their lush rainforest decor.

In lovely surroundings, taste cocktails, nibble on some great food and let the conversation flow. And that’s not just at this place – options are aplenty!

The atmosphere in Covent Garden is fantastic, and there are so many bars, clubs, restaurants, performances and shops to keep you amused for days, to suit all tastes and budgets.

Sip some tea with delicious macaroons at Ladurèe; grab a pint at the famous Punch & Judy pub; have some martinis at Dirty Martini, head off for some dinner at The Ivy, soak up the atmosphere of the piazza watching the street performances.

The possibilities are endless. Lucky you of you’re staying in the area.

And you can shop to your hearts content – from well know brands to small independent retailers and market stalls, you’re sure to find gifts for everyone you need to buy.

Worth noting that the festive season around Covent harden is magical. At the moment they have an autumnal display but the Christmas decor is already making its way into the pavilion – Apple Market already has the beautiful giant baubles, mistletoes and disco balls being set!

Covent Garden has so much to offer – even after 17 years in London, at every visit, I discover a new corner.

This post was created in collaboration with Hotels.com. The spending money was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own.

A little London haven

Agua. In my mother tongue, something I cannot live without and if I had my way, I wouldn’t go without the agua Spa, at the newly renamed Sea Containers London hotel in London.

Beside the fact it’s my favourite hotel – it has a great restaurant, an amazing growing floor bar facing the river, a cracking rooftop bar and a gorgeous cinema, the agua Spa really lives up to the rest of the family.

Delighted does not even describe when I was invite to sample one of their treatments and their delightful spa menu.

I experienced the hot oil manicure which is great to help improve the condition of nail that may have been a bit neglected.

The 55-minute treatment combines nourishing organic oils from Dr. Jackson’s which soften the cuticle and moisturise nails. Then, using Japanese techniques, nails are buffed so the nutrients go deep into the nail bed.

It is great for nails that have been damaged by gel application, polish changes, health conditions or medical treatment, as it helps restore them to health and no polish is needed for up to two weeks.

This picture was taken 5 days after the mani and it still looks perfect – shiny and pink!

The hot oil treatment is available for pedicures too (I am tempted to have one as my toe nails are indeed in need of post-winter hibernation TLC), and is priced from £50 (off peak, £55 peak).

Treatments take place at the fabulous Glamour Room within the spa, an area that can also be hired for pamper parties – birthdays, hen do and other celebrations. They offer a great range of treatments and packages.

Which leads me to the menu. What a fab food and drink menu to help take relaxation to another level!

I tried the delicious Immunity (£10) and Energy (£15) booster bowls and could not have enough of the tasty, fresh goodness in them. However, the star was the scrumptious salmon tartare, avocado mousse and oscietta canape cone (£12). The flavour was off the charts! I could’ve eaten 10.

The also have a range of snacks, fresh juices, sundaes and of course, champagne for celebration or well, just champagne. Definitely check out the impressive menu on offer.

And you can have afternoon tea there (from £38pp).

Last, but not least, the spa itself. What a gorgeous haven or tranquility. I had a terrible day that Tuesday and very quickly it all got wiped away by such a great environment and people – service was professional, attentive, personal, warm and overall lovely; the people are the real assets there!

The lounge is an (insta) dream, the steam room is superb with a great shower, and the showers are amazing. And the toiletries are Malin+Goetz, so… Love.

You can check out all the spa treatments available, including massages, facials and body, including maternity specific ones. The range of products they use is also carefully curated to offer really bespoke, quality treatments. Well worth a visit.

For more info, visit the agua Spa website.

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: I as invited to the spa, so this post contains some PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

For your pleasure

Oh to have a Magnum ice cream…. for years now I’ve been feasting on the most indulgent flavours and every summer Magnum does not disappoint.

Their fabulous pleasure store is back in London for another year, this time located on Seven Dials.

Dare I say it’s the best edition yet; decorated in collaboration with Moschino, it is colourful and bold and it even has special edition totes (£212) you can buy.

Now, the opening was, of course, star-studded. The store was opened by Jeremy Scott Moschino’s and Magnum creative director, with the soundtrack provided by the fabulous Jodie Harsh.

And I got to rub shoulder with Erin O’Connor, Alice Dellal, Talia Storm, Vanessa White, Oliver Proudlock and many others.

But the highlight was really the ice cream!

The Moschino collaboration cements this year’s Dare to Go Double attitude, which sees the amazing Magnum Double Coconut and Double Raspberry as the new flavours for the summer.

I could not resist them on holidays!

Of course, at the pleasure store you can, for £5.50 make your own bespoke freshly dipped Magnum with three toppings of your choice – and they are something special.

I had pistachio, cherry and gold flakes (because why not?) on mine, dipped in dark chocolate, white chocolate sauce and a pink Magnum coin. It was delicious – and gorgeous: it’s my very own at the top of the post.

As they say, a day without pleasure is a day lost. Hurry up!

The pleasure store is located in London Seven Dials (21-23 Earlham Street, WC2H 9LL) until the 10th September 2017, and the opening times are:

  • Sunday: 10am – 6pm
  • Monday/Tuesday/Wed:  10am – 7pm
  • Thursday: 10am – 10pm
  • Friday: 10am – 9pm
  • Saturday: 10am – 10pm

You can get all the info on the store at the Magnum UK website.

written by Dani

I was invited to this experience by Magnum; opinions are my own.

Urban yoga

My body has now entered rehab mode. My gluteus tendonitis, which is an office injury, means that circus is, for now, off the table.

So I am giving my body time to heal and what better than yoga to help the process? Add all the much needed mind benefits and there I was, with a smile on my face to be invited to the launch of the Karma Sanctum Yoga brunch club.

Taking place monthly at the lovely boutique Karma Sanctum hotel in Soho, London, the experience has a whole hour Vinyasa flow yoga with Katie Silver, coconut water, Lululemon yoga mats, a goodie bag, bottomless healthy brunch at the lovely heated hotel rooftop.

Oh, and did I mention there is a hot tub you can also use after your practice? Of yeah, THAT.

Carol and I headed to the inaugural yoga session, which took place at their cinema room. I found Katie excellent; an instructor who delivered a class for all levels.

Her voice and presence are calming and soothing, her instructions paced and clear, her adjustments fair and focused on you, even on a large class. And the orange oil she used at the end was divine.

Carol also pointed out that Katie was very available (and smiley!) after the practice, talking to some attendees about their technique, how to improve postures, etc.

On the bottomless, al fresco buffet brunch menu devised by James Cathcart, coffee, rolls, pancakes, plenty of fruit, fresh juices, yoghurt, scrambled eggs and avocados (made into a delicious guacamole). Being able to mix and match is really great. The setting is calming and it was great to be outside.

Carol and I were expecting to perhaps see gluten free carbs opposed to white rolls and very healthy smoothies/green juices, but those were not available, although we were satisfied with the fresh and filling fare provided.

Then I got changed and took a dip on the fabulous hot tub, with some super relaxing jets that soothed my muscles post-practice. I left feeling light, relaxed and open. What a delightful way to reset for the new week.

Overall, I believe it is very good value for money!

If you want to snap up one of the 20 monthly spaces, go to sanctumsoho.com and get booking. Yoga sessions start at 10 and finish at 11, with brunch/hot tubbing going until 13:30 on a Sunday. The next one is on the 4th June, then 30th July and it costs £40 per session.

On the goodie bag, great brands such as Skin & Tonic (which I love!), Yogandha Body Oil, Gallinee Hand Cream, Potion London, Orelia and Hype Clothing, probably worth more than the session alone!

To find out more about Katie, visit her website.

Famous at Ibis – glamour on a budget

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When you think Ibis hotel, luxury does not necessarily come to mind, but who said you cannot be stylish and glamourous on a budget?

Ibis has teamed up with stylist to the stars Alex Longmore to prove just that. I was lucky enoug to witness first hand how a great location, modern decor, comfort and great service do inject some glamour into everyday life.

ibis_blackfriars_roomI stayed at the Ibis London Blackfriars for a day of fashion and style. The Ibis Blackfriars is minutes walking from Southwark and Waterloo, walking distance to Southbank and super easy access to all tourist attractions. Very handy and pocket friendly.

The decor is contemporary and clean; rooms are simple but very well equipped, with comfort at their centre. Service was friendly and attentive, always with a smile.

ibis_blackfriars_receptionAlex talked about trends for the coming season, all high street and pocket friendly – and I must say I have already adopted a bomber jacket, from New Look, at an affordable £26).

After talking fashion, we were treated to a fab lunch at the hotel’s Fogg’s restaurant, which has delicious, filling and super affordable lunch and dinner options.

Ibis London Blackfriars H7943

After lunch, we were taken to explore the Vogue 100 exhibition at the British Library. Alex took us through the Vogue 100 years of fabulous photography, dousing her extensive knowledge of fashion, style and celebrities over us.

After that, we had some free time to explore the city, which I passed, as London is home, and shopping, which I welcomed, as I was eaget to put the Alex’s style tips into practice!

I had a friend’s birthday that evening and returned to spend the night at my comfy bed at the Ibis. Of course I had a Sweet Bed by Ibis, which offers extra comfort.

When I woke up, I was treated to an amazing breakfast – they even have guacamole, fruit or green smoothies, and the most delicious black rice and coconut rice pudding, healthy options alongside your traditional continental and cooked breakfast items such as bacon, eggs, pastries, and much more.

Even better, breakfast was available until midday (continental; cooked items available until 10).

ibis_blackfriars_loungeWith my tummy full, I returned to my room to do a bit of blogging and opted for a late check-out for extra relaxation.

After my experience, I did feel a little bit #FamousAtIbis! 🙂

The hotel is perfect for a night out in town, families, short breaks, business… it does cater for all needs with its great location, facilities and prices. Daily rates at the Ibis London Blackfriars (3*) start from £91!

Thank you so much Ibis for having me and looking after me so well and Alex for all the knowledge (it was great seeing you again!)

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I was invited to take part in this experience by Ibis, but opinions are my own.

Holiday skin preparation

scottish fine soaps - pink grapefruit and arganOh how I love a tan. Although I resort to the fake stuff more often than not, nothing beats the real thing.

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Dani’s Little Book of Fashion: We are going on a holiday!

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Ooooh, to go on holidays… Going on holidays for me is more than just relaxing; I like to soak in the culture, the people and especially the food (a lot of it). If it is sunny and there’s a pool or even better, a beach, it’s my heaven.

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Review: Sanctum Soho Rose Script Collection washbags

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When talking about beauty, I think it is pretty fundamental that we talk about all the accessories.

Washbags are very much essential, as it makes sure you carry your lovely beauty arsenal everywhere.

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Long haul flight beauty routine

my travel beauty bag

As some of you might know, I am from Brazil. That means that at least once a year I face a long haul flight to see my family. Add that a passion for travelling and you will probably see me for seven hours or more on board a plane at least twice a year.

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