Absolute Sussex Magazine Spring/Summer 2023

Grosvenor Casino PIER NINE BRIGHTON

Step into Grosvenor…

Thrilling selection of electronic and table games. As well as large screens for sports viewing and betting. Plus an array of food and drink to tantalise those tastebuds.

Let’s play!

Join us for a special Pride VIP experience

5TH & 6TH AUGUST 2023

Located in the grounds of the glorious Preston Manor, the Pride VIP experience will commence when you arrive at the private VIP entrance to be greeted by our dedicated concierge team.

Exclusive bars are available in the VIP gardens along with a choice of premium food vendors to enjoy a meal or two of your choice at times convenient to you. Posh loos ensure you have everything you need for an enjoyable afternoon and evening with friends soaking up the festival atmosphere.

Your tickets includes the choice of either a seated grand stand view of the main stage or an up-close and personal VIP circle next to the main stage, as well as access to the full festival site with its 12 areas of entertainment and over 100 LGBTQ+ artists .

FABULOSO is the Official Pride Fundraiser For The Brighton Rainbow Fund.

Limited availablity... Book now at Brighton-Pride.org

Victoria Marie Emerson | Pete Hayward

Tony Shattell (food reviewer)

Kasia Kash

Features Editor - Victoria Marie Emerson info@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Design Pete Hayward petehayward.design

Owners | Publishers

Simon Darcy Abbott - simon@absolutemagazine.co.uk

David Camici - dcamici@absolutemagazine.co.uk

photography - Aida (Ibiza Photo Story)

Models - Amy Van Lersel / Aida Husaj

Styling - Ger Valkenburg

Hair & Make - Up Blown Out Ibiza

Clothing - La Galeria Elefante

The Editor

Welcome to the Spring Summer 2023 edition of Absolute Sussex Magazine

In these hard times, we hope that we can provide a little light relief from the stresses that currently surround us all, and serve as a reminder of better days ahead. We look at where to eat out, where we enjoyed mid-summers nights drinks, had our winter sun overseas breaks and we start looking forward to Christmas, however that may look this year!

In this issue we have all our fabulous usual features, from the best of the region's food and drink, including many new reviews from up-and coming-businesses in Brighton & beyond. We are also thrilled to once again feature stunning images of our region from the super talented David Freeman. Finally, we talk travel by taking a look at some gorgeous overseas destinations Ibiza, Seychelles and the Maldives and their beautiful resorts, exploring the best family hotels but also those romantic destinations too.

Enjoy, and be sure to stay well and enjoy life to the full. Absolute team

sUSSEX images

FASHION

Stylist - Ger Valkenburg

DC Models Amy van Lersel & Aïda Husaj

Clothing by Revolver Ibiza / World Family / La Galeria Elefante

Jewellery by Delphine Tempels (Del Tempels)

Jewellery by Natasha Dahlberg www.instagram.com/dahlberg

Photography By Aida (Ibiza Photo Story)

Hair & Make Up By - Blow Out Ibiza

YOUR HIDEAWAY ON THE WEST COAST OF IBIZA

With its prime clifftop position, 7Pines Resort Ibiza welcomes you to one of the most popular spots on the island.

Whether it is the spectacular view on the mystical rock island of Es Vedrà or the characteristic pine forests surrounding the resort –we offer you a magnificent place to unwind and experience the enjoyment of the moment.

186 suites - memorable dining experiencesspa & wellness - 2 Pershing yachts - 2 Grand Villas

Love supreme

jazz festival

Celebrating the 10th edition of the acclaimed three-day event, The Love Supreme Jazz Festival returns this summer to Glynde Place in East Sussex from June 30th – July 2nd . The 2023 line-up is set to be the festival’s biggest and best to date, with names for this year’s event including headline shows from Little Simz and Grace Jones. Mercury Prize, Ivor Novello and Brit Award-winning UK rapper Simz will make her debut at the festival on Saturday July 1st while Jones returns to close the festival on Sunday July 2nd following a commanding headline set in 2016.

The festival launched in 2013 and quickly became the largest outdoor jazz festival in Europe thanks to a unique blend of worldclass artists from across the jazz, soul, R&B and funk spectrum. Hailed as “the most spectacular jazz festival in the country” by The Sunday Telegraph, the festival is located within the grounds of Glynde Place in the South Downs, approximately 20 minutes from Brighton.

Also joining the iconic festival this year is multi-million-selling, four-time Brit Award winner Emeli Sandé, powerhouse British drummer and bandleader Yussef Dayes, South London-born neo-soul star Greentea Peng, incendiary US funk big band Tower of Power, three-time Grammy nominated US vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, Armenian pianist and composer Tigran Hamasyan, FrenchCaribbean singer and bass player Adi Oasis, US R&B singer Yaya Bey, and one of the most celebrated British jazz musicians of all time, Courtney Pine CBE.

The newly announced acts join the line-up alongside the likes of pioneering bassist and vocalist Thundercat, soul queen Candi Staton, who will perform at the festival as part of her last ever run of UK shows, Brit Award nominated gospel-soul trio Gabriels,

The festival launched in 2013 and quickly became the largest outdoor festival in Europe.

multi-million-selling, Grammy-winning American soul group Shalamar (celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2023), bassist, producer, bandleader and close Miles Davis collaborator Marcus Miller, the father of Ethiopian jazz Mulatu Astatke, internationally acclaimed Blue Note alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, and UK soul singer-songwriter Pip Millett. Also featuring a selection of this year’s breakthrough singersincluding Obongjayar, Mica Millar, August Charles and CheriseAdditional offerings this year will include a wellness and yoga area, secret swimming, organized hill walks across the South Downs, a host of activities aimed at children, a long-table-style banqueting restaurant, the Supremium VIP area, which will offer a range of premium benefits plus the opportunity to watch exclusive artist performances, and the Jazz Lounge, which will present a range of artist interviews, talks, panel discussions, breakfast news reviews and film screenings. The festival will also see the return of an expanded Bands & Voices area, which presents cabaret,

spoken word and swing dance lessons, and nestled away in the woods the Blue In Green area presents live music and DJs late into the night.

Add to all that, glamping, cabaret, late night live jam sessions, a fairground, swimming and hill-walking and you have the ultimate immersive musical weekend with a loyal and dedicated audience.

Ever since the inaugural festival back in 2013, Love Supreme has hosted a dazzling array of artists from the world of jazz, soul and R&B including Lauryn Hill, Earth Wind & Fire, George Benson, Nile Rodgers, Van Morrison, Grace Jones, Gladys Knight, Jamie Cullum, Laura Mvula, Louie Vega, Bryan Ferry and Chaka Khan.

Love Supreme also supports emerging artists. Gogo Penguin, Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings, Rag’N’Bone Man, Mahalia, Celeste,

Ezra Collective, Jordan Rakei, Moses Boyd, Jacob Collier & Kamaal Williams have all performed early in their careers and have gone on to great success.

“The original idea was to meld the ethos of those great European jazz festivals like North Sea Jazz and Montreux with the culture of the UK camping music festival. It hadn’t been done before. In one sense, it’s a niche event as jazz is at the heart of the festival but, in reality, it’s more a series of interconnected musical niches where the respective tribes come together and recognise kindred spirits. I felt there was a desire for a larger scale, authentic, communal experience

which celebrated the culture of jazz, soul, R&B and funk and the mark those genres have made on contemporary music.” Ciro Romano

Tickets start at £63 (day, weekend, camping, supremium and glamping tickets are available) and are on sale now.

www.lovesupremefestival.com.

Wonderful Worthing

Sussex is blessed with a cornucopia of exquisite destinations to visit and call your home, however there is one particular seaside town in the county that has been hitting the headlines over and over again in the past couple of years. Worthing in West Sussex has just been named the best seaside town to move to in 2023 by lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos and has recently picked up the award for being one of the top 25 places in the world to watch the sunset. Once descried as ‘God’s Waiting Room,’ Worthing is now a bustling town filled with an enviable restaurant and bar scene, countless indie shops and is a world-class destination for water sports. Situated a mere 10 miles along the coast west of Brighton, countless families, creatives and professionals are ditching city living for a more affordable, laidback seaside lifestyle which has significantly fewer tourists than its neighbours. According to Rightmove, the average house price in the area is around £370,000, making it significantly cheaper than both London and Brighton.

A visit to Worthing makes it clear there’s certainly something special in the air. The seafront is calm, uncluttered and has a magical bohemian, yet family feel to it. Numerous exciting bars and restaurants line Marine Parade and pop up independent high-quality food concessions are dotted along the prom. The pier is the jewel in the town’s crown and has retained its Art Deco grandeur, hosting both a theatre at the foot and a stunningly restored cafe restaurant at the end. The main shopping areas are full of both independent and national brand shops, a thriving cafe and bar culture, plenty of family-friendly spots to dine and, come the summer, a full events programme keeps everyone entrained. What is perhaps the most charming aspect of this town is the beautiful community feel it has. Businesses are clearly working together to support each other, families are being carefully considered and catered for, there’s an exciting arts scene emerging and worldclass music continues to be born and bred in Worthing.

To give you a taste of Worthing, we’ve listed some of our favourite independent must-visits…

Victoria’s Sponge

A recent addition to Worthing’s Guildbourne Centre, Victoria’s Sponge first gained it’s popularity in Steyning where their quintessential English tea rooms earned them glowing reviews amongst a very loyal customer base, second place in the County Times Café of the Year Award 2020, plus the ability to expand to their second premises in Worthing. Positioned just within the entrance of the shopping centre, this beautifully designed vintage inspired tearooms is as appealing to the eye and it is to the taste buds. Ideal for family treats, celebrations, a casual spot of tea or a lunch date, the cafe serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and a range of hot and cold drinks and cakes. They also have an impressive selection of vegan, dairy free and gluten free options, as well as an excellent children’s menu that is a welcome departure from the usual standards that often grace menus. The decor is certainly insta-worthy with deco influences and floral and foliage focal points and the serving ware is just as considered, with quaint vintage tea cups and saucers dressing the tables beautifully.

Mindworks Escape Rooms, The Guildbourne Centre

The Guildbourne Centre is not only host to an impressive collection of independent retailers and cafes, you can also find outlets offering unique experiential events. For an escape from the norm, venture along to Mindworks Escape Rooms, where you’ll find a series of brain-boggling puzzles, challenges and games that you and your team will need to solve to complete a special mission! This super immersive experience, perfect for families, friends and team-building, where you are the characters playing through a mysterious story. Choose from two very different missions; ‘Smugglers Ruin’ which is based on Worthing’s Victorian Smuggling history and ‘Trapped for Cash’, which is based on a 1990’s game show.

Montague Centre

Guildborne Centre

Rooms Worthing, The Guildbourne Centre,

Once known for its legendary nightspot, ‘The Tiroler’, the vast first floor of The Guildbourne Centre sat derelict for 20 years. However, the space has recently been completely renovated, thanks to funding from local church ‘Redeemer’ and now has a modern industrial feel and a whole new purpose. Today, this versatile space has been transformed into ‘Rooms’, a newly launched multi-faceted business, providing casual co-working space, multi-use rooms for hire and a 250-seater auditorium. Redeemer use the space for their Sunday services, as well as for community groups and kids clubs during the week, but the rest of the time, the flexible facilities are available to hire by the public.

The co-working space is particularly popular amongst locals, with half days costing a mere £8, £14 for a full day or £150 a month. Open Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5.30pm , the space has been designed for comfort, creativity and productivity, with a variety of seating options for up to 50 people, so you are sure to find a space where you love to work. Tea and coffee are available all day, plus the WiFi is super fast and they’ve even got a roof terrace if you just need some fresh air whilst you work.

The auditorium is perfect for conferences, exhibitions and large training events. It will comfortably seat 250 in a theatre style on upholstered chairs and the room benefits from fully controlled lighting, air-conditioning, heating, hearing loop system, PA system, AV system, a stage and 1Gbps Wifi.

The Beef Guy, Montague Centre

The Beef Guy arrived outside TK Maxx at Worthing’s Montague Centre promising the very best burgers, sides and sauces in town and they certainly didn’t disappoint! Based within a retro silver Airstream trailer, this brand new gourmet burger offering is a welcome addition to the ever-expanding indie foodie scene. The local team of three behind the brand pride themselves in ensuring the ingredients are fresh, using only the highest quality locally sourced beef, locally baked buns from one of the region’s best bakers, 100% organic salad and homemade sauces unique to the Beef Guy. Amongst the classics, there’s a whole range of signature burgers to feast your eyes on, including ‘The Beef Guy Double Cheese Burger’ (two 100% Fresh British grass-fed beef patties, American Style Burger Cheese Teamed with the freshly made House Sauce with a crunchy organic Lettuce leaf) and the ‘Beef Guy X-TUDO XL Burger’ (2x 100% Fresh British grass-fed beef patties, American style burger cheese, a thick slice of a organic Buffalo Tomato, teamed with another of the specially-made Brazilian Chimichurri Mayonnaise). Whether you visit in person or order a takeaway, these burgers are like nothing you’ve tasted before and are all encased in locally baked, buttered and toasted, multi-seed or if preferred plain brioche buns from one of the top bakers in Sussex. The final string to their rather impressive bow is that the burgers and sides are all served in biodegradable and recyclable packaging.

The Beef Guy

Sunflex

Comics and Coffee, Montague Centre

The team at Comics and Coffee are the absolute authority and UK stockists of board games, collectable card games (CCGs), role play games (RPGs), graphic novels and comics. Whatever you are looking to source, the team here not only go out of their way to find you exactly what you need, they also serve it with a smile and of course a coffee! Whether it's a limited edition comic, a rare graphic novel, the final card to your collection or simply recommendations for the perfect board game for your family, you’ll find what you are looking for, or it will certainly be winging it’s way to you shortly.

Sunflexx, Montague centre

Part barbers, part sun bed salon, a visit to Sunflexx will have you both looking and feeling good. Offering some of the highest quality state-of-the-art tanning equipment in Sussex, this reasonably-priced town centre salon is a hit with those looking for the sun-kissed glow. As well as traditional barbering services, the team at Sunflexx has now expand to offer hairdressing for both women and children.

Perch on the Pier

The jewel in the town's crown is the Art Deco pier which was built in 1862, survived a fire and World War II and became a notorious nightclub in the ’80s. Today the pier boasts 'Perch on the Pier,' a magnificent award-winning cafe restaurant, restored to its former glory. The Perch brand, now synonymous with locals for consistent high quality food and service, was founded in August 2015 when Alexander Coombes and team opened the Lancing restaurant. Since then, the team have opened their second venue in Eastbourne’s Prince’s Park in March 2020 and then completed a full renovation of the Southern Pavilion building at the end of the Pier in April 2022. Perch on the Pier offers unparalleled views of the English Channel and Sussex coastline and although the setting is nothing short of opulent, the vibe is laid back, friendly and stylish. The team aim to consistently provide customers with impeccable service, ensuring they leave the venue impressed and excited to come back again. Bustling breakfasts and family lunches are served every day, with dinner and drinks to be enjoyed at the weekends and seasonal offers such as their award-winning ultimate Sunday sharing roast. Afternoon tea is the latest offering from the team and come sunset, there’s little better than cocktails taken on the first floor, looking out to sea.

Perch on the Pier

Pitch

Crudo

Pitch, by Kenny Tutt

Pitch restaurant is a contemporary mix of modern and classic British food, wines and cocktails brought to you by local Worthingite MasterChef Champion Kenny Tutt. Located in Warwick Street, the heart of the town’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene, the restaurant was named after Kenny’s family market heritage and pays homage to the great produce in the surrounding local area. Set over two floors, the menu elevates seasonal produce, with steak and fish playing leading roles. For the Masterchef fans amongst us, you’ll notice there are a few dishes included in the menu that were showcased during Kenny’s time on the hit show, including his signature savoury Goat’s Cheese Donuts. Pitch also doubles as a cookery school where Kenny offers a host of masterclasses each themed around different produce or a classic dish.

VUDU

VUDU is a family-run cocktail bar and restaurant set in busy Warwick Street. Quite possibly the post instagrammable venue in town, it’s the perfect destination for cocktails with friends, celebrations and that opportunity to dress to impress. When the team first opened the venue, the aim was to create a space in Worthing to escape the normal, and they have certainly managed that. This is where you can immerse yourself in indulgent Asian inspired small plates and unique cocktails. They have created a worldly atmosphere through immersing their customers in magical cocktails, mouth-watering food, and inspiring customer service. Live DJs can often be found here at weekends as well as a lively playlist during the week.

Crudo

A recent addition to Worthing’s seafront, Crudo is brought to you by the people behind Finch Bar and Eatery, an already highly successful cafe bar found in Warwick Street. This time, instead of simple hand crafted dishes, the team are spicing things up and serving fresh Mexican street food and cocktails all night long. There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of a traditional Mexican restaurant and that is exactly what has been recreated here. Every night is a party, where customers can relax with friends and family whilst enjoying cocktails and a tasty meal made with high quality fresh ingredients. Both the staff and atmosphere are welcoming and the menu boasts all the South American favourites such as tacos, burritos and quesadillas, as well as small plates for sharing and delicious naughty desserts.

Crudo Audio

Vudu

Audio active

AudioActive was set up in 1999 by a small team of music heads and youth workers. With the simple aim of giving local young people the chance to access and create music, the organisation grew and grew, resulting in a unique community of artists and young people across Sussex. AudioActive became the education partner of Brighton Hip-Hop Festival from 2005, running a small series of workshops in rap, DJing, breakdance and graffiti. As the festival grew, so did the artists they were working with and it wasn’t long before the team had projects running all year round and beyond Brighton.

Fast forward 23 years and in 2022, AudioActive opened ‘AudioActive Worthing’, a unique space in the town centre that is now home to free-toaccess music sessions, as well as a coffee shop to what those vocal cords and keep the creative juices flowing! AudioActive Worthing has a fully equipped music production suite, community and resident studio space, subsidised offices for music industry development and partners, and a ground-floor community space used as a record store, live music venue and of the course the café, run by Black Rain.

Aunty Bunny’s Hut, Montague Centre

Situated within the popular Montague Centre lies a vibrant and unique restaurant whose motto is ‘Love and Passion.’ Guaranteed to leave you living your best life, this feel good restaurant serves food for the soul and the senses. Aunty Bunny’s Hut serves a unique blend of Caribbean and Spanish Flavours - cultural fusion at its absolute best. What started as a street a vendor set up, became so popular that the team were able to open their Worthing premises in 2018. Adding a splash of culture to the area, the restaurant offers musical themed nights, including salsa and DJ evenings, making it the ultimate party venue for that memorable and lively celebration meal.

Cloud Gallery, Montague Centre

Cloud Gallery, based within the Montague Centre is one of a small chain of galleries offering unique and highly collectable artworks . The gallery has an ever-changing and eclectic selection of artworks available to purchase from both local and national artists. The team have an enviable reputation for identifying new and emerging talent and strive to ensure they offer the ultimate experience where buying artwork is concerned. From eye-catching David Henty originals to Ben Broadbent sculptures and Ian H Watkins’s original acrylic paintings, the offer is both varied in terms of medium, subject matter and indeed price. As well as in gallery purchases, personal art consultancy from leading art specialists within the UK is offered, plus home consultation and a VIP collector benefits scheme. Wedding and gift list services are also a welcome addition for art collectors looking for something a little different to tableware or cutlery sets! You’ll also find special events at the gallery and spot the team out and about in Sussex in their pop up galleries, including Goodwood Members meetings.

GROSVENOR CASINO BRIGHTON

Electronic and table games span across three floors, together with large screens, live entertainment and a range of restaurant food and light bites.

Grosvenor Casino Pier Nine is situated right in the heart of Brighton’s seafront, just 100 metres from the Palace Pier, offering an all-round casino and entertainment experience. Electronic and table games span across three floors, together with large screens, live entertainment and a range of restaurant food and light bites.

Absolute Magazine caught up with the team at Grosvenor Pier Nine Brighton to see how the last 4 years have been since the major refurbishment of £5.5m in 2019.

A lot has happened since 2019 when you launched the new look venue. How have the last four years been for you?

The 2019 refurbishment enabled us to expand our footprint and enhance the offer for our customers, creating what’s now known as Grosvenor Casino Pier Nine Brighton. This vision has really come to life with Brightonians, tourists and those travelling from the wider Sussex area. Like all leisure and hospitality businesses, the last four years have been a rollercoaster! However, now that we have come through the other side (fingers crossed) we are acutely aware that the world post-covid has changed. How people spend their leisure time, the level of spending and the experience and service levels they expect are all different, for a number of reasons. However, as the UK’s largest casino operator, we’re confident we have the ability, knowledge and skills to adapt to the changing customer needs and we’re just looking forward to what the future holds.

As a brand, we always put the customer as the driver for our venues and we have listened along the way, so we have made some subtle but fun changes over the last few years. The biggest change would be the ground floor Slots area. We’ve undertaken another refresh to fit in with the new Slots and Electronic Gaming machines that have been installed. We’re confident we now offer the best Electronic Gaming experience in Brighton, so fingers crossed our customers agree!

We’ve also made changes to the welcome area/reception and relocated the poker room to the second floor giving Poker lovers of East Sussex a premium area for cash games. So, lots of exciting changes have been made to add to the original concept of Grosvenor Casino Pier Nine.

You mentioned the changes in how customers are spending their leisure time. What have you noticed?

There has been lots of research post-pandemic on how customers are using their leisure time and we have noticed the same results at Grosvenor Pier Nine Brighton. Our customers want us to deliver

Grosvenor Casino Brighton is situated right in the heart of Brighton's seafront

the products that are at our core with confidence, expertise and knowledge. For us that’s casino games. That’s where our expertise is and what we do across 50 venues nationwide. Everything else we provide is to give our customers enhanced experiences when they do visit or create new reasons to visit. For us, this includes our Food and drink offers, our large screens for sports viewing and of course sports betting with Grosvenorsport.com (we have the biggest screen in Brighton) and lots of different areas to socialise with friends.

How do you manage to keep your gaming experiences up to date?

Casino games are in our DNA, being the largest operator in the UK. We’re constantly working with our suppliers from UK and overseas to develop and expand the range of products we offer. We also work hard on the customer service through continuous training programmes and dealer academies. On top of this we offer some fantastic gaming promotions to keep the experience exciting and lively for our customers. We’ve just run the Champion of Champions national tournament where customers could win a share of £500,000. With 50 venues nationwide we believe we’re the only gaming operator who can run such large prize pools and our customers seem to love them.

That said, if a customer is new to gaming and wants the team to show them how to play, we’re always on hand to help them learn the ropes and find the games they enjoy. Casinos can be intimidating for new audiences, but we really try to take them on a journey and break down any barriers or misconceptions they may previously have. At the end of the day, people choose to spend their leisure time with us, so our job is to make it as fun and enjoyable as possible.

So with new players in mind, what are the common misconceptions people have about coming to your casino?

If you ask any of the team, we have heard it all, but mostly its tales from Las Vegas. We are a casino like our US counterparts, but there are some clear differences. The most common questions we get asked is mostly links with the dress codes and entry requirements. We are very happy to welcome suits and formal attire, but casinos are a lot more casual than scenes from Hollywood films. We ask people to avoid wearing hats, work wear and tracksuits –we like to keep it relaxed, so Jeans are very much welcomed. The other biggest question is that people need to know how to play to visit or to use the gaming facilities. As we mentioned before we are excited that new casino players are looking to make their first casino experience with us, and our team are there to share their knowledge.

What can visitors expect at Grosvenor Casino Pier Nine Brighton for 2023?

Well, what can I say, it’s all to play for. In addition to the large prize pools, I’ve already mentioned we’re always looking for product innovations, we’re introducing some national progressive jackpots games where you can win huge jackpots from as little as a £1 bet.

We've just run the Champion of Champions where customers could win a share of £500,000

As we move into summer, we’ll be celebrating the Kings Coronation, Eurovision and Pride. On top of this there’s always live sports around the clock to watch on the big screen and new menu developments to tantalise those tastebuds. There really is something for everyone!

After all these developments we had to visit to take a look for ourselves. This is what Dave had to say:

I’m not a regular casino goer, nor am I much of a gambler, apart from the odd flutter on some football games and poker with friends just for fun, my casino experience is limited. My lack of enthusiasm for casinos is mainly due to the ambience most casinos provide; garishly colourful carpets and flashing lights is my lasting impression based on previous visits elsewhere. I’ve longed for those casinos that you see in films that are very suave and sophisticated, typically the resolve of high rollers and people with a lot more money than many of us could ever dream of. When I receive an invite to any kind of casino, I am always dubious based on experiences had previously. So when I was invited to Grosvenor Pier Nine to sample their new look venue I was intrigued, especially as they had already had a substantial make over in 2019 to the tune of £5.5million. They had done a good job last time, so what could they possibly have added to the venue to make it feel fresh? Well, I must say, they did quite a few clever considered upgrades and for me it makes all the difference - I was very impressed!

The ambience they have created with the simple yet lavish decor, presented my eyes with something immediately more sophisticated. They haven’t gone for any flashy, striking, busy looking carpets or decor. It felt more like I was entering a really nicely arranged wine bar in its design and feel. What they’ve done is very tasteful and evokes a sense of calmness. Cobalt blue is the main feature colour on the walls of the art deco interior.

The main games room is, of course, lined with many colourful Slot machines, but that is where all the colour and flashing lights come from and it fits very nicely in the setting, and weirdly even more inviting.

For me it was all about the newly relocated first floor poker room. I’m partial to a bit of poker, usually playing with my friends once a month just for fun. It’s not really about winning, it’s all about having a good time, and I must say that it is somewhere that I would definitely want to take people to play. The setting is perfect. There’s a total of five tables, making the venue perfect for those wishing to have Cash games.

The first floor harbours a games room which includes Roulette and a couple of card game tables. This is where we had a new experience offered by the casino; a 30 mins games lesson. A very patient, jovial and experienced croupier showed us how to play two games of our choice, so as to understand the betting and feel more comfortable with playing. I must say, even though we had played Roulette before, there were some betting options I had no idea about which really made for a fun lesson. It’s also very nice to accrue a stack of chips whether you win or lose, without losing money. Although you don’t win any actual money either, for the £30 experience it includes a £5 bet and any drink of your choice £15 for food or more betting - its amazing value!

Another room that has had a bit of a makeover is the bar. As with the rest of the building, it is sophisticated and makes for a relaxing while vibrant space to enjoy your day or evening away from any betting or casino action. The unique views to the sea can be enjoyed with a choice of exquisite drinks from the new cocktail menu. We sampled a green flavoursome

delight called ‘Money’ which we highly recommend along with a couple of old staple evening drinks including an elegantly intoxicating whisky sour. One stand out upgrade is the revised food menu, which includes a worldwide food offering that was delicious and is served throughout the day and evening.

Brought to you by the UK’s leading casino brand, Grosvenor Casinos, it's art deco frontage and prominent position is a definite location not to miss. Brighton is a fantastic city this is reflective of Grosvenor Pier Nine Brighton's need to be the most dynamic across the nationwide Grosvenor estate

Mon - Thurs 12pm - 4am

Friday 12pm - 5am

Saturday 11am - 5am

Sunday 11am -4am

For more information, visit www.pierninebrighton.co.uk

Brighton and Hove

pRIDE//23

Widely acknowledged as the country’s most popular Pride event, Brighton and Hove Pride is back this summer, with promises of world class performances and hopes of major fundraising and awareness campaigning. Culminating in a weekend of campaigning, celebrating and fundraising for LGBTQ+ and community projects in Brighton & Hove over 5th & 6th August 2023, Pride is not only a celebration of how far we have come, but it is also an ongoing campaign for those marginalised communities at home and abroad who still suffer discrimination and persecution on a daily basis. Brighton and Hove Pride fundraising events will ensure that vital funds continue to be raised for local LGBTQ+ and community projects.

Featuring no less than 12 different entertainment zones, Brighton & Hove Pride is proud to support over 100 LGBTQ+ artists across the weekend. Brighton & Hove Pride is a Pride to be proud of and a 'Pride with Purpose.’ Alongside the smiles, sunshine and good times, to date Brighton & Hove Pride have raised more than £1,236,000. FABULOSO is the UK's biggest LGBTQ+Pride event with community fundraising at its heart and is Brighton & Hove Pride's main fundraiser for the Brighton Rainbow Fund in Preston Park on 5th and 6th August.

This year, this incredible event is set to be nothing short of iconic, with a star-studded line-up for Preston Park’s FABULOSO event. With Grammy award-winning Black Eyed Peas taking the Main Stage on Saturday 5th August and a UK exclusive performance from the one and only STEPS, Brighton Pride 2023 is an event not to be missed off the calendar.

The heart and soul of Brighton & Hove Pride, the Pride Dance Arena is set to return to the huge 6,000 capacity Big Top. Headlining the Dance Tent on Saturday 5th August, Chicago raised, New York infused, and Berlin based Honey Dijon has a folio reaching beyond her extensive global nightclub bookings. She’s soundtracked some of the most iconic fashion shows of the 21st century, gatecrashed into artistry, sociology, fashion and the rights of the individual. She is queer to the bone. As a recording artist, she helmed an audacious debut record, 2017’s ‘The Best of Both Worlds’. Recent remix credits include rewiring classics for David Bowie and Neneh Cherry, while sprucing up the latest works for Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Madonna. Last year’s long player ‘Black Girl Magic’ is a joyful force that features the likes of Eve and Pabllo Vittar. Music. Fashion. Art. It’s in everything that Honey touches. “I come from a background where art is interdisciplinary,” she says.

Pride’s dance tent on Saturday 5th August also features the brilliant Gok Wan, house music icon DJ Paulette, disco DJ Affy Go-Bang, Toby Lawrence, Oxylion & Danger, Monki and Hi-fi Sean. Previously playing host to some of clubland’s greats –including international superstar DJs Fatboy Slim, Boy George, DJ Fresh and The Freemasons, if Pride were a religion, the dance tent would be its church.With headline acts whose veins run with passion for everything Pride stands for, the 2023 event is set to be a showstopper.

In a UK Exclusive show for 2023, the iconic STEPS are confirmed to headline FABULOSO Day 2 on Sunday 6th August. With over 25 million sales "Tragedy," "Deeper Shade of Blue," "5, 6, 7, 8" and many more of their trademark energetic and colourful routines are sure to get the crowd dancing and singing along.

The Grammy Award-winning Black Eyed Peas are set to lead a stellar line-up at this year's Brighton & Hove Pride on Saturday 5th August. From the Super Bowl half-time show and known for their electrifying performances and chart-topping hits like "I Gotta Feeling" and "Where Is the Love,” 5 UK number ones, 13 top 10s and over 80 million record sales have made the Black Eyed Peas one of the most popular and successful groups of all time, and their live shows are not to be missed. The Black Eyed Peas are also staunch allies and have used their platform to support the LGBTQ+ community in places like Poland, where they wore rainbow armbands on stage and in the media.

Saturday 5th August will also feature multi-platinum-selling artist and 4 time BRIT nominee Zara Larsson who, as well as racking up over 6 million followers on Instagram and having the second moststreamed debut album by a female artist ever on Spotify, has also performed before the Nobel Prize committee, won an award for feminism from Sweden's oldest womens' rights organisation, and led a Durex campaign in association with the HIV charity Red. With tracks like

Black Eyed Peas

& Hove Pride

“Never Forget You” with MNEK, “Lush Life” and Symphony with Clean Bandit, Zara Larsson has been a force in pop, delivering a flurry of slick pop bangers.Also taking the Main Stage on Saturday, Confidence Man are unarguably one of the hottest acts on the planet right now. Within only three years of their conception, the Australian four-piece (led by Janet Planet and Sugar Bones) have already played at some of the biggest festivals in the world including Primavera Sound, Governors Ball and Glastonbury. Parading within a brand of dance pop that sounds like Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder gleefully discovering house music via Dee-lite, there’s no question that Confidence Man will make you turn it up and turn it out!

Sunday 6th August will also welcome the incredible multi BRIT award winner Melanie C to the main stage. From her rise to fame as one fifth of the most successful girl band of all time –The Spice Girls -to her successful solo career, Melanie C’s impact on music and pop culture has been nothing short of incredible. With 11 UK number ones under her belt and being the only female artist to top the UK charts as a quintet, quartet, duo and solo artist in British music history,

The Grammy Award-winning

are set to lead a stellar line-up at this year's Brighton

Melanie’s talent has gained the recognition and devotion of critics and fans all over the world throughout the last 25 yearsIn addition to the headliners will be a diverse mix of performers, from up-andcoming artists to established stars, including Jax Jones, Louise, Dylan, B*Witched, Mae Muller, The Vivienne, Bellah Mae, Harley Moon Kemp and many, many more making FABULOSO a celebration of music, culture, and community.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.brighton-pride.org

IRONWORKS STUDIOS

Boasting an enviable choice of flexible-use spaces, this jewel in the city caters for every possible need from community meeting spaces and break-out rooms to multiple space photographic and film studios for large commercial video or TV shoots.

Ironworks Studios is an unrivalled multi-purpose studio and event space in the heart of Brighton, just 5 minutes’ walk from Brighton’s main train station. Whether you’re looking for conference facilities or a well-positioned flexible production location, this fantastic venue covers it all.

Not only is Ironworks a studio and corporate event venue for private hire, but it is also the home to Brighton’s award winning Forge Comedy Club and the HQ of Brighton & Hove Pride, the UK’s biggest Pride festival, a not-for-profit organisation.

Boasting an enviable choice of flexible-use spaces, this jewel in the city caters for every possible need from community meeting spaces and break-out rooms to multiple space photographic and film studios for large commercial video or TV shoots. No detail has been overlooked, with all fully accessible ground floor studios and meeting rooms offering free high-speed Wi-Fi, conference phone systems and Zoom facilities. Ironworks can manage remote video callers and provide high quality live streaming direct from their studios to multiple platforms like YouTube, Facebook and Zoom.

As well as a full digital hub for video and photography productions with green screen, all studios can be configured for conferences, corporate events, workshops and corporate meetings of up to 220 people. There are also spaces available for showcases, filming, press launches or lectures.Ironworks is also equipped with a dedicated infinity studio with chroma green screen drapes suitable for your shoot, virtual sets and 4K real-time keying with full flexibility –draping for black or chroma key green, with flooring to match.

With fully equipped technical facilities, Ironworks Studios provide the option for multiple performance and mix positions. This unique venue can provide multiple cameras, live vision mixing, graphics and video playback, along with a roster of local professionals to match any need, including photographers, video artists, lighting designers, sound recordists, producers, set-design and construction experts, hair stylists and beauticians.

If this sounds exactly what you’re looking for, check out some specifics that demonstrate how the remarkable Ironworks Studios could supply your private hire solutions:

Studio A is a 200 sqm studio with facilities to host live audiences of up to 180 people, with a retractable raked seating system and seats at floor level. Suitable for virtual conferences or awards ceremonies, seminars and lectures, as well as live multi-camera broadcast via YouTube, Zoom, social media, or any number of real and virtual audience-based scenarios.

Studio B is known as the ‘white box’; a 60 sqm with floor-to-ceiling windows at one end suitable for conferences, corporate events, workshops and business meetings of up to 40 people, plus additional breakout rooms fully equipped for conference telephone calls, Skype and Zoom meetings. Its size can be more than doubled by opening the fully retractable walls to the café/bar area. It includes a full 180° green screen with floor, blackout curtains and wall to wall windows.

Studio B is known as the ‘white box’; a 60 sqm with floor-to-ceiling windows at one end

The space connects to smaller rooms that can be used as production or dressing rooms. It also includes various lighting rigging options including three pantographs, eight powered lighting bars which can be patched from dimming to hard power from the power patch bay, DMX points on every bar and at floor level for the ease of adding floor lighting packages and throughout the production space to give total flexibility. There are two lighting control positions, one inside the control booth and one located in the room for live lead productions. Video points are also located across the studio space and all run back to the control room along with sound and lighting. This can all be reinforced with extra equipment provided in-house.

Immediately adjacent to Studio B, the 80 sqm café/bar is a large usable space in its own right, with tea and coffee facilities and a small kitchen with microwave. It also serves to double the size of Studio B via a fully retractable wall. Alternatively, there are also many independent food outlets close by and onsite catering can be arranged if required.

The ironworks is also the home of some of Brighton’s very best entertainment, boasting comedy nights and much more. If you’re looking for a great night out, look no further than Ironworks Studios for this too! As the home of Brighton & Hove Pride, many of Ironworks’ live events celebrate the diversity and culture of the LGBTQ+ community including ‘Pride at the Ironworks’ –cabaret, comedy and live music celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and diversity. The venue is also the home of stand-up comedy in Brighton and the location of the award winningForge Comedy Club–‘best pro comedy night (south) 2023’.Stephen Grant’s Forge Comedy Club hosts a roster of top-class comedians that have included Romesh Ranganathan, Russell Kane, Sara Pascoe, Stephen K Amos, Rob Deering, Jen Brister, Zoe Lyons andJen Ivesto name but a few. In fact Romesh has been quoted as saying The Forge is “Probably the best Comedy Club in Brighton, if not the UK”Cabaret Boheme’s regular nights present the very best in burlesque from mistress of ceremonies Veronica Blacklace and burlesque Diva extraordinaire, Allegra Ros, plus there are weekly shows featuring drag, music and cabaret.

To make a booking and find further info visit www.ironworks-studios.co.uk

London with the family

THE ROYAL LANCASTER HOTEL

When one thinks of the traditional UK-based family break, scenes of furry company mascots, all singing, all dancing entertainment teams, manic kids clubs and over-crowded swimming pools come to mind; a daunting and rather scary prospect for any parents who haven’t quite let go of their adult-centric past lives.

In this series of adventures, I go on a journey in and around our beautiful county of Sussex to discover, together with my husband and three children, all the baby and adult-friendly bolt holes couples can escape to for calm but adventure-filled precious family times away.

In this adventure, we were invited by The Royal Lancaster Hotel to venture to the capital to stay for a micro-break at their proud mid-century architectural icon overlooking Hyde Park, with breathtaking views of the famous London skyline.

Ready to take our mini explorers on their very first trip to London, we set off on the train and after just over an hour from leaving Brighton we pull up at London Victoria. With a little one in a buggy and two enjoying snacks, that’s not a long slog if you time your train journey with nap time. I have to admit, I was a little worried about getting in and around London with a buggy, as although millions do every day, I’m an out of practice ex-Londoner and so I was determined to avoid the tube. Luckily perched just a very scenic 40 minute walk away from Victoria through the park, the Royal Lancaster Hotel stands proudly and invitingly, providing the backdrop for a truly remarkable visit.

The Royal Lancaster London is Hyde Park’s commanding mid-century architectural icon born and built in the swinging 60s. The hotel’s happy history has seen them hip, handsome and rolling with the times in the unrivalled London location. Today, here in

the 21st century, the team are masters of their craft, with knowledge and expertise gained over half a century as one of London’s leading hotels. As an independent hotel, it gives the team the opportunity to express both the hotel’s and the staff’s unique and genuine personality, and this is clearly experienced with the warm greeting you receive upon arrival, all the little extras the team provide their guests and the uniqueness of the internal decor and facilities. The team take pride in having a conscientious, highly professional and happy team dedicated to delivering outstanding service and ensuring that every guest experience is delightfully memorable. Whether it’s the bees in the hives on the hotel’s roof, the busy staff in the corridors and kitchens, or every guest that is welcomed, the Moto is ‘we always care’.

As we entered the hotel, we couldn’t help but be impressed by the double-height ceiling in the lobby area, boasting magnifi-

cent and expansive white marble flooring and warming wooden accents throughout. Despite being a vast setting, thanks to the charm and warmth of the staff, there is a feeling of being home from home, albeit a very grand home.

The hotels boasts 411 rooms and suites, all combining timeless classic style with sumptuous comfort and spectacular views of Hyde Park and the famous London skyline. Each room has been impeccably designed with every luxury and amenity in mind, to ensure that every stay, whether business or pleasure, is truly memorable.

We were lucky enough to have been allocated a Park Suite, with interconnecting double room for the kids. From the moment you walk through the door, the views of Hyde Park and the Italian Gardens from the Park Suites take your breath away. These south-facing Suites flood with natural daylight and boast

The Royal Lancaster London is Hyde Park’s commanding mid-centuryarchitectural icon born and built in the swinging 60s.

far-reaching views across the city, from sunrise to sunset. Our suite featured a spacious living area with sumptuous velvet sofas and striking glass dining table, ideal for family snacking or simply enjoying in room dining in comfort. A lavish Carrara marble bathroom with twin sinks invites you to unwind with an oversized rainfall shower and luxurious bathtub, complete with under floor heating and Hyde Park views. Our bedroom was simply stunning with a luxuriously comfortable King size bed, with crisp white linens and plump, feathery pillows, all ready for a blissful night’s sleep. Offering contemporary luxury and thoughtful touches such as a Nespresso machine and The White Company toiletries, these stunning Suites have been impeccably designed with every luxury in mind, for a truly memorable stay.

As if the rooms weren’t luxurious enough, additional hotel perks include spa treatments in the comfort of your own room, as well as a gym (we didn’t make it there but it certainly appeared well-equipped and ideal for those with time to concentrate on themselves!).

What made our visit truly memorable was the incredible effort that the team had gone to both surprise and entertain our children, whilst making our lives as parents easy.

Our little ones arrived to a beautiful nature-inspired teepee play area set up in the living area, with soft toys, cushion logs, fake foliage and flowers, fairy lights and a table full of yummy treats. I have to say in all my time of being a travel writer, I have never been more impressed at the thought that had gone into it. Not only did they have their own play area, but the children also found a welcome package in their room including a colouring book, balloon, frisbee (for the park) their very own fluffy bathrobe and bathroom amenities and a cuddly Paddington Bear toy to take home and treasure. To keep the kids entertained, the hotel also has a complimentary kids playroom available during the school holidays, Instax Polaroid cameras to capture your family memories and rental bikes and complimentary frisbees for some outdoor fun.

The team at The Royal Lancaster appreciate that travelling with children has its own requirements and pride themselves on always caring to ensure that your stay is both effortless and stress free! They offer a variety of convenient children’s amenities at the hotel, so you don’t have to travel with those bigger items that children need! They can offer their littlest guests everything from car seats, bottle warmers, baby monitors and baby changing mats to high chairs and baby bathtubs. Our daughters were particularly excited by the Jungle kids amenities – body milk, hair & body wash and cream soap.

Exploring London from the hotel base is easy, with the Royal Lancaster being perfectly located next to Hyde Park, within easy reach of some of London’s key child-friendly attractions including the Diana Memorial Playground, Science Museum and the magical Hamleys toy store. A short stroll West of the hotel will take you to quaint and cultured Notting Hill and Holland Park. Walk East to Marble Arch and the vibrancy of Oxford Street or amble South through the park and find yourself in Kensington or Knights-

bridge. Of course the rest of London is within easy reach, with Lancaster Gate tube station next door and Heathrow Airport a mere 20 minutes from nearby Paddington Station.

After a beautiful night’s sleep at the hotel, it was time for breakfast in the Park Restaurant, with stunning floor to ceiling views of Hyde Park and the Italian Gardens. The hotel prides itself on serving one of London’s most extensive breakfasts, with both buffet and à la carte options available to start your day perfectly. They have certainly ticked that box. We were greeted at the Park Restaurant like old friends and our little socialites were given all the smiles and attention they could wish for from the waiting staff. The impressive breakfast buffet offers both English Breakfast favourites as well as continental treats, as well as numerous teas, coffees and fruit juices. The Royal Lancaster takes breakfast to a whole new level. Their scrambled eggs are beautifully light and fluffy, the sausages are laced with herbs and full of meat and their fried tomatoes, mushrooms, beans and black pudding are cooked and seasoned to perfection. A particular highlight was the fresh honey from the hotel’s hives, served from the honeycomb.

Check out of the hotel is a very convenient midday and upon thanking the staff and temporarily storing our luggage for the day, we went on a quest for some sight-seeing and retail therapy. The hotel is perfectly located, should you wish to not travel by tube and just explore the city by foot.

The Royal Lancaster Hotel is the perfect home from home if you want to explore the capital with the family. The service and amenities are all geared up to make your stay as comfortable and as stress-free as possible and the location is central enough that not only can you avoid public transport once you have travelled up from Sussex, or you are within a short tube ride to all the major tourist attractions, shopping destinations and world-class dining. When staying away with the family, it is the little things that count and it is those little details that The Royal Lancaster Hotel consistently get just right; the warm greeting, the spacious rooms, the treats as we arrived, the children’s welcome packs, the high chairs and finally the mini dressing gowns and slippers. All these details contribute to making magical memories on a micro-break.

For more information or reservations, please visit the website at www.royallancaster.com

Ladyboys Bangkok Party Queens Tour 2023

The Ladyboys of Bangkok return to Brighton this year with their most spectacular production to date , the Party Queens Tour

Celebrating over 24 years touring in the UK after first appearing at the Edinburgh Festival in 1989, The Ladyboys are delighted to be returning to their ‘ home’, at Victoria Gardens Brighton, from Friday 28th April to Sunday 11th June 2023.

Direct from Thailand, 16 of the world’s most beautiful showgirls are ready to entertain with their brand new production for 2023 – Party Queens. As we all know at the very best parties there will always be an element of surprise – something the Ladyboys excel in.

As fabulous and as eye-catching as the cast within, the purpose built pink Sabai Pavilion, located at Victoria Gardens, Grand Parade, Brighton is a theatre tent and foyer seating over 400 guests at tables of up to 8 people. The venue boasts two fully stocked bars, plus authentic Thai street food served from the foyer.

To celebrate their home coming to Victoria Gardens, The Sabai Chill Out Garden will be the latest addition to the venue. A little sanctuary to relax and enjoy a drink and a variety of street food from well known vendors. The perfect place to get the party started pre show, kick your shoes off after the party, or simply relax and enjoy. The Sabai Chill Out Garden is open to the public and Ladyboys of Bangkok customers alike.

Every year, the Lady Boys team choose a charity to support and this year, Maggies the UK cancer charity will be the recipient of their fundraising.

The Lady Boys of Bangkok is officially the largest and longest continuous touring cabaret show in the UK, touring 11 city centre sites and some 40 plus theatres for 9 months each season.

Created by producers Carol and Phillip Gandey for Gandey World Class Productions, each season rehearsals start at the end of January in Thailand when the cast are brought together with costumiers, lighting designers and the creative team to produce an iconic production that gets bigger and better each year.

Such is the popularity of the production team and show, that when a cast member retires or takes a year out, it takes several weeks to narrow down the vast numbers of performers applying to fill those spangled heels, until the team finally select a new performer. Only the best will do and the cast work incredibly hard to present and create the high standard that The Lady Boys Of Bangkok are renowned for.

The creative team then spend several weeks with a costume department and set designers to put the show together in the UK, whilst rehearsals continue in Thailand before the cast are flown in to set the show in the UK each spring. Often, the city centre tour venues and theatres are booked a couple of years ahead to ensure the show has the best venues and is hosted every single night between April and November. With a team of 26 people on the theatre tour alone, they ensure the every night is as polished and spectacular as the first.

The show has a minimum age limit of 18 and the venue operates a Challenge 25 policy so ID will be asked for. There are a range of hen party and celebration packages available.

Are you ready to party like no other party, with girls like no other girls…. Join the Ladyboys of Bangkok at the BIGGEST PARTY IN TOWN

For more information visit ladyboysofbangkok.co.uk

16 of the world’s most beautiful showgirls are ready to entertain with their brand new production for 2023

Real patisserie

Spread across four shops in Brighton, Hove and Shoreham-by-Sea, Real Pâtisserie makes authentic French patisserie and vienoisserie alongside a selection of artisan breads. Baked fresh on site on the day.

IT IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH LA PATISSERIE IN SHOREHAM BY SEA (THEY BUY RP BREAD BUT HAVE A DIFFERENT ONWER). REAL PATISSERIE CURRENTLY HAVE 3 SHOPS AND WILL SOON OPENA FOURTH IN WORTHING.

Despite possessing a real fondness for croissants cakes and pastries, I have never really been one to frequent patisseries or bakeries. I guess it is because I know full well that I have a complete lack of willpower. I figured that if I were to allow myself to be sucked in by the irresistible smell of freshly baked bread, I would end up buying up all the delicious treats on display, which would be no good at all for my wallet or my waistline. That was until my wife and I took a recent trip to Paris, where anyone who has been will know that there is a

lovely patisserie on almost every corner. We simply could not resist the temptation almost every time we passed one, and now I am back in the UK, find myself missing the wonderful relaxing hours spent sipping artisan coffee and eating countless delicious pastry-based goods. Not only that, professional curiosity has come into play, and I find myself wanting to find out what Sussex has to offer in terms of an authentic Parisian patisserie experience.

So we find ourselves enjoying a lovely freshly ground coffee and almond croissant in Brighton and Hove’s best known and most highly revered bakery, Real Patisserie on Church Road in Hove, with none other than it’s founder Alastair Gourlay,who launched the first Real Patisserie way back in 1997, and has since opened several shops in the area with more in the pipeline. With him is his business partner Darren Gearing, and we have a wonderful time hearing all about how it all began, what sets Real Patisserie apart from the rest, Alastair’s un-

wavering passion for baking delicious breads and pastries, and his exciting plans for the future. All while soaking up the atmosphere and of course, indulging in some delicious freshly baked treats. Here is how our conversation went:

T: Real Patisserie has been around for quite a few years now. It must have been quite a Journey from when it all began to where you are now?

A: It all came about when I went over to Paris to study with the Erasmus program. I was studying Agriculture at the time. Whilst there I found I could not walk past Patisserie’s without being sucked in by the incredible smells I simply had to go in and buy something delicious (I can relate to this). It was then that realised that I wanted to learn how to make these products myself. I opened my first shop on Western Road NOT WESTERN ROAD, IT WAS TRAFALGAR STREET in 1997 and it was a huge success. We have since opened Trafalger Street WESTERN ROAD and the Church Road shop we are sitting in, which was originally called “Lost in Paris,” set up by an employee and eventually re-branded and brought into the Real Patisserie family. We also have a wholesale side of the business operating out of Shoreham NOT SHOREHAM, IT’S SOUTHWICK and I am pleased so say we have been thriving.

T: I can see that! The shop has certainly been very busy this morning! You seem to have plenty of walk-in custom.

A: Yes this shop especially seems to be popular with locals, we have lots of regular customers here. Every ship has a different feel which depends on the local cleintelle. The Trafalger TRAFALGAR Street and Western Road stores are also popular but seem to cater more towards workers from local offices, as well as our loyal regulars and visiting public.

T: So what is the secret of your success? What sets Real Patisserie apart from the rest?

A: Our shops are modelled on French Patisseries, there is only one other bakery in Brighton and Hove that does this, however the difference with Real Patisserie is that everything we sell is produced NOT PRODUCED BUT BAKED on site, meaning we can charge less and we can be honest in terms of value and freshness. You can smell the bread baking as you walk past just like in Paris. Everything is made from scratch with high quality locally sourced ingredients. We re-stock our shelves constantly throughout the day with warm, fresh, high quality delicious products so you can be confident that what you buy has been freshly made that day. Even the furniture was made from scratch by my brother who is a carpenter. We like to keep things in the family.

You can smell the bread baking as you walk past just like in Paris. Everything is made from scratch with high quality locally ingredients.sourced

T: That sounds like hard work! Your staff make it look so effortless!

A: We accept no compromise. It is hard work, but totally worth it. The utmost care and attention goes into everything we do. The dough fermentation takes an entire day. There are no cutting corners. Everything is baked on site and we have a great team, some of whom have been with us since the beginning. Peter is in the bakery downstairs now preparing some quiche fillings (which we can smell and it is giving me pangs of hunger despite having just wolfed down a croissant). Peter has been with us for seventeen years! There is a real family feel to the business. We keep the product well-managed and efficient to protect the customer as best we can from price rises due to the food cost inflation we are seeing at the moment.

As we sit and chat we are approaching lunchtime and the shop is getting busier. It runs like a well-oiled machine and the staff seem to be having a lovely time themselves chatting to the customers before the go on their way with their tasty treats. We take a little trip downstairs to meet Peter and see the bakery in action. Our nostrils are filled with incredible scents of baking breads, quiches and pies! It is a real treat seeing the pastry chefs in action as they prepare fillings and roll pastries.

We head back upstairs just in time for a piping hot potato pie and vegetarian quiche make their way onto the shelf which Alastair also clocks and offers us a slice of each to try. Both were just heavenly. The quiche comprises a variety of roasted veg enveloped in a soft, rich, creamy egg and cheese filling and encased in a delicate, crumbly paprika flavoured pastry crust,topped with Camembert which adds a whole extra dimension, setting it off with a lovely intense tang. The potato pie is the perfect winter comfort food, beautifully seasoned potatoes in a creamy sauce and crisp shortcrust pastry. We immediately order a couple more slices of each to take home with us for later. Feeling content with full bellies we continue our conversation.

T: Thank you so much for the pies, they were absolutely delicious! What are your favourite things to eat when you come in to your stores?

A: I love it all, but if I had to choose it would have to be the super crusty filled baguettes. I also cannot get enough of the honey and spelt loaf, All of the moulded loaves are baked in a stone decked oven giving a wonderful crust and gorgeous caramelised aroma, however for me this one stands out as my favourite.

T: Judging by how busy this shop is, I cannot imagine there being much left at the end of the day, but as your whole ethos is about fresh food what happens if there is any?

A:Nothing goes to waste in our stores, we work closely with local charities and homeless shelters, and we are on “Too good to go” an app which you can download to your phone which will show if there is any food that needs rescuing at the end of each day.

T: I am sure I have seen Real Patisserie products in other businesses around Sussex. Is this the case?

A: You probably have done yes! Our wholesale business delivers to much of Sussex, as far as Arundel, Midhurst, Haywards Heath. We cover a big area supplying to cafe’s, pubs, and independent retail outlets.

T: What is next for Real Patisserie.. What does the future hold for you?

A: We are excited for the immediate future as our Worthing store opening in April on Broadwater Street West. Personally I am keen to be in the Bakery as much as possible, focussing on product development. I have lots of new ideas I want to work on and I am still passionate about baking after all these years. We also want to keep moulding our culture to ensure our differentiation is maintained so we can continue running a highly successful business.

Before we leave I could not resist picking up a loaf of Real Patisserie’s best selling “Chewy Brown” to take home and I am well and truly converted. Made from a combination of rye and malted wheat sourdough it has a beautiful flavour and as the name suggests, a chewy texture, it tastes even better toasted. I simply cannot bring myelf to buy any other bread now as nothing I have tasted comes close.

Bolney Wine Estate

CHEESE AND WINE TASTING TOUR

It was an absolute pleasure talking to Alastair and Darren at Real Patisserie, seeing how it all works and sampling some of their delicious products, and I have truly found an authentic Parisian experience that I will be returning to time and time again that is right on my doorstep!

Tony Shattell

Hove Patisserie

Trafalger Street Brighton Western Road Brighton Church Road Hove www.realpatisserie.co.uk

“This was an amazing experience. We learnt so much about how wine and food interact.

Life is Better Wetter with

We interview the team behind the brand…

1) Explain to myself, the start up of the business and brand ? How did it begin?

Ever since I can remember, I have loved to swim outside. The feeling of being completely immersed in water is something I enjoyed from an early age. When I moved to Brighton, my love of swimming only increased further with the sea at my doorstep! But swimming in Brighton brings its own challenges – namely, the pebbles! I was never satisfied with the water shoes available in the market, so I came up with my own solution. I wanted to create a product that was not only functional, but also visually appealing. This was the start of my journey in launching the Brighton Water Shoes brand.

2) What does the logo represent?

The Brighton Water Shoes logo is a representation of my love and pride for living in the wonderful city of Brighton and Hove. The logo features a retro B that resembles the Brighton Place Pier. The logo also resembles a sunset over the South Downs with waves below it. The design reflects the essence of Brighton and its stunning beaches.

3) Can you explain how the business has developed and what has been key to your success?

Brighton Water Shoes has come a long way since its inception. It was born out of my personal love for outdoor swimming and my search for a functional and beautiful water shoe. I leveraged my background in digital marketing to launch the business, including building my own website and handling the marketing efforts myself. This allowed me to bring my vision to life with my personal passion helping me reach my target audience. I have also dedicated a lot of time and energy into refining the product and the positive feedback from customers has been a major driving force behind the success of Brighton Water Shoes.

4) How did you pick the colours for your Brighton Water Shoes?

The colour selection for Brighton Water Shoes was influenced by the lively and vivid atmosphere of Brighton Beach. Sunburst yellow was chosen to evoke memories of summertime and the warm, sunny days spent on the beach. The bright and eye-catching lifebuoy orange is a colour synonymous with being on beaches and looks fantastic against the black logo. All future colours will all be inspired by the beautiful Brighton Beach!

5) What sets Brighton Water Shoes apart from other water shoes you can buy?

Brighton Water Shoes

Brighton Water Shoes is different from other water shoes in the industry because it is designed specifically for the challenges of swimming on rocky beaches, with the right amount of rubber on the base for protection without being too heavy to swim in. They are super lightweight meaning you barely notice you have them on when swimming and the materials is fast drying. Additionally, the shoes come with a handy breathable, mesh storage bag, so you always know where your shoes are, and they can dry on the move.

6) How has the advent of social media impacted on you; I can see from your online presence you seem to embrace this?

Social media has been a game changer for Brighton Water Shoes. With thriving communities of sea swimmers up and down the country, and local groups in Brighton, I have been able to utilise this platform to share my story and passion for outdoor swimming in a more personal and relatable way. Plus, social media has made it easy for me to communicate directly with customers, answering any questions and getting their feedback. And the cherry on top – seeing customers share pics of themselves in the shoes – has helped spread the word and grow my business even more. I’m

truly grateful for the impact social media has had on my business.

7) What can we expect in the future for Brighton Water Shoes?

Brighton Water Shoes has some exciting things in store! In Spring, I am bringing out my kids range – they are so diddy! A new colour will come out then too: Horizon Blue, which again is inspired by Brighton Beach – it is the colour blue you see in the very distance where the sky and sea meet. In the summer, expect a new Palace Pier Pink – it’s going to look fabulous!

8) How has being based in Brighton helped your business? Do you feel the regions high creativity levels have contributed to your

further success?

Having my business based in Brighton has been such a huge asset! Being surrounded by so much creativity and entrepreneurial spirit has been a huge source of inspiration for me. I mean, you just have to look at Brighton Beach and all its gorgeous colours and the breath-taking sunsets over the sea! All of this has helped me stay motivated and keep up my drive. It’s amazing to be a part of such a thriving community.

Get yours

IBIZA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AIDA

IBIZA PHOTO STORY

Ibiza is widely recognised as the party capital of the world, notorious for its round the clock clubbing and beach parties. From the moment you arrive at the airport, and all along the road into the city, you can see billboards for superstar DJs and nightclubs. However, as clubbers on half of the island rave in smoke and lasers and buy their way into VIP booths, there is a new set of island goers emerging. Loosely labeled as the islands “other side” Ibiza has become a hub for wellness and wellbeing, with restaurants, spas, fitness bootcamps and retreats.

http://ibiza.travel/en/

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Best wintry walks in the South Downs National Park

LAS MIMOSAS

Las Mimosas Hotel Boutique & Spa 4* is an oasis of Mediterranean charm and tranquility located in the bay of San Antonio. A dreamy place to enjoy a holiday, alone, as a couple or with the family, the hotel has 11 Junior Suites and 6 suites, with Mediterranean decor. At Las Mimosas you can enjoy Italian cuisine restaurant with wood-fired oven, a fabulous swimming pool around which is ideal for sunbathing, enjoying cocktails, snacks or eating à la carte during the day. As darkness falls, fall in love over a candlelit dinner or dance the night away to the live music.

Each spacious air-conditioned room boasts a full bathroom with shower (some rooms may have a bathtub) and hairdryer, The Grown Alchemist amenities, minibar with a wide selection of premium drinks and snacks, Nespresso kettle and coffee machine. All those must-have items are catered for including a safe, Marshall speakerphone, flat screen TV with ChromeCast system, free high-speed Wi-Fi and a balcony with gorgeous views.

The main restaurant at this utopian resort is Mimos, where you can delight in the best of Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. You can enjoy wood-fired pizzas and an exquisite menu both in the restaurant area and by the hotel pool. Open from 8.00 to 23:00, Mimo's Restaurant offers breakfasts, lunches and dinners, with Neapolitan pizzas, meat and fish dishes all freshly prepared. Guests are invited to spend the day by the pool, taste the signature cocktails, including Lavender Mojitos and Strawberry Coladas and sangrias, and enjoy the cuisine - you needn’t even move from your hammock!

The à la carte breakfast is for early risers and unhurried sleepers and always available from 8:00 to 12:00 pm. With flavours to suit all awakenings, fruit platters, continental breakfast, toast, eggs benedict with salmon, creamed spinach and parmesan; or scrambled eggs with avocado, bacon and tomato; croissants and natural juices, this is the perfect way to start the day.

In the evening, the soft light of the garden provides the ambience of the pool, so that you can enjoy your dinner. The acoustic music nights and evening barbecues are particular hit with guests; grilled octopus or salmon; grilled vegetables, lamb chops, 1.3 kg T-bone steak to share, free-range chicken…this is a meat lovers paradise.

As darkness falls, fall in love over a candlelit dinner or dance the night away to the live music.

LAS MIMOSAS

Relaxation and self-care are important at Las Mimosas, with guests offered a private spa and a gym with solarium, making their experience at a perfect combination of pleasure and wellbeing.

If you feel the need to exercise or want to do some yoga, the small but well equipped gym will adapt to your needs so that you don't lose your fitness. Treatments range from facials to dyeing, make-up sessions, manicure, pedicure - everything you need to pamper your body as it deserves during your holidays, without leaving the facilities.

For those looking to enjoy the sea, just a 10-minute walk away, you can be at the beaches of Es Pouet or Pinet Playa, and 15 minutes by car at the beaches of Cala Gracioneta, Cala Bassa or Cala Conta. The best sunsets and a livelier atmosphere can be found at Hostal La Torre and Café Mambo, just a few minutes away by car.

For more information or to book https://www.lasmimosasibiza.com/en/

The best sunsets and a livelier atmosphere can be found at Hostal La Torre and Café Mambo, just a few minutes away by car.

LAS MIMOSAS

LAS MIMOSAS

VILLA MERCEDES

There are places that make you fall in love at first sight, tastes that you remember forever, gardens that hide kisses and doors that welcome you with love. Villa Mercedes, a lovely garden villa built in 1901 in the maritime passage of Sant Antonio, is a setting and experience that is truly special. Come in. Let your tongue be surprised. Toast. Discuss. Enjoy the Mediterranean taste. Gaze upon the views of the port. Listen to the sound of the small river. Fall in love…You are at home. You are in Villa Mercedes.

Villa Mercedes is one of the most beautiful, romantic and iconic restaurants on the island of Ibiza. Located in the marina of San Antonio, the place enjoys an exceptional location and privileged views of the sea. Villa Mercedes was built in 1901 and to this day it retains its essence: that of the Mediterranean. The space is spacious and at the same time cozy, as it has different areas where celebrate special occasions, events and weddings; or a romantic dinner for two by candlelight. With a gastronomic proposal inspired by the Mediterranean, the menu offers a wide range of grilled meats and fish, signature tapas and original cocktails that will put the finishing touch to an unforgettable evening.

The garden can accommodate intimate tables and reunion tables. Cacti, yuca, palm trees and ferns surround the diners, whilst live music often adda that extra magic to the evening.

Flavour and precision are the very heart of the menu. Villa Mercedes are passionate about food and this can be felt with every mouthful of the Mediterranean-Fusion menu. Specialities from the grill include ‘Grilled squid with parsley and garlic sauce,’ their infamous ‘Chilean Wagyu burger’ and ‘Smoked seafood rice’ from the bbq. Exquisite cocktails are served al fresco and the service is impeccable. Every season, the team at Villa Mercedes introduce new dishes and cocktails to surprise their regular guests. The menu is yet to be announced for 2023, but last year, dishes such as 'Angus Picanha (smoked cured ham) served with broccolini and sweet potato mash,’ ‘Mussels in tomato and kimchee sauce’ and the ‘Quinoa salad’ proved very popular with the guests.

The garden is one of the best places in San Antonio to have a drink before or after dinner. And not only for its atmosphere and music. It’s also for the fabulous cocktails we mix

Villa Mercedes is one of the most beautiful, romantic and iconic restaurants on the island of Ibiza.

VILLA MERCEDES

every evening for refreshing summer nights. Out of the dozen original mixes offered last season, the most popular ones raised to celebrate the summer joys were the Summer Punch, mixed with vodka Grey Goose, peach, passion fruit, lemon juice and sugar; and Javier’s Margarita cocktail, the favourite of Café Mambo´s founder, Javier Anadón, made with Patrón barrel-aged tequila (reposado), orange syrup, lime juice, rosemary and a salt rim.

Throughout the summer, Villa Mercedes host ‘Under the Stars’ evenings: dinner with live music or DJ sessions every Sunday evening accompanied by the cocktails proposed by Tequila Patrón. Last year the team were honoured to welcome to the stage Camilo Miranda, Flawless, Tupac Peralta & Friends and Jodie Kean, and 2023 is set to be even bigger. During the rest of the week, the cocktail bar is one of the best places in San Antonio to have a drink peacefully at the beat of excellent Balearic Sound sessions.

7 Pines

An all-suite clifftop resort set in whitewashed Ibicenco-style homes that respect the island’s authentic design with contemporary touches, 7Pines fills an extraordinary area of 56,000 square meters and offers tailor-made luxury, privacy and beautiful surroundings for guests in its 185 spacious suites. The resort’s unique position between the spectacular Cala Conta and secluded Cala Codolar beaches (both within walking distance), means that 7Pines Resort Ibiza enjoys a stunning backdrop of the island of Es Vedrà and the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Completing the offering, 7Pines is a convenient 25 minute’s drive from the airport and encompasses exceptional food and beverages, a comprehensive spa and wellness offering and unparalleled discreet, personalised service. The resort’s two Pershing yachts are also on hand for guest transfers and charter.

The 185 expansive suites at 7Pines are set in sprawling gardens in a village-style resort. The open plan one- and two- bedroom accommodations enjoy an abundance of natural light, are furnished in a refreshing contemporary yet comfortable design and neutral tones with turquoise accents that ooze serenity and style. The resort is separated into three distinct areas: The Laguna, Ibicenco Village and the Cliff.

Located in a quiet part of the resort is The Laguna, a collection of 42 suites each with terraces or balconies, and a central lagoon-style swimming pool with its own chiringuito-style bar. The outward-facing suites have their own swim-up pool and this area makes for an ideal location for exclusive large groups and event bookings.

Spread around the resort’s fragrant gardens, the Ibicenco Village features 140 one and two-bedroom suites distributed in 37 traditional whitewashed houses. Each house consists of 3 or 4 suites varying in size and attributes and every suite offers a furnished terrace or balcony with breathtaking views to either the resort, the gardens or the utopian sea. The largest suites also feature their own pool, ideal for enjoying the Ibizan sun with a little privacy.

In prime position for the sunset are four two-bedroom Cliff Suites with private gardens and panoramic views of the sea, and this season, 7Pines Resort Ibiza will launch two brand-new Grand Villas, Villa Alba and Villa Aurora, both featuring 221 sqm of beautifully designed living space, four spacious bedrooms each with a private terrace, a 20 sqm glass swimming pool and lavish garden terrace with jacuzzi.

Set on the edge of a pine forest bordering the sea on the west coast of the island, The Kempin- ski 7Pines Resort Ibiza offers the height of laid-back luxury and Ibizan flair.

Secluded among a pine grove on the cliffs of the west coast of Ibiza, these contemporary bohemian-style properties have been designed by 7Pines Resort Ibiza’s own architects and designers, together with a local sustainable landscape designer, Terravita. Each property will allow guests to fully admire the beauty of the surrounding area with its floor to ceiling windows and abundance of private terrace areas. The villas exude Mediterranean flair, both boasting stylish minimalistic design, exclusive natural furnishings (including linen, ratan, oak, birch and quarzite stone), and sustainable energy concepts.

The sun terrace and outdoor dining area is one of the highlights of each villa, furnished with laid-back loungers, parasols and exotic Mediterranean planting. The glass-panelled pool allows guests to look out onto unobstructed sea views overlooking the rocky mythical island of Es Vedra, whilst the spacious garden terrace on the lower lever can be enjoyed for evenings of al fresco dining.

No matter which location and accommodation you choose, each suite also comes perfectly equipped with its own House Bar with a selection of beautiful wines, premium spirits, mixers, ice and equipment (including a cocktail-making tool, recipe book, full selection of glass and ceramic-ware) as well as Illy coffee machines for guests to make their own refreshments just as they like, accompanied by a wide selection of snacks.

When it comes to cuisine, 7Pines stop at nothing short of exceptional. With a focus on using the very best hand-picked ingredients, the team pride themselves on using innovative cooking techniques to create light and refined dishes to match the laid-back style of the resort, the island and its sunshine-filled days.

Both exquisite tasting menus and breathtaking vistas are offered at The View restaurant, which has newly been included in The Michelin Guide and is open to both hotel guests and visitors. Its clifftop position and panoramic views over the sparkling sea beyond ensure a relaxed hazy start each morning, setting you in the perfect frame of mind for the rest of your day.

With a suggestive Nordic touch and classical inspirations, chef Andrés Fernández reveals his dreamlike world via new seasonal menus for 2023, thanks to his brilliant creative ability.

This season, The View will offer two new unique tasting menus for visitors to choose from, including one vegetarian menu. Tasting menu highlights will include a Red Mullet with carrot and escabeche sauce; tuna otoro with caviar and avocado; mushroom ravioli with spinach and black summer truffle; and stacciatella di bufala with aubergine and pomegranate. An extensive selection of fine Spanish and international wines from the resort’s lovingly curated wine cellar complement the menus, with wine-pairings available.

This year, The View will be offering new gastronomic experiences, including visiting Michelin-starred Chef events. A carefully curated selection of chefs will be visiting The View to cook alongside Executive Chef Andrés Fernández and craft a spectacular one-nightonly dinner menu for a memorable gastronomic experience. The first Four Hands Dinner will take place on the 28th May with Chef David Rearte from the island’s popular tapas restaurant, Re.Art, creating a gastronomic multi-course small plate menu. Two Michelin-starred Chef Syrco Bakker will be visiting from his restaurant, Pure C, in The Netherlands to create a special Zeeland-Mediterranean fusion inspired tasting menu on the 11th June. Finally, after a successful visit in 2022, Spanish Michelin-starred Chef Cristobal Muňoz will be returning to 7Pines Resort Ibiza on the 30th July, for a one-night onlyfrom Spain’s Ambivium restaurant in Valladolid.

Ideal for relaxed drinks and comforting Mediterranean sharing plates, the laid-back Cone Club restaurant is open for dinner until the late evening hours. Big community tables create a warm, bohemian inspired atmosphere that invites guests to have a relaxed day among each other and enjoy the magnificent views. Serving smoothies, signature cocktails, chilled wine and cool beers, the Cone Club has a beach club feel and with light clifftop breeze and

stunning views, is the new sunset hotspot for the island that continues beyond sun-downers to a chilled-out evening vibe during the daily Sunset Rituals.

The utterly unique Pershing Yacht Terrace provides the ultimate location for another superb sunset spot. Set at the impressive backdrop of the rock island of Es Vedrà, this is a sophisticated cocktail bar and the first in the world that has been designed by the Pershing Yacht team to emulate the vessels’ clean lines. It enjoys views of the sea and glowing torches to set a chic atmosphere accompanied by a chilled-out playlist. Home to signature drinks, classic cocktails, brand new sushi nights and fine wines and liquors, it is the perfect location for pre-dinner drinks or a night cap and perhaps a cigar.

For more of a relaxed vibe, the Infinity Pool Bar is located at the very heart of the resort and serves light cuisine alongside refreshing beverages, while the Laguna Pool Bar delights with a menu of Thai favourites throughout the day.

Ensuring guests’ every whim is catered for, 7Pines have launched ‘Home Delivery’, the resort’s innovative in-room dining concept which can be ordered through the resort’s own mobile app. Serving a menu of fresh soul-satisfying delights such as creative salads and international classics, the dishes are all delivered by bike and served on natural, bio-degradable tableware.

When it comes to a bit of well deserved R&R, Pure Seven the spa at 7Pines Resort Ibiza is a haven of wellbeing that is inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle and energy of Ibiza with a mission to reconnect individuals to themselves in mind and body.

Open to hotel guests and visitors alike, the Pure Seven spa is a 1,500 sqm oasis that offers a series of relaxing, rebalancing and reinvigorating treatments. Seamlessly blending natural and organic elements – including local ingredients such as Ibiza salts, herbs and citrus - with the latest cosmetology, all therapies are tailored to the individual.

The extensive treatment menu offers an array of treatments using pioneering techniques ranging from advanced cosmetology and ancient practices from every corner of the world; from Mayan volcanic stone massage to Indian Ayurvedic medicine and from Oriental methods to massages with European influences. ESPA and Neom products are used to create the Pure Seven spa‘s signature treatments and rituals while complementary holistic therapies, such as acupuncture, ear candling, physiotherapy, osteopathy and oxygen therapy, are also available and highly popular.

Your wellbeing experience begins with the Pure Seven relaxing tour through the steam bath, sauna, cold mist shower and relaxation area with water beds and a central, double-height panorama of the captivating Mediterranean Sea and the iconic rock island of Es Vedrà. Treatments are provided in the spa’s six treatment rooms including a double suite that is complete with a private balcony and its own sauna. The first-floor gym and its terrace (perfect for sunrise stretches or TRX sessions with a view) also offer impressive sea vistas.

This season, Pure Seven is excited to welcome four specialist wellbeing experts for a series of week-long visits throughout June, July and August; Stefano Beconcini, Ramon Sanchez, Fernado Gallego Suarez, Andrew Rosenstock.

The Pure Seven spa supports both physical and mental wellbeing with the likes of personal training sessions, Pilates, yoga, guided hiking, meditation, nutritional and life coaching with wellness programmes that are adapted to each individual to achieve relaxation, assist with stress-management, increase energy and fitness or detox depending on their personal goals. This season, the resort will also be offering guests a multitude of brand-new complimentary group activities, including urban fitness, high-performance spartan training, Afro dance;m, Yoga Nidra on the cliff terrace, 7k and 14k races, energetic therapies and sunset yoga and Pilates.

Sustainability is high on the agenda at Pure Seven, with the spa striving to be plastic-free, using only paraben-free, vegan products.

For those who are looking for a slice of the action, active pursuits are a plenty at 7Pines. Heart rates are sure to get a little higher with activities such as indoor and outdoor personal training, running trails, cross-country biking, sea swimming and stand-up paddle boarding. Should you wish to take a trip out of the resort and seek adventure, Seven Pines Resort Ibiza can create an exceptional itinerary for you. From diving to beach-hopping, chartered yacht excursions to restaurant reservations and club bookings, best beach recommendations to private jet arrangements, these specially designed excursions will ensure a memorable Ibizan experience. The resort’s own fleet of Pershing Yachts include a Pershing 5X, 74 and 9X, available for guest charter.

It is without doubt that 7Pines is a fantasy location, and it is therefore of little surprise that the resort is also regarded as the ultimate fantasy wedding destination. The team delights in ensuring an unforgettable day whether couples prefer clifftop sunset nuptials or a garden ceremony, laid-back and intimate celebrations or an elegantly decorated banquet. The resort’s dedicated and experienced team will be on-hand to take the stress out of arranging the festivities, as well as coordinating necessary paperwork for the ceremony.

www.7pines-Ibiza.com

seychelles

Scattered like summer blossom across the Indian Ocean, The Seychelles is a destination well-renowned for being the ultimate in luxury, celebrity escapes, family adventures and the honeymoon location that dreams are made of. The 115 islands are hailed for their exquisite natural beauty, the peaceful harmony enjoyed by the multi-ethnic society, heavenly beaches, luscious peaked backdrops and a near perfect climate where the temperature is always somewhere between 24 and 33 degrees Celsius, earning the islands a reputation as ‘land of perpetual summer’.

https://seychelles.com/home

Le Studio Photo Gallery

Anse Lazio Road

Baie de Pasquière

Praslin Seychelles www.seyfilm.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL TURCOTTE

Fisherman's cove

resort

your key to the ultimate Seychelles adventure

By Glynn Burridge

The Seychelles archipelago’s 115 islands are situated 1600 km from the east coast of Africa. They are divided into 41 steep, granitic islands and 74 flat coralline reef islands and atolls of which only 16 currently offer accommodation for visitors. They lie spread across their secret corner of the western Indian Ocean like precious gemstones set in a universe of azure water – stepping stones to the east coast of Africa, some thousand miles away, and natural gateway to the many treasures of the continent beyond. Only 2 centuries old, Seychelles has always been a melting pot of peoples from every corner of the planet who, together, form today’s tranquil yet vibrant 90,000-strong Seychellois Creole society, the vast majority of whom are catholic.

These islands were first discovered by the brave Arab mariners of the 9th century B.C. who first began to chart the unknown waters of an ocean they called the ‘bahr al zanj’’ or ‘sea of the blacks’, leaving traces of their presence in the names they gave to certain of the islands such as Aldabra which is sometimes appropriately translated from Arabic as ‘the rock.’

After having served as a hideout for the pirates of the 17th and 18th century, one of whom, Olivier Le Vasseur, also known as La Buse, is believed to have buried a massive and as yet undiscovered treasure hoard on the main island, Mahé, the islands were finally settled by the French in 1756. They remained a French colony until they passed to the English after the defeat of Napoleon in 1814 and it was they who administrated the islands until their independence as a sovereign republic within the Commonwealth in 1976.

The islands’ legendary loveliness has long acted as a magnet to travellers in search of the Holy Grail of pristine tropical beauty and many famous travellers have beaten a path to its shores including the likes of Ian Fleming, author of James Bond, who visited the islands to receive inspiration for one of his Bond books.

The islands’ legendary loveliness has long acted as a magnet to travellers in search of the Holy Grail of pristine tropical beauty

The Seychelles Islands finally emerged from their slumber of ages in 1972 when they became connected to the rest of the world via a new international airport which saw the birth of the islands’ tourism industry.

Today, in every way, Fishermans Cove echoes - and adds value - to the rich history of the islands since their eventual settlement in 1770; to Seychelles’ multidimensional culture - and beyond - to the indomitable island-style soul that still reigns as a reflection of the unique topography, diverse flora and fauna and the wonderful air of other-worldliness that pervades everything from the mist-topped granite peaks, the emerald forests, right down to the sapphire ocean.

The pedigree of this hotel extends back to 1943, even before the opening of the International airport several decades later and ranks among the very earliest island accommodation establishments on the island to open its doors to the first wide-eyed travellers to visit these shores. Situated in the quaint seaside town of Bel Ombre on the principal island of Mahé, the birthplace of Seychellois hospitality, Fisherman's Cove nestles in its very own corner of a lush tropical paradise. Whether walking on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles, pampering yourself at the Zen Spa or savouring the extraordinary nuances of Creole cuisine, a stay at Fisherman’s Cove creates memories to last a lifetime.

Overlooking Beau Vallon, the most iconic and popular beach on Mahé the ideal location of the resort allows clients to make enriching and diverse discoveries at this western tip of Seychelles. Lush and vibrant gardens create an inspiring atmosphere for a romantic idyll or a serene getaway while our two restaurants and bars allow you to explore innovative pairings of flavours and spicy aromas. Meanwhile, beyond the simple relaxation afforded by the sand and sea, an exhilarating choice of water sport activities and the delicate attentions of our spa await your visit.

Fisherman's Cove offers an extensive choice of rooms with magnificent views of the Beau Vallon Beach complete with ivory sands and crystal clear Indian Ocean waters. Designed to embrace a typical Creole style, all rooms are open plan, light and airy with wooden accents and rattan furniture. Whether you choose a chalet-style room or one situated within the main hotel block, you will enjoy all the creature comforts of bathrooms with their modern showers. Separate deep soaking tubs, oversized rainforest showers, and ample toiletries create a haven of comfort and sweet indulgence. Air-conditioning in every room may be finely adjusted to keep you cool and comfortable and tea and coffee making facilities all add to that feeling of being pampered.

Magnificent views of the Beau Vallon Beach complete with ivory sands and crystal clear Indian Ocean waters.

Fisherman's cove

Designed to create an open natural setting, each room enjoys its own private wooden terrace offering beautiful views of the resort’s lush tropical gardens or dazzling blue Indian Ocean, which you can capture perfectly and boast about online by taking advantage of the WLAN Internet access.

Fisherman’s Cove features an asymmetrically shaped infinity pool that creates an idyllic setting for you to spend a long, languid day relaxing in the sun on one of the surrounding sun loungers. Those who prefer a more active holiday will enjoy their time in the gym and water sports enthusiast can try their hand at canoeing or pedal boating.

As you near the end of an active day, Fisherman's Cove welcomes you to its very own corner of paradise. Undeniably luxurious yet comfortably relaxed, the soothing Zen Spa is surrounded by dazzling views of the Indian Ocean and invites you to indulge in the ultimate pampering experience.

Lush and vibrant gardens create an inspiring atmosphere for a romantic idyll or a serene getaway

Fisherman's cove

The Fitness Centre is accessible 24hrs a day with your room key. A steam room and plunge pool is available to guests on a complimentary basis.

The resort boasts two restaurants and two bars, all with ocean-facing views, featuring a sensational selection of international and local dishes in an elegant, yet relaxed, atmosphere. Discover the local touch, aroma and taste of Seychellois Creole cuisine; experience a-la-carte finedining and generally unwind while sipping exotic cocktails accompanied by breathtaking views of the ocean.

Embark on a culinary journey of discovery and stimulate your taste buds at Paris Seychelles and Le Cardinal restaurant. For a relaxed gathering spot at sunset, the Cocoloba and the Sunset Bars serve signature cocktails and light snacks by the water.

Le Cardinal serves a lavish buffet of differently themed delicacies every night in its beautiful, open-air dining room. Enjoy local seafood, luscious fruits, organic produce and exquisite desserts against the dazzling backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

Located on the resort's picturesque pontoon, Paris Seychelles offers classic French gastronomy combined with Seychelles’ rich culinary offerings that draw from both Africa and Asia in a truly unique Beau Vallon Restaurant experience.

With its casual, contemporary design, the Sunset Bar sets a chic backdrop for enjoying signature cocktails made from local ingredients, while the relaxed and welcoming Le Cocoloba Bar invites you to unwind to the sounds of "Nouvelle Vague" while soaking up an exceptional view of the Indian Ocean.

Additionally, the resort offers a delicious selection of Inroom dining options at any hour of the day or night.

A mere 20 minutes away from the smallest capital city in the world, Victoria, guests are urged to make the most of the resort’s unique location and explore the local seafood and craft markets. Dive into the region’s fascinating history and experience firsthand the subtly intertwining French, Indian and Asian influences that permeate the cooking and culture. Explore the resort's winding pathways, lush landscape and private enclaves which set an undeniably romantic stage for couples who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Home to a mesmerizing underwater world of coral reefs and tropical fish, Fisherman's Cove is the perfect destination for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. Explore pristine white sands lapped by topaz waters, coral sunsets and ignite your inspiration with an underwater encounter that leaves you with incredible memories of your stay on the island.

Visit enchanting underwater sites and learn about the importance of marine conservation with marine experts from our partner, the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles, who have helped us develop the project and continue to support it. Proceeds from the donations collected go towards sustaining the marine conservation projects led by the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles. The usage of water sports equipment is complimentary during your stay however a deposit of 50 Euro is required when you wish to make use of this equipment.

In a utopian setting overlooking the coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, Fisherman’s Cove offers an authentic venue for your wedding experience that you will find resonates with a unique cultural vibe.

Get married on the beach or on the pontoon that offers a unique setting for the exchange of wedding vows with the ocean as a spectacular backdrop. The team at Fisherman’s Cove can even take care of all the legal documents that are required for the ceremony as well as arrange the logistics of your special day through tailor-made packages.

Even though the Fisherman’s Cove prides itself on being able to retain the interest of the most discerning traveller across its broad spectrum of facilities and amenities, this exceptional resort is also an ideal stepping stone to the wider arena of Seychelles adventures.

It should not be overlooked that Seychelles is home to 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the legendary Vallée de Mai in which grows the mysteriously shaped Coco-de-Mer, and Aldabra, the planet’s largest raised coral atoll. With nearly 50% of its limited landmass set aside as national parks and reserves, Seychelles remains a sanctuary for some of the rarest flora & fauna on earth.

With an economic zone of over 1,400 million km², and a climate providing almost perpetual summer, Seychelles offers a captivating choice of accommodation options throughout the islands and unparalled diving, sailing, cruising, fishing, golf, spa & wellness, golf and eco-activities.

Get married on the beach or on the pontoon that offers a unique setting for the exchange of wedding vows with the ocean as a spectacular backdrop.

Raffles SEYCHELLES

For over 120 years Raffles has gone out of its way to give you the warmest welcome, the richest experiences and the fondest of memories and today the legend continues all over the world.

The Raffles name is synonymous with luxury, glamour and extraordinary adventure. Each hotel is an oasis of calm and charm at the crossroads of a civilization. Each is a carefully chosen destination in its own right. Each is uniquely, indefinable, sublimely Raffles.

Now as the brand grows and reaches new and sometimes surprising destinations, guests can rest assured that wherever in the world the brand travel, it will remain distinctly Raffles – infused with the same spirit of adventure, luxury and sublime service. Exciting and enchanting, refreshing and invigorating, Raffles is loved by those with an adventurous spirit and a taste for the very best.

In 2011, Raffles’ first ever resort in the Indian Ocean was opened in one of the world’s most far flung destinations, the island of Praslin in the Seychelles. Beautifully designed upon a lush hill facing the Indian Ocean, Raffles Seychelles features 86 private villas, some of the most spacious in the archipelago. Each villa offers a private pool and outdoor pavilion to soak up the breath-taking views of the opal-hued ocean, white sandy beach and rolling green hills. An oasis of laidback luxury, Raffles Seychelles instills a sense of wellbeing and creates an atmosphere of blissful relaxation, ideal for the paradise seeker.

The resort sites right on the beautiful and renowned Anse Takamaka Beach, 500 meters of pristine white sand line the resort’s beachfront, with dramatic granite formation adding to the picturesque coastline. It only gets better as you can step a few meters from the beach and enjoy two, 45 meters long infinity pool, where paradise seekers can relax, sunbathe and enjoy fresh cocktails.

Another amazing attraction to Raffles Seychelles is the signature Raffles Spa, a haven of peace, relaxation and rejuvenation. Steps away from the coastline of Anse Takamaka, amidst stunning surroundings, it’s carefully designed to calm the spirit and awaken the senses. This luxurious spa features 13 treatment pavilions, showcasing the spectacular view of the blue ocean, tropical gardens and dramatic granite boulders. Two spa suites, a first in the Seychelles, are fitted with steam showers, Japanese soaking tubs and observation decks where guests can enjoy stunning vistas in privacy. A tranquil spa garden makes the ideal spot for pre- and post-spa relaxation. Set among natural rock formations and high above the water, even the journey to the treatment pavilions is an intrinsic part of the Raffles Spa experience. At 1,234 square meters this is the largest spa in the archipelago, and the closest spa to the Indian Ocean.

Dining at Raffles Seychelles is an absolute pleasure as you are spoilt with the world of fresh seafood before you! Beach dinners under the stars, cocktails on a rooftop overlooking the ocean, finely crafted sushi and sashimi, contemporary Creole dishes: Raffles Seychelles presents a

diverse collection of culinary experiences at its four restaurants; Losean Restaurant, Curieuse Restaurant, The Sushi Room, and Pool Restaurant & Bar.

Offering breakfast dishes from around the world to an evening menu inspired by the Indian Ocean, Losean offers thoughtfully-prepared and contemporary food throughout the day. Come evening and Losean becomes an elegant dinner setting, with tables both inside and out in the gardens, candlelit and accompanied by the sounds of the sea. Incorporating local ingredients and freshly-caught fish, the à la carte menu is a tribute to the best of Creole and Indian Ocean-inspired food; simple and delicious, with a contemporary twist. Curieuse Restaurant is gastronomic journey tracing through India, China and South East Asia, Curieuse, led by Chef de Cuisine Sunil Dutt, is the Seychelles’ only Asian restaurant. Infused with oriental spice and aromatic ingredients, the menu varies from Thai salads and spicy sour soup to Indian curries and traditional Chinese stir-fries. With low-lit outdoor tables dotted amid the leafy Seychellois surroundings, Curieuse is an atmospheric, islandchic setting for an unforgettable dinner.

Synonymous with romance thanks to its white sands, stunning scenery and beautiful sunsets, the Seychelles is a destination that’s ideal for couples.

Raffles

Raffles

The Sushi Room - In a location famed for its fresh fish, The Sushi Room at Curieuse celebrates the island’s worldclass catch with an exciting menu of sushi and sashimi. The intimate, eight-table room, just off the main Curieuse restaurant, allows guests to witness the chef in action, skillfully preparing each dish moments before it arrives at their table.

The evening tasting menu presents an assortment of nigiri, tataki, maki and sashimi for a well-rounded experience of Japanese cuisine, complemented by a variety of sake. Sushi can also be enjoyed à la carte at Pool Restaurant & Bar for lunch.

Pool Restaurant & Bar showcases fresh, local products and light cuisine and offers a casual lunch setting, perfect for refueling during a busy day of soaking up the Seychellois sun. Serving salads, sandwiches and wellloved classics from around the world, as well as sushi and sashimi, the menu’s diverse options cater to every appetite.

Produce at Raffles is always guaranteed to be the freshest around, with their very own vegetable orchard. Bringing to life cultural and natural treasures at the resort, Jason Ernesta, the Chief Gardener has used his insider local knowledge of the land to create this priceless asset for guests. With a wealth of experience, Jason has also played an integral role in various humanitarian

projects on the island such as environmental preservation and the tortoise foundation among others. His passion and zest for the natural elements led to his appointment at Raffles Seychelles at the age of 69 over 4 years ago. Jason is renowned for his friendly interaction with both the guests and team members at the resort. He loves nothing better than meeting world travellers and drawing them into the rich details of his homeland and the garden landscapes.

Celebrations are also done in exquisite Raffles style in Praslin. When it comes to marking your special occasion, the possibilities are endless at Raffles Seychelles: enjoy a group trip of a lifetime, complete with beach barbecues, cookery classes, excursions to neighboring islands and fishing trips; celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with private dinners under the stars, rooftop cocktails and spa treatments.

Synonymous with romance thanks to its white sands, stunning scenery and beautiful sunsets, the Seychelles is a destination that’s ideal for couples. The team at Raffles help you create the perfect proposal, picture-perfect wedding, unforgettable honeymoon or anniversary. Complete with romantic dinners, couples’ massages and aromatic baths at Raffles Spa, champagne cruises and sundowners on Anse Lazio, one of the world’s best beaches, you are guaranteed an unforgettable celebration.

Raffles

There’s never a dull moment in paradise as this resort comes equipped with an amazing recreation team who knows the island better than anyone! Indoor or out, relaxing or inspiring, for families or couples; Raffles Seychelles has activities which help you feel at one with the natural beauty of the archipelago. With a range of water activities, from snorkeling to boat excursions, to table tennis on the resort or hiking trails for the adventurous, there is something to suit every taste. Fear not the worry of having the kids on holiday as The Sugar Palm Kids Club is a dedicated club catering to toddlers, children, and even teenagers on the resort. Lively, educational and age appropriate activities are coordinated by the Recreation team to ensure that the young ones can enjoy the idyllic paradise of Praslin, as much as adults do.

Raffles are proud to not only ensure their guests are well-looked after, but pay particular care to their locality, community and the environment as a whole. It was back in 1997 when Raffles initiated REACH (Rendering Encouragement, Assistance, Care and Hope), a community programme that offers pillars of support to underprivileged children, the arts and the environment in all destinations Raffles Hotels & Resorts operates in. Today, Raffles has fully adopted the Planet 21 programme

of AccorHotels across all properties. The programme focuses on improvements in waste management, energy and water conservation, as well as community outreach through local groups and partnerships.

Raffles takes a very active role in playing their part in tackling plastic pollution and taking steps to stop the use of disposable plastics on the island. The hotel is passionate about environmental preservation and sustainability and is exemplifying an eco-conscious stance throughout its operations. With the willingness of 86% of travellers worldwide, who are passionate about spending time on activities that offset the environmental impact during their stay, Raffles Seychelles is providing ways in which guests can decrease their carbon footprint. The hotel is making strides to reduce environmental impacts by ending the use of plastic straws and other non-biodegradable materials. www.raffles.com

There’s never a dull moment in paradise as this resort comes equipped with an amazing recreation team who knows the island better than anyone!

Unparalleled Paradise

Located on Beau Vallon beach which lays northwest on the island of Mahé; a mere 30 minutes’ drive from the international airport – STORY Resort Seychelles is a contemporary & chic property featuring 100 rooms comprising of villas and suites, an award winning spa and 7 eclectic dining experiences. As your paradise home away from home, the resort offers you the opportunity to enjoy all the modern comforts in this beautiful tropical paradise entwined with chic décor, sumptuous food & beverages and spacious luxury to relax in.

Whether it’s a fun holiday with the family, a romantic escape or the start of one, or to even look back and reminisce life with a loved one - STORY Resort Beau Vallon Beach is known for its turquoise ocean views, crystal white beach and lush emerald greenery where you can expect nothing but undisturbed sights, charming creole hospitality and new heights of life & style indulgence.

STORY Resort Beau Vallon Beach offers an unparalleled collection of opulently appointed accommodations, relaxation and recreational spaces that showcase the true heritage of their Seychellois surroundings. The 100 villas and suites redefine paradise - they simply exude stylish opulence, stylish comfort and idyllic bliss. Designed to represent a blend between creole and colonial architecture - the resort is an epitome of tropical luxury. From plush furnishings and mesmerizing backdrops, to the spacious layout and beautiful finishing’s - all overlooking the topical tropical gardens leading to the beach.

The beach facing private pool-villas offer an entirely new level of luxury. A unique product available only at this resort in the Beau Vallon beach area - each one occupies a private spot on the beach with direct access to the bay as well as a private pool, pool-deck, cabana, outdoor rain showers, luxury in-room amenities and personal pampering products. Similarly the suites include a comfortable double bed and lounge area with luxurious amenities of comparison. All suites have choice of private terrace balcony or a terrace that opens out onto the resort gardens, complete with sun loungers. Each villa or suite also features indoor and outdoor daybeds and dining areas; plush sofas, beds and seating areas; pristine bathrooms featuring oversized freestanding bathtubs and rain showers - as well as all the modern technologies such as a large screen LCD and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.

With seven eclectic dining experiences in the form of bars and restaurants to choose from –you’re spoilt for choice. The resort offers a wide selection of dining options.

Tranquil, boutique and culturally connected, the resort offers guests a chance to create memories worth sharing.

A world of gastronomic adventure is waiting to be discovered at STORY Resort Beau Vallon Beach Seychelles. Open to both guests and now the public, this luxury resort now offers a smorgasbord of restaurants set to capture the imaginations and hearts of the most discerning of diners.

Eden

Nestled between the luscious greenery of the gardens on the property and at the foot of the beach, Eden is a hub of gastronomic experiences. Romantic yet authentic, it serves a delicious selection of Creole inspired dishes with fresh seafood and prime cuts of meat from the BBQ. The restaurant seats up to 50 people and can be hired out, upon request, for intimate wedding receptions and celebrations. The dedicated team of chefs & service staff ensure and cook the meat to your choice while the sommelier enthralls you with their excellent selection of wines.

Seyshima

Seyshima, derived from ‘Sey’ for Seychelles and ‘Shima’ - the Japanese term for island, is a venue that oozes Asian sophistication and is renowned for its mouthwatering selection of Teppanyaki and Sushi. The restaurant is located on the natural lagoon that flows through the resort and true to its name gives you an island dining experience. The quaint and cosy restaurant can seat up to 25 persons and is perfect for family and couples to dine in. A popular venue for Japanese cuisine on the Mahé, diners can simply enjoy some freshly rolled sushi or can dine a la carte whilst they revel in a Teppan show by the chef.

Vasco’s & 1502 Lobby Bar

The resort’s main restaurant, which is named after the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, is the perfect spot to enjoy your breakfast or to finish your day with a hearty dinner. Open-aired, bright and contemporary in décor, it offers both indoor and al fresco seating for up to 125 guests. The buffet and live stations feature international and Creole cuisine and offers a daily changing theme for dinner. On dedicated evenings, a

variety of traditional dance and live music performances keep you entertained.

1502 was the year in which Vasco da Gama sighted the Seychelles islands. This lobby bar is a quintessential venue and the place to discover your own paradise with their concoctions of delectable cocktails, fine wines and spirits. You can enjoy some shisha on the terrace while you soak in the sunset colors or some sporty bites and beverages while you enjoy the live sports and games or a weekly screening of classic movies.

Trader Vic’s Seychelles

Trader Vic’s is an internationally renowned restaurant and bar. The founder Victor Jules Bergeron, Jr. opened his first outlet that bore his nick-name Trader Vic and ever since the French-Polynesian bar & restaurant concept has grown by leaps and bounds. Trader Vic’s Seychelles as a venue is the life and soul of the Beau Vallon and home to the famous Mai Tai® cocktail – which dates back to 1944.

Years ahead of his time, this world renowned restaurant chose to offer Chinese dishes alongside the then-contemporary continental cuisine, creating the original fusion menu decades before it would become a trend. Following the culinary curiosity along the ancient spice route, the founders collected recipes to bring back to Trader Vic’s, and this eclectic cuisine reinvented fine dining. Following in these footsteps, each venue is constantly innovating and adding to the menu while the zeal to scour the globe for new ideas and revolutionising dishes goes on.

The signature restaurant in Seychelles sets a worldstandard for tropical sophistication with its eclectic cuisine – enhanced by using a Chinese wood-fired oven. Trader Vic’s Chinese Ovens can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. This method of cooking differs from traditional direct fire barbecues and imparts a subtle flavor and helps create a unique dining experience. Each Trader Vic’s showcases this style of ancient cooking. You get to savor an exciting menu every month along with the authentic ‘Taste the World Cuisine’ available all through the year or just enjoy and sip the tropical cocktails curated from international & local favourites. Be it the Mai tai or the Seyhorse, you are guaranteed an amazing time as you relax & sit in the spectacular interior space, or on the terrace overlooking the lagoon while you are entertained by the resident band featuring a Latin-American influence. The restaurant has an exciting atmosphere with the exotic décor, including timeless and authentic artefacts from around the globe and can seat up to 100 guests. It’s the perfect venue for corporate parties, wedding reception or simply celebrating life!

Guests can also choose the resort’s ‘pièce de résistance,’ a bespoke, romantic under the moon & stars dining on the beach coupled with the ambience of the soothing ocean waves. Customised options also include privatised group reservations for beach and/or in-villa barbecues as well as a luxurious in-villa floating pool breakfast.

For more information, or to make a reservation at any of the restaurants, please visit

Culinary Discovery at STORY Resort Seychelles

The signature restaurant in Seychelles sets a worldstandard for tropical sophistication with its eclectic cuisine – enhanced by using a Chinese wood-fired oven. Trader Vic’s Chinese Ovens can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. This method of cooking differs from traditional direct fire barbecues and imparts a subtle flavor and helps create a unique dining experience. Each Trader Vic’s showcases this style of ancient cooking. You get to savor an exciting menu every month along with the authentic ‘Taste the World Cuisine’ available all through the year or just enjoy and sip the tropical cocktails curated from international & local favourites. Be it the Mai tai or the Seyhorse, you are guaranteed an amazing time as you relax & sit in the spectacular interior space, or on the terrace overlooking the lagoon while you are entertained by the resident band featuring a Latin-American influence. The restaurant has an exciting atmosphere with the exotic décor, including timeless and authentic artefacts from around the globe and can seat up to 100 guests. It’s the perfect venue for corporate parties, wedding reception or simply celebrating life!

Guests can also choose the resort’s ‘pièce de résistance,’ a bespoke, romantic under the moon & stars dining on the beach coupled with the ambience of the soothing ocean waves. Customised options also include privatised group reservations for beach and/or in-villa barbecues as well as a luxurious in-villa floating pool breakfast. For more information, or to make a reservation at any of the restaurants, please visit www.hresortseychelles.com

Holidays are meant for indulgence so guests are encouraged to pamper themselves at the award winning Sesel Spa or try some customised workouts at the Beau Vallon Gym & Yoga Studio to flaunt that beach body. Sesel Spa is a true heaven within a haven - whether it’s a results orientated treatment, or just an experience of utter relaxation you’re looking for, it is a must, to make it a part of your Seychelles experience.

Explore the healing elements in nature and discover the true essence of being at one with yourself. Named as a tribute to its destination (Sesel is the Creole name for Seychelles), this blissful space features a total of seven treatment rooms including five single rooms and two couples suites, in addition to a Vichy Hydrotherapy room. We also have a salon for nails, hair and other beauty therapies. 'Sesel Spa' offers a selection of signature treatments that infuse the best of Western and Eastern techniques – all implemented by expert therapists who take a holistic approach to wellness. The luxury relaxation areas offer a tranquil setting for both pre and post massage treatments, so make sure you spend some time there to truly rediscover wellness.

Open 24/7 and overlooking the lagoon, the Beau Vallon Gym & Yoga Studio is equipped with state-ofthe-art Life Fitness cardio machines and free weights. The Beau Vallon Studio is perfect for syncing your body and mind with yoga. Guests can take advantage of the complimentary recreational schedule – which is designed

for the holidaying guest’s fitness goals. RecreAction Program.

In addition to our fitness and yoga programmes, recreational facilities are dotted throughout the resort with the stunning infinity pool taking centre stage. With ample sun loungers and parasols bordering it, the 24 meter long sapphire blue water invitingly tempts you to submerge. The accompanying kids’ pool is a safe 0.4 meter in depth. Also on offer is tennis, volleyball, pétanque, table tennis, a giant chessboard, masks, snorkels, paddle boards and kayaks to satisfy all your holiday recreational needs.

It's not only the grown-ups that are spoilt - a world of exploration and fun awaits the little ones at Treetops Kids’ Club. Happy kids make for happy parents and this is the main priority. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your child is well cared for by a team of professional caretakers who arrange fun-filled activities. Suitable for children aged 3 to 12 years, the club is open daily from 9am – 6pm. The resort also offers baby-sitting services and can prepare baby-food upon prior requests. Guests can also indulge in our weekly activities that includes a range of paid & complimentary options like transfers to Victoria city, drop-off for the Anse Major Hike, cocktails & conversations with the resort management, a scenic sunset cruise in a glass bottom boat, bi-weekly live-entertainment, Cinema Paradiso, sundowners and many more seasonal events – there’s always something for everyone to enjoy at the resort.

This intimate, tropical island retreat is the perfect location for a destination wedding or honeymoon. When one thinks of the term ‘tropical island’, it conjures up thoughts of pristine ivory shorelines, a turquoise ocean and a backdrop of luscious greenery. This is exactly what you can expect at STORY Resort Beau Vallon Beach – the perfect destination to turn the dream wedding into a beautiful reality.

Couples can choose to say ‘I do’ either along the beach, in the spectacular garden gazebo or in a number of secluded venues dotted around the resort. In addition to an idyllic backdrop, a customised wedding ceremony can be organized by the team of wedding specialists. From eclectic table designs, tiered wedding cakes and bespoke menus, to entertainment, bamboo ceremony archways and a civil ceremony officer, there’s no dream that can’t be made into a reality. STORY Resort Seychelles offers a number of packages that can be tailored to ensure that each and every wedding is both perfect and personal. If you are looking for the ultimate honeymoon escape or just a time away with family, then look no further than STORY Resort Beau Vallon Beach. Everything, from the moment you arrive, to the time you reluctantly depart, has been designed with the discerning traveler in mind. For more information or to make a reservation, please

www.story-seychelles.com

Explore the healing elements in nature and discover the true essence of being at one with yourself

MALDIVES

IMAGES BY STEFANO PERRONE www.instagram.com/nemophotographer

Like no other place on earth

the Maldives are today’s epitome of a tropical island paradise. With their famously crystal clear waters, this Indian Ocean archipelago is a dream destination for travellers from all around the world. It’s not just honeymooners who choose the islands for a romantic getaway; the islands are top of the bucket list for families, nature lovers and anyone seeking peace and quiet. Divers and snorkelers find their mecca underwater: colourful coral reefs, schools of fish or even the gigantic manta rays are a common sight on any adventure in the ocean.

https://visitmaldives.com/en

A private island resort offering a 5 star blend of luxury and tranquillity that tempts many a visitor to its sandy shores time and time again.

KURUMBA Maldives

Acosmopolitan resort with an insatiable vibrant and lively atmosphere, Kurumba Maldives’ is a private island resort offering a 5 star blend of luxury and tranquillity that tempts many a visitor to its sandy shores time and time again. Offering warm and friendly service, elegant guest rooms, exhilarating excursions and a variety of delectable dining options, it’s the perfect backdrop for a dreamy island getaway.

Kurumba is conveniently located just 10 minutes from Male International Airport and offers weary travellers a heavenly blend of powder soft sands, the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, lush gardens ablaze with frangipani, hibiscus and bougainvillea stretch across the island and shady coconut groves that loom over 180 luxury bungalows and villas.

KURUMBA

Luxury comes in many shapes and sizes with no less than eight categories of accommodation. What they all have in common is a fresh and modern design, with plush stateof-the-art facilities. Whilst the introductory Superior and Deluxe rooms have a graceful contemporary Maldivian style with open air showers and sunny ocean-side balconies, the resort’s signature Deluxe Bungalows and Deluxe Beachfront Bungalows each feature their very own private garden containing an outside shower and spacious decking veranda for sunset tipples. The bungalows themselves are hidden amongst the lush fragrant tropic flora just yards from the pure white beaches corralling the island. Each boasts a giant free-standing bathtub, a luxurious dual-basin bathroom, a glass-walled shower and king-sized beds.

Guests seeking ultimate opulence and privacy can opt for Kurumba's Villas, starting with the Private Villa with Jacuzzi, and the Garden Pool Villas that offer plunge pools within your private open-plan courtyard with rain shower to cool off. Kurumba’s Deluxe Pool Villas are even more sumptuous with the additional luxuries of a large private pool with a waterfall, day bed and wooden terrace.

If you want a slice of celebrity lifestyle, the largest and most extravagant villa on the island is the Two Bedroom Kurumba Residence. Measuring a whopping 768 square metres in diameter and housing two bedrooms, two private pools, a huge living area and veranda; this opulent suite has played host to celebrities, local dignitaries and even heads of state.

With a total of 8 restaurants based within the resort, each offering an eclectic selection of the world’s finest cuisines, thoroughly spoilt guests are well catered for. Deciding whether to visit Vihamanaa, the main restaurant for unhurried all-day dining, to savour far-eastern sushi and teppenyaki at the over-water Hamakaze or to feast within the palatial Lebanese décor of Al Qasr is not an easy decision to make. Making a choice between the delicious Indian, Thai and Mediterranean menus of Mahal, Khing Thai and Thila, respectively is equally as difficult.

One could eat solely at Vihamanaa, the main buffet restaurant; serving varied range of gourmet food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Café offers playful Maldivian and savoury Asian classics with quick bites and comfort foods - not forgetting their famous homemade ice cream.

Ocean-side gourmet restaurant Thila offers a delectable premium breakfast, replete with free-flow sparkling wine, a wide range of a la carte options and a luscious breakfast buffet, featuring (among much else) warm baked pastries and a variety of honey! Guests can indulge in a signature coconut Kurumba coffee in the fresh morning air and watch the sun sparkle off the sea.

Dinner at Thila is a feast for the senses, dining by the sea, under the stars, by candlelight with a menu brimming with the freshest ingredients, prepared with flair by the chefs in the open kitchen. For seafood lovers the expansive open-sea aquarium allows them to choose their lobster. While for true foodies, the offerings also include Australian Wagyu Beef and exclusive Mottainai Carrot and Olive Fed Lamb. Its no wonder this fine-dining restaurant has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor users every year since its opening.

Speciality restaurants on the island offer a range of fine dining options to suit every palate; savour sushi and Teppanyaki at the over-water Hamakaze or dine on Middle-Eastern delicacies within the opulent Arabic décor of Al Qasr. If Thai is your preferred cuisine, make sure you visit Khing Thai to ample the beautifully spiced, aromatic dishes om offer.

Those seeking an extra pinch of Maldivian romance can induge in a private dining experience for two, on an idyllic, secluded beach, out on a yacht or, for the ultimate in romance and privacy, on their very own desert island.

The Sounds of the Sea is a favourite treat for guests on a gastronomic voyage of discovery. Sumptuous courses arrive matched with the finest wines at the table, set for two, by the water’s edge, under a starlit sky.

For that sunset cocktail, or an after-dinner (or afternoon) drink the resort also features three bars; Athiri, set on the beach for the best sunsets, Kandhu, where guests can unwind in the company of live bands, local dance and fabulous cocktails, or Fez for a wide range of flavoured shisha and colourful cocktails.

Finally, those wishing to make the most of their private garden, balcony or hired yacht can request an intimate dining experience for two.

Those seeking an extra pinch of Maldivian romance can induge in a private experiencedining for two, on an idyllic, secluded beach

KURUMBA

Voted 'Best Luxury Wellness Spa [Asia]' in the World Luxury Spa Awards, Kurumba's Veli Spa is surrounded by soothing ponds creating an oasis of serenity in the heart of the island. Here, guests can enjoy a dedicated yoga session, unwinding in the relaxation lounge, de-stress in the single or couples treatment rooms or indulge in reflexology and exotic body wraps and polishes. For a more romantic experience “The Spa Under the Stars” offers couples a chance to watch the sunset whilst enjoying a unique cowrie shell massage using local hand-pressed Coconut oil.

Life at the Kurumba Resort isn’t just for the sun and spaseekers – the sporting and adventurous amongst us have a whole smorgasbord of activities to entertain. The Sports Centre offers a fully-equipped gym, pool, and three floodlit tennis courts and if water sports are your passion the Dive School offers a full range of PADI diving courses. Explore the spectacular dive sites of The Maldives as dazzling shoals of iridescent tropical fish, (friendly!) reef sharks, manta ray and turtles wait to greet you.

Once you’ve met the fishy locals, try your hand at Kayaking, water-skiing, windsurfing and parasailing at the spectacular Water Sports Centre and keep the littl’uns entertained with the Fun Tubes and Banana Rodeos. This is all in addition to a wide-range of fascinating local excursions including a Sand Bank Picnic, the ever popular sunset cruises and even night-fishing under the stars.

Kurumba, Maldives, blends luxury and tranquillity in an incomparable way, which tempts many to return to the paradise island time and time again. Having pioneered tourism in the Maldives, as the first private island resort, Kurumba has remained one of the finest; visitors can while away days on the pearl-dust beaches, swim in the protected crystal clear lagoons, explore the vibrant underwater house reef encircling the island, and indulge in a wide variety of exceptional culinary experiences.

With the idyllic backdrop of the Maldives, Coconut palm fringed white beaches, crystal clear water and year round summer temperatures, Kurumba makes for a picture perfect setting or a wedding and an unforgettable experience not only for the bride and groom, but for their guests as well.

Two guests or 20? Barefoot or formal? Day or night?

Kurumba understands that the devil is in the detail and that is why an assigned wedding organiser will help plan all the arrangements, making the process worry and stress free from beginning to end. Whether it is a declaration of love in front of family and friends as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean or a private ceremony for two in the overwater gazebo, couples can craft their own dream wedding, reaffirm their love, or get engaged in a romantic setting. Deciding to say ‘I do’ at Kurumba Maldives is an easy choice. For the ultimate romantic gesture, the 300 sqm Presidential Pool Villa provides privacy and intimacy craved by newlyweds. With a private pool and ample living space, couples can hideaway for their entire honeymoon. For those who choose to venture outside, temptations include private island excursions, dinners on the beach and couple’s spa treatments.

Kurumba offers three different vow renewal packages with each including as standard, a master of ceremony, venue hire, decorations, wedding certificates and digital photos. Premium packages, in addition to the standard inclusions, come with a welcome tropical fruit basket and bottle of wine upon arrival, a Maldivian Bodu Beru traditional dance performance, the bridal bouquet, wedding cake, canapés at sunset, two bottles of sparkling wine, Kurumba's Signature Sounds Of The Sea Dinner with wine, a commemorative renewal of vows carved wood plaque, bride and groom local sarongs (Feyli), a 90-minute spa treatment for the couple and a premium breakfast for the couple at Thila.

It’s worth noting that vow ceremonies in the Maldives are symbolic and not legally binding. This however does not deter the many couples that choose the idyllic backdrop as the location for their special celebration, with the legal formalities being conducted before they venture out to the paradise island.

www.kurumba.com

OCEAN FRIENDLY SUN SYSTEM

Enjoy the b enefits of broad s pectrum UV pro t ect ion wi thou t ha rmful che m ical s. Our sun system is fr e e of coral & skin dama ging ing r edi ents and is b iod e gra dabl e in aquatic system s. One dollar per product donated to coral con s ervation.

Learn mor e at www peo pl e4oc ean.co.uk

Beginning with the coral-walled, fan-cooled cabanas of the original resort, Baros has become an icon of luxury in the Maldives.

BAROS Maldives

One of the very first resorts to open in Maldives, it’s been nearly 50 years since Baros first welcomed visitors to its shores. It was a time when locals travelled from island to island on wooden dhoni sailboats when the Maldives communicated with the world by Morse code. Much has changed since then, but more has stayed the same, ensuring Baros remains a place of astonishing natural beauty, cultural richness and feels as magical as ever.

With the luxury of decades of experience, the team at Baros Maldvies have learnt over the years that authentic luxury isn't a gimmick, it's the sum of many different, carefully chosen parts. The services on offer are honed by seeing and understanding what works – what people love, keeping them coming back for time and again.

Sitting in harmony amongst the the natural beauty of their surroundings, the collection of handcrafted beachfront and overwater villas at Baros are built from timber and sandstone and designed to cocoon you in comfort, furnished with care and with a host of indulgent features for you to enjoy. To help preserve the island, the team at Baros work hard to protect the natural environment, from the house reef fringing the island to its natural jungle heart. In order to ensure the privacy of their guests, the island also strictly prohibits the use of Drones on the island.

Baros Maldives is situated in the central southern part of North Male’ Atoll, just 25 minutes by speedboat from Maldives International Airport. Beginning with the coral-walled, fan-cooled cabanas of the original resort, Baros has become an icon of luxury in the Maldives. Throughout every chapter of the island’s story, Baros strive to offer the highest standard of Maldivian hospitality. From the heartfelt service to the ingredients in the dishes, to the artwork on the walls, to the pillows on each bed – these details, perfected, are what makes Baros so very unique.

Whether you stay over the water or on our junglecovered shoreline, your accommodation promises to be surrounded by the greens and blues that characterise the island, with all of Baros within close reach. There are 45 Beachside and 30 Water Private Villas to choose from, many with private pools and each complete with a Villa Host to cater to guests every possible requirement. Rise early to greet the day and experience the early-morning hours in their perfect stillness. Stay up late and watch the stars from your deck. Spend your days exploring the flourishing house reef, a quick paddle away. Privacy, serenity and comfort; each of the villas at Baros Maldives is a world of its own, with everything you could possibly need.

The exclusive Baros Suites can be discovered on the eastern shore of the island, via a winding pathway through the lush foliage and feature wooden floors and high ceilings in a traditional Maldivian concept. At the foot of the king-size bed is an ottoman concealing a television screen while on one side there is a work desk and on the other, a cosy reading nook. In the adjoining lounge, there is a 55” television with access to movies and Internet and a sublimely cosy sofa for relaxation. Sliding glass doors open on to an expansive wooden deck ideal for sunbathing or private dining under the stars beside 19ft x 10ft swimming pool (which has a hot and cold Jacuzzi) adorned with fibre optic lights for a magical ambience in the evening.

Designed to provide a haven of seclusion, the Baros Suites are specially created to maintain the utmost privacy and tranquillity with classic design, for guests to enjoy the freedom of space as well as the inspiration of tropical tranquillity and a chance to relax in solitude.

Enjoy the freedom of space as well as the inspiration of tropical tranquillity and a chance to relax in solitude.

BAROS

Choose a Water Pool Villa and discover an oasis where the turquoise of your plunge pool blends with the blues of our lagoon. Behind the daybed on your sun-soaked veranda, a stairway descends to crystal-clear waters, the house reef ready and waiting for exploration. You will find every comfort in your private cocoon over the water – rich teak floors, comfortable furniture and luxurious bedding, a library of books and indoor games, and every modern convenience. Your tropical overwater haven gives you the perfect balance of privacy and access.

Enjoy your own secluded beach garden and shaded pool beneath tropical trees with Baros Pool Villas which provide a peaceful repose within steps of the lagoon. On your deck you've got a canopied daybed and sun loungers, where days can be spent bathed in ocean views. White sands, turquoise waters and the wonders of the house reef are just metres away. Inside, spaces that envelope with effortless charm – a comfortable bed, rich wooden furnishings and bespoke Baros amenities.

Relax upon the shimmering waters of the lagoon in a Baros Water Villa - your own personal retreat and warm timber cocoon of tranquillity. The lagoon lies just beyond your canopied daybed, waiting for you to jump in and explore, while a wide timber deck lets you drink in endless ocean views. In the evenings, relax amid spectacular sunsets, and watch as the sky transforms into a light show of constellations. Inside, enjoy a private world of elegantly cosy furnishings and plush amenities, with thoughtful touches of indulgence everywhere you look.

Gastromony upon the island is as exquisite as the scenery itself and the options available to guests are plentiful. Step aboard a dhoni for a dinner cruise for two or head to the Piano Deck with your own private chef, for an exclusive gourmet meal. Or how about settling in at The Lighthouse to watch the sunset with cocktails and canapés? At these gourmet Restaurants in Baros, every meal is yours to savour, every bite designed to inspire. The team have been creating culinary magic for more than 40 years, taking the time to perfect classic dishes, while innovating with new techniques and ingredients from around the world. From lavish buffet breakfasts by the pool to fine dining at the legendary Lighthouse, every meal is another opportunity for you to relish a favourite or try something more daring.

Intimate and magical, The Lighthouse Restaurant rises over the lagoon, its towering white sail a beacon on the seas. Reserve your table under the stars for an unforgettable dining experience, perched over the water, with views that reach to the twinkling horizon. Enjoy the most succulent local seafood, tender steaks and modern classics infused with exotic flavour. For the ultimate in fine dining, have the resident sommelier recommend the perfect wines for your meal.

BAROS

Intimate dining over the lagoon, the aroma of spice drifting through the night – Cayenne Grill offers al fresco à la carte dining with a hint of Indian flavour. Order from a selection of the finest cuts and freshest seafood, grilled to your preferences. Perfectly marbled wagyu beef and young New Zealand lamb accompany a succulent selection of fresh lobster, prawns, crab and fish. Cayenne Grill celebrates the grilling traditions of the world, accompanied by premium wines from across the globe.

Another day begins under the brilliant Baros sky, as Lime Restaurant starts you off deliciously with an indulgent buffet breakfast. Chilled Champagne, succulent seafood, Maldivian curries, Asian plates and classic cooked breakfasts begin your day as decadently or as wholesomely as you please. Sit inside in Lime’s cool interior or take your place outside on the deck for views across the lagoon. For lunch, try a hearty highlight like the massaman tuna, or choose from curries, snacks, salads, pizzas and sandwiches for something in-between. In the evening enjoy international and Maldivian cuisine served against the backdrop of an enchanting Baros sunset.

Amble along a sandy trail to Sails Bar for drinks or snacks in an intimate and peaceful place. Sway in a hammock as the lagoon sparkles beyond the trees, or relax in a lounger as smooth music melts into the starlit sky. A gentle evening breeze rustles palm fronds overhead. A million grains of sand feel soft underfoot. Your steward brings you an ice-cold cocktail, the perfect toast to another entrancing day at Baros. It is hard for guests to pull themselves away from the spectacular surroundings and privacy of their private villa, however even at mealtimes, they are able to choose not see another person. Thanks to Destination Dining at Baros, guests can enjoy a fine dining experience anywhere on the island. Nowhere is off limits, from the comfort of their villa terrace, on the beach, to a romantic cruise at sunset on the resorts traditional wooden dhoni, ‘Nooma’ or secluded sandbank for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Private dining is also available on the ‘Piano Deck’, a unique wooden deck shaped like a grand piano, floating off the coast of Baros.

If you find yourself looking for adventure, you can be sure to find the perfect experience upon Baros Island. The lagoon beckons you to jump in, to swim with turtles and glide over corals. A sailing adventure tempts you across the seas, to see what you can see beyond our atoll. Champagne fizzes in your glass as you toast to another unforgettable moment. A million experiences await you, from daytime excursions on land and sea to intimate ceremonies and bespoke destination dining, Baros inspires blissful memories that will linger long after you have left the shores of Baros.

When you're at Baros, you have a world of incredible marine life within a short swim of your villa. A shoal of barracuda glides gracefully on a tropical current. A turtle rises languorously from the depths. Wade into the lagoon and discover a world of bewitching beauty, with colourful fish and turtles drifting through the house reef, just 20 metres from shore. Or choose from the dozens of world-class dive sites less than an hour away from Baros – a boon for divers and an incredible bounty this close to Malé.

There are many ways you can explore the Baros waters. Glide along the surface on a paddleboard or transparent canoe, plunge into a neon-coloured world of corals during a night dive or let our resident Marine Biologist guide you on a personalised journey of underwater discovery. Baros has direct access to 30 of the world’s best diving spots, and there is nowhere more secluded and calming than the spectacular underwater world of the Maldives. Transporting guests into their own underwater world, Baros offer Diving by Design programmers and a Diver Valet Service so they can marvel at the likes of manta and eagle rays, turtles and sharks and adventure-seeking pairs can even embark on fascinating ‘Fluro Night Dives’.

A haven of relaxation, a sanctuary hidden in the trees –Serenity Spa invites you into a world of indulgent spa and beauty rituals. You can come here to escape for a few hours, or craft a personalised journey of wellness with a series of daily treatments. Everything here is designed to help you restore your balance and find your calm, from daily yoga sessions to therapeutic massage. For something beyond the ordinary, request a yoga session anywhere on the island, or enjoy a pampering treatment in the seclusion of your comfortable villa.

www.baros.com

If you find yourself looking for adventure, you can be sure to find the perfect experience upon Baros Island. The lagoon beckons you to jump in, to swim with turtles and glide over corals.

Milaidhoo

Maldives

ASet over 13 acres atop the Baa Atoll’s beautiful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo Maldives is the ultimate romantic Maldivian escape for stylish couples who are seeking true escapism in a utopian setting. A tiny tropical island, Milaidhoo is an emerald drop of paradise wrapped in soft white sands, surrounded by a vibrant coral reef and lapped by warm turquoise waters.

Promising an experience that is unlike any other five star resort in the Maldives, at Milaidhoo, the team like to do things differently: they call it 'reinvented luxury’. They think of their guests not as holidaymakers but as storywriters, crafting their dream holiday. Having opened in November 2016, Milaidhoo is a boutique luxury resort close to Hanifaru Bay, 126km north west of Male. Ideal for nature lovers due to the exquisite coral reef, which encircles the island, it is a protected area and noted as an outstanding snorkelling and diving site in its own right. This tiny beautiful island, abundant with tropical greenery, measures just 300m by 180m and is fringed by soft deep white sand beaches.

Everything at Milaidhoo has been custom made and made for comfort; crafted around the needs of the guest. Service is exceptional, always friendly, and in line with the resort’s ‘barefoot informality’ ethos. Above all, Milaidhoo are proud to offer a taste of the true Maldives, opening doors to Maldivian culture and unique experiences. When it comes to accomodation, you will be spoilt for choice, with each style offering its guest a place they may never have been before but where they instantly feel like they belong. Whether you choose a beach or water villa, each is spacious and filled with light. Outdoor living is what Milaidhoo do best: each villa opens up 180-degrees to allow the natural beauty of the Maldives inside. Indoors all around you are striking Maldivian elements, art pieces and contemporary custom-made furnishings thoughtfully designed for your comfort.

Milaidhoo Maldives is delighted to introduce a brand new uber luxe accommodation – the spectacular overwater Two-Bedroom Ocean Residence. Designed to accommodate up to six guests, the Two-Bedroom Ocean Residence is perfect for multigenerational family holidays and comprises two spacious bedrooms with en suite bathrooms featuring premium Acqua Di Parma toiletries, a large living room and an extensive, sunset-facing private deck with a swing chair, sun loungers and huge freshwater infinity pool with steps straight into the sea, allowing guests to explore Milaidhoo’s incredible house-reef. Lavish family feasts can be enjoyed in the dining area and there is even a ‘secret’ loft deck hidden inside the roof of the villa, which is the ideal place for guests to chill out with a glass of wine, taking in the views at the end of the over-water jetty. Due to its premium location at the very end of the lagoon jetty, the overwater Residence offers unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean and the master bedroom features a bathroom that opens up completely for a panoramic ocean view. Guests can exercise with a motivating view from their private gym and yoga/meditation lounge on the upper floor. The 564sqm, luxury residence provides the ultimate in exclusive seclusion and comfort. Guests of the Milaidhoo Residences receive a number of benefits during their stay, including a dedicated, 24-hour butler, champagne on arrival, a dedicated chef to personalize all meals according to preference, a pop-up cinema experience on the deck of their villa, one private, half-day boat excursion during their stay and lots more.

MILAIDHOO ISLAND

Milaidhoo recently launched new, spectacular Ocean Residence and Beach Residences – making them some of the most soughtafter accommodation in the Maldives, perfect for getting that Instagram shot.

Water babies can opt for the breath taking 475sqm Ocean Residence – an incredibly spacious and elegantly but authentically designed, thatched-roof villa, on stilts with unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean. The outstanding bathroom invites nature in by opening out to the ocean, with steps straight into the water allowing guests to explore Milaidhoo’s incredible house-reef direct from their villa. There is even a ‘secret’ loft deck hidden inside the roof of the villa, which is the perfect place for guests to chill out with a glass of wine, taking in the views. The completely private sundeck comes complete with swing chair, sun loungers, huge freshwater and infinity swimming pool. Guests of the Milaidhoo Residences receive a number of benefits during their stay, including a dedicated, 24hour butler, Champagne on arrival, a dedicated chef to personalize all meals according to preference, a pop-up cinema experience on the deck of their villa, one private, half-day boat excursion during their stay and lots more.

Those who prefer dry land can choose one of Milaidhoo’s two 490sqm Beach Residences, created to showcase luxurious, informal, outdoor island living. Guests staying in the Milaidhoo Residences receive a number of benefits during their stay, including a dedicated, 24-hour butler, Champagne on arrival, a dedicated chef to personalise all meals according to preference, a pop-up cinema experience on the deck of their villa, one private, half-day boat excursion during their stay and lots more.

The team at Milaidhoo are serious about food, focusing on authentic, light food with clean flavours. three restaurants and two bars are designed to appeal to your senses, offering outstanding dining in wonderfully informal settings. No shoes required. Ever.

Possibly one of the few fine-dining restaurants that encourage its diners to come barefoot, Ba’theli restaurant at Milaidhoo Island Maldives is the first modern Maldivian restaurant in the Maldives. Reflecting its heritage, Ba’theli’s architecture takes its name from the local word for a traditional wooden sailing boat and has been built in the shape of three boats that stand on stilts over the lagoon. One ‘boat’ is the restaurant, the second a bar-lounge and the third, the kitchen. Guests can dine under the stars on the restaurant’s deck or inside the boat where a glass floor reveals views of the marine life below, all inhabitance of the resorts spectacular house-reef. Ba’theli’s dishes are steeped in Maldivian tradition, with each dish inspired from the Maldivian Spice Route.

The story began over 5,000 years ago when The Maldives became a key port of call for traders sailing from Indonesia and India to Arabia with cargoes of cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, cloves, ginger and pepper. The Maldivians bartered coconuts, sun-dried fish, cordage and sails woven from coconut fibre, and cowrie shells (which became currency) for spice, rice, ceramics and silks. Locally-made cargo boats, ‘ba’theli', sailed throughout the archipelago with these goods, spreading knowledge about different lands, their customs and cuisine. This story comes alive at Ba’theli restaurant at Milaidhoo, as their chefs serve gourmet dishes using local herbs and spices to enhance natural flavours.

The menu features classic Maldivian dishes which include appetisers such as: Garudhiya (famous Maldivian soup featuring lightly poached skip jack tuna, perfumed with young curry and pandanus heart), Bova Satani (chilled braised octopus salad, cabbage, dressed with kaffir lime and coconut oil), and main courses including: Bakari Sanaamugu Hiki Riha (Maldivian five spiced lamb loin, bitter snake gourd and chickpea gravy, brinjal fritters) and Filolhu Ihi Riha (grilled white snapper fillets, with Maldivian lobster , tomato essence, coconut espuma). Of course an array of mouthwatering dishes and curries inspired by the different atolls are also on offer including Maldivian lobster curry, northern archipelago slow braised beef curry and southern Maldivian chicken curry. Facing the west, Ba’theli commands idyllic sunset views and is reached on foot by an overwater wooden jetty.

If you want to experience heavenly informal dining, then be sure to visit The Shoreline Grill, a beachfront grill where you’ll find superb meats and freshly caught local fish and seafood, simply cooked and beautifully presented. You can dine barefoot on the sand in a private beachfront pavilion, or inside the grill for a fantastic view of the show kitchens.

For the tropical breakfast you’ve always dreamed of, make your way to the Ocean Restaurant, sit on the deck by the ocean and let the team deliver wave after wave of treats to your table. For lunch and dinner the style remains casually comfortable with international dishes perfectly presented from a la carte menu. Here, the key words are fresh, flavourful and friendly.

MILAIDHOO maldives

If there’s a place to chill out and fall in love with the Milaidhoo infinity pool, whilst overlooking the ocean, then the Compass Pool Bar is it. When hunger calls, the team are right there, waiting for you with a tempting drinks list of the freshest of fresh juices, infused waters, cocktails and light meals, such as gourmet pizzas from our wood-fired oven; bento boxes; fresh salads; sandwiches etc. The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down; find yourself a sun lounger and watch the area transform into a laid-back chill out lounge. Milaidhoo Island Maldives has also introduced a new, innovative concept: ‘mood dining’. The five different ‘moods’ guests can choose from are: ‘Deep Sleep’; ‘Getting into the Milaidhoo Mood’; ‘Sunrise Awakening’; ‘Curious Adventures’ and ‘Sunset Chill’. Each ‘mood’ consists of a specially curated food and drinks menu, served at a specific location on the island, all of which has been designed to alter a person’s mood. Some of these dining offerings are paired with spa treatments, special baths and meditation to enhance the experience. The theory behind the mood dining concept is that certain foods can affect body chemistry and therefore a person’s mood, for example creating a burst of energy, uplifting emotions or causing drowsiness and the desire to sleep. The location of the meal also helps shape the mood, with options of dining on deserted islands, sandbanks in the middle of the ocean, on a beach or simply on the private deck of the guest’s own villa.

For guests looking to best enhance their sleep patterns, they can opt for the ‘Deep Sleep’ mood. It begins with a peaceful spa treatment in the early evening to physically relax the body. This is followed by a light dinner served in the guest’s villa with a menu designed to encourage sleep, using foods that contain naturally occurring substances that can bring on sleep. Following this, Milaidhoo’s resident yogi leads the guests in a private moonlight meditation session on the deck of their villa to calm and slow the mind. The evening ends with a scented candlelit bath, because the drop in body temperature after a bath triggers the body’s need to sleep.

Famous for it’s pristine turquoise waters, captivating marine life and breathtaking coral reefs, Milhaidhoo Maldives offers world-class diving, water sports and fishing opportunities, as well as a whole array of excursions. The team pride themselves on offering guests ‘Milaidhoo Moments,’ where you’ll enjoy experiences that will make you feel a million miles from everyday life, enrich your life and excite your spirit of adventure. Don’t just go fishing: instead let the team arrange for you to join a Maldivian fisherman and learn how it’s done here. Don’t just go on an excursion; instead let a local take you by the hand and guide you through our culture and history. Don’t just do a cooking class; accept chef’s invitation to pick some local herbs with him and create a new dish together. Don’t just drink cocktails; join the sommelier or bar tender for a tasting class and see if you can concoct something good enough to make it onto the drinks menu.

For guests seeking the ultimate seclusion, Milaidhoo takes once in a lifetime experiences to new heights with their new offering – ‘sandbank glamping under the stars’. Guests can opt spend the night as castaways under the stars on their very own private sandbank. Transformed with the luxury facilities of a Milaidhoo Villa, the sandbank comes with a canopied four-poster bed draped in muslin and a private yacht anchored nearby with all the amenities guests would expect to find back at the hotel. The castaway includes a sunset dolphin cruise with champagne and canapés as dolphins swim around them and the sun begins to set and after arriving at the secluded sandbank, cocktails are served followed by a fourcourse dinner. After dinner, as the crew sail away, guests are left to enjoy post dinner drinks by the fire before heading off to sleep under the stars surrounded by candles and lanterns that have been scattered across the sandbank. As the sun rises, guests can kickstart the day with the Milaidhoo Yogi who will take them through a sunrise yoga session before the butler arrives to serve a freshly prepared breakfast.

When it comes to wellness, Milaidhoo offer you the opportunity to simply take time out and breathe. At the on site spa, blissful relaxation for your body and soul takes place in four over-water treatment suites which offer inspiring views of sky and ocean. Explore the holistic treatment menu which incorporates the powers of botanicals combined with entrancing healing traditions from Africa, using local herbs and plants. There you’ll feel the benefits of the organic and natural spa therapies offered by Elemis, TheraNaka and Coola. The over-water yoga pavilion hosts complimentary daily yoga or meditation sessions where all you have to focus on is your mind, body and soul.

Thanks to the resort’s idyllic location and scenery, Milaidhoo Maldives is the most breath-taking setting for a wedding. Making for a truly spectacular day, Milaidhoo offers couples multiple options for a romantic ceremony.

The ‘Love Floats Boat Wedding’, involves couples taking to the ocean and exchanging vows on board a beautiful traditional sailing dhoni, while the ‘Starlight, Starbright Candlelit Wedding’ sees couples declaring their love in a candlelit sunset ceremony on their own private sandbank. Or, for the ultimate party, Milaidhoo’s most extravagant wedding package, ‘The Milaidhoo Extravaganza’ offers the entire island exclusively for the couple and their guests. The hotel work with the couples’ wedding planner to create the wedding week of dreams for those who are after nothing less than the best. After the wedding, the newlyweds can begin their honeymoon at one of the Milaidhoo residences.

www.milaidhoo.com

The castaway includes a sunset dolphin cruise with champagne and canapés as dolphins swim around them

Switch on. Big day ahead. Just like yesterday. And the past 6 weeks before that. Gotta do

this this this that that that

and

Or for once, just maybe, add a delicious don’t to the to-do list?

Slice yourself a sliver of sweet downtime. Put hurry on hold. Let busy take a backseat. Your courier is on the way. It’s time to get busy doing a little less.