Shoreditch House, London

Shoreditch House is the sister club to Soho House home to media Darlings for decades! very protective of its members (we strangely weren't allowed to shoot in the Club itself) both clubs and their sister establishments in New York and Berlin are part of an expanding network that goes out of its way to treat its ever so important members very well indeed!
Now with the opening of the Shoreditch Rooms us mere mortals can now peek into this elite world for the surprisingly reasonable price of a overnight stay. As a Rooms Guest you have access to the Tom Dixon designed Club for yourself and a few friends. The Club stretches over several floors of the TEA building in Londons East End. Full of bars, restaurants, pool tables and with a roof top heated pool and garden the place is jumping most weekend evenings and a joy to explore. Inside the Reception hidden discretely on Ebor Street is the entrance to the somewhat tongue-in-cheekily named COWSHED Spa.

The Tea Building crouching like a big black tool box at the head of Redchurch Street is an ideally positioned base, like the Boundary Hotel we featured previously, from which to explore the new groovy east end gallery district.

Be warned thought that despite catering to the countries media elite there is a somewhat Fawlty Towers-esque bent to the Rooms themselves. The Online bookings links lead nowhere and dont expect anyone to actually read any emails sent to Bookings. Best to Ring to make a booking but do follow up with a fax if you still have such 20th century antiques to confirm the dates as they might mysteriously mutate.

The Rooms themselves are not maximalist modern like the Club interiors but rather a restful scandinavian rustic. They manage to avoid the clique of most hotel rooms in terms of the mini bar etc and have lovely wooden shutters that while aesthetically pleasing dont block out that much light so if you need a sleep-in after that arduous first class flight bring your eye mask from the plane!

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The Tsitouras, Sanotini, Greece

The Tsitouras Collection Hotel is Truly Special.
Nestled in Firostefani on the crater rim of the amazingly spectacular Santorini island. Family owned the Hotel is the Epitome of decadent luxury. Five Traditional Villas built into the cliff are crowned by an infinity pool on the Maria Callas terrace. Each Villa is individually Themed and decorated with Antiques and Art works. Our Suite featured Lord Byron having portraits momentos of the poet and his greek princess lover. Restored by the Historian and Art Collector Dimitris Tsitouras the main house and Villas brim with art works.
The clientele are suitably eclectic with Argentinean polo players and international celebrities enjoying the privacy of the intimate hotel.
Service is exceptional while retaining low key charm.
There is Butlered Service for each Villa and a family member is on hand with tips for local things to do and see.

Nearby is GINGER a japanese restaurant serving excellent food al fresco and Mama Thira further along the crater rim towards Fira has great views and seafood in a friendly homey atmosphere. A short walk along the cliff edge takes you to Fira the main town and port of Santorini which teems with markets, churches, monasteries, galleries and visiting cruise liners.
A Crater Rim Sunset Dinner, try Archipelagos, is a must with views down to the twinkling lights of cruise-liners and tall ships.

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The Mama Thira Staff making us welcome and good authentic local seafood with a lovely view on the way to Fira.



the view from Archipelagos sunset dinner in Fira

Lord Byron, Rome, Italy

The Lord Byron is that some where special in Rome. A privately owned Deco Era Boutique Hotel nestled in the hills behind The Borghese Gardens. The Lord Byron is in a luxury time warp. Friendly Traditional Staff, An Incredible Breakfast Area, Amazing Antiques. It is certainly not a new "Themed" Hotel. If you can, stay in one of the Delightfully Kitch Suites, sadly the standard rooms are dissapointingly old style hotel modern complete with plastic phones and sad bar fridges. However the Amazing Communal Areas make up for the some what dilapidated standard rooms. The Hotel is Gem to explore after breakfast before heading off to the Spanish steps and Via Condotti to explore the back streets away from the Hoi Polloi.
Getting lost in Rome especially on a moon lit evening is one of life's Joys. Take in Sunset on the top of the Vittorio Emmanuelle Monument then stroll around the forum as twilight gathers. Cruise for an authentic restaurant off the beaten path then try to find the Trevi Fountain by foot late at night when the crowds have gone. Hunt for free seat at a restaurant in the "undiscovered" Trastevere. (we highly recommend Ristorante Enoteca Ferrara, Via del Moro)..

So much to discover... so little time.. Rome the Eternal City has has something waiting for you to discover every time you return...

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Pantheon



tea on the terrace at the Hotel de Russie



Vincenzo's Barbour Shop on Via del Babuino






Ristorante Enoteca Ferrara, Via del Moro, Trastevere

Ikies, Oia, Santorini

Santorini is one of the most stunningly beautiful places on our planet and The Ikies has a Ring Side seat!
Nestled on the top of the crater rim just at the edge of Oia Village on the Northern Tip of the main Santorini island Ikies is greek simplicity at its best. A collection of traditional houses, suites and studios it has a home stay feel with attentive staff and fabulous breakfasts.
Enjoy the sunset views and watch the lights of Oia come on before heading into the Oia village to explore its boutiques and bars for the evening.
For excellent food and atmosphere take an outside downstairs table at antique filled 1800, then enjoy a moonlight walk along the Cliff Edge to end a perfect evening.

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ohtel, wellington

A stones throw from the harbour and walking distance to museums, galleries, and cafes ohtel is the brain child of Owner, Designer and Host Alan Blundell. ohtel is a modern bespoke hotel with just 10 rooms blending kiwi contemporary with 60's retro. It has dramatic views of the harbour and downtown wellington, new zealand's windy capital. The feeling of being part of the family, typical kiwi open and unpretentious friendliness is genuine and heartfelt. Hand cooked breakfasts and the lastest tips on the local clubs, restaurants and galleries are always spot on!

Wellington is fascinating city to explore. Clinging to dramatic hills framing the harbour beautiful period victorian terrace houses surround the city centre. Take an electric trolly bus or rent a car for a trip around the crinckly coastline and up and over the dramatic hills.
Tucked away are young local designer shops both street and high fashion rubbing shoulders together. Check out eclectic Cuba Street for our favourite eateries and bars. The Matterhorn, brilliantly updated restaurant and bar keeping the essence of the orginal 60's cafe, light and airy floriditas and casual boho Plum.
Nightlife-wise Alan is well hooked in. I particularly enjoyed our trip to "Motel", an excellent bar with young friendly staff in military regalia.
Ohtel is a real find and first of its kind in little old New Zealand, well worth a detour south of the equator!

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in conversation with Alan Blundell

Alan has made the big step and built his first Hotel as an Owner/Designer. This is becoming a phenomena world wide with many architects investing in their own projects and dealing first hand as landlords and owners. Alan even works the front desk regularly to keep in touch with the quests and their needs. One of the first to start collecting 60's scandinavian and local furniture he has hand selected some beautiful pieces for the hotel. Each room has its own unique collection and colour theme. the bathrooms have stunning photographic centre-pieces, my favourite being a dramatic stormy beach scene, setting off the large free standing baths. Organic and natural kiwi products feature strongly in the rooms and bathrooms.

ps. "Kiwi" is how the locals refer to themselves, after the national symbol, a rather shy and retiring flightless bird...