travel

REVIEW: Andaz London Liverpool Street Hotel

Street Art Room at Andaz Hotel Liverpool Street, London

Street art themed rooms, epic breakfasts and warm hospitality… a stay at the Andaz London Liverpool Street is a special experience.

The weekend was shaping up to be a good one. With my other half’s big 3.0 on Saturday, I decided to shake things up a little with a surprise the night before.

I checked into the Andaz London Liverpool Street, spent an hour exploring the facilities, hung up a kitsch ‘Happy Birthday’ banner above the bed, and laid out a few presents on the desk. I’d been dying to stay here… and he didn’t know it yet, but he, too, was in for a real treat.

Exterior of Andaz Hotel Liverpool Street, London
Exterior of Andaz Hotel Liverpool Street, London

The luxurious Andaz London Liverpool Street is a 5-star hotel with ambition. Yes, it’s in the ideal location for business travellers who need easy access to the city, AND a great base for tourists … but it also offers plenty for travellers like me. A Londoner. A Londoner attempting to be a tourist in my own city.

Recently the Andaz collaborated with SideStory – arguably one of the capital’s coolest tour operators, to offer two special experiences. After staying in one of the hotel’s super-trendy street art rooms, guests spend an afternoon on a photography or street art in the local neighbourhood. It’s a great concept, and refreshing to see a luxury hotel looking for a new way to heighten the guest experience.

Street Art Room at Andaz Hotel Liverpool Street, London
Street Art Room at Andaz Hotel Liverpool Street, London

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REVIEW: The Singular Hotel, Santiago, Chile

Lounge and Bar Area at The Singular Hotel, Santiago

Stylish décor, a rooftop swimming pool and one of the best meals I’ve eaten in a while. Welcome to 5 star luxury courtesy of The Singular Hotel, Santiago.

Arriving at The Singular Hotel is a bit like going to visit one of your oldest friends. They welcome you with open arms, ask how your journey was, and leave you to relax on a comfy sofa while they fetch you drinks and treats. It sounds strange to say it, but I felt like I’d been here before.

Courtyard Restaurant Area at The Singular Hotel, Santiago
Courtyard Restaurant Area at The Singular Hotel, Santiago
Lounge and Bar Area at The Singular Hotel, Santiago
Lounge and Bar Area at The Singular Hotel, Santiago

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REVIEW: Obicà Restaurant, St Paul’s, London

Fresh mozzerella and flatbreads at Obicà Restaurant, St Paul's, London

From delicious burrata to tasty pizzas, Obica Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in St Paul’s. Find out more in this detailed review.

Forget tapas bars. Forget sushi bars. Right now, it’s all about the mozzarella bar. And I seem to have found a good one right in the heart of London.

Mini boccocini balls, smoked mozzarella, burrata, and an enormous braid of mozzarella arrived at the table. It was an overwhelming quantity of cheese… but I couldn’t wait to dive in.

Fresh mozzerella and flatbreads at Obicà Restaurant, St Paul's, London
Fresh mozzerella and flatbreads at Obicà Restaurant, St Paul’s, London

With 23 restaurants across the globe (from Japan to the USA), Obicà’s cheesy empire is growing fast. Just a few weeks ago they opened their latest London restaurant, in the heart of the city by St Paul’s.

It’s a smart place – contemporary, elegant, but surprisingly – it’s not expensive. It’s a great place for a date, dinner with friends or a casual lunch.

Happy diners at Obicà Restaurant, St Paul's, London
Happy diners at Obicà Restaurant, St Paul’s, London
Wine racks at Obicà Restaurant, St Paul's, London
Wine racks at Obicà Restaurant, St Paul’s, London

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What Is St Kitts Like For A Holiday?

Snorkelling in St Kitts

Wondering what St Kitts is like for a holiday? From rainforests to beaches, find out what it’s like to visit this Caribbean island. 

Yes, it’s true. After a week in St Martin in March, I returned to one of my favourite parts of the world – the Caribbean, for another week of adventures. This time I flew to neighbouring island St Kitts. Firstly – despite being just a short hop from one another, you couldn’t get two more different islands. Secondly – what a gem of a place St Kitts is!

I knew very little about the island before visiting. I wanted to keep it that way in order to soak up the atmosphere, understand the people, take in the culture and as always, make my own adventures.

So what is St Kitts like?

St Kitts is beautifully untouched. People say “quick, go to Cuba before it’s too late”… well after visiting both islands, I’d say St Kitts feels less commercial; tourism hasn’t invaded or destroyed it. Somehow, it’s retained its own character. Other than a Marriott and a KFC, every restaurant and hotel was ‘local’. It’s quite an achievement considering the number of enormous cruise ships that dock each week.

We started our week at Ocean Terrace Inn, a smart hotel overlooking the bay of Basseterre – the island’s lively and colourful capital.


As with neighbouring islands, St Kitts is mountainous with Mount Liamuiga standing tall at 3,792 feet. Beaches, mountains, volcanoes, and rainforests – a photographer’s dream!

The island’s past is deeply rooted in the sugar production industry. It’s a dark history, but one it’s important to hear in order to get to know the place. You can’t travel far without passing an old plantation, estate or sugar mill, and Ottley’s Plantation Inn – an 18th century sugar plantation with 35 lush acres of gardens, rainforest and beautiful accommodation was a highlight.

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Marrakech’s Top Spring Hangout: Buddha-Bar Marrakech

Buddha Bar Marrakech Terrace

Warm sunshine, refreshing cocktails, delicious Asian tapas, all set to the chilled beats of ethereal house music. It’s official – spring has sprung in one of my favourite cities, Marrakech!

High season has arrived, bringing with it tourists from near and far. After hours exploring the incredible sights and sounds of the medina, Jemaa el-Fna Square and taking in the colour and culture of the city, the chic new terrace at Buddha-Bar is the perfect place to unwind.

Buddha Bar Marrakech Terrace
Buddha Bar Marrakech Terrace

Thankfully the cocktails are a LOT better than the ones I made with expert barman Houssam in January! Top new creation Tikech is a subtle blend of Pink coral flower, coconut water, passion fruit and pineapple – one sip of that and you’ll know not only that spring is here, but that summer isn’t far away either.

Buddha Bar Marrakech Spring Cocktails
Buddha Bar Marrakech Spring Cocktails

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