Travel & Lifestyle

Jeff ArmstrongJune 27, 2017

Andy Murray will join the line-up for next week’s Aspall Tennis Classic held at The Hurlingham Club. The ultimate warm-up to Wimbledon, the event runs from Tuesday 27th – Friday 30th June 2017 and kicks off the British summer tennis season in true style.

The British star and three-time grand slam winner will play two singles matches across the week in his preparations for Wimbledon. Murray has achieved 45 singles career titles across his 12-year career including Wimbledon, US Open, ATP World Tour Finals, as well as back-to-back Olympic golds.

Murray played at the Aspall Tennis Classic in 2013 before going on to win his first Wimbledon title. His last appearance at The Hurlingham Club was in 2014.

Murray commented: “It is great to be back at The Hurlingham Club. It’s a great setting and an ideal opportunity to get grass court practice ahead of Wimbledon.”

Combining timeless elegance and quintessentially British traditions, the Aspall Tennis Classic is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some of the sport’s most loved players.

Other ATP players included in the line-up are World No. 6 Milos Raonic, World No. 13 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, World No 14 Tomas Berdych, World No. 17 Lucas Pouille and World No. 252 Tommy Haas. Joining them will be some of the sport’s favourite legends – former British No. 1 Greg Rusedski, two-time grand slam finalist Mark Philippoussis, former World No. 4 Thomas Enqvist, 1986 French Open finalist Mikael Pernfors and the ever-popular Mansour Bahrami.

Owned and managed by IMG, the Aspall Tennis Classic at Hurlingham takes place at the height of tennis season, the week prior to Wimbledon. Set in the tranquil 42-acre grounds of The Hurlingham Club, it has become one of the most intimate tennis events in the social calendar, showcasing some of the current stars of today, playing in a series of singles exhibition matches as they finalise their preparations ahead of Wimbledon, as well as several legends.
Register at http://www.aspalltennisclassic.com/ for news and player announcements.

Twitter @Tennis_Classic
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Listings Information:
Dates: Tuesday 27^th June – Friday 30^th June 2017
Location: The Hurlingham Club, Ranelagh Gardens, London, SW6 3PR
Booking Information: 0208 233 5838 | George.carroll@img.com
Hospitality Tickets: http://www.aspalltennisclassic.com/packages/

Jordan KensingtonMay 29, 2017

A few weeks ago, I hopped on a plane to Alicante in Spain to try out a new fitness craze called PRAMA. Now, if the thought of going to the gym and running on a treadmill makes you want to curl up in your bed for 5 weeks, don’t worry. You’re not about to be converted to a gym addict, since PRAMA is more about using interactive, pressure-sensitive floors and walls to deliver a wide range of options for performance and functional training. With different lighting options, the system creates a unique atmosphere at the facility for different types of workouts. All the features are controlled at the touch of a button. Even the kids who joined the session with their parents later, seemed to be in agreement that it was great fun, high-intensity and overall high energy class. The interactive studio can be programmed to lower intensity exercises so that the whole family can enjoy a class, working in teams to compete against each other. PRAMA has curated workouts designed to meet members where they’re at, with targets based on participants’ age, weight, and sex. Two people can be running at different speeds and still meet their respective goals, making the workout challenging regardless of fitness level. This way, all who take part can be challenged rather than being overwhelmed or bored.

PRAMA addresses the questions most club operators tend to ask before deciding on making a new investment, including how the concept can fit into an existing club and how to market the PRAMA experience to existing club members. The concept is easy to use, very effective, and integrates three key elements – Pavigym Energy+, Pavigym Mood, and Pavigym Synapse – to offer a solution that both makes training more entertaining. Energy+ is a group training solution that uses high intensity interval training to ensure gym goers get the most of their workout. The concept combines interactive flooring with a regularly updated online support package to deliver a variety of classes throughout the year. The workout programs are designed to train movements and the body-mind connection and can be used for both functional training and conditioning. They are suitable for members of all fitness levels and our lucky Chelsea Monthly readers can soon try out PRAMA for themselves.

PRAMA is coming to Kensington Harbour Club in June 2017 and will also be available in selected David Lloyd Clubs from the autumn.

Kensington Harbour Club

Point West, 116 Cromwell Road, Kensington, London, SW7 4XR

or Click here for more information.

Johana BaldellaMay 4, 2017

Here in Bordeaux, the return of Spring heralds the re-opening of the Night Beach. For the sixth season, the rooftop terrace of the InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel, proves it ever-growing popularity as the trendiest address in the city. The casual elegance of the sophisticated setting allied to the superb 360° panoramic view of the city and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere all combine to make this open-air-lounge “the place to be” this summer in Bordeaux.

From the end of April until September, every day without fail, the Night Beach offers trendy evenings beneath the starry skies. Enjoy innovative tapas and signature cocktails reputed to be among the best in all of Bordeaux, specially concocted by the award-winning barmen of this 5* establishment, which has quickly become the absolute reference in luxury hotels in this city. Greatly in demand are the specially-themed evenings that take place several times per month, with pride of place given to the iconic Fête de la musique (music festival) and Bastille Day (French National Holiday, July 14th). A special “Ladies Night” every Tuesday offers a complimentary nail bar, while a DJ provides entertainment on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

To mark its sixth season, the Night Beach is proud to announce something new: the rooftop terrace, normally accessible evenings only, is now open for lunch. From noon onwards, a selection of seasonal dishes is served (salads, organic salmon, Charolais beef tartare and a wonderful assortment of crunchy vegetables), prepared by Alex Thiebaut, who is the chef at the Bordeaux Gordon Ramsay Brasserie. Food here is all about lightness and balance, with a menu of detox, healthy-choice options ranging from organic teas to freshly-pressed fruit juice.

An added opportunity to enjoy this exceptional haven of peace and serenity, with its stunning view of the rooftops of a city that is a World Heritage Site!

Night Beach is open daily noon until 14h30 and again from 19h00 until 01h00

Lunch: from noon until 14h30 – salads and dishes from 21 euros
Evenings: from 19h00 until 01h00 – cocktails and finger food
Themed evenings: every Thursday evening in June and July, and every second Thursday in August, not forgetting the “Fête de la musique” (June 21) and Bastille Day (July 14th)
Ladies Night every Tuesday and a DJ on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights

Johana BaldellaMay 3, 2017

Since, the weather in London is clearly miserable. Here is our round up of the favourite spots around the world to jet off to celebrate #nationalgolfmonth … off course!

San Domenico Golf, Puglia

With the Adriatic Sea to one side and olive groves to the other, San Domenico Golf Club was created to USGA’s highest standards by architect Andy Haggar as a classic links course. Stay at the family-owned, 5* hotel Masseria San Domenico that also offers a stunning Thalassotherapy spa.

Stay 3 nights starting from £1,196 per person on a B&B basis booked through Classic Collection (0800 008 7299; classic-collection.co.uk). The price also includes return flights and private airport transfers. Green fee for hotel guests start from €50 per person or from €95 for independent travellers.

Golf Club Punta Ala, Tuscany

Boasting panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the nearby islands, it is one of the finest golf courses in Tuscany. Stay at Baglioni Resort Cala del Porto and take advantage of its pool, two restaurants and own private beach club, La Vela.

Book their Golf Package from €1,550 per person including a 3-night stay on a B&B basis, green fees for two and golf car for two days, a three-course dinner at Belvedere Restaurant and one massage per person at La Vela Beach Club.

Franciacorta Golf Club

A stone’s throw from Lake Iseo, the Franciacorta Golf Club, designed by Marco Croze and Pete Dye, is surrounded by woods, vineyards and lakes – just 6km from 5* L’Albereta with its renowned Henri Chenot Spa and Michelin starred LeoneFelice restaurant.

Stay 7 nights at L’Albereta from £1,995 per person, based on a couple sharing on a B&B basis including return flights and private airport transfers – booking through Scott Dunn (scottdunn.com; 020 8682 5080). Green fees from €60 per day.

Royal Golf, Marrakech

A choice of world-class courses with direct access from the hotel: Royal Golf, a legendary 27-hole course enjoyed by Churchill, Lloyd George and Eisenhower, and Al Maaden Golf, an 18-hole championship course conceived by Kyle Philips.

Stay at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech from €715 per person per night, including two green fees per day, complimentary golf equipment polishing and storage as well as daily breakfast at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech.

Johana BaldellaApril 13, 2017

SOMERSET LAUNCHES ANOTHER WALKERS’ CHALLENGE TO REVEAL MORE SECRETS OF ITS BEAUTIFUL UNDISCOVERED COAST PATH

#secretseawalks

In the second of Somerset’s Secret Sea Walks we will be revealing the hidden gems to be found on a walk from Doniford to East Quantoxhead.

Called #secretseawalks, the ten-week campaign will publish a different secret sea walk every week on the Visit Somerset website http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/things-to- do/england -coast-path- challenging and inspiring walkers to enjoy a walk at the weekend.

The campaign – which launched last week with a look at the full 58-mile stretch from Minehead to Brean – will also ask walkers to contribute their favourite ‘secret’ from their walks via social media using the hashtag #seawalks.

Secret Sea Walk Two – what to expect:

This stretch of the coast path from Doniford to East Quantoxhead has everything from quintessential English villages to historic churches, wonderful wild flowers to geological marvels and is a great walk for families, keen walkers and nature lovers.

Things to look out for include stunning geological wonders like the limestone pavements, red rock formations and amazing coastal views.

The walk takes in the foothills of the Quantocks – the first place in England to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and walkers are in with the chance of spotting rare flowers like Pyramid and Bee Orchids and birds including Oyster Catchers, Dunlin and Peregrine Falcons.

The ten walks range from the longer, more difficult stretches to easy and flat for the little ones. The newly opened up Somerset section of the England Coast Path includes a new footbridge over the River Swill and several new sections of path between Watchet and East Quantoxhead, with spectacular new views over the Bristol Channel.

* The series will continue with eight other walks, each offering another unique experience, aimed at families, rest and relaxation seekers and keen walkers. Some walks will be circular, others linear and each will offer directions, amenities and what to look out for.

This project is funded by Natural England and the Hinkley Tourism Action Partnership made up of EDF Energy, Somerset County Council, Sedgemoor District Council, West Somerset Council, Visit Somerset, Exmoor National Park Authority and Visit Exmoor.

Johana BaldellaApril 12, 2017

FROM ST PAUL’S TO BUCKINGHAM PALACE AND PORTOBELLO ROAD

Parliament and Big Ben as seen from Westminster Bridge tops poll of London views that bring Brits infinite pleasure
Ancient and modern British sights celebrated in nationwide study, as Brits found to take over 1,000 pictures each year, many of which are scenic views
Views of St Paul’s, Tower Bridge and deer in Richmond Park all feature in top ten
Study commissioned by Samsung to launch new Galaxy S8, alongside photography project with Landscape Photographer of the Year capturing incredible views nominated
Giant 7x 3 metre phone installed at London’s Coin Street Observation point to frame city view

The view of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben from Westminster Bridge is London’s most iconic sight, according to a new study that celebrates the most incredible views, both ancient and modern, in the capital today.

More than 2,500 people took part in the study which asked respondents to vote from a longlist of incredible views which was created by a panel of leading travel experts from publications including Rough Guides, Mr and Mrs Smith, Wanderlust and Good Housekeeping.

The study was specially commissioned to mark the forthcoming launch of the new Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphone which boasts an innovative ‘Infinity Display’ screen and premium best-in-class camera which has been used to capture a series of stunning photographs of many of the views listed.

Topping the list of the greatest London views, all of which are from ‘ground-level’, is the sight of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben from Westminster Bridge, which is followed by an eclectic mix of stunning sights across the capital, from skylines to buildings to complete the top ten.

The full list of the 10 greatest London views is:

Parliament and Big Ben, viewed from Westminster Bridge
Tower Bridge, from the Southbank
St Paul’s, viewed from Millennium Bridge
Richmond Park, deer in the morning mist
Buckingham Palace as viewed from down The Mall
St James’ Park, beyond the lake with the London Eye in the background
London skyline from Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath
Little Venice, barges on the canal
Canary Wharf from Greenwich Park
Portobello Road, multi-coloured terraced houses

Just missing out on the top ten London views were the sights of The Thames Flood Barrier in Woolwich and Columbia Road Flower Market in Hackney.

The study also pinpointed the five key factors that make up a quintessentially British view, with rolling countryside coming top (42%), followed by rugged coastlines (21%), country villages (20%), historical landmarks (15%) and spires, cathedrals and architecture (15%).

Samsung has celebrated the greatest British views by commissioning a new photography project from Matthew Cattell – Britain’s reigning Landscape Photographer of the Year which will be shot entirely on a Galaxy S8. Matthew is travelling the length of the UK in March and April to capture a series of stunning shots at locations which were named in the study, including the London skyline, the Lake District and St Ives Bay.

Selected views named in the study are also being framed by the giant Infinity Display on a 7x3m scale model of the Galaxy S8, which Samsung are taking on tour throughout April to locations which featured in the top 20, including St Ives, London and Stonehenge. The giant S8 phone will be positioned at London’s Coin Street Observation point from Monday 10th April.

Sam Grant, Marketing Director at Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland said: “We wanted to mark the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy S8, with its unique and groundbreaking Infinity Display, by celebrating the beautiful views in our country of mountains, highlands, beaches and urban skylines that are best enjoyed unconfined.”

Landscape Photographer of the Year, Matthew Cattell said: “The Galaxy S8 has the most evolved smartphone camera in the world today creating impressively sharp pictures, even in low light conditions – which is just as well as we encountered a fair few spring showers and grey days whilst shooting the project! I hope people enjoy the results and are encouraged to get out and shoot the amazing views closest to them.”

The findings shine a spotlight on some of the most photographed sites in the UK revealing that the average British adult takes in excess of 1,000 pictures each year, predominantly on smartphones – the majority of which focus on landscapes and city views which was cited by 66% of those surveyed as their favoured photographic subject matter.

The study also revealed the subjects which are most likely to make pals envious when they were posted on social media sites. Topping the list were awesome views (48%), followed by pictures of friends and family (10%), food and drink (6%) and selfies (5%). In addition to provoking jealousy, pictures of beautiful locations were also inspiration, with half of us (50%) admitting we are more likely to visit a place having seen a posted picture.

The Samsung S8 is available for pre-order until 19th April and launches in the UK on 28th April, and will be available from selected retailers as well as the Samsung e-store – for more information and stockist details visit www.samsung.com/uk.

Johana BaldellaApril 12, 2017

It’s that time of year again, the denim shorts are at the ready, along with a multi coloured raincoat and the all-important wellies… it’s festival season! For many, festivals involve days on the trot of boozing, eating calorific irregular meals and way more dancing than shut-eye. For those who want to stay even slightly on track to staying healthy, what can you do?

1. Dance proof your feet with the right shoes

“Choosing the right shoes is extremely important. Make sure there is enough room in the front of your shoes (the toe box) to wiggle your toes freely – this is really important and not just for comfort. If the shoe is too tight here then you put yourself at risk of compression lesions, such as corns and callous. Your longest toe should finish about 15 – 20mm from the end of the shoe (roughly the width of your own thumb).

Also, before you head to your favourite DJ slip Carnation Tip Toes Gel Cushions (£4.49, Firstaidfast.co.uk and Independent Pharmacies) into your shoes for extra comfort, “These invisible gel cushions will help to alleviate pressure, providing padding for your shoes,” explains Michael Ratcliffe, Podiatrist at Carnation Footcare.

2. Rise and shine with a downward dog

Before you head to a stage in the morning, do a spot of yoga. “The movement of yoga will help to increase blood flow to all parts of your body, but importantly, your liver. The more blood that passes through, the quicker your liver can detoxify the alcohol. The sweating will help to eliminate the toxins through your skin. However the sweating can make the problem of dehydration worse, so ensure that you drink plenty of water at the same time!” says Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at SuperfoodUK, the online shopping destination for all things health and wellbeing.

3. Avoid sugar, before, during and after

‘Before, during and after drinking it’s best to avoid sugary foods and drinks, as alcohol consumption tends to play havoc with energy and blood sugar control. It’s better to focus on protein and unrefined carbohydrates, which release glucose slowly. Say no to caffeine and spicy food that can not only worsen the dehydration, but also irritate your stomach,’ explains Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading Nutritionist, author of Natural Alternatives to Sugar.

If you’re struggling not to be tempted by sugary snacks try Slissie. Slissie (£39.99, www.slissie.co.uk) is the first of its kind as it delivers curb-craving flavourings that instantly help you resist snack temptation. Slissie releases tasty, appetite-suppressing flavours, from vanilla to chocolate, which can help you resist eating things you know you really shouldn’t.

4. Dance to the beat with festival feet

If wellingtons are your footwear of choice, so you can dance your way through the mud, Carnation Silversocks (www.firstaidfast.co.uk, £12) are a great option for eliminating odour and reducing rubbing. The thermodynamic sock is made with pure silver fibres that, as well as keeping feet at a comfortable temperature have anti-microbial and anti-odour properties. The yarn systems allows a greater amount of moisture to be drawn away from the feet so those 250,000 sweat glands would have to be working overtime to leave you with damp tootsies.

5. Watch what you eat!!

“Try to avoid burnt barbecued meat in particular, as this is likely to make any hangover worse! Look for meals that come with a good amount of salad or other vegetables, or try to get in some fresh fruit between meals – for fibre and vitamin C. Take with you some protein-based snacks, such as nuts and raisins,” says Shona.

6. Sleep well

“To make sure you sleep as much and as well as you can, stop any alcohol a few hours before you go to bed and try to give yourself time to wind down before hitting the pillow. I’d also recommend taking KalmAssure Magnesium Powder, by Natures Plus (£24.50, www.naturesplus.co.uk). This is a naturally chelated magnesium which is very easy to absorb and easily delivered to the tissues,” suggests Nutritionist, Cassandra Barns.

7. Stay hydrated

“Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, to help maintain energy levels and a clear head, and because dehydration will only worsen the effects of any alcohol you drink later on!” says Shona.

8. ‘B’ energised

“B vitamins are helpful to reduce tiredness and fatigue. To make sure you’re getting your daily dose take Quest Vitamins Once A Day Energy B & C (from £5.32, qnutrapharma.com) before you go to boost energy levels ready for the festival and continue taking it to keep fatigue at bay,” suggests Cassandra.

9. Combat chafing

“Chafing occurs from friction, so when thighs rub against each other or shoes you’re wearing start to rub your heel friction is caused, which can then lead to chaffing. Friction worsens with heat, humidity and perspiration so if you’re working up a sweat you may be prone to chafing, which can range from rashes, to burning to blisters. To soothe the skin I would suggest using a quick dry formula, such as the What Skin Needs Balm (£9.99, whatskinneeds.co.uk) which uses a blend of natural ingredients, including aloe vera which will help soothe the skin and prevent irritations and rashes from developing,” explains Cassandra.

10. Get fruity with it!

The water and mineral content of fruit will help to rehydrate you and put an end to your hangover headache. Opt for berries, “They are rich in antioxidants and offer protection from free radicals, which are considered another cause of hangovers,” says Cassandra.

Jeff ArmstrongApril 12, 2017

The Malta Tourism Authority was delighted to be a part of the National Film Awards 2017 held last month at Porchester Hall in London. Attended by a thousand actors, industry professionals and movie fans, Malta was the official travel destination sponsor and Peter Vella, MTA UK Director, was on hand to present the Lifetime Achievement Award category to British sitcom legends Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst.

Set to be broadcast across Sky television at a later date, other A-list attendees included Simon Pegg who beat off stiff competition to win the award for Global Contribution to a Motion Picture. Pegg commented “The National Film Awards is quickly becoming the credible alternative and a very important awards ceremony in motion picture. It is one of the only awards ceremonies to give the power back to the public to nominate and vote for the films they love”. A total of 3.1 million fans are involved in the voting process to nominate their favourite film and television stars.

Image may contain: one or more people, people on stage, people standing, concert, night and indoor

With its own Hollywood credentials, Malta is famous for its beautiful coastlines, picturesque beaches, and charming villages, which have always been a hit with top film producers. 2017 is set to be another big year for Malta as the island welcomes stars including Johnny Depp, Dame Judi Dench and Michelle Pfeiffer for the filming of Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’.

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Peter Vella, MTA’s UK Director, says “Malta’s stunning climate, architecture, historical sites and natural beauty has made it a favourite location for the film industry. It has played host to the full spectrum of films and TV shows, including such greats as Gladiator, Troy, the Da Vinci Code and Game of Thrones, and more recently The Lake, Assassin’s Creed and The Promise. Malta’s contribution to the industry has been enormous.”

Image result for visit malta

Malta is keen to welcome travellers interested in walking in the footsteps of their Hollywood heroes, which include the likes of Angelina Jolie, Emily Blunt, Brad Pitt, and A-list super-couple Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz. With the trendy nightlife, turquoise lagoons, and growing gastronomy scene, it’s no wonder that Malta is one of Europe’s hottest destinations beloved by the world’s most celebrated film stars.

Malta is a short three and a quarter hour flight from the UK, with daily departures from all major airports across the country. For nore information. Visit: www.maltauk.com

Jordan KensingtonFebruary 13, 2017

Anyone thinking of a short or long break in Greece normally settles for cities such as Athens, Thessalonki, Patras, Heraklion, and may be Larissa . But, we at Chelsea Monthly like to go beneath the surface and explore what lies underneath which is exactly why last year we decided to cover Skiathos. A small Greek island in the northwest Aegean Sea.

Image result for Kassandra Bay Resort & Spa, skiathos

The island has a north to southwestern direction and is about 12 kilometres (7 miles) long and 6 kilometres (4 miles) wide on average. The coastline is indented with inlets, capes and peninsulas. The southeast and southwest parts have gentler slopes and that is where most settlements and facilities are located.

Despite its small size, Skiathos is becoming a firm favourite with those in the know and judging by the amount of Brits we saw when we descended into the airport. We know this place with its many beaches and wooded landscape is fast becoming a popular tourist destination. From sandy, beaches scattered around to the beautiful hospitality that awaits you from the locals, you will find yourself surrounded by an air of tranquillity and excitement (my kind of balance). For those historians amongst you. It would be fascinating to discover that in ancient times, the island played a minor role during the Persian Wars. In 480 BC, the fleet of the Persian King Xerxes was hit by a storm and was badly damaged on the rocks of the Skiathos coast. Following this the Greek fleet blockaded the adjacent seas to prevent the Persians from invading the mainland and supplying provisions to the army facing the 300 Spartans defending the pass at Thermopylae. The Persian fleet was defeated there at Artemisium and finally destroyed at the Battle of Salamis a year later. Skiathos remained in the Delian League until it lost its independence. The city was destroyed by Philip V of Macedon in 200 BC.

In 1207 the Ghisi brothers captured the island and built the Bourtzi, a small Venetian-styled fortress similar to the Bourtzi in Nafplio, on an islet just out of Skiathos Town, to protect the capital from the pirates. But the Bourtzi was ineffective in protecting the population and in the mid-14th century the inhabitants moved the capital from the ancient site that lay where modern Skiathos Town is to Kastro (the Greek word for castle), located on a high rock, overlooking a steep cliff above the sea at the northernmost part of the island. The island returned to Byzantine control in the 1270s, and remained in Byzantine hands until after the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, when it passed to the Republic of Venice. Like the rest of the Northern Sporades, Skiathos was conquered by the Ottoman admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa in 1538.

In 1704 monks from Athos built the Evangelistria Monastery, which played a part on the Greek War of Independence as a hide-out for Greek rebels. The first flag of Greece was created and hoisted in the Evangelistria Monastery in Skiathos in 1807, where several prominent military leaders (including Theodoros Kolokotronis and Andreas Miaoulis) had gathered for consultation concerning an uprising, and they were sworn to this flag by the local bishop.

Image result for Kassandra Bay Resort & Spa, skiathos

Back to Present. After a 40 minute flight we touched down at Athens International Airport and in our mission to find the very best place to eat, sleep and off course rest in Luxury; Kassandra Bay Resort & Spa came top in our list of recommended resorts. So, as we were shown round the resort, comprising of both hotel and suites we discovered that it wasn’t just your standard typical resort in Greece but one that has been curated to offer the best in luxury experience providing you with the additional option to explore the beautiful island of Skiathos.

Image result for Kassandra Bay Resort & Spa, skiathos

KB Hotel is ideal for friends and families seeking a relaxing, laid back break. The penthouse suites offer a unique freedom to guests who want to have that home away from home experience. The current options range from Classic Double Rooms with scenic views, spacious Maisonettes to lavish Two Bedroom Family Rooms. After a decent night’s sleep, the next day we decided to unwind and we opted for the heavenly spa which left everyone feeling rejuvenated.

There is an extensive range of treatments available or you can choose to bask in relaxation at the in-house sauna, Jacuzzi or massage rooms. A modern, fully equipped gym is also available for those looking to re-energise, with outdoor Yoga and Pilates sessions on offer too.

Image result for Kassandra Bay Resort & Spa, skiathos

Since Valentines Day, is literally around the corner and with many men getting down on both knees for the ‘ultimate proposal’. The resort will provide an ideal location for a wedding or your ultimate destination for honeymooners to commence their journery into marital bliss with an intimate experience at the Kassandra Bay Suites, the sister-property that is a stone’s throw away from the hotel. Ideally located within lush gardens and olive groves, overlooking the sandy shores, it oozes romance and charm. The 28 suites range from the Deluxe Double to the Deluxe Suite with Private Pool, which offers luxury at its very finest. With crisp white décor, splashes of colour and minimalistic furnishings, each suite provides a sanctuary of refined comfort and luxe.It was the last night of our stay and we decided to hop into town to discover the nightlife scene. There is a regular boat service to the island and the rest of the Sporades islands with departures from Volos and Agios Konstantinos. The boats are operated mainly by Hellenic Seaways using its high-speed Flying Cat vessels as well as conventional ferries. We ended up at a Bar called Marilyn with a few Brits who were themselves staying at the resort. There was a uniformed agreement that you get the very best of Greece right here in Skiathos. Hidden bays, perfect sunsets, charming trails for adventurers and amazing food . This place ranks top in my list of places to revisit and the resort plays the integral part in solidifying your overall experience.

For more information, please visit:

www.kassandrabay.com

www.kbsuites.com

Fact Box:

Flights run regularly from all UK London Airports to Athens International Airport, here is it is a 40minute connecting flight from Athens to Skiathos, which is also easily accessible.

Kassandra Bay Resort & Spa is located 4km from Skiathos Airport and 3km from Skiathos town.

Rooms at Kassandra Bay Hotel start from 130 euros per night, based on 2 guests sharing a Classic Double room, including breakfast.

Rooms at Kassandra Bay Suites start from 185 euros per night, based on 2 guests sharing a Deluxe Double room with sea view, including breakfast.