Japanese Garden : Afternoon Tea at Blakes, South Kensington

Afternoon Tea : Blakes Hotel, South Kensington

  Blakes hotel has a much quoted USP: that it is 'The World's First Luxury Boutique Hotel',

 Created in 1978 by the renowned designer Anouska Hempel and occupying a group of Victorian house, Blakes is hidden behind an imposing, painted black facade, on the corner of Roland Gardens in London's South Kensington.

 The lobby throws light on the design principles of the hotel : a seductive journey through distant lands, with inspiration taken from India, China, Indonesia, Egypt and London.

 Afternoon tea is served in the Chinese Room or in the calm, outdoor Japanese Garden.

 Finger sandwiches, homemade scones with strawberries & cream and indulgent cakes are served alongside a selection of teas and a glass of champagne.

 A very modern and stylish cocktail list is shown in the Chinese Room's bar. A dark, opulent base for a modern take on a classic cocktail: 'Chinese Mojito', 'Shiso Cosmopolitan' and 'Gimlet Royale' to name a few...

 (Sadly, as the cocktail list was newly prepared, the cocktails weren't up to scratch to photograph. However, this has given me a new task of recreating these cocktails on this blog - coming soon)

 Blakes Hotel
 33 Roland Gardens, London, SW7 3PF
 Web: Blakes Hotel

20 Degres Sud : Mauritius Boutique Hotel

A boutique hotel in Mauritius : 20 Degrees Sud, Grande Baie

 Concealed behind an imposing solid oak wood carriage door, this Mauritius boutique hotel is a hidden find.
 I originally stayed here for my honeymoon in 2010. When a work trip to Mauritius was planned, this immediately was the hotel I opted for. (not in the honeymoon suite this time though!)

 Set out around an old coconut grove, on the waters edge - this definately is one of Mauritius best kept secrets - many of the different companies we were visiting hadn't been there.
 A full review will follow in the 'Stay - Hotel Reviews' section of this blog shortly...

 Interiors are by the Belgian interior designers 'Flamant Home Interiors' as well as a splattering of antiques and art, this is a unique hotel in Mauritius.

20 Degres Sud
Coastal Road, Pointe Malartic, Grande Baie - Mauritius
Website: 20degressud.com

Faded Grandeur : Montreuil

Visiting Montreuil Pas Calais : A town full of character, faded grandeur in old house facades and beautiful painted shutters.

French Manors

Chateau de Montreuil

Hotel & restaurant in historical town

 'Chateau de Montreuil' is a charming hotel and restaurant in Montreuil Sur Mer.
 Once the country retreat of the Rothschild family, this manor house now combines English charm with Fine French dining, all within a stones throw of the Channel Tunnel.
 Take lunch outside on the terrace, next to the small pool, with views down the lawn towards another majestic french manor full of faded grandeur.
 After a relaxing lunch of typically gourmet French food  - you can take a stroll around the town ramparts and visit some of the interesting vintage shops scattered around town.

Chateau de Montreuil
4, Chaussee des Capucins,
62170 Montreuil
France
http://www.chateaudemontreuil.com/