Attend : Armani / Deli

Armani/Deli @ Armani/Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, UAE

 I had a fantastic lunch at Armani/Deli when I was in Dubai recently. Ever since the world's first Armani/Hotel opened here in 2010, I've wanted to visit and see what all the hype was about.

Armani/Deli is situated in the lower floors of the hotel, at the base of the Burj Khalifa (The world's tallest building at 829.8m) The interior is as slick and stylish as you would expect from Armani, a black and cream minimal place.

The menu was traditionally Italian with a modern twist - we both had our 'go to' signature dishes - 'Spaghetti Lobster', and 'Black Truffle Pappardelle' - needless to say they were absolutely delicious.

Armani/Deli is, naturally, set out like a deli, with a large seating area. The seated section has beautiful calm views over the Dubai fountains along to The Address hotel. The deli section features freshly prepared dishes, cold cuts, deserts, and a bar / coffee counter.

 We had a great lunch here, it was a cool place to chill, away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Dubai - The service was immaculate and the prices surprisingly reasonable.

 I'd now love to visit some of the other food and beverage outlets in the Armani/Hotel, maybe next time I'm in Dubai!

Armani/Deli - Website

Burj Khalifa - Website

Stay : Buddha Bar Hotel, Prage, Czech Republic

Attention to detail in all aspects of this opulent design hotel

I recently stayed at the famous design concept hotel 'Buddha Bar Hotel' in Prague, Czech Reupublic.

 More photos and full review can be seen in the 'Stay : Hotel Reviews' section of this blog, or by clicking here

Attend : Milestone Hotel

Champagne Afternoon Tea : The Milestone Hotel, Kensington

 I can't think of a better way to spend a post Christmas afternoon than taking a relaxing festive afternoon tea.
 Whilst everyone else was out battling to the sales to do yet more shopping, I took in the quintessentially English interiors of 'The Park Lounge' at The Milestone Hotel on Kensington Court.

 The Grade II listed building dates back to circa 1880, and the hotel today is named after the original cast iron milestone that still stands in it's original position beside the establishment.

 
The festive champagne afternoon tea menu kept all the important tradition of finger sandwiches but served with a festive twist;

 Mini squares of Christmas cake, and miniature mince pies were served alongside freshly baked scones, only bought to your table at request to ensure they were freshly baked, served with clotted cream and homemade jam.
   Finger sandwiches included a new take on a classic; round cut chicken sandwich rolled in chopped almonds.

 I loved the wooden paneled interiors of this hotel, the beautiful vintage caricatures adorning the walls. The restaurant, Chenestons, looked amazing and I'd love to go back and dine in the adjoining oratory area.

 The Milestone is like finding a hidden gem of tradition amongst all the ultra slick modern hotels in London. Located opposite Kensington Palace it feels stepped in history and definitely opulently English.

 The Milestone Hotel : Website
 1 Kensington Court
 London
 W8 5DL

Bathroom Interior : Modern French Vintage

Bathroom Style

 I've just finished decorating the bathroom. I wanted to keep the look modern, but still calm, fresh and quirky.  I've called this style 'Modern French Vintage'.

 Originally inspired by the bathroom at 'Majeka House' in South Africa, and then further by the clean, modern vintage look seen in hotels like '20 Degree Sud' in Mauritius and 'The Jalousie Plantation' in St.Lucia.

Wallpaper : Cole and Son 'Flamingos / Contemporary Restyled'
Tiles : Topps Tiles 'Metro'
Lantern : Oliver Bonas
Candles : Sandy Bay @ QVC
Mirror : Cooke & Lewis Lozenge Cabinet
Porcelain Apothecary Jars : 'Brissi' on Westbourne Grove

 Bathroom: Before & After

Colour : Copper

Copper coloured interior accents

A new trend in interiors; 'tones of copper'
I love the idea of a simple, fresh, white based room with accents of copper - from a industrial style copper pendant light, to a little candle in the corner. The copper ikat fabric could make interesting lighting effects when used as a blind.

Scent Candle London : Tom Dixon Eclectic
Solid Copper Ceiling Tile
Vision Ikat Copper : Wilman Fabrics
Industry Pendant : Habitat

P.S : Posts have been a bit thin on the ground recently as I've been doing up my bathroom, re-tiling, wallpapering, re-decorating and the rest. Hopefully it'll be finished this week so photos should be up towards the end of the week.

Town Hall Hotel : East End Deco Hotel

A refurbished Council Town Hall : Town Hall Hotel, London E2

 I recently stayed at 'Town Hall Hotel' in Patriot Square, London E2. This is a grand hotel, very modern but also very true to it's Edwardian and 30's Deco roots.

The building was originally opened in 1910 in the stylish Edwardian era, when Britain as a country was at the height of it's power. The council could afford to spend out on fine architects and craftsmanship. The hotel has successfully kept and showed off this unique style.
 Further building was added in the 1930's - another stylish era where Britain trail blazed a stunning design aesthetic.

The Rooms:

 The hotel has mixed modern with vintage in such a tasteful manner - the rooms are a unique blend of one off pieces of vintage furniture, sat back with glass, metal and high sheen white finishes.

 I stayed in a 'Signature Suite' - an enormous, high ceiling room with wooden fireplace, and antique furniture. Then, unusually - a built in, made to measure glass and white 'pod' containing sleeping area, bathroom, kitchenette and storage.

 This mix really works, the room feels homely and comfortable and is still slick, modern and stylish - it has separate areas that work individually from each other, but it is all still held together by the modern 'pod.

 Another unique feature is the quirky details that are scattered around the hotel. From hanging rugs with antlers, to unique sculpture all set against the original design aesthetic. I spent a lot of time just wondering around the corridors, discovering new things...

Overall, a truly unique stay.

Town Hall Hotel
Patriot Square, London. E2 9NF
Website : Town Hall Hotel
Phone : +44 (0)20 7871 0460

Stay : Town Hall Hotel

Preview of 'Town Hall Hotel'

 This weekend I stayed at the 'Town Hall Hotel', an East End boutique hotel on Patriot Square, London, E2.
 It's an amazingly well converted council town hall, where they have kept the stunning Deco interiors and added an ultra slick modern touch - along with a touch of humor.

 Full photos and review to follow...

Stay : Upcoming Hotels

Stay : Hotels I've currently booked

I've spent the last weekend booking lots of trips, stays and holidays. I've realized I have a lot of hotel design treats to look forward to.

The Town Hall Hotel, Hackney, London. England

Boutique hotel featuring Edwardian grandeur, Art Deco simplicity and contemporary loft chic...

Website: The Town Hall Hotel

Hotel Wilson Opera, Paris. France

Traditional and simple Parisian hotel with balconies affording great views over the city... 

Website: Hotel Wilson Opera

Berns Hotel, Stockholm. Sweden

Opulent public spaces, the ornate bar is large enough to hold a double decker bus, and Stockholm's most secret bar; located on the hotel's roof & strictly for guests.

Website: Berns

The Jalousie Plantation, St. Lucia. Caribbean

(to be know as 'Viceroy, Sugar Beach')

Located in-between St.Lucia's infamous Pitons are colonial style, luxurious whitewashed villas. Nestled in a lush 100 acre rainforest, privacy is key. Private pools and butler service await...

Website: The Jalousie Plantation

Full photos, reviews and more coming soon...

Stay : Hotel Reviews

New review : Cotswolds88, Painswick.

A great Bank Holiday hotel situated in the picturesque village of Painswick in The Cotswolds. This boutique design hotel is unique: opulent yet relaxing and British with Italian flair.

 For full review and pictures go to the 'Stay : Hotel Reviews' button on the right hand side.
 Or, click here for 'Stay : Hotel Reviews - Cotswolds88, Painswick.'

Stay : Hotel Reviews

New photos added to 'pod - Camps Bay'

 

Newly added photos to the hotel reviews section : 'pod - Camps Bay'

 

 To see the full review and all the photos - go to the 'Stay : Hotel Reviews' button on the right hand side.

 Or, click here for 'Stay : Hotel Reviews - pod, Camps Bay'

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

Bedroom Interior : Wall Art

Adding a new twist to my recently decorated bedroom.

On the back wall the aqua duck egg blue color is used as a highlight against cool coloured metallics; featured in the Biba wallpaper and silver grey velvet quilted throw and cushion.
(see previous post 'Bedroom Interior')

 The opposite wall is painted a dark French grey colour. To add interest and depth I created some wall art to break the plain wall up, and to give a modern quirky vintage feel.
 An ornate frame around a chrome Antelope bust, and two vintage cherubs painted the same French grey as the wall.

Paint: Crown (Herringbone)
Frame: Oliver Bonas
Antelope Head: G C Johnson, Essex
Cherubs: eBay