Some of us had grand plans to get away this Winter, perhaps letting go of stress whilst sailing in the Bahamas, or snuggling up with someone we don’t see enough of in a chalet in Aspen. Honeymoons weren’t taken, holidays of a lifetime have been postponed and our wanderlust has had no choice but to be packed up and set aside until the world is a safer place… 2020 really has a lot to answer for!
It would be all too easy to sit and feel miserable about the birthday that should have been spent in the Maldives, but was instead confined to a London flat, or the big family gathering to celebrate the milestone birthday of an ageing relative on a remote Greek island. But that doesn’t solve anything, and certainly doesn’t make us feel better.
So, rather than dwelling on regrets, we’re packing our bags mentally and heading off on a tour of some of the most beautiful, unusual or Instagram-able bars around the world. After all, ’tis the season to be merry…
We kick things off in good old New York City, at Dear Irving on Gramercy. This is a speakeasy unlike any other – it has 4 different rooms to showcase 4 different eras! Our favourite is definitely the F. Scott Fitzgerald room, with cascades of crystals raining around private areas, but the Marie Antoinette room is sumptuous and definitely has a little ‘ooh-la-la’! The menu regularly features seasonal additions and we’ve heard the Grove Groove is the one to go for (“Like Autumn sunshine served up- citrus paired with cardamom & rhubarb”). There is also another location on Hudson with its own set of fun…
To escape the city, we next head off to Cova D’en Xoroi in Menorca, a sunset bar with live music. Perched above a cave, around 100 feet above the Mediterranean Sea, this bar offers equally stunning views both day and night. The cave is named after the legend of a Turkish pirate called Xoroi, who is said to have sheltered in the cave to avoid capture, but on discovery, he jumped into the sea and was never seen again (after 2020 we quite know how he feels!) Thankfully the bar’s excellent DJs keep guests out of the water and dancing the night away instead.
To get off the beaten track, we then headed to Wind & Water Cafe, about 1 hour outside Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Sitting in the middle of a lake, this stunning bar is made entirely from natural materials and was built without a single nail, using only traditional Vietnamese weaving techniques. It’s quite something! Even the furniture is bamboo, so sitting here you can really feel at one with nature. Just the antidote for a world of worry….
If you’re not content with being above the waterline, why not slip below at Subsix underground restaurant and bar at Niyama, Maldives. Hide away in the depths at this breathtaking clam-inspired bar, with swooping curves, soft anemone chairs and a ceiling covered in shells. At 6 meters below the shoreline, the only drink to really have whilst grandly enjoying the parrotfish, grouper, butterflyfish and others swimming past, is of course Dom Perignon. We’ll see you in a few hours….
Continuing our theme of drinks whilst enjoying natural wonders, we head next to the award-winning Northern Lights bar at the Ion Adventure Hotel, less than 1 hour from Reykjavik. As the name suggests, this bar was designed explicitly for optimal viewing of the Northern Lights. Amid mountains and lava fields, the glass bar protrudes from the end of the hotel and often has local astronomers as visitors, sharing their knowledge of all things aurora borealis. Stargazing is so hopeful, do you find…?
Being underwater is one of our favourite things. And the good thing about doing it in a bar is that you dont even have to get wet (or worry about bikini bodies!) So next we head back under the surface to Under in Southern Norway – the world’s largest underwater restaurant and first in Europe. Recently awarded a Michelin star, the restaurant is as equally about the experience as the food. Like an art installation, the building itself, designed by award-winning architect firm Snøhetta, is reminiscent of a rock formation rising out of the sea. The structure is designed to fully integrate into the marine environment over time, as the roughness of the concrete shell functions like an artificial reef, welcoming limpets and kelp to inhabit it. Like a sunken periscope, the restaurant’s enormous window offers a view of the seabed and its life forms as it changes throughout the seasons and weather conditions. It is spectacular, and the drinks are too!
Heading back above sea level, we come to The Rock As the name suggests, the Rock Restaurant and Bar is perched on the top of a rock. Once a fisherman’s post in Zanzibar, this fantastic spot is what dreams are made of. You can get there using its dedicated boat service or wait for low tide and wade over – either way, a treat is in store. ‘“It’ll never happen”. “It is just not possible”, they said. And the rest is history.’ Lovingly run and decorated in a simple, unfussy local island style, the restaurant specialises in seafood. The Rock in unpretentious, breathtakingly beautiful and full of passion – just how we like it.
Last but by no means least (we could carry on drinking but our blog might make less sense!) is Vertigo in Bangkok. This is hailed as the city’s ultimate rooftop experience, offering al fresco dining on a terrace overlooking the glittering cityscape of Bangkok. Moon Bar is the ultimate hangout for cocktails, a staggering 61 floors above the city. Highly recommended is the signature Vertigo Sunset, don’t mind if we do!
But alas, after our bar crawl around the globe it’s time to return back home (and pray for mercy on the hangover tomorrow!) But the glamour doesn’t all stop within our own part of the world. The fabulous Fin Spiteri from Spiteri & Co has kindly shared with us one of his signature seasonal cocktail receipes, to get us in the Christmas spirit at home. Care to join us?
Christmas in NYC
(So called as it’s a twist on a sweet Manhattan)
50ml Christmas Infused Whisky
25ml Sweet Vermouth
2 dashes Pimento Bitters
You will need Christmas Pudding infused Whisky for this cocktail which you should make beforehand. Take 150g of mince pie filling and steep in a bottle of bourbon overnight, in the morning strain the mixture into a new bottle and store in the fridge.
To make the drink combine 50ml of your Christmas bourbon in a chilled mixing glass with 25ml sweet vermouth (Punt e Mes works well with this recipe) and 2 dashes of pimento bitters (orange or angostura will do if you don’t feel like tracking down pimento bitters)
Stir until well chilled and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a spritz of orange zest.
Private European Escapes for 2021
At BBB we pride ourselves on not only having great relationships with some of the leading hotels and travel companies in the world, but also that we have some lesser known incredible gems up our sleeves. As 2020 draws to a close and we look with hope towards the arrival of New Year, one thing is certain – the way we travel has changed. This year, unsurprisingly, we have seen a huge increase in UK breaks and for those who can afford to, in luxury private travel. With that in mind, we’re continuing to source the best locations we can, at home and abroad, that we hope will inspire you both when booking personal holidays or trips for principals.
For this blog, we’re focusing on private stays around Europe. We have delved deep into our black book and come up with 6 places that we think will take your breath away….
Be Peaceful in Provence
Featured in Vogue, the private and beautiful Provencal Hamlet has been lovingly and artistically restored to provide an excellent destination for larger groups. This interconnected complex of suites and houses are perched high above the Luberon boasting stunning views. At 2,600 feet above the sea, with almost zero humidity, the nights are cool and days mosquito-free.
The property is spread throughout several houses, each having their own simple and eclectic style. The interiors combine a wealth of wonderful paintings, objets d’art and furniture predominantly from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s eras. The Grand Banc can sleep up to 32, but 24 is the preferred maximum. The different arrangements of the bedrooms, such as twins, doubles and a dormitory style room mean that your needs are sure to be met comfortably and in style.
The property has everything you could possibly need, with its own restaurant, bar and nightclub. Spend time in the games room, playing petanque in the car park or relaxing by the pool. Set in 400 acres of farmland, scrub oak, lavender and orchards, one of the highlights is the stunning outdoor dining room seating up to 30 guests.
As well as the in-house chef, caterers can provide special dinners and picnics around the grounds can be organised in a variety of stunning spots.
Guests love this house for its magical setting and history. An abandoned French village transformed into a charming family hamlet with amazing views and works of art.
In Search of Captain Corelli
Featured in Conde Nast Traveller as one of Europe’s best villas, The Cassiopeia estate enjoys spectacular views, with beautiful landscaped grounds surrounded by sea. Cassiopeia House and Atolikos House can be taken together for larger parties or rented separately. Both have a strong Venetian influence complementing their traditional Corfiot features with the ultimate in contemporary comfort. Both offer privacy, luxurious accommodation and stunning pool areas with much sought after sea access.
There are 8 elegant bedrooms, sleeping 16. The open-plan dining/living area enjoy french doors that open on to a terrace offering stunning 180 degree wrap around sea views. Stairs from the spacious sitting room leads towards a fabulous retro style cinema room with huge pink sofas and a 52 inch TV. The rooftop is the perfect location for relaxing and lounging with friends while watching the sunset.
Pathways weave their way through the estate’s beautiful indigenous flora and woodland to a private jetty, a small pebble beach and Atolikos point where guests can swim from sun drenched rocks. The dramatic view provides a sublime backdrop to the estate.
Cassiopeia enjoys a 20m salt water pool and there is a second pool designed for small children. Guests love the classy, neutral decor and direct sea access which Cassiopeia House offers. Fully staffed, this house has everything you need for the ultimate Corfu experience.
Unbelievable Umbria
Grand, noble, imposing… Palazzo has the feel of a traditional Italian palace, whizzed up to date with stylish Reschio interiors.
It has 5 spacious bedrooms sleeping 10 guests and natural stone bathrooms with stunning views. All bedrooms come with fully equipped ensuites and dressing rooms, completing the feeling of opulence and luxury.
Inside, the spacious rooms have high, vaulted ceilings, floors laid with reclaimed terracotta tiles and beautifully hand-painted wallpapers, blending seamlessly with stylish modern furnishings, all centred on a spectacular cantilevered staircase.
Outside, there’s a breezy loggia with three huge arches that perfectly frame the large, heated infinity pool and the uninterrupted views of the valleys beyond.
Palazzo has plenty to keep guests busy, including a wine cellar, tennis court, gym and games room. It is also part of the Castello di Reschio Estate, which has other spectacular properties available to rent, so perfect for larger families or groups of friends.
Find Calm in Comporta
Carvalhal recently featured in Elle Decor and is only a 12 minute walk from Carvalhal beach. This inviting yet stylish villa in Comporta is the perfect summer getaway for families or groups of friends. With its beach-washed cottage style, clean lines and warm bohemian touches, Carvalhal House is the definition of ‘Comporta Calm’. The layout also means it’s perfect for family holidays.
The property has three separate units. The Main house has a master bedroom and adjacent bathroom, an exceptional kitchen, with a ‘La Cornue’ stove and cosy dining area. There is also a spacious and bright living room with a fireplace.
There are 2 further guest houses, each with 2 suites with comfortable double beds, plus a small kitchenette in the second guest house. All bedrooms are air-conditioned and have private terraces.
Even though all areas of the house are equipped with modern amenities like AC and Wi-Fi, the owners have chosen not to install TVs in the house, emphasizing the natural and relaxing setting of both their home and this pristine part of Portugal. After a warm day at the beach you’ll find yourself laying down on one of the many spacious (covered) lounge areas outside, or cooling down in the private swimming pool. There is also an outdoor dining table allowing for alfresco lunches and dinners, and a BBQ grill.
Guests love Carvalhal House for its enviable location and its stylish, calm interiors exuding peace and serenity. It is a short 80 minute drive from Lisbon airport.
Get away to the Guadalmina River
Furnished with Spanish and European antiques and set at the foot of the mountains, this peaceful spot offers plenty of picture-perfect scenery to savour while relaxing or exploring.
The property is split into 3 parts that can be rented separately or together – the main house, Tramares, the smaller luxury villa Casa del Rio, sleeping 10 and a smaller guest house. In total the property can sleep up to 30 people.
The villa is surrounded by verdant gardens gently sloping down to the Guadalmina river. The huge manicured lawn is ideal for the odd ball game, while the many shady terraces are perfect for eating al fresco or enjoying the stunning gardens. A large roof terrace with huge lounging day beds also gives rise to great views, while you can cool off in the private large pool tucked away at the rear of the house and surrounded by lush gardens and lawns.
The staff at the villa can also arrange all manner of days out on request, such as days on chartered yachts, tours to the Alhambra, Seville, Ronda, Cordoba, Gibraltar, Morocco etc, and all manner of sports activities and beauty treatments. Casa del Rio is roughly a 50 minute drive to Malaga airport.
Inimitable Ibiza
For the ultimate in Ibizan chic luxury, look no further. Tagomago is one of the most beautiful private islands in the Mediterranean. It offers everything you could possibly dream of, making it the ideal location for high-end clients looking for a unique family vacation or to celebrate an unforgettable event. It truly has it all!
Situated approximately 900 metres off the coast of Ibiza, the island is easily accessible by boat or helicopter. The busy cosmopolitan town of Ibiza and the international airport are only a few minutes by car away from the nearest port.
The whole private island of Tagomago has a plot of 600.000 m2 in a breath-taking natural environment, offering you absolute privacy, high security, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, as well as its own private jetty for mooring. Almost any kind of water sport is available, including activities such as jet skis, 2 tender-boats, water skiing, wakeboarding, paddle surfing, canoeing, fishing, snorkelling and sailing. By land, guests can also enjoy the long trail to Tagomago’s lighthouse, various nature walks, hiking, the private pool and the amazing outdoor fitness area. The beautiful beaches and turquoise waters of Formentera can be reached by motor yacht in less than 30 minutes.
The only mansion on the island, the accommodation is situated right in the middle of Tagomago and has 5 double bedrooms with bathrooms en suite, a customized designer Kitchen with professional equipment, floor heating and air conditioning, a magnificent 17m x 8m outdoor swimming pool with a spacious sunbathing area and various spacious sunrise and sunset chill out areas. The property is fitted to a high standard throughout, including SONOS Media-System, modern Samsung-TV, fast WIFI, LED light system etc.
The entire estate is surrounded by magnificently spacious terraces with breath-taking views in all directions. The Jacuzzi is also located on the vast pool terrace. A barbecue offers wonderful alfresco dining, to fully appreciate the views. The villa is fully staffed, but those wishing to bring staff are also well catered for – separate staff accommodation is provided.
Tagomago is located at only 5 minutes away (by Tender-boat) from the well-known bay of Pou des Lleo, situated in the North-East coast of Ibiza. The Tender-boats are 24 hours at the disposal of the guest, so that these can move in and out of the Island with zero struggle. This truly is one of the most desired private islands in the world.
If these 6 beautiful properties have inspired you for next year and you’d like to discuss one of them, or any other travel, please get in touch with the BBB team. We do our best to secure special prices as well as other exclusive perks for BBB Members, just another bonus to being part of the club…
Naianna Robertson on mental health and the power of meditation
Naianna Robertsson, BSc, MSc, PhDc, Certified Mindfulness and Meditation Instructor and Founder of Neurocompatible has come to BBB to share her insights on the power of meditation and the importance of the practice in everyday life, but especially during a pandemic…. Plus a competition prize for one lucky reader below!
We are living in a very strange time, life has changed on various levels and we are all being affected by health concerns, financial worries, lack of motivation, anxiety, depression, and an overall reduced sense of wellbeing. But it is possible to manage our anxiety and brain health and not let stress overwhelm us.
An incredibly powerful way to keep your stress levels down is having a regular meditation practice. When you meditate, you are in the calmest state your mind and body can ever experience.
But here is the fun part; yes, meditation is incredible for you, but just like different sports enhance different parts of your body, different types of meditation have different effects on different parts of your brain. Scientists have suggested that different meditation styles should be recommended according to what areas of your life you want to focus on.
After years of working as a neuroscientist and also training as a meditation teacher, I decided to combine modern science with ancient meditation practices, and the Neurocompatible Meditation course was born. The technique that I teach combines the three most powerful and brain-changing styles of meditation (non-directive meditation, mindfulness and visualisation) into one simple practice. Based on cutting-edge neuroscience research, each technique has been proven to change different areas of your brain, so when combined, they become your secret weapon to success and to a new, enhanced version of you. The technique allows you to tap into your dormant potential, to unlock your brain power to reduce how you respond to stress, increase emotional resilience, boost productivity, alertness, drive, and give you an overall calmer and happier life.
My own personal experience of going through depression and anxiety after I had my first baby is what first brought me to practice meditation daily, as a matter of survival. I needed to establish a routine to better look after my mental health and wellbeing, as I was predisposed to dark and negative thoughts if left to my own devices. When I could finally speak about this part of my life in the past tense, I became hugely inspired to spread the benefits of meditation as a brain-training tool to others.
Meditation has quite literally changed who I am, how I speak to myself, my inner voice, my sense of self-worth, my productivity levels and my time feeling present with my family. The practice has also helped me cultivate strength and resilience to navigate the uncertainties of the pandemic that we are collectively experiencing, where a lot of us had to reinvent ourselves and our work.
I am driven by the conviction that each of us have the potential to rewire the brain to unlock its unlimited potential – intensifying focus, managing stress and anxiety, and improving resilience, self-awareness and emotional intelligence. My goal is to make meditation accessible to everyone, to demystify it, to simplify it for people. To spread the message that meditation is literally nourishing food to your brain, it is not a luxury treat that you give yourself occasionally, it is a mental hygiene habit, just like brushing your teeth and taking a shower.
I designed a course for anyone and everyone looking to take charge of their wellbeing, and what better time to focus on your brain health than the beginning of a new year? Whether you’re completely new to meditation or if you already have a regular practice, this course will give you invaluable new tools and new insights into how to transform your brain health.
Here’s what some past course participants had to say about The Neurocompatible Meditation course:
| “I found Naianna’s course incredibly interesting. She has a lovely way of teaching and she breaks it down so it’s easy to understand and absorb. It was also great to learn about the science behind it all. It really helped with motivation and the desire to adopt the practice long term. I now feel like I am equipped for life with a way to relax, help look after my mental health, and optimise my productivity.” – Alice Godfrey – Nutritional Therapist “Thank you so so much for this course, I have loved every minute. I’ve done guided meditation for a few years, but I suppose I never really quite understood it. Thanks to your generous sharing of your knowledge, I now really get it. It makes so much sense and better still I can now do it properly – without any aids and at any time I want, as long as I have 15 minutes alone – in the car, in the park, the loo or a quiet place at home. You gave so much detail of the science behind it and how it affects the brain, that is utterly fascinating, and great to understand the enormous difference it can make to your life. I’ve used the visualisations to deal with some stressful work things too and it’s given me the confidence to go through with it, and of course I’m using it for the lifelong goal / dream I have. I’m feel enormously lucky to be doing this course with you, I feel like I’m beginning an incredibly important and life changing journey – thank you.” – Nic Kemp – Course student |
My new live-streaming Zoom course starts on Saturday, January 30th 10am-11:30am and runs for 4 weeks. If you can’t attend one of the live sessions, worry not! A recording will be available for one week after each session, so you can catch up in your own time. Join me and gain complete control of your brain health and wellbeing, and become a self-sufficient meditator for life!
Naianna Robertsson, Founder of Neurocompatible BSc, MSc, PhDc, Certified Mindfulness and Meditation Instructor
COMPETITION! One lucky reader will win a place on Naianna’s next course – to enter, just email info@bbb1.squareballoon.co.uk with your name and phone number, plus your answer to the following question… Which 2 daily habits does Naianna liken Meditation practice to? The competition opens now and closes at midnight on Monday 18th January 2021. Good luck!