Carton House Hotel & Spa. This fine 18th century Manor has a colourful history spanning the last several hundred years. The entire walled 1100 acre estate was lost on a gambling debt at one stage! We are greatful that it is now in much safer hands and providing luxury spa and golfing breaks. Just seeing a picture of this impressive estate and Manor House was enough to get us down to visit! 

  
Just 20 minutes outside of Dublin City, and perfectly located to make the most of the ever growing Kildare Outlet village. Carton House has everything to please everyone. Along with a luxurious spa and leisure complex, the hotel has 2 championship golf courses on site. They hosted the Irish Open in 2013 and was voted Ireland’s No.1 golf resort in 2014. It is all there on paper, but not only that, it truly delivers. 

  
We arrived early Friday evening, weary from yet another week of hard grafting! The bill’s need paying, right!? A swift and friendly check in led quickly to snuggling up to the open fire place next to the kitchen bar. As we worked our way through the fabulous gin menu and cocktail list, we felt the weeks problems slowly dissipate. The hotel had a nice buzz about it and was busy with private events and a wedding, yet never felt crowded. Looking through the spa brochure after the Cocktail list was the best thing we could have done. I opted for the full body massage! We reserved our spa treatments and retired for the evening. 

  

Breakfast in bed? Of course! Who can refuse such a feast of authentic locally sourced Irish goodness after a few the night before? It certainly set us up for the day! 🍴

 

Spa time! We reappeared several hours later after being rejuvenated in the luxurious spa complex on site. I actually fell asleep in the relaxation room after my superb massage! We headed off once fully woken, relaxed and ready for some retail therapy in the nearby Kildare Outlets. Little did we know that the best was yet to come. Dinner later that evening was a total master piece in not only presentation, but flavour. Our friendly and informative server for the eveving – Michelle, was first class. Her knowledge and attentiveness made the evening for us. Throughout the three courses she fully explained everything right down to where the meat was sourced and rared. This is the standard that impressed us over the space of the weekend. From check in, to our spa appointment. From bar staff to restaurant staff. The quality and attention to detail is superb. We genuinely cannot wait to return. A flawless, luxurious and relaxing weekend spent admiring the history and surroundings which we felt lucky to be part of. Hats off to management. Your staff and facilities are a credit to your business. We we will be back! 

  

Michael Deane has long been known in Belfast for his quality establishments and perfectly executed food. His recent Michelin star has cemented this fact. We visited early on a Friday evening, the city heaving with throngs of commuters heading home, weary after a long working week. Deanes Love Fish could not be more central, so as you do in any big city, we opted for a window table and kicked back with a small gallon of Beaujolais to people watch whilst perusing the delights on offer.

  
 
The menu was varied and plentiful. You could have small plates or larger main courses along with the daily specials. We opted for the tapas style small plates. It has been a long time since we asked the waiter for one of everything but how could you not with what was on offer! From creamy mussels and fresh baked sour dough bread to soak it all up, followed by scallops with pancetta and oyster tempura. How could I forget the crab celeriac on toast,  literally drooling as I type! 

 
    

  
    
 

 Deanes is situated on Howard Street in Belfast city centre, just a stones throw from city hall. Bookings are recommend, particularly at the weekend. There are several restaurants on site ranging from Love Fish which we visited, to Meat locker for the steak lovers amongst us. Finally Eipic, the Michelin star Jewel in Michael Deanes crown. A return visit is already planned and a visit to meat locker in the next few weeks also. If you love fresh and tasty fish, you will love it! ❤️🍴

  
Haptik, the Melbourne influenced coffee bar, burst onto our local foodie scene a few years ago now, and ever since, have forced the long term competition to bring their ‘A ‘ game. They immediately caught everyone’s attention simply because it was Fresh, trendy, much needed maybe. So many words can describe it, but there really is nothing better than just trying it. Be it their once a month pop up evenings  ( book early to avoid disappointment)  or an early brunch on a Saturday morning with friends. We sampled the chorizo and feta cheese salad and the most delightfully presented bowl of porridge we have ever seen! Top marks guys!

 Haptik is located on Frances Steeet, Newtownards, County Down  

   
   

 

Early spring in the majestical island of Mallorca is a feast for the senses. Temperatures are in the low twenties yet trees are only beginning to burst into life. The clean fresh mountain air of Pollensa in the north of the island where we chose to stay, is fragrant with orange blossom right now, and full of soaring birds of prey. Song birds are vocal and preparing to nest, and lush vegetation popping up everywhere makes it feel a lot like home yet with warmth. The lush green colours at present are to be savoured before the harsh Spanish sun bleaches all but most yellow. 

 
  

We hired a luxury villa from our friends at Travelopo.  Europe’s leading villa rental specialists. Clicking the button to open the electric gates on the morning of our arrival, we knew there was something special behind them and the imposing entrance. Every luxury you could care for is at your disposal with their properties.  We swam every day in our very own heated pool and had over an acre of land around us to ensure our complete privacy. Floor to ceiling windows made sure that night or day, you would never miss any of the dramatic vista that surrounds you. On several mornings we were even greeted by wild mountain goats in the garden, heavenly! 

 
 

  

The local historic town of Pollensa was only a ten minute walk away. A UNESCO world heritage site, the town is steeped in history. The beautiful old square hosts a farmers market every Sunday morning and is surrounded by architecturally stunning churches, with bells pealing out regularly throughout the day adding to the atmosphere. Narrow streets and heavily worn cobbled stone alleys meander out like veins from the heart of the old town. Local family run restaurants,  tapas bars and cafes line the way. Most eateries may only have several tables and operate from an original old Mallorcan home, but do not be put off. Its uniqueness is its resounding quality. We sampled local fresh fish, paella, and mussels. As well as local duck and lamb paired with Mallorcan red wine from the region. A wine that is seriously underestimated. Too many fabulous meals to mention!  

   
   
When in Mallorca, a day trip to its stunning capital Palma, is not to be missed. The imposing sight of the hilltop La Seu Cathedral is just the beginning. The sandstone marvel is one of Europe’s most famous gothic buildings dating back to the 13th century. The city is strewn with museums, cafes and local delis. If you hadn’t had enough by this stage, there is yet more history to be found all around the city. Before leaving Palma, be sure to visit the impressive marina and check out the luxury yachts and boats belonging to the beautiful people that adorn this stunning city. 

   
    
    

   

  
We have been hearing quite a buzz around Klaw! The small but perfectly formed seafood eatrrie in Dublin’s bustling Temple Bar recently, so we went along for a visit. Saturday lunch time trade was busy when we arrived and we were lucky enough to grab the last table for two by the door. Our friendly server offered to close the door for us if it was chilli but there was no need. The warm rich mouthwatering smells drifting down from the open kitchen towards us was driving us crazy with anticipation!  Our order could not come quick enough. The plates steadily arrived one at a time as they were cooked, Perfect for the two of us to share and sample.  The buzz of the place and the atmosphere of Klaw is infectious. The vast chalk board wall stretching down one side boasts some impressive seafood platters as you enter the narrow eaterie, and as you gaze around at the hoards coming and going, eveyone has that look of awe when perusing the mouthwatering dishes on offer. 

 
   
  Decisions decisions! Drooling over the choices we opted for the Devine lobster roll – (we ordered a second it was that good!) A fresh toasted brioche roll filled with lashings of lobster meat in a house sauce. 

  
My personal favourite was the KBLT – just what you expect of the original BLT though with fresh crab and dressing and the most divinely flavoured fresh grilled prawns with generous helpings of garlic and bread to mop up after. With a pint or two of Guinness to wash it all down. The Perfect lunch. A must visit when in Dublin! When is the Belfast branch opening?? Great work guys! To be continued..

   
 

Road trips are something which we all get the urge to do at one point. The open road, the unknown and where it will take you! The next time you’re in Florida, you just have to venture down over the overseas highway to the Florida keys, and in particular, The hedonistic island of Key West. Approximately 5 hours drive from Miami and over too many bridges to mention and you come across this little paradise island. The most southerly point in the United States and only 90 miles from Cuba, you can party hard on Duval street or chill by the pool and soak up the year round sunshine.

  
Key West may only be 2 miles wide but it packs a hell of a punch. We stay at the luxurious Hyatt Key West resort & Spa. A sumptuous resort on the Gulf of Mexico, fine dining on site and all the bars and restaurants on your door step. Take off on one of the hotel’s golf buggies and go explore the island. If you like things hot try Peppers hot sauce tasting bar, then if your feeling adventurous why not try the Garden of Eden roof top bar where clothing is optional! You have been warned! 

Check out the hotel we stayed in – 

www.keywest.hyatt.com 

Travel is good for the soul. Good for the mind, Great for the heart. But every weary traveler needs somewhere to rest their head at the end of the day. We were left longing for that home from home sleep in the near perfect Louis hotel, Munich. We had travelled to Munich in the Bavaria region of Germany to experience the magical Christmas markets and sample one of the stylish design hotels which looked so good on paper.

  
The view from our balcony over the market below was an impressive start. With over twenty Christmas markets in Munich, you will struggle to visit them all! Our check in was swift and efficient. There was a great buzz about reception with people mingling around drink in hand, possibly waiting to be seated at the adjoining Japanese modern eaterie – Emiko. The Louis hotel has a stylish and somewhat elegant feel to it. We soon snuggled up to the cosy bar next to reception after check in, eager to sample the impressive gin selection on offer. The plethora of Japanese small plates and sushi to graze on was very nice too.  Two happy guys! 

  
 
Our weekend was shaping up perfect. Christmas was in the air. Good food, great little bar, markets on our doorstep and the location overall was fantastic. What could be better? Alas there had to be something, and there was. Wether your paying a premium for a design hotel, or on a tight budget, the bed is the main reason you need a hotel. Take everything else out of the equation. The designer furniture, the stylish lobby, the service provided. Strip it all back and start with the bed. THE most important part of ANY hotel. The Louis seems to think that a flimsy sponge mattress the depth of you’re hand on a hard frame is luxurious bedding.  On both evenings we slept terribly and woke very early each morning with sore stiff backs. On further investigation it seems that every room has this type of bed. Design and style before substance it seems. Very disappointing, especially for the premium price you are paying. Five star prices, four star surroundings and with hostel type bedding. It really is that bad, and on later reading reviews, we are not the first to mention this. Management are you listening?

  

The Louis is so close to being so good. The look, the feel, the stylish beautiful people that adorn and frequent it. We really liked the hotel. The beds however will ensure we won’t be back. Visit the Louis hotel, but for the sake of your back and a good nights sleep, don’t stay the night.  

 

Luciano Pavarotti once said ‘ One of the very nicest things about life, is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating. ‘ Ok, so you may have to wait maybe several months to get a weekend table at Ireland’s latest Michelin star adorned eaterie but boy, your attention will surly not wain once seated.  Belfast based Ox is most certainly worth the wait. When we arrived early Saturday evening, our dining guests had yet to arrive, so we were ushered next door to Cave, the adjoining wine bar. Chic and sexy, both places ooze  sophistication and class. I stopped and thought about that last line, can a restaurant be sexy? If what they serve to you over the course of the evening is anything to go by then yes, yes it can! 

  
After a quick sample of the exceptional wine selection on offer in Cave,  our fellow guests arrived and we got seated quickly upstairs overlooking the bustling dining area below us. We all opted for the seven course tasting menu with paired wines. The element of surprise in letting the kitchen send us our meal of their choosing, along with our sommelier choosing our wines for the evening was too good to pass on. 

  
 Ox is owned by two long term friends, both with a lifelong passion for food and using seasonal local products along with the best of locally reared meat and fresh local fish. And it shows in the finished product. You are in safe hands with locally born Stephen and Britany native Alain. 

 

My favourite course of the evening had to be the sublimely cooked duck. Photographs do no justice to any of the food that was on offer, but believe us, the culinary journey that you will take over your three hours or so in wonderful Ox is one to savour. Exemplary service from start to finish with the freshest finest foods on offer locally, and served to you each time as a complete work of art. The fabulous Ox, try it. We guarantee you will love it. 

Airlines are continuing to evolve their business cabins and adding ever increasing levels of decadence such as private suites and even full bathrooms and showers. Once you fly up front it becomes very difficult to go back. There are still ways to turn left when boarding without paying crazy prices. We have learned a few tricks along the way and will share with you how to arrive at your destination feeling fresh, pampered and positively radiant after your next transatlantic flight…

  

First rule of getting that upgrade without paying ANYTHING is to look the part. Do you honestly think that rocking up to the gate in worn out track bottoms and a scruffy top is going to get you that free upgrade? 

Never ignore airline mail shots and newsletters. Don’t discard them as junk. Register for all airline newsletters. Open and check every one for deals and seat sales and be quick to act upon them. There may only be a handful of heavily discounted business seats on offer so act quick and scrutinize everything. We recently got business class to America return for £600 each. A fraction of what they would have cost. 

Be flexible. Your fully flat dream ticket may be half price the following week or two weeks prior to when you are planning so always check at least 3-4 weeks either way and ideally 6 months plus in advance. 

  
Your check in staff are the gate keepers to those elusive free upgrades on check in. Be nice to them!

Arrive early at check in. Airlines including Virgin will sell off their spare business and first class seats at the gate so ask about their availability. These can be bought at the gate from as little as three or four hundred pounds. Saving you literally thousands. 

Airlines offer great loyalty schemes and you can quickly build miles if you travel regularly. These miles can then be used to upgrade your cabin. United airlines have one of the most rewarding schemes currently on offer. Click here to learn more. 

Let us know what has worked for you! Happy flying ????✈️ 

Norway and Oslo have always been high on our list of must see destinations. There is no better place to stay when in town than the luxurious and fabulously chic Thief Hotel. It is perfectly set on the edge of one of the many waterways and canals, with views out to the fjords and over the port of Oslo. A member of the design hotels collection, The Thief Hotel is a relative newcomer to the ever increasing uber chic collection of design hotels worldwide, yet rests amongst the selected few with distinction. Located in the city district of Tjuvholmen, once an area renowned for shady dealings and criminals, it is now a stylish, affluent area which houses high end restaurants, apartments and museums and the center for contemporary art.  It is also the only hotel in Oslo to have direct access to the canals. 

   
    
On entering the lobby on arrival, you cannot help but be impressed by the sights that consumes you on every corner. On check in, your eye is quickly drawn through to the magnificent Thief Bar and cocktail lounge. The seemingly endless beverage options that are on offer behind the floor to ceiling glass cabinets cause the mind to boggle. The modern decadent furnishings dazzle and don’t get me started on the award winning cocktail list. You really could spend all evening sipping some of the best cocktails available, crafted by Norway’s finest mixologists. ?

   
    
Try the gin tea cups for two, highly recommended!

 
The Thief Hotel has some of the best fine dining on offer in all of Norway. Our Saturday evening was spent in Fru K. The hotels fabulously stylish restaurant. An evening of fine dining that will remain with us for a very long time. We opted for the seven course menu and it was accompanied by perfectly selected wine from their vast cellars. We sampled veal Tartare, ribeye of Reindeer on a bed of mushroom infused puréed potato with fried curly kale and beetroot. We devoured locally reared pork, along with fresh baked rolls accompanied by local sea salt, whipped Norwegian organic butter and the finest Scillian olive oil. Many other culinary treats enticed us, too many of which to go into greater detail. An example of the head chefs attention to detail was our third course. Served to us in locally hand crafted bowls. Not just any bowls. The head chef Johan Laursen, previously of Maaemo, Oslo, approached the local jail and asked for prisoners to craft culinary flatwear to be used in the Thief’s restaurant. Such attention to detail! Claire Mariottini was our maître d’ and sommelier  for the evening. With a track record from several international Michelin Starred restaurants, she was perfection personified throughout our culinary journey. A credit to not only herself in her presentation and knowledge but to the hotel. Her enthusiasm and obvious love for the works of art she served throughout our three hour taste excursion, made it all the more prefect. Thank you Claire. 

   
   
A visit to the luxurious five star Thief Hotel would not be complete without experiencing their Scandinavian spa and it delivers it in typically snappy fashion. Accessing it is by the lift at the end of your hallway, and via an ever changing colored tunnel. We sampled the facilities on several occasions throughout the weekend and they were thankfully never busy. The spa consists of large saunas, steam rooms, a fully equipped gym and stylish stainless steel pool. Afterwards take time to chill out on the loungers where you are sure to be offered fresh fruit plates and drinks by the ever attentive staff. We never did get round to sampling the many treatments on offer but will partake next time for sure! 

        

Note – The Astrup Fearnley Museet, next door to The Thief, currently has a Damien Hirst exhibition including the jaw dropping crystal skull on show. Access is free when you show your Thief Hotel room card.  

For more info on this fabulous hotel click here 

For more info on Design Hotels click here