LEVEL 8 Luxury Luggage Brand

Sleek, durable and easy to roll around, Level 8 luggage is a great choice for a luxury, premium suitcase.

Navy Voyageur 20 inch carry on Luminous Textured. NHYM 2026.

This post contains affiliate links but all views are my own.

A friend of mine was recently telling me that she only travels with carry-on suitcases. I was amazed – it seemed like a foreign concept to me, especially since I hadn’t travelled by myself for 15 years, hence had no need for any carry on suitcases. I’ve only needed gigantic check in luggage that carried everything from books to cards, to children’s clothes, to teddy bears. But for the first time in years, I had a ‘work’ trip to review ‘Les Roches Rouges,’ and needed a carry on suitcase that I actually liked. So the timing was perfect when the Level 8 brand wanted me to collaborate and try out their suitcases.

About LEVEL 8:

LEVEL 8 is a premium luxury suitcase brand and NY based company that was born from a bag designed to carry an Apple Mac. Its USP is: extra-light and durable luggage, with 360 degree spinner wheels, wide handle design, a strong TSA lock, premium quality materials for durability and style, and a life-time warranty if bought directly through them. It has already won many design awards like the RedDot Design Award as well as the IF award and the IDEA Awards.

‘LEVEL8’s story began in 2008, when designer Oti Shor, drawing on around 30 years of experience in luggage and bag design, was inspired by the launch of the MacBook Air and the shift toward cleaner, more minimalist product design. He saw an opportunity to create bags that could bring together aesthetics, functionality and quality for a new generation of modern travelers, and LEVEL8 was born from that idea. The brand later expanded into luggage and travel essentials, while continuing to focus on refined design, thoughtful functionality and reliable quality.’

LEVEL 8 Luggage

LEVEL 8 Luggage comes in various designs and sizes, from carry-on to large check-in luggage. I opted for check-in because I was already on the look-out for a new carry-on suitcase to replace my dilapidated, almost 20 years old Samsonite. I chose the best – selling 20′ Voyageur Navy Carry On as well as the Gibraltar Aluminum 20′ Silver Carry – on for Mr. X, and was more than excited when they arrived at my door, but the real test was going to be taking them on my work trip. I really liked the look of the Navy and the added bonus as that it would hide any potential scratches (even the best of the best can’t avoid them completely). There are plenty of other colours to choose from like yellow (I was tempted!), black, grey and olive.

My Level 8 Suitcase at Les Roches Rouges NHYM 2026

Shell:

The Voyageur boasts German – made Makralon polycarbonate hard shell, designed to withstand the impact of travel, and the Gibraltar is made of aerospace – grade aluminum magnesium alloy, both made for durability. The polycarbonate shell of the Voyageur was surprisingly sturdy and light; it didn’t scratch or dent throughout my trip to France and it was the lightest suitcase I’ve ever carried. I really liked its textured exterior, making it feel luxurious and original. Its size fit perfectly in the overhead carry-compartment of the British Airways flight to France (some say it might not fit the low cost carriers compartments, but it’s not a big concern for me). Mr. X was impressed by how strong the Gibraltar shell was and its metal corner protectors. He felt it was much stronger and sturdier than his Rimowa suitcase and unlike his Rimowa, didn’t have a dent or scratch after lugging it from London to Nice to St Raphael to St Tropez.

Internal Set Up:

My Voyageur has two spacious compartments, each separated off by a zipper and two smaller pockets for wet and dry intimates: one I used for underwear and the other for bathing suits. The Gibraltar has a 36 L interior capactiy with pocket mesh interior dividers, a slightly different than the Voyageur, for easy packing. It is also zipperless, so that there is no chance of a zipper breakdown, similarly to the Rimowa suitcase. One of his favourite parts is that it came with 4 packing cubes, which Mr X loved, and fit everything he needed: shoes, underwear, toiletries, and most off, his technology packing cube with European plugs, USB-C cables for his phone, and all kinds of other cables that I didn’t recognize.

‘I packed my suitcase and in it I put…’

My biggest concern about carry on was how much I was going to be able to fit into it. Let’s be clear, I don’t usually wear the same outfit twice and need a day outfit as well as an evening each day. I was happily surprised by how much I was able to pack in it:

3 pairs of shoes including pink platforms
Toiletry bag
A hairbrush
A hair straightener (not mine! Long story…)
1 skirt
3 tops
4 summer dresses
4 evening dresses
a Laptop
Laptop charger
PJs
2 bathing suits + underwear

I was rather impressed by my packing, as well as the space it offered. I realised that I could do a 7 day trip with one suitcase, which I hadn’t thought I could ever do. And let me tell you how easy it is to travel with carry on! No waiting for luggage or check in lines!

Wheels

The wheels of both suitcases are well built and stable, not puny like some of the other suitcases on the market, where you worry that one of them will fall off after one bump in the road.. They are very durable and have 360 degree spinner wheels, which were incredibly smooth and easy to maneouveur. I rolled the suitcases through two major airports: Heathrow and Nice Airport, and I can easily say that they were as easy as possible to drag around. The wheels are literally the 4 wheel drive of wheel suitcases: rolling them were incredibly smooth and all terrain. The only thing I would say, is that when the suitcase is empty, they are so smooth that the suitcase can roll away from you, which I could see could get annoying, but when full, doesn’t roll away as easily.

Handles

I really liked that the Voyageur had very wide handles, which were very stable and ran down the sides rather than the middle of the suitcase. I realised that so many suitcases had flimsy, narrow handles that could at any time break. These handles were made of aluminum alloy and were telescopic as well, making them feel really strong. The Gibraltar has four – height telescopic handles as well. It also means that the interior compartments have more space compared to narrow handles, which encroach into the storage space.

Gibraltar Level 8 Lock. NHYM 2026

Locks

Both suitcases have TSA approved locks, but they are quite different. The Voyageur has thin zipper locks while the Gibraltar’s locks are much more bulky, and somewhat more difficult to close, but once they were locked, made the suitcase seem like an impenetrable Bond suitcase that could carry anything from bombs to ransom cash. Once you figure out how to lock them, they are both very strong and fit-for-purpose.

LEVEL 8 vs Samsonite vs Rimowa

Previously, I had a Samsonite carry on that my husband hated because it kept falling over because it wasn’t stable enough, and he had Rimowa aluminum suitcase that I hated because he was so precious about it: no one was allowed to use it because it dented so easily. I don’t understand the point of having a suitcase that dents so easily. He still likes his Rimowa design, but felt like the Level 8 Gibraltar suitcase was definitely stronger and sturdier (although heavier, probably why it was so strong). I was so glad to have a suitcase that didn’t fall over every 5 seconds (amazing how badly designed my old suitcase was) and he loved using his packing cubes.

PROS:

Incredibly light Voyageur suitcase
Sturdy, stable wheels
Wide, strong, telescopic handles
Durable, resilient shell
Spacious interiors

CONS:

Bulky locks and design of the Gibraltar
Slightly heavy Gibraltar but it’s worth it for the durability
Wheels that can roll away

Verdict:

I have to say, I was very impressed with how light my Voyageur was, lighter than any other carry on I’ve ever tried, but still very sturdy and strong. Mr. X loved the 4 piece packing cubes and how strong the locks and the shell were of his Gibraltar. We were both very happy and impressed with the quality and I can’t wait for my next work trip – or a trip of any kind – to take my Level 8 Suitcases for a 4WD spin!

Gibraltar 20 inch in Silver. NHYM 2026

Buy your LEVEL 8 suitcase here and get a 15% discount when you use the code NHYM15 !!!

NHYM

http://www.nottinghillyummymummy.com

Family Life, food, Food & Dining, Food & Dining, Health & Wellness, Top 10, Travel

Hotel Review: Les Roches Rouges, St. Raphael, South of France

Les Roches Rouges, NHYM 2026. All photos copyright of NHYM.

Les Roches Rouges, a 5 Star Hotel in the French Riviera *****

90 Bd de la 36ème division du Texas,
83700 Saint-Raphaël, France

Tel : +33 (0)4 89 81 40 78

When I was approached by a 5 star hotel in the French Riviera for a ‘collab,’ as Amanda from AmandaLand would say, I said ‘yes’ before they could finish the word ‘collaboration.’ Les Roches Rouges has been one of my favourite hotels in the South of France and I had already placed it into my Top 10 Best Hotels in the South of France, so I couldn’t think of a better hotel to work with.

Seaviews. NHYM 2026

About an hour’s drive from Nice Airport, Les Roches Rouges is a five star seafront hotel by the Beaumier French hospitality group. It used to be another hotel called Sole Mar built in the 50s, but was taken over and renovated into a trendy, retro 50/60s chic hotel. The vibe here is ‘luxe chic et decontractee,’ which means chic and laid back luxury, so for those looking for the bling of Cannes or party life in St Tropez, this isn’t it. Here, it is about disconnecting (no TVs in the rooms! Gasp!), pared back decor, neutral colours (think white rooms, with splashes of blue), and a stunning salt-water rock pool that really blends into the Mediterranean sea in the backgroud.

New building added in 2025

Location, Location, Location

What makes this hotel special is really its location: it is half-way between Nice and St.Tropez in St Raphael (which most people have never heard of) in Le Massif de L’esterel. Here, there are red volcanic stone, which gave the hotel its name. And all around the hotel are jutting sea rock formations, which take you back to a neolithic age and create sea pools around it, bringing you closer to nature. There isn’t that much around St Raphael in terms of shopping/partying/eating, but that’s really the point. Those who come here want a relaxing escape, away from the crowds of Cannes, Nice and St. Trop.

L’Ile D’Or. NHYM 2026

On the left side of the hotels lies L’Ile D’or, which inspired Tintin’s Black Island. It’s definitely worth a kayak or paddle to it.

ROOMS

Room view. NHYM 2026

One of my favourite sounds in the world is of waves crashing against rocks in the morning to wake me up (and no, meditation crashing waves apps don’t count). Here, most of the rooms are sea – facing and only a few meters away from the sea, therefore the sounds of the waves lullaby you to sleep and wake you up in the morning. Those sounds instantly take you away from the over-stimulated lives we all live in at the moment.

Deluxe Seaview Room. NHYM 2026

I stayed in a Deluxe room, which had perfect seaviews and was a good size, with a small shower and two sinks (an absolute must in 5 star hotels). You could argue that the rooms are on the bare side, but I think it’s to highlight the views rather than the decor and I like this minimalist decor personally, it really does soothe the mind. I also really like the small details like the bracelet key and the plongeon notepad. The ‘no TV’ was going to be hard for me, but it showed how addicted I am to Netflix and streaming and forced me to be screen free for a few days. There was an entire new building added to the hotel last year (2025), which added 25 rooms, and this year a 2 bedroom suite took over the Michelin star restaurant.

DECOR

The hotel clearly prides itself on using just white and natural materials. The outside of the hotel is painted white, as are all the rooms, and all the materials used are natural: stone, bamboo, wood, earthenware, rattan and cotton cloth. The library is the perfect example of this interior design aesthetics and I think the idea is that it allows you to focus on the scenery.

The small library. NHYM 2026

Visually, the hotel is beautiful because of its location and everywhere you look is aesthetically pleasing. I understand why all Instagrammers want to photograph it: it lends itself to gorgeous photographs. I can’t help but take 100 photos of exactly the same thing, I want these to stay in my memory for as long as possible.

THE POOL

The pool deserves a special section all to itself: it is built into the rocks and feels like an extension of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s Instagram beautiful and has IG influencers all clamouring to take its picture (FashionBugBlog is a fan!) and it reminds me of Slim Arons photographs, which happen to be some of my favourite photographs of all time. This is my kind of ‘Wild Swimming:’ with algae, crabs, shells, seashells all co-habitating as you swim, hiding in the crevices of the rocks. For those looking for a pristine pool, go to Eden Roc. Here, you will find one of the most unique pools on the Cote D’azur and the rocks surrounding it makes it all the more unique and take center stage.

The pool blending in with the Mediterranean. NHYM 2026

View from my sunbed. NHYM 2026

FOOD

The main restaurant is L’Estelo where breakfast is served as well as dinner. The breakfast is good and has everything you expect from a good buffet: pastries, fresh fruit juice, eggs on order, fruits and sides and freshly pressed apple juice. My poached eggs were perfectly made.

Breakfast with a view at L’Estelo. NHYM 2026

Breakfast Spread. NHYM 2026

For lunch, La Chicoula serves all your typical hotel mains: ceviche, caesar salad, burgers and truffle pizza. You can’t ask for much more. The lunch restaurant is set back in the beautiful gardens but of course you can have it by the pool, which I opted for.

Table at La Chicoula. NHYM 2026

Dinner is at L’Estelo, which is where breakfast is served, and serves Provencal food, like seabass with bouillabaisse sauce, which was very good. For dessert I had the deconstructed peach melba was also light, fresh and very good.

CROWD

The crowd is very much couples and some friends vacationing together. It was September when I came, so kids were back in school and all the younger and older couples were here for less crowds, lower prices and temperatures. They are a mixture of fashionable French, Europeans (Brits, Scandis and lots of Dutch) and Americans. An American media acquaintance who lives in Brooklyn loves to come here and calls it a ‘hidden gem’ but if Brooklyn knows about it, I’m not sure it can be called hidden anymore. It is a gem though, and appeals to a design-led, trendy crowd. It is the anti-thesis of Cannes in the height of summer, where ‘the blinger the better’ is the mot-cle.

Incredible rock formations, justting out into the sea. NHYM 2026

The rock formations around the hotel really are the stars of the show for me – the water spraying and splashing against them is endlessly captivating. You could mistake them for rocks in Sardinia or the Seychelles, but here they are, just a stone’s throw away (pun intended) from the hustle and bustle of the Cote D’Azur.

Bienvenue aux Roches Rouges! NHYM 2026

SERVICE:

Before I even arrived, I received a Whatsapp message from the hotel, which these days is really an added plus: it gives you instant connection to the hotel without waiting around. Gone are the days when you have to wait hours to check – in or at the front desk for a simple request. The WhatsApp communication for me is a big plus and goes a long way. There is also a QR code at the pool to order lunch, which works better than having to flag down an overworked waiter or waitress.

The staff is young, laid back and eager to please. The front desk particularly was very efficient and friendly. The pool and restaurant service is more along the lines of the ‘decontractee’ style; there are no GMs in suits wandering around like some stuffier 5 star hotels, so you won’t find that here, but this is part of the charm. This is a younger, hipper staff who works on the Cote d’Azur in the summers and Courchevel in the winters.

Les Roches Rouges Jetty. NHYM 2026

ACTIVITIES:

Activities here follow the hotel’s goal: focus on the present and your wellbeing. It’s yoga and meditation classes in the morning, hiking, a fitness studio, spa (it has 3 massage rooms), kayaks and paddle boards, swimming, boating and most importantly, lounging by the pool and reading, which is how I spent my days. If you are looking to do more, there are also local activities around but I stayed at the hotel the whole time and it felt as if the longer you are there, the slower life goes by, each minute slower than the last.

Catamaran Cruise

Boat Cruise

Scuba Diving

Encounter with Dolphins

Esterel Summit Hike

St Tropez Boat Trip

Gorgeous sunsets. NHYM 2026.

OVERALL:

Les Roches Rouges is an ode to a time gone by: it is the opposite of the material excess along some parts of the Cote D’Azur and aims to return to times of simplicity. It embraces a ‘less is more’ approach in its design and decor aesthetics but still manages to have character and originality (unlike many sterile resorts I am not a huge fan of). It is perfect for those looking for time closer to nature, where the sounds of lapping waves are more appealing than EDM music, where excess luxury is toned down, grounded, and ‘down to earth’ themes apply everywhere.

So, for those looking for a break from city-life and information overload, Les Roches Rouges is the perfect fix.

Thank you so much Les Roches Rouges for having me!

Les Roches Rouges | 5-Star Beachfront Hotel in Saint-Raphaël

NHYM

http://www.nottinghillyummymummy.com

Family Life, Top 10, Travel

Welcome Back, Euro Summer 2026, Exciting News and Much More!

Monaco Sunrise. All photos courtesy of NHYM 2026. This post may contain affiliate links.

Welcome back from the Summer Holidays! I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer, be it exciting, restful or adventurous. Mine was very, very hectic, travelling to over 6 countries and 8 cities/towns/villages. It was a LOT. But hopefully one day – when I have recovered – I will remember these core memories and my children (now full blown teens) will remember these days with fondness and happiness. In the meantime, I am exhausted and keep flitting from post-holiday blues, to post-holiday exhilaration.

Roquebrune Cap Martin NHYM 2026

Firstly, let’s talk Euro Summer 2026, which I realise is a flex in the US, but really a necessity for us Euros. The sunsets and the light are just incredible, and frankly unmatchable. There’s a reason Picasso, Matisse, Van Gogh, Fitzgerald and every other painter and writer came here for inspiration. It never ceases to inspire me and brings me back here year after year.

Cannes Sunset. NHYM 2026

A few friends have been asking about the Cannes/Cap D’Antibes/Juan area, which has had a serious revival recently: there have been so many new openings, it’s hard to keep track of them all, but it is one of the reason I love coming back. There are new restaurant and hotel openings every single year that I love to try out. Cannes has a new culinary scene with Zuma (yum), La Petite Maison (yum but expensive), Nammos (not yum, just expensive), and Il Grande (yum and expensive), and many new hotels have also popped up (see below, Mondrian, Belle Plages and more). It’s an exciting time, although I always recommend coming in May, June or September, outside of high season, which can really be unpleasant and ridiculously priced.

CANNES/CAP D’ANTIBES/MOUGINS HOTELS

Here’s a small list of hotel recommendations in the area, ranging from value-for-money hotels to boutique hotels, to ultra luxury hotels.

1.Three Stars Boutique: Hotel Le Sud, Antibes For a cozy, stylish, affordable boutique hotel in Antibes.

2. Four Stars Boutique: Hotel La Villa Cannes: Exceptional value and great location, if you want an affordable option in Cannes.

3. Four Stars: La Bastide de Mougins: For an inland, Provencal experience, it is 20 minutes from Cannes but 5 minutes away from the gorgeous medieval village of Mougins.

4. Five Stars Boutique: Hotel & Spa Belle Plage, Cannes My personal favourite, a stylish, design Cannes hotel with easy access to the beach and one of the best rooftops in Cannes. My hidden gem!

5. Five Stars: Le Mas Candille, Mougins: Also in Mougins, a new renovated provencal hotel with a Clarins spa and cool restaurants, it has already attracted George and Amal.

Zuma, Cannes. NHYM 2026

6. Five Stars/Boutique: Villa Mirae, Cap Antibes A new stylish boutique hotel in Cap D’antibes, it is a stone’s throw away from La Garoupe Beach. Plage Keller is currently closed and under refurbishment. Another gem that bites the dust…

7. Five Stars: Les Belles Rives, Cap D’Antibes: F Scott Fitzgerald’s old seaside retreat needs to feature in this list, but make sure you get a seaview – do NOT under any circumstance get a road view, as its pretty unattractive and therefore just not worth it. The restaurant by the beach is really wonderful, but keep in mind that even hotel guests have to pay for beach chairs so it is not a cheap option. It has old school furniture and decor, but that is part of its historic appeal.

8. Five Stars: Mondrian, Cannes: A new design hotel in the middle of Cannes, for the design conscious and a fresh Japanese restaurant, Nakomoto. Great seaviews.

9. Five Stars: Martinez Cannes For a Cannes stalwart, the Martinez has a great pool, but watch out for the pool hours for the kids. Seaview & Private beach.

10. Five Stars Boutique: Five Seas, Cannes This one was recommended to me by a Danish family that comes back year after year. It’s a smaller boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and part of the same hotel family as the Villa Mirae.

11. Luxury: Carlton, Cannes Recently refurbished and renovated, it aims to return to its former glory under the Regent brand, under the IHG umbrella. For those who want ultra luxury in the middle of Cannes. The Michelin star restaurant is worth it.

12. Ultra Luxury: Hotel du Cap Eden Roc Another favourite of mine, the Hotel du Cap is arguably one of the best hotels in France, which hosts everyone during the Cannes Film Festival and the Amfar gala. You have to book months (years) in advance, and even then, be careful not to get a ground floor, damp room, which friends have had to deal with. The ultimate Grande Dame of the Cote D’azur, it has everything you could ever ask for.

Other wonderful new hotels outside this area are Le Chateau de Theoule, Hotel du Couvent in Nice (one of my favourites), and Maybourne Riviera (Amazing Architecture and Views of Monaco) and Les Roches Rouges , which I will be reviewing very soon!

Bay of Cannes NHYM 2026

The downside to this new-found popularity is that many of my ‘hidden gems,’ are no longer hidden, which has had pretty unwelcome consequences. La Guerite, which used to be one of my favourite places to go to along the French Riviera, and where I had my 40th birthday party, has literally been ruined by Influencers. I have been going for the past 13 years, but unfortunately its success has changed it: gone are the spontaneous days where Elton John and Usher would literally stand up to sing in front of the Geurite crowds. Last year, Jeff Bezos and Lebron James were caught having a (metaphorical) fight there, and this year, it was full of influencers, attracted to the F1 drivers (not that I mind) and footballers (Mbape and Haaland) that all partied there this year. Previously, it was a hidden European gem, now social media has brought (so many) American influencers, Saudis and everyone and their mother (including mine, who loved dancing to ABBA).

La Guerite NHYM 2026

Another hidden gem not far from St Tropez has been run over by the Notting Hill crowd (I won’t mention where, else I will get boycotted). I couldn’t believe how many Londoners I ran into. It’s fine if you want to run into everyone you know, but for those who are looking to disconnect and relax, well it was impossible.

Vista Restaurant at Lily of the Valley. NHYM 2026

Finally, there are those places that have become astronomically expensive due to their fame: Chateau de La Messardiere, once one of my favourite hotels, has become completely out of reach since its White Lotus fame and its renovation by Les Airelles. Ditto La Guerite. Now, it has literally become the most expensive Beach Club in the world, where spending 500K in one afternoon is a sign of having ‘made it.’ I spoke to one of the staff I knew and asked what they thought of the change, (we silently agreed that it had changed so much), and his answer was that ‘it still remained full of love and fun.’ I would agree with that, I just felt like it completely lost its exclusivity and elegance. They added more tables this year and made it bigger than ever.

NHYM 2026

Each time a hidden gem has been found, I move on to the next, but this time, sorry guys I won’t tell you where my latest hidden gems are, I want to keep them hidden a little longer for myself and my friends….

My new hidden gem NHYM 2026

Well, this one isn’t that hidden: a very famous American Politician and Presidential candidate was having lunch next to us.

Another Hidden Gem NHYM 2026

Also, I have a lot of new collaborations to announce, from luxury luggage label, Level 8, to a really cool hotel, Les Roches Rouges, which I will be reviewing as an official travel writer. In addition, I have some exciting news that I will be sharing in the next few months, which has been in the making for the past 10 years. I will keep building the anticipation until it is time. Keep a lookout for updates!

Sunset Monaco NHYM 2026

Finally, for those who, like me, start planning their next holiday as soon as their last holiday finishes, you can get some inspiration from my last few posts:

Bangkok, Thailand: Where to Stay & What to do: 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand: Where to Stay & What to Do – NHYM LUXURY TRAVEL & WELLNESS COLLECTION
Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon, Vietnam: Where to Stay & What to Do: Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Where to Stay, Where to Eat & What to Do – NHYM LUXURY TRAVEL & WELLNESS COLLECTION

In the meantime, good luck for the back – to – school mania!
xx

NHYM

http://www.nottinghillyummymummy.com

Family Life

Florence with Kids: Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Florence & What to do in Florence with Kids.

Florence view from Villa San Michele. All photos NHYM 2017

BOOK VILLA SAN MICHELE HERE

As we all know, traveling with kids is just not the same as travelling without kids. I laugh at my friends with young babies who tell me ‘But, holidays are just not holidays with kids!’ And then the children grow up a bit and you can leave them in the Kids’ Club and have a few hours of peace on the beach with a book and cocktail in hand. I am now at the age where my children are – just about – ready for cultural holidays.

Villa San Michele Terrace. Photograph Courtesy of NHYM

So this summer, we decided to take the plunge and take a ‘plane-car-boat-train-road-trip’ from Florence to France. Florence, I thought, would be a great place to start exposing them to sight-seeing and cultural holidays. It’s rich in culture, art, architecture and history, while being quite manageable in size. Oh and it has some great hotels and great food.

Gorgeous Villa San Michele terrace and hotel. Photograph Courtesy of NHYM

1.Villa San Michele: Best for the ultimate Florence views and historical setting. My personal favourite.

BOOK VILLA SAN MICHELE HERE

The one thing about getting older – and I am – is that it’s the time to fulfil your dreams. As children and as we grow up, we create our dreams in our minds, but as an adult, you get to make those dreams – hopefully – happen (or so I tell myself so I don’t get too depressed about getting older). Villa San Michele is one of those places I had read about twenty years ago and always wanted to go. It is an old monastery with a facade by Michaelangelo, which was converted into a luxury hotel. It is one of these places where you feel like you are absorbing history just by staying there. Some people may find it too old/cold, not-as-great as-it-once-was, but I loved it and was very happily not disappointed. It has the most wonderful views of Florence and is up in the hills where it is cooler than the valley where Florence resides.

Villa San Michele Bedroom Photograph Courtesy of NHYM

We loved our room, a Garden Suite, which we got as an upgrade and it was huge and perfect for a family of four. Not sure how or why we got such a great upgrade, but it ended up being the most value-for-money hotel we stayed in for the entire trip.

Villa San Michele Pool. Photograph Courtesy of NHYM

The trick I realised with cultural holidays, is that you should spend 3 – 4 hours sightseeing with the children, and then make sure there is a pool at the hotel where they can spend the rest of the day. It was the perfect balance for them and for us.

Photograph Courtesy of NHYM

2.The Four Seasons Florence:

BOOK THE FOUR SEASONS FLORENCE HERE

3.The Hoxton Florence: Best for good value and good vibes.

BOOK THE HOXTON FLORENCE HERE

4.Il Salviatino: Best for weddings and group events.

BOOK HERE FOR IL SAVIATINO

5.The Portrait: Best for location.

BOOK HERE FOR THE PORTRAIT FLORENCE

6.La Gemma: Best for boutique hotel, art deco, and green tones.

BOOK HERE FOR LA GEMMA

7.Villa Cora: Best for Medici Villa setting

BOOK VILLA CORA HERE

8.The Place, Florence: Stylish and sophisticated boutique hotel.

BOOK THE PLACE FLORENCE HERE

9.The Savoy, Florence

10.Grand Hotel Minerva: Best for its rooftop pool

BOOK THE GRAND HOTEL MINERVA HERE

WHAT TO DO WITH KIDS IN FLORENCE:

Ride a Tuk Tuk or any other kind of fun transportation through Florence to see the main landmark places such as the Piazzale Michaelangelo, the Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio so you don’t have to hear ‘I don’t want to walk anymore!’ BOOK A GOLF CART TOUR HERE
Do a treasure hunt through the museums and palaces like the Palazzo Vecchio with a tour guide looking for flowers, turtles and mystical creatures. BOOK A TREASURE HUNT THROUGH FLORENCE
Learn how to make your own pizza and gelato. And then eat them for dinner. BOOK PIZZA MAKING AND GELATO MAKING CLASS
Take a trip to surrounding areas such as Chianti, Forte Dei Marmi or Cinque Terre. BOOK A DAY TRIP TO CINQUE TERRE
http://www.marklimotours.com – Mark speaks perfect English and will take you anywhere you want.
This one’s not really for the kids but has to be done. Leave the kids in front of a DVD and have a romantic dinner at La Loggia restaurant in Villa San Michele. Utterly beautiful views and sunset to try to get a little romance back.
Arno River Cruise. BOOK AN ARNO RIVER CRUISE HERE
Skip the line David’s Michaelangelo
Uffizi Small Group Tour
Medici Family Secrets and Chapel Tour

The children learned about the history of the Romans, the Medicis, about architecture and religion, about pizza and gelato making and about Michaelangelo and the Renaissance. It was a really culturally enriching trip and fun for the whole family. For anyone thinking about going to Florence, I highly recommend it!

NHYM

http://www.nottinghillyummymummy.com

@NHyummymummy

Other Recommended hotels:

Four Seasons Florence

Family Life, Food & Dining, Top 10, Travel

Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Where to Stay, Where to Eat & What to Do

Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City. NHYM 2025. This post contains affiliate links.

BOOK YOUR TRIP TO SAIGON/HO CHI MINH HERE

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, has had a radical transformation since I first visited 30 years ago, when it opened itself to the modern world after years of war and communism. It used to be filled with the past vestiges of colonialism and communism, with few modern amenities: there were only a few cars and hotels around. Fast forward, and it now looks like a bustling Asian Metropolis, like Bangkok or Hong Kong. Each time I go, I am amazed by how much it has changed and modernised, and it is now almost unrecognisable from when I went in the 90s.

The hotel scene in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh still has some catching up to do and isn’t quite as developed as Bangkok’s (Bangkok has some of the best hotels in the world at the moment: read my post on Bangkok’s Top 10 here) or Hong Kong’s, and my favourite hotels in Vietnam aren’t actually in the city: The Regent Phu Quoc is truly a 6 star, the Nam Hai Four Seasons is as good as a Four Seasons gets, and the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is so picturesque and beautiful, it’s out of a Bond movie. What the city does have is plenty of great value luxury hotels for very reasonable prices with good service, good food and nice, comfortable rooms.

There are so many hotels to choose from, that it can be hard to know what/where to book as a foreigner if you’re going for the first time, so here are my Top 10 recommendations if you want advice from someone who travels regularly to Vietnam and has spent months there at a time:

1,Hotel des Arts: Best for Boutique Luxury. It’s downside is that it isn’t in D1 which is the center of the city and where most of the action is happening. It does have a great rooftop bar and pool though, and more character than your average chain hotel, so for a boutique luxury experience, it’s hard to beat.

BOOK HOTEL DES ARTS – M Gallery HERE

2. Park Hyatt: Best for location and an oasis in the city. Also good for families. The Park Hyatt is the opposite: it has the best location but it is a bit tired and it’s decor a little old. Right next to the Opera House, it has a great location, and a large pool and lush gardens, so it is has a lot of pluses, but for me, I prefer more modernised rooms so it’s not my personal choice, but will fit the needs of someone looking for a familiar brand.

BOOK THE PARK HYATT SAIGON HERE

3. The Hilton Saigon: Best for brand new & modern. It just opened in 2024 and is the epitome of modern luxury. It’s already become a favourite, so book fast before it sells out. It has all the mod cons you can ask for and for those looking for a modern, safe option, I would suggest this one. It’s a little pricier than some of the others, but for peace of mind, it’s a good choice.

BOOK THE HILTON SAIGON HERE

4.Fusion Original Saigon Centre: Best for shopaholics and families. On top of the Saigon Centre shopping mall, it has all the shopping you could ask for, from western brands like Diptyque and Cartier, to Asian food courts and markets. It shares a large swimming pool with Sedona Suites if you want to get some laps in. There are great family suites for a fraction of the price of most hotels, without sacrificing comfort or service (we stayed in one). For those who love to be in the middle of the action, Fusion Original is great. You can watch the locals shopping, eating and hanging out on a Saturday night for a taste of Saigon/Ho Chi Minh culture.

BOOK FUSION ORIGINAL SAIGON CENTRE

Fusion Original Pool. NHYM 2025.

5.The Myst Dong Khoi: Best for a unique, charming boutique hotel. The Myst’s architecture is hard to miss but somehow works. The interiors blend Colonial and Vietnamese furniture and accessories, making it more original than your usual 5 star hotel. It’s warm and inviting and has a rooftop pool and bar. It’s located on Dong Khoi, one of the best shopping streets of Saigon.

BOOK THE MYST DONG KHOI HERE

6. Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint: Best for value for money and cool rooftop bar and pool. Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint is one of the best deals in the city on a budget but still looking for luxury. It is across from the Fusion Original Saigon Centre so also has a great location and access to shopping. I stayed there once with my mum and 2 kids and found it a great choice.

BOOK LIBERTY CENTRAL CITYPOINT

7. Caravelle Saigon: Best for an oldie but goodie. Caravelle Saigon has been around for years, and has been renovated over time and has probably one of the best locations in the city, but it can be very noisy so one to avoid if you are sensitive to street noises and parties, which happen frequently around it. It also has a spa and pool, for those who appreciate a quick dip and pamper after a hectic day in the city. Its rooftop bar, Saigon Saigon, has been popular for years, but is now under renovation to compete with the hipper, newer rooftop bars. There are plenty of oldies like the Rex, the Majestic and the Continental, which all survived the years of war, but in my opinion, the Caravelle has been the best maintained of them all.

BOOK CARAVELLE SAIGON HERE

8.La Siesta Premium: Best choice on Tripadvisor. Although I’ll admit that I have never stayed there, it’s highly rated on Tripadvisor (“Number one on Tripadvisor and 5/5 star rating) and looks great, so wanted to make sure to include it on my list. It’s very luxurious with a cool rooftop pool and bar, I would say it’s more for couples than families, which is why we’ve never stayed. The location is good, but not as good as some of the above.

BOOK LA SIESTA PREMIUM HERE

9.Hotel Indigo Saigon: Best for all around modern & new choice. Another very highly rated hotel, the Hotel Indigo Saigon is a modern, luxurious choice and recently opened under the IHG Group in Feb 2025. Its location is slightly different to the others, in Ba Son, near the riverside, with old shipyard mementos all over the hotel, giving it more character than your standard corporate hotel. It’s near the Vincom Centre for shoppers as well. As with many of the others I have chosen, there is a great rooftop pool.

BOOK HOTEL INDIGO SAIGON by IHG

10. An Lam Retreats Saigon River: Best for out-of-the-city river retreat. For my last recommendation, I chose something a little different. There are only so many 5 star hotels you can review and distinguish from one another. This one is out of the city on the Saigon River, blending in with the jungle and nature of the outskirts of Saigon. It’s for those who want a little city break from the hustle and bustle of Saigon, which can get overwhelming. So, for a quiet couples retreat, I would go for a few days.

BOOK AN LAM RETREATS SAIGON RIVER

BOOK YOUR TRIP TO SAIGON/HO CHI MINH HERE

View from SENS Restaurant on top of Bitexo Tower. NHYM 2025.

WHAT TO DO IN SAIGON/HO CHI MINH CITY

(Press on link to see full details).

1.Immersive Cooking School

2. Water Puppet Show: Fun activity for the kids.

3. Mekong Delta And Coconut Village Tour

4. Half day Cu chi tunnels in Speedboat

5. Saigon River Cruise

6. Saigon Walking Tour: History, Culture & Local Coffee

7. Cyclo Tour around Saigon: It’s a shame there aren’t many cyclos around, the main mode of transportation years ago, but it’s a great way to experience Saigon.

8. SHOPPING! Saigon Centre, Vincom Centre, Ben Thanh Market etc… The Vietnamese love shopping and it’s so apparent in their malls and markets.

9. Cat Cafe: For animal lovers and kids. My kids loved it!

10. Rooftop Bars. There are plenty! Saigon Saigon, Sky Deck, Rooftop of Liberty Central/Hotel Arts, Banana Mama etc…

BOOK YOUR TRIP TO SAIGON/HO CHI MINH HERE

WHERE TO EAT:

Here are a few of my recommendations for restaurants to try for both local Vietnamese food as well as some fine dining options. I’ve chosen them also for their settings, because good food isn’t enough anymore: the vibes matter.

1.SH Garden: For a casual yet delicious restaurant in D1 on the 1st floor of an old colonial building.

2.Ngon: Very cool courtyard setting. It’s huge and popular so go in advance to get a table. The food is pretty standard Vietnamese fare, but I definitely liked the vibe.

3.Vo Roof: Cool rooftop Vietnamese food, voted one of the best restaurants in Asia.

4.Secret Garden: the decor is more pared back and elegant than most restaurants, it’s a cute little restaurant for a quiet night.

5.The Deck: In the expat area outside the center of the city, the Deck has a beautiful setting on the Saigon River. It’s got western food for those looking for a change from Vietnamese food.

6.Anan: This is a one Michelin starred street food restaurant, so it’s worth a try.

7.Coco Dining: Fine dining offering contemporary Vietnamese food, it’s got 2 restaurants on site and a whiskey bar. We went for date night, so has that kind of vibe.

8.Sens Dine & Wine: At the top of the Bitexo tower, it has some of the most spectacular views of Saigon. Best for a special occasion. There was a birthday party next to us, and we went for a multi-generational family dinner.

9.Propaganda: It’s a popular one for tourists, with its quirky decor, and has French and Vietnamese influences, with Banh Mi and chocolate mousse on offer.

10. Cafe Runam: The Vietnamese chain is where all the locals go, so for a real Vietnamese experience, it’s got all the popular Vietnamese dishes.

Reader

BOOK YOUR TRIP TO SAIGON/HO CHI MINH HERE

Enjoy!

Family Life, food, Food & Dining, Food & Dining, Health & Wellness, Reviews, Top 10, Travel

10 Best Luxury Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand: Where to Stay & What to Do

Bangkok is one of my favourite cities in the world and it is currently having a moment: its hotels and restaurants are considered the best in the world (3 out of the Top 20 restaurants in the World’s Best Restaurants 2025 and 3 of the top 10 hotels in the World’s Best Hotels 2025 are in Bangkok) and has had the most annual visitors than any other city in 2025/2026. It is busy, buzzing, affordable, with some of my favourite, most welcoming people, delicious food, amazing hotels and the best service and massages – EVER. If I have a choice to travel between Asia, and pretty much anywhere else, I always choose Asia. And Bangkok has it all. The Shopping. The Nightlife. The Hotels. The Restaurants. The Spas.

Bangkok's Grand Palace: The Complete Guide

Grand Palace, Bangkok. Photos in this post courtesy of the internet & NHYM 2026.

This post contains affiliate links.

I actually lived in Bangkok for five of my formative years and it was a WONDERFUL and WILD experience. Yes, it is dirty and and it can feel overwhelming, oppressively hot and the traffic is horrendous, but beyond that lies warm, welcoming people, a rich culture, gorgeous palaces and some of the best food in South East Asia, and I loved it. So any time I have the chance, I love going back.

WHERE TO STAY

Mandarin Oriental Hotel. NHYM 2026.

There are so many fabulous hotels in Bangkok, that it was hard to narrow my list down to the Top 10 Best Luxury Family-Friendly Hotels in Bangkok. I’ve chosen some for Nostalgia’s sake or because of something specific that sets that hotel apart.

1. The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (Bangkok Riverside): Considered the oldest and most famous hotel in Bangkok, it has welcomed presidents, celebrities and is considered one of the best hotels in the world. It’s been around for a long time (my parents stayed there 50 years ago when they moved to Bangkok for the first time). It is one for those who want to experience the history of Bangkok.

BOOK THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL BANGKOK HERE

MAP

See related image detail. Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok (Main Pool) | Four seasons hotel, Hotels ...

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. NHYM 2026.

2. Four Seasons Chao Phraya (Bangkok Riverside): For amazing service and Four Seasons quality, it’s hard to beat the Four Seasons. It only opened in 2020, so it is brand new and modern. It has already won so many awards and accolades, it ranked 2nd in the World’s Best Hotel Awards 2026. It’s all got all the bells and whistles of a top Four Seasons hotel, so if you can, stay there.

BOOK THE FOUR SEASONS CHAO PHRAYA HERE

3. Capella Bangkok (Bangkok Riverside): For those who like a modern design, the Capella is modern and sleek and also brand new. It has already won World’s Best Hotel in 2024 and came 3rd in 2025, so it’s already one of the world’s favourite hotels. Need I say more?

BOOK CAPELLA BANGKOK HERE

Bangkok views. NHYM 2016

4. The Sukhothai (Sathorn): For those who are looking for Old World charm and Thai character, the Sukhothai holds its own next to the Mandarin Oriental. It has beautiful Thai architecture with surrounding ponds, that exudes Thai design and warmth, this one is best for those who want to be immersed in Thai culture the moment they step into their hotel.

BOOK THE SUKHOTHAI BOOK

5.Dusit Thani (Silom): The Dusit Thani Thai hotel brand is a well known luxury hotel brand that has reasonable prices with the warmth of Thai service. The Dusit Thani Bangkok recently re-opened in 2024 to reveal a modernised, more intimate hotel experience. It is also in a great location for shopping near MBK Center and Siam Paragon Center.

BOOK THE DUSIT THANI HOTEL BANGKOK HERE

6. Le Meridien Bangkok (Silom): One of my oldies but goodies for luxury good value. I lived there when I moved to Bangkok 28 years ago. Needless to say, it has been renovated and looks good as new. I have fond memories of eating at their Coffee Shop, pineapple fried rice, and soups. It is near some big malls, so you can save money for the shopping.

BOOK LE MERIDIEN BANGKOK HERE

Vertigo Bar, Banyan Tree Hotel, Bangkok. NHYM 2026.

7. Banyan Tree (Sathorn): Although it’s not the best location for me, its Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, Vertigo, is really worth seeing. It has panoramic views of Bangkok and is one of the best in the city. Another famous rooftop in Bangkok, Sky Bar at lebua tower, is also very well known, with its bar hanging over a vertiginous edge.

BOOK BANYAN TREE BANGKOK HERE

8.The Ritz Carlton Sukhumvit is beautiful and has a great location, but pricey for Bangkok standards. For similar location, but better value, try the Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit or the Sofitel Sukhumvit. Sukhumvit is my favourite area in Bangkok and where I lived growing up. It was the most popular area for the expats with

BOOK THE RITZ CARLTON SUKHUMVIT HERE

Avani Riverside NHYM 2016

9. Avani Riverside & Anantara Riverside (Bangkok Riverside): For its rooftop infinity pool. The Avani Riverside has one of the most breathtaking rooftop infinity pools and bar overlooking the Chao Phraya River. I went years ago with my kids, and thought that one day I might return, for its modern design, good value and stunning rooftop pool.

BOOK AVANI RIVERSIDE HERE

Peninsula Pool, Bangkok. NHYM 2026.

10. The Peninsula Bangkok (Bangkok Riverside): For its beautiful riverside pool and boats that take you to ICON SIAM Mall, the Peninsula is the epitome of Asian Luxury.

BOOK THE PENINSULA BANGKOK HERE

11. S/O Bangkok: For a more boutique experience, S/O is cool and trendy, stylish and design focussed.

BANGKOK – WHAT TO DO

Long Boat Tour Bangkok. NHYM 2026.

Here are my Top 10 Activities to do in Bangkok:

1.Temples: You can’t come to Bangkok without visiting its spectacular temples. The temples in Thailand are some of the most wonderful and intricate temples in the world, and are unmissable. A tour of Wat Po and the Grand Palace are must do’s. For a better experience, it’s easier to get an expert to show you around.

BOOK A TOUR OF THE TEMPLES HERE

Buddha Bangkok NHYM 2016

2. Food: Thai food is some of the best food in the world. For the chefs in the making, you can always take a thai cooking class otherwise there is so much delicious food to try, from Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Cashew Chicken to Thai Fried Rice to Thai green curry. Thai is what you could call me comfort food: I love it and takes me back to being a teenager. I do NOT recommend to eat street food. Locals have built in microbiomes and antibodies against the local bacteria, but most non-Asian stomachs will not survive. Only drink bottled water and eat from hygienic, clean restaurants.

BOOK A THAI COOKING CLASS HERE

3. Tuk Tuks: Last time I went to Thailand, I was sad to see that there are less and less tuk tuks around because it was my favourite mode of transport when I was younger, with the wind in my hair and the agility of tuks tuks to get around a lot of traffic obstacles. They are still around for tourists, so take a ride at night – the traffic is too dense in the daytime.

BOOK A TUK TUK TOUR HERE

Bangkok Khlong. NHYM 2016

4. Long Boat Trips: Called the Venice of the East, wandering the canals, ‘khlongs’ in a long boat is a unique activity. You can spot water monitors along the canals, large lizards that can go up to 2 meters in length.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bangkok

Floating Market Bangkok, NHYM 2026.

5. Floating Market: The long boat trip can be combined with a floating market trip, which are famous, selling mangoes and flowers and other Thai delicacies.

BOOK A FLOATING MARKET TOUR HERE

6. Night markets: Another famous Bangkok site, the night markets are famous for selling everything and anything under the sun: fake Guccis, T shirts, Thai bagpacks, silver jewellery, food and much, much more.

BOOK A NIGHT TOUR IN BANGKOK HERE

7. Nightlife: The nightlife scene in Bangkok is thriving, from nightclubs, to rooftop bars, to night markets to the red light district. Patpong, the biggest and most famous night market/bar area in Bangkok, should really be reserved for adults. For younger kids, check some more PG night markets or rooftop bars.

Bangkok Nightlife. NHYM 2026.

8. Elephant Sanctuary: For younger kids who love animals, elephant sanctuaries is a must in Thailand. Just makes sure it is really a sanctuary and not a tourist trap. This will require a day trip, so make sure you have enough time to get there and back.

BOOK AN ELEPHANT SANCTUARY TOUR HERE

9. Ayutthya UNESCO Temple: For another day trip excursion, the temples are Ayuttyah are just as impressive (well, almost) as Angkor Wat. So if you’re in this part of the world and don’t know if you’ll be back anytime soon, it isn’t to be missed.

BOOK AN AYUTTHYA UNESCSO DAY TRIP HERE

Ayutthaya Thailand Temple , Top 5 des plus beaux temples à visiter à ...

Ayuttya, Thailand. NHYM 2026.

10. SHOPPING: Finally, my favourite activity in Bangkok not to be missed. There are so many Malls to choose from and are a part of Thai life, and the prices cheap (apart from Western products, which just as expensive or more than Asian ones). CentralWorld was my favourite mall growing up, while MBK was the budget-friendly mall I went to. There are newer ones as well, like SIAM Paragon and ICONSIAM are both new, shiny malls with every shop you could ask for. You could do a whole trip just for shopping.

For boys, Muay Thai boxing classes are a fun option!

Enjoy!!

NHYM

Family Life

Paris With Kids: 20 Family-Friendly things to do with Kids in Paris

La Fondation Louis Vuitton, Parc d’Acclimation, NHYM 2025

There is so much to do in Paris, that I don’t need to tell you about the big sights that you already know about, but if you’re coming to Paris with your kids for the first time and are worried they might be bored, here are family-friendly activities like a family-friendly Louvre tour or a golf cart tour, that will get them excited about discovering Paris. If you’ve already done the big sights, there are some more off-the-radar activities too. I’ve also included shopping with teens and some fun workshops for the whole family.

Private Tour with Kids: Notre Dame, Ile St Louis, La Seine, Le Louvre
Bateaux Mouches River Seine Cruise
Half day bike tour around Versailles
Le Louvre with Kids
Musee d’Orsay Family Friendly Tour
Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets & Champs Elysees
La Tour Eiffel
Jardin D’acclimation & Fondation Louis Vuitton
Aquarium de Paris
Macaron Baking Class for families and kids
Golf Cart Tour of Paris
Mini Perfume Workshop
Catacombs
Jardin des Plantes: Menagerie (litlle animal zoo) and the Gallery of Evolution audio guide.
Eurodisney for the Day
Montmarte Escape Game
Parc Asterix: An amusement park 40 minutes from Paris, it is more manageable that Eurodisney, so it’s my choice over Eurodisney any day.
Shopping: Galeries Lafayette FAO Schwarz and Patisserie Jellycat Store & Macaron making workshop at Galeries Lafayette. Shopping for teens: Galeries Lafayette, Le Marais (Rue des Francs Bourgeois, Rue des Rosiers and Rue Vieille du Temple), Monoprix at Forum des Halles Westfield. Kilo Shop and La Guerrisol for thrifting. Brandy Melville & Subdued on Rue de Rennes.
Atelier des Lumieres: Le Petit Prince
Chocolate Making Workshop

Have fun!

NHYM

Family Life, food, Food & Dining, Reviews, Top 10, Travel

The Four Seasons in Venice: Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Venice & What to do in Venice

Venice has a special place in my heart, I knew it by heart way before Jeff Bezos and George Clooney entered the picture and had their weddings there. My first time was as a med student in my 20s, taking a £9 Ryanair flight and staying in a rental flat for the week with my uni friends. We roamed the streets during low season, buying groceries and capuccinos like local Venetians, and ended up in authentic Venetian bars at night for cicchetti and Barolo. Then came the romantic trip to the Danieli for my birthday with my now husband in my 30s, the trip with the kids in my 40s, and then the 40th and 50th birthday parties at Palazzos and the Aman. I have been to Venice for every reason and season of my life, and each time, came away with memories to last a lifetime.

1. Hotel Danieli, a Four Seasons Hotel: Best for Romance & Rooftops. For my romantic birthday weekend away, my fiance (now husband) whisked me away in a water taxi to the world famous Hotel Danieli. My father, who was still alive, approved. It is one of the oldest palaces in Venice, renowned for its old-school grandeur. It might not be the newest, most polished hotel, but it holds tons of history between its walls. The rooftop restaurant is one-of-a-kind with sprawling views of Venice. The management has recently been taken over by the Four Seasons, so it can only get better.

Venice Canal NHYM 2026

2. Hotel San Clemente Palace Kempinski: Best for Space and Kids. When we went to Venice with our kids for the first time, we knew they weren’t old enough to be sight-seeing all day long without whining, so we needed an alternate plan when the heat, the crowds and the sight-seeing would send them into full melt-downs. Enter the San Clemente Palace: the ultimate Venice Kids Palace Hotel on its own island and is a vast resort for the kids to run around once the sight-seeing was done. We found the perfect way to sight-see-with-kids: Our mornings were spent weaving through the canals on gondolas and shopping for masks, while the afternoons were spent around their fabulous swimming pool and its cabanas, eating pizza in its garden restaurant. This is my favourite hotel in Venice with kids, so I highly recommend it.

3. Hotel Cipriani:, a Belmond Hotel Best for Unlimited budget. If money is no object, the Cipriani Hotel has a similar premise to the San Clemente: it is on its own island and has water shuttles to take you to the center of Venice. It is a Belmond Hotel so has all the bells and whistles of the top hotels of the world. Its terrace and pool are beautiful and it is an oasis away from the bustling overcrowding, oppressive Venice in the Summer. Friends have taken their children, and raved about it.

Masquerade Ball Aman Venice NHYM 2022

4. Aman Venice Palazzo Papadopoli Hotel: Best for weddings and Birthday parties. When we were invited to a Masquerade Ball/Birthday Party at the Aman Venice, we thought, ‘if it’s good enough for Amal and George, it’s definitely good enough for us.’ and we weren’t wrong. The Aman is a special, beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Venice that is hard to surpass. Everything about it is beautiful: its lobby, its garden, its ballroom and its rooms. We were treated to events in all of them: the garden for aperitivo, dinner in the ballroom and dancing in the lobby. Sitting under the painted frescoes of the grand ballroom with dancers surrounding us, was an experience to remember forever. Please excuse the blurry not-perfect pictures, clearly signs of a good party…

5. Gritti Palace: Best for Sunset drinks & Serious Luxury: The Gritti Palace needs no introduction. For the most wonderful sunset drinks on its terrace by the canal, the Gritti has to win hands down so even if you don’t stay at the Gritti, you can always stop by for a drink. With beautiful views and history, the Gritti has enthralled dignitaries and aristocrats for centuries. For that bucket list experience, the Gritti holds it own.

Aman Ballroom NHYM 2022

6. Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace: Best for Value for a small Palazzo. When a Venetian friend of ours decided to throw his 50th birthday party, he chose the Nani Mocenigo Palazzo. It is more understated than the great big palaces of San Clemente and the Gritti, but for a cosy, boutique feel, and very reasonable prices, it is a hidden gem that only a Venetian would know about. It has a lovely courtyard in the back, a priceless commodity in Venice.

7. Palazzo Venart: Best for privacy and travellers in-the-know. A Leading Hotel of the World, Palazzo Venart is a private, beautiful retreat with private gardens and unique style in Venice. Unlike the sceney Gritti and Danieli, Palazzo Venart provides all the luxury amenities and service, while providing a private oasis in the middle of Venice. It’s like your own private Palazzo with your room to choose.

View from the Nani Mocenigo Palace NHYM 2024

8. Excelsior Venice Lido Resort: Best for a Venice Beach Resort. This hotel, 15 minutes away from central Venice, is right on a beach and has hosted the Venice Film Festival each year. Need I say more? It is an iconic hotel on a large stretch of beach and has more space than any other hotel in Venice: it has 4 restaurants and offers very spacious rooms. This is another great hotel for kids, and even has a kids club during high season.

9. Nolinski Venezia: Best for those looking for modern interiors in a historical exterior. A new hotel on the Venice scene, the Nolinski is truly unique in Venice. Its interiors are a mixture of Art Deco, contemporary and mid-century, which if you know me, is right up my interior-design alley. It’s perfect for those design/modern oriented visitors who don’t want the heavy drapes, gold-gilded rooms and frescoes. There is also a spa and rooftop pool, both a rarity in Venice.

10. Hotel Palazzo Stern: Best for its location on the Grand Canal. For those who want a historical experience, the Stern delivers. It was used in the 2003 movie ‘The Italian Job’ and some Netflix movies as well, so you can be sure it’s got a decor that impresses. With only 24 rooms it is cosy with a lovely terrace, perfect for those who can’t quite afford the Gritti but want a Grand Canalside experience.

Dancers at the Masquerade Ball NHYM 2022

WHAT TO DO WITH KIDS IN VENICE

CHECK OUT OTHER ACTIVITIES WITH GET YOUR GUIDE:

Family Life, Food & Dining, Top 10, Travel

New York City with Kids: Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in New York City & What to do with Kids

New York City is really my ‘Soul City.’ Even though I have lived in (and loved) London for almost 25 years and have built a happy, grounded family life, New York was my wild, passionate, love affair that I knew I had to eventually move on from. When I lived there in my 20s, I didn’t notice the dirty streets, the noisy honking or firetrucks blaring, or that the concrete jungle hid most of the sunshine and therefore any possible greenery. It didn’t matter, because I lived for the nightlife. For those who know, you know. The nightlife in the 90s was unforgettable: Tunnel and Limelight for dance music, Au Bar and Bilboquet for Euro spotting, Spy and Jet bar for the Soho Lounge Scene, Bowery bar and Bungalow 8 for the celebs, and finally Life and Spa for the best club nights I’ve had. Those were the best nights of my life.

View of the Empire State Building from the Edge NHYM 2024

But fast forward 25 years and I am happier than ever with my two gorgeous t(w)eens and I look back on those days with euphoric nostalgia, as a time I will never get back. So when it was time to take them to New York a few years ago, I had to make it the best-trip-ever. I wanted them to love it as much as I do so that I could come back over and over again and tell people ‘it’s because my kids love New York so much.’

Midtown Manhattan, NHYM 2024

When I told them we were going to New York, they both – separately – begged to stay at the Plaza. This is how strong Hollywood has entered our – and our kids’ – pysches. They both loved Home Alone so much that this was the only place they wanted to stay. Period. When I enquired, the hotel made it too easy for me to stay yes: they have rooms with two double beds that snuggly fit a family of four, the location is great and they have a magical ‘Home Alone Package.’ That clinched the deal.

Park Lane Hotel View of Central Park. NHYM 2024.

Needless to say, my kids LOVED New York and the Plaza, my eldest so much that she wants to live there. Maybe I went a little too far.

Brooklyn Bridge from the water. NHYM 2024

Of course there are all the usual ultra luxury hotels that everyone knows like The Pierre, the Waldorf Astoria (which was recently renovated), the Four Seasons, the Ritz Carlton and the other usual suspects but here are my top 10 Luxury Hotel Recommendations in NYC for families. Most of these have Family rooms or rooms with two double beds to fit a family of four. Others have suites to accommodate bigger families. Some were chosen for their locations, covering all of New York City, from the Upper West Side to the East Village to SoHo to the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Plaza Welcome Chocolate. NHYM 2024

The Plaza (Central Park): With Home Alone 2 as advertisement, the Plaza needs no more introduction: it’s iconic. Their Home Alone Package includes pizza, a limo ride around Manhattan and a giant ice cream sundae back in your room. Need I say more? It was the highlight of their trip. Book the Plaza Here
The Mandarin Oriental (Columbus Circle): This one is both for kids and adults: The Mandarin has beautiful rooms and views, and the Spa is one of the best in the city. There’s an Alo downstairs and plenty of shopping nearby, and is so centrally located you can go uptown/downtown/midtown in minutes. Book the Mandarin Oriental New York Here
The Mercer (Soho Luxury): For the ultra fashion and trendy crowd, The Mercer is still a stalwart and its restaurant, Sartiano, an Italian-American restaurant, is named after a friend from my party days, Scott Sartiano. Book The Mercer Here
The Wallace (Upper West Side Boutique): For those looking for a more neighbourhood experience, The Wallace in the Upper West Side will give you a real taste of living in NYC. Book The Wallace Here
The Mark (Upper East Side Boutique): Same with the Mark, it has been around for ages, and is a boutique hotel in the Upper East Side if you want the ‘UES’ pied-a-terre experience. Book The Mark Here
The Gansevoort (Meatpacking): For a great downtown location, the Gansevoort is next to the High Line, Little Island, all the meatpacking shopping and dining you can think of (CATCH, Pastis and more). They have a great rooftop bar and a pool for the kids to splash in (mornings only, sorry). Book The Gansevoort Here
The Moxy East Village (East Village): For an East Village experience, the Moxy hits the mark with its more hip, young feel and its various family rooms. It’s a great fit for families looking for good value, various room options, some with bunk beds, and a more relaxed, fun atmosphere. Book Here for The Moxy
The Soho Grand: The original SoHo luxury boutique hotel, it’s right in the downtown action. In SoHo, but near Tribeca and with easy access to the East Village, West Village, it is still a beloved hotel. The style is modern and elegant, the beds are comfy and is still a fun scene for older kids, but their rooms options are not as family friendly as some of the others. Book the Soho Grand Hotel Here
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (Brooklyn): For the too-cool-for-Manhattan crowd who want to spend time in Brooklyn, this eco-friendly hotel gives you access to both Brooklyn and Manhattan. It has great views of the Brooklyn bridge, and there are lots of waterfront restaurants like Celestine, The River Cafe and Cecconis. Book 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Here.
The Peninsula (Fifth Avenue) : For ultimate luxury and service, it’s hard to beat the Peninsula. In addition, it has a large indoor pool and family perks. It has spacious, luxurious rooms for families, the Grand Deluxe Double with 2 double beds. Book The Peninsula Here.

M&M Store Times Square NHYM 2024

WHAT DO IN NEW YORK CITY WITH KIDS:

To make it an unforgettable trip, I planned a special surprise 7 Day Movie/TV Schedule for them, to keep them anticipating the next day. Each Day was themed around a TV Show or Movie and the whole day would revolve around it: filming spots, restaurants, scenes etc.. They loved it!

Day 1: Gossip Girl

For the Gossip Girl Lovers out there, New York is the ultimate set-jetting location. You could spend an entire trip just going to different set locations and living the life of Serena and Blair Waldorf. Both my kids love Gossip Girl and we spent our whole first day covering all the different Gossip Girl locations. We went to Central Park, where Blair and Chuck Bass got married. For your Central Park Carriage Ride, you can Book Your Central Park Carriage Ride with Kids here. Alternatively, you can take a Pedicab Ride Around Central Park.

The Met Steps feature constantly in Gossip Girl, where Serena and Blair spend their lunches. So it’s great to combine it with a trip to the Met. Book Your Tickets to the Met Here.

Finally, you can Restaurant-hop the Gossip Girls’ favourite haunts: Sarabeth/Butter/Empire Rooftop/Russian Tea Room/The Oak Room/STK/Gramercy Tavern.

Day 2: Elf

If you go to New York during Christmas Time, you have to watch Elf and hit all the Elf filming locations like the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Center. Book here for the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. For hopeless romantics, you can also go to those for Sleepless in Seattle and An Affair to Remember.

Day 3: BIG

BIG is an oldie but goodie. It was one of my favourite movies growing up, and we had to recreate the FAO Schwartz scene on the life sized piano. The current FAO Scwarz is not as big as the original but it’s still fun and all kids love going to a toy store. David Moscow, the Tom Hanks kid-version, is one of my friends from when I lived in NYC, so I always love re-watching the movie with my kids. They cringe each time I say ‘there’s my friend!’

Day 4: MoneyBall

My husband, who loves sports, took my kids to a Mets Game, so we watched one of the best baseball movies of all time before they went: Moneyball. It’s a smart, interesting, thought-provoking movie that even people like me, who have no interest in baseball, love it. You might need to like Maths and Statistics though. Book here for a baseball Game/Knicks Game

Day 5: Night at the Museum

Night at the Museum is one of the best NY movies of all time, and we were lucky enough to get a tour from friends who are members. We learned about the Black Hole and the universe in 3D as well as ant terrariums and butterfly gardens. It is one of the greatest Museums of all time. Book Your Tickets to the Natural History Museum

Day 6: Home Alone 2

Now, of course the Home Alone tour around NYC in a Limo was their absolute highlight of our trip. We started out at the Plaza with a Limo, a large pizza and the Home Alone 2 film playing in the Limo. We organised our own itinerary, visiting the Empire State Building, 9/11 Memorial, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square M&M shop and finally ended up at the Plaza with the largest ice-cream sundae we had ever seen. This is definitely a bucket list experience for all Home Alone lovers: the chauffeur told me that he had just done a Limo Tour for Make-a-Wish Foundation patient. What a wonderful once in a lifetime gift.

The 16-scoop ice-cream sundae at the Plaza. NHYM 2024

BOOK YOUR HOME ALONE 2 LIMO RIDE & PIZZA HERE

Day 7: The Lion King

People always ask me if I’m going to see a Broadway Show when I go to New York, but tbh, I live in London. I can go to a show anytime and the shows in London are just as great. But for most people, a Broadway show is a highlight and The Lion King is one of my favourites. Book Your Broadway Show here.

My alternative Film for Day 7 was going downtown for a Ghostbusters filming tour. Need I say more?

I can guarantee that your kids will love this, and you can create your own schedule with their favourite NY movies.

Other absolutely necessary things to do with Kids:

-The High Line

– The Ice-Cream Museum

-The Edge: an alternative to waiting for the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center lines, the Edge has great views of Manhattan. For the thrill seekers, the City Climb looks pretty fun! We didn’t have time to do it, but it’s on our list for next time!

-Restaurants: Any food you can ask for! See Gossip Girl Day for recommendations.

– Shopping: The shopping in New York is epic. Mostly because all the stores are so BIG! In Soho/West Village/Meatpacking District, you can go to thrift stores or fashion stores like Brandy Melville and make-up stores like Glossier etc.. it’s a girl’s paradise! For boys (but girls too) the Lego store is great! There are life-sized lego sculptures like New York Taxis, and Empire State Buildings, like below. It’s impressive.

Lego Store Midtown NHYM 2024

For more activities, you can always browse through Get Your Guide, which offers tons of tours and ideas.

NHYM

http://www.nottinghillmummy.com

Manhattanhenge 2024. NHYM

Family Life, Food & Dining, Health & Wellness, Top 10, Travel

Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in London: London’s Summer Party Social Scene & Where to stay in London

London Summer Parties – All Photos Taken by NHYM

Wimbledon Center Court- NHYM – 2024

When I was thinking about where to travel in June, I realised there was nowhere else like London: with the glorious weather and the best summer social scene in the world, everyone heads here in June. The London Summer Party Social Scene, also called ‘The Silly Season,’ really doesn’t compare to anything, anywhere else I know. This is the time my Instagram blows up with FOMO-inducing photos of Royal Ascot, Cartier Polo, the Chelsea Flower Show, Wimbledon, Henley Regatta, Silverstone, Goodwood (speed and horse racing), so many concerts and everyone’s summer party.

Royal Chelsea Flower Show NHYM 2025

And then there are fun-fair-themed garden parties, Summer Parties with Brazilian dancers, roaming musicians and bongo players, birthday countryside pool parties, Swedish mid-sommer parties with frog dancing, Member’s Clubs Summer Parties with Ibiza’s Ushaia DJs, School Summer Parties with summer jams, cake, and Pimms. And finally, 50th Birthday Parties, which range from garden parties, countryside parties and destination parties to St Tropez and Ibiza, to intimate, to backyard candle-lit dinners.

Brazilian dancers, bongo players at a Summer Party. NHYM 2025

June is a marathon, full-time party, and the Summer Party Schedule keeps starting earlier and earlier: this year my first Summer Party was in mid-May and the last one will be in mid-July (and there are at least 2 parties per weekend). It’s impossible to go to every social event, so it says a lot about which ones you choose to attend. My very English neighbour was at Royal Ascot 2 days ago and is heading to Wimbledon tomorrow. This year, I have a 50th almost every single weekend.

Backyard, candle-lit Ibiza Summer Party. NHYM 2025

If I get an invite, I will go to one of the ‘social scene’ events like Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show, or Cartier Polo but I always prioritise two types of parties: my closest friends’ summer/birthday parties because they are the ones that really matter to me and it is about showing up for them (too many people have forgotten their manners these days), and the Serpentine Summer Party, because, well, it is the most fun with the coolest crowd. I love it because it brings together the creme-de-la-creme of the art (it is an art gallery after all), fashion (from Vivienne Westwood to Roksanda Ilincic), music (Pharell Williams sang one year), film (everyone from Orlando Bloom to Cate Blanchett), sports (Venus Williams pre-Wimbledon) and business world (Michael Bloomberg is a sponsor). Being surrounded by so many creative and talented people is incredibly inspiring, and I can still keep of dreaming that I, too, will become one of them, one day.

Serpentine Summer Party 2025

Last year, it was hosted by Cate Blanchette and I hung out with Rebel Wilson at the dessert table discussing MayrLife, compared dresses with Kelly Osbourne who wore the same designer as me, and danced with (well, next to) Alicia Vikander to DJ Gallivanter’s tunes in the Pavillion. This year, it is hosted by Salma Hayek, Alfonso Cuaron, and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, three Mexican cinematic powerhouses, in front and behind the camera.

Dua Lipa Concert, Wembley Arena NHYM 2025

So, no matter what you’re interested in, from horses to regattas, music to sports, London has something to offer everyone.

Where to Stay in London:

NHYM Silverstone 2026

Communal Garden Summer Party 2024

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