Category Archives: Top 10

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!

xx

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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

Provided by Bing Places for Business

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

The Peninsula Bangkok Experience

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.

Image result for bangkok

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!!

xx

NHYM

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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

All Photos Copyright NHYM 2026

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

  1. Mask Making
  2. Gondola Ride
  3. Treasure Hunt in DOGE’s PALACE
  4. Glass Factory Tour and Glass Blowing Workshop
  5. Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class
  6. Family Friendly Private Walking Tour

CHECK OUT OTHER ACTIVITIES WITH GET YOUR GUIDE:

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

View of Statue of Liberty from the Water. All Photos in this post are copyright 2024 NHYM. This post contains affiliate links.

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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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

xx

http://www.nottinghillmummy.com

Manhattanhenge 2024. NHYM

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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:

  1. Best for Serenity and Wellness: The Six Senses London
  2. Best for West London: The Kensington
  3. Best Romance & Rooftop Pool: The Berkeley
  4. Best in Old School Luxury in Mayfair: The Connaught
  5. Best in East London: Shoreditch House

NHYM Silverstone 2026

  1. Best for sustainability: 1 Hotel Mayfair
  2. Best for Cool Central Covent Garden: Nomad
  3. Best for City Views and Sky High Restaurants: Shangri-La The Shard
  4. Best Boutique: Number 16 Hotel South Kensington
  5. Best for middle-of-the-action-Leicester Square: The Londoner

Communal Garden Summer Party 2024

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Family Life, Top 10, Travel

Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels Ibiza: 10 Best Hotels, Villas and Agroturismos in Ibiza, Spain

If like me, you have had a dreadful January, you are not alone: everyone I have spoken to has had a pretty miserable January. The last few weeks have been dreary and depressing: it’s been dark, cold, and very, very wet but beyond that, we’ve recently witnessed two mass shootings (a friend’s son was stuck at Brown University during the shooting and other friends were on Bondi beach right before the shooting), then the fire in the nightclub in Crans Montana was shocking, with friends of friends who lost their child, but also because my kids are the age where they could have been there (and then the fire at the Roof Gardens a few nights ago, but thank god no one was hurt). The two shootings in the US left me horrified and speechless: people in the US are scared and do not feel safe. And let’s not mention Greenland. It all feels way too close to home, and right now it feels like we live in a twilight zone. So when I write my travel posts, it’s not because I ignore what’s going on in the world, but it is a way of using memories to dream of happier times. First up, Ibiza.

All Photos Copyright NHYM 2026

A few months ago, someone asked me to write a post about where to stay in Ibiza, particularly agroturismos, after I had been to a 50th birthday party and stayed at Atzaro. He had never heard of it- and agroturismos – before last year. What a lot of people don’t necessarily know about Ibiza is that it is multi-faceted; there is the trashy San Antonio crowd, the party drug-fuelled crowd, overlapped with the club people and the hippy crowd that came in the 70s. Then, finally, there are the inbetweeners, who love the clear waters of Formentera, the laid back vibe of the island, with a stop at Pacha once in a while, like me and my friends. I have been going to Ibiza for 30 years, the first time when I was 18 yo going to foam parties at Amnesia and going to the VIP section of Pacha to listen to David Guetta. I remember those days going to sleep at 10pm and waking up at 3am to go to clubs when they opened. Then, I discovered Formentera and Juan y Andrea in my 20s, when a friend of a friend literally bought a Sunseeker overnight and we spent endless days on the boat, mostly spending our time in Formentera. Then came the kids, and we rented gorgeous villas around the island with other friends with kids. Needless to say, I have wonderful memories of the island through the decades.

NHYM 2026

So, when a good friend invited me to her 50th birthday party last May, there was no way I was going to miss it. I had always wanted to stay at Atzaro, but somehow it never happened. Atzaro is one of the original luxury Agroturismos, in a part of the island that is still mostly undeveloped, which is Ibiza before Ibiza became Ibiza. Agroturismos are working farms that offer accommodation and dining to visitors and the spectrum runs from rural farms to very nice luxury hotels, which Atzaro is a prime example. They are very popular in Spain and Italy, especially in Ibiza, and shows an authentic side of Ibiza.

Atzaro is a thirteen hectare estate with beautiful bougainvillea covered buildings and terraces, ponds, gardens, restaurants, pavillions, orange groves and a vegetable garden. It was born from a 300 year old finca, and has been turned into one of the best hotels in Ibiza.

The interiors are typical finca style with terracotta tiles, littered with white fresh cotton sofas, wood materials, and low wood ceilings to keep the interiors cool in summer.

The pavillions are covered with climbing flowers and plants and inside are stylish rooms with teak four poster beds, and outside are private terraces and pools. The style of the hotel is understated yet luxurious, and has all the mod cons you can think of and every detail is thought of. Even their hotel shop has original Ibizan pieces that I couldn’t resist.

The outdoor restaurant is situated under grape vines and for breakfast is as magical as it could be.

Bougainvillea overflowing on the terraces.

The 43 meter freshwater Pool in the Spa.

There are day memberships available for guests staying outside the hotel, so my preference was the hotel pool, which is exclusive to hotel guests and has more privacy.

Spa with Balinese architecture surrounded by ponds, filled with singing frogs.

The gardens are wonderful for a wander and to get back to nature.

The event space is beautiful and if I were a die-hard Ibiza fan, this is where I would find any excuse to throw a party: wedding, anniversary, or a 30/40/50th birthday party. Or maybe I can renew my wedding vows like Brooklyn and Nicola.

My friend’s 50th birthday party was equally beautiful at another Agroturismo, Can Curreu, where the speeches were tear inducing, both from their sentimentality as well as from laughter. It was a wonderful weekend surrounded by old friends and new friends, and we danced and partied like we were 18 years old. More wonderful memories to add to my Ibiza Memory Box.

There are now so many accommodation options in Ibiza that it’s hard to know what to choose from, but here are my and my friends’ favourite places to stay in Ibiza:

  1. Six Senses: The Six Senses landed in Ibiza a few years ago, and it is in a beautiful spot with gorgeous views and an amazing spa. Here it’s all about wellness, healthy living, Mediterranean food, and a superb spa. Perfect for a wellness break. The service can be hit or miss, but I would happily go with a few girlfriends for a weekend away.
  2. Nobu Hotel : For a more modern hotel, Nobu Ibiza is the one to go for. Clean white lines and sea views make this one an easy pick.
  3. Villas: Mi Casa Su Casa: I love all their villas, rustic chic and luxurious, but the one we rented was one of the most beautiful villas in Ibiza with an Olympic sized pool (well, almost) and a breathtaking sea view.
  4. Petunia Ibiza: A Beaumier property and sister hotel to Les Roches Rouges in France, it’s a beautiful boutique hotel near Es Vedra.
  5. Es Cucons: This rural, rustic chic hotel is inland and away from the crazy Ibiza nightlife. So if you want peace and quiet and nature, this one is great. I stayed years ago, and it’s still as good as it was 20 years ago.
  6. Can Curreu: This is where the 50th birthday was, so although I have never stayed there, my friends loved it enough to host a party there and most of their guests stayed here. And it comes with very reasonable prices.
  7. Can Jaume: Another lovely Agroturismo rural hotel, with orange groves and farmlands, it’s still close to Ibiza town, but with a slower paced Ibiza life.
  8. Dynamic Lives Villas: Friends of friends who go to Ibiza every summer rent villas from this villa rental company. It specialises in villas in Mallorca, Ibiza and Mykonos and they highly recommend it.
  9. Les Terrasses Agroturismo: Another Agroturismo, which like it names says, is full of terraces, and is a family friendly, intimate hotel that friends return to year after year. They have a lovely restaurant in their garden, and you’d never guess you were in Ibiza.
  10. Soho Farmhouse and Mondrian Ibiza are new openings in Ibiza. I haven’t been yet, so let me know what they’re like!

xx

NHYM

http://www.nottinghillyummymummy.com

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The Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Paris, What To Do & Where to Eat

View from the Cheval Blanc Rooftop with the Tour Eiffel. NHYM 2025.

Last Christmas, I found the perfect Christmas gift for Mr. X: a romantic weekend away to Paris. It ticked all the boxes: what he loves (Paris), what I love (travel), something memorable (I often give him memories and experiences instead of material goods), and gave us a perfect excuse to spend time together (sans kids!) So, I asked my most glamourous Parisiennes friends where to stay. Both answered with the same exact response: Le Cheval Blanc, Paris. ‘It’s best hotel we’ve ever stayed in! Six stars!’ ‘Cheval Blanc just opened in La Samaritaine. It’s the new place to go.’ It’s already in the World’s 50 Top Hotels of the world, coming in at number 20, and received a global recognition award, so after oohing and ahhing about going (the price is a drawback), I decided to surprise Mr. X.

Cheval Blanc at Dusk. NHYM 2025

1. Hotel Review: Cheval Blanc Hotel, Paris

Best for the Best of the Best

Rating: 10/10

What to like: Everything.

Biggest downside: You just won’t want to leave it. Well, that and the price tag.

We arrived late afternoon and went straight to their fabulous rooftop for a hot chocolate (me) and Champagne and patisseries (him). The view cannot really get better than this: on the left is Notre Dame (which had just been renovated and unveiled) and on the right is the Eiffel Tower, both with expansive views of Paris and the Seine. This view really is unbeatable.

Rooms: The rooms are all you can ask for with views of the Seine or Paris streets, but my favourite part was all the goodies they give you. I know, it’s really childlike, but I didn’t even need to go shopping after that! I was so excited to open all my goodie bags: there were Cheval Blanc keyrings, pens, toiletry bags, and Dior everything in the bathroom (eye cream, serums and more). We were literally fighting over all of the goodies that came with the room.

Food: The food selection is really excellent: La Langosteria upstairs on the roof with night-time views of the Eiffel Tower is delicious and very sexy. On the first floor, 3 star Michelin restaurant Plenitude made it to 13th best restaurant in the world in the World Restaurant Awards 2025. Need I say more? And the breakfast is really divine, their pastries incredible, which made it hell for me, given I am allergic to gluten and dairy, although I gave in to temptation and still ate their croissant. It was so good, it was worth the stomachache.

NHYM 2025

Spa: Dior. Lovely.

Crowd: We came right before Fashion Week, and everyone was oh so fashionably cool. The Asians, the fashionistas and the super rich. So just for three days, we actually thought we were one of them. Pharell Williams was staying at the same time as us, and we saw him in full head-to-toe Louis Vuitton gear. Of course. He was just appointed Men’s Creative Director line for Louis Vuitton. Is there anything this guy can’t do?

LVMH has really hit a homerun here (with Lauren Sanchez staying here for her Bachelorette party). I loved it and so did Mr. X. It showcased Paris in its most beautiful light, from its rooftop to its restaurants. The only problem, was that each time we stepped out of the hotel, we just wanted to go back ‘home.’ Yes, it felt like it was our home for a few days, and the biggest problem, is we never wanted to leave.

Book your hotel in Paris

View from the Cheval Blanc. NHYM 2025

2. Raffles Royal Monceau

Best for Luxury meets Cool

Rating: 9/10

The Royal Monceau is definitely my kind of hotel, designed by Philippe Stark and is equally as cool as luxurious. The rooms are very stylish yet came with every luxury you could ask for, and the food always good: there’s a Matsuhisa which we loved, even though we were given a seat at the bar. For breakfast, we sat next to Sting and Trudy, which confirmed its coolness factor.

Book the Royal Monceau here

3. The Peninsula

Best for Ultimate Luxury

Rating: 9/10

For ultimate luxury, the Peninsula can’t be beat. It’s well known to offer the ultimate luxurious experience, with everything including Japanese style toilets. Every details is top of the range and expensive. The top floor restaurant is very elegant and grown up, with beautiful views, so this one is for those looking for modern luxury. Olivia Palermo was also staying there during Fashion Week, riding the elevator with us.

Book The Peninsula Paris here

Notre Dame, Newly renovated, NHYM 2025

4. Four Seasons George V

Best for Perfect Service

Rating: 8.5/10

I was once invited – years ago – to Paris before the Lehman meltdown and the Credit Crunch, when banks and private equity shops and hedge funds were splashing their cash to impress clients. Well, somehow I was part of the clientele, and stayed at the George V, Four Seasons. As with all Four Seasons, it was a great, know-what-to-expect stay. At the time, it hadn’t been renovated so I found the rooms a bit on the heavily-draped side, but as expected, the service was top notch.

Book the Four Seasons Hotel George V here

5. Hotel Costes

Best for the Cool, Trendy Crowd

Rating: 8/10

Of course I could continue with a list of other ultra luxury hotels like the Plaza Athenee and The Ritz and the Crillon, but these are a little old school for me. They are beautiful – don’t get me wrong – and the ice rink at the Plaza Athenee looks so cute at Christmas (it just opened Nov 27th), but I feel like I am visiting my grandmother when I go there. So, if you like the old Paris, don’t hesitate to go! But for those wanting something a little cooler, Hotel Costes is an old stalwart for the cool crowd. The bar and restaurant and its playlist reminds me of the 90s and summers in Paris, and its location is conveniently located next to the Louvre and Le Fumoir, one of my favourite places in Paris. It is dark and broody, so don’t expect light and brightness, but it does add mystery to the whole place and is apparently known for being a ‘den of opulence’ on Wikipedia.

6.Book Plaza Athenee here: Best for the Courtyard and outdoor ice-skating rink in winter.

7. Book Le Crillon here: Best for Old School luxury

8. Hotel Shangri – La: Best for Eiffel Tower Views

9. Hotel Bauchaumont: Best for Affordable Luxury

10. La Reserve: Best for Spa and Pool

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

WHAT TO DO IN PARIS WITH KIDS:

There is so much to do in Paris, that most people already know the big sights they want to see. But if you’ve already seen the big sights, or are worried your kids might be bored, these are some family-friendly options, like family friendly Louvre tour or golf cart tours, that will get them going around Paris. I’ve tried to include a few off-radar options that you might not have heard of.

  1. Private Tour with Kids: Notre Dame, Ile St Louis, La Seine
  2. Bateaux Mouches River Seine Cruise
  3. Bike Tour in Versailles
  4. Le Louvre with Kids
  5. Musee d’Orsay Family Friendly Tour
  6. Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets & Champs Elysees
  7. La Tour Eiffel
  8. Jardin D’acclimation & Fondation Louis Vuitton
  9. Aquarium
  10. Macaron Baking Class for families and kids
  11. Golf Cart Tour of Paris
  12. Mini Perfume Workshop
  13. Catacombs
  14. Jardin des Plantes: Menagerie (lille animal zoo) and the Gallery of Evolution
  15. Eurodisney for the Day
  16. Montmarte Escape Game
  17. Parc Asterix: An amusement park 40 minutes from Paris, this is more manageable that Eurodisney, so it’s my choice over Eurodisney any day.
  18. Shopping: Galeries Lafayette FAO Schwarz and Patisserie Jellycat Store & Macaron making workshop at Galeries Lafayette .Shopping for teens: Galerie Lafayettes, 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.
  19. Atelier des Lumieres: Le Petit Prince
  20. Chocolate Making Workshop

Where to Eat:

Here are some of my favourite places to eat, many of them for the view or the atmosphere:

  1. Chez L’ami Louis
  2. Loulou
  3. Giraffe
  4. Cafe de Flor
  5. Cafe Marly
  6. Le Fumoir
  7. Le Grand Vefour
  8. La Perruche
  9. Langosteria
  10. Kong

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Food & Dining, Top 10, Travel

The White Lotus Effect: Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in the South of France

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL TO THE SOUTH OF FRANCE WITH EXPEDIA.CO.UK

It’s official! The White Lotus Season 4 is coming to France! So, if you’re like me and you are both a White Lotus fan and a South of France fan, we are all hoping it will be in the South of France!

The French Riviera is experiencing a full on revival post-pandemic with a slew of luxurious 5 star hotel and restaurant openings; many hotels have had facelifts and new restaurant openings have us salivating… Zuma and La Petite Maison in Cannes are putting it firmly on the map of jet-setters and Luigi’s, Bella and Salama brings a younger, more party vibe to Cannes. Hotels are upping their game to compete with Ibiza, Mykonos and Sardinia, and I have to admit, they are succeeding. Now that we know Season 4 of the White Lotus is taking place in France, I am obviously hoping it will be in the South of France. Here are my 10 Top ultra luxurious hotels in the South of France:

Provided by Bing Places for Business

Photo courtesy of the internet

1. Hotel du Cap Eden Roc:

Best for: the ultimate, once-in-a-lifetime luxurious hotel and to rub shoulders with superstars.

The Grande Dame of all the hotels in the South of France, none can really compare with the Hotel du Cap, Eden Roc. Always a favourite for celebs during the Cannes Film Festival and loved by Americans, this stalwart has never lost its appeal but now has added a lovely new restaurant to keep up with the times: Giovanni’s is a charming Italian under a pergola with a perfect Mediterranean backdrop, exclusively for guests

Provided by michelin.com

Photo courtesy of the internet

2. Chateau de La Messardiere:

Best for: The ultimate luxury family holiday in Saint Tropez

Chateau de La Messardiere has definitely upped its game with its recent multi-million pound renovation making it an impossible-to-book hotel in St Tropez right now. It gets so many things right, it’s hard to find any faults. The lunch buffet is positively extravagant and delicious, the new kids club has its own bastide and private pool, and the hotel’s private beach club, Jardin Tropezina, is one of my favourites (the shuttle service is priceless). And let’s not forget Matsuhisa, the Japanese restaurant, has one of the best views in St Tropez. If you can afford it, it’s so good, you’ll never need to leave. It will soon become your kids’ favourite hotel too, and yours as well.

BOOK CHATEAU DE LA MESSARDIERE HERE

The Maybourne Riviera | Fine Hotels + Resorts | Amex Travel KR

Photo courtesy of the internet

3. The Maybourne Riviera:

Best For: Modern design for architecture aficionados

This hotel’s vertiginous views over Monaco are as stunning as the hotel itself; its clean, sleek, modern lines are for those who love a design hotel, but with top hospitality service to match it (it is part of the same hotel group as the Dorchester and the Berkeley). It is literally build in the rocks over Monaco and is an architectural masterpiece. It has quickly climbed the ranks as one of the top hotels in France.

BOOK THE MAYBOURNE RIVIERA HERE

Photo Courtesy of NHYM. Copyright 2025

4. Lily of the Valley:

Best for: Wellness holiday without starving

This new(ish) hotel designed by Philip Stark is not only aesthetically beautiful on a gorgeous spot along the coast, it also offers a weekly schedule of wellness activities from yoga, to hikes, to bike rides. Not only that, but you don’t need to starve and can eat a real steak for dinner! The bar next to the restaurant is one of the highlights with roaming musicians who will sing whatever song you ask them. Perfect for a couple’s weekend wellness retreat.

BOOK LILY OF THE VALLEY HERE

Photo courtesy of NHYM. 2025

5. Chateau Chevre d’Or:

Best for: Romance

This boutique hotel in Eze remains one of my all time favourites with the best views of the Cote d’Azur. The terrace lunch is divine, so even if you can’t stay, it’s worth the detour. The best place for young and old love. The winding medieval streets of Eze just adds to the romance; a perfect place for an engagement or honeymoon.

BOOK CHATEAU CHEVRE D’OR, EZE HERE

Photo Courtesy of NHYM. Copyright 2025

6. Hotel du Couvent:

Best for: Historical hotel with minimalist interiors

Only just opened in 2024, it has started making Nice cool again. It is a beautiful hotel in an old convent with its own bakery and daily bread, a welcoming terrace to while the nights and days away. The decor is are bare and peaceful, it was a convent after all, but somehow manages to stay warm and inviting. The outdoor terrace in the courtyard is fantastic for a pre-dinner drink, and its private terraced swimming pools feels like Nice’s best kept secret. One to check out if in Nice!

BOOK HOTEL DU COUVENT HERE

Photo courtesy of the internet

7. Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel:

Best For: Four Seasons Service

This is where the White Lotus Season 4 will likely take place, and I can assure you that the people-watching is better than the show. The management was taken over by the Four Seasons about 10 years ago, to match the sophistication of the hotel guests. Like all Four Seasons, it opened a fab kids club and offers swimming lessons in its pool. Great for families wanting a base in the South of France with all the Four Season trappings. I can’t wait for it to feature in The White Lotus Season 4!

BOOK GRAND HOTEL DU CAP FERRAT HERE

Photo Courtesy of NHYM. Copyright 2025

8. Les Roches Rouges:

For a boutique hotel experience with much more reasonable prices than the above properties, Les Roches Rouges opened a few years ago. It already has a Michelin star restaurant and a very cool pool dug into the rocks. It’s young and trendy against the Grandes Dames hotels above. For the design, cool crowd in media, the arts and tech. This year, they have added brand new rooms designed by ASL Architects.

BOOK HOTEL LES ROCHES ROUGES HERE

Hôtel & Spa Belle Plage ★★★★★, Cannes - VeryChic

Photo courtesy of the internet

9. Hotel Belle Plage, Cannes:

Best for: A young, trendy vibe in Cannes without breaking the bank.

This new, well designed hotel in Cannes is a winner with its sea views, great spa, a rooftop restaurant by Eyal Shani and rooms designed by Raphael Navot. Bella, the rooftop restaurant, has a delicious Mediterranean menu with fresh fish and meats on the menu. With reasonable prices, it is a great choice for a style conscious crowd in Cannes.

BOOK HOTEL BELLE PLAGE HERE

Photo courtesy of the internet

Regent Hotels & Resorts

InterContinental Carlton Cannes, in Cannes (French Riviera), 5 stars ...

10. The Carlton, A Regent Hotel, Cannes

Best for: The ultimate Cannes Experience

For one of the oldest ‘Grande Dame’ hotels in the South of France, the Carton Cannes still reigns supreme. Just recently given a two year facelift, it still attracts the rich and famous during the Cannes Film Festival and houses all the top supremos during all the conference weeks in Cannes. A word of advice: don’t go in August, but at any other time of year, try it out. It oozes history with Obama and Hitchcock connections and its inner courtyard is a secret garden to give you a break from the busy Croisette.

BOOK THE CARLTON, CANNES HERE

This list was very difficult to compile with plenty of charming, updated hotels and new openings like Le Chateau de Theoule, the Mondrian in Cannes, Le Mas de Candille, Anantara Plaza Nice, and La Reserve de Ramatuelle, but these top 10 are ones that bring something slightly different to the others along the coast and are changing the face of the French Riviera.

What are you waiting for? Go and enjoy before The White Lotus fans take over!

xx

NHYM

http://www.nottinghillyummymummy.com

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Top 10, Travel

Top 10 Best Luxury Country Hotels in the UK

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BOOK YOUR  COUNTRY ESCAPE WITH EXPEDIA.CO.UK

A friend recently asked me for advice on where to go for a romantic, country weekend away with her husband (after multiple children, a house move and a job change, she really needed a break). So, I decided to pick top 10 luxury country escapes in the UK, including some that are child-friendly.

1.Cliveden House: Bought by a property billionaire whose wife wrote the book ‘Mistresses of Cliveden,’ it is a historical stalwart in the country UK hotels.

BOOK THE CLIVEDEN HERE

2.Limewood: One of the best luxury country hotels there is, it is often fully booked months in advance. http://www.limewoodhotel.co.uk

3. Soho Farmhouse: As fabulous as it is fake, Soho Farmhouse attracts London media types who pretend to be in the country, wearing their Barbour jackets and Gucci wellies. https://www.sohofarmhouse.com

4.Gleneagles: Recently bought and renovated by the hoteliers behind the hip Hoxton hotels, it is becoming hip and trendy among the London set.

BOOK GLENEAGLES HERE

5. Chewton Glen & Chewton Glen Tree houses: The tree houses are worth going for on their own. It is a beautiful country hotel equally pleasing for children and adults.

BOOK CHEWTON GLEN HERE

6.Coworth Park: Part of the Dorchester collection, it is a Grande-Dame type of hotel, luxurious and with impeccable service, you can’t fault it.

BOOK COWORTH PARK HERE

7. Estelle Manor: This recently opened beautiful estate and spa was master-minded by the Ennismore Group, behind Gleneagles and Maison Estelle and Celeste. The art-work is gorgeous, as is the whole hotel. The Eynsham Baths are worth a trip in themselves.

8. The Pig: Little sisters to Limewood, these are boutique hotels with a lesser price tag than Limewood. The Pig on the Beach and the Pig at Combe, both look charming and cosy. https://www.thepighotel.com

9. Four Seasons Hampshire: Firstly, be forewarned. This is NOT a hotel for singles or romantics, it is best suited for families and young children, who can be found running around at all times. But for practicality, ease and reliability, the Four Seasons will deliver and staff will go out of their way to look after your kids.

BOOK THE FOUR SEASONS HAMPSHIRE HERE

10. Beaverbrook: A historic house in Surrey, Beaverbrook has exchanged many hands over the years. It has a delicious Japanese (where Zak Brown was spotted, CEO of McLaren) and a great spa (where Abbey Clancy is sometimes spotted). In the winter, there is a cute ice skating rink and in the summer, hot air balloon dining is always a whimsical and fun adventure.

BOOK BEAVERBROOK HERE

11. Lakes By Yoo: A slightly more modern approach to country living, you can rent these beautifully designed houses right on a lake. Worth a look. http://www.thelakesbyyoo.com

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Reviews, Top 10, Travel

Glamping at New Barn Farm

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Glamping Canvas Frills Tent. NHYM 2017. All photos courtesy of NHYM

When I told my friends I was going ‘glamping’ they looked at me suspiciously: ‘You? Glamping? Really?’ It is true that glamping is not on the top of my travel bucket list (uhm, Bhutan, Buenos Aires and Burma are currently my frontrunners) but it was something I was prepared to do ‘for the children.’

Lately, all of my friends have been going glamping. Apparently it is ‘the’ thing to do if you are middle/upper middle class in England. (And Soho Farmhouse does NOT count). So, when two friends asked if I wanted to go glamping, I was curious enough to give it a try (I’ll try anything once). They booked the New Barn Farm in Bedfordshire which is a running farm with a camp site on it and is part of Feather Down, a collection of glamping holidays.

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Inside Canvas Frills Tent. NHYM 2017.

For those who do not know what ‘glamping’ is, it is ‘glamourous camping,’ which means you actually have a bed. How hard could it be? Well, it all started before we left and I was given a list of what to bring: blankets, milk, water, food, tea, coffee, fruit, matches, hot water bottles and the list goes on – you pretty much have to pack your whole house for one weekend. And then I forgot socks.

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The Bathroom. NHYM 2017.

The good news is that our Canvas Frills Tent had a bathroom – some of the tents didn’t have bathrooms. You actually had to go to an outhouse. Now that was one step too far for me. Apparently the farmer told my friends that I looked very ‘nervous’ when I arrived and he kept asking if I was OK every time he saw me. Ha.

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Chicken coop. NHYM 2017

Before you arrive, you can ‘reserve’ some chickens next to your tent and guinea pigs, which of course the girls were thrilled with.

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Eggs from the chicken coop. NHYM 2017. 

We were able to collect eggs from the chicken coop which was rather satisfying – cooking my freshly collected eggs made me feel very ‘one with nature.’ (Well actually, my friend cooked them).

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Rabbits petting farm. NHYM 2017. 

This is a working farm with lambs, pigs, swans, goats, roosters, horses, bunnies and guinea pigs, so for animal loving children, this is heaven. (You should try pig feeding, it’s quite an experience). There is a small petting farm that children can go in and pet the bunnies and guinea pigs to their heart’s delight.

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Baby Guinea Pig. NHYM 2017.

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Rooster New Barn Farm. NHYM 2017. 

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One of the pet Guinea Pigs. Which we lost. NHYM 2017

One of the great past-times at New Barn Farm is guinea-pig-chasing….Basically, you can ‘rent’ a guinea pig for the weekend who stays in a cage outside your tent, but when you take them out for a pet and you don’t hold them tight enough, they are prone to run away. Our group lost two guinea pigs in two days and had to go chasing guinea pigs in bushes and under our tent. Not a good record.

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Fire and boiling water. NHYM 2017. 

The other great past time whilst glamping is building fires. I had been forewarned that it can get very cold at night (we were there early May) and there is no heat in the tent apart from the fire, so be prepared (or rather husbands and dads be prepared) to keep a continuous fire going. You will need to buy 1) wood 2) coal 3) kindling 4) matches and bring a man with big biceps to keep the fire going all night long…. It was freezing in the night, despite multiple blankets, so I barely slept  (and neither did my youngest who told me she was dreaming of tropical beaches).

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Cupboard bed. NHYM 2017

The cupboard bed was a fun novelty for my eldest and was the warmest part of the tent at night – protected and closest to the fire.

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Breakfast NHYM 2017.

One of the highlights was having our meals together in one of our friend’s tent: 3 families, 6 children and 6 adults all cozying up in one tent. You can pre-order your meals which will be waiting for you at the farm ‘shop,’ including breakfast and BBQ essentials. Although it isn’t quite room service, it is a lot of fun. Saturday night is pizza night, where the hosts will make pizza in their outdoor pizza oven for you, which is great fun.

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Feeding baby lambs. NHYM 2017. 

The other big highlight for our children was feeding baby orphan lambs with milk bottles. We went there specifically in Spring for this, and although it was cold, the girls loved it.

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The New Barn Farm. NHYM 2017. 

For a true farm experience for the children, New Barn Farm was great. Despite the freezing cold, the kids really enjoyed it and if it had been warm it would have been perfect. As long as you bring a few hot water bottles (or a man with biceps to keep the fire going) and go with some friends who will host you in their tent so you don’t have to do the cleaning up, you will survive. Like I did.

New Barn Farm: 

http://www.featherdown.co.uk/location/new-barn-

Other glamping options:

http://www.featherdown.co.uk

xx

NHYM

http://www.nottinghillyummymummy.com

@NHyummymummy

FarmerTruckNHYM

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