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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

xx

NHYM

http://www.nottinghillyummymummy.com

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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:

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

NHYM

http://www.nottinghillyummymummy.com

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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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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, Travel

10 Best Luxury Hotels in Rome With Kids: Where to Stay & What to Do

All Photos Courtesy of NHYM 2024

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL TO ROME WITH EXPEDIA.CO.UK

Recommended age: 8 years and upwards

When the kids were younger, I dreaded taking them on city trips for 3 reasons: 1) Tantrums and museums do not mix 2) Their attention spans and boredom just didn’t make it worth it 3) They were going to forget it all anyway and leave me traumatised. So, now that they are older and can actually appreciate the joys of city trips, I have been taking them (dragging them) to all the major cities I once avoided. Last year, my kids were learning about the Roman empire in school, so this was an opportune time for them to visit Rome in the fall, when the crowds weren’t as dense and the summer heat had gone.

I had last been in Rome when I was 20 backpacking across Europe with my uni friends. I know, you’ll say, ‘You? Backpacking? I can’t imagine that!’ Well, it was even mentioned in my bridesmaids wedding speech, so yes you should believe it. In any case, all I remember from Rome was a blur of stracciatella gelato, being turned away from the Vatican for our skirts being too short, and getting pink-eye from a cockroach falling onto my pillow from our not-so-luxury hotel. This may be why I am now obsessed with luxury hotels!

So my memories of Rome were – literally – blinded and blurry so, this time around, I asked a friend from Rome for tips for a perfect Roman Holiday.

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL WITH BOOKING.COM

Where to Stay:

1. Splurge: Hotel de Russie

If you have endless zeros in your bank account and want this to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Hotel de Russie really would be my number one choice: right in the middle of all the attractions, shopping nearby, and that gorgeous courtyard and terrace, there’s no other hotel in Rome quite like it.

Book Hotel de Russie with expedia.co.uk

2. Family Friendly near the Vatican: Villa Aggripina, The Leading Hotels of the World

We chose to stay at the Villa Aggripina, which combined historical elements of a former palazzo, as well as a swimming pool when the kids were bored of sight-seeing. It is an oasis just a 15 minute walk across the river to all the sights, but offers a swimming pool, and tons of outdoor gardens and space for the kids, this one is perfect during the sweltering summer.

BOOK VILLA AGGRIPINA WITH EXPEDIA.CO.UK

Villa Aggripina Swimming Pool NHYM 2024

My friend also recommended these hotels:

3. Boutique hotel:Hotel Locarno for its location and rooftop terrace.

BOOK HOTEL LOCARNO WITH EXPEDIA.CO.UK

4. Hip: Soho House Rome. Other friends who were in Rome at the same time as us stayed at the Soho House, for a stylish yet reasonably priced hotel stay.

5. Palazzo Luxury: Anantara Palazzo Naiadi made it in the Conde Nast Reader’s Choice Awards 2025 Rome list, so you can be sure it’s going to be good. It’s big, bold, beautiful and has all the five star trappings you could ask for without spending a whole month’s salary on it. BOOK HERE FOR ANANTARA PALAZZO NAIADI, A LEADING HOTEL OF THE WORLD

Other Hotels that friends have been to:

  1. Hotel Hassler: For ultra-luxe, very high maintence friends stayed at the Hotel Hassler and it lived up to its expectations.
  2. Glam Hotel: A reasonably priced boutique hotel, it’s an all around good hotel.
  3. Six Senses Rome: Don’t expect historical hotel, this is for a serene, spa hotel for those who want an escape of the city.
  4. Hotel Eden: For the fans of ‘Emily in Paris,’ this Dorchester Collection hotel will make you live out your Emily dreams.
  5. Palazzo Ripetta: A beautiful independent boutique hotel, it’s one of the last remaining independent hotels. It’s very elegant and tastefully decorated.

The Trevi Fountain NHYM 2024

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What to Do:

Explore Top Attractions with an exclusive Golf Cart Tour: Our friend’s suggestion and our favourite activity of our Roman adventure had to be the Golf Cart Tour. The golf cart agilely weaved its way around the city and monuments where cars couldn’t pass and gave us a whirlwind tour of all of the most important sights in Rome. It’s perfect when you don’t have a lot of time in Rome and can be adjusted to fit your itinerary, spending time at sights you want to see, and whizzing by those with too many tourists. We hit all the major sights: the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Colloseum, Spanish Steps etc…

BOOK YOUR GOLF CART TOUR HERE

Sunset at the Colosseum: During the day, the crowds abound at the Colosseum, so my recommendation is to do this sunset tour, when the crowds have gone back to their hotels and you can see it in its sunset splendour.

BOOK A SUNSET COLOSSEUM TOUR

The Pantheon NHYM 2024

Gladiator school: This one is unbeatable for the boys, 2 hours of gladiator schools to get rid of all their energy and frustrations. BOOK GLADIATOR SCHOOL HERE

Percy Jackson Tour for Kids at the Capitoline Museum: Of course, for the Percy Jackson fans, this tour has been made specifically for them in mind. Friends did it and loved it, my Roman friend told me.

Colosseum Walking Tour: Skip the lines with this guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. BOOK YOUR COLOSSEUM WALKING TOUR HERE

BOOK GLADIATOR SCHOOL HERE↗

Breakfast tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel: Go to the Vatican early in the morning to avoid the crowds and make sure to book their breakfast there. It can book up months in advance so make sure to book ahead of time. BOOK YOUR BREAKFAST, TOUR THE VATICAN AND SISTINE CHAPEL HERE

The Spanish Steps NHYM 2024

Shopping: Our golf cart tour ended at the Spanish steps, which was a perfect place to go shopping at all my kids’ favourite Italian stores: Subdued, Brandy Melville etc… This was the perfect end to a morning of sight-seeing.

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL HERE WITH BOOKING.COM

Where to Eat:

Truffle Pasta at Hotel de Russie Terrace NHYM 2024

Of course a trip to Rome wouldn’t be a trip to Rome without eating out. Here’s a few recommendations:

Il Marchese Restaurant: I loved Il Marchese, which serves typical Roman cuisine, it is cozy and local for a true Roman experience.

Pier Luigi Restaurant: More gastronomic, this one serves delicious seafood to everyone from Bezos to Leonardo di Caprio. The tables outside are prime spots for watching life go by in Rome.

Roscioli: Amazing bakery, where you can get delicious pizza on the go, or book a table for lunch.

Hotel de Russie Terrace & Courtyard for Aperitivo: Even if you aren’t staying at Hotel de Russie, you can always enjoy its terrace for Aperitivo or its gardens for lunch. One of my favourite meals in Rome.

Pier Luigi Rome. NHYM 2024

This trip to Rome completely exceeded my expectations and I loved everything about it: the hotel, the food, the shopping and the sightseeing. Everywhere you turn, there are ruins and remnants of Roman history which continues to fascinate us today. I can’t wait to go back!

xx

NHYM

BOOK YOUR TRIP TO ROME WITH EXPEDIA.CO.UK

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Hotel/Estate Review: The Newt in Somerset & Its Dragon Bonfire & Apple Day

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL WITH EXPEDIA.CO.UK

All photos courtesy of NHYM 2022

A few years ago, our family had to go to Somerset for some reason or other during the October break, and of course Babington House was fully booked, so that’s how I discovered The Newt in Somerset. How had I not known about the Newt before?! The Newt is the creative brainchild of South African Billionaire Koos Bekker and Karen Roos, who developed Hadspen house, an 18th Century Georgian Manor house, and its 800 acre estate into a luxury hotel and extensive gardens, restaurants, cider orchards, beezantium, and much, much more. It opened in 2019 and is so much more than a hotel and that’s what keeps it being awarded the UK’s best hotel in the Conde Nast Readers Choice Awards 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.

Bonfire Night NHYM 2022

We were there right around Bonfire night and we saw the biggest and most sculpturally complex bonfire we had ever seen: it was in the shape of a dragon and you can compare the gardener for size comparison in the photo. It was huge! And how did they manage to create this? Cranes? Drones? Ladders? It was so captivating that I was just sad they were going to burn it and it would disappear after bonfire night: with all the effort put into it, I wanted it to be kept as a permanent fixture.

NHYM 2022

In the front fields of the Manor house were sheep munching on grass and on the far side of the Manor house, landscaped gardens a la francaise were for walking around and enjoying their beauty. Beyond the gardens and grounds right around the main house, you can take buggies to explore the rest of the vast estate, which I can assure you, was one of my kids’ highlights and are free to be driven around to see the apple orchards, vegetable and fruit gardens, the Farmyard and more. Luckily enough, I didn’t crash it (unlike a friend visiting Fisher island who famously crashed a golf buggy while slightly intoxicated, you know who you are!!)

NYHM 2022

The beauty of the manicured gardens against the rolling hills of Somerset really are aesthetically perfect in my eyes; both elegant and wild, they include fountains, paths and mazes.

The Garden Cafe at the Newt & the Apple Festival Fountain NHYM 2022

There are multiple restaurants that use the estate’s produce and put it at the forefront of each of their dishes. The staff tell us that they are aiming to be fully estate-to-plate in the future, for now everything is locally sourced, with all the produce grown on the estate. They hope to turn the estate into a fully sustainable endeavour in the future and the waiters know exactly the origins of everything on the plates served: the vegetables were from the vegetable patch, the beef from some of their cows in the pastures across the road, and the pork from the pigs at a farm next door. The enthusiasm of the staff was a testament to what kind of estate it is trying to be: sustainable, local and community oriented.

The Newt Spa 2022

The Spa was serene and had an inside/outside pool which my children loved. For once, kids were allowed in the spa, so that scored big points for them. The hotel rooms were nice, my favourite being the family two bedrooms in the main house, and although there were a few service glitches around slow breakfasts and appliances that didn’t work, it didn’t take away from the whole experience. All the staff were locals, who were very excited to be part of this vision and very eager to please.

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APPLE DAY!

Apple Festival at The Newt 2022

NHYM 2022

But one of the most exciting parts of our trip was that we were there – coincidentally – for their annual Apple Festival. It really made our trip go from a nice country weekend away in a luxury hotel, to a unique, fun, engaging, and unforgettable festival getaway. On display, there were every kind of apple grown on the estate. Who knew there were so many kinds of apples?

NHYM 2022

The best part of the festival was that we were able to make our own apple juice: one of the fountains was filled with hundreds of apples that you could fill a bucket with and then turn into apple juice with a hand press. After collecting the apples, we did a lot of squishing, turning and pressing, making our own apple juice, which we funneled into glass bottles and were given to take home with us. It was so fun and it felt so productive and satisfying making our own juice. The juice was so fresh and without any additives; it was as natural as it could be. Who knew I would be so happy to become an apple farmer for the day?

NHYM 2022

NHYM 2022

Not only did they have apple pressing, but every kind of possible apple games galore you can imagine: apple toss, apple skittles, apple bowling, and toffee apples and roasted pork & apples to taste. We were amazingly lucky with the weather, and the whole experience was unbeatable (friends who went when it was pouring rain another time, did say they were disappointed with their Newt stay, so check the weather ahead of time to make the most out of your trip).

NHYM 2022 Apple Skittles

We loved the whole experience. My children were at the right age to fully engage and enjoy all the games, food and estate exploration. There are also multitudes of events throughout the year for members: woodland tours, garden tours, Christmas trails, a Beezantium, cider tastings, Bee safaris, Roman Villa tours etc etc etc. Need I say more? We didn’t even get a chance to see the whole estate in one weekend and even if you don’t stay at the Newt, you can always book tickets to explore this magical estate and the annual memberships are really reasonably priced, especially to support what they are trying to create.

This is a really special place indeed, created and conceived to glorify all things gardening, apples, cider, woodlands, farmlands with sustainability in mind. Finally, what I loved the most, was that behind all this ‘Billionaire fantasy estate’ talk, was a place that was giving back to its community: the events sell out quickly and you can see how much it is not just about creating a luxury hotel that only a few can enjoy, but creating a place that welcomes the whole community, providing jobs, food and special events for the whole community throughout the year, that is loved by all.

xx

NHYM

BOOK YOUR NEXT TRIP WITH BOOKING.COM

Hanging squash NHYM 2022

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Travel

October Travel: Best Luxury Hotels in Marrakech & the Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Photograph courtesy of NHYM 2024

BOOK YOUR TRIP TO MARRAKECH WITH EXPEDIA.CO.UK

One of the greatest things about living in London, is the international and diverse people you meet. My friends hail from all over the world, from Nigeria to Russia, Egypt to Australia, Canada to India – and lets not forget all the Europeans – which makes it the most dynamic and interesting city to live in, and why I will always love it. This past year I was invited to six 50th birthday parties literally all over the world: Venice, Marrakech, Jamaica, Ibiza and of course, London (with twists of Russia and Sweden). While the people in London are great, sometimes the weather isn’t really considered the best, and for those searching October sun, Marrakech is a great option, so I was more than happy to jump on a flight to Marrakech last October for a romantic weekend without kids with Mr. X to celebrate a friend’s 50th.

1. Hotel Review: Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

Hotel Rating: 9/10

One of my friends spends all her October half terms in Morocco in search of sun and knows it a lot better than me. She also knows what I like and what I don’t like and suggested I try out the Mandarin Oriental in Marrakech because I have already stayed in Riads a few times and wanted something quieter than staying in the Medina. Well, it was a great decision and it was recently voted Top Hotel in Northern Africa in the 2025 Conde Nast Readers Choice Awards, beating out La Mamounia and the Royal Mansour, and I would have to agree (for once!).

Photograph courtesy of NHYM 2024

Another great thing about London, is what a great travel hub it is and what’s amazing about Marrakech is that it’s only a 3.5 hour flight away from London, but the change of scenery couldn’t be more pronounced. It was 30 degrees Celsius when we were there and the style, colours and sounds couldn’t be more different: swap greys for sand colours, churchbells for mosques, suits for djellabas, and yes, rain for sunshine.

Photograph courtesy of NHYM 2024

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The Mandarin Oriental more than lived up to its expectation. Unlike the over-the-top, bling-tastic Mamounia, the pared back Moroccan style was completely up my alley. La Mamounia and the Royal Mansour, even though worth seeing for those looking for ultimate luxury and royal Marroccan style, they can be quite overwhelming with vivid colours, marbles, heavy chandeliers and mirrors everywhere, but it was not exactly the relaxing Feng Shui experience I was looking for.

At the Mandarin, the rooms were not rooms, they were gigantic villas each with an outdoor pool, multiple outdoor living spaces and nooks and crannies. It was one of the biggest hotel ‘rooms’ I’ve stayed in and it was absolutely stunning.

Photograph courtesy of NHYM 2024

The food was also a highlight, with an enormous breakfast buffet selection and great dinners at Ling Ling by Hakkasan, a trendy Chinese restaurant. While I was there, a trendy group of fashionista New Yorkers were also there for a party. This was definitely the place-to-be.

The spa is of course divine given it’s a Mandarin Oriental spa, and worth coming for it alone: it was named Best Spa in the World 2024 at the World Spa Awards.

Photograph courtesy of NHYM 2024

The birthday party was held at Jnane Tamsna, which is a very popular place to throw a birthday party. So popular that it’s the second party I’ve been invited to there, and even Naomi Watts had her 50th birthday party there. It has a spectacular set up and long, never ending table under candles and trees, which was quite unforgettable. It was a magical night, full of laughter, meaningful speeches, dancing and music, the birthday boy happily surrounded by friends and family. So, if you get a chance, don’t think twice and jump on that plane to get a little October sun.

Photograph courtesy of NHYM 2024

Marrakech Where to Stay:

1. Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Marrakech.: Overall winner!

2. La Mamounia: For Ultra Luxury and Moroccan Opulence.

3, Royal Mansour: Also Ultra Luxury, friends stayed there during a 50th birthday party and said it was one of the best hotels they had ever stayed in for a bucket list experience.

4. Fairmont Marrakech For those with kids, my friends recommends the Fairmont Marrakech, more affordable than the Four Seasons and just as great.

5. Four Seasons: you can’t go wrong with the Four Seasons.

6. Jnane Tamsna: For a boutique hotel experience outside the Medina, Jnane Tamsna is great, but save it for a birthday if you can, it is just magical.

7. Villa des Orangers,: Another boutique hotel but closer to the Medina.

8. Riyad El Cadi: for the Riyad experience in the Souk.

9. Riad El Fenn: Another very well known Riad in the heart of the Souk.

10. Les Palmiers: For those who like a boutique, rustic chic experience, a friend loves Les Palmiers.

xx

NHYM

http://www.nottinghillyummymummy.com

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Health & Wellness, Travel

Review: Mayrlife Medical Health Resort, Austria

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Mayrlife Medical Health Resort, Altaussee. All photos in this post by NHYM 2024.

I first heard about Mayrlife – then called Vivamayr – about ten years ago when my youngest was still at nursery and a Billionaire-Royalty mum was hailing its benefits with another socialite mum and I have been wanting to go ever since. But let’s be real, it’s a minimum 1 week stay, and I couldn’t imagine leaving my two young children for a week. Fast forward 10 years and covid, long covid and a chronic illness later, I desperately needed this break when the stars aligned and I had one week free: one child was going to camp in North America and the other to a high performance sports camp in Spain.

I jumped (leaped) at the chance to go with one of my dearest and oldest friend who happened to be free and regularly goes on detox trips (this is NOT something to do with husbands or new friends – let’s just say you are in for a complete top-to-bottom cleanout!).

Photo: NHYM 2024

My first impression was that the setting was breath-taking with majestic mountains jutting behind a beautiful lake. It’s not only about the health and medical clinic aspect here, this place is so beautiful you could just go for the location, but I was here primarily for the promises that I would feel transformed by the time I left. Mayr is all about the gut and the microbiome and I was here to reset my gut and hopefully my health (oh and it is famous for forty chews per bite at every meal).

Photo: NHYM 2024

The day after we checked in, I met with my very lovely doctor Ingrid who basically made me cry when she told me I really needed 3 weeks here to feel healthy again (which of course would be impossible, I have kids!), but she assured me that she would do everything to start sorting me out. After ordering about a million tests and starting me on a million pills and giving me an intense treatment schedule, I was off to start my treatments.

Photo: NHYM 2024

I came specifically for their Long Covid Programme and a rare genetic condition I was diagnosed with 12 years ago, which leaves me exhausted, breathless and in pain. I love that they have very specialised programmes depending on your health needs (some other medical resorts have much more generalised programmes like weight loss, detox or longevity). My friend came for a detox and others come to lose weight (Rebel Wilson is pretty much a brand ambassador), but others were here for cancer recovery and we also saw an amputation patient down by the lake. My friend had fewer, gentler treatments than me, but enjoyed the hiking, the classes and socialising. My intense schedule was non-stop and included 3 x ozone therapy, 3 x hypoxic therapy for my breathlessness and fatigue and a bunch of other lighter treatments like massages, wraps and foot baths, to feel good, detox and calm down my parasympathetic nervous system.

Photo: NHYM 2024

When we weren’t busy with our treatment schedules, we went to the pool/sauna, sat by the lake with a book or went for hikes around the lake, which was really out of a fairy tale. It was unbeatable in terms of natural surroundings. While swimming in the lake one day, we met a Rock/Film Star who was there with her son and she was just as magnetic and beautiful in real life as she is on screen and down to earth too (unlike Rebel, she prefers to stay anonymous). This is what’s special here, it doesn’t matter who you are, there is an intimacy and connection that is instantly formed with every guest/patient: it felt like we were all here to be part of this special, enlightened club.

Photo: NHYM 2024

The week we were there, Rebel Wilson was there for three weeks with her wife and baby and she was just as hilarious in real life as she is in her movies: ‘sorry I don’t remember you, I’m too busy starving’. Fergie was also there, still recovering from breast cancer, along with another English aristo chatting to some LA/ Hollywood girls who clearly go every year.

Photo: NHYM 2024

Unlike my friend who was very social and literally met everyone there by then end of the week, I was there for a medical MOT: the ozone therapy literally drained me of my blood and washed it with ozone to get rid of any viral remnants and ‘clean and oxygenate’ my blood. The hypoxic treatment simulated climbing at altitude to encourage my body to create more blood cells to help with my breathlessness. This was intense work but was finally helping me: I could breathe and my mind felt clearer than it had for months.

Photo: NHYM 2024

The food, I would say, was the one thing I struggled with the most: I was here for exhaustion, not starvation! My blood tests showed that I am allergic to dairy and gluten, pomegrenates and pine nuts and intolerant to a whole bunch of other things. So, the first four days I was only served mushroom tea, coconut yoghurt, crackers, boiled chicken and about a million pills to take because of my newfound allergies. But after four days salivating over my neighbours’ food, I begged my doctor to put me back on regular food and she felt so sorry for me, she did, see below photo, and that sent me straight to heaven. Talking to other guests, it turns out some of them cheated and went to the nearby village for real food or snuck in chocolate bars, just like teenagers sneak in alcohol at school parties.

Photo: NHYM 2024

My doctor was excellent, knowledgeable and very empathetic. Despite some of the diagnostics and treatments being a bit outside my comfort zone like the colonics which I said a hard no to, despite everyone trying to convince me otherwise (‘My favourite part!’ said one guest) but that’s where I drew the line, so don’t worry about saying no. I was willing to try *almost* about anything – nothing had worked so far after all – but not everything.

What I loved the most about the week was that I spent an entire week completely prioritising my health without having to think of/or do my children’s meals, activities, pick ups, exams, pick ups and drop offs and looking after who’s happy and who’s sad. And that’s just my children, not to mention my husband’s needs. This was transformative in itself.

But by the end of the week, my stomach pains went away, my belly finally looked like I wasn’t 9 months pregnant and my brain felt so clear, I felt like I had woken up from a fuzzy dream. I can’t wait to go back (this time with hidden snacks) although it might take another 10 years for the stars to align again. It is by no means a ‘pampering’ holiday, it is hard, you have to be disciplined, but anyone with any kind of health problem or needing a detox will really come away with a whole new way of eating and of life. It really is that transformative.

xx

NHYM

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