Wylde World: May News
Report by Leanne Bracey
There some exciting new things happening in the world right now. Here are just a few of the things whetting our travel tastebuds this month…
THE EUROPEAN DESTINATION: Cas Gasi, Ibiza
Whilst the rest of Ibiza gets ready for party season, not too far away from the nightlife, Cas Gasi is a welcoming relaxing, peaceful old countryside home, restored to its current splendour. The countryside just outside of this 4-hectare hotel is resplendent with Mediterranean wildlife; olive groves, orange trees and wafts of fig fill the air.
Cas Gasi is the perfect spot for a uniquely sustainable stay; the saltwater pool is au naturel, solar energy powers up life, and gardeners pluck fresh organic lettuce from the grounds of Cas Gasi on a daily basis, ready to add to other seasonal produce to create dishes for guests to enjoy.
A stay here is utterly romantic and typically Ibizan. Ideal for people who might want to party, but who want some very decent R&R too, in the form of a bike ride, yoga, cookery classes or just a few days horizontal.
From €225 per night
THE REST OF THE WORLD PICK: Kalari Kovilakom, India
Ayurveda is the buzzword in wellness right now, and there’s nowhere better to experience this ancient approach than India. There are quite a few retreats the world-over offering all things Ayurvedic, from treatments, to eating the ‘right’ way for your type (dosha) to learning how to incorporate some of the practices into everyday life.
Yet Kalari Kovilakom, in North Kerala, take all of this and up the authenticity a little bit further. We love that you can stay in a 200-year-old palace amongst calming grounds of the old Vengunad kingdom, rich with the healing properties of the Venga trees.
Restored sensitively by CGH Earth Group, the beautiful building and surroundings can be enjoyed with an complete Ayurvedic approach. We’re particularly allured by the added cultural experiences of Kathakali Dance and Carnatic music that guests can experience on a daily basis; the atmosphere is absolutely enchanting.
Kalari Kovilakom is certified by the NABH and is one of the best, most authentic places to experience the full power of Ayurveda.
THE CITY ESCAPE: The Hoxton, Chicago
We are big fans of The Hoxton Hotel in Shoreditch and now the brand are adding a seventh addition to their glocal portfolio. In the Fulton Market District of Chicago, The Hoxton have recently opened up an 182 room hotel, decked out warehouse-style, with mid-century touches.
We’re sure this will be the place for socialising, thanks to the basement cocktail bar, rooftop pool and adjoining Peruvian restaurant plus the ever sociable lobby area. It wouldn’t be a Hoxton Hotel if it didn’t have it’s ‘open-house’ policy so, in keeping with true Hoxton ethos, there’s a generous co-working space set out over two floors, where freelancers can rock up and be productive amongst the buzz of the hotel.
We’re excited to see the brand are also gearing up to open in the Southwark area of London too.
Rates from $129
THE UK OPENING: The Pig at Bridge Place, Canterbury
Ever since our visit to The Pig at Combe a few years ago, we heard rumours that a new Pig Hotel was going to be opening up in Kent, home county to yours truly. We’ve been waiting patiently. Now there’s a brand new Pig in Bridge, a small village very near to Canterbury, opening on the 30th April.
In keeping with the brand’s old stately home takeover, this one is a 17th century gem with a rock-star history, hosting parties for the likes of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd in the 70’s, we’re sure the walls could tell a few stories.
With all of the qualities we love about this hotel group; it’s kitchen garden, cosy yet modern rooms, spa treatment area, massive fireplaces, wonderful cooking and friendly professional service we’ve already booked a table in the acclaimed kitchen and a facial for father’s day.
Rooms from £145 for a cosy room
THE RESTAURANT TO BOOK: SEEN at Tivoli Avenida Liberdade, Lisbon
We already have our bags booked for a long overdue trip to Lisbon at the end of the year and this hot new restaurant is in our top 10 restaurants to try. Housed on the roof of this grand dame, Art Deco style hotel is new(ish) restaurant SEEN, current hotspot of Lisbon, and it’s not hard to see why.
360 degree views open out to the city where a vibrant cocktail bar and live DJs set the tone, alongside food devised by the award winning Chef, William Ribeiro. We’re sure SEEN will bring even more sophisticated atmosphere to this already thriving city destination.