Upon arrival, dressed in traditional Police inspired uniform are the concierge team, who greet me with a warm welcome. Once home to the Metropolitan Police, the property’s stories and memoirs are celebrated throughout the hotel, with antiques and bespoke artwork taking over the walls.

_{King room}

The unique character of Great Scotland Yard is transferred from the lobby to the 158 rooms and suites. Thoughtful restoration balances the traditional qualities of a classic British townhouse with modern influences.

My cosy room is surrounded by elegant furnishings, featuring a comfortable King bed and luxury bathroom. For me, the bathroom is the jewel of the room as I have never seen a more inviting walk-in shower.

_{Whisky tasting at Síbín}

Away from their lavish rooms, the ground floor of the hotel is host to a range of appealing dining options. From old Nordic cooking techniques by Michelin starred chef Niklas Ekstedt at Ekstedt at The Yard, to afternoon tea at The Parlour.

The most memorable being the illicit speakeasy bar, Síbín. Hidden in plain sight behind a bookcase wall, this whisky bar set in a sophisticated room is a relaxing space for evening drinks and intimate jazz nights.

_{Cocktail at Síbín}

Whisky masterclasses are what they’re known for here and Ivan, our whisky sommelier for the evening, guides us on an inquisitive odyssey. “The Explorer,” is a masterclass which takes guests through the origin and stories of whisky, unveiling global flavours from a carefully curated selection from Japan, Mexico and Scotland to name a few.

After finishing our enlightening expedition, we enjoy the rest of the night filled with music and cocktails in the chill out lounge, before heading back to our room for a peaceful slumber.

by Vivian Hui

_{Address: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London, SW1A 2HN}

_{www.greatscotlandyard.com}

_{@gsy_london}

The post Glass uncovers one of London’s most cherished buildings at Great Scotland Yard Hotel first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

_{Le Grand Mazarin Photography by Vincent Leroux}

Walking in, you are immediately struck with the same bohemian feel as the neighbourhood, but in a heightened manner. The sort of chic that has sage silk wallpaper and a matching draped ceiling in the lobby. The sort of cool that boasts nearly 500 artworks across its floors. The sort of sophistication that makes a stay here feel like you have been transported to a Wes Anderson film and you’re the main character. 

_{Le Bar}

The interior is thanks to Martin Brudnizki and his London-based studio, MBDS, which furnished the 50 rooms and 11 suites with a concoction of furniture by Art de Lys and vintage finds. For those more impressed with amenities, the hotel also has a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, hammam and spa in partnership with Oh My Cream to keep you relaxed in-between late nights and endless shopping. 

_{Indoor pool}

But this is of course France, and dining is at the heart of every establishment. At Le Grand Mazarin, you have Boubalé (translated as ‘little darling’ from Yiddish), a restaurant that presents a contemporary twist on Eastern European cuisine – think chicken schnitzel and fermented cabbage, and ptitim risotto with spinach and leeks. But don’t forget to get a nightcap at Le Bar and watch the  secret cabaret show. 

While there is something unchanging and classic about Paris, it’s places like this that allow the city to keep reinventing itself and surprising visitors with an invitation to try something new. 

by Imogen Clark

_{Nightly rates at Le Grand Mazarin start from €690 on a B&B basis}

The post Glass visits the flamboyant Le Grand Mazarin in Paris  first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

Two years ago, Villa d’Este remained open for Christmas and New Year for the first time. Due to its remarkable success, the hotel will continue to welcome guests over the 2024 holiday season.

^{Villa d’Este}

In celebration of this event, Villa d’Este has curated a special festive menu of experiences to usher in the jolly tidings. To start, the innovative French skincare brand Biologique Recherche Beauty Maison will host a winter pop-up. Villa Malakoff will transform into a magical lakeside spa sanctuary, offering an exclusive 90-minute signature facial treatment—the Soin Magistral—until January 6th, 2025.

_{Villa d’Este Spa}

Meanwhile, the hotel’s resident club and bar will transform into an elegant jazz Club in partnership with Milan’s iconic Blue Note jazz club. Every Friday night from now until December 27th, guests can soak up the bar’s speakeasy atmosphere while enjoying new curated cocktails such as the Jazz Club—a mezcal-based beverage with smoky notes—and the Note Dolci—a refreshing gin drink featuring amaretti and dessert wine.

On a similar note, two glass houses have been commissioned to extend the hotel’s Lake Terrace so guests can enjoy magnificent views of Lake Como while remaining cosy indoors from November onwards.

The first—located outside Bar Canova—will offer aperitifs and cocktails alongside an all-day dining menu, caviar selection, and live music. The second glass house—connected to Sala Colonne—will be the ultimate location for a glamorous afternoon tea. For further sweetness, the decadent halls of Sala Colonne will convert into an artisanal haute patisserie, chocolatier, and sweet shop.

_{Villa d’Este Dining}

For those looking for a delightful gastronomic experience, the hotel will host two immersive beverage-orientated dinners throughout December. On the 4^th of December, guests can enjoy an evening with Oliver Krug, representing his prestigious Krug label. Then, on the 18^th of December, the dinners will conclude with a meal centred around the iconic Domaine de Romanée-Conti.

And the culinary delights don’t stop there. The hotel has crafted a Christmas Eve Dinner menu and a Christmas Day lunch offering. In a celebration of Italian culinary traditions and local specialities, the two menus intertwine holiday traditions with contemporary flair.

Finally, on the 31^st of December, guests can welcome the New Year during Villa d’Este’s New Year’s Eve Gala – complete with a grand firework display over the lake – or with the hotel’s New Year’s Day Brunch, which promises to be a wonderful way to usher in the New Year.

by Sophie Richardson

_{From €1,300 (approx. £1,117) for a Double Classic Room per night, including buffet breakfast. For more information or to book, please visit here.}

The post Villa d’Este transforms into a Winter Wonderland for the 2024 festive season first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

_{La Cité, the historic old town of Lausanne}

More modern attractions include the Olympic Museum, thanks to the International Olympic Committee being based here, and, since 2019, Plateforme 10, a repurposed railway shed merging three of the city’s museums, focussing on fine arts, contemporary design and photography.

_{The Royal Savoy, with rooms overlooking the gardens and Lake Geneva ©Robert Miller}

All this and more is within ease of the Grand Chateau-style Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa, where I stayed, my room overlooking the lake and French Alps beyond. You can walk but if you want to take the metro, the Lausanne Transport Card is given free to all hotel visitors.   

_{Vineyards of Lavaux}

Everyone knows about Swiss chocolate but few have any idea about Switzerland’s thriving wine industry, much less the role that Lausanne plays in it, with some 200 local vineyards within its orbit. That’s because the Swiss prefer to keep their wine to themselves, exporting only around two per cent.

To discover more, you should take the short trip by train to the winegrowing region of Lavaux, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site in acknowledgement of the centuries of viticulture that has sculpted the landscape. Among the grape varieties grown is the local chasselas blanc.  

_{Platforme 10, railway shed that has become Lausanne’s latest arts centre}

Wineries here are small, like that run by Mélanie Weber, who crafts fine wines in the back room and basement of her house in the village of Cully. Her estate has been in the family since 1879 and she is dedicated to preserving traditional methods all along the production line, something she speaks about with passion.

A return journey to Lausanne by boat offers views of the vertiginous slopes of terraced vineyards ascending from Lake Geneva – an unforgettably lovely sight. 

by Angela Cobbinah 

_{Starting price for a Deluxe Room, in a single occupancy including breakfast is CHF 395.}

_{Return flights from London to Geneva from £108 pp with SWISS. Lausanne is 45 minutes from Geneva airport by direct train.}

_{royalsavoylausanne.com}

The post Glass discovers a hidden Swiss gem first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

_{Hilton Cambridge City Centre exterior}

Hilton Cambridge City Centre, as the name suggests, is conveniently located in the hub of it all. Just a short stroll away, you can find yourself in front of the city’s well-known sights such as the River Cam and the Cambridge Market Square, as well as transport links to attractions further afield.

_{Bull & Bass restaurant}

All 198 flawlessly elegant guest rooms and suites at Hilton Cambridge are air conditioned and include the essential modern amenities. For my stay in one of the King Suites, I am welcomed by a fruit basket and wine, along with a mini-fridge stocked with soft drinks and snacks, a Nespresso machine for those well needed coffee top-ups, and robes and slippers for lounging in ultimate comfort.

_{King Junior Suite}

In addition to its welcoming rooms, the hotel also offers culinary delights, ranging from a fresh breakfast buffet to dinner in the relaxing atmosphere of the Bull & Bass Restaurant, where dishes are inspired by British cuisine.

After a day of exploring the city, this is the place I am happily drawn to. After enjoying a delectable meal, I find myself ensconced in the irresistible Piano Bar, with its comfy seating and live music. It’s not long before I am sinking into my chair, enjoying music from the resident pianist and winding down for the night.

by Vivian Hui

The post Glass gets cosy at Hilton Cambridge City Centre first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

Less polished, more raw, this corner of Italy feels untouched by time. It’s as though the land here moves to a slower, quieter rhythm. At the heart of it lies L’Andana, a former Medici villa tucked in the rolling hills just a short drive from the Tyrrhenian Sea.

_L’Andana

Arriving at L’Andana feels like stepping into a living painting. The landscape stretches out in lush green waves, dotted with ancient olive trees. The air is different here—crisp and clear, inviting you to take a deep breath and savour the moment. The villa itself, once a retreat for Grand Duke Leopold II and his court, still holds that sense of history. But now, it offers something subtler—a luxury that feels less like a hotel and more like a friend’s private estate.

_L’Andana

The weekend begins with a quiet cycle through the estate’s vineyard. The vintage bike, the gravel paths, and the golden light cast by the setting sun make it feel like time has slowed. On this 500-hectare property, the world outside feels distant, even nonexistent.

As I ride deeper into the land, I pass La Scuderia—an elegant four-bedroom villa built in the former stables. Its beauty is secluded, almost secret. The views here, of rolling hills and distant peaks, are breathtaking, but it’s the silence that leaves the strongest impression. There’s something meditative in the stillness.

After a relaxed lunch at La Villa, the hotel’s more casual restaurant, I make my way to the ESPA spa. The treatments are exactly what I need—restorative, subtle, and soothing. The vitality pool eases my muscles, while the tranquil environment wraps around me like a gentle embrace. Soft music, the scent of lavender and citrus, and the quiet hum of the space make it easy to lose track of time. But the garden calls me next.

_L’Andana

The spa’s surrounding garden feels like a dream—wild yet perfectly curated. Fragrant roses spill over stone walls, while ancient cypress trees cast long shadows over manicured lawns. It’s an oasis of calm, a place to stop and breathe, or simply admire the beauty in its quiet, fleeting form.

Dinner that evening is a celebration of Tuscany’s finest produce. At La Trattoria Enrico Bartolini, each dish is a masterpiece: creamy burrata, and slow-cooked meats, all infused with the essence of the land. The atmosphere is understated, yet elegant, a perfect extension of the surrounding beauty—intimate, refined, and comfortable.

_L’Andana

As the weekend draws to a close, I take one last stroll through the estate. L’Andana has a way of anchoring you in the present, while quietly whispering the stories of the past. With its blend of natural beauty, timeless elegance, and authentic Tuscan spirit, it’s no wonder the Italians themselves consider this a hidden gem.

Unpretentious, yet sophisticated; secluded, yet indulgent. As I prepare to leave, there’s a sense of reluctance. But I know I’ll return. Tuscany has a way of capturing the heart—and L’Andana embodies that magic perfectly.

by Adina Ilie

_{L’Andana, Tuscany, offers double rooms from €440 per night based on two sharing, including breakfast. You can book your stay at www.andana.it} 

The post Glass experiences a weekend escape in Tuscany’s L’Andana first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

Opening as a railway hotel in 1902, the clock on its tower is famously inaccurate, still set three minutes fast so travellers wouldn’t miss their trains (with the exception of the last day of each year for the city’s New Year celebrations). 

_{Palm Court tearoom}

Now part of the Rocco Forte group of luxury hotels, The Balmoral does not go in for kitsch and you can forgive the doormen in kilts and occasional tartan drapery, tweed sofa or prints of moors and heather.

While the bar with some 500 different malt whiskies from every corner of the country is authentically Scottish, the fabulousness of Palm Court, with its glorious colours, murals, glass dome and Venetian chandelier, appeals more to the imagination.

Afternoon Tea at Palm Court, with a harpist playing live on a small overhead balcony so that the music seems to be descending from heaven, is a wonderful escape into whimsy of the most elegant kind.

_{One of the twenty suites at The Balmoral}

The décor of all of the 187 rooms, including twenty suites, is successfully designed to create a tone of sophisticated calmness and those with elevated views down the unshabby side of Princes Street to Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Memorial are deservedly the most prestigious.

For dining, Number One (The Balmoral’s address is 1, Princes St) has an intimate character, with a menu reflecting the strength of Scottish ingredients, while  Brasserie Prince brings a French touch with bistro classics without forgetting scallops and salmon from the isles and highlands

_{The Balmoral from Princes St Gardens}

Its tower clock may be unreliable but punctual attention to detail and service is the hallmark of The Balmoral in Scotland’s capital city.  

by Sean Sheehan

_{The Balmoral, 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ.}

_{During low season, a double room with breakfast starts from £450; high season, from £750. For more information visit roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel}

The post Glass stays at Edinburgh’s landmark hotel, The Balmoral first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

I’d chosen to try out Geneva’s latest dining craze, Dans le Noir? at the Ritz Carlton Hotel de la Paix, an experience promoted to sharpen the taste buds and deepen one’s appreciation of having eyes to see. Pointedly, diners are led into a pitch-black space by blind waiters, who tell you where things are and serve you.

At first, I found it hard to shovel the food onto my fork but as no one could see what I was doing I will confess to taking a few short cuts.  

_{Mandarin Oriental, Geneva}

It was a fun event and a promising start to my stay in Geneva, a city perhaps burdened by its reputation as an international conference and business centre. The local tourist board’s Unexpected Geneva summer campaign is looking to showcase the place’s lighter side and I was determined to find it. It was not that difficult.

Located on Lake Geneva at its junction with the River Rhône and cradled by the Alps and Jura Mountains, Geneva’s handsome looks are enhanced by its well preserved mediaeval and 19th century architecture. Despite being Switzerland’s second largest city, it also has an attractively sedate air about it.   

_{Cathédrale St Pierre dominates the Old Town}

My base was the sleek and stylish Mandarin Oriental Hotel, discreetly wedged in a prime spot overlooking the river and within walking distance of many of the main tourist attractions, not least Geneva’s most visible landmark, the Jet D’Eau. As part of a guided tour, it took a few minutes to reach the charms of the Old Town, a hilly maze of cobbled streets dominated by the 12th century Cathédrale St Pierre. 

_{Vineyards, Domaine Les Perrières} 

On the way back, we passed numerous chocolate shops – like watch-making, Geneva is renowned for its artisanal chocolatiers. Less known is its winemaking tradition. To find out more, I boarded a tuktuk for a trip to a wine tasting session at one of Geneva’s 80 vineyards. At the 230-year-old Domaine Les Perrières I sampled some fine wines made with local grape varieties chasselas and gamay before surveying the bourgeoning vinefields themselves. 

_{Sight seeing on Lake Geneva}

The following day was perfect weather for a cruise on Lake Geneva. Our boat’s sumptuous wood-panelled restaurant, where I ate a leisurely lunch, was reminiscent of a bygone era and I half expected Hercules Poirot to suddenly pop out of the ether. Along the way, we passed sunbathers and even a few swimmers taking a dip in the startingly clear waters. 

_{Soaring over Geneva in a hot air balloon}

The next time I ate I was 4,000 feet in the air, enjoying a thrilling ride in a hot air balloon piloted by Gayle of Ballons Du Léman. From here Geneva looked tiny and the snow-capped Alps temptingly close as the balloon floated imperceptibly on the breeze.

As we began a slow descent people waved from their back gardens at what must have been a dramatic sight. The trip of a lifetime was rounded off with a glass of champagne as the setting sun put on a colourful light show. 

_{Geneva waterfront at night}

The idyllic rustic restaurant, Auberge D’Hermance, which I reached by speedboat for an al fresco meal, is famous for its poulet en croute de sel and did not disappoint. Indeed, bubbly headwaiter Patrick proudly revealed that the former king of Spain, Juan Carlos, is a fan. Realistically, there was really no better way to end such a break than a calming yoga session in the pretty lakeside park of Jardin Anglais.

by Angela Cobbinah

_{Rooms at the Mandarin Oriental Geneva start at 750 CHF} 

_{As part of its Unexpected Geneva summer campaign, Geneva Tourism is providing a Summer Transport Card to anyone who books accommodation in the city between June 15 and September 15, offering free public transport and a 30% discount on a range of activities. Visitors are also in with the chance of winning one of 12 Golden Tickets and with it the experience of hot air balloon rides and more.} 

The post Glass experiences tales of the unexpected at the Mandarin Oriental Geneva first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

The complement to this cultural richness are the luxury landscapes of the Schladming-Dachstein area which, when the snow melts away, can be enjoyed on foot and in scenic alpine huts – Austria’s equivalent to Parisian pavement cafes – with magnificent backdrops of peaks and mountain lakes.

_{Pristine and picturesque Austrian countryside}

Before heading off for a country walk, Paradoxon is a Salzburg restaurant away from the postcard-pretty town centre, in a neighbourhood that has its own quiet charms. The wine list at Paradoxon takes the form of bottles on open shelves with descriptive tags for diners’ perusal and outside, sharing a small space with a ginko tree in a pot, food is served at half a dozen tables.

Shrimps fried in their shells, accompanied by mango, passion fruit and sour cream, are typical of the menu’s imaginative dishes and many have Asian touches. For the quintessentially Austrian dish, Weiner schnitzel, it is hard to beat Meissl & Schadn in the centre of town where, prepared in the same way, there is a tasty celeriac schnitzel for non-meat eaters.

_{Cute and quaint Salzburg}

The finest restaurant in Salzburg is the two-Michelin-star Ikarus, especially for its special monthly menus created by an invited international superstar chef; think Mingoo Kang (Seoul), Søren Selin (Copenhagen) and Curtis Duffy (Chicago).

Situated adjacent to the airport and on the first floor of Hangar 7, the setting is an odd one. The building’s interior space, largely devoted to racing cars and with an aircraft hanging from its ceiling, comes across as a vanity project but in Ikarus attention will be firmly focused on the haute cuisine. Hangar 7 also has the Mayday Bar with some gorgeous cocktails but fairly bland food.

_{Fortress Hohensalzburg and the Old Town of Salzburg}

Walking and skiing is the raison d’etre of Schladming, a town less than 90km southwest of Salzburg, and Falkensteiner Hotel is geared up for this without underestimating the need for creature comforts. From the large glass-fronted atrium you head off to smartly presented bedrooms, a restaurant, bar and, for rejuvenation, the Acqupura spa with treatments and indoor and outdoor pools.

_{Silberkarhütte, a mountain hut at 1,250m}

A 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel will drop you at the start point for the Silberkarklamm trail, a pleasing introduction to walking in Austria. An easy ascent via wooden steps leads to a steep-sided hollow, a  cirque, and from there a gentle, stony path leads up to Silberkarhütte, a picturesque mountain hut at 1,250m.

In the shadow of a solitary ash tree, plum cake with cream or light meals are the reward while deciding whether to continue along the route signposted to the left, leading through a mountain forest with monkshood and other flowers at your feet. This leads back to the start point or, for a quicker route, a descent retracing your earlier steps.

_{Rewarding yourself at a mountain hut after walking to a high point}

For a longer but not demanding walk, the trail to Gollinghütte ascends to 1,642 m and the bus ride from Schladming to the start point is a grand journey through thrilling Alpine landscapes. The walk follows the Steinriesental valley, with tree cover gradually diminishing as you walk up alongside a waterfall to Gollinghütte for refreshments and a rest.

Back in the Falkensteiner hotel, a visit to the sauna beckons, followed by dinner and a glass of wine from Austria’s own grape variety, Grüner Veltliner. The wine’s floral aroma of ferns and pears chimes appealingly with the fresh and healthy appeal of days out in Austria’s countryside.

_{Salzburg’s baroque Mirabell Gardens}

The region is called Schladming-Dachstein because of the Dachstein Glacier whose glistening presence towers over the landscape from a height of nearly 3000m. A smooth gondola ride brings you to the top for stupendous views over some of the country’s highest peaks and dizzying glances of the ground beneath the suspension bridge and the ‘stairway to nothingness’.

by Sean Sheehan

_{For more information, see Schladming-Dachstein and Austria Tourism}

The post Glass goes ski-less to Salzburg and Schladming-Dachstein first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

Domes encompasses this vision, offering seamless bespoke guest journeys, curated exclusively for each individual guest.

_{Domes Noruz Mykonos outdoor lobby}

My island-hopping experience begins in vibrant Mykonos, part of the stunning Cyclades island chain southeast of mainland Greece. Perched in the picturesque Agios Stefanos with views of Chora is where you will find Domes Noruz Mykonos, a gated neighbourhood of volcanic sugar-cube architecture, blended effortlessly into the Aegean vista. Interiors, from the outdoor lobby to the 38 suites, are a harmonious blend of earthy tones with elements of rattan and natural wood. 

_{Domes Noruz Mykonos Pure Haven Sea View Hot Tub}

Although Mykonos is a celebrated nightlife destination, the island offers much more and, with the concierge team of Mykonos specialists, you’ll be in safe hands. We start the day exploring the islands of Delos and Rhenia by boat, followed by a visit to Rizes Folklore Farmstead to discover Mykonos’ roots and sample the unique local cuisine before ending the day with sunsets and energetic music at the famous beach club, Scorpios. 

_{Domes Noruz Mykonos Pool}

From a lively island to, as the locals would describe as a romantic island, our journey takes me to Santorini, with its mega high cliffs and volcanic rocks forming a striking landscape, making it hard not to fill your phone with scenic photos.

We make our way north of the island, to Tholos, Oia, through serene landscapes and untouched beauty to arrive at the newly built haven, Domes Novos Santorini. Architecturally striking, the hotel boasts 50 suites and two villas, each with its own private pool and terrace. From my suite, only local vineyards stand between me and the Aegean Sea, and it’s a view that I won’t be forgetting any time soon.

_{Domes Novos Santorini Exterior}

If you’re looking for elevated gastronomy, Vatanee is the place to take a seat. Here, chef Dionysis Anastopoulos brings to life the essence of the Greek mezze culture with delectable small plates for sharing, all with a concept of zero-waste and picking from local produce and the hotel’s gardens.

_{Domes Novos Santorini Novos Villa Sea View with Blissful Pool}

Each Domes property offers an “experience” to mark its individuality. At Domes Novos Santorini, we embark on an enriching artistic journey, with an introduction to Santorini’s finest wines and a painting workshop of the spectacular sunset.

_{Domes Novos Santorini Senses Bungalow Sea View with Zen Pool}

As with all Domes’ hotels, wellness is a central component and signature amenities include the Soma Spa, where you can indulge in volcanic-infused treatments. What better way to treat myself before leaving behind the distinctive Cycladic charm of Santorini?

by Vivian Hui

_{Domes Noruz Mykonos rates start from €213 per night (for two people) for an Upbeat Retreat with inland view domesresorts.com/domesnoruzmykonos/}

_{Domes Novos Santorini rates start from €229 per night (for two people) for an Echoes Retreat domesresorts.com/domesnovossantorini/}

The post Glass experiences island-hopping in the Cyclades with Domes Hotels first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

Floor-to-ceiling windows, sisal rugs, enormous squidgy sofas and artwork from local Cornish artists create the perfect coastal retreat, while the sun deck serves delicious cocktails and jaw-dropping ocean views in equal measure.

This 15-bedroom, adults only hotel is as welcoming as it is stylish, boasting an excellent restaurant, spa treatments on request and prime position overlooking one of Cornwall’s most breathtaking bays. 

_{Boskerris Terrace}

_{Boskerris Hotel Interior}

We dine at nearby St Ives’ hottest new eatery, Ardor. The casual interior and warm, convivial vibe belies the exacting culinary precision of Chef Patron Dorian Janmaat, who brings Mediterranean flair to the freshest Cornish produce. Here, the ingredients are king – but ex-Le Manoir alumni Janmaat and his team make for the most skilful stewards. 

We start with oysters: 6 plump, pert, salty treasures to set the tone for our seaside weekend. Next up: fried aubergine, honey, olive. An unassuming title for hands down the best aubergine I’ve eaten. Sweet, salty, crisp, umami, with gravity-defying lightness. My monkfish and prawn skewer with mojo rojo sauce is exemplary: robust, meaty morsels, served with the piquant Canarian sauce of hot red peppers, garlic and olive oil, while my dates’ crab and chilli linguine makes for elite comfort food.

Seafood and Cornwall are classic bedfellows, but Janmaat talents extend beyond fish. Carnivores will love Ardor’s iconic dry aged cuts, cooked over charcoal in the traditional Iberian style and served with the freshest salsas, while dishes such as grilled hispi cabbage, and wild mushroom fideuà pasta will delight veggies and ‘flexies’ alike. 

We finish with the ludicrously moreish caramelised apple sticky toffee pudding and – obligatory when in Cornwall – homemade ice cream. This is robust, confident cooking – beautifully executed, using the finest seasonal produce. Local drinks maestro Richard Crossan, of achingly-hip cocktail emporium Palais Provisions, is in charge of cocktails – his Pisco Sours are perfection.

As you’d expect, the wine list is rooted firmly in the Med: featuring predominantly Spanish offerings such as the delightful Monastrell we enjoy, plus a smattering of famed Andalusian sherries.  ‘Ardor’ originates from the Latin word meaning ‘heat’ and ‘passion’ – an accurate metaphor for the warmth, expertise and love, which so clearly underpins this very special restaurant. 

_Ardor

_{Ardor Monkfish and Prawn Skewer}

And to do nearby? Stroll the charming labyrinth of St Ives cobbled streets, lined with uber-chic independent stores, bustling cafes, artists residences and picture-perfect fisherman’s cottages. Nearby Porthminster and Porthmeor beaches are famed for their Caribbean-esque sparkling turquoise water – I’m visiting in late September but it could pass for July, both the sea and the sky so gloriously blue.

Barbara Hepworth’s magical home-turned-museum is a must see, as is the renowned Tate St Ives, which boasts a superb restaurant to boot. The surf scene here is legendary, plus endless coastal hikes for outdoorsy types. As my train pulls back into Paddington, Cornwall feels a million miles away – a micro-universe of sunshine, hospitality, creativity and extraordinary natural beauty.

As the Pet Shop boys once wisely said – Go West. 

by Thea Lewis-Yates 

_{Rooms start at £190 per night at Boskerris Hotel. https://www.boskerris.co.uk/}

_{Ardor St Ives https://www.ardorstives.co.uk/}

The post Glass enjoys the best of Cornish hospitality at Ardor St Ives and Boskerris Hotel first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

With sweeping views of the Thames and a convenient location in the residential district of Nine Elms, the hotel effortlessly combines urban glamour and charm with the feeling of being a true Londoner. Guests can easily access the expansive greenery of Battersea Park and visit the iconic must-see landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, British Museum and the London Eye. 

_{Park Hyatt River Thames Interior}

The interiors exude a sense of calmness with muted, minimalist designs paired with classic English elements. Pops of colour and bespoke artworks, including the stunning ‘Ebb and Flow’ installation by Charlie Whinney in the grand entrance, accentuate the hotel’s luxurious nature and effortless style, so recognised and valued among all Hyatt properties.

Boasting 203 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase breathtaking views of London’s skyline, the hotel’s contemporary interiors are complemented by a palette of white and ebony, enhanced by leather and brass accents. The rooms also feature wallpaper designs by the iconic English textile designer William Morris, blending comfort with timeless elegance.

_{Park Hyatt River Thames Interior}

Guests can indulge in culinary offerings and signature cocktails at the hotel’s bar and restaurant, The Nine Elms Kitchen & Terrace, or opt for an even more luxurious experience at the river-facing TAMISé Tea Lounge & Wine Library. For those looking to relax after a long day, the hotel features an indoor pool and a serene spa with panoramic views of London, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness centre, creating a perfect haven for rejuvenation.

by Olga Petrusewicz

_{7 Nine Elms Lane, London, England, United Kingdom, SW8 5PH
Opening 8th of October. Rates start from £695
For more, visit here}

The post Park Hyatt London River Thames opens its doors in Nine Elms first appeared on The Glass Magazine.