Designed by Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy and his firm Denniston, the immaculate 299-room establishment has won applause globally for its fresh take on luxury, reaching third spot in The World’s 50 Best Hotels List 2023. 

_Pool

Enveloped in a constant dialogue between Thai-design and world-class hospitality, the Four Seasons Bangkok balances sprawling courtyards full of amazing water features with an interior that boasts an art-fuelled lobby curated in partnership with MOCA Bangkok, herringbone patterned walls and bathrooms boasting Apaiser stone baths. 

_{Palmier by Guillaume Galliot}

When it comes to culinary prowess, Bangkok is fuelled by its multicultural offerings and the Four Seasons Bangkok offers some of the best. Yu Ting Yuan, its signature Cantonese restaurant by chef Tommy Cheung, has already earned a Michelin-star and promises to be a treat for the tastebuds.

From perfecting roasted meats to crafting intricate dim-sum, it’s pure joy from start to finish. For those after a taste of Europe, Riva del Fiume ushers you to Italian shores with its rustic menu, while Palmier by Guillaume Galliot serves French brasserie-style classics. 

_{BKK Social Club}

But it’s BKK Social Club that has everyone talking. Again considered one of the finest in the world (with a plethora of awards accordingly) and inspired by the nightlife of Buenos Aires, this bar has taken a slice of South American charm to create an environment of sultry glamour centred by a truly experimental cocktail menu.  

_{Executive Suite}

Being able to offer guests a type of peace and quiet rare for Bangkok while maintaining an exceptional level of service, makes this hotel more than worthy of all its accolades.  

by Imogen Clark

_{fourseasons.com}

_{Hotel Reservation: +66 (0)2 032 0887}

_{Starting price for Guest Rooms:  USD450++ for Standard Room}

_{Starting price for Suites: USD700++ for Studio Suite / USD1400++ for One-Bedroom Suite}

The post Glass stays in an urban oasis at the Four Seasons Bangkok first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

_{Haldu Tola}

Nestled away in lush jungle flora, Haldu Tola is the only one of its kind to be located in Pench Tiger Reserve. Named after the long-standing Haldu tree, Haldu Tola boasts four bedrooms, a dining room, a living room, a lounge, and a heated pool. Carved by local artisans from the Gond tribal community, the solar-powered villa intertwines vibrant cultural elements with elegant furnishings and details.

_{Haldu Tola}

Additionally, guests can spend some free time hitting the well-equipped gym or enjoying in-villa yoga sessions and art workshops. However, the ultimate villa addition is Haldu Tola’s customised Africa-style safari jeep. For those hoping to learn more about the surrounding wildlife, an in-villa naturalist will accompany guests on excursions and provide thorough insights into the abundant landscape.

Alongside safari experiences, Pench Tiger Reserve has recently been recognised as Asia’s eighth and newest dark sky place – meaning it’s an ideal location for stargazing and astronomy workshops.

_{Haldu Tola}

Available to rent fully serviced, the villa comes with its own senior camp manager, housekeeping and chef. Tapping into traditional Indian culinary traditions, the catering team utilises locally sourced ingredients – including fruits and vegetables grown in the villa’s vegetable garden – to provide the freshest breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

by Sophie Richardson

_{Experience Haldu Tola with Explorations Company from £19,500 based on a five-night stay for 5-8 guests. For more information, please visit www.explorationscompany.com.}

The post Explorations Company welcomes Haldu Tola to its sparkling portfolio first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

According to legend, the monastery was founded in the eighth century by Padmasambhava, the “Second Buddha”, who flew to this site on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours.  

This hike was the culmination of our Bhutanese adventure, having landed at Paro Airport a week earlier, with our plane banking left and right between the surrounding 18,000-foot peaks of Mount Jumolhari. Our pilot is one of only 24 in the world trained to land here.

_{Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten | Photography bay Marcus Westberg}

We have come to explore the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, nestled between China and India, with a population of only 750,000 living in the valleys of a country that is 99 per cent mountainous. Buddhism, the official state religion, permeates every aspect of the Bhutanese lifestyle, culture and even attire, with men wearing the traditional Bhutanese gho and women wearing the kira.

Bhutan has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last 15 years, evolving from an absolute to a democratic monarchy, with the government monitoring the country’s prosperity through its “Gross National Happiness” index. The so-called GNH tracks the population’s mental well-being, education, cultural diversity, community spirit, sustainability and living standards. 

_{Tiger’s Nest Monastery | Photography bay Marcus Westberg}

On our one-hour drive from the airport to the capital, Thimphu, our guide explains the reason for the mandatory accompaniment of all international tourists. It’s to ensure reverence for Bhutanese religious sites, to show respect for national traditions and to protect the environment.

We check in at Pemako Thimphu, a striking hotel enveloped by the vista of the surrounding mountains. Its exterior features a traditional Bhutanese façade with whitewashed walls, intricate wooden cornices and lotus-shaped window frames. The resident Buddhist monk blesses us with a welcoming ceremony, tying a red thread around our wrists, symbolising good luck and prosperity, which we proudly wear for the duration of our trip.

_{Punakha Dzong | Photography bay Marcus Westberg}

We are perfectly located to explore this quaint city and viewing its distinctive architecture, with each building adorned with ornate colourful designs and religious symbols. We later discover that the Bhutanese style of architecture extends to all the country’s monuments, dzongs, temples and monasteries.

Thimphu is the place to purchase textiles and handicrafts, to indulge in Bhutanese cuisine and to mingle with the locals. We admire the theatrical moves of the white gloved traffic policeman in an impeccable uniform, standing in his signal box directing traffic at the city’s only roundabout. Intriguingly, there are no traffic lights anywhere in Bhutan.

_{Pemako Thimphu Lobby and Restaurant}

A two-hour drive eastward across never-ending undulating valleys and verdant mountain peaks takes us to Punakha, the ancient capital city. We are staying at Como Uma Punakha, where our balcony overlooks the breadth of the riverine Punakha Valley. In the morning, we follow a trail to hike up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a modern monastery built in 2004 to ward off evil spirits and bring peace and harmony to all living things. Afterwards, we take a river raft to Punakha Dzong, a fortress monastery and one of Bhutan’s most revered sites.

After our descent from Tiger’s Nest near Paro, we head to our hotel, Amankora Paro, and its sultry Aman spa with its specially blended Aman amenities. We luxuriate in a traditional steamy hot stone bath, infused with rosemary, to ease our weary muscles. This pristine lodge, with its minimal aesthetic and incomparable service, offers unrestricted mealtimes serving Michelin-star worthy dishes, a help-yourself bar, daily cultural activities and a same-day laundry service.

We came to explore what makes this tiny Kingdom of Bhutan the happiest place on earth. We depart feeling privileged to have experienced the uniqueness of Bhutan’s traditional lifestyle and the sense the excitement for the King of Bhutan’s plan for the economic development of Gelephu in the more accessible south of the country, which will enable many more tourists to experience this happy Himalayan Kingdom in the near future.

by Amanda Bernstein

_{COMO Uma Punakha: Valley room stays start from $695 per night, inclusive of tax and service charge. COMO offers end to end services including visa applications, guides and activities.} 

_{Pemako Thimphu: stays start from $1,020 during high season (March-May/September- November). Rates include accommodation on a B&B basis and use of hotel amenities.}

_{Stays at Amankora start from $1,900 per night, based on double occupancy, excluding taxes and fees, all meals at Amankora Dining Room, picnics en route to other Amankora lodges, in-house beverages.}

_{For more information on visiting Bhutan, see bhutan.travel}

The post Glass visits the happy Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

As in: ’Cool’, a blanket term covering all sensory interpretations, each, ultimately, justifying the other. A look, a sensation, a mood – as one. A man enters a crammed subway carriage in midsummer wearing in a wool, $900 Tom Ford suit. He looks cool, initially, but as beads of sweat pool on his brow, patches appear under his pits, and a screaming baby sicks on his lapel, his coolness ebbs away in a flash. Casa Cook el Gouna on the other hand…

_{Casa Cook El Gouna}

For one there are no babies – this is an adults only resort. Visually Casa Cook straddles that odd intersection of ancient and space age – linear, minimalist, earthy – drawn up, the design team explains, with “the post-modern traveller in mind”.

Think if Frank Herbert’s Dune featured an Aristocratic, gridded suburb – each private terrace boxed off by hedges every bit as angular as the structures they surround. Muted, heat proof, stone has been carved into benches, and formed into hotel room floors and walls, all delightfully cool to the touch – necessary when summer temperatures reach up to 50 degrees.

Plunge pools are plentiful. Grilled jumbo prawns are piled high. Signature cocktails (the Watermelon Negroni and the African G&T – hibiscus leaves for regional specificity) hit the spot. All in all, cool.

_{Outdoor seating at Casa Cook El Gouna}

_{Southern pool area at Casa Cook El Gouna}

If you can peel yourself away from one of the southern pools innumerable loungers, Casa Cook offers Kite Surfing lessons on their private stretch of beach. For those seeking a change of scene, the town of El Gouna is a 10 minute drive away. El Gouna’s a New Town, and, having been raised on a less than appealing English New Town diet of Welwyn Garden City and Milton Keynes, I had my reservations.

But having been told, then sworn to secrecy, then told another seven or eight times, that Angelina Jolie and Mohammed Salah own holiday homes in El Gouna, I thought, ‘if it’s good enough for them, it’s probably good enough for me.’

_Kiteboarding

So, the raw statistics: Age? 35 years. Tuktuks? £1 per trip. Dominant architectural style? Nubian traditional (traditional for locals, practically Tattoine to an ignorant westerner like myself). Lagoons? Well of course! 27, soon to be 28. Perhaps not all New Towns are created equal.

_{Desert tour with Orascom}

It was on my lagoon boat tour that my guide pointed me in the direction of lagoon number 28, mid construction and surrounded by tractors. Maybe I’m old fashioned but I felt, pretty steadfastly, that ‘Lagoon’ and ‘Tractor’ should not share space. Physical space, page space, any kind of space, so antithetical are they in all they stand for.

_{Patio area at Casa Cook El Gouna}

After all is there any word so evocative of natural wonder, of organically occurring, god bestowed heaven on earth as, ‘lagoon’? With that in mind, the invitation to observe lagoon 28 felt akin to a Vegas magician un-vivisecting his long legged assistant in plain view, proclaiming “and THIS is how we did it.”

I averted my eyes. Then remembered I am a 31 year old man. Maturing, after all, is realising that true delusion is believing in the make believe of Hollywood fantasy. Mermaid princesses with Jamaican fish companions? Webbed, damsel snatching, bi-pedal creatures? Not in El Gouna. And frankly, when the illusion of the artificial lagoon is this good, who cares it’s an illusion at all?

_{Plunge pool at Casa Cook El Gouna}

_{Room at Casa Cook El Gouna}

A brief off road drive takes you to a vast stretch of desert, once underwater, that now ranks as the world’s third longest natural valley. It’s traversable by quad bike, with tours culminating with tea in a Bedouin settlement at sunset. Equally accessible from Casa Cook is a yacht dotted bay leading into the Red Sea, home to an abundance of dolphin pods and coral reefs. Boats leave daily.

by Charlie Holder

_{Lagoon tour and desert tour organised by Orascom Development Egypt.}

_{Rooms at Casa Cook El Gouna start from EUR 300 per night including breakfast. For more information, please visit https://casacook.com/casa-cook-el-gouna}

The post Casa Cook el Gouna – An Egyptian desert mirage built of stone first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

_{The Maybourne Beverly Hills exterior}

I am warmly welcomed by the landmark property’s soothing pastel palettes, spanning nine floors with sun filled balconies, overlooking verdant gardens dotted with swaying palm trees and fragrant foliage. Being perfectly placed just steps from the legendary Rodeo Drive, known as one of the most exclusive luxury destinations, it’s no wonder the property radiates the same vibe.

_{The Maybourne Cafe}

Despite being in the hustle and bustle of the city, The Maybourne proves to be a superior space to unwind. Comfort is a hallmark of the property which means that the spa takes centre stage, home to the mineral pool, steam rooms and countless relaxation areas. The quiet cocoon also offers treatments to pamper, regenerate or simply to indulge in some much needed ‘me time’, utilising only the purest ingredients including products from EviDenS de Beauté.

_{Rooftop pool}

The most impressive is the rooftop pool. The panoramic views of the rolling hills of Hollywood can be enjoyed from your chaise lounge, while sipping on aperitivo-style cocktails from the beloved restaurant and bar, Dante Beverly Hills. 

_{Cigar Whiskey bar}

Nestled in the lobby of the hotel you’ll find The Maybourne Bar. The bar boasts an exceptional wine list and a cocktail menu filled with classic and new creations, all handcrafted by our bartenders with the freshest ingredients and finest spirits. Vibrant and unforgettable, I would argue this hidden jewel of the property is the best bar in LA.

_{Terrace Suite}

Guestrooms and suites here at The Maybourne have been artfully designed to have bright, spacious interiors and bespoke furniture. My suite features homely touches to ensure a restful stay, details from curated library collections to the plushest slippers elevates relaxation. Early morning wake up’s are worth it here, with views of the sunrise lighting up the Los Angeles skyline – a sight I would never get tired of.

by Vivian Hui

_{A double room inclusive of tax starts at $1,091.21 ($895.00 exclusive of tax) per night.} 

_{For more information visit maybournebeverlyhills.com}

The post Glass encounters a luxurious sanctuary in the Golden State at The Maybourne Beverly Hills first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

Business travel can be a double-edged sword. While it offers exciting opportunities to expand your network and secure deals, it can also be tiring and disrupt your usual routine. However, with the right approach, you can turn your business trips into productive and even enjoyable experiences. Here are some creative and practical tips to help you make the most of your next trip, keeping you efficient, prepared, and ready for any challenge.

Optimize Your Packing for Efficiency

The first rule of successful business travel is smart packing. You don’t want to waste time rummaging through overstuffed bags or hauling around unnecessary items. Stick to a minimalist mindset, bringing only versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched. Invest in high-quality luggage that’s both durable and lightweight. Most importantly, pack for the unexpected. Include an extra outfit for last-minute meetings, and don’t forget chargers, portable batteries, and essential documents.

For toiletries, keep it simple and professional. A standout tip? Pack your signature scent. A sophisticated fragrance like the Burberry perfume not only leaves a lasting impression in meetings but also adds a layer of personal confidence. After all, your appearance and presence are critical during high-stakes discussions, and a subtle, well-chosen fragrance can complete your professional look without being overwhelming.

Stay Connected, Even When Disconnected

Business travelers often face the challenge of staying connected across time zones. Missing out on key communications or updates can cost you valuable opportunities. Always keep your devices ready with international data plans or reliable Wi-Fi alternatives. If you know you’ll be spending hours on flights or in transit, download important documents ahead of time or sync your calendar offline so you’re never caught off-guard.

Network Beyond the Boardroom

One of the greatest advantages of business travel is the potential for networking in new environments. Don’t limit your interactions to formal meetings. Often, the most impactful connections happen outside the boardroom—at dinners, informal coffee meetups, or even in the airport lounge. Be prepared for spontaneous networking opportunities. You never know who you might meet during your downtime that could lead to valuable business relationships.

Success in Business Travel Begins with Preparation

In business travel, efficiency and adaptability are key. Whether it’s packing smart, staying connected, or seizing networking opportunities, being prepared helps you maintain control in an ever-changing environment. A signature touch like a Calvin Klein perfume or mastering the art of packing can enhance your confidence and readiness for any situation. The road may be challenging, but with a well-thought-out approach, business travel can lead to new growth, valuable connections, and professional success.

The post Mastering Business Travel: Smart Tips for the Modern Professional first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

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.

Baggage:

Antler Medium Suitcase in Green Gloss £210

My absolute go-to for suitcases, Antler, has brought out a limited edition version of their iconic stripe case, now in a festive green. With silent glide 360 spinner wheels and bespoke comfort-grip handle, you’ll be taking a slice of the Christmas spirit with you no matter where you go.

MCM Ottomar Passport Holder in Visetos Original £230

The Visetos Original line showcases MCM’s signature monogram coated canvas in all its enduring style. This passport holder is far from regular. Fitted with eight card slots, a removable leather zip pouch, and a sleeve for cash and receipts, the MCM holder will become a memento to anyone’s trip.

Troubadour Everyday Apex Duffle £245

Pockets aplenty, ergonomic comfort and sleek recycled nylon design, the everyday apex duffle truly embodies its name. After one use, you’ll find yourself yearning for it everyday. Switch between the two straps to make navigating the airport a breeze.

Travel tech:

 Nicky Clarke’s AirStyle Pro Infrared & Iconic Hair Dryer & Styler £249.99

The ultimate styling companion when travelling. This is a super lightweight marvel that combines advanced infrared and ionic technology to offer glamorous hair on the go.

LYMA Laser Pro and Exclusive Globetrotter Case £5,595

The world first, clinic-grade cold laser technology, Lyma Laser, now comes in a nifty portable case. A close companion of mine since I began trialing it last year, the Lyma laser is a must on any trip away. Including the LYMA Laser PRO, Exclusive Globe-Trotter LYMA vanity case (worth £1,095), LYMA Skincare and LYMA Oxygen Mist & Glide, stand and charging accessories.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 Headphones £879 in Chestnut
Adjustable headphones with five levels of noise-cancellation – perfect for every leg of the journey. Tune in as you see fit.

Sonus Roam2 in red £179

The Roam2 is an ultra portable smart speaker with precision-engineered acoustics, up to 10 hours of play and waterproof capabilities. A must have for any trip… and life.

Holiday wear:

Kimeze Ore Sunglasses in Blue £225

These exquisite cat eye shape sunglasses from up-and-coming London brand Kimeze are design led in their unmatched offering of colourful acetate, despite the prolific position it holds in the eyewear industry. They pride themselves on their unisex appeal. Watch this space.

Black Eyewear Carla Sunglasses in Dark Tortoiseshell £197

The ultimate shade. Destined to suit anyone, Black Eyewear have created a masterful interpretation of ’50s shape with a modern sensibility. The comfortable saddle bridge is an added bonus.

Triangl Luce Lopa Bikini £99

Triangl Dacy Lopa Shorts £69

Bring on the festive swimwear. Gift this cherry red textured velvet bikini and matching short set and the 30 degree heat will feel as Chistmassy as ever.

Bond-Eye Indi Triangle £95 and Serafina brief £79

Australian brand Bond-Eye prove their unprecedented position in the swimwear industry with their Indi bikini, made from a revolutionary new fabric that redefines the boundaries between swimwear, athleisure and ready-to-wear. It is incredibly soft, features reversible qualities (offering two for the price of one) and has a beautiful beaded design that will make the wearer a thing of envy. Bravo.

Che Studios Baller Ivory/Green £135

With a boxy fit and retro design, these menswear swimming shorts are for the men in your life that put their best fashion foot forward. The perfect transition from day to night.

BDXY Cameo Shorts £135

 ’80s in style and shape, these quick-drying recycled fabric swimming short shorts are the perfect companion for warm escapes. For the Paul Mescal in everyone.

Gola Made in England 1905 Men’s Harrier Oxford Trainers in Chocolate £210

A luxurious reinterpretation of the iconic Harrier. No journey is greater than one made wearing Gola.

Lucy & Yak Rumo Cargo Trousers in Black £65

Having these on any trip will find you reaching for little else. Effortlessly stylish, ultra light in weight, and incredibly comfortable.

Skincare:

111SKin Wrinkle Erasing Retinol Patches £150

Described as a revolutionary needle-free solution for fine lines and wrinkles, and a proud winner of several awards, these patches from 111Skin work retinol, vitamin c and a powerful peptide complex into the skin, with incredible results.

Augustinus Badar The Face Mist – £75

Ultra hydrating face mist infused with rose water that smells delicious, leaves you feeling hydrated and soothes you into a state of pure relaxation. A must.

Violette_FR 3-in-1 Skincare Spray Boum-Boum Milk £44

99% naturally derived, this spray can rebalance, hydrate, soothe, improve tone and texture all in one. The perfect companion for all climates.

Tolpa Dermo Face range – £8.99-£12.99

Poland’s cult favourite in skincare has officially arrived in the UK. This is perfect for those who experience dryness/rosacea/acne when travelling – i.e. me. Their face wash gel and regenerating creams are a personal favourite.

Institut Esthederm Bronz Impulse Spray £56

This has been a staple in my holiday essentials for the past three years and it makes the perfect gift for those travelling to warmer climates. It works by accelerating the stimulation of melanocyte for a faster tan, use this in preparation for your trip and you’ll quickly notice the positive difference.

It Cosmetics Confidence In A Gel Cream £45

I have been a loyal user of It Cosmetics skincare for 5 years now and their latest iteration, the Gel Cream, is another trophy in the cabinet. For those who experience oily skin when travelling, this product is key.

Marie Reynolds London Hydra-Veil Biocellulose Mask – £39.60 (5x masks)

Utilising the power of Icelandic Moss, these face masks are rich in lichenin, a polysaccharide with powerful moisturising properties. Once use of these and your skin will look like it’s just been revived by a holiday without the need of a trip.

Travel Kits:

Guess Iconic Gift Set £64

Notes of pink pepper, lilybelle captive and mandarin sparkle with bright spice and shimmering citrus in this delightful package of scent. There is nothing worse than being away without your perfume, and this travel centric bag will prove integral to anyone lucky to receive it.

Emma Hardie Nourish and Glow Travel Kit £40

This travel kit has your cleansing routine covered. Use the Emma Hardie method, circles not lines, to massage each product in and soothe the skin.

Memoize London – Deliciae gift set (£225)

Perfume for the hair has been an obsession of mine this past year, and Memoize London has built an irresistible trio of sweet fragrances that is unmatched. A magical blend of notes arises, starting with a soft top note of sweet lemon, melting beautifully into a blend of Morrocan and Taif Rose at its heart.

Flora Intensive Hair Mask £88

The ultimate present for sun damaged hair and scalp. Apply daily and sleep overnight as a hair mask for the utmost strengthening.

ESPA SKINCARE Glow Giving Collection £57

Invigorating enzymes, rich super-fruits and revitalising electrolytes combine in this gift to quench your skin. Featuring cleanser, serum, moisturiser and a detox mask. A must have for sun drenched skin.

Sleep Tight

Anatomé The Mini Gift of Sleep with Silk Sleep Mask £55

Give the gift of restorative sleep this Christmas. From the London based apothecary brand renowned for their products on holistic health and wellness.

Sorel Manawan II Slippers £80

Ah, the infamous gift of a slipper at Christmas. It may be considered an overkill, but finding a sturdy, practical and warm slipper these days can be an absolute nightmare. These suede boot style slippers can reinvent the Christmas slipper legacy.

Boux Avenue Luxe Satin Piped Belted Revere Top £32.00 and Luxe Satin Piped Pants £34.00 in Oyster

Everyone needs a pair of special pyjamas for Christmas day, even those that will be waking up in 30 degree heat. Or if they, like me, are travelling on Christmas day, then worthy of a walk down the plane aisle.

by Lily Rimmer

The post Last-Minute Christmas Gifts for a Warm Escape first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

_Lobby

Base yourself at the flawlessly chic University Arms Hotel. First opened in 1834, this was originally a coaching inn and today is the oldest hotel in the city. Rooms are beautifully appointed, the staff are warm and the breakfast buffet is to die for. The hotel also offers a small spa with a select menu of luxury treatments. 

_Suite

Friday evening: Start with a sunset chauffeured Champagne punt on the River Cam with Rutherfords Punting to learn all about the history of the university and enjoy views of the grounds that can only be seen by boat. Then, have dinner at Mercado Central where Spanish chefs celebrate their Galician and Basque heritage with inspired seasonal dishes.

_{River Cam Photo credit Rutherford’s. Photo credit Rutherford’s}

_{River Cam and King’s Chapel. Photo credit Rutherford’s}

Saturday: After breakfast, head to the botanical gardens to enjoy hours of exercise and education as you take one of the hotel’s fascinating self-guided tours. For lunch, head to Sticks’n’Sushi for a mouth-watering array of seafood, grilled meats and cocktails – we especially enjoyed the unusual and delicious pairing of steak tartare with Chinese caviar.

Then, head to the Cambridge Gin Lab for a masterclass in gin-making and create your own botanical blend. For dinner, go to the iconic Cambridge Chop House for world-class steaks with a view of the stunning King’s College. 

Sunday: After breakfast, take in a relaxing treatment at the hotel spa before heading out for some retail therapy. (Love-cambridge.com is a wonderful resource for discovering events and finding hidden gems and local producers.) For lunch, head to Novi, a chic bar and kitchen serving bottomless brunches, botanical cocktails and British small plates with an international flair. 

by Nicola Kavanagh

_{A double room at University Arms starts from £204 on a B&B basis} 

_{universityarms.com}

_{visitcambridge.org}

The post Glass experiences a perfect weekend at University Arms Hotel, Cambridge 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.