Lifestyle and Adventure

Review of Down London’s rabbit hole – dear Alice review

Hidden behind a tiny book shop front is the private members club LIBRARY, above brand new speakeasy Dear Alice. The Sybarite visited this Alice in Wonderland themed rabbit hole for an enticing evening of cocktails and snacks; after all, it’s always tea time… Located deep underneath LIBRARY, just off Leicester Square, Dear Alice is deep, dark and mysterious. We are guided down two flights of stairs and cryptically told to ‘push, not pull’ when faced with walls lined with cupboards and wardrobes. Like the entrance to an evil villain’s lair, with just a push we are transported into a different room entirely, somewhere between Narnia and the Mad Hatter’s tea party.

The Top 10 Restaurants for Al Fresco Dining in London

From secret courtyards to a rosé terrace, we can’t think of a better excuse to go daytime drinking whilst lounging in the sun. Sybarite food and drinks writer Ina Yulo brings you all the top locations in the capital where you can enjoy your meal al fresco.

Review of Santorini modernity – Grace hotel, an Auberge Resorts...

Minimalist and modern, the staff are camouflaged in white; from the tiny reception area with a panoramic terrace, endless flights of steps lead down to rooms on different levels and to a lagoon-like infinity pool. There are 20 rooms and suites and one exclusive VIP villa. All, except Deluxe rooms, have plunge pools or whirlpool baths. Walls are powder white with beige and caramel sofas, and there are lots of elegant details; marble lamps, Cycladic statues, king-sized Coco-Mat beds, summer and winter bathrobes (summer ones are more like kimonos), docking stations, iPads, plenty of plug sockets (including UK), chocolates and local liqueur on arrival. The hotel is keen on souvenirs and include adorable touches to make your stay memorable; on arrival, guests have their photo taken with a Polaroid camera while a small wooden ‘memory box’ can be found in your room. The latter is full of trinkets, including a glass jar to collect the white, black or red sands of Santorini beaches, should you wish to visit (and you should).

Review of The Peninsula Paris’ exquisite LiLi Canto restaurant

Since the Peninsula’s HQ has always been and operated by Hong Kong, it is no surprise that its Parisian chain bring with it an authentic Canto experience in the form of food. Whether you’re a newcomer to the cuisine or crave delectable dim sum and barbecue meats, we would recommend going for their dinner set menu as it offers an excellent introduction to the restaurants signature dishes which those familiar to Canto food will be pleased with. There of course are some non-traditional dishes like the kimchi fried rice and the highly anticipated roasted Peking duck – a classic that one must order. Pair your dinner with a selection of their finest Chinese teas but most of all enjoy the dinner and admire the strong oriental interior design elements with red being the dominant colour throughout the restaurant. LiLi is also an ideal place to host a special occasion as the aesthetics are beautiful to say the least and the grandeur breath-taking.

Review of Hop to the theatre this Easter and enter the magical...

We often read about naughty Peter Rabbit before bed, so when I heard that ‘Where is Peter Rabbit?’ was coming to the Theatre Royal Haymarket I rushed to book tickets.   A theatre-lover at the age of just 4, my little one was enthralled from the start as the stage came alive with the recognisable characters from the books. From Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle to Mr. Tod, animals are expertly anthropomorphised through puppets by the cast whose control over the puppets, while adding individual quirks, draw out every part of the characters, entertaining adults and children alike. The short stories are presented one-by-one, with the audience able to enjoy the tales of Mr. Jeremy Fisher, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Mr.Tod, Jemima Puddle-Duck and of course Peter Rabbit come to life on stage. It brought tears to my eyes as I watched my son totally captivated by the magic that was happening on stage.  With Miriam Margolyes narrating the stories of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and Jemima Puddle-Duck, and Griff Rhys-Jones lending his voice to tales of Peter Rabbit and Jeremy Fisher, the musical adventure was provided with a friendly personality and plenty of dimension.

Featuring Venice and Liu Bolin: disappearing in Venice

It wasn’t the beautiful symmetry of the Doge Palace’s herringbone walls or the shadowy twin domes of the Basilica of Saint Mary. It was something more humble: the maxi advertising scaffolding wrap of Santa Maria della Pietà church’s façade. Why, oh why? Well, for multiple reasons. Every art, architecture and history lover knows that sinking feeling of seeing a beautiful landmark hidden away under a tarpaulin for what seems like interminable restoration. Sometimes, the building becomes like ghost, enveloped in a bland white plastic flapping endlessly in the wind or, worse still, daubed in some dreary ad for some new washing powder or super fast car. Not so for our Santa Maria ’s wrap I saw. The church, built between 1745 and 1760, sits on the atmospheric promenade along the waterfront few minutes from Saint Mark's Square, and since 2014 it is been undergoing a complex restoration intervention.

The Ultimate Guide to New Year’s Day Brunch in London

Spending New Year’s Day in London may not be as popular as the fireworks and champagne show from the eve before, but we can’t think of a better way to start 2023 than to keep the celebration going with a delicious, hearty—and yes, boozy—brunch. From bottomless cocktails to lobster benedict, we’ve found the best places in town for you to keep the party going and celebrate #BloodyMaryDay to the fullest.

Featuring Launch Party: The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort at...

Featuring Rediscover Dartmoor with Liberty Trails: Dartmoor Derby

The Sybarite sat down with Liberty Trails Consultant, Lucy Higginson to talk hunters, yurts and the UK’s answer to equestrian adventure, The Dartmoor Derby. Accompanied by the sound of hoof-beats and the distant whinny from a herd of wild ponies, nothing says adventure like the rolling countryside of Dartmoor, the setting for Liberty Trails annual derby. Founder Elaine Prior has curated a luxury experience with horse riding at its core. Inspired by the world’s longest and toughest endurance race, the Mongol Derby, this experience offers a more leisurely pace and the enduring appeal of chic African riding safaris. Despite being set within the wilds of the English countryside, the Dartmoor Derby is guaranteed to have you coming back for more.

Featuring 24 hours in Singapore

From its breathtaking skyline to infinite green spaces, glitzy shopping malls and seemingly endless array of world-class restaurants, Singapore packs a mighty punch. In fact, a mere 24 hours is just not enough time but following our carefully curated itinerary will ensure you get the most out of your whirlwind stay.

Review of Casa Angelina – a chic hideaway on the Amalfi Coast

We took the hotel’s taxi shuttle from the beautiful town of Positano, where the greatest draw is the exceptional view over both Positano and Capri, and the Li Galli islands. On first impression, Casa Angelina looks like a Bond villain’s lair, half hidden within the cliff-edge and decorated in a particularly minimal fashion; almost completely white except for a few vibrant murano sculptures dotted around. The interior is crisp and sharp – perhaps not an ideal location for families with children as there are no scuff marks in sight. Thrilling Bond films aside, this hotel offers guests relaxing seclusion. Within the serene hotel there is a small, albeit picturesque, swimming pool amongst the lemon trees and a stylish terrace, overlooking the azure of the Amalfi Coast. This boutique hotel offers two other options for swimmers; a heated hydrotherapy pool in the gym, and a private beach 200 steps down from the hotel, which is much more lively.

Featuring Capri – The Sybarite’s guide to the Emerald Isle

Glittering azure waves lap up to the harbour, filled with adorable Italian boats and vintage Riva’s, to the multi-coloured houses of the seaside town. As loud and busy as it is due to day-tripper tourists, honeymooning couples and the very well-travelled, nothing can quite compare to the moment you step off the hydro-foil from Naples to the shores of this fantastic emerald isle. If you’re staying at one of the luxurious five-star hotels on the island, which are highly recommended, you will be greeted by a representative, recognisable by the hotel name printed on their captain’s cap. After taking care of your luggage, they will show you to a shuttle or taxi, (not just any taxi, a vintage open-top limousine nonetheless) to take you to the Island’s main square, the Piazzetta Umberto. From there, you’re left to explore the tiny side streets filled with designer boutiques and al fresco restaurants in the sunshine, walking the pavements lined with vintage tiles.