Located on Paphos’s beach front area, Almyra is Anassa’s cool sister with a more contemporary look and feel.

Almyra has an excellent location from which to explore Paphos and the neighbouring boutiques, restaurants and buildings of historic importance such as the castle and the house of Dionysos with its Roman mosaics.

Almyra’s 189 rooms have an understated, Mediterranean feel with light colours and contemporary furnishings. Our Kyma suite was light, airy and modern in style, opening on to a private terrace with sun loungers and direct sea views with an additional roof terrace that was ideal for sunset drinks.

While not usually keen on a buffet, Almyra’s main restaurant, Mosaics, offered a nightly assortment of Mediterranean and international flavours (depending on the specific day) that highlighted local ingredients in a chic setting and thankfully stayed clear from the all-you-can-eat style that I initially feared.

Continuing with the overall feel of the hotel, Almyra’s spa is contemporary in style without compromising on luxury or quality, with a number of treatment rooms, an outside deck for yoga, and a separate adults-only pool that looked serene.

The Almyra’s neighbour is its sister hotel, Annabelle, which is more traditional in style but with a similar theme and high service levels. Guests at either hotel can enjoy full use of all the amenities and facilities at both, and guests are sometimes known to move between the two until a favourite is found.

The UK is by far Cyprus’s biggest market and it’s easy to see why. With winters that seem to linger into spring and beyond, the knowledge that spring and autumn can bring glorious sunshine with a short plane journey is enough to get you through.

If you would like Bon Vivant’s travel concierge team to book your next holiday to Cyprus, contact us now to enquire about our Luxury travel services.

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easyJet flies to Paphos from London Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol. Flight prices start from £33.99 per person (one-way, including taxes based on two people on the same booking). Visit www.easyJet.com or call 0843 104 5000.

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Undoubtedly the grande dame of the island, Anassa has a majestic position on the shore of Asprokremnos Beach, one of Cyprus’s most beautiful beaches.

The property was designed to resemble an ancient Byzantine village: white washed building with clay roof tiles and pretty duck egg blue doors and shutters are scattered around a stunning landscape with mesmerising views of the coastline.

A traditional Cypriot church and a central square where, in peak season, a weekly Cyprus fair is held with traditional music, food and dancing, add to Anassa’s connection to the country’s history and offer a taste of its culture for visitors more inclined to relaxing around Anassa’s three outdoor pools.

For those who prefer to immerse in the local traditions and landscape, Anassa offers daily activities such as a jeep safari to the surrounding Akamas peninsula, a visit to a Byzantine monastery or a boat trip to view the regal sunset.

Anassa features a total of 176 rooms, all of which have a balcony or terrace, many with private pools or Jacuzzis. Our junior suite was located on the quiet side of Anassa’s village, where you found yourself stopping to smell the plants and flowers of the manicured gardens.

A spacious room with a large bathroom, sitting area and walk-in wardrobe, the highlight was sitting on the terrace with an aperitif watching the sun set behind the mountains while trying to hide the occasional longing glance at the private pool of the suite below.

Anassa’s three restaurants mean that you could spend a week here without getting bored of the food, but we found ourselves at Basiliko on each night of our visit – the hotel’s gourmet restaurant focuses on Asian flavours set in a stone cavern that feels hidden away from the rest of the hotel.

The Thalassa Spa focuses on all things organic and holistic whilst also offering the QMS Medicosmetics range of treatments and products. My holistic jasmine and olive treatment including an invigorating full body scrub followed by a massage that both hydrated and healed.

Translating to Queen in English, long may Anassa reign over Cyprus.

If you would like Bon Vivant’s travel concierge team to book your next trip to Cyprus, contact us now to enquire about our Luxury travel services.

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The Arch Hotel

The Arch Hotel, sitting just north of Marble Arch, has the advantage of both Marylebone and Oxford Street. As you enter this beautiful townhouse you sense the upbeat and colourful nature of the hotel.

There is contemporary art scattered across walls with bold use of colour, texture and patterns throughout. The restaurant is relaxed and the gorgeous Martini Library (pictured above) makes a lovely venue for a party.

The Zetter Townhouse

Located on a lovely square in the centre of Clerkenwell, the Zetter Townhouse is a gem of a hotel. It is difficult to fault the cocktail lounge, the quirky bedrooms or the wonderfully comforting food served by Bruno Loubet.

The overall feel is modern with a stylish eccentricity.  The cocktail bar is particularly special with its unique set of drinks, impeccable service and great atmosphere. The Zetter Townhouse is one of the best boutique hotels in London.

Covent Garden Hotel

The Covent Garden Hotel is a starry eyed affair of effortless glamour and classic British style. The rooms show all the hallmarks of Kit Kemp’s distinctive style and the result is homely yet stylish.

The hotel is perfectly placed for theatregoers and shoppers on one of Covent Garden’s most quaint streets.

Blakes Hotel

Blakes hotel is a sultry affair that brings a certain sexiness to its upmarket corner of London. You will discover rooms that are exotically Oriental, monochrome, delicately balanced neutrals or decadently dripping in velvet.

The restaurant serves a combination of East and West in a seductive setting that will certainly please the palate and senses.

Dukes Hotel

Dukes Hotel is one of those unique hotels combining English charm, exacting standards and discreet luxury. The beautiful front leads into a space that feels more like an elegantly appointed home than a hotel. The design is fabulously understated with a focus on comfort and elegance.

Dukes Bar offers arguably the world’s best Martini and this is certainly a bar that is something of an occasion.

St James’s Hotel & Club

The St James’s Hotel is discreetly hidden down a quiet street near the exclusive shops of Jermyn Street.  Once discovered you will enter into a world of luxury, style and Michelin starred cuisine from William Drabble.

The overall feel of the hotel is modern, stylish and very chic. The St James’s Hotel and Club is one of the best boutique hotels in London.

The Rookery

The Rookery is a small boutique hotel in the fashionable area of Clerkenwell. Inside you’ll discover a world of period charm, polished wood panelling and genuine antique furniture. The effect is that you feel more like you’re entering into a private club than a hotel. The rooms are delightfully traditional with four-poster beds, bookcases and rugs.

45 Park Lane

This hotel is superbly placed opposite London’s Hyde Park. If this isn’t a big enough draw, then the Damien Hirst artwork, Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant CUT, the stylish Bar 45 and rooms designed by Thierry Despont will be.

Dean Street Townhouse

Dean Street Townhouse is a boutique hotel and dining room from the Soho House Group, which is constantly buzzing with the Soho crowd who can frequently be found perched at the bar.

The Ampersand Hotel

The Ampersand Hotel opened in South Kensington in August 2012. The hotel features 111 bedrooms and suites decorated with splashes of contemporary art, inspired by the surrounding museums. Weekend brunch is a popular option at its restaurant, Apero.

The Best Boutique Hotels in London by Bon Vivant

At Bon Vivant we have excellent relationships with the best boutique hotels in London. If you are thinking of visiting London, contact us now to enquire about our London travel services to help plan your perfect trip.

Our full review of these hotels will follow, so sign up to our blog at the link below to be sure not to miss them!

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The festival will feature a mix of emerging talent, young stars and a few musical legends. Big named stars performing include Elvis Costello, Diana Krall and Jamie Cullum.

Other stars performing at the Gent Jazz festival include Bobby Womack and Bryan Ferry featuring The Bryan Ferry Orchestra who will headline a Special Night on Monday July 15th.

A full line up of the Gent Jazz Festival 2013 can be seen here, with new artists being confirmed as we get closer to the event.

On every day of the festival there will be jazz lunches at Lof, the restaurant of the Grand Hotel Reylof, featuring the best of the Belgian jazz scene who will perform intimate sets in groups on a daily basis.

With a programme of big international stars and a mix of new, emerging and local performers to discover, this looks like an excellent summer music festival. To purchase tickets to the Gent Jazz Festival, please click here.

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The stylish Spanish inspired bar, restaurant and late night dance venue (the bar is open until 3am on weekends) does not stray from what made its first Covent Garden location successful, and if anything, is a step up to fill a much needed gap in the WC1 postcode.

When we arrived at Salvador and Amanda on a Friday night, the place was buzzing with groups of friends and co-workers toasting to an accomplished work week. Pitchers of fresh sangria greet you at the door and are followed by an impressive cocktail list and authentic tapas menu.

As we were there for dinner, we were a little confused as to where we would be eating until we were led up the stairs to their slightly quieter but more intimate second level. It still has the warmth and buzz of downstairs accompanied by a long wooden bar and candle lit tables for diners.

The menu is a notch above the sharing platters downstairs and after taking a quick look, we leave our dining fate in the hands of our charming and confident waiter who suggests we allow him to pick our dishes.

What came next was what seemed like a never-ending flow of well executed and ridiculously delicious tapas dishes. Highlights included the Monkfish special of the day, the Croquetes Caseras de Jamon (ham croquettes) and the Salmon Curada paired with pomegranate and black olive vinaigrette, which was a surprisingly tasty combination.

However, the winner of the evening was the Chorizo Lollipops. They were as indulgent as they sound and had us wanting more the second they were finished. Overall we sampled around 9 dishes.

It was the perfect amount for two people and really allowed the kitchen to showcase their ability to execute Spanish classics as well as more modern and playful combinations.

The dessert menu was slightly safer in comparison but featured a nice selection of fresh ice creams and sorbets in rich caramel and fruit flavours among others. They were a perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Salvador and Amanda proved that it is not just an option for locals, visited out of necessity; it’s a great experience for anyone. No matter what you are in the mood for, forgo the regular Soho haunts and travel a bit East…you won’t be disappointed.

Read our review of Bloomsbury neighbour, Garufin, an Argentine restaurant, or Mayfair based tapas restaurant El Pirata.

Read our guide to London’s best restaurants.

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The Connaught, Mayfair

The Connaught, sitting neatly on the corner of Mount Street in Mayfair, combines its splendour with impeccable service and traditional English grandeur. The style of the hotel is a restrained glamour and elegance with fantastic restaurant and bar offerings.

Hélène Darroze at The Connaught has 2 Michelin stars, offering fine French haute cuisine, while its two bars, the glamorous Connaught Bar situated towards the back of the hotel with its art deco flare and the warm, homely Coburg Bar with its heavy fabrics and open fire, are both excellent places to enjoy a martini in London and features in our choice of the best bars in London.

Claridge’s, Mayfair

Claridge’s is perhaps best known for its popularity amongst royalty, dignitaries and the glitterati. It is also a shining example of the grace of art deco with its beautifully crafted interior and fin de siècle elegance.

Whether you are taking afternoon tea in The Foyer, dining in Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s or sipping on champagne in Claridge’s Bar, you will marvel at the flawless style and service.

The Corinthia Hotel, near Embankment

The Corinthia hotel is the ultimate destination for those looking for luxury, style and relaxation. You will find it located just off from Trafalgar Square and even at first glimpse it radiates glamour.

As you enter the hotel you will become aware of the striking chandelier crafted out of Baccarat crystal dangling above you, which sets the tone for one of the best luxury hotels in London.

The rooms are large and stylish, there are two very good restaurants, a lovely bar, The Bassoon Bar, where the bar stretches out from a piano, and possibly the best spa in London.

The ESPA, cascading three floors beneath the hotel, is as luxurious as you could imagine – it is encased in black Italian marble and offers an equally impressive range of treatments. The Corinthia is our pick for one of the best luxury hotels in London.

The Langham, Fitzrovia

The Langham is conveniently placed just off the fanfare of Oxford Street, where the style of the hotel is grand with stylish flourishes throughout.

The dining options are also notable, with Roux at the Landau and the beautiful yet creative afternoon tea in the Palm Court. There is also Artesian pictured above, a cocktail bar serving a fabulous selection of drinks.

The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner

This five star hotel on the edge of Hyde Park is a brilliant example of traditional elegance. Decorated throughout in a refined style that is reminiscent of a long forgotten era, the rooms are decorated with drapes, delicate flourishes and muted colours.

The restaurant, Apsley’s, is a stunning Venetian-style dining room complete with glass roof and plush upholstery, serving up light Italian food worthy of its Michelin star.

The Dorchester, Mayfair

The Dorchester exudes traditional glamour and a quintessential British elegance, and it is easy to see why it is so popular. The style is unmistakably thirties’ glamour with a modern twist.

The bedrooms delight with their mixture of delicate floral touches and traditional British grace. The Dorchester has three top quality restaurants including China Tang, The Grill at the Dorchester, and the 3 Michelin Starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester.

Four Seasons Park Lane

The Four Seasons Park Lane re-opened in 2011 after a full transformation. The rooftop spa has spectacular views of London, and the restaurant, Amaranto, offers Italian-inspired food with international flavours and a dark, sexy bar area.

The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel

The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel at St Pancras International Station is an architectural marvel, standing ceremoniously with a sweeping driveway set back from Euston Road in London’s King’s cross area.

The London hotel features 245 guest rooms split between two buildings – 207 rooms are located in a new annexe and 38 beautifully restored suites are found in the original building. The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel oozes history from every corner, which is its biggest asset.

The Bulgari Hotel, Knightsbridge

The newly opened Bulgari Hotel in the middle of Knightsbridge has a lavish and sumptuous feel with a decadent blend of marble and silver throughout. The Bulgari has one of London’s best luxury cinemas, seating forty-seven in pure luxury.

The Bulgari Spa is also worth a visit, most notably the beautiful swimming pool and eleven treatment rooms.

Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair

Brown’s Hotel is a traditional British Hotel in the heart of Mayfair, but holds a modern, stylish bar on the ground floor. The Donovan Bar is cool, stylish, intimate and a haven for fashionistas.

The walls are adorned with Terence Donovan’s iconic black and white prints, which adds a contemporary twist to the history of the surroundings. Brown’s Hotel also offers contemporary British dining in the form of Hix Mayfair from Mark Hix.

Mandarin Oriental London, Knightsbridge

The Mandarin Oriental has a prime address in Knightsbridge with views over Hyde Park and with Harrods and Harvey Nichols moments away. The hotel features restaurants from two superstar chefs, with Bar Boulud from the US’s Daniel Boulud and our own Heston Blumenthal.

Avoid the waitlists for his Fat Duck restaurant in Bray and try his special cooking techniques in the heart of London.

The Savoy, Covent Garden

The Savoy is an institution on London’s hotel scene and caused quite a scene when it re-emerged a couple of years ago with a new look. The American Bar is a huge draw for visitors, but walk to the rear of the hotel where you’ll fine the grand Beaufort Bar, which has live singers on certain nights.

Cafe Royal, Piccadilly

Café Royal opened its doors on 3rd December 2012, but its official full opening occurs in the summer of 2013, the culmination of a four-year transformation of a former London grand dame.

The stunning hotel retains the heritage of the original building with its imposing staircase and opulent design features.

There are currently 159 rooms and suites (including six historic suites), a restaurant under the direction of Andrew Turner, 2 bars (including the spectacular Grill Room), soon to be followed by a private members’ club (with its own more formal restaurant) and a holistic well-being centre.

The Best Luxury Hotels in London by Bon Vivant

At Bon Vivant we have excellent relationships with the best luxury hotels in London, with access to preferential rates and additional complimentary benefits. If you are thinking of visiting London, contact us now to enquire about our London travel services to help plan your perfect trip.

Our full review of these hotels will follow, so sign up to our blog at the link below to be sure not to miss them!

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I am a Chiswick girl (I can tell you all about local mums having no problems with pushing their prams over my feet and tutting whilst they do it); but I had never heard of Quantus restaurant before nor seen it during any of my many outings to neighbouring La Trompette.

Quantus is a smart, casual, affordable fine dining restaurant, offering a modern, eclectic menu with a South American influence, created by Argentinian Head Chef Juan Zuliani, in a relaxed, comfortable surrounding.

The restaurant feels special as soon as you walk in. There’s a small bar and the main dining room and one smaller area flows out from there, featuring quaint black and white photography on the walls, comfortable cushions and whimsical chandeliers.

The cosy restaurant can seat around 45, but part of the intimacy comes from the excellent service; the waiters are chic and upscale and it feels like the people who work here are enjoying themselves.

We opted for two simple appetisers with complex yet fresh tastes of home cured salmon, beetroot, cucumber, dill and wasabi mayonnaise; and gambas and scallops with sweet corn, cilantro, chilli and crispy sweet potatoes.

For mains, I chose the al-forno lime and coconut cod loin topped with chilli, ginger, cilantro and peanut gremolata and green beans and jasmine rice. Again, the tastes were very fresh and light and I would go back to have this dish any day.

My plus one picked the grilled beef fillet with homemade horseradish sauce, leeks and mixed beans. The fillet was salty, crispy on the outside, and tender, juicy, medium rare in the centre.

I should have trusted my better judgement and not chosen any desserts. Our banana and caramel pudding with vanilla ice cream and dulce de leche and the cremoso mascarpone with M&Ms, almond crumble and espresso syrup were a disappointment for me. But, if you like mousses and soufflés (which I don’t) you’ll enjoy them.

There’s something old school about the whole dining experience at Quantus. I’m often irritated when servers clear one person’s plate before others at the table have finished. Not Quantus. The GM Leo was incredibly attentive but not in an overbearing way and made us feel welcome from the moment we entered until we left.

Voted as one of the ‘Top 25 Most Romantic Restaurants in the UK’ by Top Table diners, Quantus is a restaurant that is elegant without trying too hard or being too self-conscious.

Concierge Tip: the best table in the house is table number 9 – ask for this one when booking. It is intimate enough but placed in a way that ensures that you can overlook the entire restaurant.

Monday to Thursday: 2 Courses £17.50; 3 Courses £21.00
Friday & Saturday: 2 Courses £23.50; 3 Courses £27.50

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In the meantime, read some of our best London content including our guide to the best afternoon tea, the best boutique clothes shops in London or where to sample the city’s best coffee.

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The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel at St Pancras International Station is an architectural marvel, standing ceremoniously with a sweeping driveway set back from Euston Road in London’s King’s cross area.

The most dramatic of entrances leads to a lobby of mammoth proportions but which manages to refrain from feeling too cavernous.

The London hotel features 245 guest rooms split between two buildings – 207 rooms are located in a new annexe and 38 beautifully restored suites are found in the original building.

The Chambers, as the suites are called, come with a private club with complimentary refreshments, a butler service and, above all, the opportunity to stay in the original Victorian masterpiece.

Our junior suite had a wonderfully high ceiling, giving the sense of a much bigger space than the room’s actual dimensions, with a stunning dramatic mirror as the centrepiece.

The room looked directly on to St Pancras station, which, while creating a sense of literary romance, also had the downside of waking up to the sound of the train announcer at an early hour. Not for the light sleeper, perhaps, but certainly for those who love to watch the world go by.

For those who need to venture to Europe on the Eurostar, guests staying in The Chambers can bypass the queues and head straight from the hotel to the platform, saving precious time.

What makes a hotel special for me is its ability to welcome both tourists and locals under one roof, and the public areas at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel achieve just that.

The Booking Office bar buzzes with the local after work crowd and The Gilbert Scott, Marcus Wareing’s British brasserie and wonderful cocktail bar, plays host to London’s fashionable and in-the-know set.

In the hotel’s basement you’ll find a lovely spa with a Moroccan-style pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and six treatment rooms.

The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel oozes history from every corner, which is its biggest asset.

Whether you want to walk the wide Victorian corridors, marvel at the Gothic architecture or pose on the staircase where the Spice Girls told us to ‘zig-a-zig-ah’, visit the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel to watch the world, both old and new, pass by.

If you would like Bon Vivant’s London concierge team to plan your next trip to London, please contact us now. Sign up to our blog to receive our hotel reviews direct to your inbox:

Read our guide to London’s hotels on The London Guide on our website.

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BaselWorld 2013 showed that luxury watch-makers have pushed the boundaries of horology both in terms of design and execution. Here are some of the watches that were unveiled at the event, with exclusive images from the event courtesy of The Watch Gallery.

TAG Heuer MikroPendulum Watch

Hublot Masterpiece MP-05 LaFerrari Watch

Rolex 36mm Day Date with Crocodile Strap

For more information about BaselWorld – view The Watch Gallery Magazine. Sign up to Bon Vivant’s luxury lifestyle blog below:

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In addition to the blog, we have launched a new section on our main website called The London Guide – your one source for the best hotels, restaurants, bars, spas, exclusive events and cultural highlights in one of the greatest cities on Earth – London.

Whether you want to know about the best London hotels (luxury or boutique), want to find a suitable London restaurant for the right occasion (brunch, afternoon, business lunch or private dining room, for example) or need inspiration for somewhere to go for a drink (cocktail bar, rooftop bar or champagne bar).

Bon Vivant’s London Guide hopes to be your one source to return to time and time again for inspiration on the best that London has to offer – it has our best content in one place, easily accessible and in an easy format to navigate.

We also have a section on London neighbourhood guides and a selection of holiday destination and travel guides including the Caribbean, Mallorca, Barcelona and the South of France.

Bon Vivant’s London Guide will tell you what you need to book, for whom, when and how. Click here to read The London Guide.

If you would like us to cover any content that we currently don’t have, please email us or leave a comment below – we would love to hear your thoughts. If you don’t already subscribe to our blog, enter your email address below:

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