Category: EUROPE

Europe’s most liveable city might not be what you think

Copenhagen

Monocle has announced their annual ranking of the top 25 most liveable cities in the world, with some really interesting results.  Copenhagen takes the top spot on the list, closely followed by Zürich, Lisbon, Helsinki and Stockholm.  With 3DaysOfDesign in Copenhagen kicking off this week, the news will be welcome to the local design scene and all those visiting! For something new to the line-up, too, Milan has entered the list for the very first time – a surprising fact for many who are familiar with the city from its fleeting fashion and design fairs. But now, an ambitious programme of public infrastructure development ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics has changed it for the better. Why Copenhagen? At a time when many people have been questioning the appeal of city life in a post-pandemic world, Monocle’s survey stands as a reminder of what makes urban living so rewarding in the first place. Compiled by the magazine’s international editors and contributors, the ranking is based on a multitude of factors encompassing objective data such as crime rates, ambulance response times, employment figures, and income inequality, as well as direct-lived experience from Monocle’s global team of correspondents on the ground, and plans for forthcoming infrastructure improvements. No stranger to Monocle’s best city lists, having featured in the top 25 in several of the last 15 years, become a recent fixture of the top 5, and bagged the top spot last year, Copenhagen continues to lead the way in liveability. The Danish capital consistently scores highly across the board, but is never complacent, always looking… Read More

Our hotel and restaurant pick in Paris for the weekend away from London

Paris skyline

France has definitely relaxed its rules about travel and travellers from the UK, so if you’re in London, the Eurostar’s begging you to book a tickets and head to the French capital. And with hotel options a plenty – this one in particular – and restaurants to-boot, why wouldn’t you? GENERATOR PARIS For those looking to immerse themselves in the French capital without breaking the bank, Generator, one of Europe’s fastest growing design-led hostels, has the perfect offering. Handily situated a 15 minute walk from Gare du Nord station in the 10th Arrondissement , Generator Paris is a stone’s throw from Canal Saint-Martin and Buttes-Chaumont Park, surrounded by boutique shops and pastoral cafés. Boasting views of the Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre, guests can sip cocktails at the property’s 9th floor heated Khayma Rooftop, open until 10PM Monday through Saturday. Those staying the full weekend can enjoy Sunday brunch on the rooftop too. With shared room rates starting from £22, and private rooms starting from £66, staying at Generator is accessible to all. SILENCIO DES PRES View this post on Instagram A post shared by SILENCIO DES PRÉS (@silenciodespres) Just a short metro-ride from Generator, iconic Parisian brand Silencio’s most recent opening, Silencio des Pres offers a chic, sought after dining  experience. The restaurant’s dishes have been curated under the progressive thinking of classically trained radical, Guillaume Sanchez, featuring a permanent menu with ingredients that change based on the stock of Silencio des Prés ten small-scale produce providers. Popular plates include Mature Beef Tartare, Kintoa Pork Sausages and Croque Monsieur. To… Read More

A summer German holiday at Schwan Locke in Munich

Schwan Locke hotel

You normally think of Berlin when Germany comes to mind. But that’s just one city in a long string of many, many ancient and beautiful cities that make up the now unified German country. Ever considered Munich? Well, as it turns out, you should because a pioneering lifestyle aparthotel has recently opened, the Schwan Locke aparthotel. Very near the Theresienwiese, the site of Oktoberfest, Schwan Locke features 151 spacious, design-led studio apartments, as well as a complimentary co-working space, gym, coffee shop, retail space, leafy courtyard and craft cocktail bar. The spaces of Schwan Locke are designed to be lived and existed in, rather than just visited and used. Their philosophy is that it makes each location attractive to a wide range of travellers from the leisure and business markets – for both long-, mid- and short-term stays. Schwan Locke is home to a unique art collection, which draws inspiration from the pioneering women involved in the Werkbund movement – from photographer and sculptor Marianne Brandt to Lilly Reich who was on the board of directors. The collection also champions local talent, featuring vibrant artwork from designer and illustrator Veronika Grenzebach, graffiti artist Armin Kiss-Istok, and illustrator Tomomi Maezawa. For more and to see what’s in store for any visit, head to the Schwan Locke website.

The Greek holiday you need: Santorini Wellness Oasis at Mystique

Mystique Hotel Santorini beach Greece

After the last almost two years we’ve had, you can’t be blamed for need a bit (read: a LOT) of downtime. So, why not get some? Thanks to the fact UK residents can now travel to a few prime locations around Europe, now’s the time to seize the opportunity to visit that long-awaited destination of Santorini. One of the island’s leading hospitality venues, Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, perched on the Caldera cliffs of Oia in Santorini, has partnered with OPO wellness and technology studio to create an immersive meditation program for their guests and the community to experience. Each meditation program will allow you to connect with the captivating surroundings. This includes ‘Today’ meditations which are split between 4 sessions; Morning Rise, Daytime Chill, Evening Reflections and Night Sky, and the ‘Learn To Meditate’ programme, which is designed for those who are familiar with the benefits of meditation, but have not yet experienced them. During their stay, you’ll also have the opportunity to take a tranquil stroll through the cobbled streets to capture the beautiful sunrise on the island. Here’s a break down: Today’ sessions include: Morning Rise: a guided meditation infused with 3D sounds that actively promotes greater brain activity and a release of serotonin that can be maintained throughout the rest of the day as the guest wakes up. Daytime Chill: helpsmaintain a chilled vibe by listening to further calming sounds, tones and words during the day to keep in one’s best, most relaxed state. Evening Reflections: this meditation allows decompression by reflecting on the day with appreciation. Deeper 3D… Read More

A new way to discover Barcelona: EDITION, TokyoBike and B-Guided show you how

Barcelona bike

For the times you just want someone to have done the hard work for you, Barcelona is obviously where you need to go. EDITION hotel in Barcelona, on the edge of El Born District, in the heart of the city, beside the Barcelona Cathedral and right next to the Santa Caterina Market, is not only centrally located, but central to a good time, too. They’ve teamed up with TokyoBike, to offer custom-built EDITION bikes to guests, with a curated series of Barcelona maps, created in collaboration with cult Catalonian city guide, B-guided. Say ‘hello’ to an easy holiday of exploration. For the bike rider hidden in us all, the deal is available when you book the tokyobike x The Barcelona EDITION stay package and covers pretty much all the good parts of the city you’d want to see. Think: Barceloneta – a very traditional location next to the beach. El Born – the city’s most modern and creative area. Montjuïc – Burtsting with culture, the area is home to museums, monuments and historical sites. El Raval – located in the very heart of Barcelona, it is a hub where contemporary arts meets cool Catalunian culture. For more, see the EDITION Barcelona website.

You can now do the Greek Islands with one Eurail ticket for ferries

Greek Island

Greece is a beautful country, there’s no denying, but when it comes to seeing it all, it’s kind of a pain. Why? There are too many islands in the archipelago and there isn’t an easy way to hop from one to the other. Until now. Eurail – Europe and the UK’s biggest train network provider and access point – is doing its darndest to bring the Greek Islands closer to the world, targeting honeymooners and travellers to encourage them to see more. With a Eurail pass, travellers can access ferries to get from Crete to Santorini, Mykonos and lesser known islands including Syros, Patmos, Leros and Kalymnos. The endearing Syros merges traditional and modern Greece, whereas Patmos, Leros and Kalymnos offer an untouched nature, crystal beaches and a relaxing atmosphere, all in which are reached by ferry using the Eurail Passes. Basically, if you wanted to do summer on the Greek islands the right way, this is it. See more at the Eurail website.