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New Year’s Eve – BBB’s hot tips!

Every year, New Year’s Eve (or Old Year’s Night, in some parts of the world) is a cause for celebration. It’s a time we cheer out the year just gone and ring in the new one ahead. We look back at the best moments of the previous 12 months and make resolutions for the year ahead. Usually we spend time with family or friends, sometimes it’s at a big party or other times it’s a special meal. Whatever the plan is, one thing’s for certain – this night is like no other and we have narrowed down the hot list of the 14 best things to do or see around London this NYE…

The London Fireworks

Every year, one of the most popular (and most well known) things to do in London on NYE is to watch the magnificent London Fireworks display. Every year, the city puts on one of the most spectacular fireworks events in the world, boasting over 12,000 fireworks that shower the sky across the Thames and bring the capital to life. This year too, although it’s currently silenced for renovation works, world-famous and much beloved monument Big Ben will sound the bells at midnight! Chart toppers Madness will perform their greatest hits and numerous food and drink vendors, part paraphernalia and more will make the occasion complete. Those lucky enough to have tickets can enjoy all of this up close, but millions more will still be able to enjoy the display from further down the river and high buildings across London.

Dance (quietly) at the NYE Silent Disco

If dancing the night away is your type of celebration, head along to London’s Grade II listed Banking Hall for an epic silent disco and boogie to everything from Kylie to Kanye. Burgers, hot dogs and multiple bars will complete what is set to be a party to remember.

Float away over dinner

If elegant dining with a twist is more your thing, head along to the where just 30 lucky diners can sail into the new year aboard this floating restaurant. The cruise will travel from Regent’s Canal to Camden Town and the seafood menu includes everything from lobster croquettes and oysters to fish pie and scallops, all matched with wines for a decadent dinner to remember.

Go wild at the Natural History Museum

If you’re looking for something truly unique, head over to the Natural History Museum for their magical NYE Silent Disco (with a difference….) This is your chance to dance under the largest creature to have ever lived, the skeleton of Hope the blue whale! Not only that but guests can pick up a complimentary drink before enjoying the Musical Bingo, trying some edible insects, making animal masks, roaming free around the galleries and dancing the night way to the sounds of the Massaoke band and DJs.

Dreams of Marrakech

If you want to eat but prefer to stay on dry lands, we recommend a visit to Berber & Q. Inspired by the hustle and bustle and colourful Medina of Marrakech, this New Year’s Eve feast offers a 5-course Moroccan-infused menu, specially created by chef and co-founder Josh Katz. Enjoy mouth-watering food whilst listening to special guest DJ’s – book in now!

Skylight skating in Wapping

Take your skating to another level at the rooftop ice rink at Skylight! For those who want to experience winter at its finest but without the huge crowds of Winter Wonderland or the Fireworks, Skylight is perfect. Alongside the ice rink are a cluster of cosy igloos and stalls serving an array of tasty treats, including mulled wine, raclette and roasted chestnuts, as well as DJ’s to keep the good vibes flowing. Booking is essential.

Shake the night away with some Bombay Vintage Glam

In case we didn’t love Dishoom enough already, they are throwing the ultimate New Year’s Eve party, full of Bombay spice and glamour. Across all their restaurants, they will be serving a very special celebration menu and have curated a special NYE playlist to soundtrack the night. The Kensington restaurant also has a live jazz band! On top of all this, the famous Dishoom dice will be out, giving guests the chance to win their booze for free.

Go Beatnik!

Red Rooster in Shoreditch, the cult chicken restaurant from Marcus Samuelsson at the Curtain Hotel, will transform for one night only into ‘Beat Easy,’ a speakeasy inspired by the Beatniks and 1950’s NYC. A 3-course dinner is served with plenty of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut NV and followed by dancing into the wee hours to both live music and DJ’s.

Skating with Sink The Pink

For revellers looking for something a little more colourful, check out the skating party at the Somerset House ice rink, hosted by LGBTQ+ collective Sink The Pink. Be prepared for voguing, drag kings and queens, spectacular firework views and more glitter than you can shake a stick at!

New Year’s Eve Spectacular at the Southbank

One of London’s cultural hotspots, the Southbank, is transforming into a clubbing wonderland. Inside the Royal Festival Hall there will be, for one night one, 6 pop-up night-clubs, each with music from a different decade, taking guests back in time before going forward into the new year. Not only that, live orchestras, DJs, dance classes and photo studios will also be dotted around the venue, giving visitors a myriad of experiences to explore and enjoy. The venue’s impressive terraces will also be open for the end-of-year countdown, so party-goers can watch London’s skies sparkle as the fireworks display gets underway.

Swing into 2019 Blitz style

Infamous 1940’s event The Blitz Party are taking over Village Underground for a night of 1940’s themed dancing, drinking and style. Live bands, DJ’s and cocktails ensure this will be a night to remember! Your swing moves aren’t up to scratch? Don’t panic, there’s even a dance lesson before the action starts, to get you brushed up and ready!

The Carnival of Light

Limehouse is not somewhere you’d normally expect to find dragons…. But this NYE, the Troxy will transform into The Carnival of Light! Dance your socks off to house, garage and techno beats whilst revelling amidst the luminsescent lanterns, puppets, balloons and indeed dragons, plus enjoy lasers, confetti, live performances from dancers and acrobats, psychedelic body paints and lots more! Not for the faint hearted, this will be one heck of a party!

 

Chill out at Below Zero

Legendary ice bar Below Zero are hosting a Fire & Ice party that is sure to be one to remember. Hosted by the stunningly glamorous Ophelie Frenchkiss, guests will encounter tarot card readers, magicians, caricaturists and fire-eaters, alongside casino tables and endless ice shots. Dining and party only tickets are available.

Last but certainly not least… the B&H New Year’s Eve House Party…

One of our favourite companies in London, Bourne & Hollingsworth are having a party! The B&H Buildings, their beautiful London townhouse in Clerkenwell, is the setting, and the theme is definitely sophistication. Exquisite cocktails, dancing and banqueting make this an ideal choice for those wanting an intimate and luxurious evening more akin to a decadent country house party than a London club. Guests are encouraged to dress to the nines and will be welcomed by a string trio for an elegant reception with drinks and canapés. Then you’ll move through to the Garden Room and Greenhouse for a sumptuous banquet, courtesy of head chef Anthony Horn, followed by dancing. For anyone who missed out on a table reservation, or for anyone on a tighter budget, guests can also book into the bar for more informal cocktails, canapés and dancing only. Tickets cost between £45 and £1300 (for groups)… so book in quickly to avoid disappointment!

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Fam Trip – Chewton Glen

On Sunday 25th November, Ben and Anna from the BBB team were invited to bring 5 PAs to a very exclusive overnight stay at Chewton Glen. Here is what happened…

We were invited to arrive late morning on Sunday, in time for lunch, so after checking in and dropping off bags in our rooms, we met at the Pool Bar, part of the Spa complex that overlooks the swimming pool. Lunch was light and delicious, a healthy style buffet in keeping with the wellness theme of the Spa area, and in the afternoon we were encouraged to explore the hotel as we wished. A couple of the us headed off to enjoy the hydrotherapy spa pool, aromatherapy sauna, crystal steam room and other treatments available. Guests can book in for the full range of treatments you’d expect from a five star establishment, including massages, Kundalini and various scrubs, as well as nails, waxing, reiki and an array of specialist men’s therapies. The whole complex is beautiful and definitely worth scheduling into any visit to the hotel!

Others from the group took a more active approach and walked about the grounds, discovering the tennis courts, gym, dance studio and checking out the golf course, ending up at the stunning beach, which is a short distance away.

We then retreated for some quiet time in our rooms. We were housed together in the stunning Croquet Rooms, each with doors leading onto a private terrace and all situated around the beautiful gardens. These rooms are elegant, peaceful and romantic, each with a view of parkland and a king size bed. All room categories have luxurious bathrooms, bluetooth audio and seating areas but vary in size and decor depending on category and location within the property. Some of the larger suites have several rooms, extra beds, water features and private gardens – each is different and can suit a variety of traveller, from singles to families.

At 5.30pm, the group gathered at the Marryat Suite for champagne. At 83m2, this is the largest suite and was the bedroom and living room of the original 18th Century Manor House, now reconfigured to luxury accommodation. This suite has a private terrace with outdoor hot tub, sweeping views of the grounds, a king size bed (2 extras possible for children), very comfortable seating area and state of the art Sonos audio through the lounge and bedroom. The suite and terrace are also often used to host drinks receptions and private dinner parties and it’s easy to see why, with the beautiful views and stunning decor!

Next we were picked up by Chewton buggies and taken across the grounds to the Kitchen Cookery School, where we were told about the classes on offer and saw the facilities first hand. Sadly there wasnt time to cook, but we enjoyed some gin cocktails and sumptuous canapés before heading off again! The buggies then whisked us away to the Tree Houses, where we had more champagne and canapes! Needless to say, this was wonderful.

Dinner itself was served to us in the Wine Room, the private dining area of The Dining Room restaurant. We were treated to an excellent set menu especially for us, all of which was totally exquisite. Fittingly to the room, each course was accompanied by a delicious wine. We really were treated like royalty and the atmosphere of the room itself was intimate, calm and spacious. The room would be perfect for business lunches and dinners, family reunions or any special occasion.

There are plenty of spaces to entertain or conduct business though, aside from the Wine Room. The Lake Suite, The Ward Room, The Library, The Club Room and the Mission Room all offer different degrees of space, formality and decor across the property. Weddings and large parties are also well covered. The Kitchen Cookery School is also a brilliant alternative to a corporate day out and can be hired exclusively for up to 24 people, either half day or full day, with menu and class options to suit. There’s also the option to just watch a demonstration with cocktails and canapes, if more appropriate. The most decadent event offering at the Kitchen is the private dinner for 12 – the group gathers, watches the chef prepare dinner exclusively for you, then you can sit back and enjoy it with an extensive selection of wines and fizz!

After dinner, to round off what had already been an incredible and indulgent night, we headed to the main bar of the Hotel for yet more cocktails and a lovely relaxing time! After all the wonderful hospitality from team, the comfortable beds and soft linen were more than welcome. We all slept beautifully – the peace of the countryside was a very welcome treat for the Londoners amongst us! Breakfast was what you’d imagine – a sumptuous buffet fit for royalty (worth noting, breakfast meetings can also be catered for). I know we were all quite sad to leave! The stunning property really does live up to its reputation – every detail is thought of and staff really do make every effort to ensure each and every guest has the best possible experience. The beauty of the grounds and the proximity to the beach add to the feeling of escape. The reputation of the hotel, combined with the excellent facilities and many adaptable work spaces really make this a great option for all business or event needs, as well as a romantic weekend away. Please contact Anna at BBB to book or for further information.
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Wellness and Spa Getaways from BBB

We all come into a new year full of hope and good intentions, but how long do these last? Well BBB is here to help you stay on track with your wellness regime and provide some beautiful travel inspiration along with it! Below are a selection of the partners we’re proud to work with, who offer something special in terms of health and wellness. So have a browse, and why not get in touch for more information and prices? Just contact Anna to discuss any questions or individual requirements you might have. Anantara Al Jabal al Akhdar, Oman At 2,000 metres above sea level, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar offers wellness retreats that invite you to detoxify in pure mountain air with high altitude health benefits. Reach new peaks of fitness hiking and biking along breathtaking mountain trails. Surrender stress to ancient holistic therapies at Anantara Spa, Oman’s highest spa retreat – these include group or private yoga sessions, hammam rituals, Himalayan salt stone massages and more. Unwind in the evening to a blissful Slumber Guru ritual in the comfort of your villa and nourish your body with carefully prepared cuisine and fresh juices from the Balance Wellness menu, for vitality that shines from the inside out. The property itself is just 2 hours’ drive from Muscat, located on the fabled Green Mountain with dramatic canyon views as one of the world’s highest resorts. As well as yoga and relaxation, guests can also hike, climb, cycle and stargaze from the incredible viewing platform. This resort offers something truly special in one of the world’s most breathtaking settings.

Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia Song Saa Private Island is a haven of sustainable luxury nestled in the undiscovered beauty of Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago, with unique cuisine, stunning sunset views of the Gulf of Thailand and an array of spa and wellness treatments offering the ultimate indulgence for mind and body. Harmony, sustainability and barefoot luxury are the core principles that underpin the design of Song Saa. Experience yoga, meditation, fitness classes, hiking, paddle boarding, windsurfing and more on this paradise island. Just a 1-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh or 45 mins by speedboat from Sihanoukville’s port, the island is easily accessible whilst feeling like a world away. For those seeking the ultimate luxury, private helicopter transfer is also available. Accommodation is a range of 1 and 2-bedroom Jungle, Overwater and Ocean View Villas. Nature lovers will delight in thedeserted oases of virgin rainforests, tropical reefs and glistening white beaches, as well as Cambodia’s first Marine Reserve. Guests can also connect to culture and community by visiting the Monk Blessing Island and Sala Song Saa village and taking part in environmental experiences, such as tree-planting and island clean-up.   COMO Point Yamu, Phuket, Thailand COMO Point Yamu is a resort located at the tip of Cape Yamu, a peninsula on the coast of Phuket on the lesser known side of the island. The property overlooks the stunning Andaman Sea and the dramatic limestones of Phang Nga Bay. Accommodation is contemporary yet indigenous, a variety of rooms and suites, some with pools. Guests can head to the Shambhala wellness retreat and enjoy holistic treatments to improve mental quietude, physical wellbeing and mind-body balance. Traditional local therapies include Thai massage, with an extensive range of other Asian-inspired treatments. They have also crafted a daily schedule of activities to complement the wellness experience, including yoga and Pilates alongside a range of other wellness pursuits. Activities and excursions include private boat trips from Marina Pier to the stunning nearby beaches and islands. Cultural activities such as Thai cooking classes and island tours of Phuket and its old town are also available to Point Yamu guests. Mandarin Oriental, London The new Spa at Mandarin Oriental, London offers the latest wellness and beauty facilities and exclusive partnerships with some of the most sought-after health and wellness experts in the world, providing the perfect ‘New Year, New You’ plan. Guests can discover the powerful and effective Nescens treatments created by Professor Jacques Proust, a pioneer in the realm of biology cellular ageing and preventative medicine. Nescens draws on scientific and medical expertise from the Centre for the Prevention of Ageing at the Clinique de Genolier (Switzerland), and offers the very best solutions for a variety of modern day ailments. These include tools to manage stress, improve body shape, slow down the effects of time and regain a deep-seated sense of wellbeing, with the ultimate aim being to live better, for as long as possible. Anantara Kihavah, Madives Surrounded by nothing but turquoise lagoon that melts into sapphire blue, the island of Kihavah and its pure white sands rise up out of the ocean like a mirage. For centuries, Arab traders en route to the Far East took shelter on the island, a lush paradise blessed by coconut, papaya and mango trees. Navigating archipelago to archipelago by the stars, the seafarers were also drawn by the riches of the ocean surrounding the island – where a prehistoric volcano sank back into the depths, leaving blooming corals and a wealth of lagoon fish. Wishing to keep the pristine nature of the island intact, not one tree has been moved – as evidenced by the villas growing up around them. The design pays homage to the seafarers of old, fusing Indian Ocean, Arab and Portuguese motifs with indigenous materials. Located on the Baa Atoll in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas invites you to imagine your own paradise. Snorkel with mantas and Hawksbill sea turtles. Stargaze into the night. Dine on a deserted sandbank or beneath the ocean’s surface at this luxury resort in the Maldives. Embrace health and wellness at Anantara Kihavah with their resident expert Sharath Ram. After many years training and learning the traditions and technicalities of healing and well, Sharath’s extensive knowledge has been tailored into a fabulous Ayurvedic programme adapted to suit each individual guest. Sharath is a big believer in the power of medicated oils to relax and re-energise and his signature Abhyanga massage releases daily toxins and restores the flow of vital energy, or prana, while a deeply relaxing Shirodhara treatment with a warm flow of aromatic oil above the third eye restores psychosomatic balance. Monkey Island, Bray, Berkshire Moored on the banks of the fish-tail shaped Monkey Island in Bray, a refuge of Georgian elegance, forest and seclusion in the middle of the River Thames, this luxury spa near London is the first of its kind. The Floating Spa offers 3 treatment cabins on board a specially designed Dutch barge. Taking inspiration from its riverine surrounds, past inhabitants in the form of royalty, liturgy and literary stars, as well as elegant architecture, it is both a celebration of the power of water and the finest of boating retreats. In a nod to the Monks who resided on the island in the 12th Century, the signature treatment is The Monks Elixir which starts with a tasting of ancient herbal tonics, a message and herbal packs to relieve stiff joints. Both the hotel and spa open 14 February 2019, why not be one of the first to experience the magic of this wonderful new place? For all enquiries and for further information on any of these properties, or anything else travel-related, please contact Anna.
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