Summer Travel Inspiration

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.

It’s that time of year again…. London Fashion Week AW19 is almost here! London is in the final preparations for over 250 designers to showcase their latest works to packs of influential media, bloggers, celebrities and retailers. As one of the ‘Big Four’ global fashion weeks, London is well known for spotlighting emerging talent, as well as the biggest names in the business. Events start unofficially on Thursday night this week and run until next Tuesday 19th February. Over 5000 people attend each season and orders placed during the event are said to exceed £100m! But behind all that strutting, watching, networking and champagne sipping, a huge amount of work and hustle goes on…. BBB present to you here our hot tips for the ones to watch each day, plus some of our Partners who make life easier for those attending (and those organising clients!) Thursday 14th February – Phoebe English: Inanimate, Animate. (Only) Half the Reflection. We have been fans of Phoebe for years and now it seems the world is catching up. Her cool, angular and uncompromising style has graced the red carpets and covers of various magazines on the likes of One Direction, Cilian Murphy and Alison Goldfrapp. We love the drama of her presentation and cant wait to see what this collection involves. Friday 15th February – Jamie Wei Huang Since her graduation from CSM in 2012, Jamie has become known for her bold self-expression through her style of use of materials. Strong silhouettes, block shapes and masculine details made her previous womenswear collections unique, with clever use of metalwork and leather details. Highly contemporary and now stocked around the world, we clearly arent the only fans of her work. AW19 is predicted to have a strong nod to 90’s accessories and we have a funny feeling this will suit JWH perfectly… Saturday 16th February – Molly Goddard Now a firm favourite amongst Instagrammers, influences and the fashion pack alike, Molly’s work needs little explanation. With a big emphasis on materials and the processes of dressmaking, Molly uses smocking, tulle and excess fabric in interesting and unique ways. She has always had a focus on wearability though, and perhaps that’s why people love her work so much, because they can wear it off the runway and feel special yes appropriate. Her presentation is also always exceptional – previous collections have seen her build stage sets in which to present the designs, and even have models dancing down the catwalk. After all, shouldn’t life be fun as well? Sunday 17th February – Roland Mouret Little explanation is needed about this fantastic designer. Known for being a contradiction and continuing this into his work, Roland Mouret never disappoints. With international acclaim, a host of celebrity admirers and press coverage galore, our passion for Roland Mouret is probably best summer up in words from the man himself: “I love the way fabric feels. I’m known for drape and structure but I succeed, I think, when the clothes feel comfortable to you ….and perhaps through the eyes of someone else, someone you love, so you will leave the fabric looser on yourself, like after sex. We all dress up to undress”. Monday 18th February – Supriya Lele We recently came across the work of new designer Supriya Lele, whose work is deeply rooted in the crossover between her Indian heritage and British cultural identity. Highly feminine but with a bold use of cut, colour and fabric, her surprising designs are modern, fresh and beautiful. We’re excited to see what the new collection brings… Tuesday 19th February – Shrimps Playful is a word that well describes Shrimps. The brainchild of young London designer Hannah Weiland, previous collections have focused on outerwear, however this season sees the inclusion of accessories and RTW pieces. Fun is definitely the name of the game for Shrimps and yet her styles are wearable too. Her clever usage of pattern and texture hint at her Surface Textile Design background, so with the season’s expectation to feature statement accessories and bold angles, it will be interesting to see how Shrimps adopts this and follows trend (or will she?) Need somewhere to stay? Coming on Eurostar? We love the Renaissance St Pancras Hotel. For guests staying in one of the awe-inspiring property’s Victorian Chamber Suites, concierge will be waiting to greet guests on the Eurostar platform, just outside of their train coach, and bring their luggage straight from the train into their suite. The only hotel with access through Eurostar’s terminal, St Pancras Renaissance’s new ‘Seat To Suite’ experience provides guests with a seamless transition from their carriage to lavish suite. The VIP experience ensures journeys to Europe are equally effortless, with guests offered exclusive fast track and last-minute check in through Eurostar, typically accessed only for Business Premiere travellers, allowing guests to check-in just 10 minutes before departure. With baggage being taken through security by concierge straight onto the train, guests can luxuriate in their suite for as long as possible, safely knowing it will be a smooth transition to their carriage seat. Book your room via BBB  and get a complimentary welcome gift in your room. If you’re coming from Heathrow, why not take advantage of Heathrow VIP? Exclusive, efficient, personalised and private, this service is the fastest and easiest way to get through Heathrow. Private lounges, food prepared by private chef, luxury transfer cars from London directly to the plane and airport fastback are just some of the benefits. BBB members get 10% off, just email us to book in or for more info. Don’t want to carry heavy luggage around? BBB have you covered with Airportr, a service that collects your bags and takes them wherever you need them delivered. Fully insured and easy to arrange, just get in touch for more info. BBB also have a selection of car services to get you to and from shows, the airport, Eurostar, meetings, dinner, wherever you need to go! Whether you need a budget transfer or a VIP service with personal security, we have trusted partners to make your LFW seamless. Email us with your requirements and we’re happy to arrange it.