Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

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Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

From the ground floor Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is just like any other high-end luxury hotel. But the real experience begins at floor 38 where the panoramic city views will leave you lost for words. If you are lucky Mount Fuji will be glinting majestically in the distance too.

Check in commences in the room while you are presented with glasses of iced tea; it is easy to feel relaxed. The Mandarin Grand rooms are particularly spacious and lavish in style; no amenity is overlooked. The colour scheme is warm and inviting with pale bamboo wood floors and delicate fabrics. The design aims to blend Japanese tradition with modern comforts.

At the foot of the bed, lacquerware boxes contain fine yukatas (casual summer kimonos), loungewear for guests to enjoy in the room. On the table a plate of special premium “sky berry” strawberries from the Tochigi prefecture were left as a welcoming gift for us to enjoy. The sweetest strawberries you could ever imagine.

The spa-like bathrooms are a blissful sanctuary to refresh and rejuvenate in after a day exploring tireless Tokyo. Here you will find a rainforest shower, stand alone bathtub, terry flannel bathrobes and indulgent designer Bottega Veneta toiletries.

Tokyo is one of the world’s top foodie cities, but with three Michelin starred restaurants within the Mandarin Oriental, there is little reason to venture out. Signature serves contemporary French cuisine, Sense offers Cantonese and Tapas Molecular Bar is an innovative eatery where guests can enjoy the art of molecular cooking. For more casual dining, Sora is a popular sushi restaurant, Ventaglio presents comforting Mediterranean food, and all-day dining is available at K’shiki.

We enjoyed the array of food at breakfast, while admiring the city down below. Guests can choose to have a la carte at the Oriental Lounge or the buffet at K’shiki. I loved the tantalising buffet, which offered an impressive range of continental, American and Asian recipes. I picked a modest selection of pastries and tropical fruits, but could have chosen to have an elaborate meal; I noticed there were four varieties of bacon on offer!

After a day of shopping in Ginza you may need a little extra pampering. Some room categories offer complimentary use of the heat and water oasis at the spa, which includes vitality pool, amethyst crystal steam room, sky-view sauna and rain showers.

The service is sophisticated and spotless throughout the hotel. From the luggage porters to the concierge, every staff member seems to put in extra effort to ensure your stay is tailored to your needs. The concierge spent a great deal of time calling and researching our itinerary queries.

Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is not just a place to stay, but a hotel you will remember long after you return home.

More information and book a room at Mandarin Oriental here.

Suiran Hotel, Kyoto

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Kyoto is the historic capital of Japan and is certainly the most popular city for tourists seeking out the country’s cultural and traditional highlights. I chose to stay on the outskirts of town in the beautiful town of Arashiyama. Just a 20-minute train from the city centre, the new Suiran hotel is ideally located for sightseeing, and is surrounded by significant temples and gardens.

Arashiyama was once the destination for the emperor’s summer holidays, an idyllic retreat by the emerald green Hozu River. The land now occupied by The Suiran once belonged to Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO world heritage site, which guests can visit nearby. 115 years ago a rich businessman bought the land from the temple and built his summerhouse here, much of which has been retained.

Suiran opened in March 2015, the first luxury accommodation in the area. The boutique hotel has 39 rooms, ranging in size and price. The authentic Japanese-style design is evident throughout the bedrooms and communal spaces, with thoughtful modern details and additions. The open plan rooms are spacious and uncluttered, with large windows that let in plenty of light and display the stunning surrounding nature. In Spring and Autumn this is a particular bonus as guests can enjoy the pink cherry blossom and red Autumn leaves.

Book one of the 17 deluxe rooms which include a wooden outdoor open-air bath, filled with naturally healing onsen spa water. For special occasions the four suites are a grand example of the finest Japanese artistry and materials. With traditional tearooms and peaceful Japanese gardens to enjoy. I immediately noticed the thoughtful décor in our room – a carpet designed to look like the reflection of the moon in water and radiant blue sinks by local Shingaraki pottery. On the bed, patterned Japanese dressing gowns were ready to wear.

Two existing historic buildings, Enmei-kaku and Hasshoken, have been transformed into the hotel restaurant and cafe, and they feel particularly atmospheric. At Cafe Hassei guests can enjoy the Suiran signature Japanese afternoon tea while looking enjoying the scenic views. The restaurant is a sophisticated dining room, used for breakfast and dinner. Each morning we devoured a feast of Japanese and European breakfast dishes: from eggs benedict and pastries to Japanese salad and soup. Fresh smoothies are made each day from seasonal fruits.

At dinner we tried Kaiseki; a traditional multi-course Kyoto meal. This formal style of dining is offered in Michelin star establishments all over the city, but Suiran’s offering is just as elaborate and exciting. Ten tiny dishes arrived in quick succession: marinated seafood, unusual vegetables, and the finest quality meat. Cups of tea accompanied the courses, and subtly complemented the delicate flavours.

The Suiran is a beautiful and relaxing place to stay in Kyoto. Removed from the buzz of the main city centre, an experience here will feel more authentic and immersive.

More information and book a stay at Suiran Hotel here.

Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach, Australia

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Of all the hotels I have visited around the world, a few stand out in my memory. Halcyon House made a lasting impression, with its fantastic bright beachy design, stylish innovative cuisine and prime seaside location. A recently renovated and transformed former surfer motel, this special hotel has already won a handful of prestigious awards.

I spent an afternoon enjoying lunch at the hotel’s destination restaurant, Paper Daisy, and relaxing by the pool. The décor is decidedly blue, from the crisp staff outfits to the books on the shelves.

The chef, Ben Devlin, is one of Australia’s most talented young chefs, having previously worked at Noma and Esquire. The menu reflects the seasons, and local produce is the main focus. The dishes are creative and thoughtful, sophisticated cooking without unnecessary fuss… which perfectly suits the setting.

Highlights included raw & preserved vegetable salad with fresh ricotta, a beautiful rainbow of ingredients paired with creamy homemade cheese. The Wagyu grade 9 rump with curry leaf, sesame and sugarleaf was the winner from the main course section of the menu. Irresistibly velvety-soft meat with a caramelised crisp edge dressed with Asian herbs.

Desserts are simple with a tropical theme. I loved the Stonefruit tart with caramelised white chocolate and nectarine, a satisfying contrast of sweetness and acidity. With our meal we opted for a refreshing Australian white, ideal in the hot climate.

After lunch we dozed by the pool and dreamt of staying in one of the eclectic Halcyon House rooms. I can’t think of a more idyllic place to spend a summer holiday.

If you are lucky enough to be staying at Halcyon House there are lots of interesting and quaint towns nearby, each with exciting eateries and independent shops to explore. Here are a few of my favourites:

Byron Bay – grab a flat white and healthy, organic brunch dish at Bayleaf, or head to The Farm for a wholesome lunch.

Brunswick Heads – Fleet is a trendy restaurant run by a husband and wife, with innovative contemporary cuisine and carefully selected Australian wines. Be sure to book ahead as the small venue fills up fast.

Mullumbimby – for a delicious wood-fired pizza and lovely local atmosphere, take a short drive to Mullimbimby’s Milk & Honey. The rustic pizzas are huge so get one to share between two.

Newrybar – this tiny village’s highlights are all on one street. Harvest serves inventive and tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner and sells its produce at the deli next door. Shopaholics will love the tempting homeware and gifts at Newrybar Merchants.

Coolangatta – avoid Surfer’s Paradise and Gold Beach and instead head to Coolangatta for a quieter, more picturesque, white sand beach.

Brisbane – often forgotten in favour of Australia’s larger cities, Brisbane is a great stopover city as you head further north. Head to Esquire’s casual eatery Esq for a tapas style dinner, and chic café Morning After for great coffee and food. Lone Pines Koala Sanctuary is a wonderful place to meet Australia’s best loved animals in a friendly environment.