Author Archives: Milly

Hotel Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi

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The Sofitel Metropole Legend plays a special role in Vietnam’s capital city. It has long been considered as the top accommodation in Hanoi, with celebrities, diplomats and royalty all staying in the luxurious rooms. Built in 1901 by two French investors, this magnificent colonial building has lived through over one hundred years of tumultuous Vietnamese history. During the two wars Metropole Legend played a vital role, and in just 2011 a remarkable bomb shelter was discovered in the grounds. Now designated a UNESCO site it is an insight into the country’s past, and the hotel offers informative tours of this underground bunker.

The historic hotel was restored and refreshed in 1992 and in 1994 work commenced on the opulent 135-room Opera Wing, a modern extension. The grand Metropole building commands attention from the street and inside it is equally impressive. Wherever possible original features have been kept beautifully in tact including the wooden flooring and antique furniture. The new wing is quite different, a slick addition for guests who prefer a more up-to-date style of accommodation.

I was staying in the charming Metropole wing that has 106 rooms including 3 legendary suites (named after three renowned guests, including Charlie Chaplin who came to stay for his honeymoon). Room 128 was a perfect example of old-fashioned luxury, with Sofitel modern touches. After months spent touring contemporary hotels this bedroom was a welcome dose of character. Particularly memorable details in the room included the luxurious Vietnamese silk, ceramic lamps and rice-paper wall lanterns, all adding a touch of exotic orientalism. Modern touches ensure guests are extremely comfortable, a soft indulgent bed, flatscreen tv and air conditioning. The bathroom was equally grand, with separate shower and bath, framed vintage mirrors and Hermes toiletries from Paris, another reminder of the Metropole’s French heritage.

There are several dining outlets to choose from, including upmarket Vietnamese cuisine at Spices Garden and fine French food at Le Beaulieu. For an afternoon treat head to Le Club Bar for the famous chocolate buffet, all made in-house. The Bamboo bar, a recent addition in the central garden, is a calm outdoor option overlooking the pool, or alternatively the Terrace is popular with locals for coffees and snacks.

Breakfast is served in both restaurants, a feast of continental and traditional Asian dishes are available at the buffet or made to order. Enjoy the tasty homemade pastries or ask the chef to whip you up some French toast or omelette.

While staying at the Metropole make sure you join a daily Path of History tour to learn about the preserved bomb shelter in the hotel grounds. The hotel’s knowledgeable historian will educate you with fascinating facts and personal stories about the American war.

Steeped in history, this hotel truly deserves its legendary status. Whether you stay in one of the enchanting rooms or not, be sure to include a visit to this significant building in your Hanoi itinerary.

More information and book a stay at Metropole Legend here.

Lutyens Bungalow, Delhi

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Delhi is a very different city at 5am. The daytime dust has settled, the lights are dimmed and the noise dampens. When we arrived at Lutyens Bungalow we were bleary eyed and jet-lagged, but were quickly shown to a room we could rest and wash in before the day begun. Several hours later I pulled the wooden doors open to reveal an enchanting, family-run guesthouse.

The venue was completed in 1935 under the supervision of Edwin Lutyens, a notable British architect who was instrumental in designing and building much of New Delhi. It opened as a guesthouse in 1967 and has had several renovations and extensions since. There are 16 rooms, the bungalow rooms near the pool are perhaps the most desirable. I was staying in room 14, a simple but charming bedroom with plenty of natural light and characterful vintage furniture. The bathroom was petite but adequate with a powerful hot shower and large mirrors.

In the evening the optional £6 dinner at Lutyens is a revelation of home-cooked, fragrant Indian delights. We sat in the communal dining room chatting to other guests while dishes were presented to us – all kinds of hearty and flavoursome specialities. I couldn’t identify all the spices and vegetables, but I continued to pile the food on my plate, everything was delicious.

When I returned to the bedroom, full and satisfied, I was thrilled to find a hot water bottle keeping my bed warm. After a deep and restful sleep the smell of toast and coffee led me to the complimentary breakfast spread. The kitchen team here bakes fresh bread each day and use vegetables from their patch on site.

The friendly family are happy to help with travel and city arrangements or if you wish to relax there is a quiet swimming pool particularly useful in the stifling summer months. I fell for this captivating authentic retreat and it was an inspiring place to stay for my first night in India.

More information and book a room at Lutyens Bungalow here.

Mia Resort, Nha Trang, Vietnam

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Nha Trang has been voted one of the ten best beach destinations in the world, with year-round warm waters and long stretches of sand. Mia Resort is the ideal place to enjoy this sunny part of central Vietnam. Just outside the main city, this seaside hotel is accessible yet blissfully isolated. A daily complimentary shuttle takes guests to and from town for city exploring though most prefer to take advantage of the idyllic Mia sanctuary.

After a hellish 11-hour train journey we were more than relieved to pull up to the Mia entrance. The staff at the front desk were warm and welcoming and my stressful day instantly became a distant memory. A no-fuss check-in was complete within seconds and we were whisked away to room 507, a peaceful cliff villa.

With 70 rooms, of varying sizes, and more multi-bedroom villas on the way, Mia is a popular and burgeoning resort. A recent refresh of all rooms has brightened the décor with splashes of colour and pattern without complicating the chic simplicity of the design. Our room was the perfect holiday home, extremely comfortable with indulgent touches. A giant four-poster bed was topped with stripy pillows and surrounded by elegant drapes. The furnishings blend in appropriately with the rugged natural backdrop, particularly charming are the rustic stone wall and wooden details.

The spacious bathroom was a refuge for relaxation, with a grand granite bathtub, indoor and outdoor showers and own brand toiletries. I adored the cornflower blue linen dressing gowns, made especially for Mia by designer Gary Fell. On the private terrace there was a spectacular infinity splash pool, a sheltered lounge area with a hammock, and deck chairs for soaking up the tropical rays.

I was happy just enjoying the villa, but when hunger struck I eventually ventured out for some sustenance. Breakfast is served at Sandals, a breezy open plan dining area with views of the ocean. The endless array of Vietnamese and Continental dishes was a little overwhelming, and there is the a la carte menu to choose from too! After a round of exotic fruits and pastries I opted for the homemade orange and cinnamon infused pancakes with almond crumble, balsamic marinated strawberries and rosemary honey – a creative and tasty morning treat.

Leave time to experience the impressive Xanh Spa, a magical cliff edge pavilion for pampering. A 45-minute relaxing body massage is all you need to get your body into holiday mode. The therapists are intuitive and kind, kneading away at tense knots and warming the muscles with nourishing essential oils.

With warm weather year round Nha Trang is a great place to escape Europe’s chilly winters. Mia translates to sugarcane, a local Vietnamese crop, and everything about this beachside resort is sweet, from the devoted staff to the superb facilities and accommodation.

More information and book a room at Mia Resort here.