Le Barn, Bonnelles

My travel to-do list looks quite different now I have two tiny travellers in tow… but there are a few hotels that met both my requirements pre-kids and now satisfy the needs of all four of us as a family.

Le Barn

I first visited Le Barn in 2019, when it was newly open and finding its feet. Located 45 minutes outside of Paris, in the verdant countryside, it is an easy car or train ride from Paris centre ville – the nearest town is Bonnelles. Hotel guests are mostly made up of stylish Parisians in need of a few nights’ respite and a breath of fresh air, and the pace here is slow. We didn’t notice many guests from further afield than Paris, which gives the hotel a lovely authentic French feel, though be warned it also means the staff don’t speak much English.

Le Barn

As the name suggests the hotel is made up of 1950s converted barns, with 73 stylish but minimalist rooms – with ‘campsite chic’ decor. The beds are very comfy and the bathrooms have large baths so you can refresh after a long walk or horse ride in the 500 acres of surrounding land and forest.

Le Barn

There are over 90 horses at Le Barn, wherever you look you’ll see a pony or horse roaming the fields or being groomed by the dutiful and loving staff. My oldest (almost 4 years old) loved ‘being brave’ and riding a pony for the first time, though he was a little alarmed when Tequila the pony was cheekily more interested in eating the grass than keeping him on the path. There are also games and toys dotted around to entertain little people, though sadly no kids club. Adults can indulge in some outdoor time, walking, riding or taking part in the (included) yoga classes. There is also a small spa area for a sauna or hot tub break, particularly great in the colder seasons.

Le Barn

Le Barn

Food is a casual affair at Le Barn, various dining areas are set up three times a day and a menu appears moments before each service with a succinct selection of daily dishes. I noticed this aspect was greatly improved since my first visit, more thoughtful bistro style cuisine (think grilled meats with rich sauces or comforting pasta recipes) all well-seasoned and presented in a charming vintage fashion. We loved the breakfast spread, complete with fresh-out-the-oven madeleines, garlicky grilled mushrooms and creamy scrambled eggs – the French just do some things better.

Le Barn

A couple of nights at Le Barn was truly restorative – the boys loved roaming free for a few days and making friends with the other kids (there are A LOT of families here), and I appreciated the fresh healthy environment, super dark and quiet nights sleep and a chance to just be in nature. It is a great place to pair with a trip to Paris, you’ll return to the city renewed and ready for another day of sightseeing, shopping or (in my case) bakery-hopping!

Le Barn

I stayed at Le Barn as a guest. More information here.

Art After Dark – 12 & 13th October

Autumn is here and the new season brings with it a fresh programme of cultural activities and events across the capital. Most excitingly one of my favourites is back, Art After Dark returns on the 12th and 13th October, transforming the West End with a giant public art takeover alongside 30+ galleries, art institutions, and a selection of bars and eateries across Piccadilly and Leicester Square open late for art lovers and culture seekers alike.

From award-winning cultural initiative Art of London, Art After Dark will exclusively present a screening inspired by iconic performance artist Marina Abramović on the Piccadilly Lights at 7pm on Friday 13th October to coincide with her major autumn exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts.

There will also be incredible free outdoor public installations including a new giant, inflatable sculpture titled ‘The Cornucopia’ by Claire Luxton, and an illuminated neon installation titled ‘The People You Love’ by Robert Montgomery in Leicester Square Gardens.

Taking place during Frieze, London’s busiest art week, hop between independent galleries such as the Stern Pissarro, Cristea Roberts, and Saatchi Yates, to soak up art and culture as the sun goes down on Thursday 12th October. The following evening, London’s most famous galleries will stay open until 9pm for a late-night cultural experience on Friday 13th October.

Last week I visited some of the highlights to add to your evening itinerary for Friday 13th October.

Art After Dark – 12 & 13th October

The National Portrait Gallery has recently reopened after a transformative renovation, with the impressive new entrance bringing in more visitors than ever before. It is really brilliant to see women at the heart of this revamp, with the National Portrait Gallery commenting that their three-year project ‘Reframing Narratives: Women in Portraiture’ aims to “enhance the representation of women in the National Portrait Gallery’s collection and highlight the often-overlooked stories of individual women who have shaped British history and culture. I was excited to wander round the permanent collection and see so many female artists exhibited and celebrated. One of the current exhibitions is ‘Yevonde: Life and Colour’ which tells the story of a woman who gained freedom through photography – as she experimented with her medium and blazed a new trail for portrait photographers. The exhibition features portraits and still-life works produced by Yevonde over a colourful sixty-year career, and draws on the archive of her work acquired by the Gallery in 2021, as well as extensive new research by the gallery’s team. Art After Dark is the final opportunity to visit ‘Yevonde: Life and Colour’ as the exhibition finishes on 15th October.

Art After Dark – 12 & 13th October

I also encourage you to check out the ‘Art of London Presents Take a Moment’ display downstairs, a striking collection of Ray Burmiston’s photographs depicting famous faces and members of the public, all with their eyes closed. The collection of pictures aims to raise awareness for mental health by allowing people to take a moment to be calm and collect their thoughts. The series has continued this year and my portrait (taken by Ray) will be on display on the Piccadilly Circus big screen on 10th October 2023 (World Mental Health Day).

Art After Dark – 12 & 13th October

All this culture is sure to work up an appetite, and The National Portrait Gallery now boasts the fabulous Larry’s Bar, a sophisticated spot for cocktails and food throughout the day and evening. Grab a table at one of the velvet-clad booths and order a ‘Larry’s’ cocktail accompanied by some tasty snacks, I loved the cheese and charcuterie boards.

Art After Dark – 12 & 13th October

With the National Gallery next door, I continued the theme of female artists by visiting the Paula Rego’s ‘Crivelli’s Garden’ exhibition which explores the relationship between Paula Rego’s monumental painting and the 15th-century altarpiece and National Gallery staff that inspired it. Thirty years ago, Dame Paula Rego, the National Gallery’s first Associate Artist, was commissioned to create a mural for the then new Sainsbury Wing Dining Room. The result, Rego’s ‘Crivelli’s Garden’ took its inspiration from an altarpiece by the 15th-century Italian artist Carlo Crivelli, ‘La Madonna della Rondine (The Madonna of the Swallow)’ painted after 1490 to tell the story of women from biblical history and folklore. It is a powerful and detailed painting that I really enjoyed seeing for the first time.

This exhibition is free to the public, and while you are here I also recommend wandering round the permanent collection.

Don’t miss this opportunity to admire London’s best art collections in the special Art After Dark series. And be sure to make an evening of it with food and drink at one of the area’s many brilliant eateries.

Paid Partnership with Art of London. More information here.

Mandarin Oriental Marrakech

I have visited Marrakech a few times, but in the five years since my last trip, the transformation has been more significant than I could have imagined. New hotels are popping up every month and the design scene is thriving. The alluring character of this city is still very much there but it feels somehow more accessible as a traveller.

MO Marrakech

The Mandarin Oriental Marrakech opened a few months ago, it is slightly removed from the main medina in the centre of town – a more relaxed and remote location, which creates an instant sense of calm. With the Atlas mountains in the background, this luxurious hotel is set amongst 20 hectares of fragrant, landscaped gardens.

Like many of the group’s properties, MO Marrakech is monochrome in design, with a straight-forward elegant style. We were greeted on arrival with sparkling rose drinks and warm smiles from all the staff.

MO Marrakech

The hotel boasts private villas and spectacular suites, each with unparalleled facilities. It is difficult to pull yourself away, but when you do decide to explore the city your butler will arrange everything via a handy whatsapp service. This speedy system also ensures you have all the information you need at your fingertips – restaurant menus, spa availability etc.

MO Marrakech

After a short ride through the gardens (incredible that anything grows considering the sweltering summer heat) we were introduced to our heavenly villa. The Mandarin Pool Villas are a contemporary take on the traditional Moroccan riads. You enter through a walled courtyard, complete with your own pool, lounge area and outdoor kitchen.

MO MarrakechMO Marrakech

The indoor rooms are instantly calming (and cooling – thanks to superior air conditioning). Fresh fruits adorn the living room table and a giant TV provides entertainment, should you need it. Coffee and tea facilities and a minibar is all here for your needs.

The bedroom is simple and chic with a sumptuous giant bed and various buttons to control the high-tech blind and curtain functions. I was grateful for the room remaining dark even when the sun came up early outside!

MO Marrakech

The bathroom was a sight to behold, a giant circular bath, spacious double sinks and a shower that doubles up as a steam room. The amenities are by French perfumer Diptyque, one of my favourite brands.

MO Marrakech

When it was time to (begrudgingly) leave the villa, lazy mornings were spent overlooking the expansive tropical gardens and pools. Breakfast is chosen from a lengthy a la carte menu and an overflowing buffet of sweet treats. I particularly loved the morning entertainment, a musician played a charming traditional instrument as we sipped our coffee.

MO MarrakechMO Marrakech

The hotel has two main restaurants (both only open for dinner), Ling Ling by the Hakkasan group serves modern Cantonese food and Shirvan, by Michelin-starred Chef Akrame Benallal, for delicately spiced sharing plates. During the day guests can opt for an al fresco lunch in the pool garden or in villa dining.

We enjoyed local wine and flavoursome grilled meats at Shirvan on our final evening at the hotel. The staff were so attentive and ensured we had absolutely everything we needed.

MO Marrakech

The spa at MO Marrakech is already garnering quite the reputation due to its impressive size and variety of spa treatments. I visited for a restorative facial using the brand Biologique recherche. After a thorough cleanse and extractions my skin was pampered with the nourishing products and I left feeling incredibly relaxed.

Despite being a hotel primarily for adults, little guests are very much celebrated at the hotel and the staff genuinely seemed to adore my two little boys. The kids club and farm occupied and thrilled the boys and at meal times the kitchen made special dishes to satisfy their appetites.

Just three hours from London by plane, Marrakech really is a very appealing destination for sunshine and culture. With hotels like MO Marrakech making visitors feel so at home, I can see why people would return again and again to this city.

I was a guest of Mandarin Oriental Marrakech. More information and to book a stay here.