Luxury Hotels Group Blog » Events & Happenings

Discover an Intimate Portrait of Picasso in Saint-Tropez

Archie Domville — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 16:28:19 +0000

You’ll find the sun, sea and pristine in beaches you’d expect it Saint-Tropez this summer, as well a something you wouldn’t in the form of an intimate look into the world of Pablo Picasso.Born in Spain in 1881, Picasso is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century. He had a hand in creating many different styles, including Cubism, collages and constructed sculpture. His most famous pieces of work include the Three Musicians, Girl Before A Mirror, Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and Dora Maar au Chat. While he was born in Spain, Picasso spent most of his life adult life in France, which is why it is so fitting that there is an exhibition celebrating his life in Saint Tropez at the moment.From July 3rd to August 28th you will be able to see the ‘Pablo Picasso: Legende de L'art’ exhibition at the Jean Despas Hall, which is set in the middle of the town centre, facing the famous Place des Lices. The exhibition has been put together by photographers Edward Quinn, Jean-Jacques Lartigue and André Villers, as they wanted to do something special to celebrate the life and art of this amazing man. As you walk among the collection, you will discover so much about Picasso and his relationship with his work. As well as the intimate photographs on display, you will also be able to see a unique collection of original ceramics by the artist himself. Once you have fully explored the exhibition, you can see what else Saint-Tropez has to offer. The mesmerizing and quaint beauty of this French town will captivate you from the moment you arrive.Take a stroll down cobbled streets in the old port, enjoy delicious coffee and pastries in the lively cafes, or lie back on the beach and let the stress of daily life disappear. If you’re planning on staying in Saint Tropez, you should look at the sophisticated and stylish Kube Hotel, which combines luxury with a personalised experience for guests. Located in the heart of the town, the hotel will add to the special memories you will make on your trip.

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Did You Get a Chance to visit the Hampton Court Flower Show?

Archie Domville — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 15:49:29 +0000

The RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show took place earlier this month, and it's safe to say that this year's gardens were blooming marvellous.From July 5th to 10th, thousands of tourists and locals alike flocked to Hampton Court Palace in Surrey to see the stunning garden displays, take part in the family day activities, wander through the specially-created butterfly dome and of course, purchase some of the flowers for themselves.The Feel-Good Front Gardens competition held earlier this year saw winners Sarah Morgan from Kent, Simon Judge from Bristol, Lee Burkhill from Manchester and four students from Cornwall design delightful gardens to be displayed at the show. Visitors were also wowed with a number of beautifully designed gardens, which included ideas for gardening in a small space and design ideas for all different types of gardens.Those who booked tickets to the preview evening also got to enjoy an evening of fireworks, fine dining, music and prizes - certainly a night not to be missed.And if all of that wasn't enough, all visitors to the event got free access to the three talk theatres, which included the likes of Charlie Dimmock, Christine Walkden, Mr Bloom and David Domoney - all big names in horticulture. Whether you made it to this year's event or not, don't miss out on booking your tickets for the preview evening in 2017, which is set to take place on July 3rd.

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End Your Month with a Bang at the Fetes de Bayonne

Archie Domville — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 08:55:04 +0000

Attracting more than a million visitors every year, the Fetes de Bayonne is France’s largest and most lively festival. The event dates back to 1932, when locals decided that they wanted to create something that could rival the San Fermin festival of Pamplona - famous for the running of the bulls. This influence can still be seen today, as festival attendees wear white with a red scarf and belt.Bulls play a big role in the Fetes de Bayonne, just like in the San Fermin festival. There is an event where the public can enter a ring and try to get as close as possible to the animal without getting injured - an activity that might not be everyone’s cup of tea.The festivities kick off on a the last Wednesday of July, when the official mascot - King Leon - stands on the town hall balcony and throws the keys to the city of Bayonne into the crowd. After this important tradition is over and done with, the city breaks out into five days and nights of partying. Each morning, King Leon, who is somewhat of a jester, is woken up by children attending the festival, rewarding them with a comical performance. Giants roam the streets of the city, while carnival-like parades provide entertainment to the masses.You will see tamborradas, which are processions of noisy drummers, Basque sporting competitions, parades of vibrantly decorated floats, and traditional music and dance that are unique to this particular part of France.There are also concerts held at night, and impressive firework displays that will leave you with a feeling of awe. Over in the market there will be an important event that you must see: the world championship of bell pepper omelettes! When you’re not getting involved in the festivities, you can explore what else Bayonne has to offer you. As you walk around, you'll see colourful houses, the picturesque Nive River and plenty of chocolate shops. The Fetes de Bayonne and the city itself will leave you wanting to visit again and again.

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Visit Italy and the Festa de Nontari

Archie Domville — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 08:45:40 +0000

There are a wealth of celebrations and festivals happening in Italy all year round, with one of the most popular being the Festa de Nontari.This lively street fair takes place in the Trastevere District of Rome, and runs over the last two weeks of July.Located on the left bank of the capital city, the Trastevere District is full of winding cobbled streets and medieval-era buildings. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes available if you need a respite from the festivities, as well as a lively nightlife if you want to continue celebrating after the sun goes down. Festa de Nontar, which means 'Our Festival' in English, is a hit with tourists and locals alike. Everyone is swept up into the fair-like atmosphere, with parishes, convents and monasteries joining in the with the merriment. The festival, which dates back to the 16-century, was originally organised to honour the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, but has been transformed into a celebration of the region’s working-class heritage.Festa de Nontar is kicked off with a procession that is led through the streets by an elaborately dressed statue of the Virgin Mary.For the next two weeks, the Trastevere District is then brimming with activity and life. You will encounter vendors and stalls selling handcrafted goods and delicious food, street theatre performances and cultural celebrations that will leave you thoroughly entertained.Music and dance flow through the streets like a river, sweeping up everyone in its wake, creating a spirited and boisterous atmosphere.To get the most out of the Festa de Nontar, you should look for hotels in the Trastevere District. The four-star Worldhotel Ripa Roma is a stone’s throw away from the action and has beautiful rooms that have everything you need for your Italian getaway. It offers a plethora of services and facilities to make sure your stay is everything you want it to be, including babysitting, dry cleaning, currency exchange, a concierge and a fully-equipped gym.

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Learn How to Dress Like a Royal

Archie Domville — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 15:23:09 +0000

To celebrate the Queen ringing in her 90th year, three special exhibitions have been put together to show the evolution of her unique dress sense from childhood to present day.‘Fashioning a Reign: 90 Years of Style from the Queen's Wardrobe’ will see the public welcomed in to Queen Elizabeth’s official residences from July 23rd to October 2nd. The aim of the exhibition is to chart significant events in the monarch’s life and the nation’s history through a stunning selection of dresses and accessories. Overall there are 150 of the Queen’s outfits displayed in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. The ensembles exhibited are chosen because of their close association with each location. Highlights at the Palace of Holyroodhouse exhibition include beautifully crafted evening and daywear from notable couturiers like Sir Norman Hartnell and Ian Thomas. One of the most striking pieces is the gold dress with tartan sash that the Queen wore for the Gillies’ Ball, Balmoral Castle, in 1971. At Windsor Castle you'll be able to see examples of the work of some royal dressmakers and learn about the specialist techniques of designers and milliners. There are magnificent evening gowns on display, next to fancy-dress costumes worn by the young Princess Elizabeth. One of the highlights here is a blue silk and silk chiffon dress worn for a state visit to Japan in 1975. You can see Queen Elizabeth’s Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) uniform at Buckingham Palace, which she wore when she became the first female member of the Royal Family to join the Armed Services full time. The uniform created for the Queen when she became Colonel-in-Chief of the Grenadier Guards in 1952 is also on display, alongside a vermicelli design dress she wore at a state banquet on Italy in 1961. If you’re visiting London between now and October, you should add ‘Fashioning a Reign’ to your list of must-see sights and attractions. It will give you a unique insight into the life of Queen Elizabeth and how she has cemented herself as one of Britain’s most important monarchs.

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Brush Elbows with Royals at Ascot

Archie Domville — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 14:21:44 +0000

The small Berkshire town of Ascot is famous around the world for its racecourse and the glitz and glamour that surrounds it during the summer months.You can can a taste of the high life by sipping champagne and enjoying the thrill of the sport, while you are surrounded by well-dressed celebrities and Royals.Britain's most prestigious open-age flat race happens towards the end of July, making it one of the best weekends to visit Ascot. The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is a Group 1 race run over a distance of one mile, and features some of the sport’s most acclaimed horses.First run in 1951, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes has established itself as one of the world’s most important middle-distance events, regularly attracting the best horses and jockeys from around the globe.It’s also the second-richest race on the UK’s horse-racing calendar, as the prize fund sits at an impressive £1 million. The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes weekend combines one of Britain’s most popular sports with sophistication and modern fashions, in a quintessentially English garden-party atmosphere.Celebrations begin on the Friday, allowing you to welcome the weekend in style. You can come with family, friends or your significant other, and enjoy picnics on the lawn or a glass of something delicious from the champagne and cocktail bars. On Friday, there is a competitive six-race card, including the John Guest Brown Jack Stakes, which commemorates the race’s namesake, who won seven Royal Meetings. The Carraig Insurance EBF Stallions Valiant Stakes are also on the card. Saturday sees the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes star as the feature race, while the European mid-season middle distance championship also take place. Make the weekend really special by dining in one of the eateries that are located within the grounds of the Ascot Racecourse, such as the Caviar House and Prunier Seafood Bar, the Smokehouse, or the Bandstand Restaurant. Your weekend at Ascot is guaranteed to be delightful, thrilling and very glamorous - the only thing that won’t be certain is if your horse will win or not!

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Paris: All that Jazz

Archie Domville — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 11:45:08 +0000

More than two decades ago, two friends put their heads together to come up with a way they could combine their favourite kind of music with their love of nature. It was then that the Paris Jazz Festival was born, and it has been growing from strength to strength ever since. This celebration of music takes place at the stunning Parc Floral de Vincennes, which is one of the French capital’s four botanical gardens. You can explore its 28 courtyards and pavilions while listening to the swing and syncopation of incredible jazz musicians. The festival is eight weeks long, covering every Saturday and Sunday from mid June to the end of July every year, and features more than 30 concerts. If you're a fan of fusion and melodic experimentation, then you should look for the weekends that focus on funk, soul, and chanson. There’s also a part of the festival that is dedicated to hybrid music that mixes jazz with hip-hop, funk and African sounds.Each year, the festival is based on a theme, with the 2016 edition centering on seven of the world’s leading jazz capital cities, including London, New York, Brussels, Bamako, Stockholm and Rome. It’s a very interactive celebration, where you can do more than simply listen to jazz. There are a flurry of workshops and activities for all ages to enjoy, such as the Ludophonothèque, which uses games to familiarise participants with music and nature.You can also learn how to make instruments with recyclable materials in the Cigarbox, Sanza and Panpipes classes, discover the history of the candombe drums, or explore unusual sounds and pulses in the Sound Fabrik workshops. Once you’ve got your heart set on a particular weekend, you just need to arrange your accommodation. The Hotel du Collectionneur, located near the exquisite Parc Monceau, is elegant, modern and the perfect accompaniment to your musical adventure. Each room is decorated in a manner that respects the architectural heritage of the city of Paris. After a day of immersing yourself spectacular music, you can relax in the oriental steam room or sauna, indulge in a massage in the spa or treat yourself to a delicious meal in the Le Safran restaurant.

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Are you celebrating American Independence Day?

Archie Domville — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 16:46:52 +0000

Even though Independence Day is an American holiday, that doesn't mean we can't join in the festivities on this side of the pond. In fact, with so many US citizens living in London, there's plenty that you can see and do around the city if you want to get involved.Undoubtedly a top choice is heading to the former home of Benjamin Franklin, the founding father of the United states. Enjoy a glass of bubbly and slice of cake while you learn about his history and the journey to American independence.Alternatively, for that all-American experience, why not pay a visit to Sea Containers at Mondrian London? Enjoy some of your favourite American-inspired treats including hot dogs and oreo milkshakes while listening to a live American band, all from the bar's beautiful riverside terrace.Joe's Southern Table and Bar is embracing 4th July with a bourbon-inspired menu, as well as giveaways from Jim Beam, pancakes and mint juleps, to celebrate both the American holiday and the birthday of the Jim Beam brand.In fact, there's a whole host of places across the city you can head to in order to embrace the spirit of this great American holiday.According to Timeout, London has some pretty amazing American eateries, with a few of the best being Balthazar, The Blues Kitchen, Bodean's Comfort Kitchen, Electric Diner, HotBox and Shotgun. However, these are just a few, so check out what's going on near you, and let us know your top picks for the future, because even though today is a celebration, there's no reason why you can't enjoy some American grub any day of the year.

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Roll up your sleeves and join in La Tomatina – Spain’s craziest festival

Archie Domville — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 10:29:04 +0000

Spain is just as famous for its countless crazy festivals as it is for its spectacular beaches, vibrant nightlife and world-class luxury hotels. Right across the country, towns, villages and sometimes simply city neighbourhoods come together once a year to host their own celebrations, for the most part carrying on traditions dozens, if not hundreds of years in the making. But, while it may not be the oldest of Spain's many festivals, few can match La Tomatina for downright craziness. In fact, it's no surprise that this annual event is on so many people's Spanish bucket list. You don't need to speak fluent Spanish to work out that the festival is centred around tomatoes. A lot of tomatoes - 145,000 kilograms to be precise. Quite simply, every year, on the final Wednesday of August, the small town of Buñol, just off the coast in the Province of Valencia, welcomes visitors from right around the world as they get rid of over-ripe tomatoes in the messiest way possible. With everyone crowded into the main square, one local inhabitant attempts to climb a greasy pole. As soon as they reach the top, that's the sign for a massive food fight to begin. The rules are simple: only tomatoes can be thrown, and these need to be squashed before they are launched. A second signal marks the end of the action, and then the local fire brigade come and spray their hoses on the participants before the fiesta carries on in the traditional bars of Buñol. These days, La Tomatina - which was only established in the 1940s - is a ticketed event, though numerous tour companies offer packages to the town and return travel to Valencia, where a messy day can be rounded off with a lazy dinner in the cathedral square and a night of pampering in a luxury hotel on the Mediterranean coast.

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Dubrovnik to come alive with song and dance for Summer Festival

Archie Domville — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 12:12:53 +0000

At the height of every summer, the historic streets and squares of Dubrovnik come alive with music and dance as the city celebrates its much-loved annual festival. The first Dubrovnik Festival was held way back in 1950, established as a way of keeping the Baroque and Renaissance spirit of the city alive through a rich programme of historic and contemporary works of art. Over the years, the event has carried on growing in both prestige and stature, and so anyone heading to Dubrovnik at the height of the summer is able to enjoy hundreds of events spread over around 70 venues across the city, including concert halls, exhibition spaces and public squares. This year, the festival takes place from July 10th until August 25th, and will see the Croatian city once again be taken over by opera, dance and theatre. Just some of the highlights of the 2016 Dubrovnik Summer Festival include a new production of Shakespeare's classic play Othello, to be performed against the stunning backdrop of the historic Fort Lovrjenac, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the death of the Bard. Additionally, world-famous opera star Jose Cura will also be performing. In fact, the man dubbed 'the Fourth Tenor' will be opening the whole festival, as well as starring in a special gala performance to be held in front of the majestic St Blaise's Church. What's more, guests holidaying on the island of Lokrum, home to the stunning Lafodia Sea Resort don’t even need to jump on a boat to Dubrovnik to enjoy a cultural fix as this year the festival will come to them. For several nights, a new production of one of Debussy's best-loved ballets, as well as a staging of Carmen by Rodion Shchedrin will be staged on the picturesque island, giving culture lovers the chance to enjoy world-class art in the midst of luxury.

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