Hotel Review: Napasai, Koh Samui, Thailand Sat 10th -Mon 12th November 2012

"tropical & classically elegant"


It's Curbappeal:
- classically elegant
- set amongst secluded beautiful lush tropical grounds
- villas are traditional Thai style (wood-lined room with creaky wooden floorboards & a 'dang' style sofa set by the window), but with a luxury finish

Crowd: all Western (Europeans & Russians) & largely couples (early 30s to late 60s)

Food rating: very good

Our room: 110. Beachfront villa. Set right by the ocean, we loved sitting on our private terrace on an evening & hearing the gentle sound of the ocean rippling. The villas on the hillside also looked lovely, set amongst stunning bright pink tropical flowers & palm trees

The bill: good for quality of accommodation & facilities

Anything we didn't like: some sign the rooms needed upgrading a tad (eg shower, tea/coffee facilities), but we did love the classic chic vibe & we'd love to stay again...without any changes

Recommended: yes - for those seeking a classically elegant tropical retreat

... Some photos straight from our iPhones...

New Years Eve - wintersun idea: Scent Hotel, Koh Samui, Thailand

What's the curbappeal?
- the 'get-away-from-it-all' vibe
- the to-die-for ocean views
- gorgeous Indo-Chinese colonial interior
- exquisite French-Thai cuisine

We had the left-wing top-floor suite, with wraparound terrace… and won’t forget it!

With love,
Ms. Curbappeal x

Ps. some photos straight from our iphones...

New Years Eve - party ideas: Singapore - Ku De Ta bar; Marina Bay Sands

What's the curbappeal?
- jaw-dropping views of the Singapore skyline...way, way, way below....

...some photos straight from our iphones...

Hotel Review: Quebecs, Leeds (Yorkshire), UK. Friday 14th - Saturday 15th December 2012

It's Curbappeal:
- the impressive lobby; oak panelled & grand sweeping staircase flanked by huge beautiful stain glass window
- the quaint honesty bar set on the 2nd floor at the top of the grand staircase
- spacious rooms
- v central location & c2min walk to the train station

Crowd: mainly couples, late 20s-late 40s

Food rating: Quebecs only serves breakfast. It's served in a small circular restaurant on the 4th floor, with some views over the City's rooftops. Fairly good selection of fruits, pastries, yoghurts & cereals (think Kelloggs) & cooked breakfasts. We had eggs (bit average), coffee (first one was great, second one not so) & pot of tea (Taylor's of Harrogates)

Our room: The Playfair Suite on the 4th floor. Spacious room with a small separate lounge area in a 'turret' shaped space. Nespresso machine, iPod docking station & roll top bath were nice touches especially as the hotel isn't 5*

The bill: Reasonable at £175/night (ex breakfast) for a suite on a Friday night in December

Anything we didn't like: not keen on having a TV on in the breakfast area, but imagine its something business travellers will appreciate during the week. Generally felt like breakfast area could do with updating. City centre location does mean some traffic noise, albeit it didn't disturb us

Recommended: definitely. Leeds doesn't have any 5* hotel's, but this quaint boutique hotel is the next best thing

... Some photos straight from our iPhones...

Manicure review: Urban Retreat, Harrods. Sunday 2nd December 2012.

It's Curbappeal:
- set within one of the most famous (art deco style) department stores in the world...there's something rather decadent about getting a manicure here
- escape the crowds to 'Urban Retreat'. The nails area is a large, light & airy space set on a mezzanine area overlooking the bustling hair salon


Treatment rating: excellent. I opted for an 'artistic' nail colour, which is basically the same as shellac - ie gel based polish to give that longer lasting. Huge colour choice. I went for the classic A/W12 purple look, choosing the quirkily named "Cavair for breakfast"

The bill: £55 for a manicure that lasts for over 3weeks seems worthwhile, but£4.50 for a small bottle of sparkling water....??

Anything we didn't like: Treatment was great but paying over the odds for the bottle of sparkling water was a little galling

Recommended: Yes. Try come on a Sunday if you want a more relaxed atmosphere. If you prefer a more bustling spa come on a Saturday & enjoy a pedi & manicure sat next to your friends


... Some photos straight from our iPhones...