As lockdown in the UK continues, Oliver & Rose reflect on their fondest travel memories. Travel is in their blood. Oliver lived in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Japan and the UAE as a child and Rose grew up between The Bahamas and England. The couple have always loved exploring the world together and travel is at the heart of their brand. Oliver & Rose remember their favourite boutique hotels, from a treetop room in Kenya, a chic staycation in the Cotswolds and adventures with elephants in India and a health retreat in Kerala…
Thyme Hotel | England
“We were invited to the Thyme Hotel last Summer as part of their ‘Founder Series’. We had heard of this magical boutique hotel in the Cotswolds but had never been. This is staycation perfection! It is such a natural and relaxing space and so sympathetically designed to its surroundings. You feel at one with nature when you’re there. The hotel’s owners have taken such care over every element, with a respect for the local environment. It’s a home away from home, and everything is comfortable, beautiful, delicious and sustainably minded. We really connected with this place and can’t wait to go back!” – Rose
Rose's top tip: Walk through the rare and inspiring water meadows on a summer's evening and take in the abundance of wildlife.
What I’d pack: Oramai Lamu Skirt
La Residencia | Mallorca
“La Residencia, now part of Belmond, was once owned by Sir Richard Branson, (a huge hero of mine) and rests at the top of Deia, the most idyllic village in Mallorca. When exploring the dramatic coastline and the beautiful surrounding countryside of Deia, you can understand why this magical place has been loved for decades by iconic figures in art, fashion, music, film, and literature. It’s where Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote some of my favourite musicals.” – Oliver
Oliver's top tip: If at all arty (or not) grab some watercolours and head to Deia. I love to paint and this is a perfect place to be inspired and get painting!
What I’d pack: Elephant Dance Staniel Swim Shorts – Blue.
Ngong House | Kenya
“Ngong House was our home for a few days when we last visited our charity partner The Sheldrick Trust in Nairobi. The rooms are in the tree tops with amazing views of the Ngong Hills. Nothing beats gin & tonics playing Backgammon on the veranda with the owners’ beautiful Ridgebacks sitting with us. Other hotel guests come together around the fire pit in the evening which Oliver and I loved. Meeting other people when we travel and sharing ideas, insights and stories is something so invaluable and enjoyable. Its amazing what you can learn from other people when you least expect it and in the most unexpected places.” – Rose
Rose's top tip: Visit the elephant orphanage – The Sheldrick Trust
What I’d pack: Pala Eyewear – Pendo Sunset sunglasses
Coral Reef Club | Barbados
“Oliver and I always maintain that one of the most relaxed weeks of our lives (so far) was a spontaneous break in Barbados to the Coral Reef Club. It is a quintessential Caribbean hotel where everything goes at an easy Caribbean pace. It is slightly old-fashioned but we love that and it means a barman sleeps by the bar all night in case guests would like a nightcap…!” – Rose
Rose's top tip: Take a stroll along the beach to Ju Ju’s for a rum punch and Panko Fried Flying Fish Sandwich. Followed by a swim to cool off.
What I’d pack: Rose Washed Navy Cap with Vegan Leather Strap.
Neeleshwar Hermitage | Kerala
“6 weeks after meeting Oliver, we hopped on a plane to India to meet an elephant called Tara. Having been in the jungle at Kipling Camp in the Kanha National Park and after surviving some pretty hairy roads visiting the elephant corridors in Kerala, we had a couple of days of bliss at this beautiful hotel by the sea. With our own beach hut looking out over the water it was perfection, with lots of funny memories of unwanted guests (animals and insects) in our outdoor bathroom. The Neeleshwar is all about wellness with healthy drinks, local seafood and lots of spa treatments. This is a very spoiling but understated place. I couldn’t recommend it more!” – Rose
Rose's top tip: Take the hotel’s wooden canoes down the backwaters and soak in the local culture and wildlife.
What I’d pack: Bulibasha – Basha Natural Shoes.
