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Tucked away behind Soho’s Carnaby Street, Cahoots is a mecca for fans of the rock ‘n’roll heyday: it’s a 1940s-themed cocktail bar housed in a disused underground station. The bar has kept its original trappings, with tube signs on the walls and some tables and stools arranged to resemble a tube carriage.
The menu includes cocktails called Winston Churchill and Judy Garland, all decorated to match the theme. Cahoots has three separate bars, but the Underground section makes for the best experience. Sundays are especially popular with their piano player performing song requests in 1920s style.
Thai food ranks high among the UK’s most popular cuisines, and Mali Vegan Thai in Kensington is where a lot of Londoners in the know get their regular fix. The family-run restaurant is popular for its everyday soups, curries, stir-fries and rice and noodle dishes. It’s all 100% plant-based, yet so delicious they’ll convince even the staunchest meat eater. Enjoy authentic and delicious food away from the tourist crowds at this local favourite.
Right in the heart of London’s chic Mayfair district, 1 Hotel Mayfair makes for a heavenly sanctuary after a long day of shopping and sightseeing, surrounded by Royal Parks, museums, theatres, and galleries. The 5-star hotel with 137 rooms and 44 suites opened in July 2023 and is a great choice for eco-conscious luxury travellers.
Feast your eyes on greenery all around the building, and explore everything from natural treatments to yoga classes at the spa. There’s also an organic zero-waste menu created by award-winning chef Tom Sellers.
Crested eagles and painted storks flying overhead, surprise elephant sightings within the resort grounds and langur monkeys resting on the rooftops as the sun sets – you’re never too far from a wildlife moment at the Hilton Yala Resort, even as you unwind with a cocktail in hand or enjoy a dip in their gorgeous statement pool. This brand new resort on the outskirt of Yala National Park, five hours’ drive from Colombo, makes it a breeze to enjoy luxury amid nature.
The resort itself boasts the best of all the modern comforts of a global brand such as the Hilton: think plush bedding, leather-topped writing desks, gigantic stone bathtubs and private plunge pools. Every room option in this sprawling 42-key compound has something special to offer. Its Premium Pool Villas are the most expansive at 175 sq. m and come with a generously large outdoor terrace and plunge pool. But even the Deluxe Rooms are comfortably sized at 86 sq. m, and feature hot tubs and easy access to the main pool.
The plush bedroom and and living space of Hilton Yala's Premium Suite with Pool. Photo: Hilton Yala ResortBathrooms are decked out with the best modern amenities, such as a large stone tub, a Toto washlet and twin sinks. Photo: Hilton Yala Resort
Exceptional modern Sri Lankan fare
For bites, choose from three dining concepts by executive chef Jerome Tissera. While you can get the Western classics at Sandali and cocktails with delicious bites at Vanya, the true standout is Dhira and its modern Sri Lankan breakfast options. Don’t miss the Hopper x Benny, a crisp marriage of Sri Lankan appam (a type of thin curved pancake) and western-style eggs benedict. The Bulls Eye – fried eggs with cured beef, asparagus, croutons, chili flakes and dill, served with bread – is a simple dish made exceptionally well, while the house-made coconut granola is an underrated hit.
Dhira dishes out strong breakfast options. Photo: Michelle JN LimDhira's fusion Hopper x Benny is a winning combination of flavours and textures. Photo: Michelle JN Lim.
The clincher – a safari experience headed by Sri Lanka’s most qualified ranger
For those seeking a safari adventure – which for many is the main draw of staying near Yala National Park – you’ll do well to entrust your experience to Hilton Yala’s head ranger Sajith Withanage.
Head ranger Sajith Withanage (far right) leads a safari tour. Photo: Hilton Yala Resort
Withanage holds the distinction of being the only guide in Sri Lanka to have been awarded a Tracker II certification by the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), a nonprofit training institute that sets global standards of excellence for the nature guiding industry. This makes him the most qualified ranger in Sri Lanka you’ll find to lead your leopard-spotting forays in the national park. And it’s not hard to see why, given his preternatural senses, easy-going demeanour and more than 11 years of safari experience.
Nature lovers will find much to discover in this historic park: flora and fauna along a 1.6km-length heritage trail, breathtaking views atop the Curtis Crest tree top walk and the Langur Way canopy walk, as well as guided tour services and outdoor activities.Take the funicular up the island’s iconic Penang Hill to this nature and bio-diverse conservation park, incidentally also the gateway to UNESCO Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve.
