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The Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol, Spain hotel review
Sitting on a quiet hillside in the southern Costa del Sol region of Spain, Fairmont La Hacienda is a newly built hotel set within the La Hacienda Links Golf Resort, one of the area's premier golfing destinations, overlooking the calm Mediterranean coastline. Perched on the edge of the public four-kilometre La Alcaidesa beach, where the hotel's private beach club serves cocktails, meals and sharing dishes. The majority of the surrounding hillside is covered with rugged greenery, coastal apartments and gated communities, like the Palm Springs-esque Sotogrande, making for a tranquil stay in this small pocket of the southern shoreline. A half-hour drive along the coast is the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar, where you will find the likes of Marks & Spencer and Costa Coffee basking in the Iberian sunshine, as well as designer boutiques and historical landmarks. The Rock of Gibraltar juts up from the sea like a cathedral's spire; its powerful presence is hard to ignore, and guests can position themselves with a view of the dramatic monolith at dinner. The vibe When you enter the lobby at Fairmont La Hacienda, you are met with an uninterrupted view of the sparkling Alborán Sea through a giant glass window. The hotel's muted tones, organic textures and jute textiles don't try to compete with the picture-perfect views, but offer a calm backdrop, enhanced by locally-crafted art. Overall, the energy is calming; this is a hotel in which to relax and unwind, featuring soft lighting throughout and plush pool loungers to sink into after a few glasses of Cava. The service The staff are still getting into their groove here – the hotel has been open for less than a year – but the commitment to its success shines through from upper management to the bell staff. Dropped napkins are replaced in the blink of an eye, water glasses are replenished, and you are never sitting long trying to catch the attention of the friendly waiting staff. You won't find the hotel's senior leadership tucked away in offices behind closed doors either; staff float around the hotel, making sure guests always have what they need. Bed and bath There are 153 rooms in the main building and 47 whitewashed villas in the Andalusian-style village closer to the golf course. The rooms are all designed relatively similarly, with soft and creamy interiors, organic textures and wooden furniture contrasted by plush pillows and feather-stuffed duvets. What sets these spaces apart is the attention to detail. Warm LED strips tucked into corners made showering that little bit more luxurious, while buttons next to the light switches signal 'Do Not Disturb' or 'Service', foregoing those tatty paper signs often found in hotel rooms. The villas all have generously-sized living spaces, small seating areas, and lounger-lined terraces with private pools. Also included are kitchens and kitchenettes, ideal for those who prefer to shop for local produce and cook for themselves. If you are in ultimate holiday mode, however, fridges and pantries can be stocked for you, and chefs can prepare dinners for you. Food and drink Local produce, carefully curated menus and unprocessed dishes come first here. Gourmet restaurant Dalmar is the hotel's most prized eatery, and with a changing menu every day, à la carte dinners at this restaurant won't get tiresome. At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Benito Gómez, best known for his two-Michelin-starred restaurant Bardal in Ronda. Showcased at dinner were Cantabrian anchovies served over ice, grilled turbot and oysters with spicy pepper and coriander, paired with regional wines like Forlong Burbuja Blanco with help from a sommelier. El Faro, also found in the main building, has a large terrace area where dishes such as baby squid with squid ink mayonnaise and flaky pastry with a sweet vanilla chantilly are served. Lunches at Umbra are a more laid-back affair, served from a sun-dappled spot next to the pool. Try red tuna lion tartare, ribeye steak or the Russian seafood salad. Drinks are served on the terrace by waiting staff, so you'll never have to stand and wait by the bar for your aperitif or sundowner. Facilities Before the hotel opened earlier this year, the area was known for its sweeping golf courses, many with sea views, and guests can take advantage of packages and priority tee times during their stay at one of the two 18-hole championship La Hacienda Links Resort courses, which encircle the resort. The site boasts three swimming pools: a large main outdoor pool that sits next to a heated infinity pool, and another smaller pool set inside the spa. The 1,800-square-meter spa has no shortage of facilities, from hydrotherapy and Jacuzzis, cold plunge pools, treatment rooms, wet and dry saunas and a hammam. The wellness circuit is complete with a hot shower with multiple nozzles targeting different areas of the body and cold showers that mist you rather than shock you with a downpour. Mornings in the yoga studio or fitness centre down the hall are made special by the sunrise filling the room as you look out onto the sea (although yoga can be slightly disturbed by the buzz of the workout machines next door). Accessibility There are 10 fully accessible rooms on the property, as well as accessible public toilets, large walkways and lifts. Staff can also transport guests from one end of the resort to another on golf buggies. Dogs and cats are welcome at Farimont La Hacienda, up to one pet per room and a maximum weight of 20 kg. Special cleaning fees may also apply. Check in/check out Check in after 3pm, check-out at 12pm. Family-friendly? Families can check into rooms with multiple queen beds, or splash out on a villa with separate rooms and bedrooms that are ideal for teens who want a bit more space. The hotel also has a kids' and teens' club, fitted with a shaded playground and indoor hangout area with a PlayStation, foosball and ping pong table and retro arcade machines. At a glance Best thing: Dinners at Dalmar. Perfect for: Peaceful breaks. Not right for: Party people who want to be within walking distance of buzzing nightlife. Instagram from: The terrace for views of Gibraltar Rock in the background.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bolton School lands itself a new TV role-this time for a new coffee chain commercial
Cool beans! Bolton School has another starring role on TV - this time in the new Costa Coffee advert. The beautiful facade of the building and the interior of the historic school is used to depict a university in the commercial for the popular coffee chain. It is the latest role for the Chorley New Road school, which has been a go to location for production teams in recent years, and featured on some of the biggest TV dramas. In the new advertisement entitled 'Made with Heart", filming takes place outside and inside of the school, one of the best in the country. The minute long video follows the journey of a young girl, who is beginning life at university and finds solace and friendship in a Costa Coffee shop. A spokesperson for Bolton School said: 'We know that filming in iconic Bolton locations is great for the town in terms of civic pride and the local economy and we are pleased that the beautiful buildings at our school, both old and new, are attractive to a wide range of film makers. (Image: Bolton School) Filming at Bolton School READ MORE: 'So many alumni have noticed their school on the advert - it is great to see their comments.' This is not the first time the school has hit the silver screen. Bolton School is a popular filming location in Bolton, frequently used as a backdrop for various television dramas and films. The money earned from filming is used to support the school's bursary scheme, enabling bright students from all backgrounds to attend. Currently one in five students are on the bursary fund scheme but the school would like this to be one in three. In recent years, the school has provided the backdrop for Netflix's hit TV series, Fool Me Once, BBC's teenage detective drama, Get Even and BBC one drama starring Michelle Keegan, Our Girl. Elsewhere in Bolton, Le Mans Crescent is famous for Peaky Blinders, Alma's Not Normal, It's A Sin, Ridley and Nolly, which featured Hollywood star Helena Bonham Carter. And Bolton Town Hall became a winter backdrop for A Gentleman in Moscow with A-lister Ewan McGregor coming to town.
The Courier
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Costa reopens Broughty Ferry cafe after 'transformative refresh'
Costa Coffee has reopened its Broughty Ferry cafe after a refurbishment of the premises. The Brook Street chain closed its doors earlier this month to undergo a 'transformative renovation'. Following a full refurbishment, the store reopened to customers on Thursday. It now features a refreshed counter design, new furniture and updated flooring. Francesco Russo, area manager at Costa Coffee, said: 'We're incredibly excited to reopen our Brook Street store in Broughty Ferry. 'The store has had a transformative refresh, and we're looking forward to welcoming back our customers to our new and improved store.' The store is open from 7am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 8am to 6pm on Sunday. Elsewhere, the former Gulistan House in Broughty Ferry is set to reopen as a Mediterranean restaurant.
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Brits' 30 most common ‘everyday habits' including writing to-do lists, morning walks and scrolling social media
A huge number of people said that coffee was essential for starting their day LIKE CLOCKWORK Brits' 30 most common 'everyday habits' including writing to-do lists, morning walks and scrolling social media Brits are embracing little tweaks to elevate their daily routines to help them break free from "autopilot". A poll of 5,000 adults found 45 per cent are making small changes to their everyday habits, such as putting music on, stretching, and taking time to properly savour a coffee break. Advertisement 3 For some, walking in the park is essential for maintaining good mental health Credit: Alamy 3 Other people like to plan ahead for the day Credit: Getty 3 Many Brits like to start their day by scrolling on their phone Credit: Getty Other adjustments include adding a morning walk to the start of the day, or taking time to "review" daily targets. The shift towards more mindful living comes after 35 per cent admitted they are tired of the same mundane schedule day in, day out. With taking vitamins, watering the plants, and stretching also making the list of new ways they are living life more fully. The research was commissioned by Costa Coffee, which teamed up with psychologist Jo Hemmings to explore the power of having rituals. Advertisement She said: 'Incorporating mindful rituals into your day can reset the mind, reduce stress, and improve overall wellbeing. 'Routines give us structure and stability, which are essential for our mental wellbeing — but doing the same thing every day without variation can make life feel monotonous. 'Tiny tweaks can help inject energy and intention into the everyday. 'It keeps the brain engaged rather than switching to autopilot.' Advertisement Most of the nation's key daily rituals take place in the morning (44 per cent) compared to only nine per cent who indulge in the evening. And as many as 60 per cent admitted they feel 'out of sync' if they don't stick to their usual routines. Five ways to save money at costa While 74 per cent believe these small daily habits can have a long-term impact on someone's wellbeing. And 45 per cent reckon even the smallest disruption to their usual routine can throw off their entire day. Advertisement According to the figures, 73 per cent of coffee drinkers who have daily rituals consider it an essential part of their daily schedule. And 38 per cent even believe they're more able to have deeper and more meaningful conversations over a cup of coffee. While 33 per cent usually pair theirs with breakfast, 23 per cent take the time to use it as a moment for mindfulness or relaxation. It was also found 49 per cent enjoy a quiet moment to themselves with their coffee, while 32 per cent catch up with friends over one and 30 per cent read a book or newspaper while drinking it. Advertisement Gennaro Pelliccia, master of coffee at Costa Coffee, said: 'These findings show just how powerful everyday rituals can be — especially when it comes to coffee. 'For many, that daily cup isn't just a habit, it's a grounding moment of calm, connection, and reflection. 'Whether it's a quiet pause before the day begins or a conversation shared with a friend, we're proud to be part of the small moments that bring people closer to themselves and those around them.'
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Brits' 30 most common ‘everyday habits' including writing to-do lists, morning walks and scrolling social media
Brits are embracing little tweaks to elevate their daily routines to help them break free from "autopilot". A poll of 5,000 adults found 45 per cent are making small changes to their everyday habits, such as putting music on, stretching, and taking time to properly savour a coffee break. 3 3 3 Other adjustments include adding a morning walk to the start of the day, or taking time to "review" daily targets. The shift towards more mindful living comes after 35 per cent admitted they are tired of the same mundane schedule day in, day out. With taking vitamins, watering the plants, and stretching also making the list of new ways they are living life more fully. The research was commissioned by Costa Coffee, which teamed up with psychologist Jo Hemmings to explore the power of having rituals. She said: 'Incorporating mindful rituals into your day can reset the mind, reduce stress, and improve overall wellbeing. 'Routines give us structure and stability, which are essential for our mental wellbeing — but doing the same thing every day without variation can make life feel monotonous. 'Tiny tweaks can help inject energy and intention into the everyday. 'It keeps the brain engaged rather than switching to autopilot.' Most of the nation's key daily rituals take place in the morning (44 per cent) compared to only nine per cent who indulge in the evening. And as many as 60 per cent admitted they feel 'out of sync' if they don't stick to their usual routines. While 74 per cent believe these small daily habits can have a long-term impact on someone's wellbeing. And 45 per cent reckon even the smallest disruption to their usual routine can throw off their entire day. According to the figures, 73 per cent of coffee drinkers who have daily rituals consider it an essential part of their daily schedule. And 38 per cent even believe they're more able to have deeper and more meaningful conversations over a cup of coffee. While 33 per cent usually pair theirs with breakfast, 23 per cent take the time to use it as a moment for mindfulness or relaxation. It was also found 49 per cent enjoy a quiet moment to themselves with their coffee, while 32 per cent catch up with friends over one and 30 per cent read a book or newspaper while drinking it. Gennaro Pelliccia, master of coffee at Costa Coffee, said: 'These findings show just how powerful everyday rituals can be — especially when it comes to coffee. 'For many, that daily cup isn't just a habit, it's a grounding moment of calm, connection, and reflection. 'Whether it's a quiet pause before the day begins or a conversation shared with a friend, we're proud to be part of the small moments that bring people closer to themselves and those around them.' TOP 30 WAYS BRITS ELEVATE THEIR ROUTINES The top 30 ways for Brits to elevate their routines and boost their days have been revealed. The list has a wide variety of activities, with some people preferring to take it easy while others want to kick-start their day with a to-do list. Ranked from most popular to least popular, the list includes: Listen to music Tidy the house Take vitamins Get up to date on the news Savour a coffee break Scroll through social media Spend time with pets Sit in the sun Open all the windows to let fresh air in Morning walks Read a chapter of a book Drink a pint of water Do a skincare routine Water the plants Afternoon walks Evening walks Write a daily to-do list Listen to a podcast Catch up on the previous night's messages from friends/family Do stretches Meet a friend for a coffee Send a message to family/friends wishing them a good day Call/text your mum Review goals for the day Meditate Light a candle or use essential oils Intentional screen breaks Daily affirmations Morning mindfulness Practice yoga
