Smith Travel BlogTravel tales and hotel news from the boutique hotel experts at Mr & Mrs Smith

Ovolo, Hong Kong: hotel of the week

Friday, May 24th, 2013

This week, we’re setting our sights on a mid-year minibreak full of rest, relaxation and retail therapy. Celebrate the solstice with a stay in the heart of Hong Kong, at boutique city hotel Ovolo 2 Arbuthnot Road. Style Futuristic city slicker Setting In-the-thick-of-it Central Why this week? Take cue from the changing weather and skip town for a [...]

Read the rest of this entry »

We were doubtful of its existence, but spring has finally made its stateside appearance. And all these blooms have us craving a weekend at the glam hotel St Regis Washington DC, in one of the most glorious spots to stop and Instagram the flowers this time of year. Style Old-world wow Setting Steps from the Obamas [...]

Read the rest of this entry »

Inside London #14: Swarovski Crystallized

Tuesday, March 26th, 2013

With rain-soaked pavements and throngs of unsmiling shoppers, shopping in London can be less than pleasant without some insider knowledge. But we’re here to help: just two umbrella-dodging minutes from London’s hectic Oxford Circus, there’s a serenely sparkling wonderland: welcome to Swarovski Crystallized… Opposite Liberty, close to all the West End theatres and just steps [...]

Read the rest of this entry »

Can’t decide between a chill-out holiday or a cultural break? Boutique retreat Alila Ubud in Bali offers a serene mix of both, with poolside pampering in the tropical jungle just a hop from the island’s arty heartland… Style Verdant hillside village Setting Sweet valley high Why this week? Book through Smith by 31 January to enjoy our exclusive [...]

Read the rest of this entry »

Lyall Hotel, Melbourne: hotel of the week

Friday, December 28th, 2012

In Melbourne‘s fashionable South Yarra, Lyall Hotel and Spa is a classy cocktail of sleek rooms, sensual day spa and chic bistro-cum-bar. It’s the go-to destination for a swathe of stars – Gwen Stefani and Paris Hilton included – as well as savvy magazine editors, who we’re sure adore the within-walking-distance designer label boutiques. Style [...]

Read the rest of this entry »

Festive fun in London: a Christmas to-do list

Thursday, December 13th, 2012

What’s that you say? It’s nearly Christmas? Cue cold sweats, mild panic buying and a belated urge to sling on some knitted accessories, sing a merry tune and stock up on seasonal good cheer. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a festive assortment of great London activities that will sate yuletide appetites, scent your [...]

Read the rest of this entry »

We like to think we know how to spot what’s special about a city within moments of arriving there – not least in Italy, where last year we spent a lot of time scouring cobbled streets and Renaissance piazzas for secrets to share in our recent Italy hotel guide.   Meet some like-minded spirits: founders of [...]

Read the rest of this entry »

London Style Guide: spotlight on Soho

Thursday, August 23rd, 2012

Saska Graville, we salute you. Your just-published London Style Guide (Murdoch Books; £16.99) is an enlightening look at a fascinating city we ourselves love and know so well – and frankly a lot of your tip-offs are close to our hearts too. An easy-on-the-eye, delightful-to-read hardback guide that takes you on a journey to the [...]

Read the rest of this entry »

Boutique travel experts Mr & Mrs Smith bring you a high five from Hobart with a round-up of the best things to do in the Tasmanian capital

Read the rest of this entry »

Desert Palm, Dubai: hotel of the week

Friday, February 24th, 2012

If you’re even vaguely interested in horse-racing, this should quicken your pulse: the Cup season is almost upon us. No, not just Cheltenham’s Gold one; the Dubai World Cup – dubbed the ‘world’s richest horse race’. Our hotel of the week? Private polo estate turned boutique resort Desert Palm, the perfect retreat for event-loving jetsetters… Style Italo-Arab [...]

Read the rest of this entry »