Copenhagen - For a truly chic retreat look no further than Hotel D'Angleterre.
Conveniently positioned next to the Kongens Nytorv public square and tube station, it is around a 15-minute metro ride away from the airport. Established in 1755, there is real character in this grand palace, but it is balanced with a boutique look in the recently revamped and immaculately presented rooms.
Of the 90 rooms, 60 are suites and all come with spacious bathrooms and the latest technology. A soothing grey palette forms the basis of the elegant design, with glorious floral arrangements, statement lighting, sumptuous furniture and pastel coloured carpets throughout. Treat yourself to a Michelin-star feast in the Marchal restaurant, which hosts a generous and delicious champagne brunch on Sundays.
And cap off your trip with a visit to the Amazing Space spa, complete with the only swimming pool in Copenhagen's centre. Ideally located for browsing the Danish design and department stores this is just the spot for a short stay in a stylish city. Rooms are priced from around £340 (about R7 000) per night (dangleterre.com)
A photo posted by Lotta Agaton (@lottaagaton) on Mar 19, 2016 at 2:35am PDT
EAT
Fiskebar (or The Fish Bar) is a buzzing restaurant in the trendy meatpacking district. A great combination of fine dining in an informal venue, it is a must for fish lovers. The food is freshly prepared and the staff are so passionate about what they do.
Head chef Jamie Lee is a Brit who trained under Jason Atherton. Ask for a tour of the kitchen to see an immaculate and thriving culinary hub and watch the desert being prepared in the exposed patisserie area. Try the bleak roe, scallops and cod, leaving room for the Bolivian chocolate dessert.
The wine has been carefully chosen as much for its story as its taste. Family vineyards and bright young things breaking the usual wine boundaries make the list interesting (fiskebaren.dk).
DRINK
A speakeasy for our time, Curfew offers such a warm welcome. Passionate owner and mixologist Humberto Saraiva Marques lives and breathes this cosy little bar. He has turned a run-down pub into a hip hangout, dressed in his vintage finds.
Designer friend Louise Kingan taught him how items from different eras work together if they share the same ethos: “A container with American vintage Arthur Umanov bar stools was on the way from USA and Louise immediately saw the potential. She even let them play the leading role in the bar by applying a bright red colour to them and setting them against Portuguese teracotta tiles.”
Retro green velvet sofas and coffee tables made by a local blacksmith add character. Menu covers are from a bookbinder named Klara K and the bartender uniforms are by Mayenne Nelen. Outdoor brass lamps have been turned into table lamps while a decanter lamp hangs above the bar and pineapple shades represent old-school hospitality. The cocktails are divine. Order Odyssey Number 10 or Old Iberian for a refreshing hit. Then soak up the ambience (curfew.dk).
A photo posted by @curfew_copenhagen on Feb 10, 2016 at 12:19pm PST
SHOP
Normann Copenhagen: the flagship store in a converted cinema sets the standard for Danish design,
normann-copenhagen.com
Hay: pick up stationery in the market or splash out on high-end furniture,
hay.dk
Illums Bolighus: a smart edit of furniture, fashion and accessories from established and breaking designers,
illumsbolighus.com
Designer Zoo: an eclectic mix of trinkets, ideal for finding a special gift,
dzoo.dk
Illum: this department store houses recognisable international brands alongside Denmark's finest,
illum.dk
The Independent