On the site of the now closed Lamarck university, or so the story goes, the JW Marriott Phu Quoc is built around a theme of the academic. Those former students had it good – the hotel rests on the shore of its own private bay, reputedly Phu Quoc’s best beach, with three superb restaurants catering for the discerning diner of all tastes, and lush, tastefully decorated rooms.

With every minute detail lending itself to the theme, from dusty old British tomes of Zoology and Cricket, to antique weighing scales in one its cafes, the JW Marriott is a journey of wit and whimsy and the perfect place to forget your inner city woes and indulge in utter fantasy. Escapism is very much the watchword here.

Idea

Bear with us here. The JW Marriott is based around a fictional university and none of this story is half-hearted. Every tiny component plays to the narrative. Each building is billed as ‘department’, with architecture and furnishings designed to reflect the subject of study. Botanicals and zoology have striking visual impact, with life size elephant statues looming over the entrance, and art work of animal anatomy creating an immersive experience. Ex-‘students’ with tongue in cheek names watch over you as you eat and a ‘class timetable’ is presented on arrival with activities. I’m sure you get the picture. If role play isn’t your thing however, the stunning beach and fresh local produce served in the restaurants bring plenty of rest, relaxation and replenishment.

Location

Situated on the southern tip of Phu Quoc island, a 20 minute drive from the airport, and a short flight from Ho Chi Minh City, mainland Vietnam, the hotel is easily accessible for a short getaway. The hotel sits on a pristine beach that is perhaps the most beautiful on the island, all bright white sand and turquoise sea. Idyllic.

Décor

The JW Marriott doesn’t do things in half measures. The attention to detail and care put into the university theme is highly commendable and renowned architect Bill Bensley has executed the dream with precision. Once you learn about the theme of the hotel, you notice it everywhere you look. The lobby area sets the tone, with an enormous bronze trophy the centre piece, and endless other relics of centuries old study greeting you at every turn.

Rooms

There are in total 243 rooms including suites and villas, all which are spacious, luxurious and downright heavenly. Pillows you can sink into and a bed which moulds itself to a figure makes it very difficult to leave.  We stayed in the Zoology department which had a sensational view of the bay at sunrise encouraging us to be early birds.  The bathroom is larger than most people’s homes, with a massive tub and sink for both him and her. The rooms have all the mod cons, you can even hookup your device to the multimedia TV.

Food & Drink

There are three restaurants, all offering a unique style and design. Our favourite of the trio is Red Rum, which serves up the freshest local seafood right next to the ocean. Check out our full review of it here.

Tempus Fugit, translated as time flies – very apt for this place! – hosts a breakfast so rich in choice that you’re in danger of serious over eating. Sushi, dumplings, crepes, waffles, roast beef, pork belly, croissants, cheese, charcueterie – the list could go on and on. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner, with international offerings rubbing shoulders with Vietnamese classics.

The third joint, French & Co, pays homage to the days of French colonialism in Vietnam, with superb pastries, croque monsieurs and a fine selection of tea and coffee.

A ‘chemistry’ lesson is provided in the Department of Chemistry bar where the consumption of alcohol is given further added fun through vessels like test tubes and pipettes.

Facilities

The Department of Sport offers both a well equipped, air conditioned gym and outdoor activities such as kayaking and yoga.

The Spa is a reason to visit in itself, with beautifully furnished rooms and a wide range of treatments on offer. Start with a sauna or steam room, then move onto a full body aromatherapy massage. Leave feeling refreshed and invigorated. A superb experience.

Why Go

The JW Marriott Phu Quoc takes escapism to a whole new level. Immerse yourself in finding a new you, and luxuriate in the nostalgia of your student days. Forget the toils of normal life and regress into your youth. A wonderful, whimsical experience.

To book visit: www.marriott.com

Disclosure: IDEAL stayed as a guest of the hotel

To survey the culinary landscape in 2018 is to look upon a map of competing, polar opposites. It’s all got a bit binary and here we are, standing at something of a crossroads; turn left for malnourishment, right for a distended stomach and inevitable gout. To follow the path of self denial, eating ‘clean’ and detoxing is certainly not for us. So it’s the other route then, with enthusiasm. Time to embrace the curves and get carnivorous, and while the prospect isn’t a particularly well rounded one, nonetheless here we are, at Rotunda.

IDEA

Buzzwords bear down on you and iconography issues forth from only a cursory glance at the restaurant’s menu.There’s a silhouette of a cow. Licks of phrases like ‘gate to plate’, ‘on site butchery’ and ‘hanging room’ jump out. It all spells meat loudly – good quality, and lots of it.

Rotunda have their own farm in Northumberland supplying all of their beef and lamb, and whilst it’s not personalised to the extent of giving their livestock names on the menu, the butcher who they keep locked up in the basement goes by Claus. Or so we’re told. With all this care describing the sourcing, they’d better be able to cook it…

LOCATION

The restaurant is a ten minute walk from King’s Cross station, and is housed in a multipurpose building which is also home to the Guardian newspaper, a live music venue and more. Rotunda sits on the far side of the building, with a terrace and view over Regent’s Canal. It’s a pleasant little spot to watch the world go by and we imagine in summer it gets very convivial indeed. Sadly, it’s winter and we make do with views of the water via floor to ceiling windows from the safety of indoors.

ATMOSPHERE

The vibe was quiet during our leisurely lunch, although not baren by any means. We wondered if the Guardian’s downsizing to tabloid had affected numbers here. Regardless, service was sharp and charming, and our request to take a look at the hanging room met with a generous, proud tour from the affable manager. Impressive and a highlight, for sure.

FOOD

We entered into our order with a resolute determination not to have four courses of cattle; this was only a weekday lunch after all and Christmas had been excessive. So to start; goat’s curd, beetroot and hazelnut, which is such a menu mainstay we wondered how it could be given fresh life. Well, it’s ubiquitous for a reason, with the curd’s piquancy given extra zip from a punchy, sharp dressing as the beetroot sweetened and soothed. Lamb sweetbreads, crumbed and deep fried, retained their characteristic, almost creamy texture and thankfully hadn’t seen much longer in the fryer. The accompanying jalapeno tartar could’ve had more jalapeno – if an ingredient is going to get billing on the menu, it should be pronounced on the palate – but it provided a good foil to the rich offal, still.

While a steak was guaranteed for mains, we sought guidance on what else worked. We were steered towards a shepherd’s pie with slow cooked lamb shoulder (from the farm). There was serious depth to the meat, and it was lent the desired ‘falling apart’ quality from the length of the cook. Seasonal greens added a little diversity to what may have otherwise become samey after a few bites.

The menu offers a choice of steaks; hanger, rump or rib eye; as well as a choice of the usual suspects, sauce wise. We go for rump as for us, flavour should always trump texture, and if it’s been hung well, this cut can’t be beaten for its deep, minerally, savoury taste. We were right to trust Rotunda to have treated their cow’s backside lovingly; the steak delivered on all it promised, with that almost blue-cheesy-depth present that a great, aged beef often has.

DRINK

A fine selection of wine is available by the glass, as well as bottle, meaning it’s possible to indulge, but with an eye on your wallet and waistline at the same time. The cocktail list is an alluring line up of carefully chosen, seasonal offerings, and as such, should come with a warning. The Frenchie Goes Around, comprising of gin, orange liqueur, lemon, lavender and prosecco, was impossible to resist. And impossible not to order a second, for that matter.

WHY GO

Yes, we know. The New Year has brought with it pledges to be healthy, abstinent and mindful about our meat consumption. But if you’re going to do it, do it occasionally, and do it well. That’s where Rotunda comes in.

Website: www.rotundabarandrestaurant.co.uk

Disclosure: IDEAL Magazine dined as a guest of the restaurant

An increasing number of Brits are changing their holidaying habits and choosing a staycation on home soil as opposed to an overseas vacation. But this is nothing new to the country’s many motorhome owners. It’s an opportunity to take your ‘home’ on wheels to any location you wish; and the beauty of it? You aren’t squashed into a small tent with the rest of your family, and if it rains, it doesn’t matter because you have a roof over your head.

But with so many places claiming to be the best, deciding which sites to visit can take time. Just as motorhomes range from basic campervans and trailers to those RVs that are so fancy they give us weep-inducing envy, so do motorhome campsites.

From basic wild camping sites and family holiday parks to swish sites with pools or hot tubs, passing through sites settled into or next to forests, mountains, beaches and lakes on the way, we’ve teamed up with Audi dealership, Vindis, to give you our 4 IDEAL campervan sites to visit around the world.

Fields End Water Caravan Park, Lodges & Fishery

One of the most luxurious on our list, this adults-only (nope, nothing salubrious going on here – sadly) campsite has a five-star rating and is located in the beautiful heart of Cambridgeshire. Offering 59 touring pitches, 14 tent pitches and six luxury self-catering lodges equipped with hot tubs, it is a must-visit for those of you who appreciate a splash of opulence. For the fishing enthusiasts, there are two on-site fishing lakes to enjoy, with guaranteed peace and quiet thanks to their adults-only policy. Dogs are very much welcome, with plenty of expansive Fenland countryside to enjoy all year round.

For those of you travelling with larger than life campervans, RVs and motorhomes, Fields End Water also offers extra-large pitches. Rest assured the relaxing site can act as a great base to explore Cambridgeshire.

Hendra Holiday Park

Staying in the UK, for families of all ages, Hendra Holiday Park is a must-visit. Situated in Newquay, Cornwall, there is something fun for everyone. Surrounded by countryside and only minutes away from the beach, the park has 500 touring pitches, 500 more tent pitches and 320 holiday homes available for hire. You’ll also be pleased to hear that their toilet block facilities for campers have been awarded the ‘5* Loo of the Year’ award each year – reason alone to visit, we think!

In addition to their luxury loos, their facilities are top notch. The park has soft play, a pool complex, full entertainment both indoor and outdoor for all weathers, and several bars and restaurants. And that’s just while on site; the countryside and beaches offer even more fun for all the family.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Winner of the ‘RC Park of the Year’ award, Ocean Lakes is well worth the much romanticised American road trip – ranked in the top 1% of campground in America. Pretty impressive, we think. And it’s not hard to see why; situated on the oceanfront in South Carolina, USA, and stretching across one mile of oceanfront, you can camp in amongst this beautiful terrain here all year round.

With early booking available, Ocean Lakes allows you to reserve one of their 650 pitches up to 18 months in advance. With plenty of activities on offer, it’s fair to say your kids won’t be bored. From basketball and volleyball to horseshoes and outdoor pools, the fun never stops, it seems.

The list of things to do is almost limitless – located in a local area that offers national award-winning shows, more than 100 golf courses, and is home to Brookgreen Gardens — named one of the top 10 public gardens in America. It’s definitely worth taking a trip in your RV down to South Carolina.

Campsite Naturista ‘El Portús’

Head over to the Spanish region of Murcia, and soak up as much Spanish culture, sun and sea as you wish – as the Campsite Naturista ‘El Portús’ looks out onto blue seas and clifftops. With over 350 touring pitches available, there are also 60 permanent pitches up for grabs and 80 accommodation units for hire.

Offering two swimming pools – one indoor and one outdoor – as well as the nearby ocean, there’s plenty of opportunity to get your swimsuit on. Wi-fi is available, and there are snack bars, a pizzeria and a restaurant on site so you can take a break from any cooking duties on your trip.

So where will your next adventure take you? When looking for your next vacation spot, narrow your search down to your requirements to ensure you get the best site for your needs. Whether it’s child friendly, adult only or super luxurious, there will be the perfect site out there for you to visit – and don’t be afraid to venture across the ocean and enjoy the open road on foreign soil.

London’s appetite for top-notch nosh in a casual setting is showing no signs of abating, with more and more British boozers upping their game. From superior work drinks to impossible-to-resist foodie fare (think deep-fried Cornish anchovies, melt-in-the-mouth lamb shanks and sticky ginger pudding), gastropubs have changed the way we eat. After a meal that tastes posh without the posh price tag? These top 7 gastropubs are where it’s at.

The Jugged Hare

© The Jugged Hare

What:

London’s most exciting gastropub

This handsomely remodelled pub-restaurant has received a lot of attention for its great wine list and next-level bar snacks (anyone for Old Spot Scotch egg with spiced mayo?). An open ‘theatre’ kitchen with a state-of-the-art rotisserie and charcoal grill means you won’t miss any of the action, while a lovely oak floor and authentic taxidermy pieces give the space an elegant woodsy feel. Specialising in seasonal British game, spit-roast meats and wild fish, this classy gastropub is also popular for weddings and corporate events.

Sample dishes:

Pan-fried Lyme Bay turbot, braised chicory, samphire, chive butter sauce £26

Game tasting board for two £75

We like:

The dedicated Christmas menu with its fantastically festive dishes, like free-range Lincolnshire turkey, served with pork and chestnut stuffing, bread sauce, pigs in blankets and roasting juices

The Gun

© The Gun

What:

One of the city’s best waterside pubs

A former Time Out gastropub of the year winner, The Gun is known for its best-of-British menu and unbeatable river views. A smartly dressed dining space and a large terrace make this upmarket venue a refreshing escape from Canary Wharf. Drinkers will also feel at home at the beautiful bar counter, with its standalone menu and wide range of brews on draught.

Sample dishes:

Confit duck and liver terrine, caramelised figs, toasted 48-hour sourdough £8

Roast fillet Cumbrian beef, spiced carrot purée, charred shallots, buttered turnips, potato cake, red wine jus £32

We like:

The traditional Sunday lunch, which many say is the best in London

The White Swan

© The White Swan

What:

A smart gastropub with a great wine list

A wood-panelled ground-floor bar and a rather posh upstairs dining room make the White Swan a popular choice among young professionals. Located between Chancery Lane and Fleet Street, this classy space is known for putting its own spin on classic dishes, such as a Shorthorn Beef burger served with smoked cheddar, bacon and French fries or a treacle tart paired with zingy lemon-yogurt ice cream.

Sample dishes:

Scottish salmon fishcake, poached egg, butter sauce £9.50

Roast loin of wild Suffolk venison, crispy shoulder bon-bon, chestnuts, cocoa nib £18

We like:

The mezzanine balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows in the light-filled double-height dining room

St Bart’s Brewery

© St Bart’s Brewery

What:

The classiest brewery you’ve ever been to

Split over two levels, St Bart’s Brewery offers up next-level pub grub, much of which is sourced from nearby Smithfield Market. Stripped wood, barrel-top tables and exposed pipes give this Farringdon gastropub-turned-bar a sophisticated urban edge. From homemade bar snacks to comfort food classics, like pork pie with piccalilli and fish finger butties with tartar sauce, St Bart’s Brewery is a first-class addition to the city’s vibrant gastropub scene.

Sample dishes:

Cock-a-leekie pie £13

Real ale battered haddock, mushy peas, fries £14

We like:

Wines and ciders supplied by their Hush Heath Estate in Kent, including a very tasty strawberry and blackcurrant sparkling cider

Lord Wargrave

© Lord Wargrave

What:

A Victorian-style gourmet pub with a fantastic malt whisky list

Great whisky and smoking food is what it’s all about at this popular Marleybone venue. Lord Wargrave is a whisky fan’s paradise, stocking over 150 varieties and guaranteeing there’s something for every taste. They also smoke all their meat in house and are said to do the best St Louis pork ribs in town.

Sample dishes:

House-smoked Scottish salmon sandwich, pickled cucumber, dill £9.50

5-hour smoked Jacob’s ladder beef ribs £15

We like:

London’s largest selection of single-malt whisky

Bull & Gate

© The Bull and Gate

What:

A legendary north London music venue-turned-gastropub

In the heart of fashionable Kentish Town, this revitalised Victorian boozer is kitted out to look like an old-school gentlemen’s club. Expect modern, seasonal dishes in the stylish dining room and very tasty roasts on Sundays (think ‘double egg’ Yorkshire puddings, proper gravy and all the trimmings). Bull & Gate is also known for their inventive cocktails – order the spiced apple mojito for a seasonal take on the popular thirst quencher.

Sample dishes:

Smoked lamb shoulder shepherd’s pie, buttered greens £14.50

Ginger pudding, salted caramel ice cream, honey and bourbon sauce £6.50

We like:

The baby grand piano with complimentary live jazz on Friday and Saturday evenings

The Princess of Wales

© The Princess of Wales

What:

A regency-style gastropub in leafy Primrose Hill

Refined British grub is the order of the day at this lovingly renovated venue. An elegant first-floor dining room, lower-ground bar and the ‘Banksy beer garden’ (named after a lion stencil that appeared mysteriously in 2011) have re-established the Princess of Wales as a warm and welcoming local.

Sample dishes:

Duck liver and orange pâté, rhubarb chutney, toast £7.5

BBQ pulled pork bun, apple slaw, fries £12.95

We like:

The 2 for 1 cocktail deal from 5 to 8 pm Monday to Thursday (don’t miss the very naughty but very nice Chocolate Slip!)

Bio:

Jacinta Butterworth is a content writer at #tagvenue, the UK’s fastest growing venue bookings platform. You can follow them @tagvenue.