The Belle Blog
  • Home
  • Belle travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Belle Beauty
  • Viva España
  • Afternoon teas around the world
  • Food around the world
  • About me
  • Shop my Insta

The Grand hotel, Brighton

7/10/2019

1 Comment

 
I have always wanted to stay at The Grand hotel, but never quite had the opportunity. When we recently spent the weekend in Brighton I knew the place to stay immediately 
The Grand Hotel , Brighton By The Belle Blog
I'm a big fan of Victorian seaside architecture so i'm sure you can see why The Grand was on my list.   
The Grand Hotel , Brighton By The Belle Blog
Its a Iconic hotel has truly beautiful architecture, the kind they don't build anymore... you could say its very grand (sorry)
The Grand Hotel , Brighton By The Belle Blog
The Grand Hotel , Brighton By The Belle Blog
The Grand Hotel , Brighton By The Belle Blog
We didn't have time on this visit for afternoon tea, but its served in the super pretty Victorian terrace and i fully intend to check it out on my next visit. 
The Grand Hotel , Brighton By The Belle Blog
The Grand Hotel , Brighton By The Belle Blog
The Grand Hotel , Brighton By The Belle Blog
The workman ship is everywhere here. Such pretty detail to be found on everything. 
The Grand Hotel , Brighton By The Belle Blog
The Grand Hotel , Brighton By The Belle Blog
I especially loved the blue and white detailing as you make your way up the atrium 
The Grand Hotel , Brighton By The Belle Blog
The Grand Hotel , Brighton By The Belle Blog
The Grand Hotel , Brighton By The Belle Blog
The Grand Hotel , Brighton By The Belle Blog
Speaking of which, doesn't it remind you of intricate crochet work? Atrium's are such an amazing feature of those hotels lucky enough to have one, and I don't recall seeing a finer example although it did remind me a little of The Beekman hotel in NYC
The Grand Hotel , Brighton By The Belle Blog
The Grand Hotel , Brighton By The Belle Blog
The Grand Hotel , Brighton By The Belle Blog
We had a lovely time at The Grande Hotel Brighton... I would truely go back in heartbeat

Belle
Xx
1 Comment

Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan

6/26/2019

0 Comments

 
On this throw back trip to Provence (Part 1 Here) we visited our wedding venue Chateau de Massillan for a menu tasting and to agree on some of the wedding plans. 
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan, Provence by The Belle Blog
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan, Provence by The Belle Blog
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan, Provence by The Belle Blog
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan, Provence by The Belle Blog
We first discovered this gorgeous Chateau when we did our first road trip around the south of France. It will forever be one of our favourite vacations, for so many reasons. Finding the chateau was one of them. 
We feel in love with its quirky design, its beautiful antique furniture and its twinkling chandelier's. It was so very my style. No garish colours to contend with, no carpets with bold designs to clash with, it was the preferably aesthetic canvas to create a vision. We loved that it felt like someone's beautiful home, rather than a hotel.  And we loved that it has bucket loads of Character. 
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan, Provence by The Belle Blog
When my husband proposed, we both immediately wanted to get married here. We didn't even look at anything else, and that made it all the more special because it felt totally organic and almost like the venue choose us. 
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan, Provence by The Belle Blog
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan, Provence by The Belle Blog
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan, Provence by The Belle Blog
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan, Provence by The Belle Blog
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan, Provence by The Belle Blog
We wanted something that we could hire exclusively for our entire wedding weekend, so we could celebrate in complete privacy with our friend and massillan was perfect for this. The fact that it wasn't a wedding venue also had great appeal as it only made itself available for a handful of dates over the year. This was a big selling point to us as it felt a little bit more natural and unique.     
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan, Provence by The Belle Blog
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan by The Belle Blog
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan by The Belle Blog
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan by The Belle Blog
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan, Provence by The Belle Blog
It also had an amazing gastronomic restaurant, with absolutely incredible chef (Frédéric de Bourlout) and its own organic kitchen garden meaning all of the catering could be achieved in house (wedding cake aside) and would make this relatively stress free. The only difficult we did have was making the final choices...
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan, Provence by The Belle Blog
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan, Provence by The Belle Blog
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan, Provence by The Belle Blog
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan, Provence by The Belle Blog
Wedding Planning at Chateau de Massillan, Provence by The Belle Blog
As its coming up to our 5th wedding anniversary I will be sharing more from our wedding in Provence, so stayed tuned!

Belle 
​Xx
0 Comments

Lazy afternoons in Marrakech

6/20/2019

1 Comment

 
What do you do when you stay at a super cute, and incredibly relaxing interior design oasis in the middle of august when it literally sweltering (Note to self, Marrakesh in August is not for the faint hearted)
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
You take it easy and take it all in, thats what. 
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
When booking the trip, we knew it might be a little too hot for us so we made sure we booked somewhere we wouldn't tire of and that would keep us entertained on the too hot to go out afternoons (it was 43 degrees at some points)
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
I really couldn't imagine how anyone could get bored here. There are so many areas to explore, and when your done exploring you can sit back and enjoy. 
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
The rooftop is the place to head to if you fancy being a little more social. It had changed vastly since the last time we were here (see the post here) which is once of the things I love about El Fenn, its always evolving. 
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
And heres another thing I adore. The deserts. 
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
They really are incredible! All of the food here is fantastic, but the deserts really are stand out. So much so, we found ourselves shamelessly heading to the roof in late afternoon for something sweet, indulgent and totally calorific! 
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Lazy afternoons at El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
This is my final post from our trip to Marrakech, one of my favourite places in the world to visit. So much so, we've just booked another trip... 

Belle
Xx
1 Comment

Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco

6/19/2019

0 Comments

 
So I showed you around our suite at El Fenn at night (See the post here), but its only right you see it in all its daytime glory because it was just so freakin cute... and pink! 
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
I loved that this suite had its own terrace and fireplaces galore, with amazing sweeping views over one of the hotels many pools. Its such a tranquil place, and you barley notice there are other guests staying here!
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
You can always tell how much I love a hotel by how many photos I take of it! I just could not stop snapping away at this place... It is such a unique place to stay. The use of light space and colour are really something special. ​
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
We woke up to the morning light streaming through the stain glass windows and birds singing as they flew through the riad. 
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Of course, the fact that this suite comes with its own private roof terrace and pool don't hurt! Its the prefect place to order a mint a tea and take a slower pace for the day. 
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Picture
The views of The Koutoubia Mosque (the largest mosque in Marrakesh) are just breathtaking and  punctuates the sea of beige rooftops that go on for miles from this height. 
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Pink suite dreams in Marrakech, Morocco by The Belle Blog
Its fair to say that El fenn has been added to my ever growing favourite hotels in the world list! I do think that for me, hotels in Marrakech in particular are a sure win because I just love the french infused Moroccan interiors but that aside, El fenn is a truly special place. 

Do you have a favourite hotel or riad to stay at in Marrackech? 

Belle 
Xx
0 Comments

Slow mornings in Marrakech

6/17/2019

2 Comments

 
You know your going to have a great day when it starts with a swim in a roll top bath and the most delicious breakfast ever! That's how everyday starts at El Fenn. 
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
I finally dragged myself out of the tub and the hub's and I headed to the roof top for quite the breakfast experience. 
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
The rooftop is adorned with fiddle leaf fig trees and cactus in rustic terracotta pots and kind of feels like your dining in the tree tops!
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
I REALLY love how breakfast is served at El Fenn. You are presented with a giant tray filled with breakfast goodies... Home made granola (best iv ever tasted, and they'll even give you the recipe) eggs cooked to order, freshly baked pastries, fruit bowls and homemade yogurt. Its really quite the feast and quite the event.
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Breakfast was really one of the things that set El Fenn apart for me. I'll confess that i'm so not a fan of the breakfast buffet. This was a welcome and indulgent treat, and was actually one of things I really looked forward to each day.
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
It was also here that I discovered Amlou -  a thick brown paste with a texture similar to peanut butter obtained by grinding roasted almonds mixed with honey and argan oil. Amlou is known as a speciality from the South of Morocco and is usually used as a healthy dip or spread since its key ingredient is argan oil
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
​Luckily the riad is big enough (and interesting enough) to take a stroll around and work off some of those breakfast calories...
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Slow mornings in Marrakech, Morocco By The Belle Blog
Just another reason to love El Fenn...

Belle
Xx
2 Comments

El fenn at night

6/6/2019

0 Comments

 
I had to start this post with the image that sticks in my mind when we first saw our suite at El Fenn. Our roof terrace looked and felt so magical under the full moon, I’m sure I’ll never forget it.

El Fenn at night, Marrakech boutique riad at night by The Belle Blog
El Fenn at night, Marrakech boutique riad at night by The Belle Blog
El Fenn at night, Marrakech boutique riad at night by The Belle Blog
El Fenn at night, Marrakech boutique riad at night by The Belle Blog
The week before I found out that The Madonna (yes, the actual one) has not only hired out the whole of El Fenn for her birthday but had actually stayed in the very same suite and the Sunday Times once votes this suite one of the sexiest room of all time. Definitely all added to the fabulous vibes!
El Fenn at night, Marrakech boutique riad at night by The Belle Blog
El Fenn at night, Marrakech boutique riad at night by The Belle Blog
​The moment I saw this pink suite I was in love. The second I saw the roll top bath I knew this was going to be the most incredible stay
El Fenn at night, Marrakech boutique riad at night by The Belle Blog
El Fenn at night, Marrakech boutique riad at night by The Belle Blog
El Fenn at night, Marrakech boutique riad at night by The Belle Blog
El Fenn at night, Marrakech boutique riad at night by The Belle Blog
​Its a truly unique space, with hand stitched camel leather floors and coloured glass lamps bathing the room in glittering light. Even a log fire for colder evenings.
Picture
El Fenn at night, Marrakech boutique riad at night by The Belle Blog
El Fenn at night, Marrakech boutique riad at night by The Belle Blog
Venetian mirrors and luxurious bath products amp up the romantic vibe  
El Fenn at night, Marrakech boutique riad at night by The Belle Blog
El Fenn at night, Marrakech boutique riad at night by The Belle Blog
El Fenn at night, Marrakech boutique riad at night by The Belle Blog
El Fenn is truly the most romantic and inspiring backdrop for exploring the magical city of Marrakech, I really couldn't recommend it more!

Belle
Xx

For part one this Moroccan adventure see here  
0 Comments

Moroccan Nights

6/3/2019

0 Comments

 
We arrived back in Marrakech on one of those glorious hot and balmy summer evenings!


Im going to let you in on a little secret. I hate arriving at my destination in the evening. Firstly, it usually means you've paid a fortune for a hotel room you'll only sleep in that night. Secondly, if you're like me and you have to take a photo of EVERYTHING, you'll know how hard it is to do that when its a) dark b) you are too tired to want to take a photo, so you just get in bed and mess up the room or you have reservations somewhere and you mess up getting ready (do these confessions make me weird?)
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
But on this occasion, arriving as the sun was setting was pure magic. 

You see, El Fenn is a beautiful hotel. But at night time its magical. 
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
Every lantern is lit by the hotel staff (trust me there are hundreds!!!)  turning the entire hotel into an Aladdin's cave of glimmering candlelight beautifully framing the design and styling of every corner.
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
You find yourself exploring secret spaces and passages, all set up beautifully should someone happen stumble upon them. That's what I love about El fenn, every corner is loved, beautiful and living its best life. 
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
If you are ever stuck in an inspirational rut, a trip here will no doubt stimulate you creatively.

I first saw El Fenn on our last visit to Marrakesh and it instantly went onto my hotel wish list (I wrote about it here)
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
After my little exploration down El fenn's magical corridors, we made our way to the roof terrace for dinner. The night air was sweet with jasmine and warm in the best possible way. Don't you just love hot summer nights!
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
And what do you do when you arrive on your first night of hollybobs? Order some ice cold cocktails, that's what!
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
We discussed our plans for the trip over candle light and the most delicious dinner of feta salad, quinoa and a roast vegetable tagine followed by the most delicious and decadent chocolate desert. 
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
Moroccan nights, Marrakesh. Our first night arriving at the El Fenn Hotel, Morocco By The Belle Blog.
Is there anything better than the first night of your holidays? Perhaps, know this is home for a while just wins just about tops it...

If you pop back, i'll show you around our suite

Belle
​Xx
0 Comments

The Dylan hotel, AMSTERDAM

5/13/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
When looking for somewhere to stay for our trip to Amsterdam I really wanted to find somewhere that felt like, well... Amsterdam. 

And what is more Amsterdam than a loft style hotel? 

Read More
0 Comments

Date weekend in Barcelona

4/3/2019

0 Comments

 
A date weekend in Barcelona, Spain by The Belle Blog. Staying at Soho House, Barcelona
So it seems that el hombre and I have started a new tradition with an annual date weekend to Barcelona. Its quite a nice little tradition. After all, its just an hours flight away and is one of the most beautiful city's in Europe

Read More
0 Comments

Afternoon tea at the Ritz, Paris

2/18/2019

0 Comments

 
Afternoon tea at the Ritz, Paris by The Belle Blog
I have wanted to visit the Ritz Paris for afternoon tea for quite some time now, so I was delighted when my husband surprised me with a reservation for my birthday. If you have followed me for a while now, you'll know that not only am I obsessed with Afternoon tea but with my favourite city too, Paris! 

Read More
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    A travel, beauty and lifestyle blog with the occasional afternoon tea by Angelina Belle

    Categories

    All
    Afternoon Tea
    Beauty
    Celebrations
    Christmas
    Coffee-love
    Coffee-love
    Easter
    Food Around The World
    Garden
    Hair
    Halloween
    Hen-party-inspiration
    Home
    Hotels
    Italy
    Lifestyle
    Renovations
    Reviews
    Spa
    Style
    Travel
    U.K
    Viva Espania
    Wedding





    Archives

    December 2024
    November 2024
    September 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    September 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016



    Intellifluence Trusted Blogger








    This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies.

    Opt Out of Cookies

    RSS Feed

Home


​[email protected]

Copyright © 2020  The Belle Blog - All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • Belle travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Belle Beauty
  • Viva España
  • Afternoon teas around the world
  • Food around the world
  • About me
  • Shop my Insta