With the recent launch of COMO Laucala Island, an ultra-exclusive private island in the South Pacific, it’s been an exciting start to the year for COMO Hotels and Resorts. But that’s not all there is to look forward to; the leading luxury lifestyle group has unveiled a calendar of extraordinary experiences rooted in adventure, wellbeing, and gastronomy at its collection of boutique properties around the world – from an Italian culinary pop-up in London to a photography retreat in the heart of the Tuscan countryside.
CULINARY
An Art-Inspired Afternoon Tea: The Cape Arid Rooms at COMO The Treasury
Set within the south-eastern wing of the history-steeped State Buildings, COMO The Treasury’s Cape Arid Rooms are the inviting home of the celebrated Cape Arid Afternoon Tea. Inspired by the intriguing adventures of local artists, Alex and Philippa Nikulinsky, the Afternoon Tea celebrates Australia’s natural abundance with a revolving menu that spotlights the finest local producers and ingredients – the new Thomas River edition incorporates Shark Bay Crab, Borrello Ricotta Cheese and Bahen & Co Chocolate. Sip Champagne or beautifully brewed tea and feast on freshly prepared delicacies such as Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Cucumber Sandwiches, Pea and Ricotta Tartlets and Hazelnut Dacquoise with Mango Compote and Passionfruit as you marvel at The Cape Arid Rooms’ high ceilings, timber-shuttered windows and eye-catching watercolour and ink paintings by the Nikulinsky’s. Discover the Thomas River Edition afternoon tea here.
A Taste of Tuscany in the City: COMO Castello Del Nero pop-up at COMO Metropolitan London
For a limited time only (17th – 26th February 2022) COMO Castello Del Nero – the historic estate hidden amongst the rolling Tuscan hills – will bring a taste of Italy to COMO Metropolitan London on Park Lane. In collaboration with the award-winning team at COMO’s first Italian retreat, Executive Chef Giovanni Luca Di Pirro has created an exclusive menu highlighting signature dishes from the estate’s restaurant, La Taverna, allowing London diners to enjoy Chef Giovanni’s masterful techniques that pay homage to the culinary roots of Tuscany. In keeping with COMO’s locally sourced farm-to-table philosophy, only the freshest ingredients are used throughout the menu and guests can expect antipasti, homemade pasta, Florentine-style T-bone steak, pizza and a selection of hand-picked wines for a true taste of the region.
In addition to the dinner service, Chef Giovanni, who also heads up the Michelin-starred restaurant La Torre, will be hosting two pasta making masterclasses on 19th and 26th February 2022. Guests will learn the secrets of making the perfect pasta dish from scratch, alongside other Italian classics like Tiramisu. To keep energy levels high, the masterclass also includes a selection of antipasti, a glass of Italian wine and desserts served with coffee. Click here for more information.
WELLBEING
Perfect Yoga and Pranayama in Paradise: A Yoga Retreat in the Turks and Caicos Led by the Curry Sisters
This May, join internationally renowned yoga teachers, the Curry Sisters, on a six-night yoga retreat at COMO Parrot Cay. Inspiring self-care and teaching techniques to practice yoga long after leaving the retreat, the Curry Sisters’ daily classes pull on principles of Vinyasa and Hatha, as well as Pranayama breathing and meditation. The sisters will impart 20 years of experience on the retreat through a combination of four and a half hours of daily yoga and time spent unwinding – whether enjoying a signature COMO Shambhala ritual at the whitewashed COMO Shambhala Retreat, kayaking through the mangrove forests, or finding a moment of peace in a hammock between swaying palms. Nutritious meals are served from the bespoke COMO Shambhala Cuisine menu, as well as nourishing daily treats including the Ginger Tea and COMO Shambhala Juice of the Day. The six-night retreat starts from US$6,982.50 – to book, email reservations here.
The Healing Power of Chinese Medicine: Visiting Practitioner Brings Chinese Medicine to COMO Cocoa Island
This spring, Dr Rui Pedro Loureiro will bring over 20 years of clinical practice as a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) specialist to the Maldives, as a visiting practitioner at the luxury resort, COMO Cocoa Island. Whether seeking to improve overall wellbeing, combat ageing or learn to adapt eating habits, Dr Rui will cater to guests’ individual needs with a series of tailored treatments, from Facial Rejuvenation and Anti-Cellulite to Acupuncture. A combination of Acupuncture and Epigenetic Tests – whereby the hair is used to provide guests with a profile of their genetic data to build tailored lifestyle and diet recommendations – will also be combined on bespoke three, five and seven-day retreats. Click here for more information.
EXPERIENCES
Behind the Lens with Martin Morrell: Photography Retreat COMO Castello Del Nero
Learn the skills needed to succeed at travel photography under the expert guidance of world-renowned British photographer, Martin Morrell, during a four-night retreat in the captivating Tuscan countryside at COMO Castello Del Nero. During the retreat, join Martin on daily photography workshops, capturing the landscapes, local villages and people that make Tuscan culture so unique. Workshops will encompass the end-to-end process of travel photography, from set-up to technical mastery in post-production. Find your own unique style and learn to tell original stories through photography, guided by Martin Morrell’s knack of spotting beauty in the ordinary. Explore the historic cities of Florence and San Gimignano with a seasoned guide who will show you the best spots to use your new skills or take time out with a COMO Shambhala signature treatment and a stroll of the verdant gardens, olive groves across the estate. The retreat runs from 20 – 24 April 2022 and starts from €4,789 per person.