HOTEL NEWS

VIRGIN MAKES ITS UK DEBUT

Virgin Hotels has opened its first UK property in Edinburgh. Located in the city’s India Buildings on Victoria Street, the hotel has been designed in collaboration with Scottish design and architecture practice ICA Studio, Four-by-Two and Joelle Reid Interiors. Its 222 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites feature original Victorian era details, locally sourced furnishings and a soft neutral colour palette. Facilities include the brand’s signature Commons Club restaurant and bar, a Funny Library coffee shop, all-day dining space Eve (named after Richard Branson’s late mother), and a rooftop space with views of Edinburgh Castle. Plus, its events space, Greyfriars Hall, is within a restored 19th century church. Virgin Hotels will open an additional property in Glasgow this summer.

PEACEFUL PUGLIA The southern Italian region will welcome Baglioni Masseria Muzza this month, located within a 17th century building featuring whitewashed limestone and exposed masonry. The hotel’s 40 rooms and suites are located in the masseria’s former stables, with some offering terraces for sunset views, while additional facilities include three restaurants offering Pugliese cuisine, a spa and a swimming pool.

LONDON MEETS LA Accor’s Mondrian hotel in London’s Shoreditch has welcomed the 1970s Hollywood-inspired Laurel’s On The Roof restaurant and bar. Named after the mountainous Laurel Canyon neighbourhood in Los Angeles, the all-day dining spot serves Californian-inspired dishes such as sea bream tacos and Malibu shrimp cocktail alongside drinks including frozen spicy margaritas and canyon cobblers. Plan your next trip stateside amid lounge seating, low-hanging rattan chandeliers and a soundtrack featuring the likes of Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys.