Focue Provides the Latest and Most Up-to-Date News, What You Focus On is What You Get.
⎯ 《 Focue • Com 》
'Deeply ashamed.' Another major UPenn backer halts donations and calls on other Jews to do the same
'Deeply ashamed.' Another major UPenn backer halts donations and calls on other Jews to do the same
Venture capitalist David Magerman is the latest major donor to the University of Pennsylvania cutting off financial support to the Ivy League school, and he's calling for all "self-respecting" Jews to do the same.
2023-10-19 00:32
GTA Online May Racing Bonuses Lineup Announced
GTA Online May Racing Bonuses Lineup Announced
Here's a breakdown of the race bonuses lineup going live in GTA Online this month.
1970-01-01 08:00
Hamilton happy home-work paid off for Mercedes
Hamilton happy home-work paid off for Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton was surprised and delighted that his Mercedes team's overnight set-up work paid off after he qualified fifth for...
2023-06-04 00:47
The Swan hotel review: This decadent yet unpretentious bolthole has the Lake District’s first spa garden
The Swan hotel review: This decadent yet unpretentious bolthole has the Lake District’s first spa garden
In a nutshell: A family-friendly Lakes bolthole with an exceptional spa and CBD treatments. The neighbourhood Benefiting from a picturesque riverside location, complete with gliding swans, grassy terrace and a 15th-century stone bridge, The Swan is conveniently located at the foot of the Lake District, just 20 minutes from the M6. Lake Windermere is a mile away, with Kendall to the east and Ambleside to the north. For a laid-back induction to the region, hop on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway, located five minutes away, for a slice of nostalgia and some glorious scenery. The look The Swan began life in the 17th-century as a coaching inn, but has evolved dramatically in the intervening years. While the whitewashed main building remains, it has been sympathetically restored and expanded. After suffering significant damage in the 2015 floods, the property was substantially refurbished and remains in top-notch condition, with the smell of new paint still detectable in our room. Inside, floral walls, bold prints and sumptuous furnishings abound, alongside more traditional elements, such as oak beams, wooden floorboards and Chesterfield sofas. The hotel also has its own resident artist and illustrator, Olivia Axson, whose work can be found throughout the property. The vibe Relaxed, unstuffy and family-friendly, you can feel your shoulders drop upon arrival at The Swan. While the calibre of hotels in this part of the world has continued to grow, The Swan retains a pleasantly unpretentious feel without scrimping on quality. While many guests visit for the pampering on offer, the hotel balances the demands of both kids and adults beautifully. The surrounding countryside speaks for itself, with many visitors to the region keen to explore its many peaks, but it’s too polished to fall into the category of a traditional walker’s hotel. Bed and bath As part of the recent uplift, The Swan created 26 new bedrooms, including two Splendid suites, Family suites and a bespoke studio cottage for romantic getaways called The Love Nest. However, all 82 rooms and suites have a contemporary feel with blue and green tones reflecting the natural environment. Statement headboards, soft furnishings and wool blankets accompany rainwater showers, while the Loft suites feature exposed beams, roll-top bathtubs and electric log burners for when the weather gets cooler. Read more about Lake District travel: The ultimate Lake District travel guide How to do the Lake District car-free The best Christmas breaks in the Lake District As with everything in the hotel, the emphasis is very much focused on spotlighting local producers, something that extends from the in-room vegan toiletries courtesy of Bath House, to the sustainable carpets made from local wool. Family rooms are spacious, with bespoke bunk beds for little ones and PS4s to keep them entertained. Even the smallest Cosy rooms are attractive, with almost all rooms throughout the hotel offering views over the river or gardens. Guests planning a romantic night away should opt for the Love Nest, a bright, airy and spacious cottage tucked away within the grounds of the property. Features include a private terrace with outdoor fireplace, double walk-in rainwater showers, roll-top bath and indoor log burner. Many of the rooms offer complimentary access to the Holte Spa, while others require a £20 supplement. Food and drink Eating options on offer at The Swan include the health-conscious SOUL cafe adjacent to the Holte Spa. Here, guests can enjoy light meals such as salads, soups and fish dishes on the outdoor sun terrace, or indulge in homemade cakes and sweet treats. On the other side of the property, the Swan Inn serves up classic pub grub, such as fish and chips, burgers and sandwiches in a bright and cheery space, but it’s the Brasserie that really delivers. We devoured bouncy and tender scallops and locally sourced beef, while a helpful wine list suggests varieties based on your personal tastes, all contributing to an accessible and unpretentious dining experience. Service was warm, personable and prompt, despite a packed dining room. The hotel also offers afternoon tea on the riverside terrace in good weather. Pools, spas and public areas The Swan’s Holte Spa opened to much fanfare in April 2022 as the Lake District’s first spa garden. This multi-million pound extension includes a Finnish sauna, outdoor jacuzzi, and chemical-free hydrotherapy indoor pool that extends outside, with jets and waterfalls to relieve tension. Inside the spa, there are six treatment rooms, experience showers, a sauna and steam room, plus plenty of space to lounge and relax. The spa has partnered with three sustainable brands, including OTO, a leading CBD brand, Ground Wellbeing, a natural and plant-based Irish brand, and Comfort Zone, a B-Corp certified skincare. We opted for the OTO Signature CBD Massage Experience which ranks as one of the best massages I’ve ever had. A dream combination of experienced hands, CBD oils and a bamboo roller designed to iron out muscular kinks induced a profoundly deep state of relaxation that saw me floating back to my room with a smile on my face. Other treatments include a Balancing Ritual specifically aimed at perimenopausal and menopausal guests, and a signature Walkers Massage designed to ease aching limbs after a day on the fells. An onsite health club includes a larger pool, hot tub and sauna which was largely populated by families during our visit. Elsewhere, there are plenty of nooks and crannies to chill out in with a book, play a round of pool, or sip a drink on the riverside terrace. Kids can also enjoy an adventure playground and nature trail. Nuts and bolts Room count: 82 rooms and suites and four cottages. Wifi: Free. Extra charges: Guests in Cosy, Lovely and Fabulous rooms must pay a £20 surcharge for Holte Spa access. Disability access: Four accessible rooms with extra space and walk-in showers. The Swan Inn, Holte Spa, health club and snug areas are all accessible for wheelchair users and all external entrances have ramps for guests. Pet policy: Pet pooches are welcome in selected rooms for a £35 nightly surcharge. Bottom line Best thing: The OTO CBD massage experience. Sublime. I’ve waxed lyrical about it to anyone prepared to listen ever since my visit. Worst thing: While easily accessible, the nearby A590 is a busy road meaning the hotel isn’t the best spot for those seeking a quiet and remote stay. Perfect for: Families and spa fanatics. Not right for: Those seeking a hushed getaway. The hotel is busy and there are plenty of intergenerational families with children around. Instagram from: The outdoor pool at the Holte Spa. More information: swanhotel.com Read more of our UK hotel reviews: Best hotels in London Where to stay in the Lake District Best hotels in Edinburgh Read More The best dog-friendly Christmas breaks in the UK The best Christmas hotel breaks by the sea Why you should explore the Cotswolds by bike Why you should explore the Cotswolds by bike Stay in the heart of the action with this bougie new hotel in London’s Covent Garden How to find a stylish countryside escape without compromising on comfort
2023-11-16 19:38
Some S.African miners return to surface after underground dispute
Some S.African miners return to surface after underground dispute
Some of the miners who stayed underground for more than two days in a standoff between rival South African labour unions began returning to the...
2023-10-25 16:29
Sam Bankman-Fried Agrees to Gag Order With Bail Status in Jeopardy
Sam Bankman-Fried Agrees to Gag Order With Bail Status in Jeopardy
FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried has agreed to a gag order largely preventing him from publicly discussing his case
2023-07-25 01:26
Odey Asset Management sets out replacement plans for Crispin Odey
Odey Asset Management sets out replacement plans for Crispin Odey
LONDON Odey Asset Management Partnership has started its replacement plan for Crispin Odey after severing "personal and economic
2023-06-12 06:07
GM makes counteroffer to UAW in strike talks
GM makes counteroffer to UAW in strike talks
DETROIT General Motors said on Thursday it had made a counter offer to the United Auto Workers (UAW)
2023-10-06 00:19
Who was Mika Clabo? Mom of Tennessee man who drowned in river sues cops for 'acting with no urgency' to save son
Who was Mika Clabo? Mom of Tennessee man who drowned in river sues cops for 'acting with no urgency' to save son
'Me and Mika really enjoyed each other’s company I’ll never forget Mika he was like a BROTHER TO ME,' a person remembering him wrote
2023-07-29 16:38
Why did Robin Roberts break down on ‘GMA’? Morning show host surprised with 'sentimental' gift for her on-air bachelorette
Why did Robin Roberts break down on ‘GMA’? Morning show host surprised with 'sentimental' gift for her on-air bachelorette
'GMA' Robin Roberts couldn't contain her tears after receiving an unlikely 'sentimental' surprise from a family member for her on-air bachelorette
2023-08-17 17:03
Ajax seek new coach after releasing Heitinga
Ajax seek new coach after releasing Heitinga
Amsterdam's Ajax are hunting for a new head coach after announcing Thursday that they will not renew interim boss John Heitinga's contract...
2023-06-01 23:29
RBA Alert to Risk Inflation Stays Too High, Too Long, Lowe Says
RBA Alert to Risk Inflation Stays Too High, Too Long, Lowe Says
Australia’s central bank is “particularly attentive” to the risk that inflation stays too high for too long, Governor
2023-06-07 07:20