Archives: Experiences

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Sport, culture and quick thinking at the Japan Rugby Championship

Posted on September 24, 2020 by - Cultural, Event, Leisure, Sport

Luxury Japan travel trip

A combination of beautiful culture, perfect planning and welcoming people made Japan a world-class contender to host the Rugby World Championship in 2019. Brand new, purpose-built stadiums were built across the country, and the schedule seemed almost deliberately planned to allow time to take in some of the island’s most incredible sights.

Our client was keen to see England prove themselves on the pitch against Argentina and France. The matches were seven days apart, leaving plenty of time to see what else Japan had to offer. Trys in Tokyo were accompanied by alpine ascents, fine food and awe-inspiring modern digital art.

The guests arrived in Tokyo via a smooth Business Class flight from London. Rooms were organised at the five-star InterContinental, overlooking the beautiful Tokyo Bay, and just a 25-minute private transfer from the new rugby arena. An evening arrival was perfect to allow a little down time before the big game, and as morning rose, the guests were eager to head off to join the other rugby enthusiasts in the state-of-the-art 50,000 seater stadium. England swept to a relatively comfortable victory, giving our guests a chance to celebrate in the city along with fellow fans.

Japan Rugby Championship Experience

The next seven days were a contrasting escape into Japanese culture. A private day tour to Mount Fuji was organised. The mountain dominates the alpine skyline 99 kilometres from the capital, and guests were treated to magnificent views over the Southern Alps and Fuji five lakes, local Japanese Houtou Noodle cuisine, a gondola ride overlooking Lake Kawaguchi, and visit to a local farming village, offering a rarely seen insight into another side of Japanese life.

Returning to the modern city slick that Tokyo is renowned for, the group immersed themselves in the 21st century with a trip to the Digital Art Museum of Japan. The unique space offers a different take on modern masterpieces, giving a very contemporary Japanese twist to some stunning work.

Japan Rugby Championship Experience

Of course, no trip to Tokyo is complete without indulging in the epicurean delights the city is famous for, from fine dining at Michelin-starred Ishikawa, to incredible sushi at Musashi, on the top floor of the 634-metre tall Tokyo Skytree. To get a sense of the preparation behind the dishes, Blend Group also organised an excursion to the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market, where guests strolled amid the crowds admiring the day’s finest catch.

However, the Championship was scheduled towards the end of Japan’s typhoon season, and as the weather took a turn for the worse, it was decided to cancel the match between England and France. Blend Group immediately got to work, altering the itinerary to meet the client’s wishes and facilitate a speedy return to London.

If you would like to enquire about organising a bespoke itinerary of your own, please get in touch.

 

A trans-Russian train journey surrounding World Football’s biggest prize

Posted on September 24, 2020 by - Cultural, Event, Sport, Travel

Moscow World Football Championships Trip

A busy schedule shouldn’t be a barrier to exceptional experiences. During the 2018 World Football Championships in Russia, Nizhny was host to a number of group games which led to Blend Group working very closely with a group of busy business executives from Croatia, looking to support their National football team at an event that occurs only every four years.

Despite the quick turnaround, the group still wanted to experience the trip with the attention to detail and service that Blend Group is known for. The journey began in Zagreb, Croatia, where guests took a four-hour flight to Moscow, before embarking on a four-hour, first-class train trip through Western Russia, to Nizhny, a quaint city on the Volga River. The overnight train arrived in the early hours of the morning, where our guests were met by a private chauffeur, who took them straight to the five-star Sheraton Hotel.

World Football Championships

Once they were rested and refreshed, the group had time to explore the charming riverside city, before an executive transfer took them to the Stadium. Here, a private box was waiting, offering a five-hour hospitality experience, including a private waiter and exclusive access to a premium bar and food before the event. Once the game was over, the group were chauffeured back to their hotel, where they could continue the celebrations into the evening.

The next morning saw the end of the whistle-stop tour, as the group were transferred to Nizhny Airport for their return trip to Zagreb, via Moscow.

The trip might have been short, but our itinerary was able to ensure first-class service throughout, and an experience that made the game even more unforgettable.

Whether it’s an overnight stay to see a favourite sporting team, or a longer trip to take in the sights, get in touch to discuss your bespoke itinerary ideas.

Scottish fine dining and football

Posted on September 17, 2020 by - Cultural, Event, Fine Dining, Sport

European Football Championship & Culture Trip

Scotland’s second city is a cultural icon, a collection of striking Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture acting as a legacy of its time as a prosperous trading port. Although the ships have left, their international flair lives on, and Glasgow is a cultural hotspot, home to official institutions such as the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland, as well as a host of fringe theatre and contemporary artists.

Our guests were keen to experience Scotland’s largest city while visiting for the Euro 2020 qualifying match between Scotland and Belgium. We created a cultural itinerary that took in everything from formal exhibitions at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which showcases art from the Renaissance era and artifacts from Ancient Egypt, to soaking up the local scene on Ashton Lane, known for its numerous lively bars and traditional pubs. Glasgow also boasts an exciting contemporary restaurant scene, and the group indulged in Scottish fine dining at Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery, and French / Scottish fusion at Cail Bruich.

European Football Championship & Culture Trip

The Buttery is one of Glasgow’s best-loved and most enduring restaurants, and has gone from strength to strength since becoming part of the Two Fat Ladies group. The interior celebrates formal Scottish luxury, with oak and mahogany, stained glass and tartan carpet bringing a unique intimate feel to the bar and the dining room, whilst still keeping a relaxed atmosphere

Of course, the main event was the match. Guests were staying at the five-star The Kimpton Blythswood, and Blend Group organised private transfers to facilitate a seamless arrival at their halfway line box at Hampden Park, the home of Scottish football. The VIP hospitality package included pre-game drinks at the bar and fine dining before kick-off, as well as a selection of foods and champagne at half time.

No trip to Scotland would be complete without a whiskey tasting. To top off this traditional visit, as a last, post-game experience, our guests set off to visit one of Glasgow’s preferred pub’s, The Pot Still, a local distillery with over 700 blends to choose from. A mixture of local recommendation and blind faith, our group thoroughly enjoyed the final activity of the weekend. Slàinte!

Get in touch with Blend Group to plan your next event experience and take full advantage of the local knowledge we utilise when you visit a new city.

The Royal Mansour Marrakech

Posted on March 11, 2020 by - Cultural, Fine Dining, Lifestyle, Luxury

Luxury Holidays to Marrakech

Framed by the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas mountain range, Marrakech is a truly captivating city. Visitors are enchanted by its Moorish architecture, thousand-year-old history, beautiful beaches and favourable climate. The city’s colours, fragrances, palaces and markets make it a unique spectacle with plenty to offer.

The Royal Mansour is a luxuriously palatial hotel with a quintessential Moroccan essence. Your Superior Riad spans three floors and exudes elegance, privacy and intimacy. The suite’s stunning interior emits a regal feel with its splendid marble decor, delicate silks and intricate pieces of art.

One of the Riad’s most coveted features is its traditional Moroccan courtyard, which is flooded by natural light in the day and can be warmed by a crackling fire at night. A cosy lounge and minibar complete the ground floor’s furnishings whilst the roof terrace comprises a plunge pool, solarium, outdoor shower and secondary minibar.

Luxury Holidays to Marrakech

The rooftop is designed to allow unspoiled vistas of the surrounding panorama and is most spectacular on a clear night which allows you to take in the views of the beautiful skies over the medina and the Atlas mountain peaks.

The Master bedroom in each suite is equipped with either a King-size bed or two twins and has an en-suite bathroom, with bath and shower facilities. This is Moroccan hospitality in its purest form, providing a vibrant and elegant taste of high-class Moroccan life.

The hotel’s spa is accessed via the citrus garden and is again divided over three floors, offering a multitude of treatments. It promises to take wellbeing to the next level and includes a Hammam which allows you to immerse yourself fully into the traditional Moroccan relaxation experience. State of the art sporting facilities, including a heated swimming pool and gym, can also be found in the spa’s fitness centre.

The Royal Mansour’s gourmet restaurants are headed up by two chefs, both of whom possess three Michelin stars. You’re assured unique taste experiences, inventive dishes and irresistible flavours. Additionally, the Jardin du Royal Mansour provides a stunning setting to relax around the pool in, whilst surrounded by a hectare and a half of beautiful gardens.

Kempinski Hotel Des Bains, San Moritz

Posted on March 4, 2020 by - Cultural, Event, Fine Dining, Luxury

Snow Polo St Moritz 2022 Experience

Every year, four teams, sponsored by Cartier, Maserati, Badrutt’s Palace and Azerbaijan, fly in to battle it out on the frozen lake of St Moritz in the world’s only high goal tournament played on the ice. Three days of hospitality at the Snow Polo 2022 paired with four nights of luxury in the Kempinski Hotel Des Bains Residences are included within this package.

Throughout your time in St Moritz, you will be staying in the hotels Piz Languard Residence. A luxuriously equipped 125 sqm ground floor, one-bedroom residence with Alpine style décor and furnishings, dining area with open plan kitchen, generous closet space, en-suite bathroom with rain shower and bathtub, private terrace with panoramic views of the Engadin Valley. This particular residence is perfect for two guests wanting to enjoy all of the magnificence that St Moritz offers during the Snow Polo.

The Kempinski Residences, St. Moritz offer the ultimate luxury and exclusivity in a stunning location at the heart of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy exclusive 5-star hotel services and amenities of the adjacent Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz, alongside the privacy, comfort and convenience that comes with a spacious, personal residence for you and your guests.

Snow Polo St Moritz 2022 Experience

During the course of your three days at the Polo, your pass will include entry to the VIP tent where you will enjoy the fine food and premium bar available, as well as a seat in the VIP grandstand. This exclusive section of the Snow Polo World Cup is a world class setup with a private lounge and dining hall on the frozen Lake of St. Moritz, catered by Badrutt’s Palace Hotel. There is an exquisite sit-down buffet lunch with a spectacular view of the Polo set up and the marvelous Engadin mountains. Great wines, a full deluxe bar and a cigar/smoking lounge are also included in this package. Of course your grandstand seats will be equipped with warm blankets as well as champagne and a hot beverage service to ensure maximum comfort whilst watching the event.

A frequent shuttle service is in operation during your stay to take you back and forth from the event and your Kempinski Residence. Should you require any assistance whilst in St Moritz, Blend Group will be on hand at all times. With a multitude of fine dining restaurants and atmospheric bars to go to, please get in touch to see how we can assist further.