J'AIME October 2017

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of something from the 80s family film Flight of the Navigator. A sudden rush of childhood memories came flooding back as we gazed up at the hanging structure. Today’s UFO experience would begin with a big red button the side of the nearest tree; once pressed a mechanical ladder would begin to fold out from its underbelly. Not quite the organic metal witnessed in the Hollywood film but our own, more realistic version was equally impressive. Stairs firmly on the ground, it was time to ascend into the room from outer space. Inside was a cutely fitted out spacethemed interior with space for a small family, small portholes with fun views the surrounding woodland while cute touches such as a working desk with spacethemed apparel add to the experience. After a quick THE BIRDS NEST ALLOWS VISITORS TO TRULY BE AT ONE WITH NATURE look around it was time to get back down to Earth and watch the mechanical stairs rise once again to seal shut the house from outer space. As expected, this was one of the more fun and conceptual hanging marvels to choose from. Others which would appeal to the imagination included the Birds Nest, completed covered in twigs, blending naturally with the woods. The Seventh Room is one of two newer hanging houses, both of which are the only ones to come with more luxurious comforts, a small kitchen, living room and more space to accommodate larger families and groups. Accessed by conventional stairs, the furnishings were more reminiscent of modern Scandinavian style with light wood, design-led furniture and fun touches such as a netted outdoor relaxing area made of strong (thank goodness!) criss-cross rope often used in modern children playgrounds. And this Seventh Room was certainly designed with the child at heart. You get all the modern comforts plus the opportunity to lie around and relax outdoors on this netting next to your bedroom or living area among the trees to watch the daytime birdlife or night-time aurora borealis dance, all ten metres up in the air. A small walkway around the netting (with glass balcony to offer safety) allows you to experience the views for those a little more faint-hearted. We continued exploring and discovered the sauna block, home also to the traditional shower facilities for those houses without showers of their own. There was also the Mirror Cube, which is understandably the most photographed of all the houses, perfectly positioned to reflect images of the trees around it. After wandering through the silent woods, it was time to enter our own home for the night. We had been allocated the Blue Cone, which is actually red. Apparently, they had intended it to be blue but it looked better in red, so they stuck with the colour, but also stuck with the original name. Considering the location and surrounding of other quirky constructions we didn’t question this; instead we ventured up the ramp (this one is wheelchair accessible), turned the key and wow; we were home. One of the less conceptual, more homely houses, the Blue Cone offers a modern whitewashed Swedish interior, with a fun mezzanine for little ones who can look up to the natural outdoors through their skylight. A huge square picture window offers direct views from the master bed which is built into a cosy nook, with two comfortable design chairs sitting either side offering another way to witness the superb scenery. While less unique, the Blue Cone was just what we needed after a few crazy days at the Ice Hotel. It was so comfortable, homely and relaxing that I could have drifted off there and then with the Swedish forests beyond to keep me company. Instead was time to head for dinner. The pensionat has a main dining area plus a few smaller rooms, which is where we sat for a lovely private dining experience. Starting with a tasty dish THE SEVENTH ROOM IS THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE TREE HOTEL 44
of locally-caught salmon, the main course brought us moose and reindeer, cooked to perfection with hearty vegetables and tasty berries for flavour. Desserts are always a real treat in Sweden and we enjoyed silky smooth ice cream with more local berries which boosted the colour and taste of the whole culinary evening. The ambiance and decor of the guest house juxtaposes brilliantly with the unique tree hotel accommodation. Needless to say, we enjoyed a wonderful night in our tree home. It was absolute bliss to be at one with the natural surroundings. We decided to leave the blind up so we could drift off with the vista beyond keeping a close eye on us. Morning soon came around, and there’s nothing quite like waking to a natural fadein of light. The scene was very different this morning with thick, dense fog surrounding us. Perfect I thought for a few more photos, contrasting nicely with yesterday’s summer sunshine scenes. Most visitors would stay for a couple of nights and make use of the opportunity to partake in a range of activities, but sadly, it was time to leave. Not before, however, I had one last quick walk around the woods and a look at each hanging marvel one last time; it was after all a very special place and one would never know when we may return. A sumptuous breakfast ensued as we caught up with Britta and Kent before we said our goodbyes. Without a doubt, the Tree Hotel is one of the most wondrous places to visit and stay. I can highly recommend it as to anyone seeking an escape from the everyday; it will certainly create memories that will live with you forever. Travel facts WHERE IS IT? In the village of Harads, Sweden. HOW DO I GET THERE? Fly to Lulea then it’s a oneand-a-half hour drive. CURRENCY: Swedish Krona. WHAT IS THERE TO DO? In the winter, there are husky and snowmobile trips, ice fishing & much more. The northern lights start to come out to play from around September through to May. In the summer, there are a range out outdoor pursuits including white water rafting, bear spotting, kayaking, hiking, cycling, mountain archery as well as a selection of family pursuits plus tree dining! EXAMPLE PACKAGE: Combine the Tree Hotel and Ice Hotel for a three-night break from £1,299 per person, including flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast and evening dinner plus our exclusive info booklet written by our Sweden holiday experts. Reader offer BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY TO THE TREE HOTEL WITH RB COLLECTION BEFORE DECEMBER 30, <strong>2017</strong>, AND RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY TREE SAUNA EXPERIENCE DURING YOUR STAY. MENTION J’AIME WHEN YOU ENQUIRE. THE UFO IS A FUTURISTICALLY FUN ROOM FOR DETAILS VISIT WWW.RBCOLLECTION.COM/JAIME OR CALL OLIVER ON 01543 258631. 45
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Page 4 and 5: CONTENTS InsideJ’aime this month.
Page 6 and 7: FEATURE Brewed to perfection A SHEN
Page 8 and 9: into single origin coffees, and goi
Page 10 and 11: coffee liqueur and wondered if I kn
Page 12: PROPERTY Property of the Month WE T
Page 15 and 16: t he heart of t he home... Visit ou
Page 17 and 18: oadway Kitchens A fAmily business o
Page 19 and 20: HKLIVING SCANDI STYLE RATTAN BREAKF
Page 21 and 22: Langan Carpets & Interiors Mason Fl
Page 23 and 24: POLYGON SQUAT PENDANT LIGHT, THE FR
Page 25 and 26: Turn up the heat in your Ripples ba
Page 27 and 28: they’re crispy, and two, they dis
Page 29 and 30: R E C L a M a T I O N Your reclaime
Page 31 and 32: B E S P O K E S O F A M A N U F A C
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Page 35 and 36: nicely against the smokey bourbon a
Page 37 and 38: Citma at Pom’s 2017 Introducing B
Page 39 and 40: The Pear Tree c r ê p e r i e Good
Page 41 and 42: • The best in care and assessed i
Page 43: INTERIORS ARE MODERN SCANDINAVIAN D
Page 47 and 48: WHAT: Wait Until Dark WHERE: Lichfi
Page 49 and 50: WHAT: Cilla - The Musical WHERE: Ne
Page 51 and 52: FESTIVAL DIRECTOR JON TREVOR which
Page 53 and 54: ATLAS WRAP SHIRT, FROM HUSH. £49 T
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Page 58 and 59: CO M P E T I T I O N Celebrating a
Page 60 and 61: B E AU T Y The art of contouring FR
Page 62 and 63: B E AU T Y Undone chic AWARD-WINNIN
Page 64 and 65: I N T H E N E W S Three decades at
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J'AIME October 2017

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