Saturday, March 30, 2024

Get That 5-Star Hotel Feel at Home

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Who’s craving a little bit of pamper time? We might just about to be at level two, but life can still get in the way of treating yourself – and until you can indulge yourself properly, Cordis hotels have got you covered at home! Here’s 10 simple steps that will have you feeling nourished, pampered and relaxed at home – Cordis style!

How to turn your home into a 5-star Cordis experience

1. Bedding In

Start with a freshly-made bed – and by a made bed, we mean a made bed. Pull out your most opulent, luxurious set of linen (crisp white is always a chic option) and use it all from the flat sheets, top sheets and duvet. Take special care with the corner tucks and folds, so when you slide in it’ll be like someone else has made it for you! Use all your extra pillows – European pillows (the big square ones that go at the back of the stack) are the absolute secret weapon to making your bed look five-star fancy. For extra pizzazz, try arranging a throw at the foot of the bed. And just before it’s time to turn in, turn down a corner. Bed has never looked so inviting!

2. Brighten Up

Freshly-cut flowers are one of the simplest ways to inject a little colour and life into your room. You don’t need a fancy bouquet from a florist – go for a walk around your neighbourhood and see if you can spot some wildflowers, or ask one of your neighbours if you can grab a cutting from their hydrangea bush or rose garden. Otherwise, pop into your local dairy or supermarket for a few stems of your favourite colour, find a vase or bottle to arrange them in, and place by the bedside.

A chic throw, gorgeously-stacked pillows and a vase of fresh flowers will give you a resort-ready room instantly

A chic throw, gorgeously-stacked pillows and a vase of fresh flowers will give you a resort-ready room instantly

3. Smells like Five Star Spirit

In order to truly feel that Cordis feeling, pay special attention to how your room smells. When you enter the Cordis, the first thing you’ll sniff is our signature scent ‘Sparkling Mint’ – a citrus medley of sweet orange, grapefruit and lemon that was specially blended for us master perfumers. You can pick up a bottle from the gift shop or online at https://www.cordishotels.com/en/auckland/gifts/– or if you’re in a pinch, boil a few orange peels with a pinch of cinnamon on the stovetop for a heavenly aroma.

4. Let There Be Light

Of course, you can also use your favourite scented candle – as well as a gorgeous smell, you’ll get that soft, flattering resort lighting too. A set of votive candles or a simple pillar candle, placed on a mirrored surface, is a luxurious touch that will reflect the flickering light perfectly. Turn off all of your overhead ceiling lights, and instead opt for lamps or wall lights for an inviting, warm glow.

5. It’s the Little Things

Amenities are one of the best parts about luxe hotel life, and just because you’re at home it doesn’t mean you can’t experience the same level of hotel chic. Pull out your best soaps, shampoos and conditioners – even the fancy ones you usually save under the sink in case visitors pop round – and indulge. If you want to go the extra mile, invest in a few reusable travel-sized bottles for the ultimate hotel experience!

6. Variety is the Spice of Life

Being stuck at home for so many weeks is a unique exercise in tedium – so if you have a spare room at your place, relocate for the night! Deck out your guest bedroom in the above fashion for something different – it’ll be like waking up in an entirely new place.

You might not have a fully-stocked bar at your place, but a delicious bottle of red that’s ready and waiting when you walk in the room still gives you that hotel feel until you can make it back into the lobby bar!

You might not have a fully-stocked bar at your place, but a delicious bottle of red that’s ready and waiting when you walk in the room still gives you that hotel feel until you can make it back into the lobby bar!

7. Drink Up

Is there anymore more delightful than walking into your room and being greeted by a good bottle of red? Grab your nicest bottle of wine and a few glasses and pop on the dresser for a decadent welcome to your hotel within your home.

8. High Time for Tea

No Cordis experience is complete without our famous high tea! And while you might not be able to quite replicate Chef Volker’s incredible creations – although if you can pull off Elderflower Jelly with Beetroot Relish and Goat’s Cheese we’re very impressed! – you can give it a go. Rustle up a classic Kiwi scone, whip some cream, and assemble a few ham and cheese or cucumber sandwiches – just remember to cut the crusts off and cut into dainty-bite sized pieces! A good cup of tea or a delicious glass of Champagne is the icing on the cake.

Your afternoon sammies and scones might not look quite like this, but a homemade high tea will always hit the spot!

Your afternoon sammies and scones might not look quite like this, but a homemade high tea will always hit the spot!

9. Cosy is King

Robes and slippers are essential for hotel living! Freshly launder your fluffiest robe and hang by the bed, or drape across the end of the bedspread, and arrange your slippers underneath for an inviting scene.

10. Treat Yourself

Chuan Spa is an unparalleled luxury experience, but while you’re at home, indulge in a simple face mask! Or if you want a simpler option, take a long, hot bubble bath with your favourite book or podcast playing. You’ll be on cloud nine in no time!

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