Leo Bear

Jan 29, 2025 | arbuturian.com | Leo Bear

Desperate for a dose of winter sun? Park Hyatt’s first foray into Morocco has been a long time coming and it’s a blinder. They’ve gone big. Big pools, big gardens, big spa and, best of all, it’s big on giving guests a good time. Like plenty of the five-star offerings in Marrakech, the brand-new Park Hyatt is outside the medina (15mins from the airport) with access via Al Maaden, a sprawling villa community popular with golfers. There’s nothing ornate nor grand about the hotel’s architecture.

Jan 7, 2025 | harpersbazaararabia.com | Leo Bear

The Regent Santa Monica is a modern love letter to a bygone golden eraIn Los Angeles, ambition is in the air. Everyone wants to look better, be fitter, be someone. The city is known for its fads; the next big thing. But step into the lobby of this new beachfront beauty and all that falls away. The Regent Santa Monica (sister to the Carlton Cannes) signals a return to the golden age of travel. We’re talking drink trolleys, Art Deco finery and waist-coated bellhops who’ll call you ma’am.

Jan 7, 2025 | harpersbazaararabia.com | Leo Bear

Crying outbursts during ceremonies, chit-chatting during speeches – should children make it onto a wedding guest list? Travel and wellness journalist Leo Bear thinks not…Many will say children are a key component of weddings. They bring joy; make the proceedings feel relaxed and fun. But don’t be fooled by the scenes in Four Weddings and a Funeral – perfect children on the dancefloor in their best clothes – the reality is often very different. Allow me to share a scene from last summer.

Nov 12, 2024 | arbuturian.com | Leo Bear

It was ten years ago this week that, on the advice of my mother, I found myself naked and shivering in a tiled torture chamber in a remote spa French town. Mother had signed me up for something called ‘The Cure’. The town itself was charming. Bourbon-L’Archambault is widely renowned for its thermal waters, crumbling medieval castle and patisseries selling perfect almond financiers.

Oct 23, 2024 | arbuturian.com | Leo Bear

Marrakech is resilient. It’s bounced back from Covid and from a Richter 6.8 earthquake. There’s not much you can throw at it. And every time I visit, it just gets better. More vibrant. Cleaner. More fun. The ancient medina might be a densely packed maze of alleyways impossible to navigate no matter how sophisticated your tech but there’s charm in the chaos, treasure to be found, friends to be made. Or so I discovered on my most recent visit.