If you happened to be journeying through Kings Cross earlier this week, you may have noticed an oversized suitcase land outside the station. Stopping people in their tracks, this intriguing installation features a variety of multi-sensory, interactive exhibits, including a life-like spa cave and beach scene, complemented by massage treatments and culinary treats for passing commuters.
It’s all part of ‘Unpacked’, a new initiative showcasing a series of new experiences on offer from leading hotel group The Autograph Collection across the brand’s portfolio of independent resorts across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Known for their originality and unique guest offerings, the launch continues with a series of free workshops in London’s Coal Drops Yard this weekend to try out these new experiences the properties offer.
Ranging from Greek oil tasting to turtle art, origami and crystal meditations, these workshops represent ‘The Mark’, a signature experience crafted through passion and expert skill and showing that no two Autograph Collection hotels are the same.
Each Unpacked experience is complemented by a sweepstake open for entry to all visiting the installation or participating in the workshops for the chance to experience one of its resorts and its bespoke ‘Mark’ first hand. There are two exclusive prizes available: a four-night all-inclusive stay at Domes Aulus Zante, Autograph Collection and a four-night stay including breakfast at Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection.
Sea-facing suite interior at Domes Aulus Zante
Workshops will be hosted at Coal Drops Yard, the vibrant shopping and dining hub of Kings Cross on 15th and 16th March. Spaces for each 55-minute workshop are limited to 20 people, ensuring an intimate, interactive experience, and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Each experience is free to attend and available to book via Eventbrite. Details of each experience are listed below.
Greek olive oil tasting with Apulia Blend, Friday 15th March, 10.00am – 2.25pm
Uncover the rich history behind Greece’s liquid gold with this tasting of cold-pressed, organic and extra-virgin olive oils representing various regions and varieties. Guests will learn about the history and culture of olive oil-making in Greece, as well as about the diverse flavour profiles of the different olive oil varieties. This experience is inspired by the olive oil tastings run at Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection, where twice a week at sunset, guests are invited to join an hour-long narrative and olive oil tasting experience beginning on the beach where shipwrecked Odysseus was washed ashore. @theoliveoilco
Turtle Art with M.Y.O, Friday 15th March, 14.40pm – 4.45pm
Guests will be immersed with the sounds, smells and beauty of the Domes Aulus Zante, Autograph Collection resort in this Painting with Nature class. Participants will paint the Caretta-Caretta turtles from the beaches of Zante, which can be seen at the resort’s own private beach and across the island. Each week, guests can gather at the beach where a guide narrates the turtles’ journey from birth to nesting followed by a delicious selection of local bites at Caretta Restaurant and the opportunity to adopt a turtle. These experiences support conservation of the surrounding areas to ensure that the Caretta caretta turtles can continue to spawn on the islands. @myolondon
Irish Whiskey Tasting with TT Liquor, Friday 15th March, 5.00pm – 7.05pm
Guided through a range of seven styles of whiskey, participants will have the opportunity to sample different expressions from around the world and note the variations in their flavour profiles. This workshop brings to life the Irish Whiskey tasting experience at the Mount Juliet Estate, Autograph Collection resort. @ttliquour
Crystal Talk with Fire & Alchemy, Saturday 16th March, 10.00am – 2.25pm
Embark on an exciting Crystal 101 journey in this interactive session where participants will not only learn about crystals but also experience their magic through guided meditation. This workshop is inspired by the transformative crystal experience available at Waldhaus Flims Wellness Resort, Autograph Collection in Switzerland. The wellness-focused resort features a magnificent outdoor bathing pool and an indoor pool housed within a striking glass cube surrounded by forestry. In this oasis of calm, an underground Belle-Époque Museum features a dazzling trove of quartz crystals that originate from the collection of well-known local geologist, Paul Membrini. @fire_and_alchemy
Fire & Alchemy
Bird Art with M.Y.O, Saturday 16th March, 2.40pm – 4.45pm
Guests will be immersed with the sounds, smells and beauty of the Domes Lake Algarve, Autograph Collection resort in this Painting with Nature class. Participants will paint the beautiful birds native to Lake Algarve. At the resort, guests are invited on a bird-watching adventure; provided with a comprehensive map and binoculars to view the wetlands from observatories, guests can sight rare birds in their natural habitat without disturbance. Guided by an experienced birdwatcher, a walk around the lake allows guests to get a closer view of the birds and enjoy the serenity of the park. @myolondon
Origami Paper Shells with Paperdashery, Saturday 16th March, 5.00pm – 7.05pm
Gain an insight into the history of origami, before beginning this tailored workshop. Participants will be given a choice of coloured and textured papers and learn the series of folds required to replicate the paper shells found at Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection in their unique Paper Shell Workshop. @thepaperdashery
