’lf you’re lucky enough to own a freestanding bath, make it the focal point of the bathroom with this traditional style exposed shower system and all round curtain rail for added wow factor’, says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs. ’It’s shown here in chrome, or you can choose from two new finishes brass and gold depending on your scheme.’
1 . Enjoy the total coverage of a 50x50cm surface. Raindream showerhead in polished stainless steel, £600, Roca 2. Water-powered LED lights cycle through different colours for a de-stressing atmosphere. Premier LED fixed showerhead, £129.95, Victorian Plumbing 3. A soft bulb creates a relaxing glow, while the wide rim has a soothing rainfall effect. AXOR Nendo’l jet wall-mounted showerhead with lamp, £1,790, CP Hart
RAINY DAYS
For a boutique hotel style atmosphere, a shower that creates the sensation of summer rain is the ultimate indulgence. Despite its gag drenching appeal, this sleek design % featu res Air Drive water saving technology. It also has the option of a concealed valve, which can be placed away from the shower for a streamlined look particularly useful if you’re limited on space.
NEW FITTINGS I SIMPLE FIX
Replacing just your showerhead is a quick and easy way to transform your bathroom. Fixed ceiling options are better suited to small spaces, as the water flows straight down. A wall mounted design is preferable if your ceilings are low. Don’t forget to include the price of the mounting arm it’s an essential, but usually sold separately.
I PRESSURE POINT
Many older homes still run on gravity fuelled systems with low water pressure, which can rule out certain fittings. Discuss your options with your plumber can you switch to a mains pressure system or add a pump? Also check your water tank’s capacity compared with the shower’s flow rates.
I THINK ECO
Water saving shower fittings reduce consumption without limiting pressure. Some restrict water flow by injecting air into the stream, or pulsing the flow, which is undetectable but still saves water.
I GO DIGITAL
Modern technology lets you operate your shower remotely. A control panel in the bathroom communicates with the power unit in the loft or airing cupboard. This adjusts temperature and flow, so no need for a valve to be plumbed into the bathroom wall.
I LUXE IT UP
Luxurious effects turn a shower into a fabulous boutique hotel experience. Hydrotherapy showers feature nozzles that jet water from many directions to give a massage like feel. There’s also the option of added extras, such as changeablelighting (powered by the water flow, so there’s no wasted energy), steam settings and built in speakers.
BLACK BEAUTY
For a modern twist on country style, swap chrome for an on—trend matt—black finish. Crafted from the highest quality brass, Fired Earth’s Haus range has a distinctive industrial feel; subtle detailing on the exposed fitting complements period features, yet stands out beautifully against a muted tiled backdrop.
Price includes: Guided tour of Dubrovnik the 'Pearl of the Adriatic’
>X< Visit to Krka National Park and its series of stunning waterfalls and lakes
>X< Visit to Mostar, with its iconic bridge
>X< Tour of beautiful, unspoilt Montenegro with visits to the UNESCO listed towns of Perast and Kotor
>X< Guided tour of Split including entrance to Emperor Diocletian’s monumental palace
>X< Visit to medieval Trogir, one of Dalmatia’s most seductive old ports
>X< Explore the Dalmatian coastline, studded with perfectly preserved Venetian influenced villages
>X< Return flights from the UK
>X< Seven nights’ four star hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner
>X< The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager
Price includes: Tour the legendary Zulu War battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift with a specialist guide
>X< Full day safari in Kruger National Park
>X< Stay in the heart of Western Cape’s Winelands, enjoying a cellar tour and tasting
>X< Stay three nights in cosmopolitan Cape Town
>X< Explore legendary Cape of Good Hope and Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
>X< Visit Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum
>X< Gaze at the Blyde River canyon
>X< Visit Hermanus for on shore whale watching, dependent on season
>X< Enjoy a scenic drive through Swaziland
>X< Take an internal flight to the stunning Garden Route
>X< Return flights from the UK, plus all hotel transfers
>X< Stay in hand picked four star and three star hotels with daily breakfast, two lunches and three dinners
>X< The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
Price includes: Visit to medieval Ronda, one of Spain’s most spectacularly situated cities
>X< Visit Granada’s stunning Alhambra, one of Europe’s most romantic palace
fortresses
>X< Guided tour of Seville and spend an evening sampling delicious tapas
>X< Visit to COrdoba with a guided tour of the Mezquita probably the most beautiful mosque ever constructed entrance included
>X< Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers
>X< Six nights in three star superior and four star accommodation, with breakfast >X< The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager
Price includes: A fascinating tour visiting all the major sights of Vietnam and Cambodia, French colonial history, local cultures and beautiful rural scenery
>X< tay and tour Phnom Penh
>X< Visit the vast, ancient city and temples of Cambodia’s Angkor
>X< Tour of Vietnam’s beautiful capital Hanoi by cycle rickshaw
>X< Take a cruise aboard a converted Chinese junk in Halong Bay
>X< Visit the awe inspiring Citadel and Forbidden City in Hue
>X< Stay in the heart of exciting Saigon visiting the fascinating Cu—Chi tunnels
>X< Enjoy a full day trip on the
mighty Mekong River delta
>X< Return flights from the UK, plus all hotel transfers Premium economy flight upgrades available at a supplement
>X< Four and five—star hotel accommodation with daily breakfast, plus five meals >X< The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout To book or request a brochure