Exquisite Cotswolds

Exquisite Cotswolds is open to media opportunities. Our principal possesses experience in news articles, interviews, features, and filming. If you are a journalist covering the Cotswolds, we invite you to explore our Media Kit by following the link in our bio, or please reach out to us by DM or email at enquiries@exquisitecotswolds.co.uk.

We are excited to announce that Exquisite Cotswolds is now a proud member of Cotswolds Tourism! As we embark on our journey in the tourism sector, we would like to extend our gratitude to Sally Graff and Gemma Williams of Cotswolds Tourism for their invaluable support, along with Mike Newman of b2me Tourism Marketing Ltd. and Chris Brant of Unmissable England. Their ongoing guidance and support have played a crucial role in our journey, helping us navigate this new landscape filled with unfamiliar challenges, terminologies, and acronyms. Tourism is a whole new world with a whole new language! We look forward to collaborating and supporting other Cotswold businesses to attract HNW international visitors to our beautiful region.

We recognise that international High-Net-Worth clients continually seek unique and luxurious experiences that are not accessible to the general public, which is why we only partner B2B for our Exquisite Dining Experiences. Our valued clientele includes international tour operators, concierge companies, experience curators, and prestigious Cotswold Establishments. In addition to our unique offerings, we take pride in being the sole provider of these experiences in the Cotswold region. Our distinction lies in our principal, Emma Dupont, a Certified British Etiquette Consultant with over a decade of experience in the industry. Furthermore, having been born and raised in the Cotswolds, Emma ensures that clients receive an authentic and immersive experience that reflects the area's rich cultural heritage and her cross-cultural knowledge as a result of teaching over 500 people from 48 countries through her etiquette school in London. Please follow the link below to learn more about our Exquisite Dining Experiences and how we can curate a unique experience to satisfy your clients' desires. https://lnkd.in/efuEti4A

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. We will remember them.

In 2019, our principal, Emma Dupont, was featured in World Bride Magazine for her thoughts on the contrasting nuances of British and American wedding etiquette. Emma navigates through many conundrums throughout the article, shedding light on the subtle yet significant differences between the two cultural approaches to weddings. Topics covered were: 💍 Is it okay to request cash instead of a gift? 🎩 What's the dress code in the UK? 💍 Any fashion faux pas to avoid? 🎩 Do I have to buy a present from the gift list? 💍 What's appropriate small talk? 🎩 Rules on plus ones? 💍 How do you choose which friends to invite when you have a limited budget? 🎩 Are cash bars okay? 💍 What to do if you've had too much to drink and offend someone? To read the full article, please follow the link below: https://lnkd.in/eU7b9c5p

We are delighted to announce the official launch of our Exquisite Bride Experience in the Cotswolds. The four-hour package provides a luxurious experience and is crucial in ensuring that a bride feels exceptionally radiant on her momentous day. A bride's standard grooming process is essential, encompassing hair, makeup, and manicures. However, true inner confidence and poise hold equal significance, which is where our Exquisite Bride Experience shines. Our comprehensive four-hour programme is designed to go beyond superficial enhancements. We focus on refining deportment, the ability to effortlessly engage with guests, and the art of dining gracefully during the wedding reception. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of the bride's experience is taken care of. Over the next few weeks, we will share the finer points of this experience, but if you wish to learn more now, please follow the link below: https://lnkd.in/eVR5AmG7

Today, we want to share why we are so passionate about upholding British traditions and etiquette. Contrary to what some believe when they hear the word 'etiquette,' it is not a classist set of antiquated and snobby rules. In fact, quite the opposite!   The primary purpose of etiquette coaching is to educate people on specific cultural rules, some written and others more subtle, so that they can feel confident in any social or business situation.    Etiquette, like cultures, evolves. For instance, the traditional gesture of a woman offering her hand to be kissed is no longer considered appropriate. However, understanding the rules of greeting by rank, respecting taboo conversation subjects, and avoiding cultural offence remain relevant and, moreover, essential in our multi-cultural society.   Acquiring this knowledge means we no longer need to feel unsure of ourselves in certain situations. Therefore, it lets us focus on others with empathy, consideration, and kindness, turning our metaphorical inner camera out. And if you ever experience etiquette being used to look down on others, you can rest assured it’s a misuse of its essence and is incredibly bad-mannered! That is not what we stand for.   Our commitment to a light-hearted and inclusive dining experience for international visitors in the Cotswolds is unwavering. We aim to highlight the unique and intriguing aspects of British etiquette, traditions, and our 'funny little habits', always with an underlying message rooted in kindness and acceptance of all people, regardless of background, race, and so-called ‘social class’.   To delve deeper into Emma's experience, please click the link below. https://lnkd.in/ebqpKPbh  

If you are a Cotswold hotel or restaurant that receives international guests and is eager to see your staff’s understanding of specific cultures grow and improve, our International Guest Experience Training Programme could be just the ticket. When hosting foreign guests in the UK, it’s crucial to demonstrate a basic understanding of your patrons’ home country’s customs. This can help avoid putting them in situations that may conflict with their religious beliefs or make them feel uncomfortable, ensuring they feel reassured and respected during their stay. Our principal has coached over 500 people from 48 countries, and this photograph was taken in 2016 when Emma delivered British business etiquette training to graduates in Beijing and Shanghai on behalf of The English Manner. In this section, she highlights the importance of making eye contact with everyone they meet in the Western world to build trust. This is entirely the opposite rule of many Asian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, and Native American cultures, where it is deemed highly offensive to initiate eye contact with those of higher rank. The adage of ‘when in Rome’ can always be argued, but just being aware of cultural differences can oil the clogs of relationship building and set your establishment apart from the many other venue choices available in our beautiful Cotswold region. Please follow the link below for more information about our cross-cultural training programmes, and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. https://lnkd.in/eDxtZY5J   Photo credit: The English Manner

As we celebrate Afternoon Tea Week, we can't help but marvel at the enduring appeal of this time-honoured tradition, especially for our cherished international guests in the picturesque Cotswolds. What makes this experience so timeless? It's the enchanting allure of embracing old-world elegance, inviting guests to luxuriate in a leisurely appreciation of beauty and delicate tradition, set in surroundings that can't help but encourage us all to take a deep breath and slow down! The true star of the show is the sumptuous clotted cream, particularly the esteemed Cornish Clotted Cream, with its coveted Protected Destination of Origin (PDO) status. This exclusive status, unique to the UK, makes it a must-try for many of our international visitors, as their home countries do not boast a similar delicacy. As we prepare for the delightful ritual of spreading cream and jam on scones, the question remains: should it be cream first or jam? The age-old dispute between the Devonshire and Cornish methods promises to endure for generations! Our Afternoon Tea in the Cotswold Experience, which includes the story of how clotted cream came about, the strict protocols surrounding its use, and how to enjoy it in the correct British way, are all delivered in a light-hearted and fun manner. This approach ensures that all family members, regardless of age, can enjoy and appreciate the experience. For more information about our Afternoon Tea in the Cotswold Experience for international Cotswold visitors, please follow the link below: https://lnkd.in/eAbrz48r

Exquisite Cotswolds is delighted to welcome Calcot & Spa to our preferred partner venue panel, meeting the necessary criteria to achieve our Exquisite 5-Star Rating™. The history of Calcot dates back over 700 years, with the building initially serving as a luxury hotel since its opening in 1984. The original date stone in the tithe barn, now transformed into the magnificent gathering and event space known as The Barn at Calcot, still bears witness to its longstanding heritage. Constructed by Henry of Kingswood in the 1300s, Calcot was originally the tithe barn annexe of Kingswood Abbey. It remained under the ownership of the church until the 16th century when King Henry VIII dissolved England's monasteries and granted the estate to one of his courtiers. For centuries, Calcot has been privately owned by the Estcourt family. The estate has grown to encompass a 16th-century manor house and several outbuildings, reflecting its rich history and enduring legacy. We very much look forward to collaborating to bring exquisite dining experiences to our Cotswold visitors.