Amazing Destinations Autumn 2021

BUMPER DOUBLE ISSUE

AUTUMN 2021 • AMAZINGTRAVELMAG.CO.UK

THE BRIT LIST Our favourite UK country retreats & hideaways

London’s finest The capital’s very best hotels

American beauty Road tripping across the USA

Journeys to change your life Your post-pandemic bucket list

Plus PRAGUE CITY GUIDE • 48 HOURS IN FLORENCE • HOLA HAVANA • BUDAPEST B&BS • IBIZA REVISITED ROME IN 72 HOURS • QUIRKY ROMANTIC BREAKS • BARBADOS: PARADISE FOUND & MORE!

AUTUMN 2021 CONTENTS 8. 48 HOURS IN FLORENCE 12. AMERICAN BEAUTY 24. THE BRIT LIST 64. LONDON’S FINEST 128. PRAGUE CITY GUIDE 138. JOURNEYS TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE 148. THE CARIBBEAN 172. HOLA HAVANA 180. VIVA VARADERO 188. IBIZA REVISITED 196. ROME CITY GUIDE 204. BUDAPEST B&Bs 210. GOLDEN AGE OF TRAVEL

BUMPER DOUBLE ISSUE

Editor: Martin Mason Assistant Editor: Holly Cannon Feature Writers: Jess Hawkins, Dan Cannon Sub Editor: John W Stammers Social Editor: Julie Paice Planning & Media Visits: Sophie Bailey Photography: Flavio Liotto, Julie Paice, Adobe Stock, iStockPhoto Head of Production: Dave Allworthy Artwork: Lewis Fox Sales & Commercial Director: Matt Millbank

Amazing Destinations is published by Creative Path Group Ltd. First Floor, 101-135 Kings House, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 4DR info@amazingtravelmag.co.uk www.amazingtravelmag.co.uk ISSN: Amazing Destinations 1461-3261

Amazing Destinations is published by Creative Path Group Ltd. Copyright © First Floor, 101-135 Kings House, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 4DR. Published quarterly All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices correct at the time of going to press but subject to change. The mail-order protection scheme does not cover items featured editorially.The paper used for this publication is based on renewable wood fibre. The wood these fibres are derived from is sourced from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources. The producing mills are EMAS registered and operate according to highest environmental and health and safety standards. The printed version of this magazine is fully recyclable.

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EDITOR’S NOTE We have just come to the end of the summer travel season - and it has certainly been a busy one! The predictions were spot on, even if the timing was uncertain: Pent-up demand for staycations post-pandemic would lead to a surge, and we’re in the middle of that upward trajectory, which shows no signs of settling down. As we wait for international restrictions to ease and more countries around the globe to reopen borders and welcome travellers, the Brit List (page 24) celebrates our postlockdown travels across the UK over the past few months. They have been adventures of a gentle sort: a few tastes of the great outdoors, some new destinations and experiences, all chosen with those of you in mind who may still be getting your travel bearings again.

Regular readers will know that during the first lockdown we lost our beloved Spaniel Jack, a trusty companion on family trips for fifteen years. Chip, an energetic and boisterous Cocker Spaniel joined the family late last year and what a lucky pup he’s been. The new pooch has travelled with us to some spectacular country retreats and incredible walking breaks that have made having a new pet a real pleasure. I’m sure this is echoed in homes across the country that have experienced the mental health benefits that animals can have on our lives.

www.amazingtravelmag.co.uk /amazingdestinationsmag

London has become home to more historic, luxury hotels per square mile than any other city in the world and as the city emerges from its quarantine, they have never been on better form. Across a whirlwind Summer, our team visited dozens of venues to bring you our pick of the best the capital has to offer (London’s Finest, page 64). I’m delighted that this issue also includes its fair share of international destinations from our overseas assignments, before and during the lockdown, as restrictions dictated at the time. Europe (Florence, page 8; Rome, page 196; Prague, page 128) and further afield (The Caribbean, page 148 and the USA, page 12) are featured to give you some long-range ideas.

Making plans again will be a theme for this magazine during the rest of the year and into next, as we cover the worldwide return to travel.

We know that this crisis is far from over and that the recovery will be ragged and uneven. But the world is opening up rapidly, and it’s time now to go forth and see what awaits us all.

Martin (& Chip) Editor

To recieve a free copy of Amazing Destinations, email your name, address and email to: subscribe@amazingtravelmag.co.uk Autumn 2021 5

48 HOURS IN

FLORENCE

The birthplace of the Renaissance and the heart of Tuscany. Florence is a city full of history, fantastic wine, great food, world-famous fashion, and a relaxed yet exciting energy all its own. Although small, there is plenty to see and do and, if you’re only passing through, luckily, you can see the highlights in a compact two days. Here are our options for routes based on your non-negotiables in Florence, which we’ve organized based on efficiency, vicinity of attractions, walking and visiting time.

AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION THERE ARE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE FOR VISITING THIS DESTINATION. PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES AT WWW.GOV.UK/FOREIGN-TRAVEL-ADVICE

Written By Martin Mason Photography: Julie Paice Autumn 2021 8

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48HRS IN FLORENCE

DAY 2 09:00 - After breakfast, head across the Arno to the Pitti Palace. This 15th-century palace is home to a collection of fantastic museums and galleries, including the Silver Museum (which displays the treasures of the Medici family) and the colourful Costume Gallery. Explore the interior, then head outside for a stroll around the adjoining Boboli Gardens.

48HRS

12:00 - Stroll up Via de’ Guicciardini to the famous Ponte Vecchio. The first bridge to be built across the Arno, the Ponte Vecchio was once lined with butchers’ shops; nowadays, the little boutiques are high-end jewellers. Have a nose at their glittering window displays as you cross.

13:00 - Fifteen minutes’ walk north will take you to the Mercato Centrale, a great spot for lunch. Head up to the first floor and you’ll find a gourmet food court, with stalls selling delicious cheeses, pasta, pastries – and, of course, wine. Just outside is San Lorenzo Market, famous for its leather goods – ideal for a few souvenirs.

DAY 1 08:00 - Set your alarm to be up bright and early, and head straight for Florence’s star attraction: Brunelleschi’s dome.

You can’t start the 463-step climb until it opens at half past, but get in the queue at 8am and you’ll be one of the first in, meaning you’ll be able to walk right to the top with relative ease (later in the day you’ll often have to queue up through the tiny passageways inside). There is a ticket office on Piazza San Giovanni, but save time and book yours before you leave home (it’s valid for six days). Pause on the way up to admire the frescoes on the inside of the dome, which depict the Last Judgement.

Once at the top, the city unfolds before you, a mass of terracotta rooftops and monochrome churches.

10:00 - Back at ground level, pop inside the cathedral, check out the stunning bronze doors of the Baptistery, then head around the back to the museum, where you’ll find a fantastic collection of statues, reliefs and paintings from the medieval, baroque and Renaissance periods.

12:00 - It’ll take you less than 15 minutes to amble to the next stop: the Basilica di Santa Croce. This imposing church dominates the Piazza di Santa Croce (the site of the annual Calcio Storico) – find a bench and spend a few minutes resting your legs and admiring its striking marble façade. Inside, seek out the Bardi and Peruzzi chapels, both of which are decorated with frescoes by Giotto, who also painted the scenes inside the dome.

13:00 - Lunchtime! Wander down the Borgo Santa Croce and onto the Via dei Neri and in five minutes or so you’ll reach All’Antico Vinaio, famous for producing some of the best panino in Florence. Five euros will buy you a giant hunk of bread, stuffed full of delicious fillings – salami, artichokes, cheeses, prosciutto… whatever you fancy. On one side of the street is the takeaway outlet (expect queues); on the other, an eat-in café. One panino is usually enough to share, but go for a plastic glass of wine too – you’re in Italy!

14:30 - All fuelled up? Now’s the time to tackle the Uffizi.

Make sure you book your tickets before you go to avoid the queues – you just need to collect them 15 minutes before your allotted time. Spend a few hours exploring the

15:00 - Just east of the market is the Galleria dell Accademia, another brilliant art gallery. If you’ve had your fill of art, you’ve also got two lovely churches close by you could pop into: Basilica di San Lorenzo and Basilica di Santa Maria Novella. The latter sits in a green piazza that’s a nice place to sit down with a gelato.

art-filled halls; if you need a pick-me-up afterwards, there are plenty of cafes lining the nearby Piazza della Signoria where you can get a cold drink.

19:30 - As sunset approaches, there’s only one place to be: Piazzale Michelangelo, one of our favourite places to take photos in Florence. Crowds flock to this viewpoint each evening to watch the sun sink over the Arno, bathing the city in a golden light. You can walk up, but it’s a bit of a hill, so if you’re not up to it you can catch the number 12 or 13 bus. There’s usually a lively atmosphere up here, with live music and people toasting their trip with a glass of Prosecco – why not pick up a bottle and some plastic glasses on your way and join them?

21:00 - For dinner, wander back down the hill to the trendy Oltrarno neighbourhood, where you’ll find plenty of eateries and bars for post-dinner drinks.

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18:00 - Colle Bereto is one of our favourite aperitivo spots.

If the weather’s on your side, take a seat on the terrace and order an Aperol spritz. The prices are steep, but they include the delicious buffet inside load up your plate with pasta salads, breads and antipasti and enjoy the atmosphere.

20:00 - Not many people realise, but the Palazzo Vecchio is open until midnight. Pop in to admire its beautiful frescoes and artworks without the daytime crowds. Last admission to the tower is 8.30pm, so if you want to go up then make sure you do that first.

21:30 - Time for your final dinner in Florence. Try Ristorante Enoteco Pane e Vino, around 15 minutes’ walk away across the river. It was Florence’s first wine bar and boasts a cellar with over 1,000 bottles (closed on Sundays).

How we went: British Airways from London City Airport. www.britishairways.co.uk Where we stayed: The Westin Excelsior Florence, Piazza Ognissanti, 3, 50123 Firenze, Italy. www.westinflorence.com

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AMERICAN BEAUTY

There’s no better way to see America’s vast, stunning landscape and explore its rich history than driving into the heart of it. Here we’ve mapped four classic routes: from NYC up into New York State; the Dakotas; through the magnificent scenery of the south-west to LA; and a music tour of the Deep South...

AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION THERE ARE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE FOR VISITING THIS DESTINATION. PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES AT WWW.GOV.UK/FOREIGN-TRAVEL-ADVICE

Written By Martin Mason Photography: Julie Paice Autumn 2021 12

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AMERICAN BEAUTY

DEEP SOUTH MUSIC TOUR Badlands geology and American History 1. Nashville, Tennessee, has great bars for country and blues. See the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (countrymusichalloffame.org), and the Ryman Auditorium (ryman.com) to learn about the Grand Ole Opry. Nearby Broadway has bars for real live music till late.

2. Memphis – blues, gospel, country, rock’n’roll, barbecue. Stay for Wild Bill’s Juke Joint, Graceland and Sun Studios, and on Sunday listen to the Reverend Al Green lead the choir in Full Gospel Tabernacle Church on Hale Road.

3. Following Route 61 south you reach the Mississippi Delta region. Stop for dinner at Tunica – which has lots of casinos – or opt for fried chicken or creole catfish at the Blue and White Diner (blueandwhiterestaurant.com) and a ride on the Tunica Queen riverboat.

4. Clarksdale, Mississippi, for juke joints, the Delta Blues Museum in the old train station and a night at the Shack Up Inn (shackupinn.com, from $75), with boutique rooms in old sharecropper shacks, at the Hopson Plantation, which hosts live blues.

5. Dockery Farms (dockeryfarms. org), where blues is said to have been invented by cotton picker Charley Patton in the early 1900s.

776 miles, 14 hours’ driving, one week minimum

6. Lafayette, Louisiana, is one of America’s greatest music towns, where you can hear Cajun, Creole and zydeco music in the dancehalls, or listen out for “swamp pop” . The Blue Moon Saloon and Guesthouse (bluemoonpresents.com, $18 bunks, doubles from $75) has live roots music on the back porch – local bands often record live albums there.

7. Finally, go wild in New Orleans at the dozens of jazz and blues clubs.

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SCENES AND SERENITY New York State and Niagra 1. First spend a few days in New York City, exploring Brooklyn, Williamsburg and the galleries of Manhattan.

2. Montauk, on the east of Long Island, has become a favourite hangout of celebs, with trendy bars, restaurants and places to stay (in summer, try the Ruschmeyers, (ruschmeyers.com), which is a bit like a summer camp for adults).

1,305 miles, 26 hours of driving, 2½-3 weeks minimum

3. Woodstock (woodstockny.org) has been an artists’ colony since 1902, so spend a day touring the galleries.

4. The Catskills (visitthecatskills.com) are great for hiking in summer, or skiing and snowshoeing in winter – try the town of Hunter for both.

5. Beautiful in autumn (until midOctober), the Adirondacks mountains are full of forests, micro-breweries and bistros; in summer there’s the vintage-style 56 Auto Drive-in Theater (jscinemas.com/56auto).

6. Lake Ontario – there’s a 518-mile Great Lakes Seaway Trail (seawaytrail. com) along its southern rim, but highlights are Niagara Falls in the west and the Thousand Island Park in the east.

7 & 8. The Finger Lakes region (fingerlakes.org) near Ithaca has wonderful vineyards, Amish farms (you might have to brake for the haywagons), craft markets and long blue glacier lakes.

9. Return to New York City.

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AMERICAN BEAUTY

NORTH AND SOUTH DAKOTA Badlands Geology and American History

978 miles, 20 hours’ driving, two weeks minimum

1. Fly into and out of Rapid City (with Delta via Minneapolis from Heathrow, around £500). Hiring an RV could be a good idea for this road trip through remote areas with little accommodation, see visitrapidcity.com/ planyourtrip/rentalvehicles.

2. South Dakota’s Badlands National Park is a vast rocky landscape of ridges, layered rock, fossils, towers and ravines.

Make a stop at Wall Drug (walldrug. com), a 1930s store and attraction which sells sheriffs’ badges and cowboy boots.

3. Then at Pierre (don’t miss the State Capitol Building and Cultural Heritage Centre), at the south of Lake Oahe, get on the Native American Scenic Byway, through Lakota, Dakota and Nakota nations.

4. The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe (lowerbrulesiouxtribe.com) welcomes to the reservation visitors who want to learn about their culture and offers many tours.

5. The byway passes through Standing Rock reservation (standingrock.org) for monuments, Sitting Bull’s burial ground, and places to stay. Its traditional annual powwow is open to visitors.

6. Visit North Dakota’s cowboy town, Medora, to stay at the historic 1884 Rough Riders Hotel (medora.com/roughriders, from $135) and try the Pitchfork Steak Fondue for steak threaded onto a pitchfork and grilled.

7. North Dakota’s badlands have hilly terrain, red rocks and petrified woods. Hire a log cabin and explore on horseback with Badlands Trail Rides (badlandstrailrides.com).

8. In Black Hills National Forest, Custer state park (custerstatepark.info) covers 71,000 acres of prairie, pine, granite, bison and bighorn sheep. Jewel Cave and Wind Cave are worth a stop.

9 & 10. After visiting Mount Rushmore, see the Native American equivalent, the Crazy Horse Memorial (crazyhorsememorial.org), which will be the largest mountain carving in the world when finished, and the Indian Museum of North America.

11. Return to Rapid City.

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AMERICAN BEAUTY

NEW MEXICO TO LA Weird and Wonderful

and has one bedroom – plus a hot tub.

1. Fly into Albuquerque, good for buying jewellery and art, and full of gorgeous B&Bs with palm trees, sun terraces overlooking the desert and Native American folk art and blankets. See bedandbreakfast.com/ new-mexico for a list. Desert Harbour is off-grid, simply stylish, with outdoor fire pits and massages, for $145 a night.

5. Grand Staircase-Escalante national monument (utah.com/nationalsites/ grand_staircase) just over the border in Utah is 1.7m acres of multicoloured rocks and canyons.

2. State capital Santa Fe is a quirky former mining town with bizarre museums and diners.

3. Hot springs are a big deal in New Mexico. Many have spa resorts built around them, but for a list of natural ones, such as those in the Jemez mountains, see newmexico.org/things-todo/health-wellness.

4. Farmington is a good base for visiting Native American tribes (Navajo, Jicarilla Apache, Southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute and Hopi, see farmingtonnm.org); the Aztec Ruins national monument has structures built by the Aztecs 900 years ago. Nearby, Kokopelli’s Cave B&B (bbonline.com/united-states/newmexico/farmington/kokopelli, from $260) is carved out of the sandstone cliff

6. Dare to hike Zion national park’s (nps. gov/zion) terrifying Angels Landing, and you’ll need a margarita in the cool sunny town of Springdale nearby.

7. Bryce Canyon’s (nps.gov/brca/index) incredible “hoodoo” rock formations are bewitching.

8 & 9. Before visiting the Grand Canyon stay in a cabin among ponderosa pines near Flagstaff, Arizona (see flagstaffarizona.org/staying_ bed-breakfast for a list), and visit the Wupatki National Monument – an important tribal crossroads for thousands of years – the Museum of Northern Arizona for Native American artefacts, and the Lowell Observatory.

10. Kingman (gokingman.com) is known as the “heart of historic route 66”, with a museum dedicated to the route.

You could detour into Mojave national preservefrom here.

11. Joshua Tree national park to stretch your legs, and a stop in Twentynine Palms, a cool quirky town. The 29 Palms Inn (29palmsinn.com, from $95) has a pool and 1930s cabins.

12. Palm Springs is the sleepy kitsch nostalgic desert city of your dreams, with amazing places to stay such as the new Saguaro (jdvhotels.com, from $170) and a great midcentury modern architecture tour by Robert Imber (palmspringsmoderntours.com). On 20-21 and 27-28 October the Highway 62 Art Tours (hwy62arttours.com) opens studios of 100 local artists.

13. Los Angeles – eat, shop and star-spot for as long as you have left.

1,583 miles, 30 hours’ driving, 2½ weeks minimum

The Grand Canyon: The only one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World to be located in North America Autumn 2021 22

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THE

BRIT LIST INVERLOCHY CASTLE

...page 26

FRITTON LAKE

...page 30

GARA ROCK

...page 34

RAGDALE HALL

...page 36

THE PRIORY

...page 40

BEAUMONT ESTATE

...page 42

THE PIG AT BRIDGE PLACE

...page 46

BARNETT HILL HOTEL

...page 48

RICHMOND HILL HOTEL

...page 50

PENNYHILL PARK

Britain has hundreds of characterful country retreats and staycation hideaways, and today there’s a bewildering amount to choose from. Here we present the cream of the crop for your glorious post-summer short break.

Written By Martin Mason and Holly Cannon Compiled by: John W Stammers Planning: Sophie Bailey Photography: Julie Paice

...page 52 Autumn 2021 24

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HEAD FOR THE HIGHLANDS

I

INVERLOCHY CASTLE FORT WILLIAM, SCOTLAND

n 1873 curiosity led Queen Victoria to forgo her usual holiday home at Balmoral, Scotland and instead spend a week at Inverlochy Castle near Fort William. “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot” she noted in her diary and this is as true today as it was then.

The five-Star Inverlochy Castle Hotel is truly a very special place; an imposing loch side baronial castle near Fort William and in the foothills of the highest peak in the UK, Ben Nevis.

The Journey Keen to embrace a sense of adventure, we took the Caledonian Sleeper train from London Euston to Fort William. A sleeper train to Scotland has been running from London since the 1850s, although the service has been updated a few times since then – with a major update coming into service in 2019/2020. It’s been running in its current name, the Caledonian Sleeper, since 1996, and in 2016, Lonely Planet named the journey from London Euston to Fort William the best sleeper train journey in the world. Our trains are far more luxurious, with upgraded sleeper seats as well as en-suite sleeper rooms and even a double en-suite room option for couples. There are also fully accessible rooms, as well as Wi-Fi throughout. Our Club Room offered a more hotel-like experience and gave us access to the station lounges at departure and arrival stations, as well as a hot continental breakfast, which you can enjoy either in your room or in the Club Car.

The Hotel Tucked between dense forestry and a serene loch, Inverlochy Castle Hotel offers both privacy and beauty. For added convenience, Inverlochy Castle Hotel also offers helicopter, chauffeur, and vehicle rental services and transfers. The stone castle looks and feels like a fairy-tale setting. Plus, the lavish and ornate decor inside exudes elegance and class. This 19th-century castle boasts the refinement and history you expect and the comfort and convenience you deserve.

Teeming with incredible history and breath-taking scenery, Scotland is the perfect destination for your next getaway. With its beautiful lochs and luscious forests, there are few locations in the world quite so relaxing.

Within this picture of tranquillity lies Inverlochy Castle Hotel, one of Scotland’s most luxurious and elegant hotels. Martin Mason packed his chunky sweater and headed up to the highlands to discover a true gem.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.inverlochycastlehotel.com

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The castle grounds and the entire estate, all 42,000 acres of it are wonderful to explore. You can take a pleasant stroll through the gardens or head off on more strenuous hikes around forests, rivers, mountains and lochs, and all without leaving the estate.

Service throughout the hotel is old school and seamless, if you cannot think what you want, a gentle suggestion will be provided. Maybe tea in the drawing-room indoors or outdoors, try falconry or skeet shooting.

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Rooms The 17 well-appointed rooms and Gate Lodge, each with a unique design to ensure that your stay is personalised, blend the old and new seamlessly with gorgeously plump beds, breath-taking views, reassuringly heavy drapery, and invitingly chic and modern bathrooms. Our suite was impeccable with the best of everything including Penhaligon toiletries and embroidered bed linen.

Food Our dinner began with a wee dram (a shot of scotch whisky) by the fire in the Great Hall, an event in itself then off to the main event. No stay at Inverlochy Castle Hotel is complete without dining at the award-winning Michel Roux Jr at Inverlochy Castle restaurant. All three unique dining rooms are decorated with elaborate furniture donated to the Castle by the King of Norway, creating an elegant dining experience that cannot be missed. The food here is seriously ambitious and elaborate inspired by both British and French cuisine, but with a distinctly Highland accent.

Excellent wine matches and expert service completed a wonderful experience. Another highlight was the sumptuous breakfast we had delivered to our room, a plentiful full Scottish breakfast and – that view. What a way to start the morning.•

“

Our verdict With its incredible scenery, luxurious rooms, and world-renowned dining experience, a stay at Inverlochy Castle Hotel is an experience that should not be missed. Queen Victoria was right there’s simply nowhere better for you to explore the Scottish Highlands, and the most breath-taking scenery in Britain.

”

How to book

Caledonian Sleeper: sleeper.scot Inverlochy castle: inverlochycastlehotel.com

A big thanks to everyone who made this trip possible: Visit Scotland, Vicky Mcquillan and Kerry Watson at ICMI and Julie Brander at Weber Shandwick.

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THE BRIT LIST

FRITTON LAKE GREAT YARMOUTH, NORLFOLK

S

urrounded by 1,000 acres of unspoilt woodland and lush meadows, Fritton Lake is an incredible nature retreat that sits on the Norfolk/Suffolk border and is directly contributing to one of Britain’s pioneering rewilding projects.

The holiday club is part of the Somerleyton Country Estate and situated 25 minutes from Lowestoft and 45 minutes from Norwich by car. If you’re looking for a nearby train station, Haddiscoe is a 10-minute drive away. Once you’ve found your way to this picturesque lake, you won’t be short of things to do.

Aside from the beautiful two-mile-long natural lake that sits at the club’s heart, there are a wide array of leisure activities on offer.

You can relax in the 22-metre heated swimming pool or their new floating sauna. For the kids, you’ll find invigorating and thrilling adventure play areas - the young ones have a smaller heated pool and bouncy pillow to conquer, whilst the big kids have trees to whizz through on zip wire. Then there’s the broad range of sporting activities to participate in, from canoeing, rowing and paddleboarding to tennis, volleyball and instructor-led yoga. With so much to do, you won’t be straying far from this idyllic spot.

Rooms You can choose to stay in the private woodland cabins that blend with the woodlands that surround them, each equipped with kingsize beds, private bathrooms, wood-burning stoves and wood-fired hot tubs. Our room was the Herringfleet Boathouse based in the luxury Clubhouse, a converted 16th-century manor house. Rooms here retain their heritage from the authentic wooden floorboards and fireplaces to the exposed beams and brickwork, whilst featuring modern comforts like spacious bathrooms and comfortably large beds. Alternatively, if you’re staying as a family, you might prefer the traditional farm cottages that are circled by the stunning meadows and woodland.

Food With small producers, fishermen and farmers on Fritton Lake’s doorstep, all their food is locally sourced to cut down delivery miles and support small businesses to adhere to their values of sustainability. Meals are served at the Clubhouse, a relaxed environment with warm and friendly service. If like us, you’re visiting on a warm summer day, you can enjoy al fresco dining on the terrace or in the garden with the dragonflies dancing between the tables. It is an absolute delight. Breakfast includes a limited range of bowls and toasts, whilst the lunch and dinner menus offer more variety with pizzas, sandwiches, salads and club specials.•

“

Our verdict For any water lovers and fans of outdoorsy fun, this is an idyllic nature retreat with picturesque woodlands and meadows to explore. The combination of lovely food, gorgeous views and blissful pools makes for an enjoyable staycation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.frittonlake.co.uk

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S

GARA ROCK HOTEL SALCOME, DEVON

urrounded by countryside, sea views and sheep, this hotel perched atop a cliff is a great escape from the everyday. Gara Rock is a blissfully secluded spot in South Devon with a wealth of leisure and relaxation options. To discover Gara Rock you will need to navigate a network of little lanes through rural Devon, but good things come to those who wait. We promise.

Whether you want to re-energise in the Wild Rock Spa, relax in the bubbling Jacuzzi and soak up the splendid views, swim in the outdoor pool that overlooks the sea, or unwind with a whole host of movies in the Cinema Room, the hotel offers plenty to do all under one roof.

There’s plenty of options if you want to venture out, too. Sample wine and cheese at the Sharpham Vineyard, take a stroll through the Dartmoor National Park or visit the Paignton Zoo. If you love walks, there are several local routes you can take. If you want to get active there’s paddleboarding and golf nearby. And if you’re looking for family fun days there’s the Woodlands Adventure Park, Miniature Pony Centre and Prehistoric Caves your children will adore.

Rooms There’s a huge range of rooms on offer at Gara Rock, from the romantic Secret Suite where you’ll have a few sheep for company, the homely Signal House - perfect for large groups - where you can stargaze from the hot tub, or there’s the Penthouse with an extraordinary open plan living space and jaw-dropping sea views. Our one-bedroom suite didn’t disappoint with its rustic and cosy aesthetic, velvet cushions, plush throws, tiled bathroom and fabulous power shower. Never letting you forget the awe-inspiring views, most suites come with a generously sized balcony, terrace or garden.

Food The Restaurant, open all year round and popular, is worth booking in advance. Seasonal dishes feature ingredients sourced from local producers and the chef’s very own kitchen garden; whether from the land or sea, you can be sure whatever you order will be fresh. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails are all on offer here. If you’d prefer a light bite or just relax with a drink, the Lounge Bar is a comfy place to enjoy a cuppa or sip from their vast range of spirits, beers, homemade cordials, and more - the Gara Rock Gin is a popular choice! Or if you’re on a walk or prefer to sit in the sun with a snack and drink, the ‘Garavan’ has got you covered.•

“

Our verdict Isolation has got a bad rep over the past 18 months, but the gorgeous views and vast number of opportunities to unwind will have you falling in love with this secluded spot. You’ll be so glad you got away from the world for a while.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.gararock.com

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T

RAGDALE HALL SPA, LEICESTERSHIRE

his secluded 13-acre rural Victorian country house estate has exceeded guest expectations for over 40 years, providing serene lounges and rejuvenating spa treatments with six different pools all under one roof.

Situated off the A46, it’s just a 25-minute drive away from Leicester and only 20 minutes to Loughborough. You’ll find the nearest train station in Melton Mowbray, 15 minutes from the spa by car.

Whilst there are worthwhile attractions within a half-hour’s drive of Ragdale Hall, such as the National Space Centre, you’ll most likely be too busy maximising the resort’s relaxation facilities.

Boasting six different pools, the Thermal Spa features 12 luxurious and unique heat and water experiences that you won’t get enough of. Especially the Rooftop Infinity Pool, which combines awe-inspiring countryside views with water heated to 35°C and massaging jets, is so unique you won’t soon forget it. With so much on offer, it really is like a playground for adults. Our overnight reviver package included a 50-minute Blissful Face & Back Therapy and we also indulged in extra facial and pedicure treatments treatments, all of which were first class. These Spa experiences have the power to be extremely healing, however, as always, health and safety is the first priority and increased hygiene protocols at Ragdale Hall in the wake of Covid-19 have been impeccably implemented.

Rooms Ragdale Hall has a broad range of rooms available, all stylishly decorated and several featuring beautiful floral patterns for the furniture. Our bedroom was large with a spacious bathroom. There’s plenty of room to relax, but you’ll spend most of your time chilling on a recliner in the spa. However you prefer to get your respite, Ragdale Hall has plenty of relaxation rooms to choose from.

Food The chefs - where possible - source all their ingredients from local businesses, bringing you first-class food whilst helping the environment. The Dining Room offered a range of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu combined salads and vegetarian dishes alongside meat and fish varieties, catering to every palette.

We couldn’t fault the speedy service or the quality of food. You’ll find refreshing smoothies and herbal teas as well as a delicious range of light snacks and cakes in both the Verandah Bar and Garden Room. You also must try the expertly-crafted cocktails or mocktails in their brand new Twilight Bar, so good we stayed for more than a couple.•

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Our verdict Ragdale Hall is the perfect getaway if you’re looking for serene solitude and relaxing pools heated to blissfulness. The stunning countryside views complement the spa treatments and meal varieties. Whether with friends or with family, the spacious estate offers a wealth of relaxation options.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.ragdalehall.co.uk or call 01664 433000

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THE PRIORY WAREHAM, DORSET

he old-world glamour and charm of this former 16th-century priory with gardens sloping down to the River Frome are an absolute delight. Martin Mason visited this quintessentially English country gem in the historic market town of Wareham.

Enjoying an idyllic location on the banks of the River Frome in Wareham, The Priory Hotel is set in a beautiful heritage building, with a history stretching back to the 16th century. Lovingly and painstakingly restored, it offers luxurious boutique accommodation, fine food and tailored services in a wonderful riverside setting.

Across four acres of immaculately maintained gardens, this independently owned country house hotel is ideally placed for exploring Dorset. Wareham itself is steeped in history with Corfe Castle a mere 10 minutes drive away. There are plenty of cream teas cafés and historic pubs within easy distance. Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and the beaches at Studland are also nearby and worth visiting.

Rooms The rooms vary in style but all deliver on luxurious quality.

We stayed in a boathouse suite at the river’s edge which offered seclusion and privacy from the main property. The suite had French doors which opened onto a fabulous river view terrace with wood-beamed character features and wrought iron table and chairs.

A wonderful location to sip a drink, soak up the sun and watch the boats chug past. All rooms and suites feature luxury towelling bathrobes; complimentary Wi-Fi; a flat-screen TV and complimentary toiletries.

Food The Priory has a fine dining restaurant, where guests can enjoy classical French and English cuisine. Head chef Stephan Guinebault’s menu maintains the high standards with locally sourced, season and delicious produce. Covid protocols were expertly managed with a head waiter greeting and escort into the Garden Restaurant. Lunch can also be enjoyed in the Garden Room or ‘alfresco’ on the terrace in the warmer months. Special mention goes to the full English breakfast which was one of the best we have experienced recently and will set you up for a day exploring the Dorset countryside.•

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Our verdict With its manicured lawns and riverside setting, The Priory Wareham offers a wonderful Dorset escape. Sip champagne on a sun-soaked terrace and discover the perfect English weekend away with a little taste of France.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.theprioryhotel.co.uk

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WONDERFUL

WINDSOR

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DE VERE BEAUMONT ESTATE WINDSOR, BERKSHIRE

et on a 40-acre estate the hotel is just a few miles from Windsor Castle and a 14-minute walk from the historic site of Runnymede – the birthplace of English law. The Estate itself dates back to the 14th century, and includes lovely grounds and a 14th-century chapel.

Nestled in Old Windsor, the historic and unique De Vere Beaumont Estate is set in 40 acres of stunning parkland. Martin Mason discovered a hotel that Is an elaborate mix of old and new.

Located close to the M25, M4 and M3, with Heathrow airport just 15 minutes away by car. The nearest train station is Egham which is a 5 minute drive away and its close to local attractions including Legoland, Windsor Castle, Royal Ascot and Thorpe Park.

This outstanding estate has undergone a huge refurbishment, which has retained the historic features of the place, whilst bringing in a contemporary style, meaning it has the charm, facilities and technology for whatever you need. And with acres of outside space for walking and beautiful grounds for relaxing, the De Vere Beaumont Estate is simply a stunning venue.

Rooms The Estate has a wide range of 420 rooms available, all stylishly decorated with good amenities. We stayed in a Luxury Suite in the White House which had open plan luxurious spaces, a huge bedroom and expansive lounge area in which to relax. The traditional decor reflects the heritage of the building, and it was complete with roll-top bath, walk-in shower, fridge, luxury toiletries & free Wi-Fi.

Food Named after the year the hotel’s mansion house was re-designed by influential architect Jason Gibbs, 1705 Restaurant and Bar boast a menu of dishes inspired by great British class and relaxed Italian classics - and we couldn’t wait to tuck in. Fresh and airy, the lofty space mixes sumptuous sofas with contemporary brass and leather accents, with the traditional feature ceiling taking centre stage. It also offers guests a stylish space serving cocktails created by on-site mixologists, rich jewel toned furniture, warm lighting and a glossy bar top. l

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Our verdict

Situated in picturesque Old Windsor is the historic De Vere Beaumont Estate. This magnificent venue incorporates a stunning Ballroom, fabulous Restaurants, wonderful architecture and modern refurbished bedrooms – all set in spectacular and extensive grounds.

Book

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.devere.co.uk/beaumont-estate

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THE PIG AT BRIDGE PLACE, CANTERBURY

laying host to Led Zeppelin in the ‘70s, THE PIG at Bridge Place is the rural hideaway with a rock-nroll past, a rich history of renowned parties and gigs and is situated close to arty towns like Whitsable, Margate, Deal and Sandwich.

Only three miles away from beautiful Canterbury - 15 minutes by car - the historical city centre is within easy reach. Bekesbourne Station is just two miles away from THE PIG and an estimated 56-minute journey by train from central London. Whilst the closest airport is Gatwick, which takes around 70 minutes to get to by car.

Bridge itself is a historic Kentish village full of character, perfect for scenic strolls. Whether pottering around the kitchen gardens or exploring Kent’s hot spots, there’s plenty to do within the ‘Wine Garden of England’ with The Pig as your perfect country base.

Rooms With 29 available rooms, you’re spoilt for choice. The luxurious main house has seven bedrooms, each with a rustic theme that feel cosy whilst also spacious. The Coach House has 12 rooms with similar vibes as well as two family-friendly lodges if you’re bringing the kids. We stayed in Hideaway Suite two which had a sitting room, large master bedroom, super-king four-poster bed and a mezzanine bathroom. The walk-in monsoon shower and free-standing bath were highlights.

Food Like all Pig Hotels, the emphasis is on the food. The PIG’s commitment to the ‘25-mile menu’ means that all their food is sourced from local suppliers, which supports Kentish farms, orchards, vineyards, etc. It also means you’re guaranteed the freshest fish, locally brewed beers, homegrown fruits and vegetables, and England’s most prestigious wines. The open-plan restaurant was just as rustic and characterful as the rooms and offered a good range of meats, fish and plant-based dishes. Everything we tried was delicious. But you must also try the outdoor Garden Oven for wood-fired cooking and tasty tipples.•

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Our verdict An overall great experience that combines freshly sourced cooking with beautiful rustic rooms and close proximity to Kent’s most idyllic hot spots. It’s the perfect retreat for scenic walks and anyone keen to explore Kent’s rich history.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.thepighotel.com/at-bridge-place

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FIRST CLASS

COUNTRY ESCAPE

BARNETT HILL, PART OF THE ALEXANDER HOTELS COLLECTION, THE SURREY HILLS

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s holidays abroad remain off the agenda - a staycation has never looked so good. This wonderful country house hotel in the gorgeous Surrey Hills is the perfect getaway for a short break or memorable family occasion.

We visited Barnett Hill to celebrate our daughter’s graduation from the nearby University of Surrey, having seen her ceremony cancelled, another casualty of the covid-19 pandemic restrictions. The hotel, which blends history and modernity dates back to 1905, the dream of Frank Cook, Grandson of renowned travel agent Thomas Cook. Set just a five-minute drive from Guildford in the heart of the Surrey Hills the National Trust area of Box Hill, the destination offers plenty of walking and cycling routes through lush forest and countryside, plus wonderful views.

Rooms Barnett Hill has reassuringly enhanced its cleaning and safety measures with masks and hand sanitiser provided to guests on check-in. Rooms are disinfected between each stay, clear social distancing measures are in place, and cashless payment is in operation. There’s a wide selection of rooms available and each is individually and stylishly decorated. Our spacious and luxurious suites were located at the top of an imposing staircase and had stunning views over the beautiful gardens. They were equipped with every mod con including huge beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, tasteful yet unique furnishings, a large sofa, huge bath and a rainfall shower to die for.

Food

Barnett Hill Hotel is an elegant Queen Anne-style mansion, nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills. Set in 26 acres of lovingly maintained gardens and woodland, the hotel offers breathtaking views. Martin Mason discovered the perfect place to celebrate a very special family event.

Combining influence from classic dishes with innovative cooking techniques and the freshest seasonal ingredients, The Oak Room Restaurant offers award-winning dining with service to match. Admire the beautiful oak panelling that adorns the walls, the feature ceiling, and jaw-dropping views across the gardens.

Lunch, light bites and afternoon tea are also served but be sure to make time for an alfresco drink in the 1905 bar, named after the year the property was built. It has a great selection of wines and spirits including the lavish new ‘Silent Pool’ Gin experience. •

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Our verdict

Barnett Hill is the perfect country retreat to recharge your batteries. The location, architecture and stunning gardens make it a perfect choice for celebrating and photographing a special occasion. Covid protocols were subtle, yet effective and staff were informed and always ready to help.

Book

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The Marketplace offers a variety of food options www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/Barnettt-hill

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/barnett-hill

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RICHMOND HILL HOTEL, RICHMOND

ituated in a prime position overlooking the River Thames this Georgian hotel dates from 1726.

With the bustling shopping streets and cosy pub corners of Richmond on its doorstep, and central London just a tube ride away.

The recently renovated Richmond Hill Hotel offers up the perfect staycation for anyone looking to escape the city. There’s plenty to do in Richmond itself: explore 2,500 acres of parkland with roaming deer in London’s largest Royal Park, take a boat tour to Kew Gardens or Hampton Court, hire a rowing boat or bicycle, and enjoy shops, markets and walks galore. Nearby attractions include Twickenham rugby ground and museum, Ham House and London Wetland Centre.

Rooms The hotel has two types of rooms, Georgian collection and Hill collection. The Georgian collection has antique interiors and reflects the history & heritage of the hotel, whereas the Hill collection has a more modern approach to it with bright colours. Our spacious and classy suite featured ultra-comfy super-king-sized beds from Heal’s of London, goose down duvets, Nespresso machine, and marble-tiled bathroom with heavenly walk-in rain shower.

Food Dinner at the award-winning AA Rosette, 144 On The Hill was the highlight of our stay. The long wraparound bar spans the room and is rather spectacular – worth going for just a drink. A lively atmosphere was complemented by a wonderfully chilled Chapel Down brut and the Wine list was surprisingly varied and reasonably priced. From a well-balanced menu we chode the classic pairing of scallops and steak which was delicious. Make sure you’re up in time to have breakfast the next day, another high point. There’s a good range of hot and cold options but our pancakes took some beating.•

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Our verdict

If you want a break from the usual rush-hour routine of city life, then this 18th -century townhouse is a wonderful staycation choice. A stay at the Richmond Hill hotel will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after a weekend full of food, walks and country air.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.richmondhill-hotel.co.uk

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PENNYHILL PARK, SURREY

et on 123 acres of beautiful grounds, Pennyhill Park is a five-star hotel with a multi awardwinning 45,000 sq. ft. spa. It’s the ultimate spa staycation, perfect if you’re searching for a tranquil spot to rejuvenate and recharge.

You’ll find the place between Ascot, Sunningdale and Wentworth on the A30 London Road, 45 minutes from central London. The nearest station is Bagshot if you’re coming by train, which is an estimated 25 minutes by foot. Its location is a convenient spot if you’re planning a trip to nearby attractions, such as the Savill Gardens, Thorpe Park, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park.

Although, we suspect you’ll spend most of your time relaxing in Pennyhill Park’s divine spa. Considered a destination in its own right, there are over 20 thermal and relaxation spaces to enjoy, superb treatments, state-of-the-art gym equipment and fitness classes on offer. When you see the idyllic interior and exterior spaces, you’ll understand why Pennyhill Park is often booked for special events and stunning weddings.

Rooms With 124 rooms available, you’re spoilt for choice. Each one is individually designed with different styles, so no two visits will be alike. Whatever your choice, you can bank on luxurious furnishings, beautifully patterned décor, and gorgeous bathrooms that come with under-floor heating and rain shower. Some of the higher end rooms and suites come with extras, like double baths or even an eight-man Jacuzzi.

Food The Hillfield restaurant and bar is open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a relaxed, fun feel to its menu that celebrates the best of Surrey’s finest seasonal dishes. It’s perfect for couples, friends, co-workers or families looking for a laidback meal. We recommend booking in advance to guarantee a table. Also, Head Chef, Lewis Russell, is overseeing a ‘Farm to Fork - Nose to Tail’ kitchen philosophy, which is a commitment to working with farmers who preserve and enhance the local landscape with high welfare and sustainable ethics in mind. When it comes to drinks, you can expect their signature Surrey Spritzers, Hillfield housemade cordials, local beers and a wine list that includes the finest of English and European producers.

Alternatively, head to the Lily Pond Terrace for outdoor drinks and dining with splendid views. On the menu are woodfired flatbreads, barbecue specials and ice creams. Not to mention a good range of drinks to enjoy in the sun.•

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Our verdict The ultimate spa retreat that boasts stunning indoor and outdoor spaces, characterful rooms and the finest Surrey dishes you can find. Pennyhill Park truly is a five-star experience.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.exclusive.co.uk/pennyhill-park

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THE BRIT LIST Castell Coch: The unique nature of the castle has seen it feature in many TV shows including Doctor Who.

FIVEQUIRKY ROMANTIC BREAKS IN THE UK Want to whisk your loved one off on an autumn romantic break but not sure where to go? With so much choice, it can be really difficult to select somewhere that’s both special and quirky.

1.CASTLE COCH WEST USK LIGHTHOUSE

It’s no surprise that Castell Coch was said to be the model for Disney‘s Sleeping Beauty Castle. With its pointy turrets and elegant towers it wouldn’t look out of place with the Chateaux of the Loire. In 1871 the 3rd Marquess of Bute had the ruins of a much older castle removed and this fantasy built, complete with gloriously ornate interior murals and elaborate bespoke furnishings.

Set high above the village of Tongwynlais, to the north of Cardiff in south Wales, it is an easy drive to the charming West Usk Lighthouse for a very quirky stay. Book the lovely waterbed room overlooking the River Severn and make sure you have a long relaxing soak in the hot tub in the roof.

2.KIELDER WATER & POSH HUTS

NORTHUMBERLAND

With its pine-clad banks, vast expanse of water and many shore-line paths, Kielder Water and Forest Park is ideal for a get-away-from-it-all weekend. And in the heart of Northumberland countryside, it was recently awarded Gold Tier Dark Sky Park status by the International Dark Skies Association (IDA) – the first in Britain.

You can visit the Kielder Observatory and view the heavens through their powerful telescope – or gaze up at the myriad of stars as you sip a glass of champagne outside your Posh Hut in the village of Falstone. These luxurious designer Shepherd’s Huts have all the comforts you could wish for with a wood-burning stove for chilly days. And for a special treat, you can even have a gourmet meal delivered to your very door.

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3.QUARRY BANK MILL & WIZARD THATCH

If you want a bit of history and a gorgeous garden to wander through, Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire has more than enough to keep you busy all day. Built in the late 18th century, this cotton mill has a huge water wheel and fascinating collection of working machinery and historic artefacts. The attractive garden above the River Bollin has been lovingly restored with a Cave, Dipping Ponds and terraced flower beds. Nearby Styal Village has pretty cottages and replica shops from its industrial heyday.

Stay in fashionable Alderley Edge at the Wizards Thatch, in your own magical suite crammed full of intriguing objects and a wonderful four poster bed.

4.LAKE DISTRICT CRUISE & RUM DOODLE B&B

The Lake District is regularly voted Britain’s favourite romantic destination. There is no better way to see the stunning scenery that has entranced artists, poets and lovers for centuries than by taking a ferry round one of the lakes. You can choose from dramatic Ullswater, beautiful Derwenwater and England’s longest lake, Windermere.

And for something completely different, go to the Lakeland Motor Museum in the picturesque Leven Valley.

If you choose Windermere for your romantic escape, stay at Rum Doodle B&B in Windermere village – ask for one of the vintage-styled and rather whimsical top rooms here.

5.RIEVAULX ABBEY & FEVERSHAM ARMS As you gaze up at vast vaulted windows you can almost hear the old monks chanting in the dramatic ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, on the edge of the North York Moors.

Nestling in a peaceful valley this medieval abbey is one of the north’s most visited attractions, and you’ll find an attractive terrace above with woodland sculptures and splendid views across the Yorkshire countryside.

Only a couple of miles away, is the gorgeous Feversham Arms in the attractive market town of Helmsley. In this award-winning hotel treat yourselves to a Deluxe Suite, delicious afternoon tea and dine on superb food with fine wine. You can experience the ultimate in pampering at the Verbena Spa here, soaking in the hot tub or swimming in the heated pool.

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SEASIDE TOWNS Britain has a wealth of seaside towns that are ideal destinations for an autumn day trip or a short holiday. But with so many towns offering stunning beaches, historical attractions and a variety of nightlife activities, it can be difficult to decide which of them to visit. To help you decide, here are ten of the best.

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BOURNEMOUTH It’s a long-term favourite of UK travellers because of its warm microclimate and miles of sandy beaches. With a huge variety of shops, restaurants, bars and clubs, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. As well as award-winning gardens, there are also many tours that embrace the stunning coastline scenery. There’s something here for all the family. If you’re new to watersports, you could even take surfing lessons.

BRIGHTON It continues to be one of the most popular seaside resorts in Britain, and it’s easy to see why. Less than an hour from London by train, Brighton is crammed with things to do. Apart from the excitement of the nightlife, with plenty of clubs, bars and restaurants, it’s also perfect for all the family. In the daytime, take a trip to its famous Royal Pavilion, a must-see attraction. Built for the Prince Regent, later King George IV, it’s one of the most extravagant palaces you are likely to see in Britain.

NEWQUAY Another terrific beach destination with an array of golden, sandy beaches close to the town centre. Every summer the beaches, watersports and beautiful scenery draw the crowds to Newquay, making it one of the most popular coastal destinations in Britain. With the Blue Reef Aquarium, Holywell Bay Fun Park and Newquay Zoo all in the area, it’s a fantastic seaside resort for children and adults.

BLACKPOOL There’s nowhere quite like Blackpool! Still one of the most visited family holiday destinations in Britain, Blackpool has lots of fun activities for the whole family. Take the tram along the promenade past the multitude of shops, restaurants and amusement arcades. Blackpool Tower and Ballroom are now iconic British attractions and should not be missed during your stay. And if you’re a fan of amusement parks, you must visit the famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the most visited theme park in Britain.

ST.IVES If you prefer a quieter holiday destination, St. Ives in Cornwall is more of a traditional seaside town with pretty sea views that have inspired generations of artists. The sheltered coves and sandy beaches attract sun-worshippers and swimmers, and surfers congregate to ride the waves.

Opened in 1993, the Tate St. Ives art gallery is the place to go for art-lovers, boasting an impressive collection of classic and contemporary art from around the world.

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WHITBY It’s easy to see why people love Whitby, with its maze of alleyways and narrow streets running down to the quayside. This North Yorkshire town has been a port for more than a thousand years. Captain James Cook even learned his seafaring skills here. It was also the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, with the dramatic Whitby Abbey looming above the town. The Whitby Gothic weekend is now one of the most popular Gothic events in the world.

WEYMOUTH With a delightful harbour, sandy beach and attractions throughout the year, Weymouth remains one of Britain’s most loved seaside towns. King George III was so impressed, he bought Gloucester lodge on the seafront for his holiday home. Events throughout the year include the International Beach Kite Festival, Carnival Day, volleyball and sailing championships, and motorcycle rallies. Situated on the Jurassic Coast - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Weymouth is perfect for long walks along the stunning coastline.

PENZANCE Fast becoming known as the cultural centre of Cornwall, Penzance is the ideal place for a relaxing break by the sea. With a quaint harbour, stunning beaches, historic architecture, art galleries, and many shops, restaurants and bars, many view the town as the perfect English seaside retreat. There’s enough to savour in Penzance alone, but it would also be a great base from which to explore the rest of Cornwall.

GREAT YARMOUTH For a British family vacation, Great Yarmouth could be the ideal choice. There is so much to see and do, with a huge choice of places to eat, drink and shop. There are miles of sandy beaches for those seeking a traditional English beach experience, but there are also plenty of secluded areas, if that’s more your style. With theme parks, museums, theatres, casinos and racing tracks, there are attractions to suit all tastes.

ST.ANDREWS This lively Scottish university town is famous for its golf courses, but there’s plenty here for all the family. St. Andrews Botanic Gardens are internationally acclaimed and have been called a ‘hidden gem’ of Scotland. With a gorgeous beach, quaint little shops and tearooms, and historical sites, it’s a perfect retreat from city life.

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LONDON’S FINEST London is one of the greatest cities in the world, with fantastic luxury hotels to match its reputation. If you want to live a life of luxury, read our comprehensive guide to the finest high-end hotels the capital has to offer. It stands to reason that there’s an abundance of properties in London to match those of any world-class city The problem is there’s just so much choice. We’ve narrowed it down to the cream of the crop, with tiptop service and luxury on tap, to go spoil yourself at.

Just for good measure, we’ve also included our recommendations for Afternoon Tea, Rooftop Bars, Spas, Casinos and themed entertainment. What else could any visitor to the Big Smoke want?

HOTELS: HIGHLIGHTS

...page 64

HOTELS: BEST OF THE REST

...page 94

AFTERNOON TEA

...page 104

ROOFTOP BARS

...page 108

SPAS

...page 112

CASINOS

...page 114

THEMED BARS

Written By Martin Mason and Holly Cannon Compiled by: John W Stammers Planning: Sophie Bailey Photography: Julie Paice, Flavio Liotto

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JW MARRIOTT GROSVENOR HOUSE, LONDON

ocated in the glamorous Mayfair, this is one of the Capital’s most desirable addresses, with the West End and Knightsbridge just a short stroll away. Grosvenor House is one of London’s most established, but also its biggest five-star hotels.

Partly designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, and opened in 1929, it was always intended to operate on a grand scale. Marriott International completed a multi-million dollar renovation of the property in 2019 and the ground floor has been reimagined to complement the alluring views of Hyde Park, with décor including butterfly wall art and bespoke carpets, and redesigned guest rooms. The hotel’s originally lobby has also been transformed, with floor-to-ceiling glass connecting the lobby entrance to the property’s beautiful Park Room, where Afternoon Tea is served.

Rooms The recent restoration has added modern touches without losing the iconic details of the building’s past. Each of the bedrooms and suites is furnished with luxury fabrics and a subtle blend of traditional and contemporary furnishings. All rooms have the essential comforts including individual climate control, satellite TV and high-speed internet. Our wonderful suite offered three separate rooms, expensive marbles, fresh flowers, and a stunning view overlooking Hyde Park. It represented the idyllic marriage between the traditional and modern characters of the hotel.

Food We dined in the hotel’s main restaurant, the upmarket JW Steakhouse – with its impressive line-up of USDA-grade filets, New York strips and bone-in Kansas City strips alongside various cuts of Aberdeen Angus. While beef is the star, the menu also offers a wide array of authentically prepared dishes including true Maryland-style lump crab cakes, line-caught cod fish and chips and pan-seared Scottish salmon. Don’t miss the Bourbon Bar which offers over 300 rare, pre-prohibition, single barrel and small batch Bourbons and knowledgeable bartenders to help choose your tipple. The fine-dining option is Corrigan’s Mayfair, run by chef Richard Corrigan and the hotel’s most recent eatery Ruya London offers a taste of contemporary dishes from the Anatolian region.•

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Our verdict

This grande dame in Mayfair is majestic and refined with a rich history, a visit to the Grosvenor House is an event in itself. The recent multimillion refurbishment has added a contemporary feel, which sits in harmony with the property’s classic architecture. Food and drink options are all first class, while the flawless service will leave you feeling like royalty during your stay.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/longh-jw-marriottgrosvenor-house-london

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NYX HOTELS BY LEONARDO HOTELS LONDON, HOLBORN

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onveniently positioned on Southampton Row in the Midtown area between the City and London’s West End, a stay at newly opened NYX Hotel is a relaxing, luxurious and electrifying experience not to be missed.

You won’t have to walk far for easy connections to the rest of the city. The hotel is just five minutes from Russell Square underground station and under a half-hour from King’s Cross, Euston and St. Pancras railway stations. More importantly, it’s within strolling distance of highlight attractions like the British Museum and lively Covent Garden and Soho areas.

The hotel also offers a number of rejuvenating leisure activities if you wanted to stay on site. Luxury facilities include Rena Spa’s tranquil treatments, the indoor 13m Greco-Roman swimming pool, revitalising steam room, sauna, fully equipped gym, and more.

And their rigorous commitment to hygiene, including Ecolab disinfectant products that are proven to be effective against Covid, will reassure you that you’ll be safe every second of your stay.

Rooms Offering 213 exuberant bedrooms and suites, all are outfitted with modern amenities, including air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and ensuite bathrooms. The NYX Hotel also keeps you connected with free Wi-Fi throughout the building - speedy for all your business and leisure needs. Select one of the more spacious rooms, like the Super Star or Heaven where we stayed, and you could get additional features like a Smeg fridge and minibar with premium refreshments, a pillow menu, comfy bathrobes, and more. It also featured striking artwork, an example of the hotel’s collaboration with local artists which aims to make a creative connection between the hotel, the city and the guests.

Food Add a little mid-town glamour to comfort dining and drinking with NYX Hotel Eat, Drink & Play. From breakfast to dinner, a wide array of American inspired dishes, local beers, exclusive cocktails and extensive Tequila options make the NYX Hotel a perfect place to indulge and socialise. Whether you’re looking for an early morning caffeine hit and fuel food, a culture junkie in search of a delicious midday dish, or a group of professionals wanting to unwind with a few post-work G&Ts, the NYX Hotel is the place to go. Everything we were served from mid-evening cocktails to dinner and the generous breakfast buffet was very good.•

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Our verdict With close connections to the capital’s top attractions, luxury rooms and a wide array of leisurely and social delights, the NYY Hotel is one of the most high-spirited hotels you’ll find in London. This is a smart-looking hotel for smart looking people.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.nyx-hotels.com/londonholborn

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APEX TEMPLE COURT HOTEL, LONDON

mongst the cobblestoned streets in the heart of London, set in a quiet courtyard location in Fleet Street, sits the Apex Temple Court Hotel. True to the Apex style, the hotel has an understated elegance and offers comfortable luxury.

Previously barristers’ chambers in the legal heartland of Inner Temple, these post-war buildings underwent a £50 million conversion to create this stunning 204-room hotel.

Just £6m were invested in the luxurious suites alone. We recommend staying in one of these suites to see why - not a penny was wasted.

Located just 10 minutes from Covent Garden and St. Paul’s Cathedral, it’s the perfect spot for easy transport links into and out of the West End. How will you know you’re in the right place? The large green elephant outside the reception entrance is unmissable. You’ll even become quite fond of him during your stay. We certainly did!

Rooms We stayed in the Grand Suite, an impressively large room with its own lobby entrance. Its grandeur made it feel more like an elegant city apartment than a hotel suite. The stylish and contemporary living area had huge sofas, a kitchen area containing a Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine and a huge smart TV.

Food A short stroll across the quaint courtyard sits the Amicable Society of Lazy Ballerinas, the perfect place to escape for an afternoon or evening drinking exciting wines, accompanied by great food. It’s my favourite kind of eating, perfect for picking and sipping with dishes that were flavoursome and fresh.•

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Our verdict A great hotel in a quiet central location with an impressive personal service and nice little touches that will make your stay a delight from start to finish. For that extra special occasion, we would 100% recommend one of Apex Temple Court’s spectacular suites.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.apexhotels.co.uk/destinations/london/apex-templecourt-hotel

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SOUTH PLACE HOTEL, LONDON

andwiched between Moorgate and Liverpool Street, where the City of London gives way to the East End, the South Place Hotel plays harmonious host to both city slickers and creative types.

The brainchild of D&D’s Des Gunewardena and David Loewi, this 80-room hotel boasts some serious design credentials. The interiors come courtesy of Conran and Partners, and Allies and Morrison are behind the sleek architecture. It was a Friday night when we visited, so there was a vibrant buzz in the air at 3 South Place Bar & Grill. Everything about its design is fabulous and reminds you this is more than just a leisure stay, it’s an experience.

Rooms The first thing that caught our eye upon entering our room was the artwork, and it was an incredible first impression. Our studio was very smart, spacious and well designed. The Bang & Olufsen, with its parting curtains effect when switching on, really grips your attention, as does the marble-floored bathroom with a host of quirky features.

Food The hotel features three restaurants, a rooftop Michelin-starred seafood restaurant called Angler, the Secret Garden and its outdoor terrace, and the South Place Chop House where we enjoyed our evening. The menu is dedicated to seasonal and carefully sourced cuts of meat and freshly caught fish, modernised with continental flavours and seasoning. A testament to the combination of great food, good wine and effortless service kept us in South Place Chop House for well over two and a half hours.

Thanks to our bedroom’s blackout blinds and the general comfort we experienced, we almost slept through breakfast. That would have been a tragedy considering the grill served up the best Full English we’d had in some time.•

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Our verdict A vibrant mix of trend setting Shoreditch and city exuberance, South Place Hotel mixes comfort with cutting edge technology and intelligent design for a first-class sleep experience. With suave city city folk to your left, and dotcom hipsters to your right, you can pick your perfect crowd, and explore this diverse and effervescent part of East London.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.southplacehotel.com

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APEX CITY OF LONDON HOTEL

ucked away on Seething Lane in the historic pillar of London, just steps from Tower Hill is the sleek and stylish Apex City of London Hotel. It’s a perfect modern hideaway for work or play, whether you’re staying alone or as a group.

Situated within walking distance of Fenchurch Street station (two minutes) and Tower Hill tube station (three minutes), the convenient proximity makes exploring the capital easy. That’s assuming you won’t be making the most of the hotel’s leisure facilities. You can work up a sweat in the spacious 24/7 gym, free for all guests, which features a range of Technogym equipment. Or perhaps you’ll choose to kick back with a delicious breakfast and hot coffee in the light-filled, open-plan Hart Street Lounge. With spacious and relaxing workspaces, it’s an ideal spot for business professionals, or is the perfect place to crack the spine of that novel you’ve been wanting to read.

Rooms Every room has been designed to ensure your stay is comfortable and glamorous. The modern décor and chic interiors are complemented by Elemis toiletries, dreamy king-sized beds, 46’’ TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. There is a range of different rooms on offer, all of them containing rich furnishings befitting its four-star status, but the spacious Deluxe and Superior Rooms are ideal for long stays and relaxing breaks in the capital. Our Junior Suite had a balcony that offered fabulous views of Tower Bridge. It was well equipped with a large living space, bath and walk-in shower.

Some rooms even have extra special touches like Nespresso coffee machines and fluffy bathrobes.

Food The Lampery is oft considered one of the best restaurants near the Tower of London, and its Instaworthy dishes make for a foodie’s dream. Inspired by their patron, Samuel Pepys, the Lampery offers a divine selection of British cuisine in ultra-chic surroundings.

Whether you come for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just for some light bites, the Head Chef creates vibrant seasonal dishes from locally sourced ingredients that look utterly stunning and taste even better. There’s also the Lampery Terrace for alfresco dining which is where we enjoyed some wonderful small plates and chilled Lanson champagne.•

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Our verdict This luxurious hideaway sits within a great historic location and is perfect for any kind of traveller to the capital. The rooms are smart and the Lampery is an absolute must for anyone who loves good, honest British cuisine.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.apexhotels.co.uk/destinations/london/apex-city-oflondon-hotel

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THE DILLY, LONDON

veryone loves a building with a rich history and The Dilly, a playful nod to the hotel’s enviable location in Piccadilly in heart of London is no exception.

The building was designed in 1904 by Richard Norman Shaw in a Neo-Baroque style, first operating as The Piccadilly Hotel in 1908 and guests at the time included King George V. The property has been sold several times over its more than 100-year history but following an ambitious refurbishment programme by New owners Archer Hotel Capital, it has reopened its doors as The Dilly. In a convenient spot just off the Circus on the Mayfair end of Piccadilly, surrounded by cafés, bars, clubs, restaurants, shops and theatres, the hotel couldn’t be better placed for exploring central London. As you enter the building the dramatic colour scheme creates a look that feels both very classic London, yet modern at the same time. Despite the extensive interior update, much of this grand old lady’s original neo-classical features survive. Wonderful flower displays are the first thing that greet you supplied by local florists Pulbrook & Gould. Arrangements can be purchased here in the lobby, or made up at their nearby store and delivered to guests rooms within the hour, a classy touch.

Rooms Despite its intimate lobby, the hotel has an impressive 284 rooms spread over nine floors. Our spacious rooms had everything you would expect from a hotel of this calibre, mega comfortable kingsize bed, smart TV, high-speed wifi and fluffy gowns to drown in.

Unique artwork and a large bathroom with high-end toiletries were welcome features. We had some amazing chocolates and macrons in our room which were washed down by chilled bubbles and ensuring our stay got off to the best of starts.

Food After an invigorating swim in one of the largest indoor pools in central London, we had worked up an appetite. There are several dining options in the hotel. The high-end Madhu’s at the Dilly, part of the family-run Madhu’s Indian fine-dining chain melds the traditional with the modern by offering Punjabi cuisine with a Kenyan twist. We dined in the Terrace at The Dilly on Piccadilly based in the spectacular, glass conservatory on the second floor. British classic inspire the menu and everything we had was here excellent.

The hotel also serves its popular Peter Rabbit afternoon tea in this location.•

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Our verdict With a delightful range of visitor experiences including salsa classes and bike rides with picnic hampers, The Dilly is aware that it needs to offer more to attract new audiences as the capital slowly comes back to life. Based on our stay, there’s no doubt that it’s ideally positioned to succeed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.thedillylondon.com

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THE STAFFORD LONDON, ST JAMES’S

inutes from the West End and tucked away in the heart of historic St. James’s, Mayfair, is the five-star luxury hotel The Stafford London - a vibrant place to stay conveniently located on the doorstep of London’s most iconic landmarks.

After our first visit in 2019, we classed The Stafford as one of our favourite London venues. How would it fare two years and one global pandemic later?

Visitors will now find new measures to keep guests and staff safe, including thermal scanners, increased hand sanitisation facilities, and a robust audit process ensuring new regimes are consistently implemented. The extensive measures will reassure you more than they’ll feel invasive or tedious.

Open since 1912, The Stafford has maintained its splendour and doesn’t look at all dated - on the contrary, the interiors are stylish and modern. Guests can also take a tour of the grand 380-year-old wine cellar that boasts 8,000 bottles of wine. Once used as a bomb shelter in WWII, it’s a time capsule of history where you’ll find old papers and cigarette packets preserved by the hotel. It’s a must for any history boff.

Rooms Suites are spread across three buildings: the Main House, Carriage House and the Mews. Smaller but more on the traditional side are the Main House’s plush rooms, each decorated with rich tones.

Converted from old stables is the Carriage House, and it proudly shows its history with its country house vibe - soft colours and large beds framed by enormous, curved headboards. From the outside, the Mews building looks to be the least luxurious, but its interior proves to be the polar opposite. With lush bedrooms and marble bathrooms, each equipped with tubs and both overhead and separate showers, this is the true five-star treatment. Our stunning Penthouse Suite had its very own terrace from which we enjoyed views over the rooftops of Mayfair and St James’s.

Food The award-winning Game Bird is the main restaurant, which focuses on seasonal modern British comfort cooking - aptly described as a ‘theatre of the senses.’ Regular changing game options include roast pigeon, venison loin or mallard. We enjoyed dishes including scallops, smoked salmon, pigeon and the signature chicken kiev dish. Everything was first-rate and only matched by the impeccable service. There’s also the atmospheric American Bar with a broad range of Mediterranean inspired dishes and signature cocktails. Overseen by Bar Director, Benoit Provost, whose creations are referenced by cocktail lovers worldwide. Special mention goes to the outstanding full English breakfast which once again, knocked our socks (or bathrobes) off.•

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Our verdict The Stafford London lives up to its five-star reputation with its rich history, convenient proximity to London’s landmarks, plush accommodation and sophisticated dining experience. Moreover, it remains one of our favourite and top-rated hotels in London.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.thestaffordlondon.com

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DALLOWAY TERRACE AT THE BLOOMSBURY HOTEL, LONDON

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amed after Mrs Dalloway, the protagonist of Virginia Woolf’s classic 1925 novel of the same name, Dalloway Terrace has been described as the most Instagrammable restaurant in London. After our visit, it’s safe to say this seasonal haven lives up to its elegant reputation.

Why go?

Situated on the actual terrace of the Bloomsbury hotel with a décor that changes with the seasons, this gorgeous ‘indoor-outdoor’ alfresco spot is perfect for enjoying the outdoors whilst sipping wine and eating divine dishes. The service is also exceptional, complemented by the smart and quirky attire of the waiters. If you have concerns about the autumn weather then don’t fret, the fire heaters spread out across the terrace will keep you toasty no matter the forecast. Not even a thunderstorm could ruin your visit, the awning and zip-close walls make for perfect shelter.

Who to go with Dalloway Terrace is the perfect spot for all manner of occasions and attracts a diverse range of people. Whether you’re looking to take your colleagues out for a trendy post-work dinner or are looking for an idyllic anniversary meal, this place is a dream.

What to eat & drink Whether you’re here for lunch, dinner, afternoon tea or brunch, there’s a wide range of options whatever your palette - including a selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. The lunch and dinner menu consists of salads, seafood and steaks. Whilst the afternoon tea includes deliciously sweet meringues and classic scones served with Devonshire clotted cream and Scottish raspberry jam, amongst other savoury treats. Desserts like the skillet brownie and crème brûlée are also not to be passed up. Standouts amongst the delights we were served was a heavenly combination of fresh oysters and perfectly chilled English bubbles from Rathfinny Wine Estate in Sussex. Their wine list is so vast you’ll be spoilt for choice, and you’ll need to keep coming back to pop next door to the Coral Room bar and try out their impressive range of champagnes, rums and gins.•

“” Our verdict

The blend of Instaworthy aesthetics and incredible dishes make this an absolute must for any Londoner or frequent visitor to the capital.

The details

Dalloway Terrace accepts reservations 4 weeks in advance for up to 6 guests per table. Inform them of any dietary requirements, special requests or celebrations during booking.

Open daily from midday on Monday - Wednesday and 11am every other day.

Prices vary, with main meals starting at £20 - not including drinks or other courses. Brunch is £29.50 per person (11am - 2pm from Thursday - Sunday).

Afternoon Tea is £35 per person (every day 1pm - 4pm).

All cocktails are £15.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.dallowayterrace.com

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THE MAY FAIR HOTEL MAYFAIR, LONDON

pened by King George V in 1927, the award-winning May Fair Hotel has a prestigious legacy it retains to this day. Having played host to some of London’s most era-defining cinema, theatre and music, it is now the official hotel to the British Film Institute and London Fashion Week.

Situated within walking distance from Buckingham Palace, the hotel is enviably close to the glamorous restaurants of Berkeley Street and Bond Street’s boutiques. Green Park tube station is also a short journey by foot, granting easy access to the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines. There’s plenty of leisure options within the hotel too, including a luxury spa, tranquil secluded terrace and 24-hour gym.

Rooms There are over 400 rooms at the May Fair, including 37 suites, offering a wide selection of some of the largest and most lavish rooms you’ll find in London. Redefining modern luxury, our room had richly textured fabrics, goose down bedding, a Vi-Spring mattress, Catalan-designed furniture, a smart TV and a stunning Sicilian marble bathroom. There are also family-friendly interconnecting rooms if you’re bringing the kids but still want some privacy. Complimentary Wi-Fi is covered across the hotel, keeping you connected throughout your stay.

Food Book ahead to get a table at their flagship May Fair Kitchen, which offers a contemporary selection of exquisite Spanish and Italian dishes as well as a curated list of fine wines and cocktails.

The ambience is also a relaxing delight with mellow lighting and natural material furnishings. If you’re booked for a weekend, the Charbonnel et Walker Afternoon Tea offers a heavenly chocolatey experience that is a must for any chocaholic. There’s also the ever-popular May Fair Bar where we enjoyed a few rounds of cocktails and people watched the glamourous guests. The hotel has partnered with the House of Suntory’s Roku Gin to create a bespoke menu of cocktails, Japanese-inspired small plates and brunch classics, which transports guests to the streets of Japan with a botanical-themed environment - the interior blooming with cherry blossom. Don’t miss the full English breakfast which the hotel is happy to serve to your room.•

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Our verdict

The May Fair Hotel lives up to its glamorous reputation, providing some of the most luxurious accommodation and cuisine you’ll find in London, whilst also being in enviable proximity to the capital’s most exclusive restaurants and boutiques.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

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THE ROYAL LANCASTER, LONDON

ffering some of the most awe-inspiring views in the capital is the 18-storey Royal Lancaster London, which stands proudly at the border of Hyde Park and marries elegant design with the highest standards of comfort and service.

Adjacent to Lancaster Gate Station and a short stroll from Paddington Station, the hotel is conveniently situated for easy travel across London. If stress-free access to an airport is essential, the Heathrow Express will get you to Heathrow Airport. A 30-minute walk across Hyde Park will get you to Knightsbridge, and Marble Arch at the top of Oxford Street is just a 15-minute journey by foot. With close proximity to several of London’s landmarks, you’ll want to get out and enjoy the capital’s highlights.

Extensive but unobtrusive safety measures are now in place. Sensor-based hand sanitiser dispensers are close to hand in all public spaces, luggage is cleaned with disinfectant wipes or UV light (with guest consent), housekeeping options are flexible - from zero contact to full-service (if pre-booked) - and more. You can relax with full confidence that the Royal Lancaster London is committed to protecting its staff and guests from Covid-19.

Rooms In 2017, the Royal Lancaster London celebrated 50 years since opening with a renovation that gave all 411 of its rooms and suites a fresh, beautiful modern look. Every room offers equal comfort and luxury, providing smart TVs, USB hubs and a working desk fit for business and leisure. The large marble bathrooms contain twin sinks, a roomy bathtub, walk-in shower and opulent White Company toiletries. Our Park Suite ramped the luxury levels up to maximum with a spacious living space, expansive bedroom, plush furniture, an enormous bed and breathtaking panoramic views of London’s world-famous skyline. Quite an experience.

Food The Nipa Thai is a hidden marvel within the heart of London.

Led by Head Chef Sanguan Parr, you’ll find the most authentic Thai cuisine outside of Bangkok. The dishes we chose were both mouth-watering and plentiful with surprisingly good wine matches. Service was first-class and the lively atmosphere indicated that a thoroughly good time was being had by all. If Thai food is not to your tastes, there’s the elegant and stylish Island Gill, which offers an exquisite range of meat and salad dishes alongside a relaxed modern menu for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Step out onto the outdoor terrace for alfresco dining with spectacular views of Hyde Park. For high-quality coffee and mouth-watering cakes and pastries, check out the Hyde Café - also serving a delectable selection of great wines and light bites.•

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Our verdict Uber Luxurious rooms, fine cuisine, panoramic views of London’s iconic skyline and close connections for easy travel across London make the Royal Lancaster London the perfect place to stay to enjoy all the capital has to offer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.royallancaster.com

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ST. PANCRAS RENAISSANCE HOTEL, LONDON

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rguably one of the most beautiful hotels in London, the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is now an iconic landmark in its own right. Dating back to the Victorian era, the hotel has a rich history that is woven into the beauty of staying there.

Looming over St. Pancras station with the Eurostar terminal on its doorstep, it looks more like a fairytale castle than a hotel.

If those Gothic spires look familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen them in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets when Harry and Ron flew a car over them. The hotel gravitates towards the stunning grand staircase, a beautiful space with hand painted fleurde-lis wallpaper, tapestry carpet and wrought-iron balustrading under a starry vaulted ceiling. Music fans will recognise it from the iconic Spice Girls video ‘Wannabe’ and it’s definitely worth an impromptu photo shoot during your stay.

Rooms The hotel is split into two - the new half and the old half. There are 207 rooms in the Barlow section, the modern extension of the hotel which is inviting with big, modern bathrooms, soft lighting, smart TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi. There are 38 historic Chambers Suites in the old part of the property, which is where we stayed. Our huge room had gorgeous Victorian features - ornate cornicing, marble fireplaces, and a vast bathroom. With so much space and in such a beautiful setting, you really can make it your home away from home during your stay, no matter how short it may be.

Food There are good options for dining within the hotel. The Hansom Bar & Lounge blends tradition and modern luxury with all-day dining and drinking and also serves afternoon tea. This is where we sampled some truly fabulous Cocktails and a range of small plates which were all delicious.. Breakfast is a bustling and lively affair. You can enjoy a Full English Breakfast or choose from a vast array of hot or cold options. It is one of the most varied and popular breakfast menus in London. A second restaurant, the allday dining restaurant, the Booking Office 1869, serves contemporary British fare.•

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Our verdict

Luxury meets history in the heart of Kings Cross.

This hotel oozes class through the renovation which took it from the old Midland Railway building to one of the most atmospheric properties anywhere in the capital. For the combination of location and atmosphere, St Pancras Renaissance is difficult to beat.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/lonpr-st-pancrasrenaissance-hotel-london

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THE SUNBORN LONDON ur plans to sail the Mediterranean this summer may have been derailed by restrictions this year, but thankfully we can live out our superyacht dreams closer to home at the swish Sunborn London.

Moored at the Royal Victoria Docks, by the ExCel centre, the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is the city’s only superyacht hotel, and one of the most unique luxury experiences in London. The lifts on the outside of the vessel, which whisk you up to the second-floor reception area, are proof that you won’t be leaving the dock. But stepping out into the striking reception area with its teak wood accents, a sweeping glass staircase and magnificent chandelier, has all the exciting feel of the beginning of a cruise.

Rooms Each room and suite of the 136-room floating hotel boasts fabulous river or dock views, while the plush Yacht Executive Rooms in which we stayed, have their own private terrace or balcony, too.

Every room has smart TV, high-speed wi-fi and is stocked with high-end toiletries. There’s also an in-room tablet and a Lavazza coffee machine. Bathrooms are a good size with showers and the Executive suite have whirlpool baths, showers, a sauna and a huge balcony for those essential social media snaps. They are great fun.

Food After knocking back a couple of delicious cocktails in The Bright Sundown Bar, we headed to the hotel’s high-end Lands End restaurant which promises to take your tastebuds on a voyage of discovery. A refined menu of European and Asian fusion offers fine dining in a sumptuous setting with truly enviable views. We enjoyed everything we were served including a particularly good wine match with our steak choice. Breakfast, also taken in the Lands End restaurant, is also worth a special mention.•

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Our verdict As a place to stay in the capital, The Sunborn London offers something a bit different and is a great alternative to atmosphere-free, chain hotels. It’s a destination in itself and a worthy consideration for your staycation wish list. Handy for the ExCel centre and close to London City Airport and Canary Wharf, it’s also a good base for travel in and out of the capital.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.sunbornhotels.com/london

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THE HARD ROCK HOTEL, LONDON

ith its new hotel at Marble Arch, Hard Rock Cafe brings it back to where it all began: London.

The eponymous music, merchandise and restaurant company now has 186 cafes, 29 hotels and 12 casinos worldwide, but it started - by two Americans - with a small burger-serving cafe in Mayfair in 1971.

After nearly 50 years, you might think the idea is tired, but in its first London hotel, the party is still going strong. The Hard Rock London feels very Hollywood luxe, with gold and turquoise accents lighting up the lobby area. A lot of emphasis has been placed on curating just the right set of memorabilia including David Bowie’s “Relax” t-shirt, Freddie Mercury’s piano from his family home in Middlesex and one of Paul McCartney’s iconic Beatles suits.

Rock memorabilia also adorn the walls of the main bar, an impressive golden circular behemoth, including instruments, costumes and other clothing. There’s also a Hard Rock shop is just across the lobby to get your merch fix.

Rooms There are two grades of room, Deluxe and Rock Royalty which we stayed in. This included VIP check-in and access to the glitzy Rock Royalty lounge, with its mirrored feature walls and velvet seats.

Music-themed perks on offer include personalized playlists, record players and vinyl, and the opportunity to reserve a Fender guitar and amp for your own jamming session.

There is original artwork in each room inspired by the photography of Terry O’Neill and one of the quirkiest touches in our room was the mirror marked out with celebrity heights, all the way from Ariana Grande (5 ft. 3) to Snoop Dogg (6 ft. 4). All room grades feature Hypnos beds, as well as free Wi-Fi, a digital TV and a Nespresso machine.

Food Make sure to book some time in for a cocktail or two at that lavish lobby bar, grab a space in one of the sumptuous booths and watch the mixologists create something delicious. The Hard Rock restaurant offers the famous, clean-cut American menu here, from burgers and steaks to fajitas and the classic Californian Cobb Salad. This is also the space where the breakfast buffet is served in the morning featuring a whole manner of pastries and English and American breakfast items.•

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Our verdict

Hard Rock London is a chic hotel in the heart of the West End and the vibe is lively as a result. It offers mass appeal, is a lot of fun and is perfectly located for access to all the tourist sights you could possibly want to see on a weekend in the capital.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.hardrockhotels.com

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THE BEAUFORT BAR, THE SAVOY

n the heart of London, The Savoy sits on the Northbank of the River Thames, equidistant from the world’s financial capital and the highlight attractions of Knightsbridge and Mayfair. No other five-star London hotel could be more perfectly situated for business or leisure.

Built in 1889 by theatrical impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte, The Savoy is still known for its enviable proximity to London’s West End - home to many of the most celebrated stage productions in the world. Covent Garden is also just a short stroll north, where you’ll find the Royal Opera House and some of the most upscale fashion and beauty boutiques London has to offer on Monmouth Street. Across the Thames you’ll find the London arts quarter, consisting of the Southbank Centre, Royal National Theatre, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and the world’s tallest observation wheel: the London Eye. Somerset House, a stone’s throw east of the hotel, is also a must if you’re a fan of Neoclassical arts.

Rooms Decorated in either an elegant Edwardian or Art Deco style, most of The Savoy’s 267 luxury guest rooms and suites boast some of the most stunning views of London that the city has to offer. We highly recommend you get a room that offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Thames. The rooms are bright and come with plush furnishings and a Nespresso machine. The suite bathrooms also come with a lovely walk-in shower and clawfoot bath.

Drinks The main event of our visit was to the dramatic jet-black and dazzling gold décor of the romantic Beaufort Bar. Once upon a time, cabaret stars graced The Savoy stage. Now, from a bar that stands on that same stage, you’ll find a range of classic and new cocktails made with an element of drama. We went to taste their unique three-pillared ‘Interpreted Magic’ drinks menu. Inspired by the ‘three pillars’ of magic, each represents a stage in the traditional magic show and consist of a spellbinding range of mixed drinks, wines, Champagnes, spirits, gins and tonics.

The star of the show was undoubtedly Europe’s most sustainable cocktail: The Co-Naissance. This environmentally friendly masterpiece was invented by Senior Mixologist at The Savoy, Cristian Silenzi. It brings together Portobello Road Gin in lowwaste ecoSPIRITSTM format, re-carbonated Champagne, and two unique locally foraged London ingredients: elderflower from Little Venice and fig leaves from Embankment Gardens.

Its name celebrates both knowledge of the past and new beginnings, themes that could not be timelier as the world emerges from a challenging period and looks to a greener future. Costing £25, the cocktail is worth every penny.•

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.thesavoylondon.com

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Our verdict The Savoy is perfect for stunning London sights and exploring the London arts scene. Whilst the Beaufort Bar is a gorgeous venue with some of the most imaginative drinks in the capital, and The Co-Naissance is an absolute must.

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HOTELS: BEST OF THE REST Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Knightsbridge The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel underwent a major facelift that was completed in the year 2000 and has since gone on to become one of London’s top hotels. It boasts a Michelin Starred restaurant in “Foliage” as well as a Victorian style decor. With over half of the 173 rooms and 23 suites overlooking Hyde Park, this exquisitely located hotel is ideal for anyone looking for luxury accommodation in Knightsbridge. The spa has exclusive treatments unique to this location and has been voted as the one of the UK’s best spa multiple times.

Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair

The Dorchester Housed in a landmark Art Deco building dating from 1931 and facing its own tree-filled green, The Dorchester looks like a great ocean going liner, and stands on one of the most prestigious thoroughfares in London, Park Lane.

The service across the hotel is second to none, an impressive combination of easy-going but always polite charm and personality and superb efficiency.

The spa features top brands such as La Prairie and Valmont and a treatment menu offering a choice of no less than 22 high-powered facials, and the rooms are tasteful: some in an opulent, chintzy style; most with a smart, pampering look using restful prints and hues.

Of many five star hotels in Mayfair, the Rocco Forte owned Brown’s Hotel stands out as it was the first ever hotel opened in London. The level of uniqueness in every room and suite has drawn major political figures and authors such as Rudyard Kipling back to this luxury hotel each time he visited the area. A perfect example of authentic British dining in London can be had at HIX Mayfair which is adorned with original works by British Artists. This is complemented well by the Donovan Bar which is aptly covered with iconic prints from the renowned Terence Donovan.

TOP CHOICE: A TOUCH OF ITALY The Franklin London Starhotels Collezione The Franklin is based just off Egerton Crescent in Knightsbridge, reportedly one of the most expensive streets in the world, around five minutes walk from South Kensington Underground station. The property was acquired by Italian hotel group Starhotels and reopened in 2016. Starhotels also counts London’s The Gore and The Pelham within its portfolio, as well as Castille in Paris, The Michelangelo in New York, and more than 20 hotels in Italy.

The interiors, created by Anouska Hempel are predominantly monochrome, with varying shades of grey from the marble and limestone floors, Italian velvet upholstery, grey and cream wall hangings, and mirror framed prints. Our suite featured a wrought iron four poster bed, large art nouveau style mirrors, hardwood floors, Frette Italian linen, blackout blinds, and large flatscreen TV. Special mention goes to the fabulous bathroom which included a large wet room with bathtub and double rain shower. Its a lovely hotel in the poshest part of town with a peaceful setting, impeccable service and beautiful design both in the rooms and public spaces. - starhotelscollezione.com

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TOP CHOICE: THE GREATEST OF DAMES

TOP CHOICE: A RIVERSIDE ICON

The Langham

The Royal Horseguards

The Langham has had more than 150 years to perfect its winning formula of top-notch service, highly competitive drinking and dining and classically elegant style. You’ll find plenty of marble in this hotel, starting with the stately pillars in the lobby, combined with chandeliers, and tasteful placement of orchids throughout the property. Service is expertly slick and attentive, yet warm, and there’s a small spa with pool.

The hotel’s restaurant, Roux at the Landau is a beautiful oval room designed by David Collins. A cocktail at Artesian, which held the title of World’s Best Bar from 2011-15, is a must. The menu is strong but not intimidatingly so, with interesting but utterly delicious options. The Bees Knees features three kinds of honey, lemon and gin; if you like grapefruit, try the Paloma; while Espresso Martini devotees should try this inventive take on the classic.

The Savoy, Westminster The Savoy is located in Westminster and was opened in 1889. The front entrance stands out as one of the most striking features in this 5 star hotel, as well as the range of famous bars that accompany this classic accommodation. Its stand out bar, The American Bar, was one of the first places to offer American cocktails outside of the USA. The Savoy has also recently undergone a major restoration in order to boost standards at the already impeccable hotel where Churchill and co. often wined and dined in the superb surroundings. The top suite available at The Savoy, The Royal Suite, costs £12000 a night for a stay; the ultimate in luxury.

Bulgari Hotel, London With its sleek design, vast subterranean spa, and close proximity to the department stores and boutiques of Knightsbridge, this a popular choice with those seeking the ultimate shop ‘n’ flop experience. Chief among its facilities is the spa, a sprawling yet intimate complex of massage rooms, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation areas, augmented by a lounger-lined swimming pool. Sette, the hotel’s sole restaurant, is a sultry, contemporary space on the ground floor serving flavoursome Italian fare, with service to match. Splash out on one of the signature Bulgari suites for butler service and a separate steam shower

Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard For London’s best views, it’s a nobrainer. The Shangri-La inhabits floors 34-52 of the Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building, so on a clear day you can pretty much see the whole city (unless you book one of the cheaper, south-facing rooms). A less welcome aspect of the impressive floor-to-ceiling glass is that you can also see your neighbours in their room, reflected in the glass exterior. Awkward! (Don’t worry, there are blinds for the timid.) Decor can feel a little ‘Asian neutral’, but with touches like in-room binoculars, it’s obvious that the star of the show was always going to be the vista.

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Located across the road from Embankment underground station and Charing Cross, this hotel is ideally located for the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Houses of Parliament, Covent Garden and numerous galleries, theatres and shops. From glittering chandeliers to contemporary design, this property reflects a proud heritage. For more than 100 years, The Royal Horseguards has graced the banks of the Thames with its elegant, imposing presence. Its architectural heritage has earned it Grade I listed status, and made it one of London’s most iconic buildings. It was home to the original Scotland Yard and used as a base for MI5 during the First World War.

The hotel’s 280 bedrooms have been transformed into state-of-the-art luxury accommodation confirming its place among the capital’s most luxurious and desirable hotels. The spacious rooms were elegantly decorated and feature dark furnishings and a comfortable bed. It also offers a wonderful view across the Thames.

The restaurant possesses two AA Rosettes and offers a seasonal menu combining modern British and traditional French cuisines.

The Equus Bar serves cocktails which offer a nod to the hotel’s illustrious previous guests. A special mention goes to the buffet breakfast which was one of the best we have tasted in a London hotel. - guoman.com

The Goring, Westminster The Goring was opened over 100 years ago and was the first hotel in the world that had a bathroom and central heating in every room; they have since come a long way! Nowadays, the hotel houses guests like the Royal family who stayed at The Goring in the build up to the Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. This boutique hotel has a mixture of 69 rooms and suites which provide a quainter feel than some of the larger 5 star hotels in London. The bespoke Swarowski Chandeliers give a wondrous touch of grandeur to guests at The Dining Room restaurant which serves true British cuisine at this London landmark.

The Beaumont You’d never guess that central London’s most striking-looking hotel was Selfridge’s former garage until a few years ago. After humble beginnings, the Beaumont is now, quiet literally, a work of art, with Antony Gormley’s part-suite, part-sculpture, ROOM, adorning its front. Elsewhere decor is pure art deco fantasia, courtesy of ace restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, and service manages to nail the fine line between efficient and obsequious; friendly and pseudo-matey. It’s a convenient spot for Selfridges, too, and the American bar is perfect for a postspree old fashioned.

Ham Yard Hotel The first thing you notice about Ham Yard is just how big it is: a three quarters of an acre horseshoe of central London given over to 91 generously proportioned rooms and 24 apartments, along with a small collection of independent shops.

The second is just how little it feels like a hotel; in part thanks to a drawing room styled like a gazillionaire writer’s living room, a bowling alley, a 190-seat theatre and – because where would you be without it? – an air-locked gym where you can practise training at altitude.

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HOTELS: BEST OF THE REST

TOP CHOICE: THE BOUTIQUE OPTION Artist Residence, Pimlico Artist Residence London is the perfect choice for travellers searching for a unique place to stay in London. Located a 5-minute walk from Pimlico, Victoria and Sloane Square, is this ten bedroom independent hotel, restaurant and bar. The fourth property in a hip hotel chain (Brighton, Cornwall and Oxfordshire with a fifth opening in Bristol this year), the original building, a public house, dates back to 1852 and has been carefully restored over the last two years.

With interiors sourced from reclaimed materials and antiques dealers you can tell everything has been carefully selected for an uber cool aesthetic. From the exposed brick to the fireplaces, wooden floorboards and vintage leather chairs.

Downstairs is the popular bistro-style restaurant, The Cambridge Street Kitchen, which serves seasonal British produce, but the highlight of our stay was the subterranean basement bar, The Clarendon Cocktail Cellar. In a room containing antique cast iron shelves, vintage lamps and red leather bar stools our ‘mixologist’ served up cocktails inspired by iconic films like Titanic, Lost in Translation, and Anchorman. - artistresidence.co.uk

Chiltern Firehouse Hotel Chances are you didn’t even know this was a hotel, so deafening has been the hype around the on-site restaurant it shares its name with. The buzz is all thanks to André Balaz, of LA’s Chateau Marmont fame, who clearly knows how to give the people what they want.

The 26 pleasingly retro rooms in this late-Victorian fire station are a simple, stylish treat, and the standard barrage of notices about laundry costs and telly channels are ditched in favour of a note on the dresser saying simply: ‘Dial 0 for anything’. We approve.

The Ritz Does the most famous hotel in the world need an introduction? Probably not, but to step into the Ritz is still a semimagical experience, transporting you back to a time when Britain ruled the world and someone had just invented the train. An update in 1995 injected some modernity and mod-cons into the 1906-does-Louis XVI design, but there’s a wonderful sense of old-school decorum here, appropriate given the sheer quantities of marble and 24 carat gold leaf on site. Be warned: no jeans, no trainers, and jackets for dining, please – apart from at breakfast.

Rosewood London Rosewood’s London outpost is an elegant retreat offering luxurious and stylish interiors with playful touches, a serene spa, solid dining options and a very popular cocktail bar, Scarfes. Upon entering the hotel, guests are met with effortless elegance, yet the place doesn’t take itself too seriously, with cages of fake birds and models of a bulldog and bear by the lifts. Corridors are dark and sultry, with eye-catching touches such as a rose gold mirrored ceiling. Rooms are spacious, and the Holborn Dining Room is an Art Deco, brasserie-esque setting with high-end touches such as oversized flower displays and glam lighting. The bar stocks more than 500 gins; taking a recommendation (including tonic pairing) is your best bet. The sommelier also makes good suggestions.

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HOTELS: BEST OF THE REST

TOP CHOICE: ELEGANCE AND CLASS The Landmark First opened in 1899, the Landmark London was the last of the great Victorian Railway Hotels. Designed by Robert William Ellis, well known for his Gothic revival style, the hotel stands imposingly alongside Marylebone Road, just seconds from the station. More recently, this historic hotel has been reborn as one of the best luxury hotels in the capital: The Landmark London.

With 300 rooms, this large-scale hotel still manages, through a combination of impeccable service and old-fashioned charm, to feel like an intimate place to stay – you can easily forget you’re sleeping beside one of the capital’s busiest roads. The hotel has a spectacular central atrium with palm trees stretching up to a glass roof and the elegant vibe extends to the on-site spa, with an indoor pool and fitness centre.

The highlight of our stay, though, was lunch in The Winter Garden, which constitutes an uplifting, glamorous place for dining, the soaring ceilings conveying a wonderful sense of space. Service was faultless and friendly, and the food was mouth watering; there are also plenty of good wines to compliment the expansive menu. - landmarklondon.co.uk

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HOTELS: BEST OF THE REST

TOP CHOICE: BRITAIN MEETS BOMBAY

TOP CHOICE: SOUTH BANK RIVER VIEWS

The Lalit London

Crowne Plaza Albert Embankment

Lalit is well known in India, but this is its first British hotel.

Six years in the making, this transformed Grammar School is the epitome of luxury and grandeur that captures the very essence of India. The hotel’s central Tooley Street address puts it squarely in the tourist zone, conveniently situated near attractions like the Shard, London Dungeons, Shakespeare’s Globe, and HMS Belfast.

Located on the South Bank of the Thames, the Crowne Plaza Albert Embankment offers stunning views over the river, including the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. With its convenient location, the property offers easy access to the capital’s must-see destinations. Crowne Plaza is renowned for its quality services and friendly staff, and the new hotel at Albert Embankment lives up to expectations.

The Lalit is housed in the most stunning 180-year-old building that has previously been host to St. Olave’s School. The colours of the exterior are very much reminiscent of its previous purpose: red brick paired with white detailing and large windows, the kind that classrooms would have. It seems like a sure-fire preview for a quintessentially English experience yet inside, the gold-flecked tapestries and Hyderabadi chandeliers deliver a far more cosmopolitan stay.

There are 142 bedrooms, including six suites, many with unobstructed city and river views, via floor-to-ceiling windows.

The colour scheme marries muted tones with maroon and rust hues, and a clean, comfortable design. All of the rooms and suites are equipped with contemporary amenities, including Smart TV’s, Nespresso Machines and mini-bars.

The jewel in its crown is a stunning 14th-floor Thames-side sky terrace, which takes in views of the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. This is the location for Mezemiso, a Lebanese-inspired restaurant and bar. It features a mix of copper and metallic tones, while the glamour is amped up with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, open fireplaces for colder nights and a dedicated shisha and cigar terrace.

Boasting a combination of 70 rooms and suites, bedrooms are full of modern, state of the art appliances and queen sized beds.

They are swathed in ochre silks and velvets, though it’s the intricate headboards, embroidered with peacocks that gallantly steal the show.

We enjoyed a fabulous meal at Baluchi, the fine dining restaurant located in the Grand Hall of the building. With a vaulted ceiling, chandeliers, original wooden flooring and rich, opulent colours, the Grand Hall is certainly the piece de resistance of The Lalit. The food itself takes its influences from pan – India – meaning the inspiration is felt from every corner of the country resulting in and exotic and vibrant dishes.

The Lalit is like a calm oasis in a very hectic part of London, set back from the busy road and almost country-like with its cleaned red brick exterior. The renovation of this building is extremely impressive and if you’re looking for something a little different, The Lalit should definitely be on your go-to list. thelalit.com/the-lalit-london

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Located on the ground floor is POTUS, the restaurant in which we enjoyed a fabulous meal. With a nod to classic Americana, each dish is designed to reflect different elements of the USA’s cultural identity. While the cocktail menu takes its inspiration from past US presidents whose portraits decorate the walls. The menu was explained to us by the manager of the restaurant, who made every dish sound exceptionally tempting and as a result we ordered over half the menu and a fabulous bottle of Sicilian red wine. We were impressed with the new takes on firm favourites like the New England Clam Chowder and Truffle Mac & Cheese. The restaurant utilises the finest and freshest ingredients to offer the very best of American cuisine.

Guests can also enjoy free internet in all areas, a business centre and the property’s host of recreational offerings ensures you have plenty to do during your stay. At Crowne Plaza Albert Embankment you will enjoy a great location and services to match. crowneplaza.com

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AFTERNOON TEA

AFTERNOON TEA THE MILESTONE HOTEL, LONDON

J

ust a short walk from the Royal Albert Hall you’ll find The Milestone Hotel, a Grade-II listed Victorian building that is renowned for its awe-inspiring original artwork, plush furnishings, and exquisite cuisine.

A recognisable London landmark, The Milestone Hotel is conveniently situated in Kensington Court, close to Notting Hill and Knightsbridge. The beautiful leafy surroundings make for idyllic park walks and picnics. To better protect staff and guests, they’ve updated their cleaning and safety measures. They have partnered with trusted medical professionals who offer PCR Covid-19 testing at the hotel, installed air purifiers in every public space and introduced a new and sustainable self-disinfecting solution called Leitha CleanCoat. You can trust you’ll be safe whilst you enjoy your stay.

Rooms With 43 deluxe guest rooms and 13 luxury suites, every room has a distinct character that has been designed with both comfort and creativity in mind. Decorated with curated artworks, plush furnishings, fresh flowers and fine fabrics, no two rooms are alike, and each has its own unique charm.

Food The English tradition of Afternoon Tea is at the very heart of The Milestone Hotel’s lunch menu and we were served ours in the Park Lounge. On offer were a delectable array of delights including finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones topped with Devonshire clotted cream and home-made preservatives, and a delicious range of eclairs, tartlets, cupcakes and macarons. Central to the Royal Afternoon Tea is the golden tiara placed atop a raspberry, strawberry and Valhrona chocolate mousse cube, which is coated in royal purple and has a pistachio biscuit inside - it’s a sweet dish to die for. And don’t fret about dietary requirements - vegetarian sandwiches and gluten-free breads, pastries and scones are all available. You need not look elsewhere for the finest Afternoon Tea

experience in London. During our visit we also met Dananjaya Silva from PMD Tea, suppliers to Red Carnation Hotels who explained the menu’s collection of teas including our choice, The Planters Mistress, a refreshing golden tea with bergamot, orange and lemon peel.•

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Our verdict

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With exquisite views of Kensington Palace and Gardens, combined with the scrumptious Afternoon Tea menu of traditional English scones and pastries, The Milestone Hotel succeeds in offering a magical experience of aesthetic charm and fantastic food.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.milestonehotel.com

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AFTERNOON TEA

PEGGY PORSCHEN AFTERNOON TEA AT LANESBOROUGH HOTEL, LONDON

P

riding itself on providing London’s most unique afternoon teas, the award-winning Lanesborough Hotel stands on the doorstep of Hyde Park and within walking distance of Harrods, Harvey Nichols and London’s most exclusive shopping districts, Sloane Street and Knightsbridge.

Just a minute’s walk from Hyde Park Corner tube station or a seven-minute stroll from Knightsbridge, The Lanesborough is celebrated by local Londoners and staying guests alike. Home to the Michelin-starred Céleste restaurant, the hotel is renowned for its food and drink as much as its accommodation. Most notable are its famous afternoon teas, but not to be overlooked is the lush Garden Room - London’s best cigar lounge - and the distinguished Library Bar - serving the capital’s most celebrated cocktails.

Unveiled after the hotel’s recent renovation, led by famed interior designer Alberto Pinto, was the exclusive Lanesborough Club & Spa. It offers access to internationally recognised experts in the fields of mindfulness, fitness, beauty and wellness, and this year the Good Spa Awards crowned it the Best Urban Spa.

Rooms With round-the-clock butler service on offer for all 93 luxurious suites and bedrooms, guests are assured their needs are well met with great care, surprise and charm. Every room has been refurbished with elegant interiors and responsive technology, including in-room tablets and speedy Wi-Fi. Whilst you’re guaranteed fine furnishings whichever room you choose to stay in, some come with the bonus of picturesque views of Hyde Park.

Food The Lanesborough is home to London’s most incredible afternoon teas and earlier this year we visited to taste the deliciously devilish Cruella afternoon tea, that paid homage to the Disney icon.

Now due to popular demand, the hotel is again collaborating with world-famous bakery Peggy Porschen on their next experience.

Under the naturally illuminated domed glass roof of the Céleste, with the fairy tale pink aesthetics of Peggy Porschen, guests can expect a five-star experience consisting of stunning floral features, pastel hues and exquisite tastes. Porschen held her first prestigious pastry chef position at the hotel in 1999, after graduating from Le Cordon Bleu’s ‘The Grand Diploma of Cuisine & Patisserie’. In

collaboration with her skilled pastry chef team and Lanesborough’s charismatic Head Pastry Chef, Kevin Miller - runner-up on this year’s series of Channel 4’s Bake Off: The Professionals - Porschen has designed a truly unique afternoon tea dining experience.

Expect a bespoke blend of Peggy Porschen and Lanesborough creations alongside classic afternoon tea essentials, such as finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream and jam. The most delectable sweet treats will include: Peggy’s Pink Pavlova; lemon and elderflower tartlet; cherry and chocolate chip cupcake; salted caramel and popcorn cupcake; and a slice of lemon, raspberry and rose layer cake. Early reservation is strongly recommended so you don’t miss out on what will almost certainly be the highlight of any visit to The Lanesborough.•

“

Our verdict

”

The afternoon tea experience at the Lanesborough is unlike any other and is not to be missed, whilst proximity to highend shopping and the award-winning spa is just the cherry on top of a luxury cake. The Peggy Porschen afternoon tea starts from £54 per person, or £71 per person with a Belgravia Bloom cocktail.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/the-lanesborough

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ROOFTOP BARS

TOP 5

LONDON ROOFTOP BARS

L

ondon weather is temperamental to say the least, but officially, autumn is on its way. Bathed in optimism, if not sunshine, a number of London’s bars have swept their terraces, opened their rooftops and allocated top-floor space to provide the capital with new drinking dens. On clear days they’re perfect spots for sun-downer drinks, so make the most of these fleeting opportunities with our selection of London’s best rooftop bars.

Aqua Kyoto The Aqua group are panorama professionals. Aqua Spirit flies the flag for the company back at their base in Hong Kong, providing a dizzying lookout from the 30th floor of a waterside skyscraper, directly over the technicolour-tinted harbour. Your surroundings aren’t quite so impressive at Aqua Kyoto, but they’re not half bad. Directly in front of the bar there’s the grand sweep of Regent Street and the domed, coral-green roof of the Apple store – it’s surprising how pretty these buildings actually are when you take the time to appreciate them. On the terrace itself, décor’s tastefully muted rather than garishly overstated: slate tiles cover the walls; ash-coloured banquettes ring the open terrace. It’s a restraint that’s in keeping with Kyoto’s Japanese theme.

The bar leads to an indoor Japanese restaurant decorated in silk and charcoal. The crowd throughout looks the part too. More locals in the know than tourists clutching guidebooks, it’s full of after-work drinkers, wealthy-looking guys and good-looking women. Things remain restrained in the restaurant, but can get lively on the rooftop. The focus on drinking – speciality cocktails and sake – and occasional DJ turns – Café del Mar- and melodic house-style sets – means the atmosphere improves after the sun goes down.

30 Argyll Street, W1B 3BR; open Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm and 6.30pm-1am - aquakyoto.co.uk/experience

The Rooftop On the sixth floor of the Trafalgar Hotel, you can’t see very far from here but you are directly above Trafalgar Square, and the location’s a showstopper. Tilt your neck to see the National Gallery; crane over the railing – carefully – and you can gaze down on the turquoise pools of Trafalgar Square. St Martinin-the-Fields church is visible too, and this is probably the closest you’ll come to looking eye to eye at Admiral Nelson as he stands sentry on his column. Best of all, however, is that you can enjoy all these sights at your leisure as less-informed visitors scramble around on ground level. As for the bar itself, pink roses and pastel cushions come across as slightly mawkish but otherwise its palette of dark chocolate and soft greys looks the part.

2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, SW1A 2TS; open Mon-Tues: Closed (available for private hire) Wed-Thu: 12pm-1am Fri-Sat: 12pm-3am (last entry 1am) Sun: 12pm-7pm - trafalgarstjames.com/the-rooftop

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ROOFTOP BARS Queen of Hoxton You can follow your nose to the Queen of Hoxton’s rooftop garden. On balmy evenings the hipster pub grills some of the best jerk chicken in East London. Climb the stairs covered in arty scrawlings and at the top you’ll find an oasis of fake turf and decking, with views from the garden’s blooming window boxes to the towers of the City. Lawn chairs and tables are scattered around a water fountain and pergola dripping with fairy lights. As well as lip-tingling chicken, the barbecue serves up burgers and halloumi skewers while the bar stocks summery tipples from cold beer to Briska pomegranate cider and selected cocktails. As the sun sets, the seats are rearranged for a film screening from the Rooftop Film Club. A series of classics, from Casablanca to Robocop, are being shown, with popcorn and sweets available to complete the experience. The audience wears wireless headphones to block out any noise from the city below. 1-5 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX; Mon-Fri 12pm-9pm; ticketed film nights run from 9pm-11pm approx.

- queenofhoxton.com/rooftop

Coq d’Argent Lovely, leafy Coq d’Argent is one of the more salubrious addresses in the City, its status and renown in no small part due to its rooftop garden. From the well-tended lawns, you can cast your eyes on Monument and the Gherkin and, from about 5pm, batteries of bankers. This bar’s the height of sophistication with an exceptional wine list, an extensive range of champagnes and stodgy cigars available to slurp, sip and smoke as applicable. If you’ve got time to linger during the week and money to spare it’s worth dining here too.

The Coq d’Argent French restaurant is formal but reliable and popular with those claiming expenses. A better way to experience the setting is to visit during the weekend: the City has quietened; the workers have retreated; the space has opened up; and bargain-price set menus are available.

1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ; Mon-Sun 11.30am-10pm.

- coqdargent.co.uk/at/terrace-garden-bank

Frank’s Café and Campari Bar Frank’s does a sterling job of combining about 18 different London trends in one. As well as being a rooftop bar it qualifies as a pop-up – it’s been erected on a “temporary building”, which in this case is a multi-storey car park. It’s also part of an arts project (Peckham’s Bold Tendencies Scultpture Project is responsible for its creation), and it’s got a corporate drinks sponsor through the Campari association. Sorted. Given all those different facets, it’s a refreshingly simple spot. A series of weatherworn wooden benches and tables are covered by a cherry-red canopy, yellow parking lines partition the cement floor. The gritty setting is complemented by a hardy spirit, too.

Other venues may close if the weather turns, but here you’re advised to simply bring coats and blankets if necessary. The greatest lure away from the city centre could well be its cheap drinks, though. Beers start at £1.50 while cocktails are no more than £5 – prices that are unheard of in central London.

95a Rye Lane, SE15 4ST; Thu-Fri 11am-10pm - frankscafe. org.uk Autumn 2021 115

SPAS

LONDON’S BEST

Aman Spa at the Connaught

SPAS

In the depths of The Connaught Hotel in Mayfair you will find The Aman Spa at the Connaught, the first Aman Spa to be built outside the world-famous Aman resorts. With only five treatment rooms, it’s a place of simplicity, tranquility and intimacy, where the focus is on you, your body and your mind.

The spa offers a host of specialist complementary therapies and beauty services along with a subtly-lit ionised pool with cascading granite water wall. The range of treatments take inspiration from Chinese, the Americas, Indian and Thai traditions. Make sure you leave time to enjoy a herbal infusion while relaxing around the pool after your treatment.

- the-connaught.co.uk/aman-spa

The SPA at the Dorchester Exuding 1930s Art Deco glamour with a contemporary edge, The Spa at The Dorchester feels luxurious and opulent throughout, with nine spacious treatment rooms, a separate mani-pedi suite and a stylish, sexy relaxation area. Signature facials are by Carol Joy London, with other treatments by skincare brand Kerstin Florian and Aromatherapy Associates.

In addition to the long list of specialised treatments, The Spa at The Dorchester has a unique extra selling point - the Spatisserie, where you can relax with some cake and a glass of Champagne, continuing with the ethos that ‘a little bit of what you love is good for you’.

- dorchestercollection.com

Ushvani Spa An oasis of tranquillity in the heart of Chelsea, Ushvani is one of London’s finest day spas offering the perfect blend of spa indulgence and restorative therapies. There are specially commissioned Malaysian artworks throughout the spa and the aroma of ginger, nutmeg and pandan leaves creating an authentic, relaxing experience. Spa treatments are available for both male and female guests, with the spa pool and steam facilities of the lower ground floor being reserved for ladies only. Try the Kaffir lime reinvigorating ritual, which involves an exfoliating scrub focusing on the shoulders and neck, a soothing stomach massage to aid digestion and reflexology on the feet.

- ushvani.com

Agua Spa The 10,000 square-foot agua spa at Sanderson in London’s Fitzrovia is a dazzling all-white space providing pampering, spiritual relief, and tranquillity. With walls of white, flowing curtains, the 14 all-white treatment rooms, chill-out zone and meditation beds creates a cloud-like ambiance with the sound of running water added to the atmosphere. Try the Natura Bisse signature treatment that analyses your skin and creates a programme designed specifically for your skin or the Natura Bisse Diamond Experience offering a multi-sensory cosmetic lift using ingredients that penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin, providing the firmness necessary to stimulate regeneration and reinforces the skin’s natural defence system.

- morganshotelgroup.com

AWAY Spa 6 floors up from the madness of Leicester Square lies an oasis of calm in the form of the AWAY Spa at W London. The spa is all-white and minimalist, with smooth, sleep lines. A team of celebrity therapists are on hand to help you: from the signature facials by Su-Man and advanced aesthetics of Dr. Wong, expert tanning of James Harknett, to Ruthie Belle’s stunning eyelashes and hair styling of Sergio Giannasso. Chose from an extensive treatment menu including exfoliation, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, massage, reflexology and tanning. Try the chocolate facial and body using the anti oxidant binding and nourishing properties of pure 100% cocoa.

- awayspalondon.com Autumn 2021 116

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HIGH-ROLLING

CASINOS

CASINOS L

ondon is undoubtedly one of the gambling capitals of Europe, with dozens of fantastic locations spread across the city.

There are plenty of options for both high-rollers and newcomers alike, and we’ve compiled a list of the five must-visit casinos on your next trip to the UK’s capital.

The Clermont Club, Mayfair Only those with intimate knowledge of London’s gambling community will know about The Clermont Club, with its discrete exterior masking one of the best gambling experiences in the country. Boasting a “discrete” and professional service, this location gives visitors access to a limited but well-crafted selection of table games.

The only catch is that the casino is for approved members only, with potential new players having to go through an extensive vetting procedure.

- mayfaircasinos.com

The Park Tower Casino, Knightsbridge Owned by world-renowned operator Grosvenor, the Park Tower Casino combines fine dining with a chic European playing area. This location prides itself on the luxury of its services, with experienced staff delivering an unrivalled atmosphere. In addition to standard Roulette and Blackjack offerings, this casino also runs an innovative Stud Poker progressive jackpot feature, giving players the chance to take home major prize money.

- grosvenorcasinoslondon.com/

The Palm Beach Casino, Mayfair Set in the stunning Mayfair Hotel, The Palm Beach Casino is arguably one of the best in London. It offers cash games seven nights a week, as well as regular high-roller tournaments throughout the year. The casino is open 24 hours a day and also takes bookings for private tables, making it a great choice for high-class poker parties.

There’s also a brand new dice table, securing its place as one of the best casinos in the UK. - thepalmbeach.co.uk

Aspers Casino, Stratford Those looking for a slightly more relaxed gambling atmosphere should head over to the Westfield shopping centre in Stratford, which is home to the brand new Aspers Casino. This is the UK’s very first super casino, offering 70 different tables, 150 slots and 150 video gaming terminals, as well as eight sports betting terminals. As one of the biggest locations in the UK, this has fast become a huge attraction for tourists and locals alike, making it definitely worth a visit on your next trip to the Capital. aspersstratford.co.uk

The Casino at the Empire, Leicester Square This is one of the most exclusive casinos in the city, with a prime location in the heart of Leicester Square. Pledging to bring “a touch of Vegas” to the UK, this casino is home to a number of hotly contested poker tournaments, including the regular £25,000 guaranteed cash race. The site also offers Pai Gow, Baccarat (or Punto Banco) and plenty of Blackjack, with visitors also given access to two luxury bars.

- thecasinolsq.com Autumn 2021 118

THEMED BARS

ICE, ICE BABY! Tucked away from the buzz of busy Regent Street, Ice Bar London offers a chilly oasis in the heart of the city that’s uber cool.

By Martin Mason.

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THEMED BARS

ICE, ICE BABY! I

ce Bar London is the UK’s only permanent ice bar, keeping things a cool -5 all year round. To keep things fresh, they redesign the space each year, putting their team of artists to work to create an entirely new theme. This year, they’ve dedicated the bar to all things London, so get ready to see the world’s greatest city in a whole new light, with loads of cheeky nods to London life, including references to Banksy, Brexit, and Her Majesty The Queen.

Why go?

With temps rising and the sun glaring off of the city’s high-rises, sometimes relief from the warm weather is necessary. Ice Bar London is the perfect place to go for drinks if you want an atmosphere that’s totally different from other offerings around the city. Served in carved out blocks of ice, Ice Bar London’s drinks are Instaworthy and if you’re hungry, there’s a separate Fire Bar and restaurant with an impressive a la carte menu.

Who to go with This is a fun place for groups visiting the city who want a unique experience that isn’t totally cliche. It’s also a cool first date option to break the ice (pun intended). Alternatively, seasoned couples will find it interesting and a break from the norm. The venue is also fit for families with mocktail options available throughout the afternoon, so children are able to tag along.

What to drink With clever names that are completely on theme, every drink sounds good. Serpents Venom is a tropical holiday in a glass with bourbon and a passion fruit twist that makes it stand out.

The God of Thunder is a sweet vodka-based treat, while the the Kara Colada mixes coconut with rum. l

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Our verdict

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IceBar London, London’s coolest bar, is the best place to chill out in the capital.

The details

IceBar sessions are 40 minutes each and the venue is also available for hire.

Prices for standard tickets include a cocktail, cape and gloves are £14.50 for slots from Sunday-Monday before 5:45 pm. They go down to £13.50 if booked in advance. Prices at all other times start at £16.50, rising with upgrades and packages.

Visit: icebarlondon.com

IceBar London Tucked away from the buzz of busy Regent Street, Ice Bar London offers a chilly oasis in the heart of the city that’s uber cool.

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THEMED BARS

FLIGHT OF

FANCY Flight Club’s newest location in London’s Victoria takes the humble game of darts to the next level.

By Martin Mason.

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THEMED BARS

FLIGHT OF FANCY G et in the zone, mind focused, elbows straight, ready to let go – and explode on the dartboard with style. Yes, this isn’t your average bar. This is Flight Club, where guests can book a session to throw darts in an ‘oche’ – a small private booth – taking part in a series of games.

Flight Club’s first two bars (in Holborn and Shoreditch) have taken the pastime to a luxurious new level, with a twist of technology to smooth things along. In their glam wood-panelled venues, each board sits under the gaze of three precision cameras, which collectively identify the location of each dart thrown with sub-millimetre accuracy. Already well known for their delicious pizza making, innovative cocktail shaking and electric atmosphere – the team at Flight Club are old hands at delighting their guests with exceptional and unforgettable social experiences.

And now, the Social Darts phenomenon has arrived in west London, with a landmark site at the heart of Victoria. With 18 oches (darts playing areas), a spectacular bar and a beautiful outdoor terrace – Flight Club Victoria has all the fun of the fairground like you’ve never seen before. With a variety of challenges available, darting has never been this fun. You can play each game as little or as often as you like, losing track of time and completely losing yourself in the general atmosphere.

The food, which can be ordered straight to the oche, is fast, delicious and reasonable with an average main coming out at £10. There are two menus: one for lunch and another for sharing, based around salads, burgers, fries, pizzas and meat-based dishes.

Whether you’re making the most of your weekend at their epic Brunch Social or watching the action unfold from the bar, you’ll be thrilled you came along for the ride! l

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Our verdict

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Flight Club expertly combines a comforting food experience with the social niceties of darts, all amongst a warm and relaxed atmosphere and welcoming staff. It definitely hits the target.

Get there

Flight of fancy: Flight Club’s newest location in London’s Victoria

Flight Club: Order delicious drinks and food from your oche!

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6, Sir Simon Milton Square, London, SW1E 5DJ

Flight of fancy: Book Flight Club’s newest location in London’s Victoria www.flightclubdarts.com/london

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CITY GUIDE

Visually, Prague is in many ways impossible to improve. The Stare Mesto and Mala Strana districts, either side of the Vltava River, together form one of Europe’s best preserved old city centres, with virtually every street an uplifting symphony of cobbles and extravagant Renaissance and baroque architecture.

PRAGUE A GUIDE TO THE BEST SIGHTS AND PLACES TO EAT, DRINK AND SLEEP IN THE CZECH CAPITAL

AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION THERE ARE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE FOR VISITING THIS DESTINATION. PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES AT WWW.GOV.UK/FOREIGN-TRAVEL-ADVICE

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TOP FIVE SIGHTS: Charles Bridge For much of the day, the 14th-century pedestrian connection linking Stare Mesto and Mala Strana is thronged with buskers, beggars, caricaturists and tourists. So, if you can, stroll its length late at night or before breakfast, when you’ll have just the bridge’s blackened statues for company and an unimpeded view of the castle etched on the skyline. In the warmer months you can climb up into the old bridge towers.

Prague Castle Encompassing a series of interconnected courtyards, lovely gardens, the Gothic St Vitus’s Cathedral, the medieval cottages of Golden Lane (where Kafka briefly lived), plus many other historic buildings and several museums, the massive complex requires half a day to do it justice. Don’t miss the Story of Prague Castle, a permanent large-scale exhibition that opened last year in the Old Royal Palace.

During the day, the castle is always mobbed. To truly appreciate its haunting Kafkaesque quality, return in the evening. You do not need a ticket to access the courtyards, which stay open to midnight (11pm in winter).

St Nicholas Church This is the grandest of Prague’s many baroque churches and was built in the 1730s. It has an over-the-top interior and monumental dome decorated with hundreds of golden cherubs, swooning virgins and elaborate trompe l’oeil frescoes.

Strahov Monastery Other than to escape the castle-going crowds, the prime reason for visiting the Premonstratensian monastery is to gawp at the library – its frescoed and booked-lined Philosophical and Theological halls are glorious, ornate wonders. Elsewhere, there is an impressive display of religious art. Return to the city centre via the idyllic orchards below the complex.

Jewish Museum Prague’s Jewish quarter, the Josefov, is now an elegant neighbourhood of art nouveau buildings and designer shops and cafés. The museum is spread over five synagogues dotted around the quarter, only one of which – the Old-New Synagogue – is still used for religious services. The rest are exhibition centres and contain a huge collection of artefacts that movingly tell the history and persecution of the Czech Jews. It also includes the Old Jewish Cemetery, a forest of 12,000 lopsided tombstones squashed into an improbably small plot of land. Try to visit first thing: by mid-morning, everywhere gets swamped by chattering tour groups.

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TOP FIVE RESTAURANTS: Kampa Park Opened in 1994, this is one of Prague’s most reliable (and expensive) top-end restaurants and seems to have been visited by virtually every celebrity that has visited the city, from Mick Jagger and Johnny Depp to Bill and Hillary Clinton. Come, as they do, for beautifully presented Mediterranean-flavoured dishes, the prime riverside location overlooking Charles Bridge (alfresco dining possible), and unusually excellent service. www. kampagroup.com

Palffy Palac This has one of Prague’s most romantic dining-rooms, with twinkling candelabras and gilded chandeliers, inside one of Mala Strana’s enormous baroque palaces. Though the Czech/multinational food is rather over-complicated, the surroundings are unbeatable. A terrace (open in summer) has beautiful views over the castle walls. www.palffy.cz

Hergetova Cihelna This is the less starchy and more affordable sister restaurant to Kampa Park (see above). Although it does not attract the big names in the same way, it is hugely popular with Prague’s young affluent crowd. Also in a prime spot by the Vltava, with an open-air riverside terrace, its menu concentrates on a hybrid of French and Italian dishes (foie gras pizza, anyone?), but there are some Czech options, too, such as potato soup and suckling piglet, as well as decent burgers and stir fries. www.kampagroup.com

Kolkovna The art nouveau-styled Kolkovna is as close as Prague gets to a gastropub. It’s a stylish version of a traditional beer hall and a good choice for sampling classic Czech fare, such as pheasant thighs and boar chops. Portions are on the hearty side and the goulash soup, served in a hollowed out loaf (£1.60), is a meal in itself. Service is friendly and brisk. www.kolkovna.cz

U Medvidku This is the real McCoy, a classic Prague beer hall that offers a great night out in authentic surroundings. Though its cavernous dining-rooms are packed with tourists, many of the communal tables are occupied by locals, who have probably been eating here for years. The traditional Czech dishes – venison meatballs, pork neck with cabbage – are good, filling and incredibly cheap: a plate of goulash and dumplings costs just £2.50. www.umedvidku.cz Autumn 2021 132

Prague is famous for its tasty Trdelnik pastries.

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TOP FIVE HOTELS: Mandarin Orient Opened in 2006 but already one of Prague’s top five-star hotels, this heavily modernised complex dates back to the 14th century, when it was a monastery. Its strengths are its quiet but central Mala Strana location, faultlessly obliging service, super spa (built over the visible remains of a Gothic church) and supremely comfortable bedrooms. www.mandarinoriental. com/prague

Aria This stylish, small-scale Mala Strana hotel, which spreads through three Baroque buildings, has a musical theme.

Bedrooms are designed according to musical genres (classical, opera, contemporary, jazz), and each comes with appropriate tunes loaded on to a computer. There is a superbly stocked music library, and a well-informed “musical director” to advise on, and fix tickets for, concerts. www.ariahotel.net

Maxmilian This good-value hotel was designed by a leading Czech architect, Eva Jiricna. Bedrooms are sleek and Cubist influenced, while public areas, such as the glass-walled library and drawing room with a help-yourself honesty bar system, are striking yet relaxing.

The location, on a cobbled square on the edge of the Old Town’s upmarket Josefov quarter, is excellent. www.maximilianhotel. com

Dum U Velky Boty The discreet establishment, whose name translates as the House of the Big Boot (there is no sign) is one of Prague’s best B&Bs. Occupying an ancient building on a cobbled Mala Strana backstreet, it offers a dozen bedrooms full of antiques and art, many of which are family heirlooms of the charming owner, Jan Rippl. The good breakfasts can be eaten communally with other guests if you wish. www. dumuvelkeboty.cz

Castle Steps An unusual, dynamically run set-up, spread over six buildings that are dotted along Nerudova and Uvoz streets, the main drags through Mala Strana up to the castle. The accommodation ranges from simple rooms with shared bathrooms to vast apartments with their own kitchens. Standards are higher than the low rates suggest and many units have enormous character, as well as gorgeous views over Petrin hill. www.pragueroom.com Autumn 2021 134

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Shopping

Bars & Cafes

Along with moody Kafka T-shirts, Czech-made glass and wooden toys are good buys. The fanciest Bohemian crystal, used by royalty, is at Moser (main branch at Na Prikope 10).

For exquisite contemporary glass objects created by leading Czech designers, visit Material at U Luzickeho seminare 7.

For a traditional Czech pub, head for U Cerneho vola (Loretanske namesti 1), just above the castle, and Baracnicka rychta (Trziste 23), on a Mala Strana backstreet. Local drinkers outnumber tourists in both establishments.

Blue Praha sells striking but much more affordable modern glass. For wooden tops, mobiles, puzzles and figures on springs and wheels, head for branches of Manufaktura and the daily outdoor market on Havelska. A good shop for string puppets is Obchod Pod Lampou, at U Luzickeho seminare 5.

Night Life On any night there are any number of classical performances in churches and fabulously ornate concert halls such as the neoclassical Rudolfinum and art nouveau Obecni dum.

The agency Bohemia Ticket has full details of forthcoming concerts, and online booking, on www.bohemiaticket.cz, as well as helpful staff at its office at Male namesti 13. Prague also has a strong jazz tradition.

One of the best venues is U Maleho Glena (Karmelitska 23; www.malyglen.cz). For those who want to party, Radost FX (Belehradská 120; www.radostfx.cz), a cafe/lounge/nightclub, has long been one of the most fashionable places to head for.

Prague has several splendid grand Viennese-style coffee houses. Kaverna Obecni dum (Namesti Republiky 5) is an opulent art nouveau café of ballroom proportions, where they wheel around a trolley laden with cakes.

The art deco Slavia (Smetanovo nabrezi 2) is one of Prague’s great focal points: now full of courting couples and shoppers, famously Vaclav Havel used to drink here.

One of the best post-Revolution coffee shops is The Ebel Coffee House, on cobbled Tyn, the old town’s prettiest courtyard. For a trendy cocktail bar try chic, buzzy Tretter’s (V kolkovne 3), or the Blue Light (Josefska 1), a funky, ex-pat hangout with graffiti-covered walls.

Getting There Flights to Prague start from £35 each way.

See www.britishairways.com.

Currency The currency in Prague is the Czech Crown (czk).

Czech bank notes are issued in the following denominations: 100/200/500/1000/2000/5000. Some hotels, shops and restaurants accept Euros as well, but many only take Czech Crowns. 1 Czech Koruna equals 0.035 British Pound.

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20 JOURNEYS TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE THE POST PANDEMIC BUCKET LIST

The people we’ll see, the places we’ll go, and all the once possible, now restricted adventures we’ll have once again! We have compiled ideas for 20 journeys that could change your life, all you need to do is go online, follow the research and plan your adventure.

AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION THERE ARE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE FOR VISITING THIS DESTINATION. PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES AT WWW.GOV.UK/FOREIGN-TRAVEL-ADVICE

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20 JOURNEYS

SPEND SIX MONTHS EXPLORING ASIA Sometimes you seriously need to get away, and holidays don’t come much longer than a 28-week ‘Ultimate Asia’ adventure. Starting in London and taking a winding route east to Bangkok, an epic group trip that crosses 12 countries, ticking off a score of see-before-you-die sights including the Pyramids, Petra, Jaipur, Great Wall and Angkor Wat. This trip will cost you upwards of £6,465 per person, including accommodation, transport and most meals. You’ll likely travel mostly by purposebuilt expedition vehicle with only 42 nights spent in hotels. For most of the time you’ll sleep in tents on campsites or out in the wilds. You could even add an extension to your journey that takes you south from Darwin to Sydney via the Outback.

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HAVE A METROSEXUAL MAKEOVER IN MIAMI

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Are you the type of man who likes to embrace your feminine side? Or maybe you know a bloke who needs a bit of sorting out? Available at selected Loews Hotels in New York, Miami and Los Angeles, the Metro Man package promises to make a man ‘more dashing and attractive’ in just 24 hours. That could be a tall order, which explains why so much gets packed into one day. The improvements start at check-in when guests are handed essential manly items such as a book on etiquette and a cocktail shaker. The hotel chef then provides a two-hour, palate-refining meal with advice on cooking, wine and mixing drinks, while the concierge chips in with some advice on how to conduct yourself socially.

Next comes a grooming session, including a manicure, haircut and shave, then a consultation with a personal shopper from Barneys or Saks Fifth Avenue to sort out the wardrobe.

GET FIT IN THE WILDS OF COSTA RICA

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For something more radical, try an intensive work-out on a Kenyan beach with Wild Fitness. It was set up by Tara Wood, a personal trainer, who believes in promoting wellbeing through natural movements rather than working individual muscles in isolation, as some gym machines and exercise classes do. The idea is to awaken the agile animal inside us by recalling the primal movements that helped us evolve as a species.

Get ready to squat, bend, push, pull, twist, lunge and run. This is not a boot camp, and the open-toall activities are supportive rather than competitive, with posture assessments, yoga and nutritional advice included. Coffee and alcohol are discouraged but dispensed without disapproval if required.

CLIMB K2 (WELL, ALMOST) Things look different when you’re high. At 8,616 metres, K2 is the second highest peak in the world, and a trek through the mountainous wilds of northern Pakistan to see it up close will certainly blow away the mental cobwebs. It’s also an arduous Grade 1 expedition, which means long, hard days and camping above the snowline, with strenuous trekking experience essential. A 25-day expedition in July climbing the Gondogoro La Pass then descending to K2 base camp will cost you upwards of £2,295 per person including flights and accommodation.

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STRUT YOUR LATIN FUNKY STUFF Combine tango and Spanish lessons in Buenos Aires with Caledonia Languages. Language lessons in the morning are followed by dancefloor instruction at night. Based in the Barrio Norte district, the tango sessions include talks and videos explaining the nuances of this most passionate of dances, along with visits to milongas (tango gatherings).

Similar holidays are available learning salsa in Cuba and Spain.

Dance Holidays offer a week’s line dancing on a Mediterranean cruise ship, from upwards of £599 per person including flights, meals and accommodation.

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HIKE TO THE TOUGHEST TRAIL IN EUROPE

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STRETCH YOUR MIND ON A SPANISH MOUNTAIN TOP

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Once we went on holiday just to take a break. Now you can sort out your whole life while slopping on the sun cream. In the Picos de Europa, northern Spain, you could go on a lifeplanning holiday in conjunction with The Big Stretch. Available in May, June and September, they are aimed at ‘busy achievers who need to step back’. Group size is limited to eight, combining intensive thinking sessions with uplifting mountain walks. A follow-up Keep Stretching programme of six one-hour sessions is also available.

WRITE A BODICERIPPER IN A PINK SCOTTISH CASTLE

Crossing the rocky spine of Corsica from Calenzana to Conca, the GR20 is considered the most challenging long-distance footpath in Europe.

For most of the 170km trail you walk above 1,000m in pine forests, over rocky ridges, past glacial lakes amid mountain peaks. Walks Worldwide offer guided group tours. To do it yourself (it’s cheaper but you’ll carry your own rucksack), buy a copy of GR20 Corsica - The High Level Route.

Over the years, ‘Writing Romance’ courses have been run at the suitably pink Castle of Park, near Aberdeen, which sits in secluded parkland and comes with a grand drawing room as well as inspirational four-poster beds and stags’ heads on the walls. Courses have been led by prominent romance writers like Marina Oliver, author of more than 4o historical romances.

Dingle Writing Course also typically take place on autumn weekends at a seaside retreat in Inch, overlooking Dingle Bay in Kerry.

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CHANGE CHILDRENS LIVES IN GUATEMALA

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‘I’ve never seen anyone so pleased to see two packets of Blu-Tack,’ Steph Thorns records in her online diary about working with children in Guatemala. The life of this former hospital project manager was transformed after she volunteered to work with indigenous communities near Antigua, helping in rural schools where there would otherwise be no formal education. Steph has since retrained as a community health nurse with a view to going back. Her trip to Guatemala was organised through the charitysupport organisation Global Vision International. Side benefits include the chance to learn Spanish and experience South American life. Also worth considering other possibilities, including working with a radio station in Ghana and renovating schools in Tanzania.

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SWAP YOUR HOUSE FOR A LUXURY VILLA

RIDE THE ROLLERS IN HAWAII

Surfing might be a lifestyle, but it often begins with a holiday. For an idea of the way it can change people and what it’s like to be a newcomer, track down a copy of Caught Inside: A Surfer’s Year on the California Coast by Daniel Duane (Lonely Planet). Hawaii is where the best waves are, rising off the coasts of Oahu and Maui to heights of 70 feet. You’ll need at least 10 years of regular surfing before you can master the crazy rollers of Waimea Bay. In winter the waves have to be seen to be believed but in summer, even novices can try their luck. Other destinations include Woolacombe.

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FOLLOW A SAINT INTO THE TURKISH WILDERNESS

Follow in the footsteps of St Paul through the wilds of Turkey’s Taurus and Sultan mountain ranges, with ancient ruins and dramatic peaks and canyons along the way. A new 500km footpath traces the apostle’s missionary journey from Perge on the Mediterranean coast to Yalvac, near Antioch, overlooking the Anatolian plateau. It’s been created and waymarked by Englishwoman Kate Clow. Even more ambitious is the 1,000 mile Via Francigena linking Canterbury and Rome. This is a DIY pilgrimage - no tour operators run packages - but you can find route maps, information on accommodation and support.

TALK TO THE ANIMALS IN THE KALAHARI DESERT

Sitting in the Kalahari desert counting meerkats is one of your options among the 140 scientific and conservation projects organised worldwide by the charity Earthwatch.

On a two-week expedition to the Kuruman river in South Africa you can help ecologists study the exceptionally co-operative lifestyles of these mongoose-like creatures.

Volunteers stay in thatched huts, working in small teams, and there’s plenty of spare time to appreciate the wonder of the desert. Other expeditions available include joining marine naturalists on a 39ft yacht studying basking sharks in the Inner Hebrides, helping conservationists monitor macaws in the Peruvian Amazon, and tracking zebras by four-wheel drive vehicle in the Samburu district of Kenya as part of an initiative to limit their conflict with human activities.

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MEET THE TRIBES OF LOAS

Until recently the heart of Asia’s opium growing triangle, northern Laos is the HQ for the Unesco Namtha ecoproject to provide jobs for cash-strapped farmers and ethnic minorities, and many of Laos’s 68 ethnic tribes live in this area.

Himalayan Kingdoms was the first UK tour operator to plug into the project by pioneering a series of trekking and meet-the-villagers tours. From the towns of Luang Namtha and Meung Sing you trek with local guides up into the hills and valleys to remote villages.

Among the tribes are the animist Akhas, whose teenage sons sleep in their own huts, to which the girls are brought for trial sex and marriage; the Black Hmong, identified by their black clothing, who build stilted villages on high mountain ridges; and the Lenten people, who wear indigo and settle in longhouses in the valleys.

BECOME A DESERT NOMAD IN JORDAN

‘Beautiful three-bedroom house offered in the rural retreat of Mercatale near Cortona in Arezzo. Comes with 1,000-year-old olive trees in the garden, brand new pool, stunning panoramic views, fantastic local restaurants ...’

Oh yes, all that could be yours by just swapping homes with the owner.

If you dream of retiring to Italy or downshifting to that Caribbean beach, it pays to try a place out first. Holiday exchanges for a fortnight or more are a good way to do this. If you’re worried about the Osbournes moving in, sign up with a home-exchange agency that will ease the matchmaking process for an annual membership fee. The basic premise is not unlike a TV reality show - you swap your life, right down to your bedsheets, for someone else’s.

The main advantage is that you slot straight into neighbourhood life and can save money when compared to a conventional holiday, particularly if you have children. Note that if you want the Italian idyll listed above you’re more likely to be in luck if you’re offering a Mayfair penthouse than a Basildon semi.

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Forget fake ‘Bedouin’ feasts and phoney folklore. ‘Riding in Jordan - The Bedouin Experience’ is a tour which will show you the desert as it really is: harsh, bleak, forbidding and magical. Setting out from Wadi Rum on spirited Arab horses (riders should be reasonably experienced and confident) you’ll head south towards the Saudi border, exploring deep canyons flanked by immense boulders and towering sandstone rock fortresses, edging your way along sheer cliffs and galloping among the dunes and flats on the best racecourse in the world. En route you’ll see Bedouin families who still live as nomads in the desert with their goats and camels, as well as historic landmarks described by Lawrence of Arabia in The Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Tents for the sixday trek are fairly basic, and most holidaymakers prefer to sleep under the stars with meals served from a traditional large communal plate.

BECOME A BEACH BUM IN GOA

With the average house in the UK worth around £284,029, there’s a tempting case to sell up and live like a king or queen elsewhere. Palolem, in Goa, India, is a palm-fringed crescent beach where you can rent a thatched hut with bamboo beds, bathroom and veranda, from around £15 a night. With meals next to nothing locally, you could sit pretty for 30 years of yoga, curry and sunsets. Other dream-inducing options include a guesthouse in the medina at Essaouira, Morocco, or wooden beach huts on Zanzibar.

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PEDAL ACROSS VIETNAM & RAISE CASH FOR OXFAM

Cycle through Vietnam to Cambodia, safe in the knowledge that you are not really having a holiday - you’re working for charity. You’ll find a wide variety of challenges where you can combine exotic foreign travel with raising money for UK charities. But be prepared: you’ll cycle at least 80km a day. Other sponsored adventures with other charities include a hike in Egypt and a ‘very challenging’ four-day, 100km run along the Great Wall of China.

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TAKE AN ICEBREAKER TO THE NORTH POLED

So what did you do with your life?

Well, I did make it to the North Pole ... Take the icebreaker Yamal, voyaging north from Murmansk through the Barents Sea to reach 90° North six days later. This is one of the few vessels in the world powerful enough to plough through five-metre-thick ice to reach the top of the world. A 16day cruise starting in Helsinki will cost you upwards of £8,462. For something more spiritual, head down to Antarctica with its virgin landscapes and unsullied wildlife.

20 JOURNEYS

CAST AWAY ON CRUSOE’S ISLAND

The Islas Juan Fernandez, 450 miles off Chile’s Pacific Coast, was where Alexander Selkirk, the inspiration for Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, was abandoned in 1704 and eked out a precarious living for four years. It’s now somewhat easier to reach and leave, though few Westerners get to this remote spot. The three islands are now officially named Robinson Crusoe, Alejandro Selkirk and Santa Clara, and in 1977 the whole archipelago of Juan Fernandez was declared a Biosphere Reserve, protecting it from further development. Only around 500 people live here, mainly fishermen; but they welcome visitors and will show them the hero’s legendary cave and take them trekking up to El Yunque, the island’s highest (915m) peak where Selkirk lit his signal fires.

FREAK OUT IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

The Goroka Cultural Show is a ritual gathering where over 100 fabulously feathered tribes come in from the highlands. It’s a window on an entirely different, practically stone-age, world and may put your quest for the latest iPod into perspective. A fully escorted 10-day tour costs at least £4,295 per person including flights, transfers and most meals, with the rest of the trip spent touring remote mountain and jungle lodges and sailing on the Sepik river.

The majestic Galleria Colonna houses masterpieces of absolute excellence painted by leading Italian artists.

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IN FOCUS:

THE CARIBBEAN This sprawling archipelago of tropical islands is a treasure chest of diverse landscapes, rich culture and undeniable beauty just waiting to be explored. But where to start?

BARBADOS: PARADISE FOUND ...page 146 SOMETHING UNIQUE ...page 152 ISLAND HOPPING ...page 154 ST LUCIA HOTELS ...page 156 SECLUDED ISLANDS ...page 164 HOLA HAVANA ...page 168 Written By Martin Mason Planning: Sophie Bailey Photography: Julie Paice

AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION THERE ARE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE FOR VISITING THIS DESTINATION. PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES AT WWW.GOV.UK/FOREIGN-TRAVEL-ADVICE

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VIVA VARADERO ...page 176 Autumn 2021 149

BARBADOS PARADISE FOUND

Martin Mason tastes the sweet life in Bridgetown, Barbados

The original Caribbean holiday island — and the most popular for Brits by a margin — Barbados does that crucial mix of good food, great hotels and gorgeous beaches better than any other. The most famous of those beaches are on the west coast, north of Bridgetown, the bit they call the Platinum Coast — because that’s the kind of credit card you may need to stay there. The south coast is less glitzy, but has beautiful beaches and a more authentic vibe.

Brownes Beach, Bridgetown: Horses from the Garrison Savannah are given their early morning wash Autumn 2021 150

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SWEETFIELD MANOR BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS

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hen we head off for exotic climes my family and I are self-confessed lovers of large, fancy hotels but often the experience can lack authenticity and atmosphere.

Every now and then we get the opportunity to experience something different. Discreet characterful venues, where luxury means good company with a unique atmosphere in a quiet, gorgeous property in a sumptuously serene setting. Welcome to Sweetfield Manor.

As part of our 10-day visit to Barbados, we stayed here for 5-nights and experienced the kind of friendly, intimate comfort that large hotels seem unable to offer. In other words, a place so magical it goes beyond luxury. Here, you don’t check in; you’re considered a house guest.

Sitting at the top of a hill, Sweetfield Manor is a mere 15 minutes walk from the historic Garrison Savannah area, in Bridgetown Barbados. It’s a little off the beaten path, which makes it all the more special when you eventually find it. Sweetfield Manor is a unique boutique hotel offering exclusive comfort in a relaxing atmosphere. In short, it’s one of a kind.

Style & character Sweetfield Manor is centrally located, perfectly situated within lush tropical surroundings, atop a hill which affords spectacular views over the south coast of Barbados. Built in the early 1900s, the building is a white-painted, shuttered

plantation house. The décor is a delightful mix of English provincial and laid-back Barbadian charm. Guest rooms and suites combine traditional charm and local art with unabashedly 21st century touches: think plush pillows, impossibly soft linen, flat-screen TV’s, huge rain showers and L’Occitane cosmetics.

There’s no Spa to speak of but, situated in the Manor’s lush garden, there’s a small ‘healing room’ offering manicures, pedicures and massages. Treatments to the sound of hummingbirds.

We absolutely loved the lagoon-style swimming pool, hidden by a hedgerow of lush, tropical foliage. During breakfast on the terrace, you’ll probably see Green Monkeys frolicking in the trees and you will definitely witness the resident peacocks strutting royally across the lawn. Waking up to them each morning was a real highlight.

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BARBADOS: PARADISE FOUND

Rooms The hotel offers 10 luxury bedrooms in 3 categories : Plantation, Courtyard and Garden Rooms. Located in the original main house are three beautifully maintained Plantation Rooms, which stay true to the original design of the Manor. Sweetfield also has 3 garden cottages overlooking the pool. These outside buildings of the original plantation house have been tastefully converted and all include a covered patio complete with tables and chairs.

Surprisingly you won’t find any telephones in the room.

No calling down to ‘reception’, or phoning for room service. Here, you’re pretty much in charge of your own stay – a total home from home. This doesn’t mean staff is non-existent. On the contrary, when you need a helping hand, someone warm and welcoming magically appears.

Forget smart cards, room keys here are reassuringly traditional and akin to something that a pirate of the Caribbean may use to open a treasure chest.

Our rooms were unique and well-equipped: King bed, contemporary bathroom (with fluffy towels and Bath Robes) and four poster bed. Whatever room you choose, you’re sure to sink into a deep and blissful slumber.

Staying here is about immersing yourself in Caribbean tranquillity, trekking down to the beach and waking up to the sun warming your terrace. Sweetfield Manor is a place to completely rethink your whole concept of a hotel stay – mind, body and soul. It’s also the perfect backdrop for weddings. Don’t worry; Sweetfield guests can still use all the facilities during a wedding. Just remember to raise a glass if the bride walks by.

Food & Drink Food here isn’t taken lightly. It’s an event. Throughout the week chef transformed our understanding of what Breakfast was and it often run to several courses. There are smoothies galore and fruit plates aplenty. For guests needing a more hearty start, dishes such as scrambled eggs and bacon with plantain are served up. If you’re still hungry (or not), he would rustle up a plate-rattling ‘deserts’ – anyone for a banana crêpe. Lunch and dinner are not generally included, but chef will gladly prepare a private dinner with a day’s notice. You can also request a picnic bag for blissful days on the beach. •

“ ” Our verdict

Totally unique, warm and wonderful.

A homely hangout at the top of a hill, beautiful view, 20 minutes stroll to the ocean.

Just go, you won’t regret it.

Getting there

British Airways has return flights to Barbados: www.ba.com Book Direct at: sweetfieldmanor.com

Sweetfield Manor: The Stunning Lagoon Pool

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SOMETHING UNIQUE

SOMETHING UNIQUE Something Unique T

he islands are quite varied geographically, encompassing semi-arid deserts (Aruba and Curacao), lush rainforests (Puerto Rico, Grenada, St. Lucia and Dominica), abundant coral reefs and marine life (Bonaire, Cayman Islands, St. Lucia and Tobago), and several volcanoes on many islands.

Perhaps even more startling are the cultural and linguistic differences.

Spanish is spoken in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico; French in Guadeloupe and Martinique; English in Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad, Virgin Islands; and Dutch in the ABC Islands and St Martin, not to mention Creole in St Lucia, and Papiamento (a mix of Spanish, Dutch and African languages) in the ABC Islands.

In Jamaica, you’ll no doubt meet some of the island’s dreadlocked Rastafarians, and if you seek them out, the lesserknown Maroons. The long secretive Maroons – descendants of escaped slaves – live in small communities in often hard to reach parts of Jamaica’s mountains and forests. They continue to maintain a semi-independent status in the country – a hard-won status that was secured centuries earlier from the colonial overlords. Within the past year, some Maroons have begun to share their traditions and culture such as songs, drumming and woodcarving with visitors as a way to earn income and safeguard their future.

Some islands have a particular claim to fame: Grenada is known as the Spice Island (tour a nutmeg processing plant and visit spice plantations); Trinidad is renowned for its pre-Lenten carnival (you can even buy a costume and ‘play mas’); while Bonaire is popular among divers. And a few islands are closely associated with certain styles of music: reggae in Jamaica; merengue in the Dominican Republic; salsa, son, rumba, trove and more in Cuba; calypso and soca in Trinidad; and zouk in Guadeloupe and Martinique.

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ISLAND Island Hopping HOPPING

T

o sample several islands in one trip, consider the following destinations, which offer quick and easy access (ferry or plane) to nearby islands. From St Martin (one of the more cosmopolitan Caribbean destinations) it’s fairly easy to get to three very different islands – Anguilla, Saba, and upscale St Barths.

Another option is to base yourself in the beautiful but lesser visited St Vincent and make forays out to see some of the 32 islands that make up the Grenadines using inter-island ferries or on a day tour (Bequia, Canouan, Mayreau, Tobago Cays, secluded Petit St Vincent, and the private island of Mustique are good choices).

Or visit one of the dual island nations – Trinidad and Tobago; Antigua and Barbuda; or St Kitts and Nevis, which have frequent and quick transportation to their smaller and quieter sister islands.

ISLAND HOPPING

Follow your own route between the idyllic island gems of the Caribbean.

With so many different island nations, traditions, cultures and cuisines to explore, the team at mycaribbeanholiday.co.uk can put together your own bespoke combination of Caribbean destinations and create the most fascinating island hopping experience. Some islands such as St. Kitts and Nevis are only a quick boat ride between each other, while other trips will combine the Windward Islands of Grenada or St Lucia with the more northerly island of Antigua, all easily connected by a short flight.

Contact their Caribbean experts on 0208 290 9751 to put together your perfect Caribbean combination.

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ST LUCIA BEST HOTELS

Lucia ST St LUCIA Best HOTELS Hotels BEST

U

nlike more developed Caribbean Islands, such as Aruba and the Bahamas, the sparsely populated island-nation of Saint Lucia still maintains a sense of unspoiled, exotic beauty. Its landscapes of pristine beaches and mountainous terrain are among the most stunning you’ll find anywhere in the Caribbean. Here is our selection of the best places to stay in St Lucia.

Famed for its dramatic peaks and volcanic beaches, St Lucia is now - finally - upping its game on the hotel scene with distinctive escapes to get excited about, we have selected five of the best.

LADERA HOTEL, ST LUCIA

LADERA: bright, local, castaway charmer This hotel is in one of the most incredible locations in the Caribbean, high on a hillside with direct views of the dramatic V formed by the Pitons. Ladera is a collection of architecturally unassuming wooden structures angled to maximise the vista (modestly described as ‘views with a room’). It’s a quiet place with a fairly formal restaurant-bar, and there are never many people around. But then this hotel is all about romance, and guests tend to hole up in their rooms: big, open-air Swiss Family Robinson-style fantasies with polished teak floors, rope swings, outdoor showers and carved four-posters.

There are plenty of eccentric (some might say kitsch) touches such as conchshell taps, bright mosaics and carved stone fish around the private plunge pools. Ladera is over 20 years old, and it’s starting to show, but the rooms are a lot of fun, provided you’re comfortable sharing them with geckos, birds and, at night, insects. The property doesn’t have its own beach (there’s a shuttle to the ones at the Viceroy and Anse Chastanet), so it’s best for those who are happy to savour the view rather than sun on the sand.

ROOM TO BOOK The Hilltop Dream suites are the freshest and most private. www.ladera.com PRICE Doubles from £371

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SUGAR BEACH VICEROY RESORT ST LUCIA

ST LUCIA BEST HOTELS

SUGAR BEACH, A VICEROY RESORT: full-on beachfront glamourpuss.

Sugar Beach is set in 100 acres in the Val de Pitons, and was originally developed by the madcap Lord Glenconner of Mustique fame. But don’t expect any signs of its past: the new owners have given it a stylish, contemporary gloss, particularly in places like the Palm Court Lounge, with its day beds and smart black-and-white marble floor, and the Cane Bar, where speciality rums are poured at a gleaming, glassand-resin counter. Rooms are fresh, with white wood-plank walls and slip- covered sofas. This is more of a full-throttle hotel than others on the island, so there’s a dive centre, an adorable kids’ club, a butler service and a terrific spa by a stream amid the trees (very Ewok Village). There are two brilliant restaurants: the more formal Great Room, which serves zippy dishes including striped bass with bok choy and carrot-cardamom sauce, and Bayside Restaurant on the beach for tuna burgers and grilled flatbread with pancetta. But the real draw is the miraculous setting on a gorgeous stretch of (yes, it’s true) sugary sand right between the Pitons.

ROOM TO BOOK For easy access to the water, a Luxury Beachfront Bungalow. www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com PRICE Doubles from £265

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HOTEL CHOCOLAT BOUCAN ST LUCIA

ST LUCIA BEST HOTELS

HOTEL CHOCOLAT BOUCAN: young, cool, urbane scenester.

St Lucia’s newest hotel is on the 18thcentury Rabot Estate where the owners run a cocoa-growing project with local farmers. It’s essentially a restaurant with rooms showcasing Boucan, a lovely, open-air pavilion where all the recipes (cacao-nib-crusted pork fillet with mint sauce; spicy curried chicken breast in coconut-and-cacao-nib sauce) use cacao or chocolate. It might sound like a gimmick, but Boucan is probably the best, and certainly the most interesting, hotel-restaurant on the island. (It’s also one of the few where you can get a well-made cocktail.) The ebony-andwhite rooms have vaulted ceilings, draped four-poster beds and really smart bathrooms. Best of all, they have headon views of Petit Piton. The hotel doesn’t have a beach, so there are all sorts of things to keep guests happy, including a lovely spa. With its cool, urban vibe, Hotel Chocolat is designed for younger travellers, the kind who explore by day and stay up late mingling at the bar; it’s a refreshing change of pace on the island.

ROOM TO BOOK A spacious Luxe Lodge room. www.thehotelchocolat.com PRICE Doubles from £270

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CAP MAISON HOTEL ST LUCIA

ST LUCIA BEST HOTELS

CAP MAISON: trusty gem with top service.

On a headland in the far north of St Lucia, Cap Maison can feel a little remote, unless you’re an avid golfer, in which case its proximity to the island’s one 18-hole course is the only recommendation you’ll need. Designed in a kind of Tuscan-Andalucian style (clay-tile roofs, exposed beams, splashing fountains and plenty of wrought iron), it’s a quiet, gated community of privately owned villas with individual apartments rented out to paying guests. The lovingly maintained grounds are redolent with jasmine, frangipani, oleander and hibiscus.

Because they were intended for longterm use, the rooms are large and very comfortable (if a bit bland). They also have proper kitchens, separate living and dining areas, and (unusual for St Lucia) TVs. Some rooms have private pools; all have big terraces with lovely sea views. Young couples seem to flock to Cap Maison: there’s a gorgeous, twotier pool and a Champagne zipline that will carry a bottle of bubbly down to a private dining platform on the water. But perhaps the best reason to stay here is the staff, who are among the friendliest and most efficient on the island.

ROOM TO BOOK Ground-floor rooms have pools but are less private; those on the top floors have secluded roof terraces. www.capmaison.com PRICE Doubles from £300

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Carribean

SECLUDED ISLANDS

SecludedISLANDS Islands SECLUDED & OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRACKS & Off-The-Beaten-Tracks

I

f you want a place to unwind and don’t care much for sight-seeing, consider the smaller islands in and to the south of the Lesser Antilles, such as Tobago, Barbuda, and Anguilla. Many are free of fast food chains, casinos, cruise ships, jet-skis and mass tourism; they just boast fabulous beaches and some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean.

If the words quaint and charming sound appealing, try Bequia, Nevis, Montserrat and Saba (where by law all the homes and buildings are painted white, with a red roof and green shutters). For more upscale seclusion, the Caribbean has plenty of private or secluded islands from which to choose. The Grenadines alone has Mustique, secluded Petit St Vincent, and the five uninhabited islands of the Tobago Cays.

Tobago On Necker Island (owned by Sir Richard Branson) in the British Virgin Islands, you could spend the day all alone or potentially rub shoulders with rock stars or A-list celebrities.

Other secluded hideaways can be found on more affordable islands including Tobago and Barbuda, where you can easily find a gorgeous, deserted beach to call your own.

Necker Island

Barbuda

With 7000+ islands, the Caribbean has more than a few off-the-beaten-track possibilities. These are some places with few tourists where tranquility reins supreme: Anguilla, Barbuda, Bonaire, Carriacou, Dominica, Nevis, Montserrat, Saba, St Eustatius, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tobago, the Turks and Caicos (except Providenciales), and Vieques Island in Puerto Rico.

Lodging options on these islands include resorts (the most popular), inns and B&Bs. Condos, time-shares, and villas generally offer more space, kitchen facilities and are ideal for families or groups of friends. They can often be less expensive than hotels, especially if travelling with a group. The whole island of Montserrat is basically off-the-beatentrack – there are several villa options, many of which offer good value and some have pools.

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Bucket List Places to Visit inTO the BUCKET LIST PLACES VISITCaribbean IN THE CARIBBEAN

CANEEL BAY, ST. JOHN

It might have been opened in 1956, but as the only resort within the boundaries of Virgin Islands National Park,Caneel Bay is on our Caribbean bucket list because in just one resort that is 170 acres there are seven white sand beaches for guests to enjoy. Whether you do so by sunfish sailboat, kayak, standup paddle-board Hobie cat or simply some fins and a mask, there is no need to go anywhere else for adventurous yet relaxing fun in paradise. Of course it also has four on-site restaurants, so you will not go hungry either. Because of the ecotourism focus, there are no televisions or telephones in the rooms, making it the sort of destination where you can really unplug and get away from the stress of daily life.

T

he Caribbean is a vast collection of countries, islands and reefs; warm almost year-round it is a paradise for those who enjoy boating, diving, snorkeling and all manner of outdoor activities as well as those who are simply in need of a place to relax. Drawing tourists from around the world, Caribbean islands are often found on “bucket lists” made by eager travelers We’ve picked our top experiences that should find prominent placement on your list!

ROSE ISLAND, BAHAMAS

Hire a guide with a boat in Nassau, preferably High Seas, to take you to Rose Island and despite the rather short ride from resorts such as Atlantis – when you are deposited on the glaringly white sand beach of Rose Island, Bahamas– you will feel like you have landed in another country. The privacy and simple beauty of this small island make it the kind of place we dream about when we think of getting lost for the purposes of relaxation. The water hits the beach in shades of turquoise and blue, clear as glass to a depth that covers your head.

Swim away from your boat and the shore, with a cold beer in hand, float on the gentle current, let the sun warm your face and feel more at peace than anywhere else in the Caribbean.

ANI VILLAS, ANGUILLA

Frequently awarded “Best Luxury Villa” by trial sites, these 10,000 square foot villas on top of a cliff in alreadyexclusive Anguilla are the amongst the most luxurious of hideaways in the Caribbean. Each villa is an all-inclusive experience, fully staffed with an entire team that is dedicated to satisfying your every whim. Maids, a butler, a chef and even spa personnel are at your disposal as are bikes, kayaks and a luxury car.

Balconies enlarge the living space of every bedroom and the villas share a gym, tennis court and expansive lounge decks for private sunbathing away from more crowded beaches. Architect Lee Skolnick and designer Bonnie Bloom combined their talents to create one of the most spectacular private vacation experiences on the planet but to take it one step further managers are available to craft a bespoke itinerary that will make your stay at Ani Villas truly unforgettable. If that’s not top of the bucket list material, we don’t know what is!

JADE MOUNTAIN, ST. LUCIA

Kids under 15 are not allowed at this resort with sweeping views of St. Lucia’s UNESCO-protected twin Pitons where every sanctuary (as the boutique suites are known) comes with a personal concierge. Private infinity pools anchor an open-air layout that is designed to frame the stunning views, rather than detract, and bathrooms feature whirlpool tubs. “Jade Cuisine” created by James Beard award winning Chef Allen Susser, can be enjoyed poolside or in-room.

Kai en Ciel Spa offers a hot stone massage and guests of Jade Mountain also have full access to the 600-acre Anse Chastanet estate plus two white sand beaches and an abundance of coral life for snorkeling This tops our bucket list for views and amenities as well as the guarantee of a romantic, adults-only experience.

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HOLA

HAVANA Visiting Cuba’s sultry Spanish Colonial capital is like stepping back in time – to all extents and purposes – its still living around 50 years in the past. But it’s changing fast: behind the crumbling colonial façades, boutique hotels, cocktail bars and modern cars are sneaking in. It hasn’t compromised this magical city yet but your last chance to step back in time won’t last forever.

By our man in Havana Martin Mason.

AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION THERE ARE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE FOR VISITING THIS DESTINATION. PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES AT WWW.GOV.UK/FOREIGN-TRAVEL-ADVICE

Havana: Street musicians are everywhere

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HOLA HAVANA Havana: The impressive National Capitol Building

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HOLA HAVANA ne of the things that makes Cuba a unique travel destination is that it feels like a piece of remote paradise that hasn’t been affected by time, in the best way possible. Vintage cars are omnipresent, and you would be hard-pressed to find a single familiar franchise.

The mishmash of eclectic and colourful architecture—borrowing from Colonial, Neo-Classical, and Art Deco periods—make it one of the most visually stunning cities you’ll ever experience, and the domestic history, unknown to so many, is one that begs to be told to visitors. Not least adding to the charm of this city are the people and the live music that take over every and any empty corner of space.

The city itself is a sight enough – colourful houses, bustling characters and Spanish colonial architecture – but if you want to delve even deeper, take a trip to the old town in one of the authentic 1950s cars. It might sounds cheesy, but it’s really not.

There is nothing like the feeling of riding in a vintage Chevy with the top down to make you feel like a star from a 1940s movie. Get a tour with an English-speaking guide so you can really get to know Havana and its history and ask any questions that you may have. Yes its a tourist cliché, but the very best kind. Its thrilling, fun and totally unique to Havana.

Havana: The Plaza de la Revolution

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HOLA HAVANA Havana: Old Havana’s eclectic and colourful architecture

Art & Culture You will quickly understand why writer Ernest Hemingway, whose traces are felt all over Havana, fell in love with the country and its people. Nowhere reflects this better than El Floridita, a bar and restaurant that became world-known thanks to Hemingway, who was a regular customer. The writer has ended up being the main attraction for tourists from all over the world, who visit “the cradle of daiquiri” and take their pictures by the bronze bust. We ordered three rounds of the signature cocktail and wasn’t disappointed.

Best things to see: National Capitol Building: Standing tall in the heart of Old Havana is this impressive building, which was initially the seat of government in Cuba until after the Cuban Revolution. It’s currently undergoing renovations, but it’s definitely worth taking in - plus the surrounding areas are packed with vintage cars and salsa bars if you want to soak up local culture.

Revolution Square: The Plaza de la Revolution draws in crowds of tourists thanks to its impressive landmarks such as the José Martí Memorial, not to mention the towering buildings with immense tributes to historical figures from Fidel Castro to Che Guevara.

The Malecon: Between the ocean and Havana sits this impressive seawall, which runs from one end of the city to the other. Havana’s waterfront is one of the most scenic places in the city. We walked it during daylight to absorb all the colourful and character-filled buildings that flank it on the city side.

Take a stroll through Old Havana: Colourful buildings, spontaneous live music performances, cigar shops and hidden eating spots are just some of the attractions on offer in this bustling district. By day it’s a sightseeing hotspot - by night, the bars come alive with salsa dancing and cocktails.

Travel tips: When to go: Expect year-round sun with average temperatures of 25C. Watch out for humidity. Peak season is from December to March and July/August when hotel costs are at their highest.

Cash is king: Don’t rely on ATMs or credit cards. You can’t change money before you go so take untorn, unmarked euros or pounds, not US dollars. Most hotels give fair rates and it’s easier than queuing up at the banks. Cuba has a two-currency system – Cuban pesos for locals and the CUC for tourists.

Top tip: Tipping is the norm for anyone from porters to waiters so keep small notes handy. And get some small coins for loo attendants. Spare loo roll might also come in handy for a variety of reasons.

Visa: All visitors need a £15 Tourist Card (a form of visa) which is available from your tour operator or the Cuban Consulate, 167 High Holborn, London WC1V 6PA. My own journey to obtain the appropriate journalist visa was an eventful as the 4-fabulous days we spent in Havana.

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HOLA HAVANA

Where to stay We stayed at The Iberostar Parque Central located in a perfect spot opposite Havana’s famous Parque Central. Dressed in Spanish colonial style decor painted in warm bright colours, there’s plenty of lush greenery, floral arrangements to add colour.

The space comprises the reception and lobby which has a sweeping staircase that leads to the mezzanine floor where the walls are covered in gorgeous artworks. It is all lit up with lashings of daylight that make its way in through the glass dome of the atrium.

There’s a wonderful bustle of people coming in and out, guests sipping a tipple by the long bar and tourists lounging around on the sofas with all day food. There’s an air of old school decorum that’s made all the more calm by the all-day live bands who mete out easy-listening Cuban music from their corner of the lobby.

The roof top pool has sensational views over the city and has several Jacuzzi’s positioned at the edges especially so you enjoy the panorama. Live music was constantly playing and the cocktails are served thick and fast.

The buffet breakfast is a huge spread with various pastries, and of course cooked breakfast. But the star of the show is the room itself with its gorgeous mural, impressive pillars and elegant decor. There are three speciality restaurants that offer lunch and dinner: Mirabana serving authentic Cuban dishes with a modern twist, Mediterraneo buffet restaurant and El Paseo Steak House, a meat, fish and seafood grill. We enjoyed a sample menu at the latter that was simply delicious and accompanied by a great wine choice from our waiter.

What you may have heard about the Internet in Cuba is true.

Cuba is probably one of the few countries in the world that does not have free internet access anywhere in the country.

However, accessing the wi-fi at the Iberostar Parque Central was straight forward and connection speeds were fine. We easily got online in the lobby and bedrooms and access codes were provided upon check in.

We were also lucky enough to visit the Iberostar Grand Packard which is situated on the Paseo de Prado, the street that divides central Havana and the city’s old town. Inspired by the 1950s cars that trundle past, the Packard is ultra stylish, with iconic signage and sparking crystal chandeliers. The pièce de résistance is a two-storey terrace with a 276m-long infinity pool two-thirds up the facade. It looks amazing.

How to get there: The easiest route from the UK to Cuba is with Virgin Atlantic, who offer direct flights from London Gatwick straight to Havana, with a flight time of approximately 9 hours and 40 minutes. www.virginatlantic.com

The Packard has four restaurants and two bars . We dined on the hotel terrace and enjoyed great food and service.

Book Iberostar accommodation at: www.iberostar.com

The exceptional panoramic views of the Morro Castel and the boardwalk made the evening a real highlight of our stay in Havana.

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VIVA

VARADERO Varadero, located on the sinuous 20km-long Hicacos Peninsula, stands at the vanguard of Cuba’s most important industry – tourism. its beach is an uninterrupted 20km stretch of blond sand that is undoubtedly one of the Caribbean’s best. Martin Mason visited one of its finest resorts.

AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION THERE ARE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE FOR VISITING THIS DESTINATION. PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES AT WWW.GOV.UK/FOREIGN-TRAVEL-ADVICE

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VIVA VARADERO

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ROYALTON HICACOS VARADERO, CUBA ur journey to discover the charismatic country of Cuba had naturally taken us to the capital Havana, where we enjoyed a week walking through streets bustling with activity and immersing ourselves in local culture. Now it was time for something different!

Discussions with the Cuba tourist board in London suggested spending time in one of the country’s main beach resorts. So, we put adventure to one side, packed up our panama hats and headed 140km east of Havana to Varadero, the country’s tourist mecca.

After the excitement and energy of the capital, ten days kicking back and sitting on the beach sounded ideal.

Located on the gorgeous Varadero Peninsula on the northern coast of Cuba, is the all-inclusive adults only Royalton Hicacos Resort & Spa. It has a particularly idyllic seafront location with a pristine soft-sand beach. Indeed, this is a beautiful undisturbed wide-brimmed ribbon of bright beige sand that curves into the distance. It is sandwiched between a lush green backdrop and the lapping of sparkling turquoise waters and dotted with thatched parasols that throw shade over cushioned sun beds.

The warm Caribbean climate offers sunshine throughout the year and getting there is a two-hour or so drive from the capital, passing some simply sensational views.

We arrived on a humid afternoon to a happy welcome, and by noon the next day we had fallen in love with the place. Our days at the resort were mostly spent watching stunning sunsets on the beach, sampling delicious food, drinking cocktails around the pool and enjoying Cuban music. It’s the perfect place to unwind and spend a week in paradise.

The lobby is spacious with water features, white-washed columns, live band music and flowers that together offer a sense of grandiose yet calm gaiety. There’s a large lobby bar too where many a pre-dinner cocktail or a just-for-the-hell of it tipple can be enjoyed. ¨

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VIVA VARADERO Stunning Suites

A range of a la carte restaurants

The resort has 404 rooms including Junior, Royal and Presidential Suites. Our junior suite was complete with living room and a large balcony. We were delighted to find a huge bath and a bed that could have slept four people. The fridge was stocked with local soft drinks and beer, and it was re-stocked daily. As a Diamond Club™ guest, we were also supplied with a range of premium spirits and wine. Moreover, the room was always cool, clean and the maids surprised us each day with wonderful towel creations. The rooms at Royalton Hicacos are located in quiet areas, most of them overlooking the resort’s lush gardens. It doesn’t feel like a hotel – more an apartment by the sea.

The resort also has five very good a la carte restaurants including the recently refurbished Armadillo, Tex-Mex Cuisine. Our favourite was the Beach Club Grill where we enjoyed fresh lobster and sea food while listening to the sound of waves and some lovely live music.

Wi-Fi connectivity at Royalton Hicacos is surprisingly good. Internet across Cuba is regulated by the government, so you need to buy internet cards which costs 1 CUC (less than £1) for an hour. You can buy as many as you like to access Wi-Fi in the lobby and many other areas of the resort. However, we found the ten-day internet detox somewhat liberating.

The staff took great care of us throughout our stay with waiters at the restaurants always happy and attentive. Our dedicated butlers Pedro and Ronald greeted us every day to make sure everything was OK and assist with restaurant and spa reservations.

Sporty types can benefit from the excellent golf service that is included in the Diamond Club™ package. This includes transport and green fees at the nearby Varadero Golf Course.

While we did spend most of our days relaxing at the resort reading and sunbathing, we also ventured out on a small adventure. The resort is located close to the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve, which is home to some interesting natural wonders, including Cueva de Ambrosio: a historic cave with ancient pictographs and hundreds of bats. Entrance fee is just 5 CUC (less than £5) and you get a guided tour.

There are three outdoor pools surrounded by tropical gardens; quiet pools for quiet moments and a large one with a swim-up bar where you can drink as many drinks and tipples as you like.

Activities are in full swing every day and anyone can join in or not. However, you won’t be disturbed with splashes as the main pool is simply huge. At night the lights shine romantically on the water and this makes for a lovely stroll.

And of course, there is the stunning, well-manicured beach which is connected to the resort. It is truly one of the finest that we have visited throughout the Caribbean. The sea has shallow waters for quite a way out and with no rocks underfoot it’s easy to enjoy. There are plenty of loungers and cabanas so you will be sure to find one. Once settled, waiters from the beach bar are continuously on hand to refresh your drinks.

The sunsets here are spectacular, so keep your camera handy as dusk creeps in.

Evening entertainment There’s a great range of land and water sports included such as sailboats, kayaks and snorkelling. A highlight of our stay was a half-day scuba diving trip to nearby Cayo Piedra. Diamond Club™ guests can enjoy this as part of their package and instructors are on hand to provide morning lessons to get you dive ready.

The Beach Club Grill

Evening entertainment is varied, colourful and lively. We especially enjoyed the acoustic acts who performed in the Jazz Bar each evening. There’s also a spacious disco for late night revellers to dance the night away, and a laid-back cigar bar.

The Spa and Beauty Salon are extensive and elegant both visually and aromatically. It comes with a varied menu of treatments including facials and massages. The relaxing couple’s massage that we received was another highlight of our stay. There are also a few well stocked shops in the resort, including a pharmacy and a souvenir outlet, so you don’t need to go into town to buy things like gifts or beachwear.

It’s impossible to go hungry or thirsty at Royalton Hicacos.

Waiters are always on the lookout for people to serve in all the six bars and various restaurants. Cuba is not known for being at the top of the gourmet ladder but the food here is delicious.

The buffet offers various cooking stations with meals, including seafood, lobster, various meats which are freshly prepared on request.

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VIVA VARADERO

INTERVIEW AMAZING DESTINATIONS EDITOR MARTIN MASON SAT DOWN WITH LORENZO RUBIÓ PLANELLAS, GENERAL MANAGER, ROYALTON HICACOS RESORT.

Amazing Destinations: How long have you been the General

Manager of the resort and what excited you most about the role and the property?

Lorenzo Rubio: I have been Royalton Hicacos General Manager

for 6 months. It is a big opportunity to be the person that can take decisions and make changes for our guests so that they feel at home here. Being a leader for my employees is also a big responsibility for me.

SUMMARY

AD: What are the characteristics that define your property?

LR: Adults only resort, personalized service from the beginning to

the end of the stay, butler service included for all guests, room service included, Scuba diving included for beginners and certified clients, high standards in food and beverages, recognized beach quality and qualified staff offering good service.

AD: Have you found a way to stand out in the food and beverage part of the business and, for Royalton, how important is it that the all-inclusive properties excel in that component?

LR: Royalton Luxury Resorts are known for offering guests a

gourmet cuisine from around the world and an unique dining experience. We have 6 a la carte restaurants with different themes including Mexican, Italian, Seafood, Caribbean and International food and 1 buffet restaurant. On the one hand, it is important to keep standards high, in line with the brand and our client’s expectations.

On the other, we have selected a great team of chefs who try to add new details in our kitchen every day.

Royalton Hicacos: Bright and expansive reception

AD: In a competitive lifestyle segment, how much of a focus does the spa facilities at a resort like the Hicacos need to be?

LR: The Spa service in a hotel like ours is important as clients are

expecting to enjoy every single minute of their stay, and this is an important service that takes up their time. We have a personalized and private spa with everything necessary for our guests to enjoy including the best masseur’s team. We also offer the steam bath and sauna for all the hotel clients.

“

AD: In a connected world hotel guests will always require access to the internet. Given Cuba’s unique telecoms structure, how far have you been able to take the technology to ensure this is a nonissue?

The transparency of its waters, the blue tones of the sea, its white and fine sands make for an unforgettable resort. For fun in the sun this place is perfect.

With a range of activities and entertainment there’s no excuse to get bored, yet if romance is on the agenda, there is plenty of scope for that too.

How to get there: Virgin Holidays: www.virginholidays.co.uk TUI: www.tui.co.uk Kuoni: www.kuoni.co.uk

”

Direct: www.royaltonresorts.com/royalton-hicacos Royalton Hicacos: 3 stunning swimming pools Autumn 2021 186

Special thanks: Andrea Mejia, Royalton Luxury Resorts.

Isabel. D. Jimenez, The Cuba Tourist Board (London).

LR: We are an innovative brand, and we are making a difference in

the island by having connectivity all over the resort so our guests can be connected during their stay.

AD: Where are the room rates compared to other Varadero and Caribbean destinations and where do you see those standing in the future?

LR: We are an award wining hotel management chain and our property itself has received numerous accolades. One of our differentiators is that we provide the greatest value in return.

AD: Given the continued growth in international visitors to Cuba [over 5% in 2019 year-on year], how is both Varadero and the Hicacos placed to take advantage of the ‘boom’?

LR: Taking advantage of the growth in international and national

visitors to Varadero, Royalton Hicacos is offering additions to our guest packages like high class Golf and Diving services. We have been effectively promoting our product across both European and domestic markets.

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IREVISITED BIZA There is more to this island than its vibrant clubbing scene; rugged beauty and a charming capital city are just the beginning, says Martin Mason.

This pearl of an island, rinsed in millennia of history, has many dimensions besides its reputation as the most vibrant clubbing venue in the Mediterranean. The third-largest of the Balearic isles is a fascinating mix of up-all-night hedonists in the west, rugged beauty and isolation in the north, a string of attractive resorts in the east and a splendid capital in the south – although each of these disparate flanks is decorated with stretches of sand perfect for lazy, sun-soaked days. And the interior is different again, awash with pastoral prettiness, all olive groves and swaying cornfields. Records suggest Ibiza was first settled by Phoenician seafarers as long ago as the seventh century BC – and it has been deeply coveted since: by the ancient Greeks who came after, coining the term pityussai in reference to the island’s dense pine coverage; by invading Carthaginians, Romans and North African Moors; by Spain, into whose grasp Ibiza effectively fell in 1235, when James I of Aragon wrested it from Moorish control.

Today, the capital Eivissa (or Ibiza Town, to use the name more recognised than the official Catalan version) clings to the crag that, in medieval times, made it a citadel of real strength. It is a defiantly Spanish entity, and fabulously cosmopolitan with it. The lively resorts of Platja d’en Bossa and Platja de Ses Salines are close by, their beaches festooned with bars that waft chill-out mixes into the breeze.

Ibiza Town’s sublime charms are counterbalanced by the clubs strewn around the resort of Sant Antoni (San Antonio). It sits above a crescent bay where the never-to-bed can doze away the daylight – though the west coast’s finest beach may well be the quieter Cala d’Hort, near the village of Es Cubells. More visitors base themselves in the east, in whitewashed towns of rich character, such as Santa Eularia – which plays host to twin beaches, separated by a rocky bluff, and dotted with cafés and ice-creameries.

The north provides dramatic land and seascapes, such as the plunging, sheer-sided form of Na Xamena Bay, and lovely coves at Benirras and Portinatx.

AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION THERE ARE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE FOR VISITING THIS DESTINATION. PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES AT WWW.GOV.UK/FOREIGN-TRAVEL-ADVICE

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IBIZA REVISITED

CAPITAL CLASS

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS

Though they mainly date to the 16th century, the fortifications of the capital’s Dalt Vila (Upper Town) hint at their Phoenician and Arab past. Indeed, even in summer, when its alleys are madly busy, there is a palpable sense of history to the quarter that has been recognised with Unesco World Heritage status.

Often overlooked, Ibiza’s sibling isle Formentera lingers two miles south of its big brother.

Largely flat, this 32-square-mile outcrop is easily explored by bike, and projects a calmer Balearic vibe beyond the peak months of July and August.

Formentera markets itself as “the last paradise in the Mediterranean”, a reasonable point as, while the other inhabited Balearic islands (Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza) all have airports, Formentera does not. Plenty of people use their yachts to get here, but having your own boat is not essential. Ferries set sail from the Estacion Maritima (on Avenida Andanes) in Ibiza Town, docking at La Savina on the north coast of Formentera. The journey takes between 25 and 35 minutes depending on the operator, but there is otherwise not much to choose between Balearia, Trasmapi and Mediterranea Pitiusa, whose competition along the route ensures regular departures.

Santa Maria d’Eivissa, at the summit of the hill, is a sandstone block, as much defensive bastion as cathedral – though you cross the threshold into a respectful hush and a whiff of incense. On the slope below, culture abounds: in the Museu Arqueològic, which takes the Ibizan story back to the first settlers; in the Madina Yabisa, which investigates the Moorish era; and at the Museu Puget, which celebrates two local artists, father and son, who crafted watercolour images of their home island.

Further down, the Ibiza of yore gradually bleeds into the modern town – though there is pleasing Hispanic ambience to the likes of Carrer de Sa Carrossa and Placa de la Vila, where small restaurants and shops come in clusters. El Mercado Viejo, on Placa de la Constitución, sees fruit and vegetables sold in a joyfully antiquated manner. And Placa de Parc seems to be on permanent siesta.

The island has a network of paths, based on ancient tracks, and now adapted for bikes and hikes. These 20 “green circuits” allow you maximum opportunity to see Formentera with minimum impact. Most visitors come for the beaches (such as Platja Llevant in the north, Platja Migjorn in the south) – which are frequently less packed than their counterparts on Ibiza. But there is also a noteworthy elegance to Formentera’s villages – La Savina, Sant Francesc and Sant Ferran in the centre, the tiny El Pilar de la Mola at its south-eastern tip.

In this context, Ibiza Town is a fine place to stay. Hotel Mirador, is the flagship, a stately five-star with just 13 rooms. Doubles from €290 per night (not including breakfast). Similarly luxurious, but more contemporary in style, the Ibiza Gran Hotel, at Passeig Joan Carles I has double rooms from €270 a night, including breakfast.

At the other end of the price bracket, the three-star Hotel Cenit, on Carrer Arxiduc Lluis Salvador, does doubles from €52, with breakfast.

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GOURMET GRUB

IN THE CLUB

Drop a pin on a map of Ibiza, and it will land somewhere near a commendable culinary concern. Almost every village comes equipped with a restaurant that mixes the traditional and the new with aplomb.

Sant Agusti, in the west near Sant Antoni, is scarcely a hamlet, yet still offers Can Berri Vell – a farmstead eatery that does slow-cooked suckling pig for €17.50. Sant Llorenç has the family-run La Paloma, where a heavy Brazilian moqueca (fish stew) costs €21.

Sant Antoni is the key pilgrimage point for those seeking after-dark adventure on Ibiza.

Though surprisingly small in scale, the town is the site of two of the island’s most famous clubs: Eden, on Carrer Salvador Espriu, and Es Paradis, which lies directly opposite on the same road.

However, there is more to this west-coast enclave than post-midnight mayhem. Its main promenade is home to two pre-club institutions – Café Del Mar and Café Mambo – where crowds congregate at the end of the day to watch the sun set over moderately pricey cocktails and a merry burble of conversation.

Sant Carles has an institution in Bar Anita, unpromising of name but hearty of atmosphere and gazpacho (€7). And at Santa Gertrudis, at the dead centre of the island, several cafés, ideal for coffee and tapas, are strung around the Placa de la Iglesia.

Ibiza Town has numerous options, but La Brasa is special, its outdoor tables caught beneath thick branches.

Less dancefloor-focused music blasts out on Carrer de la Estrella, where, as well as offering swish accommodation, the Ibiza Rocks Hotel hosts major bands in its courtyard. Gigs take place on Wednesday evenings over 17 weeks each summer, with previous participants including Arctic Monkeys, Florence and the Machine, Vampire Weekend and Kasabian.

Sa Punta, meanwhile, might be an emblem of Ibiza as a whole. A restaurant on Talamanca Bay, loosely affiliated with Pacha, it basks in an understated trendiness, but does not neglect the food – basslines rolling discreetly as you eat wild roasted seabass (€28) while gazing out across to the yachts that are bobbing at the marina.

Elsewhere on the isle, the south coast also has two sizeable clubs: Pacha, on Avenida Ocho de Agosto in Ibiza Town, and Space, at Platja d’en Bossa.

Amnesia, meanwhile, is something of an anomaly – a concrete barn just off Carrer d’Eivissa-Sant Antoni (the “motorway” that links Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni) near Sant Rafael.

Although Amnesia is forgettably unimpressive from the outside, it opens up into a handsaloft arena that holds 5,000. While the precise opening and closing dates vary from venue to venue, the clubbing season generally begins in the first flush of June, and shuts down at the end of September.

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IBIZA REVISITED

DESIGNS ON THE INTERIOR While the Ibizan shore is alive with sun-seekers, the interior might be another world – a rural realm that deals in small farms, the hum of tractors and the occasional vineyard.

It is worth an afternoon or three, on either two wheels or two feet, especially as would-be wanderers are given plenty of assistance. In the last three years, an army of signposts has appeared along lanes and at junctions, marking some 30 cycling and hiking trails that have been created to showcase the best of the island’s scenery.

Of the 30, Route 19, a mountain-biking trail with mildly tricky sections, is arguably the pick, chiefly because it spears through pine forests to the dramatic lip of Na Xamena Bay. Bikes can be hired from Ibiza Sport in Sant Antoni for €16 per day.

Trawling the back roads in this fashion allows you to get under the island’s skin – Route 19 also scythes through the villages of Sant Miquel and Sant Llorenç. These outposts are sometimes so sleepy as to be catatonic, but can also spring surprises. Puig de Missa, a hillock tucked behind Santa Eularia, pictured above, is a mini version of Ibiza Town in its sharp gradient, 14th-century church and long-distance views. It also has the Museo Barrau, a museum dedicated to the early 20th-century artist Laurea Barrau, who lived here.

Elsewhere, the Las Dalias Hippy Market, near Sant Carles, is an unconvincing ghost of the Bohemian swirl that engulfed Ibiza in the Sixties – but there are bargains to be bought amid the tie-dye, trinkets and hand-made jewellery.

For those who like to wake up to the swish of leaves rather than the whoosh of waves, the interior also proffers a hotel or two. Can Lluc, slotted into a vineyard near Sant Rafael, is delightfully rustic – double rooms from €180 a night, with breakfast. Can Curreu, just outside Sant Carles, plays a similar card, but ups the ante with a spa – from €220 per night, with breakfast.

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CITY GUIDE

ROME IN 72 HOURS

AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION THERE ARE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE FOR VISITING THIS DESTINATION. PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES AT WWW.GOV.UK/FOREIGN-TRAVEL-ADVICE

If you had to narrow Rome’s many fetching attributes down to one single selling point, it would have to be how effortlessly the ancient past and the electric present merge everywhere: in its cuisine, its culture, and its hospitality. Because the city is compact and dense, three days is actually an ideal stay. Work your way from the once-hardscrabble, now thoroughly gentrified streets of Trastevere across the Tiber and through the gorgeous jumble of the Campo Marzio, then venture out to a less-explored suburb – on foot, or astride a vintage Vespa with a guide.

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DAY ONE:

CITY GUIDE ROME

STAY: DONNA CAMILLA SAVELLI We’re not sure it gets better than sleeping in a Borrominidesigned former convent in Trastevere. Minimalists might want to check in elsewhere, but if early Baroque splendor – heavy walnut furniture, dark coffered ceilings, polished terracotta floors – is your thing, book one of its 78 rooms, some with views up to the Villa Aurelia. In the morning, you can enjoy your coffee in the hushed courtyard, planted with herbs and rosebushes.

EAT: GELATERIA DEL TEATRO Hidden among the antiques and furniture dealers on a tiny side street off the Via dei Coronari, Gelateria Del Teatro is of very modest dimensions for a place that packs such a delicious punch: the owner used to be a pastry chef, and favors pistachios and walnuts from Sicily, lemons from Amalfi, and creative deployment of unexpected ingredients (sage; thyme; wine grapes).

PLAY: GALLERIA DORIA PAMPHILJ The Galleria Doria Pamphilj is a near-overdose art high: packed densely with 17th-century Flemish, Italian, English and Spanish masters (Velazquez’s famous portrait of Innocent X – yes, he was a Doria-Pamphilij – hangs here), it also gives you a window into how the palazzo’d half lives: the private apartments, in which the family still resides, are open to the public on certain days of the week.

No other monument in Rome marries the ancient with the contemporary as aptly, and beautifully, as does the Ara Pacis.

The altar to peace, built by Caesar Augustus in 13 BC, has since 2006 AD been encased – or showcased, really – in a masterpiece of steel, glass, and marble designed by Richard Meier. It hosts rotating photography and painting exhibitions as well.

EAT: ARMANDO AL PANTHEON Armando al Pantheon, a stone’s throw from the monument of the same name, recently had a makeover, bringing its more than 50-year-old interiors up to speed with the 21st century. Their new sleekness might have rankled a few oldtimers, but the Roman standards the Gargioli family turns out (think artichokes, chicory, oxtail and suckling pig, in various delectable permutations) still impress with their consistent excellence.

DRINK: NO.AU Even in Rome, sometimes a late-night beer – especially if it’s a craft brew from Baladin founder and Eataly superstar Teo Musso – can hit the spot. At No.Au, hidden away behind the Piazza Navona, they also specialize in potato chips: hand-cut and fried on site, salty and transportingly delicious. (There are great small-production wines by the glass, and a few other snacks on the menu, too. But those chips; we’re telling you.

Heaven.)

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CITY GUIDE ROME

DAY TWO: STAY: DOM It’s the unbeatable location that sold us on DOM. The dark, velvet-lined bar and narrow restaurant might not be to all tastes, but the rooms are sumptuous and light-filled – studies in opulent silks and linens, brass and stone – and the roof terrace affords quite a horizon: the rosy dome of Vatican, the Juniculum, and the myriad terraces of the centro storico.

EAT: PORTO FLUVIALE Flush at the border of buzzy Testaccio and up-and-coming Ostiense is Porto Fluviale, a multi-venue tribute to *la gastronomia romana.*You can drink a good negroni in the bar, compare the virtues of Neopolitan (doughy crust) and Roman (thin crust) pizzas in the dual-oven pizzeria, or get versed in how Romans do nose-to-tail at the charcuterie counter.

Should your carnivore pangs still not be met, head for Monte Testaccio, and Flavio al Velavevodetto, which is literally built into the side of the famous ‘mountain’ (actually a hill of ancient Roman detritus). The rigatoni alla gricia– cacio cheese, guanciale, and tons of black pepper – is bar-setting; the polpettehave achieved near-legendary status; and the abbacchio(roast lamb) with potatoes and broccoli is enormous one portion feeds two.

PLAY: MAXXI MUSEUM Whether or not you’re a Zaha Hadid fan, MAXXI is the face of 21st century Rome (or at least one of them). The building’s an opinion divider, but the exhibitions earn universal praise: the work of William Kentridge, Francesco Vezzoli, Antonio Citterio, and dozens of others cycle through the exhibition spaces each year. The courtyard and outdoor café are a great place for little ones to run off excess energy or bask in the sun.

DRINK: BARNUM CAFE By day, Barnum Café, around the corner from the Palazzo Farnese, is a coffee bar; after dark, however, it morphs into one of the only places in this city to serve truly good cocktails: these bartenders know their London drys, their single malts, and just about everything else—but the vibe is 100% Roman.

If wine is your thing, go old-school: two of the most atmospheric enotechein Rome are a five-minute walk from each other. Il Goccetto and Angolo Divino both have rustic interiors, walls lined with top bottles, both big-name and obscure, and glass counters filled with small nibbles – tramezzini, nice breads, olives and, at Il Goccetto, a killer cheese plate.

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CITY GUIDE ROME

DAY THREE: STAY: LUXURY ART HOTEL The First Luxury Art Hotel may jar a bit on first look – the entrance features some loud artwork and a piece or two of eyebrow-raising furniture – but the artfullyconceived rooms, their tone neutral and calming in contrast to the shouty public spaces, and great-value prices (for such a central location and such genial service) make up for it, as does the roof bar, which morphs into one of the city’s top sushi restaurants in summertime.

EAT: SANT’EUTACHIO The great contention among Rome aficonadoes: where’s the best coffee? Purists favor Caffe Sant’Eutachio, which is all-coffee-all-the-time: drink your faultless macchiato, buy your beans, read about the roasting, even – and admire the façade of the church of the same name while you sip.

Those of a more social bent, though, can be found at Caffe della Pace, deep in the rioneof Parione, which by day is a conventional café, but by night doubles as a bar, lounge, and ground zero for flaneurs of all stripes. (The coffee, for the record, is excellent.)

PLAY: PALAZZO COLONNA Until recently, you had to be a VIP to access the private galleries of the Palazzo Colonna, one of the grandest private homes in the city (Colonnas have lived here for 450 years; they’ve been Roman aristocracy for 800). It’s now open to the public, and stuffed with an artistic patrimony that anywhere else would earn it its own museum wing: Caracci, Bronzino, Tintoretto, and Veronese are just a few of the all-stars whose work graces the ornate spaces. Have your hotel concierge book ahead for a private tour on Saturday.

You know you want to tool around the Eternal City on a vintage Vespa like Gregory Peck did in Roman Holiday (you know your teenager does). The folks at Scooteroma Tours know too. You can simply explore the centro storicowith a guide, or you can theme a four-hour excursion: taste pastries in Trastevere or cheese in the ghetto, for instance, or follow the trail of the film *La Grande Bellezza.*They also do Fiat 500, “ape” (a three-wheeled truck like a tuk-tuk) and bicycle tours.

DRINK: STRAVINSKIJ BAR Some clichés pack a legitimate punch: on a mild Thursday or Friday evening in spring or early summer, the Stravinskij Bar at the Hotel de Russie is one of them.

Sure, the drinks are fine, but that’s not what you come for: you come for the lush, terraced garden and the social networking playing out among the Roman glitterati (level of difficulty: Olympic, though of course, these being Romans, it looks effortless).

EAT: MARZAPANE Venture out to the slightly snoozy, northwest-of-central Pinciano district to have a long lunch at Marzapane: the tasting menus – one of meat, one of fish – draw the likes of former mayor Walter Veltroni, who’s a regular, as well as the city’s top food critics, who all rave about its elevated versions of maialino and carbonara.

The majestic Galleria Colonna houses masterpieces of absolute excellence painted by leading Italian artists.

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BED & BREAKFAST IN

BUDAPEST

If you are looking for lodging facilities, why not choose a bed and breakfast Budapest accommodation, which promises you great comfort and peace for an unbelievable price?

There are many great family run B&B in Budapest where you can expect to get high level of comfort, intimacy, relaxation and charm. Check some of the best hotels in Budapest in the bed and breakfast category and pick the one depending on your requirements and budget.

AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION THERE ARE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE FOR VISITING THIS DESTINATION. PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES AT WWW.GOV.UK/FOREIGN-TRAVEL-ADVICE

Written By Martin Mason Photography: Julie Paice, Flavio Liotto Autumn 2021 204

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BED & BREAKFAST IN BUDAPEST

B&B Butterfly Home Bed and Breakfast Budapest This B&B in Budapest is certainly the best choice for everybody who comes here for business, pleasure or just to relax. Located in the heart of the city at a distance of only 200 meters from the famous Vaci Street, the B&B is well-equipped with all the facilities you can expect within the comforts of your home.

The amenities include Wi-Fi connection, computer, flat screen TV and coach, refrigerator with water and snacks, bathroom with big showers to name a few. Don’t be surprised to be welcomed by professional and courteous B&B owners to the contemporary and elegant environment of this accommodation facility.

Lying within an easy reach from the tram and metro facility, the Budapest B&B is located within a walking distance from Hungarian National Museum. You can also visit the city centre or Gellert Baths from here with ease.

If you want to spend a perfect evening, take a walk along the banks of the Danube in the evening followed by shopping and dinner in the nearby trendy restaurants and bars in the neighbourhood, where you can enjoy delectable Hungarian cuisines and alcoholic beverages.

As per the customers’ reviews, there cannot be any accommodation better than Butterfly Bed & Breakfast in Budapest. Right from the staff to the owner, from the rooms to food, everything is very good here.

“

”

Right from the staff to the owner, from the rooms to food, everything is very good here.

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BED & BREAKFAST IN BUDAPEST Kapital Inn Bed and Breakfast Budapest

Trendy Bed and Breakfast Budapest

Located in the 6th district of Budapest in an elegant 19th century building on its penthouse floor, this Budapest B&B is a great place to stay in. Explore the best historical, cultural and artistic sights of the city while enjoying the comfort of the bed and breakfast lodging facility.

This is a very modern and comfortable Bed and Breakfast alternative located on Oktober 6. Street. The place is in a perfect location where you can walk to the bus stops and train station, attraction places such as Budapest Basilica, Váci Utca, the Liberty square, Andrassy Avenue, the Opera house, the Great synagogue, the Chain Bridge and different kind of restaurants in short distances. Trendy Bed and Breakfast is an apartment located in an old but well kept traditional building of Budapest.

Its rooms are spacious, clean, well equipped and comfortable. The rooms are decorated in modern style: zebra room, honeymoon suite, family room and flowers room to choose from.

The main attraction of this B&B is a 600 square feet terrace where breakfast is served in a cosy atmosphere. It has got nice interior exuding sophistication and modernity. You can expect to receive 24/7 on site service during your stay here. You can choose between deluxe and standard rooms here.

Room amenities include central air conditioning, “Rain Dance” shower for 2 people, complimentary mini bar, flat screen TV with 75 channels, laptop with free high speed Wi-Fi, DVD player with DVD library, alarm clock, hairdryer, books to read, complimentary laundry service and house safe for valuables.

There is fast Wi-Fi Internet connection and breakfasts contain all you need to start your day with energy.

The only fact that could be considered a disadvantage for some travellers is that most rooms have no private bathroom.

A clean bathroom, a restroom, the living room and the dining room are shared areas with other guests.

There is no elevator in the B&B, which could be an irritant for some guests.

Other than this everything is so good about this place that you would like to stay here every time you come to Budapest.

B & B Bellevue Budapest

Brody House Bed and Breakfast Budapest

This is a comfy B&B in Budapest, located in the World Heritage Area, offering a panoramic view of the Danube, the Fishermen’s Bastion to the east and the Parliament to the west. You can easily access Downtown by metro or bus from the hotel.

This Budapest B&B offers different apartments, hotel rooms and houses modelled and furnished in the style of Brody House. You would surely enjoy your stay here, irrespective of the reason of your visit to Budapest.

Trendy Budapest is a convenient choice for those who are looking for comfort at affordable price.

The amenities in rooms include air conditioning, ceiling or table fans, secured & free Wi-Fi, alarm clock, radio, mini fridge, hairdryer, TV and cable, private bathroom, sitting area and desk. Other regular services and amenities are also available on site. It is a pet friendly B & B.

Brody house is a unique place, mixture of a secessionist style building and a modern looking interior design, elegantly done by local artists. Every room is singularly decorated with style and unusual and marvellous finishing touches. The staff are very friendly, attentive and offer a lot of useful information on what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening.

The lodging facility lies in the residential area of the Castle District, in proximity to Víziváros a central area of Buda where you find everything you need at hand. From here you can explore walking the Royal Castle, art galleries, concert venues, fine dining, live music places, churches for religious services, Turkish baths and the great Danube promenade on the Buda side during your stay here.

There are often cultural nights and live music events at the bar club of the hotel.

Brody house promotes international and local artists by showcasing their work across their venues, and all the exhibit works are available for sale. So, if you are looking for a comfortable, cosy and out of the ordinary place to stay, Brody house might be what you are looking for.

This B&B in Budapest offers you all facilities that make it a favourable option to stay. The owners of BB Bellevue strive to make each of their guests feel home, not only with their advice on what to do or where to go but also with their friendly and accommodating personality.

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GOLDEN Age AGE Golden OF TRAVEL

of Travel Take an excursion into a world of pure indulgence this Autumn

W

GOLDEN AGE OF TRAVEL

hen you climb aboard the British Pullman train as it rests by the platform in London Victoria, you take a step back into time to the era of steam engines, comfort and elegance. The train is the sister to the Venice SimplonOrient-Express - the mere mention of the name conjures up images of the 1930s, resounding film music and Agatha Christie’s famous detective, Hercule Poirot.

Everything about the train is what you would expect: superb accommodation, and space to sit and enjoy one of the best rail journeys you can enjoy in Britain. The “Golden Age of Travel” is a circular rail trip through Kent beginning and ending at Victoria. The journey gives you time to relax and enjoy the delicious five-course meal served at your table by the same smart stewards who greeted you on their platform and showed you to your soft and well-upholstered armchair seat at linen-clothed tables softly lit by silk lamps.

The food was delicious. It was well-prepared, beautifully served and difficult to believe that the chefs had managed to be so successful in the compartment kitchens you can check as you are encouraged to walk through the train and enjoy the full Pullman experience.

As the train slowed to a halt for a leg-stretch in Whitstable a jazz band played on the platform and passengers were invited to taste the town’s famous oysters and wash them down with chilled champagne. In these days of austerity it is fantastic to lose yourself in a day of indulgence for a train journey that is all too soon over but like the food is a delightful lingering memory.

We combined our train journey with an overnight stay at St. Ermins Hotel in Victoria, a boutique four-star deluxe hotel nestled at the end of a tree-lined courtyard in the heart of Westminster. The hotels interiors are an attractive blend of period styles including white Victorian balustrades and Art Deco furniture and patterns.

Sophisticated rooms also show Art Deco influences, with marble bathrooms and p-to-date technology, including flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. With an upscale restaurant and bar, St. Ermins offers high quality at good value for money in a convent London location.

British Pullman lunch The Golden Age of Travel British Pullman Lunch for two costs £620.

The British Pullman lunches are available to end of November, around two dates per month and usually on a Friday.

Smart day wear is requested to be worn on board the British Pullman - no jeans, men may wish to wear a jacket and tie and passengers are encouraged to enter into the spirit of the journey by dressing up in 30s’ styles.

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