BeInspired
Above left and below: the luxurious interior of Bowood Hotel and Spa. Above: one of the gorgeous Sykes Cottages
HONEYMOON HIGHLIGHTS
has a special selection of romantic cottages just for couples. A private hot tub on the deck of a sea front villa should set the tone nicely. For a winter honeymoon, hide away in a traditional thatched roof cottage complete with oak beams and a roaring log fire - perfect for a blissful romantic escape.
ROOM SERVICE PLEASE
If fending for yourselves is just not part of your honeymoon plans, then take advantage of British hospitality and check into a luxury hotel for the duration of your honeymoon. In the West Country we are lucky enough to have some absolute gems right on our doorstep. Bowood Hotel and Spa in Wiltshire is a fine contemporary example of top hotel luxury. Set in the heart of stunning parkland, the ample facilities include a luxury spa, swimming pool, gym, rock sauna, crystal steam room and aromatherapy shower. Recently voted the UK’s 5th most romantic hotel, Charlton House near Glastonbury offers honeymooners a genuine boutique hotel experience. There is delicious food to be consumed, full spa facilities to luxuriate in and, if you feel inclined to leave, the greenery of the Somerset countryside to be explored.
The epitomy of a grand English hotel, the Mercure Cheltenham Queens Hotel is a beautiful Regency four star hotel in the centre of Cheltenham. This hotel has an effortlessly elegant air and is ideally located for a romantic stroll down the Cheltenham promenade.
CONTACTS SAWDAY’S CANOPY AND STARS T: 0117 204 7830 W: WWW.CANOPYANDSTARS.CO.UK SYKES COTTAGES T: 01244 356695 W: WWW.SYKESCOTTAGES.CO.UK BOWOOD HOTEL AND SPA CALNE, WILTSHIRE, SN11 9PQ T: 01249 822228 W: WWW.BOWOOD.ORG/BOWOOD-HOTEL CHARLTON HOUSE SHEPTON MALLET, NEAR GLASTONBURY, SOMERSET, BA4 4PR T: 0844 248 3830 W: WWW.CHARLTONHOUSE.COM MERCURE CHELTENHAM QUEEN’S HOTEL THE PROMENADE, CHELTENHAM, GL50 1NN T: 01242 307800 W: WWW.MERCURE.COM/GB/HOTEL-6632MERCURE-CHELTENHAM-QUEEN-S/INDEX. SHTM
OK, perhaps as newly-weds it’s enough just being together, but a honeymoon or mini-moon can still be enhanced with a bit of thought beyond where you will be staying. Here are West Weddings’ top five honeymoon highlights... A bicycle made for two: Cycling is a lovely and romantic way to really see the sights. If you don’t have your own bicycles, most places will have bike hire facilities. Why not try the ultimate relationship tester and try a tandem bike? Take a punt: A leisurely punt gives you a unique opportunity to watch the world drift by together. A sunset meal: We promised no soggy fish and chips but a romantic sunset meal at one of the top fish restaurants that Britain plays host to is about as far as you can get from a trip to the local chippy. A massage in a bottle: It may sound a bit cheesy but how often do you get to truly relax together as a couple? Most spas will offer couple packages and really the sheer indulgence of some pampering together is a honeymoon must. Bubbles of happiness: Those who drink together stay together, or something along those lines anyway. For a frivolous and flirty evening out, book yourselves onto a Champagne tasting course and celebrate in style.
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