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Showing posts with the label Places to stay

Peace and quiet in Anacapri

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Capri is quite simply a stunning island, and comes high up on my list of recommendations if you haven't been before. I had visited on day trips in the past, but on my last visit to Italy I decided to stay for a few days. There is nothing better than enjoying the island when all the day trippers have gone home! If, as I did, you are struggling to decide which part of the island to stay on let me try to help. It is split in half by a mountain called Monte Solaro. To the East you have the lively area of Capri, to the West the quieter Anacapri. I decided on the latter because it's not only more peaceful; it's also much cheaper, and is still perfectly located for exploring the island. The first thing that I searched for was a hotel that offered a free shuttle service to and from the ferry harbour. Taxis can be a bit pricey, but a transfer takes the stress out of arriving at the harbour with all the other tourists! I booked Hotel Il Girasole - a three star hotel with sim...

Serenity in Sorrento

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Sorrento is known as the gateway to the Amalfi coast, but it's also a great place to visit even if you don't plan to travel around too much. It has a real buzz about it, and I've found a beautiful place to retreat to after a busy day exploring the sights. La Rupe Relais is a B&B with 6 rooms on the ground floor of a 16th century villa situated just five minutes walk from the old town. The building is a real landmark in Sorrento. It sits on a gorge which houses the remains of an ancient mill, and has beautiful gardens to relax in.  The rooms are furnished in an old Italian style, with antique furniture and elegant tapestries. They all have a private bathroom; mini fridge; safe; wi-fi and TV. The best thing is that even though you're in the centre of town, they're lovely and peaceful! There is also a pool in the gardens - a real relief to return here in the afternoon to cool off in the summer. As for the breakfast there are lots of choices...

A taste of luxury on a super-yacht

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If you're into extravagant holidays and want something that is totally out of this world, then I'm sure you'll be interested in the world's most luxurious new yacht. While this is definitely for special occasions, it could be the perfect honeymoon idea, or could even be chartered for a wedding. Launched in September, super-yacht Prana by Atzaro, is a stunning handbuilt boat and is the biggest of its kind in the world. At just over 55 metres in length, it has been crafted in the style of a traditional Indonesian Phinisi - a sail boat with two masts, and is build entirely of ironwood and teak, according to traditional methods. The yacht has been designed with the utmost luxury, offering guests space and comfort in nine elegant suites, each with their own private ensuite bathrooms. It has all the mod cons of a lavish five star hotel, and the 18-man crew are on hand to ensure all your needs are met. Moored in Indonesia, a voyage on Prana is a once in a lifeti...

A stunning eco cabin in Finland

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If being eco friendly is important to you, then you're going to love today's post. Built on an island right off the Finnish capital Helsinki is a beautiful little cabin that has a minimal environmental impact.  Designed by Finnish designer Robin Falck, the cabin has been built from sustainable materials, and designed for a simple lifestyle with almost no emissions. The great thing is, it also takes into account the stunning surroundings.  The cabin is only a 20 minute boat ride from the Helsinki market square, and will be there until the end of September. It's the size of a small bedroom and can be assembled and transported without heavy machinery, leaving its environment nearly untouched. The Nolla cabin has been enlisted for booking a two-night stay during September through Airbnb, offering accommodation for two. Why not book and experience something a little bit different!

Flashback Friday: Retro in Palm Springs

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If you're a sun worshipper, then you could do worse than head to Palm Springs in Southern California. It has 360 days of sun-kissed weather and stunning scenery. It is sometimes called Hollywood's playground because of its nightlife, but is also known for the hot springs; golf courses and stylish hotels. A few years ago, I featured a quirky party hotel with a real retro feel, so why not flashback to my original post, and read more about it  here !

Flashback Friday: A stunning Spanish convent

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Today I'm flashing back to one of my favourite places in Europe. La Fresnada is a little village in the heart of Spain's Matarraña region, and the best place to stay is in the stunning 17th century converted convent, El Convent.  If you want to get away from it all, then the location of this convent is just perfect - it has a pool if you do just want to chill out, but you can also hire bikes from the hotel to discover the beautiful nearby towns. I can't recommend this place highly enough, so to read my original post, and find out more about the convent - click here .

The perfect base in Rome - Hotel Abruzzi

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On my recent trip to Rome, I wanted to be right in the middle of the action. A friend who is a regular visitor to the city suggested it was more economical to stay near the sights than on the outskirts simply because I'd spend the money I'd saved on cheaper accommodation on public transport. I have found a gem that I'm going to share with you - and before I tell you where it is - how about this for a room with a view? As you may have guessed, Hotel Abruzzi is right opposite the fabulous Pantheon in the beautiful Piazza de la Rotunda. Despite the square being filled with tourists day and night, there is no problem with noise here. I'm a light sleeper, but never had a problem - the double glazing is superb! The hotel has just 26 rooms which have all been recently renovated, and are decorated with images of ancient Rome. They're well appointed and come equipped with a hairdryer; tea and coffee making facilities, and free wifi.  Breakfast is serve...

Chill out in southern Spain

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Sometimes you just want to get away from it all - and where better to do that than at a place called the "Chillout Hotel"! Their website calls it 'an oasis of peace and relaxation', and it's certainly that. It's situated just 8km from the town of Tarifa towards Cadiz, on Costa de la Luz on the southern coast of Spain. The area is known as one of the world's most popular destinations for wind sports, because of the unique wind conditions in this area.  The hotel is set in beautiful gardens, and is only a five minute walk from Casas de Porro beach. There are plenty of places you can relax and enjoy the surroundings, but my favourite is the beautiful Balinese-style terrace.  The hotel prices are very competitive for what you get, and breakfast is included in the price. While the rooms are functional they have everything you need including air conditioning. The bar and restaurant are both good value, and a top tip for you...the mojitos are i...

A night under the stars

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I've featured several places on my blog that I know I would be scared to go to, but today takes the biscuit! Before I go any further, take a look at the photo below and look closely! Yes, you may have spotted the transparent capsules which are hanging from the top of a mountain in the Sacred Valey of Peru. Skylodge Adventure Suites offer you the chance to sleep in a hanging bedroom that let's you appreciate the amazing views of this magical valley.  You've got to work for it though (and this is where my vertigo kicks in!) - you either have to climb 400 metres of Via Ferreta or hike an intrepid trail through ziplines.  There are three capsule suites with a capacity of 8 people. They have a 300 degree view of the valley and each suite comes complete with four beds; a dining area, and private bathroom. Those of you who are brave enough to spend a night here can not only soak up fabulous views, but the package includes breakfast and a gourmet dinner with ...

Flashback Friday: An airstream trailer in an unusual place!

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Airstream trailers date back to the 1930's, with the idea of building a travel trailer that would move like a stream of air, and be light enough to be towed by a car and give the owner first-class accommodation anywhere. As you can see by the photo below, they're instantly recognisable - with their distinctive shape and rounded aluminium bodies. I wrote about an airstream that you can stay in in Wales, where you can enjoy retro style in the rolling hills of West Wales. Not where you'd expect to find one, but it works....perfectly! To read my original post, and find out more, click  here.

Flashback Friday: Chilling out in Trinidad

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Before I went to Trinidad, I have to admit I didn't know much about the island apart from the fact that it has been troubled by drug and gang-related violence. My own experience of this beautiful place couldn't be more different. If you're into nature, then Trinidad is home to some of the most diverse and spectacular bird life in the Caribbean.  Not only that, but it has more than 450 bird species, 108 types of mammals, 55 reptiles, 25 amphibians and 620 types of butterflies. I read somewhere that it's South America in a Caribbean island - I couldn't have put it better myself! If you would like to see my original post on Trinidad, click  here.

A perfect night's sleep at The Red Pump Inn

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I stayed in the Red Pump Inn a few months ago, and was blown away by the setting; service, and steaks! This country inn can be found in the tiny Lancashire village of Bashall Eaves, and is described on the website as a luxury B&B and steak restaurant, but it's so much more than that. There are eight beautiful boutique rooms at the inn with antique beds; incredibly comfortable mattresses, and wonderfully powerful wet room showers. They all have tea and coffee making facilities as well - something that seems to be a rarity in B&B's these days. We soaked up the atmosphere in the bar, which is also popular with locals, before having a fabulous meal in the restaurant. They serve simple and uncomplicated, but very tasty food. The Red Pump specialise in steak, and is one of just three eateries outside London to serve beef supplied by the revered Ginger Pig of London - beef that has a wonderful flavour, and is served at some of the best restaurants in London and...

Flashback Friday: A stunning mansion in Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka is an island packed with history - it has no less than eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and has everything from stunning rainforests, to beautiful beaches. More and more people are now travelling to the country to discover what delights it has to offer, and I've found a stunning base in Galle on the South West coast from where you can explore. Click  here  to read my original post on a Mansion in Sri Lanka.

The Wild Rabbit - there is plenty of room at the inn!

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The Wild Rabbit is a beautifully renovated 18th century pub set in the heart of the English Cotswolds. Think open fires; stripped back walls, and hand crafted furniture and you probably have a pretty good picture in your mind of what this stunning place looks like.  The Wild Rabbit has a constantly changing menu, serving locally sourced, seasonal food. Now lots of places try to do this these days, but here they also include organic ingredients from their own garden! The bar not only serves different artisan beers, but also offers wine from small independent vineyards. This is not just a place to eat and drink - there are twelve beautiful bedrooms as well. Four of these have access to the garden and if you have a dog, they also have beds available for your pampered pooch!  The pub was named Pub of the Year in the 2015 edition of the 'Michelin Eating Out in Pubs' guide, which describes it as "a chocolate box delight" with "knock-out bedroom...

Lady of the manor at Herdade da Retorta

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This summer, in the middle of Portugal's Alentejo region I found a place that will steal your heart. Herdade da Retorta is a stunning early 19th century manor house on a 61 acre farm just outside the town of Serpa. As you drive up to the house, the first sight of it is quite overwhelming - it's simply stunning. The owners, Gabriella and Carlos, are wonderful people who could not have done more for us. On our arrival they gave us a tour of the house to make sure we knew our way around; then sat us down for a drink - a much welcomed cold beer! They told us the best places to eat; what local delicacies to enjoy, and where to visit in the area. After our little chat, the pool was too irresistible in the Alentejo heat - it can get VERY hot here in the summer months, and was around 38 degrees for my visit in July. On our first night, we were the only guests, therefore the only people using the pool - perfect! It is surrounded by loungers and deck chairs so we had our ...

Flashback: A stunning Scottish spa

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As a proud Scot, I love nothing more than returning to my country of birth and relishing the scenery that always blows me away. The rugged countryside is made even more dramatic by the..how shall I put it....'changeable' weather that Scotland enjoys, even in the summer months! Scotland is a great place to get away from it all at the best of times, but if you're looking for a bit of luxury as well, then Stobo Castle Health Spa is the place. It's a little gem, in the most beautiful surroundings. If you want to read my original post on Stobo Castle, then click  here.

Flashback Friday: A hideaway in the Australian bush

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When you think of Sydney, I'm guessing the lush photo below is probably not the first image that came into your mind! The Lane Cove National Park is a stunning pocket of bushland, but an easy reach for so-called Sydneysiders.  While it's a great day out for the family, with lots of picnic areas to choose from,and great walking and cycling tracks,  it's also home to Tandara - the ultimate in luxury camping experience.  If you fancy staying getting away from it all, then read more about it, by visiting my original post,  Sydney Under Canvas .

Altapura: An alpine delight

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Altapura is a 5-star hotel in the highest resort in Europe, Val Thorens. It's the largest ski area in the world, so if you love your winter sports, then this could be the perfect alpine setting for you. French hotelier Jocelyn Sibuet, who is behind the Maisons & Hotels Sibuet group, handed the creative reins to her son, and this resort is dramatically different to the rest in the group. It is an elegant place that has quirky, contemporary furnishings.  The hotel is set back from the lively centre of Val Thorens, and is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the exceptional scenery. There are 88 rooms and suites - all beautifully modern but very cosy, with deep carpets, and fur throws.  There are three restaurants to choose from, and the outdoor bar is the perfect place for your aprés-ski. It even has heated parasols so you can enjoy your drink while soaking up the winter sun without getting cold! The spa is huge - and you can even relax in ...

The Outlook Lodge - a contemporary American escape

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Tiny Green Mountain Falls has been a resort destination side the late 1800's. Situated northwest of Colorado Springs, it rests along the historic Ute pass, with the area's most well known attraction, Pike's Peak, rising in the distance. It's secluded and peaceful in the winter, and it comes alive in the summer when local and national artists take part in annual outdoor events. The Outlook Lodge was built in 1889 and has been turned into a contemporary escape - maintaining a rustic simplicity, but providing the creature comforts you'd want. There is a kitchen in the main lodge that guests can use, and the hot tub seems to be a favourite spot to chill out in as well! There is a wonderful hands-off approach here - you're left to enjoy the lodge as if it were your own. Instead of a front desk, the key to your room will be in a secure lockbox at the Lodge, and all the information you need will be in your room. Having said that, there is a free conci...