MAY20

Escape of the Week… Hotel Los Castanos, near Ronda, Spain

 
  • Posted by Anna
    May 20, 2013

    This week we’re escaping to Hotel Los Castanos, an intimate hotel offering a warm welcome in the untouched Andalucían village of Cartajima. 

    Hotel Los Castanos
    Set in an idyllic village in a pristine hilltop setting, Hotel Los Castanos is a gloriously relaxing hideaway with breath-taking views of the surrounding forest and hills. Great hiking and bird watching are on your doorstep and it’s within easy reach of Andalucía’s beautiful cities, making it a wonderful base for returning to after a long day of exploring. On our recent visit we loved soaking up the long views and incredible tranquility from the comfort of our balcony rocking chairs.

    Beautiful views from Hotel Los Castanos

    Rooms: The décor in each restful bedroom is simple but attractively so: think whitewashed walls, terracotta-tiled floors, crisp linen atop comfy beds, and beautiful art. All rooms have balconies, some with stunning mountain views that you can’t help but become glued to. You’ll also be treated to bathrobes, fluffy towels, books, and spoiling soaps and shampoos made from olive oil. There are even sketching materials in every room in case you want to try your hand at capturing those inspirational views.

    Hotel Los Castanos' comfy bedrooms

    Food: Meals are served in the dining area at the back of the house, which opens out onto a charming whitewashed courtyard for al fresco dining in the warmer months. The day starts with a feast of homemade bread, freshly-squeezed orange juice, jams, great coffee and local cheeses, plus eggs on request. For dinner, owner Di creates delicious slow-food dishes from whatever’s in season. We enjoyed an amazing Chorizo Inferno (individual flambéed skewers of chorizo, served with a delicious Mexican salad), followed by melt-in-the-mouth magret of duck with pomegranate molasses and roasted root vegetables. Our meal was finished off perfectly with local strawberries and a divine honey mousse.

    Breakfast is a real feast

    Top Tip: A little bit of laziness is required to get the best out of Los Castanos. In summer, head to the roof terrace and top up your tan. Great views of the forest and hills wrap around you and the odd tractor potters around in a distant field. In winter, hole up in the sitting room. There are loads of games and books, you can chuck a log on the fire, make a cup of tea, put on a CD and feel very at home. There’s also a TV with English channels.

    Cartajimi

    i-escape guest review: “An excellent base. A beautifully kept hotel, every small detail has been thought of and Di is a friendly host. Her cooking is fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed two 3 course meals at Los Costanos which is a small, peaceful village.”
    Judith, United Kingdom (24.05.12)

    Current i-escape special offers: 5 nights for the price of 4 OR free car use

    i-escape gift: a bottle of house wine at time of stay

    Read the full review and book Hotel Los Castanos >>

    Posted in Escape of the Week. Tagged , ,
MAY17

Call of the Wild…

 
  • Posted by Melissa
    May 17, 2013

    Feeling restless? Here at i-escape we’ve got a serious case of itchy feet and a visit to one of these untamed outposts may be the only cure.

    Eolo

    Eolo

    Geneticists mapping modern human migration recently identified a gene, in 20 percent of all humans, which actually makes us more curious and prone to wanderlust. This niggling urge to explore has pushed people to discover new continents, to trek to the farthest poles and even to launch shuttles into space. Suddenly it all makes sense. No wonder we can’t stop globetrotting.

    Are you one of the nomadic few? Do you yearn for adventure in far-flung destinations?  If so, we have the perfect wilderness escapes to placate those restless genes.

    Eolo

    Eolo

    Eolo in Patagonia combines luxurious creature comforts with a stunning “back to nature” location. This exclusive hideaway has unparalleled bedroom views of blue skies and rugged mountain vistas.

    Get your hiking boots on and trek to the Perito Moreno glacier, grab your binoculars to watch the flamingos at sunset, or perhaps just chill out on the veranda with a G&T and take in the spectacular scenery.

    Eolo

    Eolo

    Equally remote, but just as dramatic is this South African ecolodge in Kruger National Park.

    With 12 open-air, warehouse-style rooms perched high above the hillside, The Outpost is in a class of its own. Each one showcases an amazing panorama of the Luvuvhu Valley’s pristine wilderness.

    The Outpost

    The Outpost

    Watch the sunrise over the horizon while you soak in your freestanding bathtub, or take a game drive at dusk through the bush to see elephants and buffalo roaming the park.

    The land belongs to the indigenous Makuleke tribe and the ecolodge is a unique, sustainable development that provides support for the local community through staffing and sales. You can sample some of the delicious local food, like ostrich, in the restaurant; the savoury crepes, in particular, are not to be missed.

    Kruger National Park

    Kruger National Park

    If it’s pure simplicity you crave, head to neighbouring Namibia where arid desert meets fertile savannah in one of our favourite hideaways.

    KuanguKuangu is a secluded couple’s cabin, made from wood and stone, set against the magnificent backdrop of the Naukluft Mountains. The adventurous can fly over the Namib Desert in a hot air balloon or head off to Sossuvlei to see the sand dunes at sunset.

    KuanguKuangu

    KuanguKuangu

    Powered by solar energy, the cabin is eco in every sense. Leave all your mod-cons behind, as there’s no WiFi or mobile phone reception. Instead you get plenty of tranquillity and a never-to-be-forgotten escape from the world. 

    Namibia

    Namibia

    But for those who really crave something other-worldly we refer you back to those smart geneticists.  Apparently a number of us also carry Neanderthal DNA in our genetic make-up.  Pardon!? True. Perhaps that explains the hugely popular trend for cave hotels cropping up across Europe.

    Cappadocia

    Cappadocia

    These distinctive rock formations dominate the region of Cappadocia and were created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.  Clever architects have carved into the soft rock to create a unique set of subterranean hotels. The Hezen Cave Hotel in Ortahisar is one such marvel.

    Hezen Cave Hotel

    Hezen Cave Hotel

    Turkish designer Halide Didem’s inspired use of red and green furnishings adds a dash of colour against the white stone walls and delivers a contemporary twist to this traditional hotel. The outdoor spaces are equally impressive with sun-drenched terraces providing the perfect place for breakfast. Choose from a Turkish buffet of white cheese, cucumber, olives, freshly baked bread or pastries, fruit and cereal. Nearby, explore the ancient underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli; just be careful not to get lost in the labyrinth of narrow passageways.

    Rose Valley, Cappadocia

    Rose Valley, Cappadocia

    Check out more of our top picks for outdoor-themed getaways.

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MAY15

‘Great Gatsby’ hot spots

 
  • Posted by Anna
    May 15, 2013

    With Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby set for cinema release at the end of this week, we’ve curated a decadent selection of some of the world’s best Art Deco hotels. From family-run mansions in Mexico to the glitzy Soho Beach House in Miami, these hotels are where the Roaring Twenties live on, so you too can experience the glamour of The Great Gatsby! 

    Moreno Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Moreno Hotel

    Considered one of the city’s finest examples of Art Deco architecture, this 1928 masterpiece has metamorphosed from iconic office block into glamorous city-centre hotel. Mercifully, the foxy makeover has stayed true to the property’s heritage, keeping the antique wrought-iron lift and stunning Tiffany-blue entrance tiles, while adding 39 sleek and spacious bedrooms. The outdoor Jacuzzi, gorgeous roof terrace, ritzy restaurant and basement tango salon all hark back to the early 20th-century heyday of this fascinating city.

    Hotel St Augustine, Miami, USA

    Hotel St Augustine

    Miami has one of the world’s most impressive Art Deco districts, and a stroll down the famous Ocean Drive provides a visual feast of candy-coloured architecture. Don’t have Gatsby’s riches? Just a few streets back from the beach, this 1937 Art Deco mansion-turned-minimalist-hotel sits in the up-and-coming SoFi area and offers excellent value. A stay in one of the 24 large rooms (each with a luxurious ensuite shower-cum-steam room) will leave plenty of space in the budget for waffles at The Big Pink and Cuban-style cocktails at sunset -a far cry from the prohibition era.

    The House Nisantasi, Istanbul, Turkey

    The House Nisantasi

    Perched above Prada in Istanbul’s most fashionable enclave, the second hotel offering from the trendy ‘House Café’ chain presents a contemporary twist on the Art Deco architecture of the surrounding streets. Walnut bedheads and low-slung semi-circular sofas accent coffee-coloured walls, while the glass-encased marble bathrooms bring the 44 bedrooms bang up to date.

    Villa Condesa, Mexico City, Mexico

    Villa Condesa

    This tranquil, family-run boutique hotel started life as one of the many Art Deco and Art Nouveau mansions that fill the classy Condesa neighbourhood. After 3 years of work, it was reincarnated as a chic, 13-room bolthole with warm service and a lovely courtyard dining area.  It’s an ideal base for exploring the leafy boulevards, fashionable shops and smart restaurants of the surrounding barrio, and for cultivating your inner culture-vulture at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a stunning Art Deco palace and centre for the arts.

    L’Ecume des Jours, Ghent, Belgium

    L'Ecume des Jours

    This authentic part-Art Deco, part-Art Nouveau house stages jazz concerts, specialist cooking classes and regular artists’ exhibitions. With just one top-floor suite (with a private roof terrace, clawfoot bathtub and stunning shower room), guests gain a unique insight into this underrated city, as well as getting free reign of the house’s beautiful living spaces. Its location is ideal for visiting Ghent’s art galleries, and you can easily walk to the city centre through the nearby Citadelpark.

    Soho Beach House, Miami, USA

    Soho Beach House

    Vintage Cuban glamour meets contemporary chic at this exclusive 1940s Art Deco conversion, just off Miami’s Mid-Beach. South American antiques, vintage paraphernalia and funky art are mixed with vibrant textiles to create a retro-modern feel in the 49 rooms, while antique tiles and lanterns line the tree-shaded courtyard and sunny pool terrace. Guests can watch a pre-release Hollywood movie in the ‘screening snug’ after spending the day at the hotel’s beach club or in the heavenly Cowshed spa. Dinner in the Italian restaurant is finished off in true Gatsby style with a Cuban cigar on the roof terrace.

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MAY13

Escape of the Week… The Zetter Townhouse, London

 
  • Posted by Anna
    May 13, 2013

    According to Samuel Johnson, ‘When a man is tired of London, he’s tired of life’. But perhaps this proverbial man just needs to visit The Zetter Townhouse in London’s trendy Clerkenwell, where anyone’s joie de vivre is sure to be shaken, stirred and wonderfully restored.

    The Zetter Townhouse bar
    This place is brilliantly quirky. On an average afternoon, you’ll be able to order cocktails from an old apothecary’s table lined with homemade cordials, and then sip them surrounded by weird and wonderful taxidermy including a kangaroo wearing boxing gloves and a cat in a dress.

    One of the Zetter Townhouse's delicious cocktails

    Rooms: Each of the vintage-modern rooms is different, with cool design elements like an old wireless revamped into an iPod dock/radio, Art Deco club armchairs and a reclaimed fairground ride as a headboard. But this isn’t a case of style over comfort; the beds are supremely cosy with colourful blankets and plump pillows. The black and white bathrooms all have rain showers, REN toiletries and thick piles of towels, while bigger rooms also have bathtubs (some are in-room so mention when booking if you prefer your tub in the bathroom). The pièce de résistance for us is the minibar complete with ready-mixed cocktails – just ring downstairs for a shaker and some ice and you can enjoy fabulous Martinis and Manhattans from the comfort of your room.

    Club room at The Zetter Townhouse

    Food: Food is served at Bistro Bruno Loubet, across the courtyard at The Zetter, a lovely light dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows and well-spaced tables. The cuisine is a mix of reinterpreted classics and unique creations, full of flavour but neither pretentious nor fussy. We enjoyed roast partridge with quince and celeriac, bouillabaisse and cardamom crêpes suzettes, all of which was plate-lickingly good. Back at the Townhouse you can enjoy items from Bruno’s bar menu such as Scotch egg with curry mayonnaise and beef burger with a truffle-buttered bun. Breakfast is equally delicious, a huge buffet of pastries, juice, homemade granola etc, alongside some very tasty cooked options.

    Bistrot Bruno Loubet

    Top Tip: For a fun night out, All Star Lanes offers the glammest bowling experience since the 50s!

    i-escape guest review: “The cocktail bar is great – just check to reserve a time as it gets pretty busy. Ate at Bistro Loubet – at main Zetter Hotel – excellent. Museum of London is very close and it is a great quiet location. The rates are acceptable given what you can get charged in London. Didn’t get the complementary cocktail but did get a very good room upgrade – from deluxe to apartment.”
    Nick, United Kingdom (29.03.13)

    i-escape gift: a complimentary cocktail per guest at time of stay

    The Zetter TownhouseRead the full review and book The Zetter Townhouse >>

    Posted in City Breaks, Escape of the Week. Tagged ,
MAY10

Fabulous for foodies

 
  • Posted by Anna
    May 10, 2013

    Browsing through the beautiful images on our “fabulous for foodies” Pinterest board has got our stomachs rumbling. Before we dash off in search of a Michelin star worthy snack, here’s 10 of our favourite i-escape places for a gastronomic treat…  

    ABaC, Tibidabo Hill, Barcelona, Spain

    ABaC, Tibidabo Hill, Barcelona, SpainOur reviewer described this indulgent Barcelona hotel using the words of Mary Poppins: “practically perfect in every way”. With a 2-Michelin-star restaurant, stunning boutique bedrooms, an Elemis spa and a super-cool cocktail bar and lounge, it’s impossible not to feel spoilt here.

    What we ate: sweet and salted oyster tartar with sorrel, coriander and marine sprouts; tuna belly with ponzu sauce, kumquat skin, crispy artichokes and spicy root purée; followed by pickled lemon with yoghurt snow, flower nectar and violet ice cream.

    Hiša Franko, Kobarid, Slovenia

    Hiša Franko, Kobarid, Slovenia

    Hiša Franko is a wonderfully theatrical restaurant-with-rooms filled with art and sculptures. A similar concept to England’s The Fat Duck restaurant, the food is a spectacular explosion of flavours and a real showpiece. People travel from far and wide to eat here in the beautiful Soca Valley.

    What we ate: a series of taster dishes… wild herb and flower salad with tarragon, mint, watercress, blueberries, edible flowers and a peanut sauce; a glass box which let out billows of dry ice to slowly reveal smoked tuna, potato foam and pepper coulis; strawberry sorbet with fresh fruit and elderflower foam.

    Llys Meddyg, Newport, Pembrokeshire

    Llys Meddyg, Newport, Pembrokeshire

    Food is at the heart of this restaurant with rooms in the stunning Pembrokeshire National Park. There’s a cosy cellar bar for pre-dinner drinks; a beautiful Kitchen Garden room for summertime dining, and a wood-fired oven for casual pizzas.

    What we ate: wood pigeon with beetroot mousse; slow-roasted pork belly with saffron fondant and 5 spice jus; and chocolate delice with salted caramel ice cream.

    La Sommita, Ostuni, Puglia, Italy

    La Sommita, Ostuni, Puglia, Italy

    La Sommita is a historic palazzo set on the summit of the beguiling white hilltown of Ostuni in Puglia. Rooms are calming and minimalist, views are stunning, and the food served in the Michelin-starred restaurant is superb and lacking pretension.

    What we ate: fish cakes in an onion reduction, washed down by the house prosecco; seared tuna steak with borlotti beans and onions; and a homemade white chocolate mousse on a cocoa wafer.

    Avli Lounge Apartments, Rethymno, Crete

    Avli Lounge Apartments, Rethymno, Crete

    With a menu featuring innovative Cretan cuisine, the restaurant is widely known as one of the best on the island. But that isn’t Avli’s only highlight: it also has 12 divinely romantic suites with traditional features like wooden floors and beamed ceilings mixed with modern flamboyant chandeliers and mosaic-tiled Jacuzzis.

    What we ate: skewered shrimps with avocado, lime and parsley vinaigrette; and rabbit and spring onion pie.

    Hotel TerraVina, The New Forest, Hampshire

    Hotel TerraVina, The New Forest, Hampshire

    Owned by the co-founders of the highly successful Hotel du Vin chain, this 11-room hotel certainly lives up to high expectations. Nestled in The New Forest, it is comfy, stylish and efficiently run by warm and friendly staff. Plus, it has the most amazing wine cellar.

    What we ate: cucumber and crab cannelloni with beetroot and lime gel; lamb shank with smoked potato and burnt aubergine morels; followed by pineapple gel and crisp with pepper marshmallows.

    Hotel Du Clos, Le Rouret, Côte d’Azur, France

    Hotel Du Clos, Le Rouret, Côte d'Azur, France

    First came the restaurant, followed by a Michelin star, and then a small hotel to accommodate diners who didn’t want to leave. As you’d expect, the food is fabulous and the rooms in this newly renovated 17th-century farmhouse in southwest France don’t disappoint: fancy bathrooms, beautiful linen and excellent beds.

    What we ate: quail served with forest mushrooms; a fantastic piece of beef with new potatoes roasted in olive oil; a plate of delicious cheeses; then a fig tart with yoghurt ice cream.

    21212, Edinburgh, Scotland

    21212, Edinburgh, Scotland

    At 21212 you’ll find fabulous bed linen, state-of-the-art bathrooms, dreamy views over the city rooftops and deliciously over the top décor. Chef Paul Kitching, who owns and runs 21212 with his partner Katie, has a mischievous sense of fun, which infuses both his rooms and restaurant. The draw for most, however, is the Michelin-starred food. Be prepared for a gastronomic adventure, with no 2 mouthfuls the same, the taste storm has just begun.

    What we ate: Sicilian-style ‘pink trout’ with artichokes, shimezi and shitake mushrooms, giant pasta shells, almonds and chickpeas, warm coleslaw, dried courgettes with argen oil and grated feta cheese, followed by a divine apricot and coffee tiramisu concoction.

    Gaia Hotel and Reserve, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

    Gaia Hotel and Reserve, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

    This is a very special place with panoramic views over the steep forested hills around Manuel Antonio National Park, sleek interiors, a superb spa and a rooftop restaurant to rival any in New York for the standard of its food and service. The style is modern Pacific Rim inspired, with lots of typical Costa Rican ingredients like yucca and plantain, and a few dishes to please the North American market, such as rib eye steak and pork tenderloin.

    What we ate: Ceviche of mahi mahi served with homemade tortillas and cayenne aioli, tuna tartare, tangy with ginger; and tilapia en papillote with coconut sauce (fish cooked in paper).

    Hotel San Roque, Garachico, Tenerife, Canary Islands

    Hotel San Roque, Garachico, Tenerife, Canary Islands

    Could this be the best hotel in the Canaries? Ideal for those looking to discover the real Tenerife, this 18th-century mansion conversion is set in in the sleepy fishing village of Garachico, nestled between the mountains and the ocean on the north west of the island.  Inside, you’ll find luxury, chic style and peace. Rooms are strikingly simple but comfortable with designer chairs, Spanish modern art and all the gadgets you need. Candlelit dinners by the pool offer some of the best cuisine on the island and the food on our 2013 visit was outstanding – modern and inventive, a real rarity in the Canaries.

    What we ate: juicy beef tenderloin with Stilton-infused mash; and strawberry soup with mascarpone ice cream.

    Exciting UK foodie news…

    The Halkin in London’s Belgravia has opened Ametsa with Arzak Instruction. This new Basque restaurant is spearheaded by the award-winning Arzak family, whose restaurant in San Sebastian, Spain, holds 3 Michelin-stars.

    Hartnett Holder & Co has opened at Lime Wood in Hampshire. A joint venture between Lime Wood’s Luke Holder and high-profile chef Angela Hartnett, their menu focuses on British dishes with an Italian twist, made from locally-sourced ingredients.

    The Beckford Arms (crowned Best UK Dining Pub 2012 by The Good Pub Guide) has opened its first sister property, The Talbot – a gorgeous old country pub with 8 modern rooms in rural Somerset.

    Posted in Our Favourite..., Top 10. Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
MAY09

Spotlight on… Puglia, Italy

 
  • Posted by Melissa
    May 9, 2013

    Having spent years in the shadow of Italy’s picturesque, Renaissance-style northern regions, Puglia’s star is now on the ascent. The world’s glitterati are flocking to Italy’s rustic heel and, despite its glam new image, cheap and convenient flights mean its beautiful beaches, authentic Italian fare and wealth of historic architecture remain within surprisingly easy reach.

    Salentine Coast

    Why go?

    Puglia’s key strengths are threefold. First, it’s pretty. The region’s long history is manifested in its architecture, which spans various fortified Grecian towns, splendid Norman cathedrals and notable Baroque gems (particularly in the town of Lecce). Most distinctive of all are the trulli that pepper the region’s olive groves and towns; these simple dry-stone storage huts resemble miniature oast-houses or oversized beehives, depending on your point of view. Some, like Villa Cervarolo, have since been converted into stylish boutique holiday villas.

    Villa Cervarolo

    Puglia’s second strength is its beaches, often described as some of the best in Italy. We particularly like the horseshoe bays of the Torre Guaceto nature reserve, the rugged limestone cliffs of the Gargano Peninsula, and the azure shallows of the Salentine Peninsula. After a fabulous day of sightseeing and swimming, it’s time to eat. This is where Puglia’s third key strength really comes into its own. The food here is trulli (apologies!) fabulous. Authentic farmers’ recipes have been refined over time and are enhanced by fresh and tasty local ingredients. It’s true what they say: Italian dining is an entirely different experience from its UK imitations – we still daydream about the buttery gnocchi and super-fresh pizzas from our last visit.

    Alberobello

    Highlights

    So, where to make the most of these charming characteristics? The southern town of Lecce is a treasure trove of Baroque styling; despite its ugly modern perimeter, the centre is a veritable feast of dramatic churches, palazzi and civic halls, plus the town holds the remains of a huge Roman amphitheatre. Palazzo Guglielmo is within easy driving distance, and allows you to stay in the pretty, unspoilt village of Vignacastrisi.

    Ostuni

    Alberobello is ‘trulli central’, with 1500 of the famous conical huts, but consequently it’s also rammed with tourists and somewhat tacky souvenir shops. We recommend an afternoon visit, followed by a short jaunt south to our favourite hill town of Ostuni. Here, narrow alleys are lined with Cycladic-white houses and Baroque churchfronts, while a hulking Aragonese cathedral presides over the town. Next door, the 16th-century palazzo of La Sommita houses one of Puglia’s few Michelin-starred restaurants, serving exquisite local food in an elegant vaulted dining room.

    La Sommita

    Just across the border in the Basilicata region, you’ll find the dramatic, UNESCO-listed cave-town of Matera. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the simple dwellings were carved directly into the soft tufa walls of the ravines, and today visitors can still explore its winding alleys and frescoed cave-churches. If all this history really captures your imagination, you can live it first-hand at Le Grotte della Civita.

    Le Grotte della Civita

    With Italy’s longest coastline on your doorstep, it’d be a shame not to visit at least one beach while you’re here. The Salentine Peninsula, for example, has some of the most idyllic yellow-sand-azure-sea combinations in Italy. We particularly like the secluded coves of the Baia dei Turchi on the Adriatic side, which are backed by heady cliffs.

    Toree Guaceto nature reserve

    For a slightly wilder shoreline, the Torre Guaceto nature reserve (just north of Brindisi) has a 7km stretch lined with flowering maquis and topped by a 16th-century watchtower. It’s only accessible by foot, and the route is home to lizards, kingfishers, tortoises and sea birds.

    Borgo Egnazia

    With such easy access to this charming, varied and (almost) always sunny area of Europe, it’s an obvious contender for the family summer holiday. As well as the draws listed above, the area offers myriad activities to keep young minds entertained. Head to the coast for windsurfing, kite-surfing, sailing and fishing, or move inland for horse riding, water parks, go-kart racing and a safari park in Farano. Top of the family-friendly tree is the village-like resort of Borgo Egnazia. A flawlessly designed collection of hotel rooms and private villas, it sits in total privacy and offers no end of activities, from a blissed-out spa and 18-hole golf course to a dedicated games room and various kids’ clubs to suit all ages.

    Borgo Egnazia

    When to go

    Puglia’s finest hour is spring (May-June), when the weather’s perfect, wild flowers run riot and the beaches and towns are uncrowded (though the sea is chilly). September and October are also great, especially as the sea has warmed up over the summer.  High season runs from July to August, and the summer holidays are prime time for families. The region also hosts lots of food and music festivals in August, making it a particularly vibrant time to visit.

    Matera

    Our top tip

    One of the most enjoyable ways to spend an evening in Puglia is to meander to the centre of whichever town you find yourself in. From around 8pm, you’ll notice more and more people arriving in the piazza to do little more than stroll and chat. This is called the passeggiata and it’s a charming element of Puglian daily life. Old men stroll back and forth, deep in conversation, while children play and their parents catch up on the day’s events. Grab a seat outside the nearest gelateria and enjoy.

    Matera

    See our destination guide for more information on Puglia

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MAY06

Escape of the Week… Le Sirenuse, Amalfi Coast, Italy

 
  • Posted by Anna
    May 6, 2013

    Our latest escape is one for lovers of timeless style and stunning panoramas. Situated in the photogenic village of Positano on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, Le Sirenuse is an outstanding hotel in a prime location. 

    Positano attracts a rich and famous, young and beautiful crowd – all of whom love to lounge on its black-sand beaches and drift along the coast in elegant yachts. If you’re part of that crowd or love being among them, Le Sirenuse is the hotel for you.

    Le Sirenuse

    Rooms: Rooms are elegant but comfortable, with shuttered French windows leading to private balconies. Inside, bright white walls are dotted with rustic portraits, while gleaming Vietri-tiled floors sit beneath antique furniture and indulgent Jacuzzi tubs. The majority are classified as Sea View and these are the ones we’d recommend as they fulfil their promise to a T. Partial Sea View rooms are smaller and look onto the pool terrace, while Inner Courtyard rooms lack both a balcony and a view. Junior Suites are bigger with a separate lounge area, and Superior Junior Suites have larger balconies. Some suites can be joined, which is great for families (children over 6 are welcome).

    Le Sirenuse

    Food: The Michelin-starred La Sponda restaurant serves delicate (but not snobby) cuisine, such as roasted sea bass, rack of lamb with fennel,and desserts like a sinful almond and chocolate cake. It’s not cheap but it’s unfailingly good and a wonderful spot for a romantic meal. The breakfast buffet is one of the best we’ve seen, with hot eggs, bacon and sausage, fresh fruit, cheeses and cold meats, delicious pastries and fruit juices.

    Breakfast at Le Sirenuse

    When to go: Summer is extremely busy – to the point that, in mid-August, shops actually have to close because the surging crowds damage their displays. Come in spring (April-May) or autumn (mid Sept-Oct) if you possibly can. The weather is perfect for gentle exploration, and swimming is quite feasible until early November (though in April it’s chilly). In March and November, rates practically halve: worth a look if you’re on any kind of budget.

    Le Sirenuse's restaurant

    Press review: “It’s nearly 70 years since John Steinbeck described Le Sirenuse as ‘an old family house converted into a first-rate hotel’. These days the 18th-century former summer home of the Marchesi Sersale remains the height of a very particular low-key sophistication and always feels like you’re staying with rather glamorous, pampering friends. The striking Pompeian-red and white villa stands halfway up near-vertical Positano; the cool, vaulted interiors have hand-painted Vietri tiles on the floors and are filled with glorious antiques and picture from the Sersale family coffers. Most of the 59 bedrooms have sea-facing balconies or terraces and the beds are made up with the freshest Frette linens.”
    Conde Nast Traveller (UK), Gold Standard Hotels, February 2013

    Le Sirenuse's pool terrace

    i-escape gift: a complimentary bottle of limoncello

    Read the full review and book Le Sirenuse >>

    Posted in Escape of the Week, Style. Tagged , , ,
MAY03

New UK self-catering gems

 
  • Posted by Anna
    May 3, 2013

    From chic cottages near the North Norfolk coast to cool Hebridean eco-lodges with saunas and hot tubs, our new finds show how the British self-catering scene has really upped its game when it comes to facilities and style. 

    Cartshed Cottages – near Holt, Norfolk

    Cartshed Cottages

    Set in the grounds of Jacobean manor house Sharrington Hall, just a few miles from the beaches and harbour towns of the North Norfolk coast, is this quartet of 1- and 2-bedroom cottages, opened in 2012 after a loving restoration. Owner Katie is an interior designer and her expert eye is evident in the rustic-chic décor, which takes its inspiration from the watery beauty of the local landscape – think contemporary furniture under beamed ceilings, animal skins on oak floors, and a soothing palette of soft greys, blues, greens and lilacs on the walls and furniture. There are wood-burning stoves for lazy afternoons, roll-top tubs for indulgent soaks, lavender-scented terraces for alfresco meals, and bespoke kitchens with everything you need to whip up feasts from Norfolk’s fantastic produce and tasty seafood.

    Cost: From £100 per night, based on 2-4 people sharing. This includes WiFi and logs for the wood-burning stove.
    Minimum stay: A 3-night minimum stay, with a 4-night minimum over Bank Holiday weekends, and a 7-night minimum in the 2-bedroom cottages during school summer holidays. Changeovers are on Mondays and Fridays only.
    i-escape gift: A free bottle of wine on arrival.

    Higher Westcott Farm – near Moretonhampstead, Devon

    Higher Westcott Farm

    This 300-year-old thatched longhouse on the edge of Dartmoor National Park sleeps 6-10, making it ideal for friends and families seeking a stylish rural getaway. Previously run as a B&B and now re-opened as a self-catering rental, it has 5 contemporary bedrooms, an additional child’s room, a cosy lounge, a dining room, and a huge kitchen kitted out with everything you need to cook. Owners Jo and Sam can deliver meals if you don’t want to lift a finger, and there are endless opportunities for hiking, biking and riding beyond the garden wall. It’s also easily accessible from the M5, which is only a 20-minute drive away – though with green hills stretching out in every direction, and the only sounds coming from chirruping birds and the occasional tractor, you’d never know it.

    Cost: from £143 per night for use of 3 bedrooms (sleeping up to 6 adults + 2 children), and from £171 per night for use of all 6 bedrooms (sleeping up to 10 adults + 3 children). This includes basic kitchen supplies, a bag of firewood, and cleaning every 3 days.
    Minimum stay: A 3-night minimum stay, but no set check-in days.
    i-escape gift: A bottle of bio-dynamic wine on arrival.

    The Chester Residence – Edinburgh, Scotland

    The Chester Residence

    This gorgeous Georgian apartment-hotel was named ‘Scottish Hotel of the Year’ in 2012, and it’s easy to see why. Set on a quiet street in Edinburgh’s chic West End, the 23 1- and 2-bedroom apartments have cool, classy interiors, contemporary kitchens stocked with high-tech appliances, and beautifully restored features such as sash windows and sweeping staircases. Families will appreciate the baby equipment, children’s books and games, while ladies on a city break will love the hair straighteners, Molton Brown toiletries and in-room massages; there’s even a VIP Suite with a hot tub and cinema room that’s perfect for honeymooners. You’re a stone’s throw from the castle, the restaurants and shops of Princes Street and tranquil Dean Village, and there’s a 24-hour concierge to help you get the most from your stay.

    Cost: From £145 per night, based on 2 people sharing a 1-bedroom apartment. This includes WiFi.
    Minimum stay: Normally none, but there’s a 3-night minimum stay over New Year’s Eve, and a 2-night minimum during big events such as the Edinburgh Festival.
    i-escape gift: A complimentary bottle of wine during the stay.

    Coillabus – Islay, Inner Hebrides, Scotland

    Coillabus

    Perched high on a hill overlooking Islay’s Oa peninsula, this pair of luxurious yet unpretentious eco-lodges (each sleeping 2-4) is perfect for anyone seeking a romantic bolthole or a remote family pad. Set under sloping turf roofs, each house has 2 double/twin bedrooms, luxurious ensuite bathrooms with double-ended tubs, a high-spec kitchen, a double-height living room with retro Ercol furniture and a wood-burner, even a private sauna. Views sweep over the island (Scotland’s 5th largest) to Kintyre, and outside on the terraces are hot tubs where you can soak under a starry sky – if you’re lucky you might even see the Northern Lights. Meal delivery and grocery shopping can be arranged, and there are sweeping beaches, whisky distilleries, birdlife and rugged landscapes to explore nearby.

    Cost: From £229 per night, based on 2 people sharing.
    Minimum stay: A 2-night minimum stay in January and February, a 3-night minimum in March, and a 7-night minimum from April to October. Check-in days are flexible.
    i-escape gift: A selection of locally made toiletries.

    Sea Garden Cottages – Tresco, Isles of Scilly 

    Sea Garden Cottages

    The white sands, turquoise waters and exotic plants of the tiny, car-free island of Tresco look more like the Med than the British Isles, and these lovely sea-facing cottages are perfect for escaping the stresses of mainland life. Sleeping 2-10, they were built in 2012 on the site of the former Island Hotel and offer 1-4 bedrooms, living and dining areas and well-equipped kitchens – ideal for couples and families alike. There’s a beach, a sailing centre, a restaurant, an indoor pool and a tennis court on the doorstep, and the world-famous Abbey Gardens (guests get free entry) are just a couple of minutes away. Best of all are the spectacular views of wild seascapes and rocky outcrops from the bedrooms, balconies and terraces, adding to the magical feel of this beautiful spot.

    Cost: From £320 per night, based on 2 people sharing a 1-bedroom cottage. Rates include logs for the wood-burning stoves, plus daily maid service and breakfast for those staying in a 1-bedroom cottage.
    Minimum stay: A 7-night minimum stay (normally Saturday-Saturday) in the 3- and 4-bedroom cottages; no minimum in the smaller cottages.
    i-escape gift: A complimentary bottle of house wine.

    New Forest Eco-Cottage – near Lymington, Hampshire 

    New Forest Eco-Cottage

    This fun and funky eco-cottage, tucked away on the edge of the New Forest and sleeping up to 6 adults and 6 children, is brand new for 2013. Inside its red-brick walls you’ll find an open-plan kitchen-diner with a retro sky-blue fridge, a cosy sitting room with a wood-burner, 2 double/twin bedrooms and 2 bunkrooms; there’s also another room in a timbered cabin halfway down the sunny garden – perfect for glampers. There are toys and a child-sized gypsy caravan for the kids, and glossy books and the latest DVDs for the grown-ups. A shingly beach lies a mile away, pretty Lymington is just beyond, and there are miles of hiking and cycling trails to roam at will. And next-door to the cottage is a gastro-pub with superb food and local ales; you can even have breakfast there if morning meal preparation isn’t your thing.

    Cost: From £265 per night, based on 6-10 people sharing. This includes WiFi and logs for the wood-burner.
    Minimum stay: A 7-night minimum stay (Friday-Friday) during school holidays, a 3-night minimum over Bank Holiday weekends, and a 2-night minimum at other times.
    i-escape gift: A free bottle of wine on arrival.

    Posted in New Hotels, Our Favourite.... Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
MAY01

Just back from… Mallorca (with the Kid!)

 
  • Posted by Anna
    May 1, 2013

    Our Head of Bookings, Kate, has just returned from a trip to Mallorca with her husband and young son, staying at Esplendido Hotel in Puerto Soller. This is her story of 4 fabulous days…

    The view from Esplendido Hotel

    Staying at Esplendido felt like stepping into summer. Although average April temperatures in Mallorca hover around 17-20ºC, we lucked out with 20-25ºC every day, so we spent most of our time on the beach, by the pool or on our huge sun-trap terrace. In fact, we were caught out by the beautiful weather and had to purchase emergency shorts (husband), swim trunks (son) and sun cream (all of us). Thank goodness for the free Esplendido flip-flops provided in every room!

    The tram to SollerThe hotel itself is fantastic and it’s easy to see why people book again and again, year in, year out. It sits bang in the middle of picturesque Puerto Soller on Mallorca’s mountainous northwest coast, and you have uninterrupted views out across the bay. As the area outside is now fully pedestrianised, it’s generally very peaceful (although a lot busier in high season, I’m sure). My vehicle-mad toddler loved watching the old wooden tram that trundles past the hotel on its way up to Soller’s old town – it’s a fun trip, but quite pricey at €5 each way per adult for what is essentially a 15-minute journey!

    Staff are all bright, smiley and very helpful. There’s a casual vibe to the place, but it’s a full-service hotel with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a 4-star establishment: room service, restaurant, spa, 2 outdoor pools, bar, lounge, state-of-the-art gym. There are plenty of communal areas, including several terraces and lots of loungers for enjoying the sunshine.

    Sea View Terrace, Esplendido Hotel

    Rooms are big and well-appointed. We had a Large Sea View Terrace, which gave us plenty of space for a travel cot, as well as a generous sunbathing area outside – perfect for sundowners once our toddler had gone to sleep.

    Speaking of our son, blond, blue-eyed Flynn was a big hit with the staff, who are very sweet with children: the ladies flocked around him at breakfast and by the pool, offering biscuits and generally spoiling him. The hotel has all the practical stuff families might need, too – baby cots, highchairs, sofabeds in most rooms, and interconnecting rooms for larger families. Children can use the lower pool, where there’s a very shallow baby area, but the top thermal pool is strictly a restful retreat for adults. There’s a kids’ menu in the restaurant and even a kids’ spa menu for little ladies who need a manicure! You can borrow beach toys from reception, and they have a huge number of children’s DVDs. We felt in no way restricted by having a toddler with us – it was nice to feel so relaxed!

    Flynn

    A recent refurbishment has added new and very comfy outdoor furniture on the terraces, and Nespresso machines and complimentary minibars in all the rooms. We also loved the flip-flops, beach bag and natural Korres products. It’s these little extras (as well as the fabulous sea views) that make Esplendido so bloomin’ splendid.

    Guests get free entry to the spa, which now has 4 treatment cabins alongside an indoor pool, Turkish steam room and Finnish sauna. It’s a lovely place to recharge your batteries, and open until 8.30pm every night – I enjoyed a wonderful back and neck massage, which certainly set the tone for the de-stressing nature of long, lazy days at Esplendido; such bliss to simply melt into the nearest lounger with a glass of cava and listen to the waves gently lapping on the beach.

    EsplŽendido Hotel's Bistro

    And who could forget the amazing breakfast buffet (included in the room rate)? You get 3 huge tables laden with fresh fruit, yoghurts, cheeses, cold meats and pastries of all description, plus hot items and lots of fresh juice and coffee to order. With so much on offer we didn’t need to have lunch! Staff keep it looking fresh, tidy and inviting at all times, so it certainly qualifies as one of the best breakfasts I’ve seen.

    Overall it was a wonderful break – we all felt like we were away for a week rather than a few days!

    Posted in Family Travel, Kids, Our Trips.... Tagged , , ,
APR29

Escape of the Week… Hotel Convent de la Missio, Mallorca

 
  • Posted by Anna
    April 29, 2013

    Minimalism meets the 17th century at Hotel Convent de la Missio, a tranquil haven in Palma’s busy historic quarter. Not only is it perfectly positioned for exploring the city’s sights, it also has a seriously popular contemporary restaurant run by one of Spain’s best chefs. 

    Palma

    As one i-escape guest remarked, this former convent is “just perfect in every way”. The rooms are light and airy, there’s a sleek bar and a Zen-inspired roof terrace, and guests have free use of the whirlpool and sauna in the old crypt.

    Hotel Convent de la Missio's guest lounge

    Rooms: The 14 rooms are elegantly decorated in white and cream, with solid oak floors, white-washed walls, high ceilings (some vaulted, some beamed) and subtle modern artworks. Anything that might spoil the look, like the telly or minibar, is hidden away in slick cabinets. There are 3 room types to choose from: Superior Doubles (our favourite was room 15, with its white beams and lovely views of the church), fresh and spacious Junior Suites (some with private balconies), and Suites with swanky mod cons like Nespresso machines (we’d recommend number 6 for its bright bathroom that opens onto the terrace).

    The 14 rooms are elegantly decorated in white and cream

    Food: The hotel’s restaurant, Simply Fosh, is understandably popular with the locals, so booking ahead is essential. It’s under the direction of renowned chef March Fosh and offers stripped-down versions of his upmarket cuisine – you might be treated to marinated tuna with avocado, coriander and white tomato consommé, scallops with bacon and truffle sauce, or white chocolate parfait with coconut ice cream and blackberry reduction.

    Breakfast won’t disappoint, either: fresh fruit, cereals, local ham and cheeses, as well as cooked options such as the Full English.

    The restaurant serves casual, stripped-down versions of the chef's upmarket cuisine

    Top Tip: We loved the city’s modern art museum, which had displays by Miró and Picasso when we visited. There’s a fabulous terrace out front, with contemporary sculptures, views of the sea and a café with big lounging chairs.

    Each of the rooms has a feeling of light, space and pared-down luxury

    i-escape guest review: “It was a lovely tranquil base from which to explore Palma. The staff were very friendly and when they saw that I was pregnant they very kindly upgraded us to a room which was accessible by lift rather than the stairs.”
    Kate, United Kingdom (29.06.12)

    Special offer: 10% discount for bookings made 30+ days in advance

    Read the full review and book Hotel Convent de la Missio >>

    Posted in Escape of the Week. Tagged , ,