Travel Notes: October

Travel Notes: October

From boutique hotel openings and luxury retreats to a handy travel app and a new guidebook – despite the current pandemic, there’s still plenty happening in the world of travel. Here’s what’s new this month…

CULT GAIA

DIVE INTO LUXURY SWIMWEAR: Cult Gaia 

We’re always on the lookout for gorgeous swimwear, and Cult Gaia’s new collection is top of our wish list. Featuring cut-out swimsuits and bikinis with gorgeous gold detailing, each piece will add a playful injection of colour into your holiday wardrobe. Mix and match the bikini tops and bottoms, or opt for a sexy one-piece for some serious poolside glamour. 

Visit CultGaia.com

GET LOST IN THE PAGES OF: Lonely Planet’s Epic Bike Rides of Europe

Lonely Planet’s latest travel guide is all the inspiration you need for your next adventure. Featuring 50 of the best bike ride routes around Europe, the guide includes everything from leisurely paths to take with the family, to exciting mountainous trails off the beaten track. Cycling beginners and experts, alike, will appreciate top tips from guest contributors, including Tour de France competitors. 

Visit Amazon.co.uk

SLIP

CATCH FORTY WINKS ON THE FLIGHT: Slip Silk Sleep Masks

Go to sleep in pure luxury with this new 100% mulberry silk sleep mask from Slip. The latest additions to their cult collection of silk eye masks feature four new styles, all designed for travel – not only will a silk sleep mask feel ultra-soft and luxurious against your skin, it will also help any eye creams and serums stay put so you look refreshed once you’ve landed. We love the ‘Staycation’ set that comes with a cotton travel case.

Visit SlipSilkPillowcase.com

HEAD UNDERWATER: My Octopus Teacher, Netflix 

This Netflix documentary follows a year in the life of free diver and filmmaker Craig Foster, and his time spent with a wild octopus on the South African coast. After Foster discovers the den of a female octopus, he strikes up an unusual relationship with the sea creature and becomes fixated on studying her in her natural habitat. The documentary took ten years to make, so it’s well worth a watch. 

Visit Netflix.com

LITTLE RETREATS

TREAT YOURSELF TO A WEEKEND HERE: The Little Retreat Geo-Domes

The Little Retreat on Lawrenny Park Estate in south Pembrokeshire is offering wellbeing retreats in its brand-new luxury geo-domes. The domes sleep up to four people and come with a self-contained kitchen and wood-fired hot tub that overlook the beautiful Pembrokeshire hills. The site has 12 acres of private land, so you can explore the scenic countryside and escape the bustle of city life, while also enjoying activities such as wild swimming, yoga, fishing and foraging – the ultimate weekend escape. 

Geo-Domes from £140 per night.

Visit LittleRetreats.co.uk

LEARN ABOUT THE CLIMATE CRISIS: A Life On Our Planet, Netflix

Sir David Attenborough’s new documentary, A Life On Our Planet, lands on Netflix on 4th October, highlighting the true extent of the climate crisis. The film is a frank, but important, discussion and follows Attenborough’s debut on Instagram where he's hoping to raise awareness about climate change. Those who want to delve deeper can also read Attenborough’s new book which breaks down the documentary step by step. 

Visit Netflix.com

NETFLIX

THE MITRE

ENJOY A LUXURY STAY HERE: The Mitre, Hampton Court

Having just reopened after an extensive makeover, The Mitre is a charming boutique hotel that overlooks the banks of the River Thames. With an exclusive Whispering Angel Bar on site, you can enjoy a drink with a view, before exploring the beautiful hotel grounds. Make sure to book one of the riverside rooms for a really special stay.

From £160 a night

Visit MitreHamptonCourt.com

PLAN YOUR NEXT GROUP TRIP: Pluto Travel App

Pluto is the new travel app allowing you to plan your holiday and store all your travel documents and notes in one place. Ideal for couples and groups who want to share information, like travel documents and itineraries, the Pinboard function is great for curating ideas and to-do lists. It’ll also help you keep track of important documents you need to have at the airport if you’re travelling right now, like Passenger Locator Forms, visas and entry requirement forms.

Visit Pluto.Travel

LIME TREE

ENJOY A COSY STAY HERE: The Lime Tree Hotel, Belgravia 

This boutique hotel, housed in a stunning grade II listed Georgian townhouse, has reopened following a complete renovation during lockdown. Alongside revamped interiors, the hotel has opened The Buttery – a new café-style restaurant which is a lovely sport for weekend brunch. The hotel is less than a mile from Buckingham Palace, too, while Sloane Square and Piccadilly are both a short walk away, making it a great choice for city tourists.

Visit LimeTreeHotel.co.uk

PLAN YOUR NEXT STAYCATION: The Good Hotel Guide 2021

For many of us, 2020 has been the year of the staycation, but next year is set to look even better if The Good Hotel Guide 2021 is anything to go by. This handy volume lists over 750 hotels, inns and B&Bs across the UK and Ireland, with recommendations from some of the best travel writers. With awards for seaside inns, dog-friendly hotels and sustainable properties, you’ll be able to choose your next staycation spot from a range of categories. 

The Good Hotel Guide 2021: Great Britain and Ireland comes out on 5th Oct.

Visit Amazon.co.uk

PORTER & SAIL

LOOK HERE FOR TRAVEL INSPIRATION: Porter & Sail

Porter & Sail offers a credit-based system where you pay for discounted credits (just like a gift card) upfront, to get exclusive access to luxury accommodation around the world at a more affordable rate. From villas in Barbados, to treehouses in Costa Rica, browse the dreamy locations for some 2021 travel inspiration. Plus, their new collaboration with car rental service THE OUT, offers guests a holiday package with a premium rental vehicle for UK staycations, too.

Visit PorterAndSail.com

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