Travel Notes: December
PLAN A STAYCATION: No.1 By GuestHouse, York
GuestHouse has opened a hotel in a Grade II-listed townhouse in the stylish Clifton area of York. A ten-minute walk from historic York Minster, the hotel has large sash windows, a grand central staircase in the lobby, and modern interiors throughout. There are 39 bedrooms to choose from, including three suites, all of which have antique furniture, record players with a selection of vinyl, and complimentary treats in the pantry on each floor – book the Large Guestroom or The Clifton Suite for the best views. The hotel also has an all-day dining restaurant and a spa in the cellar. Book direct with GuestHouse to enjoy a 10% discount at the restaurant, a complimentary glass of English sparkling wine on arrival, and late checkout at 12pm.
Visit GuestHouseHotels.co.uk
BOOK A BUCKET-LIST TRIP: Kumbura, Sri Lanka
Eden Villas has a selection of luxury properties for hire in Sri Lanka. Ideal for group trips, guests can choose to stay in homes in the jungle or along the coast. Eden has just added Villa Kumbura to its ranks. In historic Galle on the south coast, the villa is surrounded by lush greenery, with space for up to eight guests across four bedrooms, including a garden suite with its own veranda. Guests can swim in the outdoor pool and enjoy traditional Sri Lankan dishes made by the housekeeper – simply ask Eden Villas to arrange guided tours, cooking lessons, massages or yoga lessons.
Visit EdenVillas.com
SHOP HOLIDAY-INSPIRED GIFTS: A Dream Getaway Pop-Up At Selfridges
Selfridges has just opened a travel-inspired pop-up shop where visitors can browse lifestyle products from two dreamy destinations – Los Angeles and St Moritz. From the glamour of Hollywood’s Sunset Tower Hotel to the cosy comfort of a ski Swiss chalet, the pop-up includes fashion, accessories and gifts to transport people to these luxury destinations. Choose from natural Californian wine, gingerbread houses, a selection of Slim Aarons prints, Tom Ford fragrances, Paul Smith clothing, and pre-loved and vintage skiwear from Prada, Fusalp and Deneriaz. Look out for Alpine-inspired bottles of mulled wine, stollen and fondue sets.
Visit Selfridges.com
FIND COOL SPOTS FOR YOUR POOCH: Dog-Friendly London
Four&Sons magazine has created a guide to the best dog-friendly spots in London. A lovely gift for the pet owners in your life, it features everything from sprawling parks and tucked-away pubs to stylish hotel suites and canine-friendly cafés. It also has a selection of scenic, dog-friendly walks around the capital (with handy annotated maps) and restaurants with special menus for four-legged friends.
Visit HoxtonMiniPress.com
ENJOY A DIGITAL DETOX: Scotland Retreats
If you fancy a wellness-focused holiday in the New Year, Scotland Retreats has a range of relaxing packages to choose from. Designed to restore the mind, body and soul, these retreats have been created by holistic life coach Nichola Henderson for anyone suffering with anxiety or burnout. Choose one of the wellness retreats in Loch Lomond, taking place in February and March 2022, to experience meditative hikes, yoga and coaching sessions.
Visit ScotlandRetreats.com
BOOK A WEEKEND AWAY: The Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff
The Parkgate Hotel is Cardiff’s latest luxury hotel. It’s set in one of the city’s most historic buildings – the former Head Post Office and the old County Court. There are 170 bedrooms with classic, art-deco-inspired interiors and modern touches throughout – think Farrow & Ball colours, plush linens, and marble en-suites with Elemis toiletries and Ghd hairdryers. The Sorting Room restaurant serves classic British dishes, with a 6pm cocktail and champagne hour, while the spa has four rooms for Elemis treatments, a ‘steam temple’ and a thermal suite.
Visit TheParkgateHotel.Wales
JET OFF IN STYLE: Away The Travel Wellness Kit
Regular SL readers will know we love Away’s stylish luggage, so we were excited to hear it’s created a Covid-19 travel kit. Featuring handy items to make you feel safe on a plane or during your next trip, the kit contains hand sanitiser, anti-bacterial wipes, soap leaves, and an Away x GIR reusable silicone mask with five filters for extra protection. Housed in a pink holder in the shape of a suitcase, it’s both stylish and practical.
Visit AwayTravel.com
BOOK YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY: Generator Hotels
Generator has a range of boutique hostels and hotels around the world, including Dublin, London, Copenhagen, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Rome, Madrid and Miami. Ideal for a chic weekend getaway, properties have stylish rooms and apartments, spacious social areas, and fun communal zones where you can mingle with other travellers. Our favourite? Generator Miami has colourful interiors and an outdoor pool and terrace.
Visit StayGenerator.com
BOOK AHEAD: Fincadelica, Ibiza
Fincadelica is set to be a big hit next summer. A great choice if you don’t want to stay in a traditional hotel in Ibiza, the exclusive property is set in 20 acres of land in Sant Lorenc de Balafia. Full of character and charm, the boho chic interiors are simple yet stylish – think soft linens, rattan furniture and stone-coloured walls. There are nine luxury en-suite bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen-diner, a spacious living room, a dedicated fitness and wellness area, and an outdoor saltwater swimming pool. The best part? There’s a ‘party cave’ in the basement complete with DJ equipment – ideal for late-night Ibizan parties.
Visit Fincadelica.com
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