Travel Notes July

BOOK A ROOM HERE: Harbour Beach Club & Hotel, Salcombe

Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa is expanding their hotel collection with a new beach club and hotel. Bringing the resort experience to the south coast, Harbour Beach Club & Hotel is a family-friendly beachside retreat located on South Sands Beach in Salcombe. Set to open later this summer, there are 44 rooms and six luxury suites to choose from – most of which have beachfront and ocean views – with all the luxuries you’d expect from a Harbour Hotel like custom-made mattresses, Egyptian cotton linens, complimentary drinks, and Bramley toiletries. Families can enjoy outdoor activities and water sports, and those looking for a bit of R&R can relax at the on-site spa and take a dip in the pool. The restaurant will serve delicious local seafood, while the Beach Bar is the place to go for a sundowner cocktail.

Visit HarbourHotels.co.uk/Harbour-Beach-Club

HEAD ON A LUXURY GLAMPING TRIP: The Samling Luxury Wilderness Experience

The Samling Hotel in the Lake District has just launched a new series of wilderness adventures where guests can stay in luxury ‘Prospector Tents’. Set in 65 acres of meadows, ancient woodland, gardens and rolling hills, the hotel has breath-taking views across Lake Windermere. As part of the experience, guests can enjoy freshly brewed coffee on the veranda, before being served breakfast by a private butler. Activities include hikes around the woods or up to Scafell Pike, leisurely strolls to Ambleside, and water sports on the nearby lake. A chef and butler will serve delicious meals in your own restaurant tent or – if the weather allows – al fresco, dining under the stars by lantern. The tents themselves are seriously stylish – think four-poster beds with luxury linens, plush furniture and indoor wood burners. Weekend trips for two start from £3,000.

Visit TheSamlingHotel.co.uk

DISCOVER STYLISH LONDON PADS: Smarter

Smarter is a new rental platform where guests can choose to stay in a range of ultra-stylish properties in London. A great alternative to Airbnb, there’s an extensive portfolio of homes, from stunning apartments in West Kensington and townhouses in Primrose Hill, to house boats along the river and family homes in Wandsworth. Ideal for hen dos, parties, or simply exploring a new neighbourhood in the capital, each property has been hand-picked by the Smarter team so you can expect plush interiors and luxury touches throughout. To offset their carbon footprint, Smarter’s founders have also set up a sister charity, the Stay For Good Foundation, dedicated to funding sustainable projects around the world. The charity will receive 10% of the proceeds from every booking made on the Smarter platform – even more of a reason to get on board.

Visit Book-Smarter.com

PLAN A TRIP HERE: Secret Bay, Dominica

Dominica is currently on the UK’s green travel list, so there’s never been a better time to explore the small, beautiful island. Secret Bay, one of the island’s most luxury hotels surrounded by a rainforest with plush greenery, has just opened a stunning new villa on the hillside. With a spectacular jungle-to-ocean views that extend to the island’s tallest mountain, Morne Diablotin, the property also has a private plunge pool, an outdoor rain shower and an under-deck hammock. Inside, there’s an indoor-outdoor living space with a generous bedroom and two bathrooms – ideal for a small group or family. During your stay, be sure to visit the beautiful sulphur springs, Cabrits National Park, and Trafalgar Falls.

Visit SecretBay.Dm/Villas

DIVE INTO NEW SWIMWEAR: LoveShackFancy x Hurley

Regular readers will know we’re a little bit obsessed with LoveShackFancy, and especially their whimsical colours and pretty patterns. The brand has now collaborated with cool surfing experts Hurley to create a new collection of tropical bodysuits, swimsuits, rash guards and bikinis. The collection also includes matching pieces for little ones, too, such as floral wetsuits and surfing ponchos for girls, and board shorts for boys. There’s even printed deck chairs, parasols and bucket hats in the mix – ideal for showing a bit of style on the beach.

Visit LoveShackFancy.com/Pages/Hurley

SPEND THE DAY AT: The Spa At Fawsley Hall

Luxury hotel Fawsley Hall has just reopened its spa after an extensive £1.5m refurbishment. Located in Northamptonshire, the hotel is an ideal spot for a luxury escape, whether you’re after a relaxing weekend with the girls or a solo getaway. The indoor swimming pool and poolside area has been given a complete refresh, with the addition of a new outdoor hydrotherapy pool, Himalayan salt sauna, steam room and six new treatment rooms with Gharieni treatment beds. The gym has also been expanded to provide new training areas, along with a new ‘Spatisserie’ which serves healthy lunches and afternoon tea. Guests can lounge in the relaxation area overlooking the courtyard, and enjoy an Elemis facial or bespoke treatment. Spa days start from £109pp.

Visit HandpickedHotels.co.uk/FawsleyHall

WATCH THIS NEW DOC: The Year Earth Changed, Apple TV

Apple TV has just released a new nature documentary narrated by David Attenborough. The Year Earth Changed features never-before-seen footage showing how living in lockdown briefly opened the door for nature to bounce back and thrive. Across the seas, skies and land, Earth found its rhythm when the world came to a stop. Expect to hear sparrows in San Francisco and see mountains emerging in India that had been hidden by plumes of pollution. A must for nature lovers.

Visit TV.Apple

TREAT YOURSELF: The Mayfair Townhouse x Acqua Di Parma

The Mayfair Townhouse, one of the most stylish London openings of the last year, has just launched a partnership with luxury perfume brand Acqua di Parma, where guests can enjoy a picnic in Green Park, then head to the hotel’s Dandy Bar for cocktails. Pick up a ‘Green Park Picnic’ (from £45) from the hotel, which includes a selection of sandwiches, salad, quiche, yuzu and lemon cakes, half a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and samples of Acqua di Parma’s Bergamotto La Spugnatura. You’ll also receive an invitation card for a complimentary fragrance consultation at Selfridges and a special gift. Back at the hotel, slip into the stylish Dandy Bar and sip cocktails inspired by the partnership between Möet Hennessey and Acqua di Parma – when you buy one, you’ll get the second for free.

Visit TheMayfairTownhouse.com

BOOK YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY WITH: Hour Directory

Hour Directory is a new travel platform specialising in design-led retreats, most of which are just a couple of hours outside the main cities in Scotland and Ireland. Created in response to the pandemic, you can currently browse through a selection of stunning properties near Dublin and Edinburgh, from townhouses by the sea to cosy countryside cottages. The platform has detailed descriptions and area recommendations for each home, as well as handy travel guides on how to get there. We love the look of Wood H, a beautiful self-catering hideaway on the Isle of Skye, which sleeps up to six and has beautiful views. Look out for additional UK listings on the platform which are set to be added over the course of the summer.

Visit Hour.Directory

HIT THE ROAD: Lonely Planet Great Britain's Best Trips

Lonely Planet, who make some of the best and most comprehensive travel guides, have just released a new book featuring 36 amazing road trips around the UK. In response to the staycation boom over the last year, the book has everything – from weekend escapes to the Yorkshire Dales to two-week adventures around Britain’s historic south coast. The book also contains a handy driving guide and maps featuring some of the best highlights. Ideal for campervan adventures and family road trips, there’s something for everyone.

Visit Waterstones.com

SPOTLIGHT ON: The Balearic Islands

At the end of last month, the Balearic Islands – which include Ibiza, Menorca, Majorca and Formentera – were added to the UK’s green list, meaning you won’t need to quarantine on your return. Whether you’re after a family holiday the kids will enjoy or a long weekend with friends, the islands have something for everyone. Heading to Ibiza for the beach clubs, nightlife and chic hotels is always a good idea, while Menorca is ideal for a lowkey family holiday. Majora has some of the most luxury villas and beautiful scenery, while Formentera, the smallest and most southerly Balearic island, is renowned for its mile-long beaches and azure blue waters. Be sure to check the entry requirements before you book.

Visit IlesBaleares.Travel