Melissa Vinelli’s Summer Holiday Diaries
Thanks for your tips everyone! For all you spa junkies check out this new blog www.spa-confidential.co.uk for spa news, musings and inspiration. According to them, “Relaxing is a serious business” – I couldn’t agree more!
I’m not sure if it was your description of the eucalyptus scented steam bath and wood-fired sauna, or the image of a strapping Nordic spa therapist called Hans which it conjured, but I decided to plump for Pädaste Manor on Muhu Island. With Hans in mind, I left the Chef in London and invited my friend Aurelie. A true Parisian, she’s on holiday for the whole of August too and appreciates a spot of pampering.
Reached by a 20 minute ferry ride from mainland Estonia, Muhu Island is a totally unspoilt island in the Baltic Sea. A 16th century haven, the hotel is grand but homely, and the spa offering is second to none. With the voice of Spa Confidential echoing through my mind, Aurelie and I repeated our mantra “Relaxing is a serious business” and threw ourselves into two days of rigorous spa-ing. After sweating it out in the sauna and plunging ourselves into the icy “Siberian” tub, it was time to sample the treatments. Pädaste Manor use centuries-old Estonian herbal traditions in their spa treatments – but it’s not bearded hippy territory – one of their spa packages includes a glass of Chardonnay and a hot tub session with a bottle of Laurent Perrier – my kind of Spa!
We both opted for a Scandinavian Salt Body Scrub and then The Ultimate Skin Treatment which comprised all of the below treats –
The Ultimate Skin Treatment, full day
Seawater hot tub at the bay
Rest & relax
Oatmeal & yoghurt scrub
After-treatment full body goat milk butter crème nourishing
Light lunch
Aloa vera & cucumber wrap
Rest & relax
Body & Soul, Traditional Swedish massage with essential oils
Afterwards we slung on our party dresses and had dinner at Alexander, the fine dining restaurant which opens into the gardens – D.I.V.I.N.E!
No sign of Hans though – oh well, a girl can dream!
Introducing you to Melissa Vinelli…
Hi all,
Happy New Year!
I thought you might like to meet a very good friend of mine – Melissa Vinelli – who I bumped into at The Arch Hotel in London recently after not seeing her for years. She’s quite a character, bit of a dare-devil and likes to have fun. She gets up to mischief now and again, has had an interesting life, and now travels the world extensively, staying mainly in our Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
You will see from the letter I’ve just received from her that she’s enjoying every minute of her time since leaving her high-powered job in the City. If you’d like to know Melissa as well as I do, then follow this blog to find out what she’s up to and where in the world she’ll be next. I really dread to think!
I’m sure her tales will give you a good insight into and give you some great ideas about staying in our small, luxury hotels around the world. She’ll certainly be opting for some of the special exciting experiences that Small Luxury Hotels of the World have put together – so that could prove interesting. I just wonder what she’ll get up to?
Enjoy her travels… and her antics!
Paul
PS: Incidentally, if you want to know more about Melissa, click here>>
Dear Paul,
It was absolutely fabulous bumping into you last month in that trendy London champagne bar at The Arch Hotel. What a chic contemporary London hotel that is with its rich colours, comfy seats, high-tech rooms, and classy art. It’s so very perfect for Mummy’s lifestyle too – an exclusive city hotel where she can enjoy toasted crumpets and traditional afternoon tea in style, wonderfully located in central London.
How timely too, with me being down in the dumps (having hastily thrown in the towel at work) that you came up with that amazing suggestion that I jet off to a luxury hotel in Sri Lanka to take time out and get my thoughts together. You are a darling, you saved my sanity.
When you said it was a boutique hotel somewhere unusual, I had no idea that the holiday in the nature reserve you recommended would be so very wild. I had a fantastic time… wild parties every day. Not exactly the wild London celebrity parties we both enjoy darling, but wild as in elephant safaris, nature tours and bird watching and, would you believe, even primate safaris. I must take Daddy with me next time; he’s always looking for luxury hotels off the beaten track.
I’m rambling as usual (and now back in the UK after my thought-inspiring stay in that gem of an eco-friendly luxury hotel)… so to the point. Luxury skiing holidays – I want to head for the snow and take a last minute luxury ski break.
You know that I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie so I’ll be taking my best buddy David with me who’s as mad as a hatter on the slopes. To keep him happy, can you suggest some luxurious ski retreats in Europe and maybe unusual skiing destinations further afield, as well as luxury family ski resorts in the USA (I want to check out family friendly ski hotels for my sister Claire and her tribe). Any information on hotels near challenging ski slopes, contemporary ski lodges and cosy ski chalets at renowned ski resorts will be great too.
Must rush. Look forward to getting your suggestions for a luxury ski holiday soonest. Thanks darling. See you.
Love Melissa
PS: Calling all skiers: Can you send me suggestions as to where I should go for my skiing break? Would love to read your comments on your personal skiing experiences too.
London Fashion Week Hotels
Hi all,
Now we’re settled in our new London home, we’re picking up the buzz of the various events that make this city so special. One of the big events on the London calendar is London Fashion Week which is attended by over 5,000 press and buyers and starts on the 17th September. According to the British Fashion Council these visitors place orders of over £100m but this week also generates over £30m for the London economy.
The Capital Hotel in London is only moments away from Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Sloane Street
As you can imagine, it’s an interesting time for our London hotels who are often busy with visitors looking for quiet city sanctuaries to escape from the hustle of the shows and parties. Many Fashion Week visitors are also interested in hitting the shops with Knightsbridge proving a popular base due to the proximity of Harrods, Harvey Nichols and many smaller designer boutiques. If you are still looking to secure a room in this area, The Capital Hotel has a ‘fashion week special offer’ with a few rooms still available. Just around the corner is the The Levin with personal in-room champagne bars for those wanting to start the party early in their rooms!
For those looking to stay nearer the famous shopping streets of Oxford Circus and Regent Street, we have the The Arch, the St James’s Hotel and Club and Dorset Square. And equidistant to Bond Street, Knightsbridge or The King’s Road, we have The Goring in Victoria.
Even if you’re not connected with the fashion industry, these hotels are perfect places to break away from a shopping trip for some afternoon tea or something a bit stronger. Whether you’re a guest or just popping in, you’re sure to get a warm welcome.
More soon,
Paul
SLH head office move to Victoria, London
Hi all,
Portland House - Victoria, London
It’s been an eventful week and I’m pleased to tell you that we’ve just moved our head office to Victoria in central London. This is an exciting step as SLH expands and it’s great to be in the heart of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities.
As with all moves it took plenty of planning to ensure business continued as normal but everything went smoothly and we’ve settled in fast. Portland House, our new home is one of the few ‘skyscrapers’ in this area of London with fantastic views across Buckingham Palace and the London skyline. At 101 meters high, it’s also on the map as one of the high-rise world buildings scaled by the notorious French climber Alain Robert (also known as ‘the French Spider Man’) who scaled all 29 floors in 40 minutes with just bare hands and climbing shoes! It is also very close to one of our London hotels – The Goring which is celebrating it’s 100th year !
In addition to our head office in London, we also have offices in Singapore and New York which means there’s always someone in an SLH office 24 hours a day. Our move marks the start of the next chapter of the company as in 2011 we celebrate our 20th anniversary. Plenty more about this later but it’s great to be planning our celebrations in our new home.
More soon,
Paul
It’s not too late to get away this Summer!
Hello all,
Over the last few weeks we’ve enjoyed some wonderful long, sunny days in the UK which are perfect for exploring the country this summer. Have you managed to get away yet this year? It’s not too late to get yourself one of our fantastic Summer Savings offers available at many of our hotels across Europe and Thailand. Participating hotels are offering savings from their best available rates, bonus nights or added benefits such as meals and spa treatments to make your stay even more memorable.
Once you start browsing you’ll be spoiled for choice but don’t wait too long to decide as the offers are available for travel now and are proving very popular!
More later,
Paul
Enjoying Small Luxury Hotels of the World in true Parisian style…
Whilst many of you have already visited Paris, there’s so much more to discover in this iconic city. Visit the world famous landmarks, feel the romance in the air with a loved one; enjoy the wining and dining at some amazing restaurants or for a more cultural experience learn more about the traditional Parisian lifestyle.
If you prefer quieter city sanctuary settings with close access to the hustle and bustle, then I thoroughly recommend staying at Le Pavillon de la Reine & Spa. Here’s just a taste of what you can look forward to at this wonderful luxury hotel:
It’s conveniently located in a beautiful setting…
This Small Luxury Hotel of the World lies in the heart of the tranquil Marais district in Place des Vosges, which was built in 1605 by King Henry IV of France. The impressive 17th century townhouse is perfectly located. Venture out to the chic restaurants, antique shops, art galleries and absorb the old and new Paris ambience. You can walk to most of the attractions or you can catch the Metro to get to your destination.
Contemporary bedrooms with traditional Parisian charm…
Pavillon de la Reine & Spa has retained its traditional Parisian charm. Each bedroom has been individually decorated and includes all the luxury amenities we all seek for. Check out one of the stylish suites, you could be staying in….
In the bedroom...the stylish Victor Hugo Suite
Relaxing at the Spa de la Reine…
In addition to its tranquil location there is also a delightful spacious Spa de la Reine by Carita, which offers a relaxing environment and a perfect way to round off the day if you’ve just been on an action-packed day out. They’ve got some great signature spa treatments, Jacuzzi , steam room and fitness area.
Impeccable service…
The staff are wonderful. You can also relax in the lounge by the fireplace and enjoy a drink or two from the honesty bar.
Chill out and enjoy a drink or two in the lounge
Planning a trip to Paris soon? Needs some ideas? Let me know.
More later, Paul
