Category Archives: Luxury Hotels in England

Merry Christmas and Happy Party Season

Posted on by
1

Dear Melissa

I thought you moved with the times !! We are all moving to cards and soon it will be on your phone ! So keys are probably going to be collectable like antiques.. A bit like me!

Like everyone else I’m focused on turkey, Christmas pudding, rest and relaxation at home this week but looking ahead to January, if you’re looking for a truly special spa experience to ward off the results of the party season, I’d recommend the Revitalising Retreat package at Cowley Manor, offered from the 1st January 2013.

cowley manor

Available mid-week, including two 60 minute treatments at the award winning C-Side spa, a delicious 3 course dinner, a night’s stay at the hotel and a full breakfast, it’s the ultimate way to recover from the party season in a decadent way!

cowley manor spa

Tempted?

PK

Christmas is upon us

Posted on by
Reply

Hi Paul,

What a wonderful place Cologne is. I loved exploring the city’s six Christmas Markets, which are scattered across the city, quite confusing and daunting after a glass or two of local Glühwein (be careful, it can pack quite a punch!). I tottered back to the hotel after picking up some traditional crafts and handmade Christmas tree decorations as gifts.

I’m now back in London for a short while and I have completely embraced the British Christmas spirit. As always, your Christmas present suggestions are spot on and I’m so pleased that this year I won’t have to push past the dreaded shopping crowds on Regent Street. I particularly like the look of the 2 night spa experience that I’ve seen on your website.

Christmas-decoration-in-Regent-Street-in-2011

They will make a perfect present for the females in the family… actually come to think of it, the men too! I might have to treat myself to a gift certificate. I have a few festive parties to attend so my New Year detox in January will need to be introduced gently. A massage or two would be just perfect… do you have any suggestions for destinations that are fabulous for spa treatments. I’m thinking I might need one on January 1st 2013!

HULHRPP_37974368_Pennyhill_Facial_(WEB)_432x288

Having returned to London, I couldn’t wait to escape the city so I booked for my best friend and I to have a weekend treat at Great Fosters (after reading your recommendation)

I have never seen such a fabulous key… do you have any other hotels with curious room keys… I’m thinking of putting a little blog on special hotel keys.

Ho ho ho!

Melissa

Great Fosters Delights

Posted on by
Reply

Hi Melissa,

Looking forward to hearing all about your trip to Cologne.. Don’t forget to write a review on the hotel’s page! The photography exhibition you mentioned sounds fascinating and certainly will pop in to visit and view the photographs. A nice New Year family trip perhaps…Can you believe it is December already? The team here at Small Luxury Hotels of the World are busy comparing Christmas lists and sharing stocking filler ideas! I am not a man that enjoys wandering around the shops, so if anyone is like me, I definitely recommend purchasing one of our fantastic Christmas Gift Certificates for a loved one.

gift certificates
The certificates come in an exclusive SLH wallet with a personalised card. With three different kinds, they really are the perfect gift , no matter how much you spend (just don’t forget to add one to your wish list and order before the 17th December!).

These vouchers can be put towards a stay at any of our 520 hotels, from journeys to exotic destinations or simply a much needed weekend city break away once the Christmas festivities are over. If you’re keen to purchase one, head straight here

Great Fosters Hotel

If you received one, where would you head? No doubt a destination with plenty of sunshine and excellent shopping to meet your every need! For me, I would take a trip to the stately historic house of Great Fosters in the heart of the English countryside. A spot of Afternoon tea, fresh countryside walks and a roaring log fire to come back too. A definite post Christmas delight.

AnneBoleynFireplace-Great Fosters

Tis’ the season to be jolly!

Paul

Home is Where the English Heart Is

Posted on by
1

What can I say Paul, I’m a city girl through and through but Sally’s blog certainly did open my eyes to the extent of wonderful places we have in the UK that are just crying out to be explored. So I took heed of your advice and decided to face my fear of muddy fields, rogue farm animals and no wi-fi and drove my glistening new Range Rover Evoque off into the British wilderness.

First on my list for a quintessentially British experience had to be The Arden Hotel in beautifulStratford-Upon-Avon, once home to the legendary William Shakespeare whose name lives on with the wonderful Royal Shakespeare Company. I took advantage of the Arden’s hugely popular RSC Theatre package and enjoyed a luxurious night in one of their unique ‘Feature Rooms’ before trotting off to see the classic ‘Taming of the Shrew’ (and I almost understood every word!)

Although the Arden was absolutely divine I did feel like I cheated on your task slightly Paul, particularly as my diamante-encrusted Hunter wellies were still in pristine condition, so for my second British jaunt I headed to Lainston House Hotel in Hampshire.

Lainston House is set in 63 acres of lush parkland with clay pigeon shooting and falconry being their most. After a full day of wandering through gardens and woodland, I have to admit I loved every minute of it. popular activities. I even impressed myself as I trekked along their astonishing avenue of lime trees and discovered an enchanting 12th-century chapel on the way.

Although I especially loved coming back to a fabulous meal prepared by award-winning executive chef, Andy MacKenzie – turns out you can get good food outside the M25!

This little exploration has been the perfect antidote to my crazy city life – although I did hear DVF is having an end of season sale tomorrow which I might just need to pop back to the bright lights for!

Let me know if there’s anywhere in the UK that you think is really special and might even tempt me away again.

Paul’s Reply to Melissa:British countryside

Posted on by
3

Many congratulations to all the properties featured in the Conde Nast Traveller Spa Awards, extremely well deserved and a great accolade. No denying that a good spa sesh does wonders for the skin and soul but my recommendation for you MV is to get out-and-about into the great British countryside, enjoy some fresh air and see what’s beyond this London metropolis – it will do marvels for that fresh, youthful look that seems to be all the rage at the moment. Whilst we have some of the best hotels in the world here in the capital, some of my favourites are away from the bright lights and tucked away in the heart of the British countryside.

Now, not that I was cheating on your blog MV (you know you’re my number 1!) but I was checking out another favourite of mine, Sally Shalam’s Britain – it’s full to the brim of top tips for exploring all that is Great about Britain. Go and check it out and you might be inspired!