Category Archives: Luxury Hotels in Greece

The Summer Holiday Diaries – Capri

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Ciao amici!

Well the Chef and I have just returned from our weekend jaunt to the uber-cool Capri and I couldn’t wait to tell you all about it. The J.K Place was exactly what the doctor ordered. With it’s laidback glamour I felt like Sophia Loren relaxing on a sun-lounger, martini in hand! Divine.

Apparently the hotel was almost full and yet it had a wonderful intimate ambience, as if we were staying in our own private villa with all the luxury 5-star services to be expected of an SLH. There are these gorgeous little touches all over the hotel from quirky ancient statues to canvases of modern art.

The location was absolutely to die for and my private pilates lesson every morning in the JK Place gardens certainly offered better views than the streets of Chelsea!

The Chef and I loved driving around nearby Positano in our fabulous classic car – we didn’t quite make it to Ischia and Ravello though as the Chef had a bit of a disagreement with the left-hand drive… Oh well.

Like all women learn at quite a young age, I know the best way to cheer up a man… through his stomach. Luckily for the Chef the food at the JK Place Capri was some of the freshest, more succulent and delicious food on the island; unfortunately for me I liked it so much that fitting into my Melissa Odabash bikini by the last day was a little bit of a struggle.

So for my next European trip I have decided I need a total Spa detox. I’ve already got my eye on the Thalassa Boutique Hotel & Spa in Paphos, Cyprus or maybe I should spend some time on UK soil and check out the Pennyhill Park Hotel and the Spa in Bagshot, Surrey. Paul, what would you recommend?

Hollywood inspired trips with Small Luxury Hotels of the World

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Hi all,

We’ve recently created a press release describing the many wonderful hotels and experiences waiting for people inspired to seek out the locations of the best-selling book and film ‘Eat Pray Love’, a tale of self discovery, food and romance set in Italy, India and Bali.

It started me thinking about the powerful effect that films have on influencing our holiday locations. Irrespective of plot lines, many films are fabulous adverts for destinations.

Who can deny the power of ‘The Beach’ which influenced many to follow the footsteps of Leonardo DiCaprio to the powder white sands of Ko Phi Phi Don in Thailand?

Although critics gave the plotline a mixed reception, the award-winning cinematography of stunning Kyoto in ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ inspired many to explore Japan.

Both Europeans and travellers from the US made a trip to Paris after watching ‘The Da Vinci Code’ in 2006, set against the backdrop of the Louvre which also benefited by allowing filming inside its galleries.

Released later this year is the eagerly anticipated final installment of the Harry Potter series with film locations all over the UK including London, North Yorkshire and Suffolk.

Some of our hotels have also been the backdrop of classic film scenes such as James Bond’s defeat of ‘Goldfinger’ on the golf course at Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire. It has also served as the romantic retreat in ‘Bridget Jones Diary’.

Our hotels are also used to the demands of the film stars for example the Skiathos Princess Hotel hosted the cast of Mamma Mia during filming in 2008.

With over 500 hotels in more than 70 countries, we have a wide selection of wonderful bases if you’ve been inspired to discover your own Thai paradise, enjoy a real Geisha performance, crack the Da Vinci Code, perfect your wizard skills or follow in the footsteps of Bond.

Do let us know if you’re planning any Hollywood inspired trips,

Paul

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My dream holiday…

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Hi all,

One of the highlights of my role as CEO for Small Luxury Hotels of the World is visiting the hotels in our portfolio and exploring some fascinating countries. Whilst many of my visits are unfortunately very brief, I’ve been giving some thought to how I would enter our current Dream Itinerary competition. Of course I can’t single out any particular hotels as they are all wonderful and unfortunately  I’m not allowed to enter but if I could, here’s a European  ‘fantasy’ journey that I’d love to try…

I would start in Greece surrounded by the extremes of natural beauty and dazzling view. A trip to Greece is never complete without a visit to Santorini which has the characteristic white cubist architecture of Greece with its striking blue domes blended with the sheer drama of every building hanging precariously off the cliff face and looking out over endless blue and pretty sister islands.

I would then leave the glittering, blue seas of Greece behind and travel to Italy. Here, I would hire a car and drive south through the picturesque olive groves and vineyards of Tuscany, stopping to taste some of the delightful wines of the world famous vineyards. Of course no Italian journey is complete without dining on authentic Tuscan cuisine whilst overlooking the rolling hills and beautiful villas of this enchanting land.

I would then head to France to sail the glamorous French Riviera. It still lives up to its alluring reputation and nothing quite prepares you for the stunning scenery nor the effortless chic of the place. I would sail the dynamic coastline with its plunging cliffs, magnificent bays and iconic towns such as Nice, Cannes, St.Tropez and of course the principality of Monaco.  After enjoying the private beaches and world-class restaurants of the French Riviera where I would finish off my whirlwind adventure.

With over 500 hotels in more than 70 countries to select, it’s tough to pick just a few but I hope that’s inspired you if you haven’t already submitted your dream trip.

Enter here today !

More later,
Paul

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So many luxury beach holidays and so little time…which Small Luxury Hotels of the World property do I choose from?

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You’ll be spoilt for choice after reading this post!

For some of us the conversation for your next beach holiday might go….

“Where shall we go for our next holiday?”

“Anywhere, as long as there is a beach….oooh and a spa with great food!”

“I don’t just want to lie on a beach all day, I want to explore, absorb the culture and history.”

“I agree. Well let’s do both!”

We all have different ways of relaxing when we’re on holiday, whether you’re going with a friend, your family, as a couple or just wanting complete time out from everything… some of us will just want to simply laze on the beach and soak up the sun to get our vitamin D intake topped up. Others want amazing beaches, the dreamy scenery and more.  We all have a different way of relaxing when we go on holiday.

So you’ve decided a luxury beach holiday is what you are after.  What type are you looking for?

 

 

 

Velassaru Maldives for peace and quiet

I want to be left alone….

Right… you don’t want to be disturbed. You just want sun, sea and sand and freshly caught cuisine to eat. Why not head to one of the SLH Hotels in the Indian Ocean?  The weather is perfect about now. Velassaru in the Maldives, is a beautifully secluded resort set on a luxurious private coral island surrounded by a beautiful turquoise coloured sea and white powdery beaches. Or maybe you’re thinking of the Caribbean. The Sand Piper in Barbados is a popular choice. This relaxing resort has visitors who return for the winning mix of relax elegance, fantastic food and atmosphere.

I can do the beach for a couple of days but I want to explore….

Greece is a popular choice for people looking for a mixed bag from their beach holiday. Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas could be right up your beach! This modern sanctuary sits within the ancient fortress of Akronafpila, above the historic town of Nafplion, with delightful views of the bay. Try the ultra-chic spa, the wonderful choice of restaurants and bar.  It’s also surrounded by three World Heritage sites which are worth exploring.

Altogether on holiday… with friends & family

Group holidays need variety. You’ll have plenty to do at Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort in Mauritius.  This hotel faces the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean with the Plaine Champagne Mountains as a stunning backdrop.  It’s a perfect for those who love golf, spa, nature and water sport activities.

Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort

Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort, Mauritius -  Off the beaten track

‘Love is in the air!’ for those looking for a romantic getaway….

If you want to spice up your love life and bring romance into your holiday, then any of these beach escapes would be ideal really! Take your pick! You’ll fall in love with Pacific Resort Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. The view of the lagoon, the tropical gardens, the wonderful local food and island-inspired healing treatments of the spa will just leave you speechless.

Somewhere you may never have thought of going to…

Perhaps Azura Hotel in Mozambique might be a place which you may not have thought of going to? This boutique hotel was hand-built by local people.  There are fifteen villas each with their own infinity pool, amazing spa facilities and local cuisine. Built and operated in partnership with the local community, Azura’s initiatives include protecting the endangered dugongs and building the island’s only school.

Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali

Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali – Situated on the north-eastern edge of Bali

Or for pure indulgence, set in the dramatic volcanic landscape on Bali’s north-eastern coast, Spa Village Resort Tembok in Indonesia is where your restorative journey begins. This adult-only retreat has no distractions and it’s all about unwinding and relaxing.

We have so many beach escapes we could be writing about. Why not take a look at Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s portfolio….there are some great beach offers.

Do let us know if you have any beach-style SLH Hotels which you recommend? We’d love to hear from you.

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