I know so many of you reading this are desperate to get away and book a holiday, but given the ongoing uncertainty, many are wondering if international trips will be possible this summer (I am still keeping EVERYTHING crossed).
For those who want something to look forward to more locally, I wanted to share some of my favourite gems in the UK, for those who may be looking to book a lovely break without leaving the country. I always work directly with the hotel and my special partners, so the rates I access are always cancellable without penalty (typically up to 48 hours prior), but you can enjoy a host of benefits at no extra cost to you if you book with myself or the team at Wells Luxury Travel.
Here are some of my favourites:
The Cotswolds
Barnsley House
Barnsley House is not only one of the world's best country house hotels, it also features one of the planet's most famous gardens. I love the way this elite country house hotel blends old and new. The bathrooms are jaw-dropping; a contemporary contrast to the exposed stone and wooden beams throughout the property. The location outside Cirencester makes for a great base to explore the Cotswolds and Bath. There is no pretension here, and our clients love dining in both the hotel's restaurant or across the street at the Village Pub.
Wells Luxury Travel Perks:
· Complimentary Breakfast
· Choice of either private tour of Barnsley House Gardens with Head Gardener, Jen Danbury or a romantic dining experience served in the Garden Temple
· A complimentary garden cocktail is included with either experience
Dormy House
Dormy House sits on a hill overlooking the stunning Cotswolds, and it offers tremendous value. The property completed a massive refurbishment and Dormy House is now one of the hottest hotels in the English countryside. Yes, they kept all of the charm of exposed wooden beams and stone, but the new contemporary style is charming and chic. The swimming pool and spa are a destination in their own right and are frequented by our clients after a long day of touring or walking The Cotswolds.
Wells Luxury Travel Perks:
· Complimentary Breakfast
· Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking
· Bottle of champagne on arrival
Lucknam Park
Lucknam Park is regarded as one of Britain's greatest country house hotels, and I thoroughly agree! Traditional in style and located conveniently close to both Bath and The Cotswolds, it is home to a number of resort activities such as a cookery school, a state-of-the-art spa, and a world class equestrian centre situated within its 500 acres of English Parkland. Lucknam Park is home to a Michelin Star Restaurant, but they also have a brasserie for more casual nights.
Wells Luxury Travel Perks:
· Complimentary breakfast
· Tour of their gardens with a member of the estate team followed by a glass of Pimms
PLUS this hotel is part of the exclusive Virtuoso network, which Wells Luxury Travel is also part of, so you can enjoy the following additional perks if you book with us:
· Champagne Afternoon for Two set up in the Parkland (or in the Drawing Room if inclement weather) OR
· Dry Floatation Treatment for Two- a deeply relaxing spa treatment
· Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Cornwall
Hotel Tresanton
I know Cornwall has become increasingly popular destination in recent years, with its walkable towns, world-class gardens, and rugged coastline. Overlooking the sea, Hotel Tresanton is a stylish seaside hotel with terrific views and light, comfortable bedrooms individually designed by acclaimed designer and Tresanton owner, Olga Polizzi. We love the Mediterranean style Beach Club set just above the water. Book well in advance to ensure you get the very best rooms with extra space, some with terraces.
Wells Luxury Travel Perks:
· Complimentary breakfast
· Complimentary picnic lunch during stay when staying 3 or more nights
Oxford
Belmond le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons
Created by celebrated chef Raymond Blanc OBE, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons is renowned for offering one of Britain's finest gastronomic experiences. The hotel received two Michelin stars in 1984, the first year of its opening, and, remarkably, has held them ever since.
Situated in the picturesque Oxfordshire village of Great Milton, it is also one of the country's most cherished manor house hotels, with 32 individually designed guest rooms and suites.
Surrounded by lawns, flower borders and orchards, the luxury hotel enjoys an idyllic, typically English setting. But beyond the eye-catching displays are vegetable and herb gardens that provide the kitchen—and the acclaimed Raymond Blanc Cookery School—with ultra-fresh, organic produce, ensuring the Michelin-star restaurant remains...
Wells Luxury Travel Perks:
· Complimentary breakfast
· Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
· $100 USD Equivalent Food & Beverage credit, to be utilized during stay
· Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Berkshire, Hampshire & Surrey
Coworth Park, Dorchester Collection
Set in 240 acres of picturesque parkland on the borders of Windsor Great Park, Coworth Park, Dorchester Collection’s 70 room country house hotel and spa, blends the warmth and comfort of a contemporary country house with an eccentric spirit that is undeniably English and irrefutably modern. The hotel is just 40 minutes from Central London and 20 minutes from Heathrow.
Coworth Park’s renovated stable houses 28 rooms and suites with crisp, modern furnishings. The outbuildings are home to 11 rooms and suites in the form of private cottages which offer many subtle influences from their original use as farmer’s cottages.
Coworth Park has three restaurants; the gastronomic restaurant within the Mansion House, the converted Barn restaurant adjacent to the stable block and the Spatisserie located in our luxury Eco-Spa.
Wells Luxury Travel Perks:
· Complimentary breakfast
· Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom, in restaurant or via in-room dining
· £85 GBP Food & Beverage or Spa credit
· Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Chewton Glen
Growing up in Bournemouth, the Chewton Glen is a well-known gem and world-renowned luxury country house hotel and spa. Hidden in a valley, the hotel has 14 Treehouse Suites and a kitchen garden that supplies much of what is served in the dining room. You can learn to cook in the hotel’s cookery school in association with the famous chef James Martin. The New Forest National Park and nearby Solent Coast provide a magical backdrop.
Chewton Glen's spa sets a new benchmark in hotel health, fitness and relaxation. The centrepiece of the club is a sixteen metre classical style indoor pool surrounded by a hydrotherapy pool, outdoor hot tub and traditional sauna and steam rooms. Within the 130 acres of grounds there is a 9-hole par 3 golf course, two indoor and two outdoor tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool and a croquet lawn. There are many delightful walking and jogging trails around the grounds, including one to the nearby beach. There is also a range of fabulous country pursuits available in the grounds and nearby, from clay shooting and archery, to horse riding and falconry.
Wells Luxury Travel Perks:
· Complimentary breakfast
· Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom, in restaurant or via in-room dining
· £85 GBP Food & Beverage or Spa credit
· Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Beaverbrook
Few properties in the English countryside have commanded as much attention from “in-the-know” hospitality professionals as Beaverbrook. Located just 20 miles from London city center and only 30 minutes from Heathrow, Beaverbrook is winning major accolades in the competitive 5-star landscape that surrounds England’s capital. 2018 was its first full year open to guests, and it has quickly become the perfect spot for enjoying the rolling hills of the English Countryside and for the practicality of pre/post cruise experiences or for the final stay of a British itinerary.
Immaculate grounds and gardens surround the serene manor house and provide a true sense of relaxation. Rooms are all impeccably decorated in theme with their names coinciding with previous notable guests of Beaverbrook. For lovers of history and Sir Winston Churchill, guests can stay in the room he often frequented and even have a soak in the tub much like he would when dictating notes to his secretary. Beaverbrook is truly a one of a kind experience – nothing like it in the world!
Wells Luxury Travel Perks:
· Complimentary breakfast
· Beaverbrook Guest book
· A Martini for each guest
· House tour by one of the team
Yorkshire
Grantley Hall
I’ll be honest, I never personally considered a holiday to Yorkshire, until I found about this remarkable property in the Yorkshire Dales. It’s what a five star country house hotel is all about. As you pass through the gates and follow the meandering river through the beautiful parkland setting, Grantley Hall makes quite the impression. Uniquely combining serenity, sophistication, and country charm, it is the perfect haven. It has been sympathetically brought back to life in a way that captures the grandeur of old English aristocracy while blending contemporary comforts. The rooms are incredibly generous in size, and suites are nothing but palatial. We love the location for exploring the City of York and the picture perfect Yorkshire Dales.
Wells Luxury Travel Perks:
· Complimentary breakfast
Scotland (Both properties are great for Golfers too)
Rufflets
While Rufflets is surrounded by many of the world's most famous golf courses, this is also a great place to make your Scotland home because of the wonders of the region. Located in St. Andrews, Rufflets has the distinction of being one of the oldest and very best country houses in Scotland. In 2015, Rufflets was named best hotel in Scotland by the AA, the most sought after award in Scottish hospitality. Most of our clients that stay here are actually not golfers, as they love touring the town of St. Andrews and surrounding coastal region. One of Rufflets' bedrooms has been called the most romantic room in the UK by a leading magazine
Wells Luxury Travel Perks:
· Complimentary breakfast
· Complimentary mini afternoon tea
Links House
Links House is located in Dornoch, less than an hour north of Inverness along one of the wild and beautiful coastal areas of the Scottish Highlands. This 5-star property boasts characterful bedrooms, unique period furnishings, and serene coastline views. With some of the best driving routes on the North Coast 500, guests who base here gain access to many of the less visited areas of the Scottish Highlands, including quite a few of our favorite distilleries such as Glenmorangie, and cultural and historic sites such as Dunrobin Castle. This is also a great region for enjoying Scotland’s many outdoor activities from off-road driving to fishing and hiking. Guests of the Links House can enjoy the beauty of the Highlands while stepping out of their front door to the calming sea views of the Dornoch Firth and cascading hills of Royal Dornoch, Scotland’s most treasured and remote golf course.
Wells Luxury Travel Perks:
· Complimentary breakfast
This is just a handful of the great collection I work with in the UK- and anytime you book through my agency, you get access to special Celebrated Perks and/or Virtuoso Perks!
If you know the hotel you want to stay at and I am able to add value through my exclusive access and connections, I am happy to waive my professional planning fees so you don’t have to pay any extra for the booking but can still enjoy special benefits!
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