1 Brimstone Hotel near Windermere, CumbriaBrimstone is perfectly set up for walking weekends, with trails and upland paths starting from its front door, leading through the Langdale Valley and up the Langdale Pikes. Then there’s the Bootroom (with all-weather kit that you can borrow free of charge)
These boutique hotels are a treat for design fans and wine lovers alike
I can't believe that it is April and this is my first post on the blog in 2020. I had a very busy start to the year having taken on a new role in my professional life and also planning our wedding which was due to take place at the end of March. Then, as we all know, 2020 took a drastic turn and one postponed wedding and a lockdown later, I now find myself with plenty of time to catch up on past trips. First up is our weekend trip to the wonderful Gleneagles Hotel last October to mark one year of being engaged. We decided to take the train rather than fly as Gleneagles has its very own train station and offers a complimentary chauffeur transfer from the train station to the hotel. We treated ourselves to first class tickets on the train and settled in with some good books for the five and a half hour trip. The hotel concierge had requested our estimated arrival time and the chauffeur was waiting for us when we stepped off the train. It was late afternoon when we arrived and I was feeling the cooler Scottish temperature, so you can imagine my delight when we entered the hotel lobby and saw the cosy fire crackling away in the corner. Things only got better when we were informed at check in that we had received an upgrade from a Country Room to a more spacious Main House Estate Room. Our room did not disappoint, it was so spacious that it had a sitting area with sofa and arm chairs in addition to the luxurious king size bed. The rooms are decorated in neutral shades with accent pieces in a beautiful shade of jade green. Two large wardrobes ensured plenty of storage space (this was a welcome discovery as I had my horse riding gear with me and the fiancé had packed his fishing gear). Classical music was playing on the cute vintage-style Roberts radio when we entered the room which created the perfect ambience. I love a hotel room that comes with a freestanding bathtub. Am I the only person who rarely takes a bath but insists on a hotel room that comes with a tub? There is something about the mere presence of a bathtub (especially a freestanding one) that instantly makes me feel more relaxed. In addition to the bathtub, the bathroom had a very spacious monsoon shower and his and hers sinks. Once we had unpacked and settled into our room, we decided to explore the rest of the hotel. The hotel's luxury five star rating is evident throughout. The interior design is impressive and the harmony between the bedrooms, corridors and lift lobbies gives a very satisfying sense of cohesion. This is a very aesthetically pleasing hotel and those with a penchant for interior design will feel right at home in the exquisite surroundings. There is so much to discover at the Gleneagles Hotel, it even has its own retail arcade! Gleneagles & Co is a wonderful homeware store that offers a fantastic selection of items made by Scottish and British artisans. The Cabinet stocks luxury skincare and fine fragrance brands such as Dr. Barbara Sturm and Teresa Tarmey - a lifesaver if you forgot to pack your favourite perfume or left your night cream behind in the bathroom cabinet! No visit to Scotland would be complete without some Scottish whisky and you will discover an impressive range of rare and independent Scottish whiskies in the Still Room. The Gleneagles has an impressive array of activities on offer from golf and tennis to shooting and archery, there is something for everyone. Horse riding is a passion of mine (along with luxury travel of course!) and Gleneagles has been on my bucket list for a long time. The Equestrian School is one of Europe's leading riding centres boasting indoor and outdoor arenas, 60 cross-country fences and 26 beautiful horses. The following morning I made my way to the equestrian centre for a 60 minute trail ride while the fiancé dusted off his fishing gear for a spot of fly fishing on the River Earn. We both thoroughly enjoyed our activities and I can't wait to try out the cross-country course on our next visit. If you are not a sports enthusiast there is still plenty to enjoy at the Gleneagles Hotel. There are many beautiful walks around the grounds and the scenery is breathtaking. You could enjoy a spot of croquet on the lawn or wander down to the Falconry School to check out these impressive birds - though my top choice would be a visit to the luxury spa for a soothing massage! Last but not least, we must discuss the dining options. The Gleneagles Hotel has a number of restaurants to suit every occasion. On our first night we wanted a more relaxed dining experience and so we booked a table at The Dormy which offers a classic menu of hearty favourites. I had a delicious Scottish salmon tikka followed by the Valrhona chocolate pot and homemade cookies. I may have also snuck a taste of the fiancé's sticky toffee pudding which was divine! On our anniversary night we dined in The Strathearn and it was everything I could have wanted and more. The Strathearn does fabulous food but this is not just a top class meal, this is a dining experience. I don't have any photos because we wanted to really enjoy the evening with no distractions. While writing this I initially regretted not having any photos to share but then I realised that a photo wouldn't do it justice. A photo wouldn't capture the ambience, the energy, the Gatsby-style music and Gueridon service. Everyone had dressed for the occasion and we were transported back in time to a glamorous bygone era where waiters swished by balancing trays laden with flutes of champagne and unveiled delectable dishes from beneath silver cloches. It was just wonderful! We finished off the night with more champagne in the American Bar which is also reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties era and a must visit for a glamorous nightcap. Sunday's are for long indulgent lie-ins and we felt very deserving following our action packed Saturday. We ordered breakfast in bed (a favourite treat) and curled up with the Sunday papers. We returned to The Strathearn later that day for Sunday Lunch. The magic of the previous evening had vanished and it almost felt like an entirely different, albeit still beautiful, dining room. The fiancé is the Sunday roast connoisseur, and The Strathearn's take on the Sunday roast certainly received high praise. A final sticky toffee pudding for him and Valrhona chocolate tart for me and we reluctantly rolled ourselves home. We both agreed that a weekend is simply not long enough to indulge in all that the Gleneagles Hotel has to offer and we were already planning our return trip on the way home. No blog post is complete without a landscape shot from the fiancé, so here is one of my favourites from the weekend.
Welcome to Beaverbrook, one of the UK's most exciting country house hotels to open in the heart of Surrey. Marrying its rich history with a modern outlook – it's the ultimate retreat for travel aficionados.
It’s been a while since we’ve compiled a list of the best country hotels in the UK. From manor houses in the Cotswolds to sprawling estates in Scotland, from old favourites to newer names, these are the places to book for a special staycation…
Is this the most exciting country-house hotel to have opened in the past 21 years?
1 Brimstone Hotel near Windermere, CumbriaBrimstone is perfectly set up for walking weekends, with trails and upland paths starting from its front door, leading through the Langdale Valley and up the Langdale Pikes. Then there’s the Bootroom (with all-weather kit that you can borrow free of charge)
Looking for the best hotel in Paso Robles? Come look inside Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles, a Tuscan style hotel in wine country.
1 Brimstone Hotel near Windermere, CumbriaBrimstone is perfectly set up for walking weekends, with trails and upland paths starting from its front door, leading through the Langdale Valley and up the Langdale Pikes. Then there’s the Bootroom (with all-weather kit that you can borrow free of charge)
Are you looking for the best luxury hotels in the Cotswolds? These are the top places to stay for an unforgettable getaway!
Looking for the best hotel in Galway? Rosleague Manor House is a family-run Irish country house in Connemara with large, unique rooms, gourmet dining & the friendliest staff. Read our review for more!
It’s been a long time. A very very long time since I shared anything with you. I’ve been holding back on you guys, whilst I’ve been busy soaking in inspirational places and figuring out what I really want to show you. But my guilt has set in at last, so be prepared for a whirlwind …
Reviewed - A weekend at Foxhills Golf and Country Club. Country house hotel meets championship golf, spa days,
We’ve always admired the refined yet relaxed look of country hotels, and The Pig Hotel is no exception.
Take a walk on the wild side with the new breed of mountain hotels.
Image 42 of 58 from gallery of Sobreiras – Alentejo Country Hotel / FAT - Future Architecture Thinking. Photograph by João Morgado
The UK’s latest country house hotel, Heckfield Place in Hampshire, welcomes guests this September, a full six years behind its scheduled launch date (see o
The Hotel Can Ferrereta can be found on the southeast side of the Mallorcan island ensconced in the Mallorcan municipality Santanyi.
1 Brimstone Hotel near Windermere, CumbriaBrimstone is perfectly set up for walking weekends, with trails and upland paths starting from its front door, leading through the Langdale Valley and up the Langdale Pikes. Then there’s the Bootroom (with all-weather kit that you can borrow free of charge)
Hotels on working farms allow you to leave the fast-paced city life behind -- at least for the weekend -- and hit the country to hone your farming chops.
The top stays to bookmark for a British weekender
Open since April, The Pig at Bridge Place has changed the mini-break game for Londoners
A look inside the charming Pig Near Bath, a luxury hotel located in Somerset. Come for a weekend getaway or to eat a delicious farm-to-table dinner.
Brand new menus, a new head chef and new wellness experiences await at Crillon Le Brave! Aiming to enhance the guest experience throughout, Crillon Le Brave is delighted to introduce new head chef Adrien Brunet, who will be presenting new […]
Front desk at Belgraves, a Thompson Hotel
Hidden in the heart of the Three Valleys lies the first high -end chalet made of dreams!
Staycation in Edinburgh at the beautifully eclectic Kimpton Charlotte Square. From dawn till dusk this hotel has everything you need under one roof.
Stride out on a bracing country walk then curl up by the fire or enjoy quality food at Britain's best country retreats
Because week days are the new weekend.
Open since April, The Pig at Bridge Place has changed the mini-break game for Londoners
Heckfield Place is a luxurious hotel in a former Georgian manor in Hampshire, England
The Norfolk country house of interior designer Carlos Garcia looks so beautiful in its Christmas decorations that we asked him for his tips for festive decorating.
Transport yourself to the refined graces of the Irish countryside, as KT Merry guides you through the Ballyfin Demesne luxury country house hotel.
To celebrate US travelers being able to visit quarantine-free, we’re sharing the best new UK hotels that have opened since the country closed its doors.
Explore Mijkra's 102714 photos on Flickr!
Best things to do on a getaway to Southport, CT. Eat, sleep, relax. Stay at the Delamar, dine at Paci, visit the summer book sale. Easy train ride from NYC.
Image 3 of 50 from gallery of Botanique Hotel & Spa / Candida Tabet Arquitetura. Photograph by Tuca Reinés
The brand-new Estelle Manor raises the bar on the English countryside hotel.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are set to welcome their new baby in just a few weeks, stayed at the five-star Heckfield Place hotel in Hook, Hampshire.
