Step back in time to the era of the High Kings of Ireland with a stay at Dromoland Castle. Dating back to the 16th-century, history is in the walls here with each corner of the grand estate telling its part of the tale. Through the 97 immaculately restored rooms and suites and across the expansive 450-acre estate, there is a truly inescapable sense of grandeur. But there’s also an authentic Irish warmth with a zest for the great outdoors and the beauty of your surroundings. Discover it all with a host of country pursuits, ranging from archery and falconry to cycling and riding, before retiring to the subterranean spa and the fine dining of the Earl of Thomond.
Location
Sprawled across a corner of County Clare, Dromoland offers the perfect base for exploration. Step off the 450 acres and you’ll find yourself in the heart of the iconic Wild Atlantic Way, with both the Cliffs of Moher and the lunarlike Burren nearby. Cosmopolitan charm is there to be found too in Limerick and Galway. With so much to explore at Dromoland itself, however, we wouldn’t blame you if you never left. The grounds share a designer with the Gardens of Versailles, there’s an 18-hole par 72 golf course and a Lough which accounts for 10-acres alone. All this, and it’s only a mere 15-minute drive from Shannon airport, with its direct flights from New York and London.
Your Room
Sumptuously adorned and overlooking the lake and grounds, the 97 rooms and suites at Dromoland Castle offer a taste of noble living. Like the castle itself, the rooms trace history with original architectural features side by side with modern comforts. We particularly loved the State Rooms for this reason, set within the original castle walls yet with none of the assumed darkness, there’s an inescapable sense of occasion to them. For families, extra touches such as mini dressing gowns and slippers as well as a stack of board games and movies, make children feel at home.
Why we like it
Dromoland is more than just a place to stay, it is a journey – through both their story and yours. The castle employs its own historian who will lead you on a guided walking tour to reveal long-kept secrets. But before you even arrive, there’s a chance too to connect with the hotel’s resident genealogist. A pre-trip consultation sets the scene for those looking to trace their Irish heritage, then, on arrival, afternoon tea offers a relaxed environment in which to unearth family roots, with the option to visit nearby sites that might relate to your background too.
Sustainability
A 16th-century castle may not be the first place you think of when it comes to sustainability, but Dromoland more than proves its modern outlook in this regard. On the inside, there is a conscious effort to eliminate single use plastics and conserve water and energy, with a new reservoir going a long way to help this. Whilst outside there are rewilding initiatives that have seen every member of staff here plant their own tree. Add to that a nominated ‘Green Champion’ to build awareness and the Castle is here to ensure a pristine environment for centuries to come.
Located among the rolling bluffs of the Leicestershire countryside, Keythorpe Hall―a renovated country manor dating back to 1783―breathes with an elegantly organic charm. No stuffy ‘home of the gentry’, Keythorpe is both enviably laidback and bristling with playful artistry. Its owners (Giles and Barbara) describe it as “perfectly imperfect”. You could imagine Ruskin or John Clare plucking a wildflower from its historic wild gardens. “Birds singing” (Ruskin). “The sky hung with light flying clouds” (Clare). If a property were poetry, Keythorpe Hall would be a sonnet.
This is a sole-use property, meaning that its seven bedrooms, kitchen(s), front desk hall, dining and drawing rooms, and gardens are the perfect venue for a sprawling family retreat. While the main bedrooms are large enough for extra beds for smaller children, there’s also a three-bedroom apartment annex tucked away in its own wing above the kitchen (as well as a hot tub). With a croquet lawn, tennis court and extensive gardens, there’s a vast amount of ways to fill your time and keep everyone entertained.
LOCATION
At just a hair over an hour (by train) from London, Keythorpe Hall―despite its seemingly glorious isolation―is fantastically well connected to the UK’s cosmopolitan capital city. But the landscape in which it sits―the tumbling waistline of England, the Midlands―has for centuries been the stage on which the country’s history has been made. Nearby, you’ll find the historic market towns of Uppingham and Oakham and, beyond them, Stamford; widely regarded as one of the finest Georgian towns in England. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Rutland Water (one of Europe’s largest man-made lakes), perfect for bird watching, fly fishing, sailing, cycling and walking. You’ll also have excellent access to the likes of collegiate Cambridge (for punting and pub lunches) and Leicester’s extraordinary Richard III Visitor Center, memorializing the life and rule of one of England’s most storied monarchs. For a literary pilgrimage there’s Stratford-upon-Avon- the hometown of England’s most celebrated bard, William Shakespeare.
Back at Keythorpe itself, you’ll be surrounded by copses of trees and fragrant meadows which rush and tumble from each and every vista. The sun has a strikingly ethereal quality – hazy and golden, as if a spray of 24 karat mist has enveloped everything. Its big, double-height windows are like open mouths; filling the rooms with warm, languorous light. Your hosts can happily organize any number of activities and events, from summertime BBQs to gardening masterclasses and cookery workshops.
YOUR ROOM
While nodding to their 18th century origins, the seven rooms of Keythorpe Hall have been imaginatively brought into the present day. Each bedroom has its own tonality and theme, playfully invoking the region, the landscape, and their deep-rooted history. Elizabethan prints. Peacocked balustrades. Earthen, muted, pastel. Intricate, hand-sewn embroidery sits comfortably alongside contemporary sketches and artwork. Somewhere between the masterfully minimal and the delicately maximal. You’ll find yourself running your hands against every surface. Like almost everything else in the property, the owners have paid close and careful attention to sustainable sourcing and local materials (and produce). From the butter on your plate to the lampshades themselves.
WHY WE LIKE IT
Keythorpe’s kitchen―staffed by Peter Johansen and Bent Varming―was launched by Michelin * winning Nurdin Topham. Its exceptional seasonal menu is filled with ingredients from the property’s historic walled gardens (nursed by the trusty hands of head gardener Claudio). Peppery fronds of rocket, butter-yellow potatoes, sugary sweet parsnips. There are plump, red beetroot and brightly bursting cabbages. Expect hogweed with your sage, freshly picked mushrooms alongside petals and peppers. Keythorpe’s chefs can happily accommodate you and your guest’s tastes, be it something formal and experimental or causal and low-key. This is somewhere to eat, to drink, and be mirthfully merry; a place in which to sample the very best of England’s local produce and landscapes (all while enjoying bottles selected by the property’s own wine concierge). Fans of design will also enjoy the warm red of its main corridor, painted in a shade chosen by interiors superstar Edward Bulmer. This has been eponymously titled EB Keythorpe Red. Details count.
A first glimpse of Heckfield Place and it would be easy to look no further than its red-bricked Georgian facade. However, it’s not inside this lovingly restored country house that we first fell in love with Heckfield – but out in the 400 acres that wrap themselves around the house. A countryside haven of refined luxury, here, nature’s roots extend well beyond the pleasure grounds into the 45 carefully-designed rooms, through the natural treatments at the Little Bothy Spa and onto the ever-seasonal menu of Marle Restaurant. The result is something that, whilst grand on the outside, immediately feels like home.
Location
Just a 40-minute drive from Heathrow Aiport or an hour from London and city life is left far behind you as you pull into the drive at Heckfield Place. Quintessential country scenes extend in every direction and invite long, rambling walks past the lake (wild swimming encouraged), through the pleasure grounds and back into the woodlands and walled gardens. Choose to lose yourself in the simplicity of your own company or join a ‘guest keeper’ and get to know every shrub, folly and copse.
Your Room
Behind the Georgian facade, Heckfield Place falls away to reveal an unmistakably contemporary interior where earthy tones and natural materials bring the outdoors in and cutting-edge technology puts you at ease. Each of the 45 rooms bears its own distinct style – but all with an ever-present aspect over the rolling gardens. For something that little bit special, the signature rooms deliver in droves. Whether you opt for the intimate hideaway of the Heath Room, the delicate romance of the Coppice Room or the total seclusion of the Long Room, each room is as unique as the moments you’ll spend there.
Why we like it
From the mind of culinary genius and leading chef, Skye Gyngell, Heckfield Place is making its mark on the UK’s gourmet scene. Upholding a philosophy of simple cooking which places emphasis on the ingredients harvested just down the lane at Home Farm, dining at Heckfield is a taste of Hampshire. From the natural interiors and garden views of Marle to the open-fire of Hearth – and even the iridescent disco ball of the Moon Bar, every meal and every drink is an experience that tells the story of the land around you.
An oasis of peace and tranquillity amid the pace of Central London, the Corinthia does pampering like nowhere else. Step into the lobby and you are immediately transported far from the busy sidewalks of the city into somewhere altogether more serene as your eyes drink in light-filled spaces filled with the freshest of blooms. Upstairs, you’ll find 283 guestrooms spiralled around inner courtyards and looking out over rooftops, spires and monuments alike. Whilst downstairs, a four-floor subterranean spa is on hand to ensure that you leave the Corinthia in a state of utmost relaxation and a host of restaurants and bars whip up classic dishes and creative cocktails at the drop of a hat.
Location
Just a few steps from Trafalgar Square, an hour’s drive from Heathrow Airport or a quick train ride, the Corinthia offers a truly central location amid all that a luxury vacation in London has to offer. Sat amid the history of Whitehall, stunning views open up across the River Thames, over Nelson’s Column and onto the London Eye, leave you in no doubt of your location. Step out of the front door in any direction and you’ll soon find yourself amid the designer boutiques of Mayfair, the charm of Covent Garden or the history of Downing Street, Horse Guards Parade and the Imperial War Museum. You’d be hard-pushed to find a better location than this.
Your Room
Offering a fresh and sophisticated take on London’s sights, the guestrooms at the Corinthia are flooded with light and decorated with splashes of color that really bring the city to life, whilst the bathrooms boast underfloor heating and rain showers dubbed ‘the best on earth’ to keep you warm on chilly winter days. Of the 283 guestrooms, 51 sprawl out as suites whilst seven make the jaw-drop as penthouses. Each suite and penthouse takes on its own personality either inspired by the likes of British icons such as Churchill and Nelson or channelling actors, explorers, musicians and explorers; what will your suite reveal of you?
Why we like it
Quite unlike any city spa we’ve ever seen before, ESPA at the Corinthia is reason enough to stay here. A place of such peace and tranquillity you can scarce believe that you are in one of the world’s busiest cities, lose yourself in four floors of pure relaxation. Boasting 17 treatment rooms, an in-house nail studio, sleep pods, a thermal floor encompassing two pools, an amphitheater sauna and an ice fountain, and so much more; the Corinthia offers a spa day, or week, like nowhere else.
Just a couple of streets away from lively Piccadilly Circus is the equally energetic Ham Yard Hotel. Designed by Kit Kemp in a style which is completely unique this hotel is filled with colorful artwork collected from around the world, meaning that every glimpse around every corner peaks your curiosity. Its fantastic restaurant and rooftop bar have become frequent hang-outs of well-heeled Londoners, making this fabulously quirky hotel, with its 91 stylish urban rooms and suites, an attraction in itself. No one would blame you for spending hours examining its exciting use of textures and design pieces.
Location
50 minutes from Heathrow Airport in the heart of London’s Soho, Ham Yard is the best place to explore the city from. With Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square both only a five minute walk away, and top tourist attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park and the London Eye easily accessible by London Subway or on foot you will be able to tick all the spots on your bucket-list off effortlessly, even if you only have a short weekend stay planned.
Your room
The 91 bedrooms and suites have been designed in Ham Yard’s modern British style and no two rooms are the same. However, all have contemporary floor-to-ceiling warehouse style windows showering them in light which accentuates their colorful and playful artwork. The bathrooms are beautiful mixtures of granite and oak or marble and oak. With views over the tree-filled courtyard or London’s skyline, these rooms are luxurious urban living spaces in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
Why we like it
Two words. Bowling. Alley. Head down the stairs to the basement and you will be greeted by an original 1950s bowling alley all the way from Texas. The Croc, as it is called, is part of a large, colorful basement space that is also home to a movie theater and The Dive Bar. In keeping with the rest of the hotel Kit Kemp has given the area a fantastically fun and kooky vibe decorating the bowling alley walls with a collection of over 70 old bowling shoes and gigantic floor to ceiling Howard Hodgkin paintings. The Dive Bar is just as theatrical with vintage lights and a spiral art installation that contains 397 oranges for the barmen to use to make your evening Screwdriver with. The fun never ends at Ham Yard.
A quintessentially British scene greets you when you drive up Cliveden’s long gravel driveway; a lavish stately home standing proudly surrounded by nothing but its rolling green grounds. Built by the second Duke of Buckingham in 1666 for his mistress, and once the home of Lord Astor and the scene of the infamous Profumo Scandal, this house has seen a past of debauchery but has now been elegantly transformed into a beautiful hotel complete with Michelin starred chef, luxurious spa and 38 unique rooms and suites. There’s no doubt about it, Cliveden is the secluded and splendid stately home we all need for a luxury English vacation.
Location
Right on the bank of the River Thames in Berkshire and surrounded by 376 acres of National Trust land, lies this exquisite grade-one listed stately home. Only a 20-minute drive from Heathrow Airport and an hour outside of London it is perfectly placed for a country escape with a day trip or two thrown in. Whilst the picturesque towns of Windsor and Henley-on-Thames are only half an hour away, top of your list should be to explore the surrounding National Trust land with its gardens for all seasons and charming forest, full of paths for rambling walks.
Your Room
Cliveden has 38 regal rooms and suites and whether you prefer to catch forty winks surrounded by traditional grandeur or in a plush, modern abode, this country pad has you covered with rooms in either style. With a variety of special features ranging from antique furniture and fireplaces to separate dressing rooms and private hot tubs there is something for everyone in these individually designed rooms- just pick your favorite. The same can be said about their views, each of which offers a different glimpse of the house’s exquisite grounds.
Why we like it
You can’t stay in a secluded spot right on the bank of the River Thames without taking a luxury boat ride. Cliveden’s boathouse is home to an award-winning restored vintage flotilla that you can take out at your leisure. A lunchtime picnic, an afternoon cream tea or a sunset glass of champagne- all are a possibility on these gorgeous boats. There’s even a lunchtime picnic menu to choose from and Cliveden’s chef will prepare it ready for your afternoon on the water.
When you think of visiting the great cities of Europe, you can’t help but think of a luxury vacation in London and Paris. Nowhere in the world does ornate old-world luxury meets modern city chic quite as sublimely as these two after all. The alluring grandeur of the British monarchy draws crowds to London from miles around with the fashion and food awaiting them in Paris the only thing that can lure them away. Spend a week experiencing a glorious mixture of the two, take in all things royal and historic in London with private tours of Kensington Palace and private viewings of the Crown Jewels. You’ll then hop the channel to immerse yourself in stylish Paris, as you try your hand at French Patisserie in our unique master-class, take a romantic sunset trip up the Eiffel Tower followed by dinner at a Two Michelin Star restaurant and get behind the velvet rope at the Palace of Versailles. All of this topped off with a quintessential country retreat, what’s there to say no to?
Live like a King (of England)
Touchdown in the UK and we’ll be on hand to whisk you to Cliveden House, a grand hotel in the Berkshire countryside, right on the River Thames. Here you’ll rest your head for one night. Use this time to reset your engines after a tiring flight and prepare yourself for a jam-packed week of sight-seeing by indulging in a traditional British cream tea, exploring the house’s 376 acres of National Trust parkland or relaxing in the spa.
Read More
When you think of Great Britain, you can’t help but think of the Royal family. They are as integral to British culture as cups of tea and talking about the weather. So it was no surprise when The Crown was such a hit across television screens worldwide. This sensational show offered us a rare glimpse into the early days of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. After two gripping seasons, it’s fair to say we’ve only been left wanting more. Whilst most would say you’ll just have to wait until the next season comes out, we’ll offer you one better: A luxury vacation doubling as a Royal tour of England and Scotland. From the castles and palaces themselves to the Royal Family’s favorite outfitters and classic cars – this is the ultimate Royal Treatment.
Read More
Elegant, genteel and quintessentially English, Bath is an enchanting counterpoint to the cosmopolitan frenzy of London, and nowhere captures the city’s perennial charm better than The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Check in for a couple of days’ indulgent R&R, or stay for a week to delve deeper into the rich history and lush landscapes of Somerset.
Location
As the name implies, the property is perched atop Bath’s splendid Royal Crescent, the city’s most iconic address. The Crescent offers sweeping views across the city and out toward the rolling Somerset hills beyond. The ancient Roman baths and Jane Austen’s beloved Pump Room are a 15-minute downhill stroll. Bath itself is easily reached by train or car from London, and is a perfect base for exploring nearby Stonehenge, Salisbury and the Cotswolds, or even as a stop-off en route to the coasts and countryside of Cornwall & Devon.
Your Room
The hotel’s 45 suites and rooms are spread across two Georgian townhouses facing the Crescent, and three further houses across the gardens (where you’ll also find the spa and restaurant). Each room has views over the Crescent, the immaculate gardens, or Bath’s ubiquitous honey-coloured stone buildings. After a full refurbishment in 2014, the rooms retain all their period feel but without a hint of chintz. Fabrics are sumptuous, robes fluffy and beds divine. For a personalized touch, instead of room numbers, the staff here write guests’ names on the guestroom door nameplates. We especially loved the complimentary tea menu left in each room – instead of fiddling with the kettle, ring downstairs and they’ll happily send up a pot of your favorite blend. Just as Miss Austen herself would have expected.
Why we like it
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa strikes a perfect balance between country getaway and city splurge – you can cozy up by the fire in the library in winter, take tea in the garden in summer, and still walk to a host of delightful restaurants and shops. The atmospheric spa is an unexpected highlight, complete with heated pool & hot-tub, steam room, sauna and an extensive treatment menu. The restaurant is excellent; don’t miss the savory-focused afternoon tea. For added panache, the concierge can even magic up a luxury picnic to linger over on the immaculate Royal Crescent lawn.
La Réserve Hotel and Spa is located in the heart of Paris, just a stone’s throw away from the buzzing boulevard, Champs-Elysées and the impressive Eiffel Tower. Hidden behind a row of trees, this Haussmann-style mansion is 19th Century Parisian chic all over; from the silk hung walls to the ornate furniture and grand marble fireplaces. All of the rooms are huge spaces with lots of natural light, typical of Haussmann-style apartments. The ambiance and décor makes it feel like you’re staying in someone’s beautiful private home rather than a hotel. The hotel is comprised of only 26 suites and 14 rooms, all extravagantly spacious and elegantly decorated in sleek neutrals. There are two excellent restaurants to choose from; Le Gabriel has recently been awarded a second Michelin star for its contemporary French cuisine, whilst La Pagode de Cos offers a unique spice themed menu.
Location
Nestled in a peaceful location, La Réserve is situated on a beautiful avenue in the smartest part of town with many of Paris’s main attractions right on its doorstep. The hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the Champs-Elysées and overlooks the roofs of the Pantheon and in the near distance the Grand Palais and Eiffel Tower. Easy to reach, the hotel is only a 35 minute drive from either of the two main international airports in Paris: Charles de Gaulle and Orly, and a 25 minute drive from Gare du Nord which is where the Eurostar from London arrives into.
Your room
La Réserve is comprised of 40 unique rooms, including 26 suites, each with their own personal butler service. All of the rooms are hugely spacious and light-filled as a result of beautiful floor to ceiling French doors. The rooms are all finely polished and the theatrical maestro, Jacques Garcia has done a splendid job on the décor; beautiful velvet drapes, heavy silk curtains and unique pieces of antique furniture. We love the rooms on the 5th floor which offer spectacular far-reaching views across the capital.
Why we like it
La Réserve Spa is a peaceful retreat for guests wanting to relax and disconnect from the daily grind. The 3 treatment rooms offer completely personalized face and body treatments that can be tailored to your specific needs and desire. There is also a fitness center, sauna and 16 meter indoor swimming pool, which is a rare find in Paris.
