A Luxury Travel Blog

The breathtaking beauty of the North York Moors is legendary. The rolling countryside, the rugged sweeping coastline and the numerous picture postcard villages make this wonderful area just perfect for a relaxing break or action packed holiday! There is so much to see and do that one visit is never enough. The moors are a paradise for walkers and nature lovers, with endless tracks and trails to discover. Traditional seaside towns dotted along the coastline offer every kind of activity and amusement, and throughout the region there is a selection of luxury accommodation available to ensure your stay is unforgettable. Here are just a few examples to whet your appetite:

Crathorne Hall Hotel is set in 15 acres of private grounds overlooking the Leven Valley on the edge of the North York Moors. Built is 1906 Crathorne Hall is now a truly fine, stately and luxurious hotel, where only the best will do. Ranked in the top 200 hotels in the UK and Ireland, the hotel boasts 37 luxurious bedrooms, several which are ‘feature bedrooms’ with lounge areas, luxury bathrooms and balconies. Dining at Crathorne Hall is the highlight of any visit, set in a grand dining room with views over the lawns and surrounding grounds, making it the perfect venue in North Yorkshire.

Located in the quaint North Yorkshire town of Helmsley on the fringe of the beautiful North York Moors, the Feversham Arms is a comfortable, eclectic hotel and offers a haven of laid-back luxury, including thirty three luxurious bedrooms and suites, spacious and welcoming guest lounges, a snug al-a-carte restaurant, a pool garden and heated outdoor swimming pool. In addition the luxury Verbena Spa is available to guests and is accessed over a glass link bridge, where the spa heat experience and hot tub is also available.

17 Burgate is set in a stunning Georgian townhouse, offering truly fabulous individually designed and furnished luxury en-suite accommodation, located in the delightful town of Pickering on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. 17 Burgate is a luxury experience for the discerning traveller, refurbished to a very high standard; this charming 17th Century building exudes character, attention to detail and relaxed atmosphere. The comfort and spaciousness of the bedrooms and bathrooms, the secluded walled garden and private car parking ensure a memorable experience.

Aldwark Manor Spa and Golf Hotel offers a luxurious, pampering break for visitors, as well as full business and conference facilities, spa and a superb 18 hole on-site golf course. The hotel is based in a Victorian Manor house which has been sympathetically extended to incorporate the modern facilities on offer. The Spa and leisure centre includes a swimming pool and gym as well as a range of treatments and relaxation rooms. There is a Bistro and an award winning formal restaurant, and refreshments can be taken outside on the patio during the better weather – ideal for a relaxing drink after your round of golf.

Chapters Hotel is set in the pretty North Yorkshire town of Stokesley and offers superb luxury accommodation and award winning fine dining in an historic listed building. This 250 year old building which is now the hotel has been refurbished to combine a clean modern feel in harmony with the original character of the place. The rooms are beautifully decorated and offer every modern convenience. Guests are treated to a wide range of luxurious complimentary toiletries and bath products and there is free Wifi in every room. Eating at Chapters is a delight and the restaurant offers locally produced gourmet food and fine wines.

The luxury accommodation listed above is typical of the superb accommodation available in the North York Moors and North Yorkshire. So for your next UK based holiday come and try this wonderful region – you will not be disappointed.

John Shimeld is Managing Director at Stayin the North York Moors.

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The breathtaking Yorkshire Dales offer visitors an unforgettable holiday, short break or weekend away from the stresses and strains of daily life. Surrounded on all sides by stunning countryside, fantastic views and warm, welcoming people there is a vast choice of luxury accommodation available and below we have picked out a selection to tempt you:

The Wensleydale Heifer is a fabulous boutique hotel set in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park, between the towns of Hawes and Leyburn. It has an award winning restaurant serving the finest seasonal local produce and mouthwatering seafood dishes. Residents can enjoy the sumptuous luxury of four poster beds, en-suite facilities and absolute comfort in one of the unique character rooms or junior suite. Take advantage of the Whisky Club room which offers a wide range of pre-dinner or after-dinner drinks to relax and unwind you before experiencing the best nights’ sleep ever! After enjoying a wonderfully satisfying breakfast there are numerous places to explore and experience the clean fresh air and natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

The Bothy offers a stunning, romantic retreat for two in the secluded valley of West Burton in Wensleydale. Fully equipped to the highest standard, the self catering property has a log burning stove, double en-suite bedroom with views across the pretty garden and a woodland walk leading down to the river. There is plenty to see and do in the area and some lovely walks leading to Bolton Castle and Aysgarth Falls are right on the doorstep. Nearby restaurants and traditional pubs offer fine cuisine from locally sourced produce, and local breweries supply a wide range of real ales and beers. Within easy reach are several of the dales market towns where fresh meats, vegetables and home made produce can be purchased to take home and cook on the barbecue whilst relaxing in your enclosed garden with a well deserved glass of wine!

Best Western Ripon Spa Hotel is conveniently situated at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and is surrounded by a wealth of historic houses and places of interest. The stunning hotel is decorated to a high standard and offers all modern conveniences in its 40 en-suite rooms. The beautiful Edwardian building stands out amidst perfectly landscaped gardens and provides a peaceful haven for visitors.

Thornton Lodge 5* Bed & Breakfast is a beautiful period building set in the stunning surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Accommodation is on a truly luxurious scale and offers fully en- suite rooms, four poster beds and even a large family suite. The lodge gardens are a wildlife haven and with all this on the doorstep it may prove very difficult to venture out and explore the rest of the area, or maybe that might take a few visits! The views across the dales are breathtaking and the situation is idyllic for that relaxing break or touring holiday to discover all that the north of England has to offer.

For your next UK holiday, come and try this wonderful region – you will not be disappointed.

John Shimeld is Managing Director at Stayin the Yorkshire Dales.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

It was the huge Jacuzzi tub that captivated me. Everything else about this completely fabulous suite at the Red Coach Inn in Niagara Falls was overwhelmingly wonderful, but after a long day of travel, envisioning that luxuriant Jacuzzi tub filled with hot water and bubbles absolutely made my day.

After a friendly welcome at the front desk, we were shown to our room and helped with our luggage. To our surprise, we headed not up the stairs but out the front door and down the brick sidewalk to another entrance.  Our key – an actual, real key and not a key card – opened the front door, we went up a few steps and the key also opened that door. The door with a brass plaque that said “Sheffield Suite”. When we stepped in, I honestly thought we were in a foyer that would open up to several different rooms but no. This foyer was part of our suite.

A beautifully decorated area with burgundy carpet, it had doors leading to a bathroom and to our bedroom. The French doors to the bathroom were opened with flourish and he stepped back to let us get the full effect of. Oh, yes. The Jacuzzi tub. The huge expanse of the room amazed us and it took a minute for us to see it. And seriously? Seriously? Is that a chandelier? Why, yes. Yes it it is.

We thought we had seen the ultimate expanse in this ultimate suite, but the bedroom came a very close second. Also a huge room, it had gorgeous furniture including a comfy king-size bed and a nice desk, a gas fireplace and a little kitchen area with a fridge, microwave, coffeemaker and toaster. You could easily make your own breakfast here but why would you? A full breakfast is included.

There was a telephone with voicemail and free long distance anywhere in the United States, a Bose stereo, a television, free wireless Internet (which we love), plush terrycloth robes, hair dryer, and Gilchrist and Soames amenities from England. Our guide opened the fridge to show us a lovely cheese plate, bottled water and champagne. We also had chocolates and a lovely welcoming letter waiting for us.

The next morning, one of us was sorely tempted to take another bubble bath and get back in bed with cheese, chocolates, a fireplace and a good book but the other one actually wanted to leave the room. Can you imagine?

It’s a good thing my husband routed me out of bed because the wonderful, hot breakfast which is included with your room, was quite divine. The restaurant is a very nice place to relax and enjoy a meal. They have a wood fireplace in a beautiful natural stone fireplace and, in the summer,  the patio would be a wonderful place to eat. You can actually see and hear the rapids which lead to the falls from the patio. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served seven days a week but we only had time for breakfast, which is a shame based on the menu you can see here.

The first morning, I had some delicious oatmeal which had chunks of fresh apples and raising mixed in. I added brown sugar and milk and wasn’t hungry for hours.

When the Red Coach Inn opened in 1923, Niagara Falls was the honeymoon capital of the world and honeymooners were thrilled to have such a wonderful place to stay. The Inn was built built in the architectural style of the old English Tudor period and was named for General LaFayette’s famous red carriage and is actually considered a bed and breakfast Hotel, which is why they include the wonderful breakfasts.

We loved that the Inn is located right across the  street from the Upper Rapids of Niagara Falls and one of the first things we did was walk over there and stroll around the area.

I’m not mentioning any names.

But it was pretty darn wonderful.

Jan Ross runs Wanderlust Wonder.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

B+B Collection Ltd has announced the opening of B+B Edinburgh – the latest addition to their award-winning portfolio of boutique Bed and Breakfast hotels. Financed by Professor Vladimir Kulchitsky and his business partner, Penny Brown (the originator of the B+B concept) the move serves as part of the company’s expansion plans to open properties in key tourism locations throughout the UK. Nestled in Edinburgh’s West End, B+B Edinburgh, 3 Rothesay Terrace, was originally built for John Ritchie Findley, the previous owner of the Scotsman newspaper. The building was erected in 1883 and designed by renowned architect of the time Sidney Mitchell, Findley’s house being his first independent architectural commission. The B+B concept is the brainchild of a group of like-minded professional hoteliers who have rewritten the rules for a new concept of luxury Bed and Breakfast hotels for the 21st century. The fresh approach has been awarded Gold for the best B&B concept two years in a row at the Visit London Awards. The B+B Collection offers a modern, contemporary environment at affordable rates. Design, service, quality and comfort are all part of the philosophy.

Looking for something cosy and with a beach on your doorstep? Then you’re in luck as Tripadvisor have just shared their top 10 cosy beachside hotels. Making the list are hotels from all over the world so, without further ado, here you go:

1. Breakfast on the Beach Lodge, Waiheke Island, New Zealand
2. Utopia Dive Village, Utila, Honduras
3. Shades Resort Apartments, Mui Ne, Vietnam
4. Taveuni Palms Resort, Taveuni Island, Fiji
5. Runaway Hill Club, Harbour Island, Bahamas
6. Kannur Beach House, Kannur, India
7. Windtown Beach Resort & Spa, Cumbuco, Brazil
8. Ceol Na Mara Guesthouse, Enniscrone, Ireland
9. Hotel Castello, Malcesine, Italy
10. Tiki on the Beach, Fort Myers Beach, USA

Tripadvisor has come up with its top 10 utterly unforgettable hotel rooms. Here we provide you with their somewhat Euro-centric list, links to each hotel where we can, and links to pictures of the rooms as shown on Tripadvisor’s site.

1. Utter Inn, Vasteras, Sweden – see the room
2. Abali Gran Sultanato, Palermo, Italy – see the room
3. Sarah Cruise, Venice, Italy – see the room
4. Shack Up Inn, Clarksdale, USA – see the room
5. La Balade des Gnomes, Durbuy, Belgium – see the room
6. Jumbo Stay, Stockholm, Sweden – see the room
7. Harlingen Harbour Crane / Crane Hotel, Harlingen, The Netherlands – see the room
8. The Underground Motel, Coober Pedy, Australia – see the room
9. The Old Railway Station, Petworth, England – see the room
10. Relais Cattedrale, Piedmont, Italy – see the room

The latest in Tripadvisor’s top 10 lists, and this one’s luxury-specific. Take a look at the site’s top 10 luxury B&Bs below – it’s well represented by the US, UK and Australia which collectively make up all but two B&Bs in the list.

1. Saltcote Place, Rye, England
2. The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland
3. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California, USA
4. The Inn at Bowman’s Hill, New Hope, Pennsylvania, USA
5. The Point, Saranac Lake, New York State, USA
6. Big EZ Lodge, Big Sky, Montana, USA
7. Waratah Brighton Boutique B&B, Melbourne, Australia
8. Arai Ryokan, Izu, Japan
9. Glen Isla House, Philip Island, Australia
10. Shamwari Townhouse, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

We’ve scoured the Web to bring you some of the most unusual hotels out there. They not all that luxurious but curious nonetheless and so I think worthy of a mention on any travel blog due to their quirky nature.

Free Spirit Spheres, Canada

Seemingly floating among the treetops, you could be forgiven for thinking these spheres are UFOs if observing them from a distance.  They sway in the breeze and with people’s weight and typically accommodate two people at a time.

The Capsule Hotel, The Netherlands

Moored (yes, I said ‘moored’!) in the Hague, these orange capsules are in fact old 1970s survival pods rescued from an oil rig.  They’re tight for space but can accommodate up to three, and there’s still space left over for an emergency chemical toilet.

Sala Silvermine, Sweden

This single suite can be found 120km from Stockholm and 155 metres underground in a mine that produced more than 3 tons of silver a year at the height of its production.  You can take a tour of the mine but, come nightfall, you’ll be the only occupant.  Thankfully there’s intercom access with the outside world should you need it.

Dog Bark Park Inn, Idaho, USA

I’m not sure what the thinking is behind this bed and breakfast hotel, but who’s to say you can’t put two rooms in a giant, wooden beagle structure and then charge people to stay?

Das Park Hotel, Austria

If someone told you they were going to use segments of sewage pipes to make a hotel, you’d think they were nuts.  Due to their construction, though, they serve as quite cool rooms in the summer and, weighing in at almost 10 tonnes each, they are extremely robust.

The Guardian published its top 10 country B&Bs in the UK. Somewhat diplomatically, perhaps, they’ve managed to cover B&Bs from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  Want to know where they recommend?  Here’s the list:

Jerichos at The Waverley, Windermere, Cumbria
3 Norfolk Square, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Carlton Riverside, Powys, Wales
Dungiven Castle, Co Derry, Northern Ireland
The Old House, Ventnor, Isle of Wight
Wesley House, Gloucestershire
Newton House, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
Craigadam, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
The Queen’s Head, Loughborough, Leicestershire
Old Orchard Guest House, Chichester, West Sussex

Chef Robert McCormick of the Hotel H�na Maui takes pride in his ability to source just about all he needs to create his acclaimed cuisine right from Maui itself — and often from within just a mile or two of the isolated, idyllic resort. To host an ideal evening featuring a five-course dinner paired with fine wines, the hotel reaches out to the mainland, inviting renowned second-generation winemaker Kathleen Heitz Myers to share her expertise and select vintages with a few fortunate guests.

On Saturday, 29th August 2009 at 7:00 pm, guests will assemble at the historic Plantation Guest House for a reception followed by the five-course dinner and lively, authentic entertainment by the Hotel HÄ�tna-Maui Musicians & Dancers. Come  and discuss the wines  with Kathleen Heitz Myers, daughter of founders Joe and Alice Heitz, and now President of Heitz Cellars. Take away a deeper understanding of the wines and the cuisine — and a bit of the magic known as ‘the spirit of HÄ�na.’

The cost of the event is $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and includes reception and 5 course dinner.

Jeni Matthews created Red Balloon Travel and Consulting with the goal in mind to provide spectacularly unique French holidays.     After graduating from Northwestern University in Communications and International Studies, she headed straight to France, and has been living in the little known Rhone-Alpes region ever since.   She uses her first-hand knowledge and close business relationships to provide her clients with a very intimate and unforgettable experience.     Tourists from around the world flock to the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Pope’s Palace in Avignon.   However,   very few people know about the delectable truffles of the Drome that are shrouded in mystery, or the rich tannins that characterize the red wines from the exclusive Cornas appellation.

What is it that  you do exactly?

I organize custom holidays for people who are interested in a completely original French experience.   Basically,   I design a client-specific itinerary that includes restaurants, hotels, excursions, transportation, and whatever else is needed to provide the ultimate vacation.     I first speak at length with the client in order to understand what are, for him, the most important aspects of the trip.   Equipped with this information, I contact each service provider to lay out a program that will both include all the clients’ wishes and add a few pleasant surprises.   I have personal relationships with each business with which I work, thus enabling me to offer unique experiences that usually surpass the highest of expectations. Once everything is organized, I personally greet the client to make sure he has arrived safely and has settled in to his new surroundings.   I am on call for the entire trip, should any questions arise or last minute changes be necessary, which provides a little extra reassurance to the client.  

When I am not working on specific programs, I devote my time to discovering new people and places to add to my portfolio.   I’m always on the lookout for something new and original.   This often involves my spotting an interesting building or sign, which leads to further investigation, which in turn develops into the discovery of a fantastic restaurant, or hotel, adventure that simply must be shared with others (although not too many, of course).   It is very important to me that I have personally experienced each service I offer, so that I know my clients will enjoy only welcome surprises.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

What I enjoy is twofold.   I love being able to impart my knowledge to other people.   It’s such an incredible feeling when a client is enthralled by his meal in a tiny, off-the-map bistro where I have been dining for years.   But I also love when I make a new discovery to add to my portfolio.   It’s as if I have happened upon a marvelous secret that is only begging to be shared.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Kauai – the island is absolutely beautiful, with its hidden waterfalls, enormous beaches shaded by cliffs, and the amazing snorkeling!

Stockholm – the city is so alive, and the people incredibly hospitable.   We had a fabulous dining experience at “Grill” right in the city centre.

Maison de la Pra – this B&B in Valence, France is a remodeled 15th Century private mansion.   The owner has done everything himself, from the cast-iron light fixtures, to the dining room table, to the impressive wine-tasting cellar.   Henri-Jean is so enthusiastic about his creation and his city, it’s impossible not to enjoy it!

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

A recent lunch I had in Saou, France was remarkable in every sense of the word.   The setting was breathtaking, with the Pre-Alpes mountains as a backdrop and the main square of the tiny village as the restaurant terrace.   The service was exceptional, as the owner took care of us and made sure everything was to our liking.   The food was divine; I had a ingenious dessert of aubergine sliced paper-thin served over an avocado and hazelnut purée. Finally, the company was fabulous, which is always primordial.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

One of the essential elements of Red Balloon Travel is that very few people know of the places I send my clients.   While Brad and Angelina are not far away in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, my clients often feel it is much more interesting to partake in something a little more personal and exclusive, far from the flashbulbs and glory.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

I would love to visit Peru.   I love France, but it is my home now, so it’s always interesting to see other countries.

Thank you, Jeni. If you don’t mind, I  might just have to ‘pick your brains’ a little before I next visit France.

In what is no doubt more of a PR exercise than anything, the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego has come up with an interesting concept to lure guests in difficult economic times. Their deluxe accommodation for two people usually costs $219 per night, with breakfast.   If you’re willing to forego breakfast, it’s just $199. But it doesn’t just stop there.   Apparently the room is yours for just $19 if you’re prepared to go without a bed.   Known as their ‘Survivor Package’ here’s how their tariff goes:

• $219 with breakfast
• $199 without breakfast
• $179 without ‘honor bar’
• $159 without A/C or heat
• $139 without pillows
• $109 without sheets
• $89 without lights
• $59 without linens
• $39 without toiletries
• $19 without bed

How low will you go in San Diego?

Casa La Siesta is a new luxury country retreat near Spain’s Costa de La Luz, and its English translation of the House of Sleep (if you don’t speak Spanish) could have you lulled into dreamland in a second. Located just minutes from historic Vejer de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain, Casa La Siesta is housed in a building that was originally a traditional Spanish finca. It has been restored and extended by British owners Lee and Amelia Thornley who have been careful to only use reclaimed architectural materials, combining wrought iron balustrades, decorative stone arches and red stone flagging from Cordoba. They have preserved all the original features at the same time as utilising sustainable energy technology.

This new hotel with just 7 guest rooms is set in two acres of grounds with magnificent views and is easily accessible for the airports at Jerez (50 minutes), Gibraltar (1 hour) and Seville (90 minutes) and just 10 kilometres from the Costa de La Luz and its beaches. It means that Casa La Siesta combines a rural location with accessibility to the coast and the stunning white villages this area of Andalucia is most renowned for – so the perfect situation for a relaxing luxury holiday in itself, or a stop-off en route while touring the Andalucia region.

Prices and services: doubles 150 Euros, suites 170 Euros and superior suites 190 Euros, low season.   The hotel does not accept guests under 15 years of age, unless part of an ‘exclusive use’ booking.   Prices include breakfast, all drinks including beers, soft drinks and shorts but excluding wine, complimentary use of bicycles, in-room i-pods and docking stations, pillow menu, bath robes, REN bath products, sun creams and all non-alcoholic refreshments.

Andrea Wren is a freelance journalist and owner of Wren Elite Travel.

Allow me to don my UKhotel.com hat for a brief moment (for those that don’t know, UKhotel is a site run by the company where I am a Director).   As of 2009, we have started running monthly competitions on the site giving our visitors the chance to win a two-night stay in a luxury hotel.   The competition page is here and this month’s prize is a fabulous break at manorhaus, a four-star restaurant with rooms and member of The Good Hotel Guide, The Good Food Guide, Historic Hotels of Europe and Welsh Rarebits.   To all those who enter… good luck!

To be notified of other great travel competitions, sign up at Travel Competitions.

This was our second stay at The Wensleydale Heifer in the peaceful village of West Witton in the Yorkshire Dales.   Last time we made the mistake of having both lunch and dinner here (and ended up being uncomfortably full!) so this time we opted for just dinner, after a brief stop for a light lunch at Swaledale’s unique Tan Hill Inn.

We stayed in The Wensleydale Junior Suite which, with its own separate lounge area, is considerably more spacious than the Racing Room we previously stayed in.   Each room at The Wensleydale Heifer has its own theme and the Wensleydale Junior Suite has numerous Wallace and Gromit touches to remind you where in the country you are.

The room also an ultra-comfortable bed, a flat screen TV and DVD player (with a selection of DVDs available at no extra charge from reception), complimentary sherry and en suite bathroom with a powerful shower, a bath and Molton Brown toiletries.   Perhaps not the largest room you’ll find in your travels, but offering ample space nonetheless.

Dinner at The Wensleydale Heiffer is the highlight.   When a pub that is so centrally positioned within the country –  a considerable distance from the nearest stretch of coastline – is declared as England’s Seafood Pub of the Year by the AA (2007), you have to sit up and take notice.   That’s down to co-owner and chef David Moss, formerly of Longueville Manor and The Crab At Chieveley.

At dinner, I opted for duck spring rolls with hoisin sauce, followed by a fish stew teeming with scallops, prawns, mussels and more.   Both were excellence and, although enough in their own right, it would have been rude not to  sample the chocolate terrine with poached pear and butterscotch ice cream (pictured).

Go for the ‘Sumptuous Sunday’ offer to get the best value from the Heifer. £140 for two people includes a night in one of the themed rooms, evening meal in the restaurant, and breakfast the next morning.

The winners of the AA B&B Awards 2008-2009 will be revelealed at the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park in London this evening. Shortlisted for the award of London  B&B of the Year are The New Linden in Notting Hill, San Domenico House in Chelsea and The St. George in Langham Place. There is also a category for the funkiest B&B which has been shortlisted to Bangors Organic in Bude, Enchanted Manor on the Isle of Wight, and Moss Grove Organic in Grasmere.   The AA Centenary Awards, attended by the cream of the hospitality world, will be held at Grosvenor House, London, on 2nd September 2008.