October 20, 2009

Country B&Bs in the UK: the top 10

Category: Accommodation, Bed & Breakfasts, Europe, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe — Paul Johnson @ 4:36 pm

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

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  • August 3, 2009

    Hit the heights of fine dining, Hawaiian style

    Chef Robert McCormick of the Hotel Hāna 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 Hātna-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 Hāna.’

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

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  • July 8, 2009

    Interview with Jeni Matthews of Red Balloon Travel and Consulting

    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.

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  • June 18, 2009

    How low will you go in San Diego?

    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?

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  • March 12, 2009

    The House of Sleep opens in Andalucia

    Category: Accommodation, Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels — Andrea Wren @ 8:53 am

    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.

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  • January 7, 2009

    Win a luxury short break in North Wales

    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!

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  • July 23, 2008

    Special feature: The Wensleydale Heifer, Yorkshire Dales

    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.

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  • June 4, 2008

    AA B&B Awards

    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.

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  • April 24, 2008

    Enjoy England for Excellence 2008

    Chewton GlenIn case it passed you by, yesterday was St. George’s Day. And I’m sure it was no co-incidence that the presentation of the Enjoy England for Excellence 2008 awards was celebrated on the same day. For the first time, the event was held outside London, with the organisers preferring to opt for the European Capital of Culture, Liverpool. Fittingly, it was held at St. George’s Hall. Here’s a round-up of the winners:

    Gold Awards

    Large Hotel of the Year
    Chewton Glen Hotel, Hampshire

    Self-Catering Holiday of the Year
    Mill Granary Cottage, Lower Teesdale
    Stone Cottage, Lake District

    Tourism Website of the Year
    Philharmonic Hall, London

    Small Hotel of the Year
    Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel, Yorkshire Dales

    Meet England Business Tourism Award
    Emirates Stadium, London

    Caravan Holiday Park of the Year
    Poston Mill Park, Herefordshire

    Bed & Breakfast / Guest Accommodation of the Year
    Salty Monk Restaurant with Rooms, Devon

    Sustainable Tourism Award
    Cottage Lodge, New Forest
    Strattons Hotel, Norfolk

    Taste of England Award
    Fifteen Cornwall

    Tourism Information Centre of the Year
    Liverpool 08 Place

    Best Tourism Experience of the Year
    Sunderland International Airshow

    Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
    Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Buckinhamshire

    Outstanding Customer Service Award
    David Pollard of Falmouth Ambassador Ltd.

    Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
    Imperial War Museum Duxford, Cambridgeshire
    Victoria and Albert Museum, London

    Consumer Voted Award – Best Day Out
    Whitby, North Yorkshire

    Silver Awards

    Large Hotel of the Year
    Radisson Edwardian Manchester
    The Dorchester, London

    Self-Catering Holiday of the Year
    Compton Pool Farm, Devon

    Tourism Website of the Year
    Pennywell Farm, Devon

    Small Hotel of the Year
    Combe House Hotel, Somerset
    Hillbark Hotel, Wirral

    Meet England Business Tourism Award
    Manchester Central
    Heritage Motor Centre, Warwickshire

    Caravan Holiday Park of the Year
    Seafield Caravan Park, Northumberland
    Sunset Park, Near Blackpool

    Bed & Breakfast / Guest Accommodation of the Year
    Boltongate Old Rectory, Lake District
    The Old Manse, Northumberland
    Clow Beck House, County Durham

    Sustainable Tourism Award
    Fern Cottage Bed and Breakfast, Gloucestershire

    Taste of England Award
    The Old Bakery, Lincoln

    Tourism Information Centre of the Year
    Nottingham Tourism Centre
    Brighton Visitor Centre

    Best Tourism Experience of the Year
    Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival
    Castle Howard, York

    Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
    Rockingham Castle, Leicestershire
    Forde Abbey and Gardens, Somerset

    Outstanding Customer Service Award
    Mick Logg of Xscape, West Yorkshire
    The Executive Team at the London Marriott West India Quay

    Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
    Tullie House Museum, Carlisle

    Richard Hammond (I assume the one of Top Gear fame?) has a piece in today’s Guardian newspaper on the winners of the sustainability awards.

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  • February 19, 2008

    What have you encountered on your luxury travels that you later purchased?

    Linari AvorioHave you ever stayed somewhere, experienced something (however big or small), and thought to yourself “I must have one!”?  Whether it be a mattress or some bedding, a bathrobe or some soap, or something else, we want to hear your recommendations! Recently I purchased a room fragrance from Linari, which I first became aware of on a stay at the fabulous Haagsche Suites.  Please tell us what you’ve bought by posting a comment below.

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  • November 25, 2007

    Jules Undersea Lodge, Key Largo, Forida Keys

    Jules Undersea LodgeI’ve mentioned underwater hotels on A Luxury Travel Blog before, but I think – until now – Jules Undersea Lodge has escaped the radar. It’s an underwater research base which has opened itself to the public. Featured in ‘Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous’, a stay here will set you back $475 per person per night, including gourmet dinner and breakfast.  What’s rather unique about the property is that you have to scuba dive to get there!

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  • October 11, 2007

    Some people just don’t ‘get’ the internet!

    Argh!I recently read a newspaper article about The New White Lion at Llandovery in Wales and thought I would check them out with a view to a short stay with my family later this month.  The first thing that strikes me is that there’s an air of quality about the site, a nice choice of colours and font… but then I find myself waiting… and waiting… I’m sitting in front of a Flash intro and there’s no means to skip it.  That’s more than half a minute of my time wasted every time I choose to visit the site – that’s not right, I think to myself.  Anyway… moving on… I decide to click on the Rooms page.  It tells me that there’s a family room… great.  But hang on… which one of the six rooms is the family room – it doesn’t say! I click on the ‘door’ to each room, but all I get is a single picture (often a close-up of something like a lamp in the room) and no text.  That doesn’t help me.  OK, so how much does this place cost anyhow…?  Oh, no… there’s no tariff anywhere to be found.  I email them and say that the site looks beautiful but politely point out that it’s very poor from a usability point of view, and could they please tell me which room is the family room and what the rates are.  I get a fairly prompt reply saying that I can call them on the telephone to discuss if I wish.  I would have sooner just been told the information I was after, but I ‘phone anyway.  And guess what… I get an answering machine!  I left my details so they could call back but that was now over 4 hours ago…

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  • August 5, 2007

    Luxury travel links of the week

    Luxury linksA weekly pick of luxury travel links for your perusal…

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  • May 6, 2007

    Luxury travel links of the week

    Luxury linksA weekly pick of luxury travel links for your perusal…

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  • April 19, 2007

    Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2007

    SS Great BritainI’m pleased to learn that a vessel that I did voluntary work on back in my school days has received the award for the UK’s best large tourist attraction.  Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol picked up the accolade at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence. The full list of Gold Award winners from the event are as follows:

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  • March 26, 2007

    Hidden Meadow Ranch receiving increased media attention

    Category: Accommodation, Arizona, Bed & Breakfasts, North America, Regions, Resorts, USA — Paul Johnson @ 11:23 pm

    Hidden Meadow RanchArizona’s luxury guest ranch, Hidden Meadow Ranch, was ranked the #3 romantic getaway in the United States by Sunset Magazine last month, garnering national recognition for its incredible beauty, cuisine and accommodations. In addition, it was also recently featured in the New York Times; it’s perhaps no surprise that it’s receiving national attention as this mountain getaway is in a hidden oasis dotted with 50 reflective mountain lakes, 500 miles of cool streams, dense conifer forests, clear blue skies and a temperate climate.

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