A Luxury Travel Blog

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.

If you ever watched the film ‘The Holiday’ and thought about swapping your home for someone else’s, then read on. Luxe Home Swap is a site for savvy travellers where you can exchange your home for a short or long period of time with someone else, anywhere in the world. Swap with other stylish properties in major cities and holiday destinations around the world and save thousands on travel accommodation whilst enjoying holidays with a local touch. Luxe Home Swap is the brainchild of serial entrepreneur Debbie Wosskow, who came up with the idea when she was thinking about booking a winter holiday away for her and her family. Debbie was sick of spending 80% of her travel budget on a hotel, where she still wouldn’t feel like it was a home away from home.

“I took a look at the main home exchange sites out there and clearly it wasn’t the same glossy experience as booking through a travel agent. So I came up with the idea for Luxe Home Swap – a stylish home exchange site that lets you holiday at a fraction of the normal accommodation cost. I’ve made sure to remember that style is not just about luxury – a ‘luxe’ home can be small but perfectly located as much as large and luxury, as people want different things at different times when they travel”.

The Lake District & Cumbria is a well known UK holiday destination with spectacular scenery and beautiful lakes and fells to enjoy. There are numerous things to do such as a lakeside walk around Derwent Water, a serious hike taking in Helvellyn, Skiddaw or Cats Bells, or perhaps a romantic boat trip along Lake Windermere or Ullswater. The key to a good holiday in the Lakes is choosing the right place to stay and what better than to indulge yourself and book into a luxury Lakeland retreat.  Here are five great places to choose from:

Kaber Chapel Luxury Cottage – located in east Cumbria in the beautiful Eden Valley, Kaber Chapel offers unparalleled luxury together with a totally unique holiday experience. Built in 1892, it has now undergone a ‘no expenses spared’ conversion to provide luxury accommodation for large groups and/or families with 2 reception rooms and 5 individually themed bedrooms, 5 luxury wet rooms, an indoor sauna, an indoor hot tub and under floor heating throughout. If that is not enough Kaber Chapel is also equipped with Scandinavian Lavvu tent indoor grill, with seating for 12 persons on reindeer skin covered benches – it is very social, great fun and a unique experience.

Windermere Suites – the eight individual boutique suites have been designed with complete luxury in mind, and each of the private suites have been furnished to deliver total comfort and deliver beyond wildest expectations. Windermere Suites are ‘the’ perfect Lake District location for romantic breaks, honeymoons, anniversary celebrations or simply indulging in sheer luxury, combined with peace and tranquillity and Lake Windermere and the fells right on the doorstep.

Broadoaks Luxury Boutique Country House Hotel – located in the beautiful Troutbeck Valley close to Windermere, this traditional hotel has been fully refurbished to offer unashamed boutique luxury, but still retaining the traditional feel of this long established country house hotel. Set in seven acres of fantastic private grounds, the hotel offers fifteen bespoke luxurious bedrooms each with a whirlpool bath. It is an ideal location for a romantic break with an unrivalled 5 star service throughout your stay.

Hardcragg Hall – located in Cartmel in the Southern Lakes, this 16th Century grade II listed historic building is a large luxurious self catering property ideal for large parties, with 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms offering luxury Egyptian bed linen and soft fluffy crisp white towels. Also on offer are 5 very spacious reception rooms with a four TVs including a 42” LCD and 3 music centres, plus a snooker room c/w with a bar. The stunning farmhouse kitchen includes a huge 4 oven Aga and a gas hob/double oven, dishwasher, washing m/c, tumble drier and fridge/freezer. The extensive gardens and patio offer views over picturesque Morecambe Bay.

High View Meadows – located in Kirkby Lonsdale in east Cumbria, High View Meadows is a spacious, luxury penthouse style holiday apartment built, decorated and equipped to exacting and luxurious standards – based on ‘only the best will do’. This stunning luxury apartment sleeps up to 6 persons in 3 bedrooms and offers stunning 270 degree views over the nearby and beautiful Lune valley and free guest access to the nearby leisure club with a heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room & Jacuzzi.

The above are just a small selection of the truly stunning accommodation available in this wonderful region of England. I hope it has tempted you to want to find out more and come for a holiday.

John Shimeld is Managing Director at Stayin the Lake District.

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

For those who have been lucky enough to get tickets the London 2012 Olympics the next challenge for most is going to be finding a place to stay. With many of London’s top hotels already be claiming to be fully booked I have decided to look into a number of different options which still have availability for the Olympic period.

Those who want to be near the action should stay in East London – or, more specifically, Clerkenwell, Hoxton or Shoreditch, all of which are close to the games but lively areas in their own right. Shoreditch House is already booked up, but other trendy hotels have rooms. Try Terence Conran venture the Boundary, Bethnal Green’s Town Hall Hotel, with its celebrated restaurant Viajante, or The Zetter in Clerkenwell, which is well placed for both the Olympic village and the West End.

Staying outside London lets you explore the English countryside, but still venture into the capital for daytrips. Chewton Glen, a five-star country-house hotel set in 130 acres in Hampshire, is accessible to London by train or car in under two hours, while also being convenient for the rowing at Eton and sailing at Weymouth. And when you’re bored of sport, you can visit the spa, voted the UK’s favourite by Condé Nast Traveller readers.

The Landmark Trust, a conservation charity that restores historic buildings before renting them as holiday lets, has a devoted following. But some may be surprised to learn that the Trust not only owns rural properties – it also has several in London, including a Huguenot weaver’s house in Spitalfields, Sir John Betjeman’s old home in the City, and two properties in Hampton Court Palace (which happens to be the start and finish point for the cycling event).

Sometimes hotels, with their cramped rooms, overpriced breakfasts and disappointing décor, simply don’t hit the spot. Enter the unhotel, which gives visitors the chance to stay in upscale London homes while their owners are elsewhere. Luxury amenities, such as five-star linens and White Company toiletries, come as standard, while prices are more reasonable than you’d think, starting at £119 per night for a pretty studio in Notting Hill. An ideal solution for families, or anyone who’d prefer to live like a local. onefinestay has just signed up its 200th property so they still have some great homes available for the those with tickets to the games.

Tom Beverley is Head of Marketing at onefinestay.

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

Forty miles south of Edinburgh, set in the idyllic landscapes of the Ettrick Forest lies Aikwood Tower – a newly renovated 16th Century border peel tower set on the ancient hunting grounds of Mary Queen of the Scots. The surrounding area is fast becoming a hot spot for pheasant shooters and fishers in the know, whilst the rolling hills and forest trails are a refreshing, and beautiful change to the bleak mountains and highlands that Scotland is renowned for. The River Tweed and its surrounding tributaries mean that salmon fishing is particularly good at this time of year, whereas local pheasant shoots at Bowhill Estate are second to none. If fishing and shooting aren’t quite for you then an afternoon mountain biking or horse riding might be more suited, or better still, simply spend your stay indulging in the “Larder of Britain” – a well appointed title for an area of the UK known to provide only the freshest and tastiest produce. With only the highest quality local organic produce filling it, a welcome hamper, worth £400, is provided for your stay and is sure to satiate all appetites.

Owning a Five Star Visit Scotland award, and playing host to five en suite bedrooms and four reception rooms, Aikwood Tower is one of Scotland’s finest examples of understated luxury and the ideal place to enjoy all that the Scottish borders have to offer this festive season. Built in the 1540s and having been owned previously by the Scot Clan since the Duke of Buccleuch, the tower has a rich past dating back to medieval times and is the perfect spot to relax and unwind with its spacious and beautiful interiors full of authentic history. A recent refurbishment to the Grade A listed building by leading designers means that Aikwood has all the trappings of the 21st century whilst still maintaining a unique medieval allure. With the castle’s halls all decked out with period Christmas decorations and a roaring log fire, Aikwood Tower is sure to make for a decidedly luxurious Yuletide this year.

Stylish self-catering company, Sheepskin – which you may recall from my review of The Music Mill in the Peak District earlier this year – has expanded its collection into the Cotswolds with the luxurious Chescombe Lodge and has also added Nantwen a cosy bolthole for two in Pembrokeshire.

Chescombe Lodge, an indulgent space for four in a quiet Cotswolds valley Hidden away in a quiet corner of the Great Tew estate Chescombe Lodge is a truly magnificent and indulgent place for two couples or a family to spend time. This is the first time that this prestigious estate has made available one of its historic properties for holiday rental within this peaceful pocket of the beautiful Cotwolds countryside.

Originally an 18th Century agricultural barn the building has been sympathetically refurbished to keep the historic and rustic pedigree of the property but with the focus on luxurious space both inside and out. With two spacious double bedrooms both with uninterrupted views across the quiet valley from their king size beds and both with large en-suite bathrooms, with claw foot baths and a sink per person.

The enormous windows in the large open plan living space, with its reclaimed limestone floor, look out across the private garden to the peaceful green valley. From the door the estate has defined paths for guests to walk across the fields to either of two local, award winning pubs; the Mason’s Arms in Swerford and Falkland Arms in the villages of Great Tew. Within the living area the fully equipped kitchen has all you need to cook your feast to be enjoyed around the dining table in front of the picture window. The open fire in the stone fireplace begs for you to share time there until the early hours.

Located a little over an hour from London, the Great Tew Estate encapsulates much of what might be considered the archetypal English Country Estate. With rolling grassland, oak woods and a carpet of bluebells, chocolate box thatch cottages… the Great Tew Estate is all this and much more and offers a range of country pursuits from clay pigeon shooting to horse-riding and 4×4 or rallying.

Whilst Great Tew village itself is often described as one of the prettiest villages in England, Great Tew remains cloaked in its long history, from its Roman origins, through the romance of the Civil War to its ownership by one of the pre-eminent industrial revolution families. In 2008 The Great Tew estate was awarded the Bledisloe Gold Medal by the Royal Agricultural Society of England in 2008. This is a truly prestigious award which, since it was inaugurated in 1958, has been awarded to only 35 estates each of which have shown the highest standards in modern, integrated and imaginative estate management.

Chescombe Lodge sleeps 4 and is £1600 for 7 nights throughout 2012.

Nantwen is a beautifully restored and converted barn in Pembrokeshire which sleeps 2 in absolute luxury. Restored using natural materials and local craftsmen the cottage has a contemporary style with finishing touches and wonderful attention to detail that make the cosy cottage quickly feel like a home from home. Attention to the environment too with power from renewable energy.

Offering luxuriously spacious accommodation for two with an open plan living are housing a well equipped kitchen, dining area and cosy sofa arranged in front of the log burning stove. Around the corner though is an additional living room with TV and a view of the garden from the window and a contemporary styled bathroom with large shower area.

Located in private grounds just inland from the Pembrokeshire coast, there is a beach within a 5 minute drive and the coast path or the open country side of the National park to explore. When you have worked up an appetite with outdoor activities, treat yourself to dinner at Llys Meddyg or Cnapan restaurants in the village of Newport just 3 miles from Nantwen.

Nantwen sleeps 2 and £710 throughout 2012.

If you quite like the idea of winning 7 nights in a luxury vacation rental in Bali, Costa Rica or Italy, plus $3,000 towards airfares, get yourself along to the Flipkey blog where they’re running their own “flippin’ awesome vacation giveaway”.  (FlipKey, in case you’re not already familiar, is a vacation rental website owned by Tripadvisor.)

The winner of the contest, which is open to US residents and runs until 10th January 2012, will stay in the luxury vacation rental of their choice, with up to 10 friends.   The three properties that he or she will get to choose from are Villa Les Rizieres in Bali, Punto de Vista in Costa Rica, and Villa Ferreira in Tuscany, Italy – all three of which are stunning in their own right.

Full terms and conditions of the competition can be found on the FlipKey website. Good luck!

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

Escape to the wild winter countryside of unspoilt Herefordshire and book your Christmas at Dewsall Court. This beautifully furnished, unique house has a relaxed feel about it so you can unwind as soon as you walk through the door. Surrounded by 1000 acres of Duchy of Cornwall land, winter walks can be part of the ‘itinerary’ at Dewsall together with huge log fires and deep comfy sofas where you can enjoy afternoon tea or a Christmas tipple after a decadently deep bath. There is so much to do, or you can just do nothing at all!

Amble through the frosty garden on Christmas morning to the church and belt out some Christmas carols, dive into the chest full of board games and enjoy a little friendly competition sat in front of one of the many open fires; cook together in the wonderful Aga kitchen or have it all done for you by their team tucked away in the chef’s kitchen; feast together in one of their beautiful dining rooms.

After opening in January of this year, guests have included photographer David Bailey and his wife Catherine along with actor Mark Strong and his wife Liza Marshall with their two boys.  Dewsall can be a self-catered or an all bells and whistles service. The house works perfectly for 6 people or the maximum of 23. £7000 for a 5 night stay to include: Champagne on arrival, Christmas decorations and flowers, seasonal hamper, fully stocked log baskets, Aromatherapy Associates bathroom products.

When it comes to luxury, private villa holidays are difficult to beat. Imagine yourself lounging by the fountain in the courtyard of your Marrakesh riad… or skiing directly into your chalet in the Alps.

Though the global economy remains in a tumultuous state, luxury travel seems to have escaped the brunt of the beating, and things are still looking rosy for 2012. Villa holidays appeal to more than simply the luxury crowd, as sometimes a self-catered holiday home can be a better value for groups than an all-inclusive hotel. What lies ahead for the villa rental industry?

For 2012, we predict that Europe will remain the most popular place for villa rental, though the number of properties and interest in Asia will continue to grow. The desire for unique itineraries will lead to a higher demand for concierge services and bespoke travel planning. Properties at the ultra-high-end and mid-range will continue to appeal to both extremely wealthy and mid-range travellers.

The ILTM Global Trends Report highlighted some themes which seem likely to continue next year, including a desire for privacy and discretion, the popularity of open-range tours through wilderness, increased interest in off-the-beaten-track and undiscovered places, greater contact with locals, and eco-friendly, socially conscious travel. Other trends include an increase in personalized, bespoke itineraries, the allure of emerging destinations, and the appeal of travel which is a good value for the money spent.

This bodes well for the villa rental industry, as holiday rental properties serve as the perfect answer for vacationers looking for privacy, exclusivity, and intimacy. Many short-let properties come fully staffed, with concierge services available to carry out a traveller’s every desire. For holidaymakers in search of a good value, a holiday rental can help them avoid some of the usual fees associated with hotel stay, such as expensive meals and per-night rental as opposed to weekly rental charges. Villa and chalet rental is becoming so popular that this year has seen a rise in owners buying properties specifically for the purpose of renting them out during peak seasons.

Award-winning London-based travel agency Black Tomato always has a finger on the pulse of the travel industry, and Tom Marchant, co-founder, names the fishing village and beaches of Pipa in northeast Brazil and the Riviera Maya in Mexico as hot spots for 2012. Alice Agar of Sally & Alice, a bespoke tour operator, predicts that South Africa and Sri Lanka will be at the top of everyone’s to-go list next year. “With the South African rand creeping back up to 12 to the pound, and the mercury creeping back up to high 20s, South Africa is not only a very affordable holiday destination but a sunny one too,” says Agar.

According to the ILTM research, the Asia/Pacific area is extremely hot in more ways than one, particularly East/Southeast Asia, with China, India, the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Myanmar being name-checked most often. Singapore is set to rise up as one of the top growing destinations, which is no surprise given its convenient location and unique allure as an ultra-modern metropolis that boasts strong ties to Chinese, Malay, and Indian food and culture.

After Asia, Europe is the second fastest growing region for luxury travel. While France, Italy, and Spain have always been top destinations for villas, the popularity of Scandinavia and Eastern Europe is on the rise. Short-let property in London will be in high demand during the 2012 Summer Olympics, and Munich is increasing in popularity.

Middle Eastern destinations like Jordan, Morocco, and Oman are drawing in tourists by offering luxury accommodation, a high quality of service, and the very best retail opportunities. It is the third-fastest growing location, and construction of new villas is on the rise as many visitors to the Middle East are drawn by the promise of privacy.

China is making waves as outbound travel opens up, and as the country with the third-largest amount of millionaire households, it is an important market for luxury travel and goods. Popular trends in Chinese outbound travel are group tours and all-inclusive packages, with individual planning at a minimum. Villa companies will need to appeal directly to their potential customers with Chinese-friendly marketing tools and amenities if they hope to capture the Chinese market.

One of the villa rental industry’s greatest strengths is the range of properties offered. For the ultra-wealthy, the crème de la crème of luxury properties will always be within reach, and these villas will be largely unaffected by global financial troubles. The mid-priced properties remain good values for travellers hoping to save on hotel bills while on vacation.

Trends from the past year seem set to continue with exciting new places popping up on our radar. Look out for eco-friendly destinations and don’t forget to have a go at creating the unique vacation of your dreams with a bespoke itinerary, as personalization is the key to a truly memorable vacation. 2012 is set to be another exciting year for the villa rental industry… we can’t wait to see what’s in store.

John-Christian Moquette is a Partner at IAVRA, the International Association of Villa Rental Agents.

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

Although the recent financial crisis has certainly much affected the travel industry, the luxury traveler is alive and well. But according to the initial findings of a current global research project for the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), their tastes are changing. Based on the predictions and identified trends in “The Future of Luxury Travel, A Global Trends Report” (June 2011), the private luxury holiday rental looks set to rise in prominence with the new luxury traveler.

Some rising trends identified:

• more privacy / less ostentation
• culturally enriching destinations
• off-the-beaten-track destinations
• open-range excursions
• simplicity and seamless service
• destinations appealing to the environmentally concerned

A rising number of exclusive property owners offer private luxury with the services of a five star hotel, but in a culturally authentic locale; an exciting emergence in the industry for those who love the attention and convenience of upscale hotels, but long for the privacy and seclusion of the private villa away from the crowds. Why stay in a hotel when you can have top quality luxury and services in a genuine setting without sharing your space with additional guests and staff?

Some corporate hotels have tapped into this concept with so-called private villas on the grounds of a resort, but these too can feel formulaic, impersonal and unauthentic to the discerning luxury traveler. The future of luxury travel may lie in independent, privately owned homes located off the beaten track, where visitors enjoy the unique feeling of being well positioned locals with inside access.

The ILTM study indicates “increasing demand for authenticity, new experiences and exclusivity,” that will “boost interest in places reflecting the culture and traditions of local communities.” The endless series of traditional festivals all across Andalusia, for example, provide perfect opportunities for very local, very authentic experiences. Often times, the smaller and more remote the village, the more culturally authentic and interesting the celebration will be – and you won’t find a luxury hotel anywhere nearby.

This kind of privately owned rental also encourages exploration of the area; living along side locals, any venture into the local community or countryside will inevitably be an authentic experience. It’s possible to get a sense of belonging, like a newly arrived resident rather than a passing tourist. Travelers gain opportunities at sights and experiences that the masses in their hotels will never get. This matches well with other trends identified by the ILTM report: rising interest in “open-range excursions” for “spectacular landscapes” and “large natural spaces and / or regional cultural experiences,” all encompassed within this trend for “off-the-beaten-track destinations”.

Additional and related current trends:

• Simplicity and seamless service – The luxury traveler increasingly seeks total ease of facilitation from start to finish with custom and personalized services. The private host, as a single point of contact, delivers a bespoke experience for every guest and never for more than one party at a time.

• A desire to be stimulated and entertained rather than just pampered – “Bling” and “flash” are on the wane and people seek more personal and cerebral stimulation over purely physical pampering.

But will the luxury traveler forsake five star hotels for private rentals? The ILTM study repeatedly describes a trend for “more privacy / less ostentation,” and “a quieter, more discreet style of luxury,” which suggests a move from opulent or decadent hotels toward tasteful, private luxury villas or country estates. The study also explains a rising trend for family and multi-generational travel, which together with the increasing demand for privacy “has boosted the demand for serviced villa properties” and led to a focus on “expanded space…in villa design.”

Consider some further comparisons:

• Where are you more likely to find more authentic engagement with local culture, at the hotel bar where you may not even be able to judge what country you are in for all of the international travelers, or amongst the locals outside of your rental property door and at the village bar?

• Who will be more informed, committed and concerned about your experience, a hotel concierge and other staff working for tips and an hourly wage, or the owner-host of the private rental, focused on only one client and immersed in the local culture with a network of local contacts?

• Where can you get more exclusive service, at a hotel where you select from a rigid list along with everyone else at the hotel and eat the same dinner as the strangers around you, or in the private villa where you are the only client and the providers come to you, the chef consults with you before planning your gourmet meal and serves you in the privacy of your own luxurious rental? How many hotels offer private poolside paella cooking courses or hosted poolside happy hours? How many hotel chefs will give you a personal tour of a local winery or fish market and cook for you the goods you selected?

What better way to enjoy current travel trends than from an independent, private holiday rental with boutique services to rival the five star hotels? As the ILTM study concludes, “time is the most precious commodity.” With all comforts in place, bespoke arrangements organized in advance and a knowledgeable insider host at your disposal, you have more free time to enjoy. Imagine staying in a boutique hotel where you’re the only guest…

Alan Hazel is Owner and Director of Cortijo El Carligto.

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

Last weekend we stayed at a lovely self-catering cottage in the north-east of England. Available through luxury holiday home specialists Crabtree & Crabtree, Lake Cottage at Middleton Hall in Northumberland provides the ideal retreat for families looking for a little peace and quiet.

We arrived in the darkness of night, after a rather difficult journey through driving rain but were quickly able to feel at home. The fire had been lit in anticipation of our arrival, the cottage was warm and cosy, and we were generously supplied with a bottle of Champagne, a local newspaper and provisions such as milk, orange juice, bread, bacon, eggs, biscuits and chocolates.

The property can sleep up to 6 people in three bedrooms: two doubles and one twin with a nautical theme, ideal for children.

An open plan living area, dining room and kitchen serves as a sociable space for families to relax in. The kitchen was well equipped with everything you would need, as well as oven, hob, microwave, toaster, kettle and even an electric wine cooler.

The next day we expected more of the same weather we’d experienced at the end of our journey the night before, but were pleasantly surprised by a glorious morning as we ambled around the grounds. Owned by Brian and June Morton for three years now, this secluded part of Northumbria is clearly a peaceful retreat whatever the season and has also been the film set for a number of Catherine Cookson novels. The hall, which dates back to 1871, serves as a venue for family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings or corporate events. It is Grade 2 listed and has luxurious accommodation for up to 36 people.

Also on site is a private fishing lake as well as another self-catering property, The Boathouse, which sleeps 2 people on the shore of the lake.

The grounds are also a haven for wildlife, with otters, kingfishers and red squirrels for those lucky enough to spot them.

Returning to Lake Cottage, we found it to be very well suited to families, and particularly to young families. It comes with its own enclosed garden with swings, slide and a Wendy house.

Inside, there are plenty of children’s games, DVDs and even a wardrobe full of costumes for little ones to dress up in. Next door is Swinhoe Farm Riding Centre for those who enjoy horse riding. We opted instead for a short trip to nearby Holy Island, a tidal island also known as Lindisfarne, and home to Lindisfarne Castle.

On the next day we visited Alnwick Castle – the residence of the Duke of Northumberland – which was thoroughly enjoyable, and complete with broomstick flying lessons. (Alnwick Castle was used as Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter films.)

It’s worth getting a combined ticket that gives you access also to the equally impressive Alnwick Gardens. It is hard to believe that this site was derelict just 10 years ago (it opened in October 2001), but today it is home to beautifully landscaped gardens, a poison garden, bamboo labyrinth, multiple water sculptures and the Grand Cascade water display pictured below.

So, Lake Cottage is not only a wonderful hideaway, but it is also within easy reach of some superb attractions and places of interest, including the likes of Bamburgh Castle, Chillingham Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle and Howick Gardens. For golfers there are courses at Alnwick, Alnmouth, Bamburgh, Berwick and Seahouses, and for anyone just wanting to enjoy the beaches, there’s Holy Island, Cheswick Sands, Lowmoor Point, Budle Bay, Bamburgh and Beadnell.

Last week we stayed at the beautiful Bix Manor for a family celebration – my 40th birthday to be precise. Situated in the Thames Valley, and just 2 miles from Henley-on-Thames, this 17th Century manor house proved to be the ideal getaway for a large family get-together and can sleep up to 12 people.

With 6 generously-proportioned bedrooms, some that can be configured as twins or doubles to offer a little more flexibility for your requirements, and 5 bathrooms, the house also comes with two living areas, a kitchen and dining room. Here’s a selection of photographs to give you an idea of the tasteful décor and style of the interiors.

Bix Manor is a mere 30 minutes from Heathrow Airport and an hour from London, making it accessible to many.  The grounds of the house are extensive (7 acres to be precise) and include a knot garden, rose patio, large lawned areas, a herbeaceous walk-through, arched yew topiary and Italian water garden, all within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The house itself is also extremely well equipped with everything from every kitchen utensil you could imagine, to bathrobes and Molton Brown toiletries. We were also provided with a generous supply of provisions for our stay.  On arrival, there was even a delicious chicken pie awaiting us, which simply needed to be put in the Aga at our convenience, making our first night’s stay as hassle-free as could be.

The fridge was also very kindly stocked with bottles of Champagne to help the celebrations along, as well as breakfast items – eggs freshly collected from the chickens in the garden, bread, milk, bacon and much, much more.  We had the option for breakfast to be cooked for us each morning (not something you’d normally expect from self-catering), but instead preferred to opt to do our own so that we weren’t pressured to be up and about for a particular time, and could also stagger breakfast times to suit everyone in the party.  Of course, a catered breakfast would probably be very much welcomed by a wedding party, making their lives much simpler on a special weekend when so much is going on.

We tended to have our breakfast at the less formal dining area just off from the kitchen and our evening meals in the 30-foot main dining room (and oldest part of the house).

Talking of food, Bix Manor is in a great location if you enjoy good food, with no less than 9 Michelin starred restaurants within a half hour drive.  As an anniversary treat, we dined at the nearest of these – Luscombes at The  Golden Ball – which is just a mile and a half away.

I chose the tender Cornish squid with a honey and mustard dressing and fresh coriander and my wife went for the light cheese soufflé with an apple and celery salad and walnut dressing. For my main course I had the seared aged fillet steak, cooked to my liking (rare), with Girolle mushrooms, smoked potato purée, wilted spinach and Madeira jus.

After such a lovely dinner, it would have been rude not to try a dessert so we shared a dark chocolate fondant with pistachio ice cream.

The chef, Stephen Luscombe, came to our table towards the end of our meal, and we chatted with him briefly. Originally from Devon, Stephen has an impressive track record, having worked under Marco Pierre White in London as well as two spells at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire.

In addition to there being an abundance of good restaurants locally, there’s also plenty to see and do.  There are lots of walks from the doorstep at Bix Manor – indeed, I nearly got lost jogging through extensive National Trust woodland opposite the house one morning!

During our stay, we also ambled along the River Thames in Henley, let the children have fun and explore the park and adventure playground at Mill Meadow, and hired a motorboat from Hobbs of Henley who seemed to have something of a monopoly on boat trips on the river.

We also visited the River & Rowing Museum where the children were treated to a Wind in the Willows exhibition. Kenneth Graeme was no doubt inspired by the River Thames as he spent much of his childhood – and indeed his later life – on its banks, doing what the characters in his book do – namely, “simply messing about in boats” as one of his famous phrases puts it.

On our last day, we also visited Warburg Nature Reserve which, since its reputedly the premier nature reserve of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust, you would have thought might be easier to find!  We got there in the end but it was down a road without any signage and one that wasn’t even marked on either our satnav systems (we had to go in two cars).  If you’re ever planning to visit, the secret is to take the road to Bix Bottom and turn off from there.  Once there, we had a picnic and took a short stroll through open grassland and mixed woodland, before returning to the house.

Bix Manor had proved to be the ideal house for a birthday celebration, but would be equally suited to a wedding party or any other similar gathering.  The friendly and charming owners Gary and Louise Hall are only too keen to make you feel welcome and at home. They can be found on site should you need anything and are happy to arrange all sorts of interesting activities, should you wish, ranging from fitness and beauty packages to floristry demonstrations through to wine tastings and photography days. Special events can be catered for in the Great Tithe Barn which is also on site.

Helen Howitt is co-founder, with her partner Adam, of Sheepskin, a small collection of unique holiday properties located in inspiring landscapes throughout the UK. Prior to forming Sheepskin, they both worked in international product development. They left corporate life to pursue a love of travel and a passion for discovering beautiful and unusual places. Some of the most awe-inspiring places they found were in the UK and Sheepskin was formed from a desire to share these with others. Since Sheepskin launched they have continued to add unusual, carefully selected properties to their collection. Sheepskin’s collection now includes 12 properties in Wales, four in the West Country and one in the Peak District; in 2011 they will expand to the Cotswolds and hopefully into Scotland.

What is it that you do exactly?

We are a small, close-knit team at Sheepskin, so on a daily basis I get involved in everything from helping guests organise their stays at our properties and putting together their tailor-made guides, updating our website, blog and social media pages, planning and implementing marketing and PR activities, responding to specific requests from the press with editorial and images, continuing the search for further unique properties to add to our collection and liaising with their owners.

Many weeks I travel out of the office to visit new properties. We only include places where we would love to stay ourselves (in fact we do stay in every one before they join the collection). I work with every owner to ensure that our guests will get absolutely the level of comfort, service and experience that they expect when they stay there. Then I re-visit with our photographer, we take a portfolio of honest yet beautiful images and whilst I am in the house I write the details to represent the house on our website.

Any spare time; I try to spend thinking about where Sheepskin can go next as a business; Sheepskin Snow is next on our list.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

When I am ‘off the map’ on a dirt track somewhere following the owner’s directions to a great new property I think I have the best job in the world but this would leave me feeling a little empty if it wasn’t for hearing how our guests enjoy staying at these places. It’s the best feeling and best part of my job when guests tell us how much they enjoyed their time away and appreciated our help. You know that you have helped someone find a great place to relax and escape for a while and have a holiday that they will remember.

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

My 3 places are all ‘best’ for very different reasons;

1. During our travels in South America, Adam and I drove into the Andes, off the tourist trail to Laguna Santa Rosa. We had a tent with us which we tried to pitch in the hard, salt crusted earth by the lake as we watched the flamingos but as the sun started to set it soon got very cold at 4000m and we resorted to bedding down in the wooden refuge hut. A two room cabin which at a push would accommodate 10 on the floor but it was only us that night (and for some nights before it seemed from the visitor book). With the exception of altitude sickness, this location is one of the most stunning and memorable places I have ever had the privilege to visit and stay. In the middle of the night, we thought about packing up and heading to lower altitude but we persevered and gradually acclimatised and we were glad we did. Sun rise over the lake, surrounded by salt beds, sandstone craggy hills and Llamas was spectacular, we woke early and saw Flamingos bathing nearby in the cool waters. We were sorry to leave but didn’t want to stay another night in case someone else wanted to enjoy the peace and solitude of this beautiful place. This was luxury of a kind that you do not find in many places on earth!

2. Jnane Tamsna and Eco Lodge outside Marakech

We left work on Friday afternoon and late that night we had been transported to another world in a guest house in the Atlas Mountains perched on a hillside at the edge of a village. I don’t normally like these types of places where a hotel is built in the middle of a rural village as it is normally only the owner and the guests that benefit from the arrangement. This place was different though; local villagers had been involved in the restoration and are now involved in running the lodge from the man who meets you at the village café, puts your luggage on a donkey and leads you up the hillside through walnut groves with a tin lantern to light the way, to the people who cook your wonderful meals and the guide who can walk with you into the Atlas mountains each day if you wish.

We were sorry to leave but after 3 relaxing days exploring the mountains it was time to experience Marakech. Wanting to enjoy the hustle and bustle but be able to escape it we had booked Jnane Tamsna in the Palmerie. None of the places here are in the most stunning locations but stepping inside was like a gateway to another world. The eight individual and traditionally furnished rooms where all off the cool, shaded porticos around the inner courtyard. On the night we arrived we didn’t realise that we were the only guests, we came out into the courtyard for dinner to find one table, places in the centre of the courtyard, lit by tens of candles all around it. Day or night it was a tranquil place to relax and unwind. We couldn’t stay still for long though and didn’t need to with Marakech just a few minutes away.

3. I have to mention one of the properties in our collection (and I promise I am not being biased). Adam and I fell in love with Lletty, in the Brecon Beacons, the first time we saw it. We stayed there with friends over New Year and it really is just an idyllic place. All the creature comforts you could want, peace and tranquillity, a private view of the Black Mountains and a real sense of home. On our previous visits we had ensured that the beds were all very comfortable and made extremely cosy with faux fur throws and our Sheepskin bathrobes were all in place. We had picked up a goose on the way from the local butcher so we had everything we needed for a quiet but completely indulgent New Year’s celebration. At midnight we took the Sheepskin rugs outside and sat on the deck watching the fireworks against the inky black, night sky across the valley.

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

Oh my, that’s a difficult one. Food is one of the reasons I travel, to experience the different cuisines of the countries, I keep a food journal whenever I travel.

Normally I would say that the food is more important than the surrounds (you don’t look for air-conditioning and table cloths if you want great, local food in places like Kuala Lumpur for instance) but the meal I will choose was lunch during a trip around South Africa. Near Franschoek we spotted a tiny sign for a vineyard (it wasn’t in the official list but we thought we’d have a look). On the vineyard they had a small restaurant where for some reason we were the only guests. At first we were a little apprehensive particularly with the quite limited menu. But we had a table in the sunshine on a terrace overlooking the vines stretching across the valley so we chanced it and were glad we did. We had, possibly the best fish and chips (no ordinary fish and chips for sure!) I have ever tasted and a magnificent, oaked Chenin blanc all sitting looking out over a tranquil valley under a perfectly clear blue sky. Simple but wonderful!

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

A couple of our property owners are, not quite rich and famous but well known in art and media circles though I do not want to encroach on their privacy by saying more. Mariella Frostrup stayed at one of our properties for the Hay Festival this year though all was organised via her agent so we didn’t exactly rub shoulders.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?

I’d like Adam and I to ride our motorbikes from the UK through Europe and eventually into India. Two things are in the way at the moment, first the time it would take is way longer than we wish to be away from Sheepskin at the moment and secondly we would want to do it in style. We’ve done motorbike holidays before, camping on the way, it’s fantastic for a week or so but after that it gets a little tiresome so we’d be searching for great places to stay along the way this time.

Thank you for taking part in our interview, Helen.  Regular readers may recall that we ran a special feature on a Sheepskin property – the Music Mill in the Peak District – earlier this year.

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

We have just returned from an utterly unique and memorable stay on the remote Scottish island of Jura.  Our first glimpse of the island and its three Paps was just before touching down on our flight from Glasgow to Islay. From there, it was a short drive and a ferry crossing before reaching Jura.

We were blessed with weather not usually associated with Scotland but, for the week we have been away, we have enjoyed glorious sunshine and blue skies more reminiscent of a holiday in the Mediterranean than the west coast of Scotland. Furthermore, we had the privilege of staying in the beautifully stylish Jura Lodge, next door to the Isle of Jura Distillery in Craighouse.

The moment we arrived on the island, after the 5-minute ferry crossing from Port Askaig to Feolin, we were greeted by three red deer peering down upon us as we travelled along what must surely be the UK’s bumpiest A-road.

After a short drive along this single track, we reached the island’s only significant settlement of Craighouse, home to the island’s one shop, one distillery, one hotel (and pub/campsite/petrol station) and one very unique lodge.

Jura Lodge is lavishly adorned with antlers on the walls and with various quirks, from the unlucky 13th step to the wooden seagull in one of the bedrooms that, if you rub it, will bring you luck for the duration of your stay. And, if that wasn’t enough, there’s also Archie, the resident suit of armour in the living area, and purportedly a ghost underneath the farmhouse dining table in the kitchen. In short, the accommodation is perfectly in keeping with the island.

On the first floor of the accommodation there are four double bedrooms, all en suite. The master bedroom offers beautiful views over the bay at Craighouse, as do the two living areas on the second floor above. From here you can marvel at the ever-changing colours over the sea as the sun rises or sets.

Most views from the property look out over Craighouse, its jetty and towards a cluster of islands in the Souind of Jura known collectively as the Small Isles.

On our arrival, after a warm welcome from Catriona, we were thoughtfully provided with all the basics we might initially need, from bread and milk, to a basket of fruit, bottles of wine, Jura whisky and breakfast for the next morning (the breakfast, not the wine and whisky). Housekeeping are at your beck and call should you need them. You can arrange a daily housekeeping service or request special deliveries of fresh seafood or seasonal game – the kind of service that goes above and beyond what you might normally expect from self-catering.

Jura Lodge would serve as an ideal getaway for writers seeking inspiration. Indeed, it was on Jura that George Orwell wrote the classic novel 1984. And the Jura Whisky Writers’ Retreat progamme devised by the Scottish Book Trust with the help of the Jura Distillery has built on that heritage with the publication of ‘Spirit of Jura‘, a compilation of fiction, essays and poems from Jura Lodge.

As well as writers Jura is also a haven for walkers and lovers of wildlife. The three Paps are arguably Jura’s most significant features and are a challenge even to experienced walkers. Those looking for something less arduous could take on the Evans Walk (as we did) or the 15-mile circular walk to a viewpoint for Corryvreckan, the third largest whirlpool in the world, and where Orwell once nearly drowned.

As far as fauna is concerned, deer outnumber people by approximately 30 to 1 on Jura, and seals, otters and other wildlife are all plentiful. The island is also home to golden eagles, sea eagles, buzzards and other bird life, making it and the neighbouring island of Islay something of a birdwatchers’ paradise.

Families with young children will expecially enjoy exploring Jura’s many beaches. Even the adults will, too, particularly at the remote community of Inverlussa at the far end of the road where ‘Tea on the Beach’ is served by a local resident via a walkie-talkie system.

Jura is one of those places that has to be experienced in order for it to be truly appreciated. It is also one of those magical places that, once visited, you are never likely to forget. And the ultimate place to stay on the island is of course Jura Lodge. Stays at the lodge are available from £2,500 per night, with a minimum stay of three nights.

Camilla Shaughnessy is the founder of EventfulStays.com, a UK accommodation website which specialises in mid- to high-end home stays available for short term lets searchable by event. Camilla enjoyed the echelons of senior positions in corporate life before establishing her own consultancy firm in 1994. She went on to launch Eventful Stays in December 2010, inspired by renting out her Oxfordshire home to help generate additional income after the market crash in early 2010 when she and her husband lost their savings. While investigating ways in which to rent out her home – which features a pool house, helipad and gym – Camilla realised that, whilst there are numerous holiday rental companies, none specialise in major event-focused breaks or indeed personal ‘events’ such as special birthdays, wedding anniversaries and hen weekends – and so Eventful Stays was born.

What is it that you do exactly?

I get up at 5am when my head is usually buzzing with ideas and get a couple of hours of work done before the phones start ringing. I look after the day-to-day running of the website, deal with new potential rentals to make sure they adhere to our standards and manage the marketing and public relations teams. By 7.30am it’s time for a break so I go for a run, cycle, do a bit of kickboxing or 60 lengths in the pool. I’m lucky that my office is in my home – my team works from the summer house – so no commuting for me. When everyone has arrived, the office banter begins and we start the day with a motivational chat. As I recruit mainly young graduates I make sure they are involved or know about all the big decisions so they can see the effort that goes into running a new business. They’ve all had to watch me lament the loss of my beloved sports car which had to be sold to pay for the next phase of the website!

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Starting a website and overcoming all the hurdles that inevitably brings is mentally stimulating and I’m sure not everyone can say that about their job. I’m also a member of ‘Modern Muse’, which was established last year by the Everywoman network. Modern Muse aims to inspire and motivate young women and girls about business and entrepreneurship. I recruit young, mainly female graduates on paid internships and arm them with the skills needed for a professional upmarket start up business. Once a week, some of the team stay for supper – or as they put it ‘are held hostage’ – so that they can have open and frank exchanges about their hopes and aspirations, ideas and frustrations. I also line up discussion groups with schools and college sixth forms to engage young women in understanding the opportunities that can be made available to those with drive, determination and a bit of imagination. All they need is a little inspiration and to know what is possible. That gives me a lot of satisfaction.

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

I’d say the strangest place I’ve ever spent a night was a luxury converted Double Decker Bus with an on-board Jacuzzi, which I now think of as a great alternative for the more, uhm, discerning festival-goer (that would be doing Glastonbury in style!).

To celebrate my sister’s wedding we stayed at this delightful pousada in Portugal. I’m a big fan of avoiding hotels and B&B’s when a home stay is an alternative, if you haven’t noticed.

I enjoyed a stay at a fabulous Georgian Beach House in Ilfracombe, Devon where we celebrated a memorable winter family reunion. But then our family, being of Irish descent, usually have pretty sizable get-togethers! We just celebrated my father’s 87th birthday at a sumptuous cottage in Gloucestershire. We dined in style and a spontaneous game of water polo turned into a fun riot, as no one seemed to know the rules – or be bothered about them. The kids just looked on in horror at their mad parents until they gave in and joined the fun. My father played referee – needless to say!

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

Well, I once helped out my friend Gerald – the owner of a firm that provides personal bodyguards – by having lunch at The Ivy with a ‘loaned’ team of protectors positioned in and around the restaurant, foyer and outside – with cars at the ready. Best favour I’ve ever done! The bodyguards were on their final VIP training exercise so I stepped in as their client. Needless to say the other diners were completely intrigued – especially as they obviously didn’t recognise me. I then went to Brown’s, where I had a business meeting over tea, and the doorman was completely taken aback when asking if I wanted a taxi, he suddenly realised I had three cars awaiting me. Shopping in Harrods was equally as entertaining. It was like having five husbands watch what you are spending.

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

Well just this week I rubbed shoulders with the Prime Minister at a Conservative lunch and I often see Jeremy Clarkson as he lives about 10-miles away from my home from Chipping Norton.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?

My schedule is pretty punishing so if I went anywhere it would sadly have to be with my laptop and iPhone in hand! But first and foremost is spending time with my husband and son. This summer I have decided to go back to my roots and spend a week cycling and fine dining in Ireland – for the simple reason that my husband would only agree on the basis of the fine dining and my 15-year-old son’s prerequisite was dare-devil off-road biking. My next priority is time with my friends. Perhaps a trip to Scotland to walk, talk and stay in a Laird’s castle. And once the sports car is replaced – definitely a priority – I’ll look at going somewhere warm and beautiful like the Maldives.

Thank you for taking part in our interview, Camilla. I’m off to Scotland myself next month to do a special feature on some very luxurious accommodation on a Scottish island… watch this space for details!

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

These days many of our clients choose a luxury villa holiday over and above staying in a hotel both for the privacy and flexibility it affords. Having unlimited access to your own pool, a personal chef on hand and the security of a luxury villa make it the ideal choice for many planning a vacation. Here are our top tips for enjoying a successful villa holiday.

1. Use a professional villa rental company

There are plenty of people who claim to be a holiday rental professional but do your homework and make sure that they are really qualified to handle your holiday. For me personal recommendations are a great way to ensure the success of your holiday.

2. Decide on your key criteria

What’s important to your holiday? Peace a quiet? Somewhere where your teenagers can walk into the village? A private beach? If you decide on what’s important then you won’t waste time with the agency sending you villas that are not of interest.

3. Book well in advance

These days we all assume that the later we book the better the deal. However for many of the key destinations such as the South of France then the later you book the more limited the choice. Booking early will give you a wide choice of rental villas and ensure that all your key criteria can be met.

4. Research the destination

Use your villa rental agency to help you research the location. Restaurants, beaches and transportation can usually be booked well in advance and a little local knowledge goes a long way in ensuring that perfect beach front table in your chosen restaurant

5. Concierge services

All the most prestigious villa rental agencies will offer concierge services along side your villa rental which can be booked before you arrive or during your stay. Use your agency like the concierge desk at a hotel for everything from babysitting to a personal trainer and you will be assured of the perfect holiday.

And finally… choose your holiday companions carefully. If you are the kind of family who are still enjoying a leisurely breakfast by the pool at 11.30am and your travelling companions have already visited 2 markets and a museum by the same time then perhaps you need to re-think your travel plans.

Maria McLean is Director of Communications at Burger Sotheby’s International Realty.

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