Michael Edwards, Author at A Luxury Travel Blog - Page 3 of 8 : A Luxury Travel Blog

Review: M.Ou.Co Hotel, Porto, Portugal

By Michael Edwards on Apr 10, 2022 in Accommodation, Europe, Featured, Hotels, Portugal, Regions, Western Europe

The coolest place to stay in Porto. Here the hotel is reinvented as a place to “Stay. Listen. Play.” Throughout the ample public areas music plays.

Review: The Bristol Hotel, Bristol, UK

By Michael Edwards on Mar 30, 2022 in Accommodation, Attractions, Europe, Featured, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

In prime position on the waterfront, The Bristol Hotel makes a bold eponymous claim to be the place to stay in Bristol. First opening in the 1960s, the Royal Institute of British architects now recognise the hotel as a prime example of the Modern Architecture movement.

Review: Burnham Beeches Hotel, Burnham, Buckinghamshire, UK

By Michael Edwards on Mar 12, 2022 in Accommodation, Europe, Featured, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Back in 1727 this Georgian hunting lodge fondly recalled classical architecture: elegantly balanced, symmetrically proportioned and brilliantly, dazzlingly white. Cant Hill, as it was then named, was the resting place for royals as they hunted in Windsor Park. Since it became a hotel in 1965, renamed Burnham Beeches Hotel, guests have looked out from the

Review: Beachcroft Hotel & Beach Hut Suites, Felpham, West Sussex, UK

By Michael Edwards on Mar 05, 2022 in Accommodation, Europe, Featured, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Four designer Beach Hut Suites sit just yards from Felpham’s beach. It’s a bucket and spade shoreline where seagulls call and sea breezes rustle the palm tree planting. Ivon Blumer architects have created a gentle-blue-clapperboard homage to beach life. Four huts named Beach, Sand, Pebble and Shell – each spread over three levels,- elevate beach

Review: The Fellows House, Cambridge, UK

By Michael Edwards on Mar 02, 2022 in Accommodation, Europe, Featured, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Vacation Rentals, Western Europe

“Feel at home, feel inspired, feel like a fellow,” invites the hotel’s mantra. Strategically positioned, a mere eight minute stroll from Jesus Green, The Fellows House is the very essence of Cambridge. Symbolically, Crick and Watson’s DNA double helix is imprinted into The Folio Bar’s walls. Whilst the heritage of Cambridge’s esteemed academic fellows flows

Developments at the Ambong-Ambong Rainforest Retreat, Langkawi, Malaysia

By Michael Edwards on Feb 25, 2022 in Accommodation, Asia, Malaysia, Regions, Resorts

At Ambong-Ambong Rainforest Retreat the views are timeless. Each of the eleven studios, suites and cottages, serenely secluded by the rainforest, looks out across the infinite blues of the Andaman sea. Every room has a sea view over some of the other 98 islands which make up the Langkawi archipelago. Below the retreat on the

9 reasons to visit Lisbon, Portugal

By Michael Edwards on Feb 23, 2022 in Accommodation, Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Hotels, Portugal, Regions, Western Europe

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, has many faces. Rebuilt after the earthquake and tsunami of 1755, much of that historic era of reconstruction remains. Today, Lisbon continues to expand along the banks of the River Tagus, towards the Costa Caparica heading for the Atlantic. Although Lisbon is one of Europe’s smaller cities, visitors still need to

5 more historic English hotels

By Michael Edwards on Feb 16, 2022 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

England’s rich history is remarkably preserved, both in town and country, throughout the land. A plethora of historic houses have been given new life through sensitive and thoughtful restoration. Below is a selection of charming properties throughout England, ideal for a short break or for a longer stay to explore local attractions. Burleigh Court, Minchinhampton,

Review: Barrow Hill Barns, near Petersfield, The South Downs, UK

By Michael Edwards on Feb 15, 2022 in Accommodation, Attractions, Europe, Featured, Going Out, Regions, United Kingdom, Vacation Rentals, Western Europe

It is easy to see why these eight ultra-luxurious detached cottages are given five stars by Visit England. These brick and flint barn-style cottages quietly nestle in 10 peaceful acres at the heart of the South Downs National Park. Barrow Hill Barns are part of the Premier Cottages collection, where a selection of property owners

Review: Hotel Britania, Lisbon, Portugal

By Michael Edwards on Feb 02, 2022 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Portugal, Regions, Western Europe

This charming Art Deco boutique hotel, set in the historic centre of Lisbon, is one of five Lisbon Heritage Hotels in Portugal’s capital, providing discrete but sophisticated luxury. The 32 room, one suite Britania, has been tastefully restored to a grandeur beyond that of its 1944 opening. Architect Cassiano Branco had originally planned the bold

5 stylish English hotels

By Michael Edwards on Jan 24, 2022 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

These five hotels show the diversity of properties available in England. They take in coast and country as well as a tranquil base for a visit to the capital. Although these five hotels are set in contrasting environments, they are all renowned for their style, service and great food. 1. The Cary Arms and Spa,

Review: Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa, The New Forest, UK

By Michael Edwards on Jan 16, 2022 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa is a mere handful of New Forest acres from picturesque Brockenhurst. The 4* hotel’s 54 rooms are surrounded by some of the oldest forestry in Western Europe. This is a historic forest that has an archaic language of its own. Agisters care for 8,000 creatures – ponies, cattle and deer

Review: The Albion Rooms, Margate, Kent, UK

By Michael Edwards on Jan 11, 2022 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

In days gone by bands used to trash hotels. Now, The Libertines are more concerned with curating soft furnishings, paint choices and wallpaper at this seafront townhouse on Eastern Esplanade. Before The Libertines’ purchase and revamp, this was one of Margate’s worst reviewed B & Bs. Now it is the coolest of choices. Decor is

10 reasons to visit Thanet, UK

By Michael Edwards on Jan 08, 2022 in Europe, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Sunning itself on the North Kent shoreline, Thanet has attracted visitors for centuries. Margate became the first British seaside resort in 1736 and pioneered the world’s first donkey rides around 1780. Whilst grand Georgian and Victorian houses and hotels were built, Ramsgate in particular, enjoyed the royal patronage of Kings and Queens, even charging the

Review: Bay Tree Hotel, Broadstairs, Kent, UK

By Michael Edwards on Jan 06, 2022 in Accommodation, Europe, Featured, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

High on Broadstairs’ Eastern Esplanade, looking down on Stone Bay’s white cliffs and golden beach, The Bay Tree Hotel has stunning views. The name comes from a bay tree flourishing in the back garden that is probably Kent’s oldest and largest specimen. After a lengthy £1 million renovation this 10 room boutique red brick hotel,

Short stay: Abbey Farm glamping, Alby, North Norfolk, UK

By Michael Edwards on Nov 29, 2021 in Accommodation, Camping, Europe, Featured, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Abbey Farm takes glamping to new levels of indulgence. Look out from the private hot tub on your terrace, Abbey Farm gin in hand, to take in panoramic views of Norfolk’s big skies views. Meanwhile, in the kitchen there is dough to roll out pizzas from a Bertie’s nudja pizza kit before slipping them into

Author Archive for Michael Edwards