Western Europe Archives - A Luxury Travel Blog : A Luxury Travel Blog

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 […]

Top 5 après ski bars in Val d’Isere

By Dan Frith on Nov 25, 2021 in Bars, Clubs, Europe, Food and Drink, France, Going Out, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

Après ski bars can become legendary venues in any given resort. Given the nature of employment in the ski season, the best bars attract a regular cast of characters, ski bums, seasonaires, ex-pats and residents who are loving the vibe of a lively bar with a reputation for being the place to see and be […]

20 luxury food and drink treats to enjoy this Christmas – UK & Europe edition

By Paul Johnson on Nov 24, 2021 in Europe, Featured, Food and Drink, Regions, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Christmas is a time to treat yourselves a little… to spend time with family, friends and some unforgettable food and drink… that’s all you need for a truly unforgettable Christmas, isn’t it?! This year, to make Christmas extra special, we’ve rounded up some festive food and drink treats to allow you to truly indulge – […]

Local food and drink producers to look out for on your next trip to Devon

By Paul Johnson on Nov 21, 2021 in Europe, Featured, Food and Drink, Regions, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Devon isn’t just known for its spectacular coastline and beautiful beaches. The county has also long had a superb reputation for its exceptional food and drink. As well as being home to three Michelin star restaurants and a number of celebrity-owned restaurants, it’s of course also renowned for cream teas, fish and chips, cheese, cider, […]

Top 10 watersports to enjoy in Exmouth, Devon

By Paul Johnson on Nov 21, 2021 in Europe, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Last Summer, we had the good fortune to attend a sailing event in Exmouth on the Jurassic Coast and one of the oldest and most picturesque seaside towns in Devon. Situated on the south-east coast of Devon where the River Exe meets the sea, Exmouth enjoys a unique position with amazing estauary and sea views […]

The Mediterranean debut of the world’s largest tall ship

By Paul Johnson on Nov 18, 2021 in Croatia, Cruises & Boat Travel, Eastern Europe, Europe, France, Greece, Italy, Regions, Spain, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

Tradewind Voyages has released the full program and prices for the Mediterranean debut of the world’s largest tall ship, Golden Horizon. Beginning in Palma on 1 May 2022, there are 23 voyages offered across the region, spanning Spain, France, Italy, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece and Turkey. The inaugural Med season concludes with the 14 […]

Top 5 hotels for cycling in Scotland

By Dorothy Welsh on Nov 18, 2021 in Europe, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe

A bicycle is no longer just a mode of transport – it is a piece of sports equipment that comes in many variations. But unlike viruses, these ‘variants’ are actually good and beneficial for one’s health. Moreover, you can choose your bike according to how you prefer to use it. Options range from regular touring […]

The best traditions and places to visit in Italy during Christmas

By Daniela De Luca on Nov 15, 2021 in Europe, Events, Italy, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

Visiting Italy during the Christmas season offers two bonuses: you’ll avoid the high summer season tourist crowds and you’ll get to see the country decked out in all its holiday finery. The Christmas season in Italy starts from 8th December, the date of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, and lasts until 6th January, the day […]

The best places to go Christmas shopping in Barcelona

By Sandra Roig on Nov 12, 2021 in Europe, Leisure Travel, Regions, Spain, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

If you’re not one of those who feels the need to shiver your way through Christmas, maybe Barcelona is the place for you. Imagine yourself now, you are in Barcelona, the sky is blue, seasonal carols and inspiring religious buildings surround you, there are several huge Christmas markets to explore. Yet, the most magical part […]

Unforgettable golf in Sotogrande with a luxury five star stay

By Paul Johnson on Nov 05, 2021 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Regions, Spain, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

Golfers around the globe have the opportunity to indulge in the Sotogrande lifestyle with the introduction of an all-new ‘Stay & Play’ package that will allow guests to experience the world-class triumvirate of Real Club Valderrama, La Reserva Club Sotogrande and Real Club Sotogrande – while enjoying a luxurious stay at the brand-new five-star SO/ […]

Where can Americans travel for the holidays?

By Christopher Hill on Nov 03, 2021 in Argentina, Asia, Chile, Europe, Iceland, Peru, Regions, South America, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Western Europe

As life adapts to the new normal in this brave new world, vaccinated travelers can get out and explore this Holiday Season – the perfect time to make a difference for those less fortunate. However, even if you are vaccinated, you do need to have a negative PCR test taken no less than 72 hours […]

Short stay: The Eastbury Hotel and Spa, Sherborne, Dorset, UK

By Michael Edwards on Nov 01, 2021 in Accommodation, Europe, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe

The Victorian Garden Potting Shed Suites, five gloriously indulgent creations are the latest luxurious chapter in the history of a house which dates back to 1740. Under their sedum and moss living roof the suites are stylishly contemporary and eco-friendly. The Eastbury Hotel’s mature gardens, a West in Bloom award winner, featuring shelter-giving beech and […]

New luxury hotel opens in Barcelona

By Paul Johnson on Oct 30, 2021 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, Spain, Western Europe

The world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, has this week opened the InterContinental Barcelona. It is the first luxury hotel to open in Barcelona this year and is situated in the heart of the Montjuïc district. Located southwest of the city, Montjuïc is a scenic hill that overlooks the harbour […]

Long term holiday rentals: the new way to travel

By Miriam Burke on Oct 27, 2021 in Accommodation, Europe, Regions, Spain, Vacation Rentals, Western Europe

The way people travel has changed over the last decade and more so in the previous year since COVID arrived. Employees have realised that their teams are just as productive working remotely as they are in the office. Research shows that it is vital for companies now to offer remote working as an option if […]

The 5 hotels where celebrities feel right at home

By Kristof Eyckmans on Oct 26, 2021 in Accommodation, Africa, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Celebrities, Europe, Hotels, Italy, Oceania, Pacific Islands, Regions, Resorts, South Africa, Switzerland, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

We might not always realise it, but we can pretty much travel anywhere on this globe and enjoy uninterrupted holidays. Celebrities however don’t always have that luxury. They are spotted and chased by paparazzi, fans, press and who knows what else. As a result they prefer travelling to places that aren’t always easy to reach […]

The Algarve: Europe’s leading (and almost undisputed) beach destination

By Paul Johnson on Oct 25, 2021 in Europe, Leisure Travel, Portugal, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

The Algarve has once again been distinguished as the “Leading Beach Destination in Europe”, in the 2021 World Travel Awards. This is the eighth (and third consecutive) time that the destination has won the nomination from leaders of the tourism and travel industry from around the world, who annually participate in this initiative and vote […]

Category: Western Europe