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

Top 5 ski resorts for Michelin-starred restaurants

By Dan Frith on Feb 28, 2021 in Europe, Food and Drink, France, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Switzerland, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

Like a moth to a flame, restauranteurs are inclined to go where the money is. It makes sound business sense. There’s no point opening a swish establishment and employing a top rated chef if the clientele isn’t there to support the venture. It’s no surprise then that most of the Michelin starred restaurants happened to […]

The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

By Ryan Connolly on Feb 25, 2021 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Iceland, Regions, Western Europe

Similar to last month’s post, I want to hand out another love letter to one place in particular in Iceland that never fails to impress – the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. And by extension, the Diamond Beach. This is a location in the south east of Iceland that changes every time I see it. I don’t […]

Mallorca’s 9 Michelin stars

By Deirdre O'Connor on Feb 23, 2021 in Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Spain, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

Over the last two decades Mallorca has accomplished a culinary transformation. A complete overhaul from the tourist fare of old to one of the world’s most appetising destinations and not just for its World Heritage landscapes, pristine beaches, local culture and world class luxury hotels but also for it’s outstanding food scene. A wave has […]

Pontneddfechan Little Canyon for Wild Swimming in Brecon, Wales

5 places to go wild swimming in Wales

By Tim Rees on Feb 20, 2021 in Europe, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Wild swimming is a release, the likes of which are unrivalled. Such is the nature of wild swimming, it can be done in many different places, be it sea, lake, river or ocean. Wild swimming offers you a unique experience, to feel more alive and to give you time and space in a natural environment […]

Our favourite luxury hotel rooms in the Costa del Sol

By Gail Hewitt on Feb 17, 2021 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, Spain, Western Europe

The Costa del Sol on the south coast of mainland Spain, has always been a favourite destination for the sun-seeker. There are wonderful sandy beaches, and a wide variety of resorts to choose from. From the relaxing atmosphere of the smaller villages such as pretty Frigliana, to the exclusive resorts of Puerto Banus and Marbella, […]

How to spend 48 inspiring hours in the Yorkshire Dales’ Swale Valley

By Laura Dubois on Feb 16, 2021 in Europe, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Whilst some may overlook the ‘mini-break’ as lacking the appeal of a traditional week-long stay, sometimes nothing feels more indulgent than spontaneously packing your bags and heading off for a ‘long-weekend’ somewhere wonderful. With the staycation trend set to mould travel plans across Great Britain throughout 2021, why not take advantage of the beauty ‘on […]

A definitive guide to Florence’s best-kept secrets

By Anna Mascaro on Feb 15, 2021 in Europe, Italy, Regions, Western Europe

Nestled in the gently rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, Florence exudes a unique elegance and offers endless possibilities for those who love art, history, wine, food, and artisan traditions. In essence, Florence has it all! Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence has an artistic heritage that is difficult to beat, bursting with artworks […]

Dreaming of a better Summer

By Su Stephens on Feb 15, 2021 in Europe, France, Regions, Western Europe

The pandemic has taken its toll. With months under restrictions, which seem to get ever more stringent, the winter months are even bluer. It is in these cold months, with snow on the ground and de-icing the car, that we turn our dreams to Summer. For some, booking a Summer holiday is an essential psychological […]

Top 5 hideaway hotels in Scotland

By Dorothy Welsh on Feb 15, 2021 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

In the lead-up to Valentine’s Day everybody talks about romance and time for two. In Scotland every day could be spent with a romantic getaway due to an abundance of small hideaway hotels comprising fewer than 10 rooms in total. They can be located either on a private estate with a long driveway, hidden away […]

5 historic English hotels

By Michael Edwards on Feb 13, 2021 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Across England’s green and pleasant land dozens of historic hotels reveal chapters of the nation’s rich and often turbulent history. Over the last century many grand country houses have been saved from ruin and reborn as luxurious hotels. Once these houses were the zealously guarded bastions of the aristocracy, not that every one of these […]

The top peaks of Switzerland

By Wanhua Qiao on Feb 12, 2021 in Regions, Switzerland

Many of the Alps’ photographic panoramas are in various Swiss regions and include the Pennine Alps, Bernese Alps, Bernina Range, Mont-Blanc-Massif, Uri Alps, and the Glarus Alps. As you journey through the various federal cantons, you’ll explore the glamour of the famed Swiss Alps that pave Switzerland’s heritage. Switzerland is bursting with glorious lakes and […]

Remote working in Portugal

By Paul Johnson on Feb 11, 2021 in Europe, Portugal, Regions, Western Europe

In time, lockdowns will come to an end and the pandemic will be under control. However, some trends we adapted as ‘the new normal’ in the past year may be here to stay, such as remote working. For those who can work from home, some may consider travelling to different locations and enjoying a “workoliday”. […]

8 things to do in and around Edinburgh

By Tim Rees on Feb 11, 2021 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Scotland is a land of enchantment and mystery. With an ancient aura, and history to match, Scotland has some of the world’s best known and most cherished landscapes. The terrain, hills, lochs and valleys all over Scotland somehow feel scared, as the topography changes like the weather as you pass from highland to glen. Edinburgh, […]

Summer harbour hopping on a French Riviera luxury yacht charter

By Trina Howes on Feb 11, 2021 in Cruises & Boat Travel, Europe, France, Monaco, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

There’s no better way to travel along the South of France during the summer months than by luxury yacht charter, as famous stars from the world over can attest. The French Riviera comes alive with concerts, festivals and so much more from May through to September, so get straight to the heart of each and […]

Cwmdu, Brecon Beacons; A winter portrait under the Galactic Core

5 amazing Dark Sky spots in Mid Wales

By Gareth Robinson on Feb 10, 2021 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Mid Wales is a place to visit to escape the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. But it has so much more to offer, especially when the sun goes down. Dominated by the Cambrian Mountains, including the Green Desert of Wales, the region is thinly populated. It’s an area with an economy dependent on farming […]

COVID-19 coronavirus travel insurance: UK providers that offer cover

By Paul Johnson on Feb 09, 2021 in Europe, Health & Safety, Regions, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Choosing the right travel insurance policy for you was difficult enough in pre-pandemic times. With the COVID-19 coronavirus, there’s now an added layer of complexity. Here we highlight a number of UK travel insurance providers that offer some degree of cover for coronavirus. None of the policies listed below constitute recommendations – they are just […]

Category: Western Europe