One of my happiest moments ever  has been sitting in the glorious bubbling, steaming hot tub in the garden at the Budock Vean Hotel.

It was early on a Sunday morning- I did my 100 lengths  in the  huge swimming pool

( to work off the effects of last night’s absolutely sumptuous dinner)  and the toddled outside  to the tub,  to relax and soothe my weary joints- what a treat. 

All around me the birds sang, the  garden smelt like a tropical rain forest as the morning sun  warmed up the plants  and the sky was  deep blue. I could have been in Jamaica… but this was Cornwall.

The Budock Vean,  with its 65 acres of organically managed sub-tropical gardens and parkland on the banks of the tranquil Helford River  is just perfect for a throughly pampering break.

This  luxury four star hotel  has been a favourite with loyal guests for years  and  knows every trick for keeping guests extremely  well fed and utterly happy.

And there’s something for everyone- a spectacular indoor swimming pool with log fire, sauna,  the outdoor hot tub, a natural health spa, 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, private foreshore and award winning restaurant with Cornish seafood specialities- I can especially recommend the scallops and the  turbot- both cooked to perfection.

One of the nicest things about staying at the Budock Vean is that you don’t have to use your car if you don’t want too. The foreshore is just a five minute stroll through the gardens and there are  Motor boats, sailing dinghies and yachts are available for hire,  or the chance of a trip on the hotel’s 19 foot open river boat, the Hannah Molly.

The Helford river is one of the most beautiful stretches of water  in England and there aree some lovely walks   from the hotel and two wonderful gardens nearby- Glendurgan and Trebah.

Within an hour of arriving I was enjoying a massage in the spa using luscious smelling Spiezia Organic products  which are actually produced in Cornwall. I was given my treatment by Emslie, who  has  the healing hands of an angel- this was probably the best massage I’ve ever had…

Don’t bother going if you’re on a diet though- the food is fab. Every evening  platters of delicious canapes are circulated while guests sip a drink and  choose from the menus. Everything is fresh and delicious and there’s masses it! And don’t even think of for going the cream tea… you’ll  be missing out on the greatest treat of all. 

There are lots of special packages for breaks so it’s best to contact the hotel  for latest offers:

For more information:

www.budockvean.co.uk

Budock Vean Hotel
Helford Passage
Mawnan Smith
Falmouth
Cornwall
TR11 5LG
Tel: 01326 252 100
Fax: 01326 250 892
Email: relax@budockvean.co.uk

Situated in fashionable Marylebone is the Grade II listed, 5* Landmark Hotel, a member of The Leading Hotels of the world.

Stepping into the lobby we were instantly struck by the opulence of the hotel.  Historic yet modern, bursting with delicately restored original features.  Friendly staff were prompt to check us in, take our luggage, and make sure we had everything we needed before leading us up an elegant marble staircase and to our room on the 1st floor.

The Landmarks most magnificent feature is it's soaring eight storey, glass roofed atrium.  Over 100  years ago this was a courtyard for horse drawn carriages, now transformed into The Winter Garden Restaurant, complete with palm trees and a mysterious breeze it feels like a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city

For most of the day calming classical music echoes from the expertly played grand piano, and as evening falls the atrium transforms into a sophisticated venue for dinner with an delicious menu of traditional British dishes created by Executive Chef, Gary Klaner.  The a la carte dinner menu costs approximately £45 per person and includes three courses (this excludes drinks). 

We were allocated an executive room,  Extremely spacious, with a  separate bathroom featuring a large tub and walk in shower.   The room was extremely comfortable and clean with the scent of fresh flowers providing a pleasant touch. and a complimentary fruit selection, our room contained a two seat sofa, arm chair, and king size bed.  The bed was perfect, soft linen, fluffy pillows and bedside controls for all the lighting and room features make for a very lazy stay!

Our room also featured a playstation, TV and high speed internet access (around £14 for 24 hours).

The room had a two large sets of french windows overlooking The Winter Garden restaurant.  While this was an entertaining view, we were disappointed to find that these windows didn't open, making the room feel somewhat stuffy, with the air conditioning providing little consolation.

After unwinding in our room we headed out to explore the hotels 2 bars.  The Cellars Bar and Restaurant features wooden clad walls and an open fire making it cozy and intimate, the perfect place for a casual drink or an informal dinner.  In contrast to this is The Mirror bar.  Chic and contemporary, feeling much more like a place to 'see and be seen', this bar offers a wide selection of Champagnes, cocktails, whiskies and cognacs.  Although rather too quiet when we arrived the place soon warmed up, and it was easy to see why this bar has a reputation amongst London's Fashion set.

The following morning we decided to head for the Landmarks in house Spa to take a refreshing dip in the pool.  Following a £2million spend, the Spa feels contemporary and luxurious, the perfect environment to relax and be pampered after a spot of shopping on busy Oxford Street (Just 10mins walk from the hotel).  The spa also features a poolside sanarium and state of the art gymnasium as well as menthol and sandalwood showers to sooth and revitalise even the weariest of souls. The spa also offers a full list of specialist treatments including massages and facials. Day membership includes full use of the swimming pool, steam rooms, fitness studio and sanarium and is priced at £10 for guests staying at the Landmark.
 

To finish of our stay, we decided to take breakfast in our room, this was a real treat! Delivered on time and piping hot the selection of food was exquisite.  A full silver service table was set up in our room and we enjoyed fresh muffins, squeezed juice, and a full English using only the highest quality ingredients, perfect to set you up for a day exploring the city.


Room prices start at £265 plus VAT.  Weekend rates start at £239 including breakfast and a welcome bottle of champagne and VAT.  Family specials are available.
 

For more information:

www.landmarklondon.co.uk

or call reservations on 020 7631 8000

www.landmarkspa.com

 

Harrogate is a fantastic place to party and shop... and also to spend the night!

The recently updated Balmoral Hotel is brilliantly situated in a quiet leafy street within five minutes walk of the  town centre which is buzzy and vibrant and full of places to eat, shop and have fun.

Downstairs is open plan and one big contemporary space to meet friends, drink, eat and mooch.

Upstairs, our room was fabulously opulent with a richly draped poster bed with silk covers that matched the sultry grey and taupe and scarlet colour scheme. And the good news for working girls is the wireless internet ... and funky coloured ETRO toiletries from Milan.

I was delighted to find a hotel that at last has the sense to provide capacious mugs  and a thermos with fresh milk so that you can make a decent hot drink while you un pack. The biscuits were scrummy too.

The overall ambience is sort of naughty sophisticated and very cosy. The en suite bathroom was kitted out in dark marble and was good in all ways although it could have done with a nice heated towel rail and some fluffier towels.

Meanwhile, the food in the Harrogate Grill is excellent. Try their T bone steak- it’s fantastic, the size of an ox and served up on a great big wooden board, the chicken ceaser salad was fantastic as well.

The downstairs bar come dining area is a really popular spot for locals as well so you’ll find a lively gathering at most times which just adds to them buzz of this very jolly hotel.

Book for their excellent winter offer deal which is a minimum of two nights for just £95 for room only.

For more info visit: www.balmoralhotel.co.uk

Or phone: 01423 508208

There aren’t many hotel’s just a stone’s throw from the M5 that give you that country house hotel flavour but Bowden Hall comes pretty close to it.

True, it doesn’t go in for frills, flounces and log fires, but for a peaceful night’s sleep, a spacious and comfy room and a good meal it’s a very good stop over if you’re heading either up or down the  motorway and want to get off the fast lane... well, fast!                                                 

Set in beautiful grounds, complete with a lake and rolling lawns and the promise of a dip in the indoor swimming pool, you’ll start unwinding as soon as you arrive.

The hotel, is in the process of being updated, and there’s still a little way to go in terms of tired looking wall paper and carpets in the seemingly endless corridors, but downstairs in the spacious sitting rooms and bar area everything is comfortable and relaxing.

Food in the Dearman’s Restaurant is very enjoyable and  reasonably priced. We can thoroughly recommend the fresh trout and the pannacotte and caramelised apples were truly gorgeous.

The bedroom was large but there were no bedside lights which makes late night reading without disturbing the other half, pretty annoying difficult. The bathroom was functional... no accolades for luxury here, but the shower was feisty and there were gallons of hot water for a late night soak.

So all in all the Ramada Bowden Hall is a good stop over hotel which won’t break the budget from just £65 per person per night... and you’ll be able to hit the road again very easily the next morning having had a very good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast.

For more info please visit: www.ramadajarvis.co.uk

Or phone: 0844 815 9090

After navigating through a maze of charming narrow winding Devon roads and along the mile long driveway- Combe House comes into view. This Grade I Elizabethan Manor- set in 3,500 acres of stunning country estate which includes Arabian horses wandering freely is a magnificent site.

 

On arrival we were greeted by friendly staff and taken on a quick tour of the hotel- every corner turned revealing more of the history hiding within the hotels antique walls.

We were shown to our room- the Linen Suite- a stunning contemporary suite incorporating a wealth of period features as the sight of the original laundry room. The expansive living room has the original drying rack suspended from the ceiling as well as featuring its own walled private garden.

The living room leads through to the equally stunning bedroom with its neutral washed walls and a huge king-sized bed along with fantastically high ceilings and eight foot windows. Then comes the cherry on top of the icing- the bathroom is one of the most unique I have ever seen- it features a massive six foot diameter copper bath tub, specially commissioned by Combe from India.

After settling into the bedroom and unwinding from a day’s worth of travelling we headed to the bar for pre-dinner drinks and some delicious canapés before  moving through to our table for the main event. The food was mouth-watering with scallops and pancetta with pea puree followed by sea bream with pak choi and vegetables, finished off with coconut rice pudding with exotic fruit salsa and passion fruit sorbet. The menu highlights lower calorie dishes and wherever possible head chef Hadleigh Barrett uses ingredients grown in the house’s garden or sourced from local farms.

Next morning, after a great nights sleep we headed down to breakfast. With the buffet selection of the usual continental breakfast items and a menu of cooked breakfast dishes there was plenty on offer for all appetites and diets.

We completed our stay with a brisk walk in the grounds of the private estate, following one of the recommended walks available to borrow from reception.

The Linen Suite is available from £350 for B&B, per night, based on two people sharing.

Other bedrooms available from £168.

For more info please visit: www.thishotel.com

Or phone: 01404 540 400

Tucked away down some quiet country lanes in the heart of Sussex equidistant between the lively towns of Rye and Hastings the delightful Manor Oast Farm B&B awaits weary travellers.

This hidden treasure is quite a find and anyone who has stayed would strongly agree. Formerly an 3 roundel Oast House but now a charming bed and breakfast, owners Kate and Syd have made sure that the all the original character and charm has been retained. 

After checking in we were shown around and to our bedroom and given a lucky number voucher and told that we should pop into the visitor centre in Rye the next day to see if our lucky number was on display and we’d be winners of a £1000 cash prize. 

Our bedroom was spacious, light and airy with beautiful views of the gardens, paddocks and orchards. We couldn’t help but be amazed at how much consideration and love had gone into running this B&B as there were so many meticulous touches, from the current glossy magazines in the bedroom, to the fact that you can dry off your wet walking gear in the boiler room overnight. There was even free wireless broadband – but don’t worry if you have forgotten your laptop there is one available to borrow!

Breakfast the next morning was very tasty, with a well-supplied breakfast buffet bar and full English breakfast cooked to order, we dined in the the curved part of the oast house. It was over breakfast that we learnt that Manor Farm Oast endeavours to be as environmentally friendly as possible. All the foods at breakfast had been locally sourced – even the jam at breakfast had been made from the next-door neighbours home-grown fruit. Water is heated by solar panels and the guest soap is locally made in kilo blocks and then cut down to size.

After checking out and loading up the car with our luggage we headed down to the town of Rye, clutching our lucky number in the hope that it might just be our lucky day.

Bedrooms start from £84.

For more information visit: www.manorfarmoast.co.uk

Phone: 01424 813787

As you approach Carey’s Manor Hotel from the back entrance to get to the car park you can’t help but help but double check your directions as looking at the 80’s style architecture it’s difficult to imagine how this is really a luxury four star hotel.

However, as soon as you walk into the hotel reception with it’s beautiful wooden staircase and tudor-esque feel and are greeted by the exceptionally friendly staff the magic of the place starts to unveil. After a tour of the hotel and spa we were soon desperate to unpack and make our way to the spa to build up an appetite for the three-course dinner booked for later than evening. 

After a brisk swim in their lovely pool we made our way over to the hydrotherapy pool. Step inside and you’re able to experience hydrotherapy at it’s best, with herbal saunas, crystal steam rooms and even tropical, sea and ice storm showers complete with thunder and lightning. After following one of the suggested hydrotherapy programmes we felt totally invigorated and refreshed. 

Dinner in the Manor Restaurant was a fantastic experience, the live piano playing was a subtle addition to the relaxed atmosphere, the food was out-of-this-world. I ordered the the Portabello Mushroom with Welsh Rarebit Glaze followed by a beetroot tart with orange beurre sauce and finished with a tantilising apple crumble parfait. 

After a fantastic night’s sleep in our Thai- themed bedroom we headed down to the Zen Garden Restaurant to re-fuel for the day’s spa experiences. Sat in our thai pyjama’s (lent to all spa guests) we sipped on smoothies and mulled over our personalised itineries for the day ahead.

We headed over to the spa to commence the zenith of our stay- a delightful treatment. I chose the Wai Huuene Facial, which was a gorgeously relaxing facial for summer skin that has become dehydrated and tired looking. Well, the transformation in the look and feel of my skin after this sensational treatment was remarkable – I beamed with joy over my new baby- soft skin. 

All guests on spa-breaks will find a ‘Mind and Body Class’ on their itineries, although optional, this was a really special extra in the day. Held in the Thai Temple Studio, this 45 minute class works through some basic yoga, tai-chi and relaxation exercises. In this beautiful studio, working out with other guests all dressed in our Thai pyjamas, one cannot help but feel you really are in the depths of ancient Thailand.

To finish off our stay, we dined in the Zen Garden Restaurant. The food served here is truly outstanding, the aroma of jasmine, coconut and Thai spices as you step in is a perfect indicator of the flavours you’ll savour in this stunning Thai restaurant.

Spa breaks start from £115.

For more information please visit: www.careysmanor.co.uk

Or phone 01590 623551

Cornwall in springtime is simply luscious. Everything is coming to life. The hedgerows burst at the seams with every colour, shape and smell, and the coconut scented cliff tops are ablaze with vivid yellow gorse. 

Trelowarren, a 600-year-old Cornish gem is  nestled between the picturesque Helford River and the Lizard peninsular is a perfect base for a spring break.

1000-acre historic private estate has been given a very contemporary transformation by Sir Ferrers Vyvyan, who has pioneered a luxurious eco friendly collection of luxury timeshare and self catering houses which are all equipped to the highest environmental standards and all with the aim of becoming carbon-neutral, self-sufficient in food and fuel.

 The modern houses, which have won five major awards, are beautifully designed and furnished to modern boutique hotel standard (with fab kitchens for serious cooks) but if you enjoy a traditional ambience, many of the estate’s its old or abandoned buildings (a redundant Georgian barn and two 18th century cottages, standing within an Iron Age fort) have also been upgraded to the same high eco standards.

We stayed in bright and airy “Skewye” one of the two new Lower Barn houses, which has a lovely, secluded garden and large, sunny terrace areas for BBQ’s and entertaining.

Downstairs. The ground floor has an entrance hall with a cloakroom. There is a children’s room with a TV and a sofa bed, which can be used as an extra bedroom. The living and dining area with satellite TV and DVD player, is open plan and the kitchen is fully equipped and fitted with solid wood units with granite work surfaces. The three large windows allow for plenty of light and there are two sets of French doors leading to the garden and terrace. So as you can see, lots of space!

Upstairs. There are two double bedrooms and a family bathroom. The master bedroom has an en suite bathroom and a balcony that faces east to take advantage of the glorious Cornish sunrises and some of the beautiful trees on the estate.

There are lots of things that make Trelowarren really great- the surroundings are exquisite and there are many walks that you can do without even jumping in the car. There’s a huge outdoor heated swimming pool in an old walled garden. Tennis courts. A craft centre and art gallery (useful if it’s raining a pottery and weaving studio

Another huge plus is the New Yard Restaurant, in the pretty stable yard. A boon if you need a break from cooking. It serves lunches from midday, teas - including Cornish cream and preserves, home-made saffron and heavy-cake - from 2.30pm and dinner after 7pm. The menu changes with the seasons and the food and service are excellent.

Visit Trelowarren’s website for details of special offers and rates for each property

For more information visit: www.trelowarren.co.uk

Or phone: 01326 222105

The Strand Palace Hotel has recently undergone and thorough face lift giving it a fresh, modern feel befitting the fantastic location just minutes walk from the banks of the Thames, the West-end theatres and the shopping streets of central London.  

Boasting 783 bedrooms, 2 in house restaurants and 3 bars, this is a huge hotel. The rooms are equipped with all the usual facilities you’d expect to find in a modern hotel; with the new ‘club bedrooms’ having the addition of plasma TV, luxury Elemis toiletries and a great touch in the form of a ‘lap-top safe’.

In terms of dining; Johnston’s Restaurant is a split level restaurant serving up a modern mixture of international dishes. Staff are polite and attentive and food was of a good standard, particular mention must go to the chocolate truffle/ pistachio ice-cream dessert! The other option for on site dining is the 372 Restaurant which offers an English Carvery buffet, along with limited a la carte menu, although options for vegetarian guests here are a little restricted. 

There is something for everyone in the bars of the Strand Palace. From the lively atmosphere with large screen showing sports in Hops! through to the relaxing cocktail bar atmosphere on offer in the Mask Bar to the informal party that is Biancone Bar, you’re bound to find a way to relax after a hard days sightseeing. 

Prices range from £92.50 for a standard single including breakfast up to £149 for a superior club double with breakfast. Rates inclusive of dinner are also available- see website or further details: www.strandpalacehotel.co.uk or call  020 7379 4737

Built in the 1400’s and located in heart of the historic village of Lavenham; this beautiful hotel is picturesque sitting amongst an assortment of timber framed Tudor houses.

We arrived on a very wet and windy May bank holiday weekend; the elements seemed to be against us as we drove through the meandering Suffolk country streets. However, once we stepped inside The Swan we knew we would soon be well rested in the cosy and enchanting atmosphere.

With oak beams and inglenook fireplaces throughout, the Swan is a stunning country retreat. After unwinding with a hot cup of tea and soaking up the hotel’s charm and character a quick glance outside showed that the rain had subsided, so we seized the opportunity to get out and discover the hidden delights of the village and work up an appetite for dinner.

With 2 AA rosettes; The Swan boasts a crew of chefs that have an irrefutable passion for food. We were on a dinner, bed and breakfast rate with a generous allowance for dinner enabling us to thoroughly enjoy sampling the menu which included some high-quality local ingredients. The hotel also offers bar food in the charming ‘Old Bar’ as well as very tempting traditional afternoon teas in the lounges.

All bedrooms are named after local villages- we were in the Lawshall room-with a huge double bed, oak beams and tiny Tudor windows giving it great character and a distinctive quintessential feeling. Next door was a large ensuite bathroom- perfect for pampering with the lovely Gilchrist and Soames products. 

The hotel boasts 49 luxurious non-smoking en-suite bedrooms including a number of suites and character rooms.

For more information visit: www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk or
Phone: 01787 247477

The moment you arrive at Chewton Glen you know you’ll be pampered and cherished to the highest degree.

Besides the warm welcome, there’s a crackling fire in the sunny entrance hall, a smell of fresh coffee and scented lilies.

Chewton Glen is a five star privately owned luxury hotel, spa and country club situated on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire.

Everything is just as near perfect as can be. The ambience, the rooms, the facilities, and the food is just brilliant.

Also, the staff are just so nice that you’d think they were having a holiday too - until you realise just how hard they must be working.

I stayed for three nights, in two separate suites- both gorgeous and both entirely different from each other.

The first, The Jacob Faithful Suite is the epitome of English country house charm with floral patterns in pinks, reds, creams and greens, a huge sitting room with views over the croquet lawn and a pretty terrace balcony to the side. The bathroom was huge, traditional and beautifully designed

The second, The Masterman Ready Suite, was very generously proportioned, decorated in a suave contemporary style in muted shades of taupe and cream. It boasts with large flat screen TVs, a Bang and Olufson music system (the hotel will provide cd's if required), a comfy sofa and two chairs.

Again, the bathroom was a showpiece of chic modernity with twin porcelain sinks, a large stylish bath with a flat screen TV, and huge powerful shower in a sparkling glass cubicle, which in its self, was as big as my bathroom at home.

Lots of thoughtful touches included a brimming fruit bowl, iced champagne on arrival, a small but scrumptious box of hand made chocolates and a wide selection of magazines and interesting books.

It seems that Chewton Glen has won most of the world’s top hotel and Spa awards and it’s easy to see why.

Now for the Spa. Each day, I de-camped there for the bulk of the afternoon, blissing out with the sheer opulence of it all

After doing 50 laps in the pool, I’d spend several hours in the hydro- spa which is like a roman temple inside- even the roof is painted with clouds and twinkling lights. There are seven different areas with water jets to massage different parts of the body and very comfortable reclining seats around the outside where you can doze, wrapped in towels in the warmth

I also had a wonderful Molten Brown facial and a Head and Shoulder massage in one of the beautifully appointed treatment rooms.

It’s easy to work up a good appetite at Chewton Glen. As you’d expect, the restaurant serves excellent food and the set dinner menu at £65 pr head was full of tempting choices and interesting flavour combinations all cooked and served to perfection. 

Breakfast is served in the conservatory until a very civilised 10.30 am and there’s a good choice between cereals, cold meats, cheeses, delicious pastries, yoghurts and fruits or a cooked breakfast with all the trimmings.   

I really appreciated the freshly made smoothies presented as a thoughtful breakfast appetiser. 

Following  breakfast, I strolled to a pleasant near by beach just 20 minutes away but if that’s too much effort, there’s plenty else on offer onsite including a state of the art indoor tennis centre, outdoor tennis, croquet, a putting green, and a 9 hole par-3 golf course. All in all I’d rate Chewton Glen as one of my absolute all time favourites. It has perfected that peculiarly tricky art of perfect hospitality, which leaves you feeling relaxed and fully re-vitalised after even a short stay.

After settling the bill and while the suitcase were being loaded into the car by the porter, there was one final touch that made me really smile. A bottle of Hildon spring water and a packet of homemade flapjacks was produced by the receptionist for the journey home! It’s not often that you get sent off with a wave and a smile and a snack for the journey.

Bedrooms start from £290.

For more information contact: www.chewtonglen.com

Or phone: 01425 275341

Buxted Park Hotel is a real delight . As you approach the magnificent Georgian Palladian mansion down the long tree-lined drive you know that you are going to be staying somewhere rather special. Built in 1722 and former home to Kings, Queens, Princes and Prime Ministers the Hotel sits amid 312 acres of superb parkland.

Arriving early one evening in December, we were greeted by friendly and attentive staff and the inviting smell of open log fires. Despite having very little luggage we were shown to our room by the porter who insisted on helping us with our things as he welcomed ‘any excuse to see that room’. On opening the door of the Winston Churchill room we saw why. The bedroom was the type of room I’d imagine the Queen to happily sleep in and certainly had an air of royalty to it with a king-size bed, 3 beautiful Georgian sash windows overlooking the park lakes and decorated in gorgeous charcoal grey and rich lilac silks and lavish fabrics.

The bathroom was equally spacious and luxurious, with marble floor, his and hers sinks, free-standing Victorian bath and huge shower, again all topped off with stunning views over the lake.

It’s not just the size and beauty of the place that makes Buxted Park Hotel, everything about the place has been carefully considered, from the large mugs supplied for in-room tea and coffee making to the generous supply of bottled water. There is a ‘calendar of events’ held throughout the year with Caribbean evenings, romantic cookery schools, balls and even a ‘Sunday Pudding Society’ for those of with a love for the great British pudding. 

A good nights sleep in the majestic bed later, we pottered down to breakfast in the Dining Room. Breakfast was just perfect, with a buffet-style continental breakfast along with a choice of tasty cooked breakfasts made to order. ‘The Dining Room’ is a beautifully stylish restaurant with stunning dark woods and interesting use of curved seating with high backed banquette couches that give a very intimate feel.

After breakfast we took a leisurely stroll around the grounds, which looked beautiful with frost covered lawns and foliage twinkling in the winter sunlight. The hotel is happy to provide wellie boots if you require them as well as help you to hire bikes if you are interested in exploring the grounds further. In the summer months there is also the option of having a picnic hamper made up for you to enjoy in the surroundings of this truly splendid hotel.

Bedrooms at Buxted Park Hotel start at £190.

For more information please visit www.handpicked.co.uk or phone 01825 733 333. 

Glengorm is about four miles from the picturesque fishing town of Tobermory.  Driving nervously down the long, at times terrifyingly narrow road, down to the castle we were feeling hungry, tired and were hoping and praying that it wasn’t going to be a gothic draughty pile with dodgy plumbing and ghosts.

We needn’t have worried. Glengorm, a huge twinkling array of lights hanging in an otherwise inky sky appeared welcomingly on the horizon.

The gigantic front door swung open and inside a warm greeting from Tom Nelson and his wife Marjorie, a young couple in their thirties and Asha and Jack their two young children and Pip the elderly collie.

Within five minutes we’d been shown to our room over looking the cliff tops and the sea. We had a large brass four poster bed and a pretty, quaint adjoining bathroom with castle appropriate fittings and gallons of hot water.

There were large mugs and a kettle, yummy biscuits, homemade soaps, and loads interesting books to read. In fact, it felt just like staying with friends.

Bonfire Night was a very good night to go as we were asked if we’d like to join the estate firework party down the lane. “Everyone is in invited” beamed Tom “and there’s loads of food and gallons of mulled wine”.

What a feast it was! There were huge sides of beef and lamb, pots of delicious stews and spreads, an organic barbecue (all food from their farm shop which had closed for the winter just that day). Entertained by a rapid flow of Rockets, Catherine wheels, Roman candles etc we enjoyed some of the best food in Scotland.

Next morning, in frosty sunshine, the immensity of the view hit us. From left to right, distant forests, the emerald grassy cliff top and a necklace of islands ahead. Wow!

Breakfast was great. Marjorie does the cooking and everything is gorgeously fresh especially the fruit salad stuffed with fresh raspberries and blueberries.

The Castle is set amidst acres of exquisite countryside. You could walk for several days and probably still see new things to delight. Tobermory, has friendly pubs and shops and its own whisky distillery.

I loved the relaxed atmosphere at Glemgorm and the enveloping smell of good food and woodsmoke. I also loved the feel of it being a real family home with tennis racquets and toys in the hall and a friendly dog to stroke.

Other favourite memories are of the whisky library- a great invention of Toms’ this year. Around 20 bottles of the regions finest are available to try. Yes, you just help yourself and the only required payment is of writing it up in the whisky book which in itself makes humorous and heart warming reading, although some of the entries although enthusiastic were decidedly squiffy and illegible.

Glemgorm is gorgeous. A perfect Scottish castle. The only thing missing was a ghost.

Bedroom start at £140 for one night based on two people sharing.

For further information please visit www.glengormcastle.co.uk or call 01688 302321.

It’s not often that you get to be a pampered guest on a private island. But a night or two at the Isle of Eriska Hotel and Spa is a chance to really get away from the bustling world and feel like a millionaire.

Eriska is a 300-acre private island at the mouth of the glacier-formed Loch Creran just a few minutes drive from the bustling town of Oban.

Even getting there is an adventure- curving lanes with steep sides, mountains in the distance, water all around, the sense of navigating a complicated archipelago of islands. Suddenly you drive over a beautiful, quirky Victorian iron and wood bridge which roars like a lion as the car goes across it and you are on the way up to the hotel- a majestic castle surrounded by trees.

We stayed in Aruba, a contemporary designed ‘spa suite’ kitted out with so many fantastic gadgets that I could have spent all night flicking a remote control to turn on fires, super stereo, televisions, DVD etc and there’s even a bubbling private hot tub in the garden.

The suite has all you need with fantastic comfort and style, but with an equally good old-fashioned cosiness and country house atmosphere if you walk across to the castle where you’ll find roaring fires, a book filled bar, wood-panelled rooms and deep sofas.

We had a very good meal in the dining room (Robert MacPherson, head chef, has just been nominated as Scottish Chef of the Year).  We were delighted to watch from our table in the restaurant a nightly treat of a family of badgers being fed under a spot-lit tree. After dinner I borrowed a pair of wellies (there’s a wellie collection in the porch) for a late night stroll.

The hotel has a good spa and swimming pool and a host of treatments are on offer. After a swim in the morning I put on hiking boots to do a round island walk. It took about three hours but was well worth the effort in terms of knock out views of surrounding mountains and lochs, wonderful trees, a heronry, exquisite lichens on the trees, shells on the beach and a vast waterborne flock of eider ducks across the loch. Guests often see seals, otters, deer and sea birds.

Tennis, clay pigeon shooting and a nine-hole golf course are also available on the island.

Everything about Eriska just makes you feel better. With great hospitality from the Buchanan-Smith family, fantastic surroundings and wonderful staff this is a fantastic place to stay.

For further information please visit www.eriska-hotel.co.uk or call 01637 720371.

A pale golden light spreads across the lake and a vast gaggle of geese honk loudly as they land on the glassy water. From my bedroom window over looking the northern end of Lake Windermere a paddle steamer glides across the mirrored surface anchoring at the jetty just beside the hotel. The lake’s wooded slopes are shot with colours russet, red, golden and tawny and spirals of curling smoke flare along the shoreline.

This is a snapshot of the scene at the Lakeside Hotel, Lake Windermere, on a crisp, sunny afternoon in early November.

The hotel is snug and toasty inside with comfy sitting rooms and a huge conservatory over-looking the lake. There is a delicate smell of fresh lilies, log fires and families playing scrabble, couples chatting and giggling over afternoon tea. As evening draws in, guests trickle in like ducks roosting for the night as the frost settles outside.

If you could imagine the perfect lakeside hotel in early winter, this would be it. It ticks all the boxes brilliantly. Atmospheric, romantic, welcoming, comfortable, a good place in which to curl up and read a book, where you feel pampered but not fussed over to the ‘nth degree.

I change out of my muddy walking gear before dinning in the hotel’s 2 AA Rosette Lakeview restaurant. The bedroom is soothingly decorated in tones of ivory (raw silk curtains and a sumptuous four poster bed) charcoal grey carpets and chairs and there is a birds’ eye view over the lake. The en- suite bathroom is perhaps the best I have ever seen with dazzling, cool, white marble across all floors and walls and a huge bath.

The food is excellent and the evening menu features classic European and Cumbrian dishes, using the finest local produce, fresh from Lakeland farms, lakes and estates. If you are looking for a less formal meal, try the Brasserie with its chic décor and light, bright choice of food which is equally as good. 

The hotel is perfectly situated for delightful boat trips, picturesque fell walking and lots of options for really relaxing days out.

But if you feel like staying in that’s fine too because the hotel Spa is fabulous, with a large pool, steam room and sauna. The choice of ‘Aveda’ treatments are excellent and well priced. I purred my way through ‘Pure Indulgence’ which included an excellent massage and was just as its title described- ‘a top to toe treat’ which left me feeling ten years younger.

travel4women, cannot recommend this hotel highly enough. In fact it was so nice that I delayed leaving for as long as possible and have vowed to go back as soon as possible.  

For more information please visit: www.lakesidehotel.co.uk or phone 015395 30001.

The London Outpost is a fantastic place to stay, particularly if you are after a city shopping break and want seep up a bit of London culture.

Set aback from the King’s Road and Sloane Square you’d think it would be hard to escape this busy shopping area, but as soon as you step inside the London Outpost you’ll be amazed at how calm and tranquil this place is.

Once a grand, private residence, the London Outpost has just 11 bedrooms, but prides itself on making guests feel as though they are staying in someone’s home and they work hard at making the ambience as though you have come from “home to home”.

Each bedroom is named after a famous writer or artist who lived near by and is tastefully decorated in a traditional and elegant style, in- keeping with the era it was built in; with period antiques and fine oil paintings it has a very grand but relaxed feel to it.

Our room we were told was one of the smallest but we still found it to be large and spacious. There is a drinks-tray in each room rather than a mini-bar, which is well-equipped with a selection of snacks and alcoholic and soft- drinks. The ensuite bathroom has lovely white robes and Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries.

A rather unique touch at the London Outpost is that all guests are invited to enjoy a glass of champagne in the evening in the drawing room. This was a real treat and such a lovely way to start off the evening.

There is not a restaurant at the London Outpost, but breakfast and light lunches are served in the conservatory or through room service. It was nice to see that breakfast is served until 2pm- perfect if you want a lie-in! We enjoyed a delicious smoked and scrambled eggs for breakfast in the peaceful conservatory- the perfect start to a day of shopping.

Location-wise The London Outpost couldn’t be placed in a better spot; just a quick walk Harrods, the V&A, the King’s Road and Sloane Street and Sloane Square tube just five minutes away on foot.

Bedrooms at The London Outpost start from £170.

For more information please visit: www.londonoutpost.co.uk or phone 020 7589 7333

If you are golf crazy and also keen to take a pampering break, we’d recommend you pack your bags and set off for a blissful weekend at The Park, a luxury hotel and golf resort complex just a short drive from the historic city of Bath and the capital of the south west, Bristol.

Set in 221 acres of the finest mature parkland it is home to two excellent mature parkland golf courses and the Jacobean house was the inspiration for Birtwick Park in the book 'Black Beauty', written by Anna Sewell who lived nearby. 

This isn’t a huge anonymous hotel but an intimate venue. The 17 beautiful bedrooms, created in 2005 from the old stable block are arranged around a charming old courtyard, set just behind the manor house.

Every bedroom is chic and contemporary and very comfortable. Feather and down bed toppers make for heavenly comfort after a strenuous day. Superb showers, luxury toiletries, flat-screen televisions and free, unlimited, secure broadband with Wi-Fi connectivity are all par for the course.

Our room had a huge four-poster bed, double-height ceiling and a spacious ensuite bathroom with a funky free-standing bath and a double sized power shower.

We were delighted when there was a knock at the door and a plate of freshly baked biscuits was presented, compliments of the Chef- they just filled that difficult gap between tea time and dinner.

Mark Treasure, The Park's award-winning Executive Chef (who used to be at Langans, The Capital and also the Mirabelle), has imported a Wood Stone oven at the hotel’s Oakwood restaurant to roast fish, meat and game in the open-plan kitchen. His homemade breads and fabulous deserts add a really tasty and homely touch.

The dining room is very atmospheric having once been an old stone lodge, once used for Masonic ceremonies.

As for the golf- the Crown Course the older of the two courses, has 400 year old oaks flanking its wide fairways and water hazards. Measuring 6,252 yards with a par of 69, the signature hole is the fifteenth, nicknamed 'Eye of the Needle'; your aim must be straight and true. Then there’s the Cromwell Course which features greens and tees built to USGA specifications and some memorable holes. A superb outdoor practice range and well stocked pro-shop can also be found on site. The Park has ample changing facilities, starters hut and golf buggies available for hire.

If golf isn’t your thing, it doesn’t really matter, as the delights of Bath, with its cosmopolitan shops, cafes and bars are only just down the road. 

Bedrooms start at £130.

For bookings and details of The Park’s recently launched ‘Divine Dining at The Park’, in conjunction with Fawsley Hall, please visit www.theparkresort.com or phone: 0117 9374288.

Passing The Lincoln Hotel whilst exploring the city you probably wouldn’t give it a second glance. With it’s grey concrete sixties façade, the hotel looks a little out of place on the Georgian Eastgate, opposite the 13th Century Cathedral. However, once you step inside, The Lincoln Hotel is quite a find, with it's cool, modern interior, vibrant atmosphere and Cathedral views unparalelled elsewhere in the city the phrase 'don't judge a book by it's cover' has never seemed more appropriate.

The staff were delightful, happy to help and make our stay as enjoyable as possible. From the moment we checked in, we were introduced to the cheeky Lincoln Imp- a figurine of whom was attached to our room key and he'd continue to crop up here and there throughout our stay as a mischeivous trademark of the hotel.

Our room had a lovely balcony that directly overlooked the magnificent Cathedral. With tasteful, modern decor throughout, the room was definitely got the thumbs up. The bed was fantastic, as soon as I lay down I was enveloped into the mattress and felt as if I could remain so forever.

In terms of suitability for women travellers, the Lincoln Hotel certainly passes the stringent travel4women criteria, with the option to park right outside reception- there’s no need to walk far on a dark night. With Gilchrist & Soame smellies, fluffy white robes and a quality Revlon hairdryer in the room, this definitely ticked all the boxes. 

It’s not just these niceties that make The Lincoln Hotel a great place to stay. There are a number of welcome quirky extras, such as an ironing room in the hotel. Also jogging and walking routes are available from reception with packed lunches made up on request complete with cutlery and crockery.

The area surrounding the hotel (Bailgate and the aptly named ‘Steep Hill’) has an abundance of small boutiques and beautiful gift and homeware shops. There are a number of restaurants with a varied selection of enticing menus on offer as well as some warm and welcoming pubs. 

Bright and early at quarter to eight the next morning I was awoken by a peel of bells from the Cathedral, at first I rolled over and thought how delightful it was to wake up to such a joyous sound. However, 15 minutes later I was beginning to wonder when this would stop and when the same thing happened an hour later I realised this must be a regular occurrence on a Sunday morning. I suppose I had to awake from my blissful deep sleep somehow!

We headed down to breakfast, which was fairly standard with hot and cold buffet and tea, coffee and toast served to the table. It was somewhat amusing ear wigging in the restaurant at a few of the other guests muttering about the unique cathedral shaped alarm clock that had woken them that morning.

Overall we had a very pleasant stay in Lincoln and the Lincoln Hotel provided a comfortable and contemporary base from which to explore the hometown of the infamous Imp.

Prices start at £89 a night

Bookings can be made online at  www.thelincolnhotel.com

Or phone 01522 520 348

It was pouring down with rain and after the two and a half hour drive from north London I was feeling pretty miserable, though that was soon to change as I pulled up at Drakes with it’s impressive sea facing, gorgeous, Georgian façade.

Greeted by friendly faces and funky music, I was instantly eager to find out what Drakes had to offer.

I was whisked up four flights of windy stairs to a snug attic room with one of the most comfortable beds I’m yet to encounter. Stepping out onto the bedroom’s balcony with its panoramic view of Brighton beach, I was instantly warmed, and dreary wet London felt a million miles away. Later on the ocean was my lullaby with the soft soothing sound of the waves sending me off into a deep sleep…

The bathroom was compact and of course oozing the style demonstrated throughout the hotel, with funky green lighting from beneath the sink, dancing across the walls.

With the bedrooms in Drakes varying in size and value, all well equipped with the luxury of a freestanding bath and kitted out with the latest technology including plasma TV and DVD player, Drakes is a must for any lover of fine hotels making a beeline for Brighton.

Brighton as a city is a little gem, twinkling in the south coast sun. From old cobbled streets to trendy places to eat and drink and all never a stones throw from the vibrant sea front.              

Wondering what other delights Drakes had to offer, I made my way to the hotels much acclaimed Gingerman restaurant-listed in the top 100 restaurants in the UK (a sister of the original and now infamous restaurant in Norfolk square). I’d recommend the excellent value set menu at £27 for two courses and £32 for three. This sits very nicely alongside a mouth watering a la carte menu and also a more than reasonable lunch menu consisting of two starters, two mains and two desserts–£15 for two courses and £18 for three.

Breakfast is not included in your stay, but as you’d expect there is a wide variety of options available starting from around £10 which can be delivered to your room until 11 am, which was a blissful treat whilst enjoying a well earned lie–in in that sumptuous bed!

Bedrooms at Drakes start at £95–£475.

Bookings can be made online at www.drakesofbrighton.com 

Or call 01273 696934

For details of the Gingerman restautant, please go to www.gingermanrestaurants.co.uk

For top quality accommodation, food and a great spa, visit Frederick's Hotel, Maidenhead, for top to toe pampering.

It’s one of the coldest mornings of the year- a chilly minus four and the trees are covered in sparkling hoar frost…but I’m swimming before breakfast in a hazy cloud of steam in a pretty garden. 

Luckily for us keen swimmers, the indoor/outdoor pool at Fredericks Hotel at Maidenhead is kept warm as a bath all year round. The swim was part of my new vow to be healthy, pledged after a visit to their luxury spa the previous afternoon.

Still feeling cleansed and relaxed from The Rasul Ritual, one of Frederick's specialities, I'd been smeared with five different types of mud, before steaming like a ham in a Rasul steam chamber sweating out a variety of toxins from my skin. The ritual, accompanied by the sound of African drumming lasts for about thirty minutes and is followed by a hot shower and then an hour long blissful whole body aromatherapy massage. It's a great de-stresser and as I basked in tranquility in the spa's chill out lounge nibbling on a fresh fruit salad and dozing to relaxing sounds on a thoughtfully provided ipod Nano I promised to book myself into Frederick's every spring time for a spot of re-juvenating.

If you are looking for a first class spa with a range of interesting treatments, without breaking the bank,I’d put Fredericks at the top of the list.

It has often has special offers and treat days- such as Mother’s Day, Valentines Day, even a low calorie chocolate spa break for chocoholics... so check www.fredericks-hotel.co.uk for latest deals. 

The Losel family have been running Fredericks Hotel for more than thirty years and are sticklers for detail. We rate them a travel4women 10/10 for good ambience, excellent staff, relaxed and quiet bedrooms and a restaurant which serves top notch food.

Chef Brian Cutler cooks great food. His menus are mouth wateringingly designed, combining old favourites such as Grenadin of Veal with langoustine in pernod sauce, Dover sole or classic tournedos with interesting twists and modern ingredients.

I plumped for the A la Carte menu thoroughly enjoying a starter of winter salad of warm quail, foi gras and quince compote (£15.50) followed by fricassee of free-range chicken with lobster and linguini (£27.50) wrapped up with a light as air quince soufflé with plum ice cream- all superb and cooked with great verve. The menu of the day also looked delicious and looked good value at £39.50 per head.

The bedrooms are large, quiet and well appointed, mine a luxurious double suite (from £430) had a balcony over looking the garden and a golf course beyond. The bathroom was a triumph of comfort with two basins, a large modern bath, separate power shower, good lighting, great mirrors and a good hairdryer etc. Rooms start at £215 for single occupancy rising to £285 for a double/twin.

All rates are inclusive of a full English champagne breakfast, complimentary use of Fredrick’s Spa facilities, early morning tea and newspaper and fresh fruit on arrival. 

Bookings can be made online at www.fredricks-hotel.co.uk 

Or call 01628 581 000

Stunning views, delicious food and stylish rooms… you just can’t get any better than this.

If you like a hotel with atmosphere–a–plenty and a real sense of history, you’ll love the Star Castle Hotel at St Mary’s.

This 16th–century, star–shaped castle is a photographers dream, especially at sundown, when we, along with several other guests reached for their cameras to capture the wonderful sunsets which regularly bathe the islands in lingering shafts of gold, coral and apricot. 

Dating from 1593, The Star was originally built to keep a watchful eye out for the Spanish Armada, but now extends a warm and hospitable welcome to visitors to the islands and is only a five minute walk away from the bustling harbour. 

There are only a few bedrooms in the castle itself and ours was set around the edge of a large rectangular garden, on top of the ramparts, just seconds away from the main building, filled with colourful, scented sub-tropical flowers.

It was freshly decorated in soothing tones of cream and sand and furnished in a simple, but stylish contemporary ethnic style. The bed was large, very comfortable and made up in crisp white cotton sheets and duvet cover. 

The bathroom was brand new and sparkling clean with a generous sized bath and an excellent power shower. There was a generous selection of Bronnley toiletries and a good heated towel rail which kept everything warm and aired. 

In the middle of the lawn in the rampart garden is a glass encased swimming pool and large conservatory serving freshly cooked fish dishes, a pleasant alternative to the more formal dining room in the main hotel. 

Guests have the choice between these two restaurants both equally good–we opted for the one in the castle because of its tempting traditional menu of game and meats which are superbly cooked and presented. We were very impressed with the interesting and mouth–watering dishes (the venison was divine and the guinea fowl superb) and the vast array of vegetables and freshly baked breads. Puddings were also delicious and came in good sized portions.

After dinner you can either visit the bar, the former castle dungeon (dark and cosy) or go upstairs for coffee and home made petit fours in the pretty non–smoking sitting room which has a good stack of magazines and books to browse through. 

Each morning at breakfast, local boat owners mingle with guests offering the day’s selection boat excursions–there are four other inhabited islands to visit including Tresco and it’s amazing Abbey Garden, St Agnes, St Martins and Bryher. Island hopping is great fun and the boat system is very well organised so that you can get to see everything on offer.

If you don’t fancy that, St Mary’s is a beautiful island with many lovely cliff top walks and white sandy beaches. It takes a whole day to walk around the island stopping off here and there for a cool drink or dip in a sandy cove. Wherever you are, the views are fantastic and the islanders, like the staff at the Star Castle Hotel are all so friendly and helpful that you can’t fail to have a good time whatever the weather.

Prices start at £65 a night,

Bookings can be made online at www.star-castle.co.uk 

Or call 01720 422317

White orchids, soothing dusky lighting, sumptious antiques and paintings and staff that just seem to anticipate your every whim ... If the art of sensuous hospitality can be learned, analysed and delivered, the brains behind Summer Lodge get top marks.

This probably sounds a might gushy but I have stayed in a lot of places that have got most things right but I can't think of anything at this cosy but elegant hotel that wasn't simply perfect.

We arrived, having driven through picturesque high sided lanes dripping with rain. The heavens had been open for several hours, thick layers of oozing mud smeared across the roads and there was a whiff of snow in the air.

We were given a very warm welcome and taken upstairs to our room. It had a huge kingsize bed with a snugly furry bedcover, flatscreen tv and a gorgeous bathroom stocked with masses of Penhalligon lotions. There were even candles supplied beside the bath.

A stylish desk- come- dressing table was useful for housing the laptop and phone, and discrete wardrobes contained helpful extras including blankets, hot water bottles, hairdryers and an iron etc.

But the best thing for me was the wonderful blazing fire with coals merrily glowing (actually it's gas and there's a clever zapper). We are invited to settle in at our leisure but urged to be sure not to miss afternoon tea in the drawing room.

Within half an hour we were gobbling homemade scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream, cakes, meringues and other delicious morsels infront of a roaring log fire.

Summer Lodge has a long history of hospitality having been country retreat and home to the Earls of Ilchester since 1789. It's in the midst of a typical Dorset village, with Ham stone cottages topped with thatched roofs, a church, a pub and an Elizabethan manor house... oh yes, and a deer park.

The hotel has recently had a top to toe re-fit and it's spanking new Spa opened in mid December. It's got everything - a small but perfectly equipped gym, two treatment rooms (massages and facials available every day up until 8pm) and a jacuzzi.

Despite the tea, I'm proud to say I completed 100 lengths and had a long wallow in the jacuzzi and felt ethereally light and clean as a result. And soon, I was more than ready for a pre dinner glass of vintage pink champagne in the bar.

Dinner, cooked by Executive Chef, Steven Titman... was delicious and interspersed with so many little extra morsels that it felt more like a seven course meal than a three. I had scallops followed by sea bass while "he" had carpaccio of venison followed by pheasant. We finished with a plate of puddings to share- a great idea involving a dozen exquisite puds including ice creams and brulees (yum yum!) presented on a slate slab. Summer Lodge's prize winning cellar master Eric Zweibel- Champagne Ruinart's UK sommelier of the year 2004 suggested a zingy German wine Hans Wershing-Scheurebe to go with the meal which was fab.

The hotel is a member of Relais and Chateaux and has been awarded numerous accolades including 3 AA Red Stars and an RAC Gold Ribbon - it's easy to see why.

Prices start at £92 a night (per person sharing).

Bookings can be made online at www.summerlodgehotel.co.uk

Or phone 01935 48 2000