CHEWTON GLEN: THE ESSENTIAL COUNTRYSIDE BREAK

Lauded as the United Kingdom’s finest hotel and it is plain to see why. Framed by the enchanting New Forest in Hampshire, Chewton Glen stands proudly, boasting 130 acres of park and woodland which provide a stunning backdrop for all the hotel has to offer. At only two hours from London and situated to nearby Southampton Airport the hotel is fantastically well connected, making it the perfect escape from hectic city life.

Rooms and Suites

So as to cater for all tastes, Chewton offers a diverse array of rooms and suites, effortlessly mixing classic English design with luxury modern finishes to make any stay that extra bit special. All rooms and suites have full marble bathrooms many of which offer double walk-in showers as well as separate baths.

Amenities

Hotel Grounds

Thanks to its countryside home, Chewton Glen is rich in land and offers countless activities to enjoy. Guests can explore the perfectly kept hotel gardens before playing the 9 hole golf course which is complimentary to residents. An outdoor pool, tennis courts, croquet lawn and off-roading course are also available for guests to try their hand and for when it all gets a bit too much the hotel spa is ready and waiting.

The Dining Room

A quintessentially British dining experience, Chef Luke Matthews heads the kitchen with a focus on sustainable local produce with a maximum of three and a half food miles from source to plate -ensuring freshness and above all exceptional taste.

Our Favourite Feature

The Treehouse Experience

One of Chewton Glen’s most famous features, the treehouses, can be found in the tree canopy of a secluded valley only accessible on foot or by buggy. Soft tones and warm natural colours enhance the design and feel of the tree houses all combining to create an oasis of calm among the trees for the essential country break. Each treehouse has a private balcony as well as vast floor to ceiling windows to really make the most of the stunning views of life below. For complete privacy, each house is equipped with a full kitchenette, also, breakfast hampers are delivered each morning so guests never have to leave the comfort of their treehouse.

If you'd like any more information please give us a call on 020 7724 9911 or check out our website

TUESDAY TOP TEN: THE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE HOTEL ROOMS

This week we take a look at some of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world, offering their guests the epitome of luxury and elegance all finished with unrivalled five star signature service....

Two Storey Sky Villa, Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas

From £16,108 per night

Overlooking the notorious Vegas strip, the 9,000 square foot Sky Villa really is one of a kind. A glass enclosed swimming pool hangs on the balcony edge overlooking Vegas' glittering city lights. The Villa also comes with personal glass elevator, private dry sauna, massage and fitness room as well as round the clock butler service.

Presidential Suite, St Regis New York

From £22,539 per night

Designed to inspire their travelling guests with original artworks and treasures from around the world, this suite inspired by surrounding Fifth Avenue apartments boasts unrivalled views over Central Park through its floor to ceiling windows. It features a full kitchen, wood-panelled library and spa style bathroom with jacuzzi along with dozens of other outstanding perks.

Amanyara Villa, Amanyara Turks and Caicos

From £22,540 per night

The Aman Villas, each spread over half a hectare of land and with private access to the hotel's very own beach, come in one of three different outlooks. Tranquillity Villas are surrounded by gardens and reflection ponds, Ocean Villas have unrivalled ocean views and Beach Villas are mere steps away from the powdery white sand beach. 

Penthouse Suite, Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez

From £27,416 per night

The seventh floor, 300 square metre suite stays true to the glitz and glamour long associated with the French Riviera.  It comprises a 270 square metre terrace for guests to lap up the sun whilst overlooking the bay and the Boulevard de la Croisette.

Shahi Mahal Suite, Raj Palace Jaipur

From £28,595 per night

The original palace of the seventeenth century Rajput Maharaja, the Raj Palace's Shahi Mahal brings together historic opulence and modern five star quality. Finished with original artworks from the Maharaja's palace the Shahi Mahal suite is a four floor suite spanning 16,000 square feet complete with private entrance, roof top terrace and jacuzzi.

The Palace, Jumeirah Bodrum Palace

From £28,872 per night

The Palace fit for royalty, no expense was spared when designing this suite. Expect golden lion statues, a private hammam bath, six king bedrooms with eight marble bathrooms sprawled out over three floors and 2,000 square metres of endless luxury.

Hilltop Residence, Laucala Island Fiji

From £34,086 per night

The Laucala Island resort's crowning glory is its Hilltop Residence - a resort within a resort. This private complex combines 1,200 square metres of living space with 11,000 square metres of bedroom space along with numerous other quarters. Those occupying the residence can expect unrivalled service with a private chef, nanny and chauffeur to cater to their every need.

Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons New York

From £36,956 per night

Towering over other New York suites, the Ty Warner Penthouse is the tallest suite in the city at a staggering 800 feet above ground. This one of a kind suite took seven years and $50 million to build, plying guests with luxury with its calfskin leather walled dressing room, Zen room waterfall and Chinese onyx clad bathrooms. Finishing touches come in the form of 24 hour access to a chauffeured Rolls Royce, art concierge, personal trainer and all-inclusive access to the hotel spa and dining.

Owner's Villa, Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives

Price Upon Request

Designed by the renowned Jean Michel Gathy, the Randheli's Owner's Villa comes with its own private island. The four bedroom villa sits on one hectare of private land where guests can enjoy unlimited access to its private 25 metre pool, spa, white sand beaches and of course dedicated chefs and staff.

Royal Penthouse, President Wilson Hotel Geneva

From £53,000 per night

It is plain to see why the Wilson's Royal Penthouse is one of the most expensive hotel stays in the world. One of the largest and most luxurious suites at a staggering 1700 square metres, it offers its visitors inimitable views of the stunning Lake Geneva and its gorgeous mountain backdrop. Along with its glorious vista, guests have twelve luxury bedrooms at their disposal, twelve marble bathrooms, a Steinway piano and private gym along with countless further perks that leave nothing to be desired. Of course, the Penthouse is often host to countless VIPs who can sleep peacefully knowing they are protected by bulletproof glass as well as a private lift ensuring the utmost privacy.

If you'd like to find out more please visit our website or call us on 020 7724 9911

TUESDAY TOP TEN: HOTEL ROOMS WITH STUNNING VIEWS

If your perfect holiday involves ultimate relaxation, sitting back and watching the world go by, then why not do it whilst gazing at some of the world's most beautiful vistas. Here are some of the world's most gorgeous hotel views, all from the comfort of your room....

Banyan Tree, Bangkok

This 'vertical resort' provides unrivalled views of the city and the famed 'River of Kings', for the ultimate viewing experience, the hotel's presidential suite features a double height glass walled dining room.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como

The hotel Tremezzo's newly introduced suite only 'Rooftop Floor' features eight suites, each with a private terrace and jacuzzi pool so guests can while away the day whilst in the lap of luxury.

Laucala Private Resort

Found in the south Pacific, Laucala is covered in luscious rainforest with a dramatic mountainous backdrop - all to be admired from one of its twenty five luxury villas on the beach, over-water or mountain top.

The Standard, New York

The eighteen floor Standard Hotel is perched river side in Dowtown Manhattan, providing the best of both worlds with views of the Hudson river and New York's iconic skyline. The best views can be seen from its 360 degree rooftop bar.....all the while sipping a cocktail.

Wildflower Hall, Shimla

Buried in the Himalayas, Wildflower Hall is the perfect escape for guests to feel at one with nature. At a staggering 8,250 feet up, hidden in the mountain forest, guests can join nature walks, take part in yoga sessions and play tennis at this luxury hotel, or they can simply admire the vista from their private whirlpool jacuzzi.

JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai

Inevitably, the world's tallest hotel gives its guests jaw dropping views over Dubai and the surrounding sweeping desert - it's so tall in fact that guests often wake up in the clouds.....literally.

Fasano Rio, Rio De Janeiro

Fasano Rio's views of famed Ipanema Beach, the Two Brothers mountains and Cristo Redentor - all from its rooftop infinity pool are what really make this hotel one to visit.

Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco

A hidden gem discovered by Sir Richard Branson's mum after falling in love with it whilst on a hot air balloon ride, Kasbah is now a luxury hot spot in the Atlas Mountains featuring staggering views of the surrounding mountains and greenery.

Llao Llao Hotel, Bariloche

Comprised of two separate wings, one classic and the other more modern, the Llao Llao is set within the Nahuel Huapi National Park surrounded by vast undulating rainforest and mountains.

The Yeatman, Porto

Looking out on the historic centre of Oporto and the River Douro below, the Yeatman boasts some of the best hotel views in Porto. These can be admired in style as guests can float atop their rooftop infinity pool, champagne in hand.

If you'd like more information please visit our website or give us a call on 020 7724 9911

FRIDAY FEATURE: LONDON'S BEST HOTEL BARS

Visiting London? Make the most of your stay by checking out some of the world's finest bars, from contemporary cocktails to classic aged Whiskeys, this is our list of some of London's best hotel bars to help keep you 'hydrated'.

Vista

The Trafalgar, Trafalgar Square SW1A 2TS

The Trafalgar's 'Vista' aptly translates to ' The View', stunningly situated above Trafalgar Square, Vista's roof terrace on top of the Trafalgar hotel offers a sense of tranquillity among the chaos of London's famous square. It's a classy affair with an abundance of black wicker, scatter cushions and even its own herb garden.

Open early April, Monday - Saturday 12pm - 1am and Sundays 12pm - 10pm
020 7870 2900

   

                                                                                

Artesian

The Langham Hotel, Portland Place, W1B 1JA

Heralded by Drinks International as the 'World's Best Bar' for three years running, 'Artesian' at the Langham Hotel combines Alex Kratena's unique cocktail creativity with a playful David Collins' interior, providing a drinking experience like no other. Kratena's inimitable cocktails pervade all of the senses guaranteeing an unforgettable and fun evening.

Open Monday - Saturday 11am - 2am and Sundays 11am - 12am
020 7636 1000

The Connaught Bar

Connaught Hotel, Mayfair, W1K 2AL

A sense of occasion and glamour, the Connaught Bar is the ideal place for celebration and luxury. Another of David Collins' interior masterpieces, inspired by Edwardian fashion and decor, provides the perfect ambience to enjoy the extensive cocktail menu and impress your guests.

Open Monday - Saturday 4pm - 1am

020 7499 7070

Dukes

Dukes Hotel, St. James' Place, SW1A 1NY

If Martini is your choice tipple then look no further! Stocked with choice ingredients selected by Dukes' own cocktail maestro Alessandro Palazzi, this hotel bar offers contemporary drinks whilst also catering to those with a more classic palate.

Open Monday - Saturday 2pm - 11pm and Sundays 4pm - 10.30pm

020 7431 4840

Dandelyan

Mondrian London Hotel, Southbank, SE1 9PD

The combination of breathtaking river views and Tom Dixon's interior design is what defines Dandelyan as one of the city's best hotel bars. However, its rooftop location overlooking the glittering city light is not its only draw, the botany inspired drinks menu designed by Ryan Chetiyawardana (of White Lyan in Shoreditch) make drinking here guilt free (almost!) and above all an absolute pleasure.

Open Monday - Wednesday 4pm - 1am, Thursday - Saturday 12pm - 1.30am and Sundays 12pm - 12.30am 

0203 747 1000

To find out more about exclusive holidays and luxury hotels, please visit our website or give us a call on 020 7724 9911

TUESDAY TRAVEL: MOST ROMANTIC HONEYMOON SPOTS

The honeymoon, everyone feels the pressure of finding the perfect spot that will provide countless anecdotes for years to come. To make things a little easier, here are some of the world's most romantic and idyllic destinations for newly-weds.

Four Seasons, Bora Bora

Found among the Leeward Islands of French Polynesia, this Four Seasons is the stuff of dreams. The ideal spot for those in search of ultimate relaxation without leaving their hotel room, this hotel comprises of 100 over-water bungalow suites (along with some on-land villas), some with private plunge pools, extended decking for sun bathing and all finished off with Four Seasons' signature service.

Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp, Thailand

If your idea of romance is exploring the great outdoors and experiencing nature's wonders with your loved one, look no further. Set in the luscious green Elephant Hills, the camp is at one with nature powered only by solar and wind power, guests can enjoy countless activities such as river kayaking, forest trails and lake swimming - all the while trying to spot a gibbon or two!

Cipriani, Venice

With its classic Venetian elegance, Cipriani is the answer for couples in search of a more traditional honeymoon. Set on the tip of the Giudecca Island overlooking the Venice Lagoon, Cipriani is renown for its opulent interior, steeped in Venetian history. Boasting one of the only swimming pools in Venice, clay tennis courts and a world-class restaurant, Cipriani is a definite contender. 

Saint Anne Resort, Seychelles

A five star resort set on a private island, Saint Anne offers something for everyone. Stunningly surrounded by the largest marine park in the Indian Ocean, it's a diver's dream but it also plays host to Spa by Clarins for those who feel a little sturdier on land. Guests aren't short on dining options either, with four world-class restaurants to choose from including the over water restaurant Le Mont Fleuri. With the resort's endless activities including diving, bike trails, island trails and yoga to choose from, why spend your honeymoon anywhere else?

Taj Lake Palace, India

Heralded as India's most romantic hotel, this white marble palace is an oasis of calm in the hub of activity that is Udaipur. A truly beautiful palace, straight out of a fairy tale, guests are awestruck when they first see its gorgeous turrets and domes towering in the distance as your private boat draws closer. Rooms are just as beautiful, adorned with ornate decor and antique furniture, all contributing to its distinct fairytale feel.


Want to find out more? Check out our website or give us a call on 020 7724 9911

TOP TEN: BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN LONDON

If you're looking for an intimate, more personal hotel, a boutique hotel is the choice for you. Boutique hotels are smaller than traditional hotels with a more individual feel, without compromising their luxury or grandeur. The following hotels are some of London's finest five star establishments, offering a wide range of amenities and facilities all the while retaining their boutique feel.

45 Park Lane

45 Park Lane exudes style and glamour with its Art Deco inspired interior and deep natural furnishings, all the while remaining warm and welcoming. As its name suggests, its location is rather enviable, situated near London's exclusive Knightsbridge with views overlooking the infamous Hyde Park. 45 Park Lane is home to Wolfgang Puck's fantastic CUT restaurant which provides a novel approach to its classic steak and chips themed menu.

The Baglioni

From the moment you walk into reception the Baglioni oozes Italian style and chic, its cascading waterfall feature offset by oversized gold vases set the precedent for each of its 67 rooms. On its doorstep lies the gorgeous Kensington Gardens which can be enjoyed from its alfresco dining terrace area. Guests can also lap up the luxury in the Brunello Restaurant which serves cutting edge Italian cuisine accompanied by an impressive wine list stocking over 500 labels.

Browns

London's first luxury hotel, Browns is steeped in history. A charming bastion of sophistication and refinement, apparent in each of its 117 rooms, it continues to remain one of London's most private and secluded luxury establishments. Quintessentially British, it's no surprise Browns' Hix Mayfair restaurant serves up one of London's best roasts along with a fantastic afternoon tea.

Bulgari

An outpost of the high fashion brand, its name alone incites a sense of sumptuous style. Guests are greeted at reception by a mix of cool steel and marble furnishings creating a sensational sultry feel, a grand steel staircase sweeps down from the bar area to Bulgari's sleek Rivea restaurant which serves the finest Italian cuisine. Along with 24 hour butler service, the Bulgari also boasts more staff than there are rooms, all of whom are always on hand to fulfil guests' every request.

The Connaught

Due to its recent renovation, the Connaught is a mix of contemporary amenities in a classic, more traditional setting. The best of both worlds, guests can choose between traditional rooms with a more classic, subtle elegance or rooms finished with clean lines and striking modernity. Although a London luxury staple since 1897, the Connaught consistently continues to be at the forefront of excellent service, year upon year the Connaught bar tops the list of world's best bar. 

The Milestone

Found in classy Kensington, one thing this charming hotel isn't short on is character. An exclusive hotel, with only 57 rooms to cater for, enabling staff to provide a personal and tailor made service for each guest. Each of their rooms is individually designed and immaculately finished, ensuring a unique and unforgettable experience with each stay. 

The Wellesley

At the forefront of London's most exclusive and private hotels lies the Wellesley. This Knightsbridge hotel offers an intimate stay with only 36 rooms, without compromising on any five star luxuries. Rooms are stylish with an Art Deco inspired design, adorned with the latest pieces from the contemporary art scene. A personal favourite of this London hotel is its cigar terrace, stocked with the finest vintage Havanas and limited edition Behikes.

Belgraves

Thompson's first hotel in Europe, this ultra trendy and style conscious hotel mixes a New York fashion feel with a carefully thought out British design. Describing itself as 'Britannia meets Bohemia', its ideal location in Knightsbridge, a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace, makes it the perfect base for those wanting to explore London

The Halkin

This hotel is perfect for guests in search of tranquillity amidst the hustle and bustle of London. A large renovated townhouse with soft curving corridors and bright rooms overlooking a courtyard garden finished in clean natural tones, all located in a peaceful Belgravia street allowing guests to be near the action but not in it.

Looking for a hotel? Check out our website or give us a call on 020 7724 9911

The World’s Worst Hotel?

 

Just like at the top end of the market, the bottom end is also crowded with many hotels, but one hotel that stands out more than any other would have to be Latvia Karosta Prison Hotel. Originally constructed in 1906 as military hospital at the base of the Soviet Baltic Fleet, the dilapidated building actually spent most of the last century as a Nazi and Soviet Prison. Many Latvian deserters where sent to the camp for solitary confinement and/or eventual death.

 

Today, despite years of being obsolete, the prison has reopened (and rebranded?) as a boutique hotel where courageous tourists can enrol for an authentic jail experience. On arrival visitors can either ask for a quick tour or the full Karosta experience – including a prisoner garb, interrogation, harassment and being locked into a cold dank dark prison cell for a night. That’s not all, either, prisoners are warned before that any disobedience could result in insults, or physical punishment in the way of forced exercise or cleaning. The guard’s regularly patrol the corridors during the night, clanking on the wrought iron cell doors and looking for any signs of mischief – adding to the thrill.