Travel Ideas For 2021 UK & EUROPE
THE PEAK DISTRICT
THE REJUVENATION OF ONE OF ENGLAND’S MOST HISTORIC SPA TOWNS NESTLED IN THE ROLLING HILLS OF THE PEAK DISTRICT
Visit the new Buxton Crescent Hotel & Spa following its multi-million pound renovation and discover the therapeautic mineral water for which the town is famed
High up on the edge of The Peak District National Park, Buxton is a gateway to this area of outstanding natural beauty, contrasting rolling farmland, forests and deep valleys with high stony plateaus. Buxton Crescent is set to open on 1 October 2020 and is putting Buxton, a place with a thriving cultural scene, incredible architecture and a hidden historical gem of the UK, firmly back onto the tourist map. Buxton Crescent is the first UK property from the Ensana Hotels brand, which is a custodian of European thermal spas utilising powerful natural resources. Thanks to The Fifth Duke of Devonshire, who developed the town with grand architecture, the 19th century was a golden age for Buxton when ‘taking the waters’ was a fashionable pastime for notable high-society visitors. Now, guests can experience the therapeutic qualities of the water for themselves as water wellness is at the forefront of Buxton Crescent’s spa offering. The hotel is home to three pools – the Thermal Pool which is a fully refurbished Victorian pool boasting the unique feature of having Buxton mineral rich water flowing into it, a relaxation pool and an impressive indoor-outdoor rooftop poolThe property comprises 81 rooms and suites. Following a multi-million-pound renovation and an extensive refurbishment of one of England’s most significant Georgian architectural buildings, it blends the outstanding history of the 18th century exterior and original features, such as chandeliers, painted ceilings and stained-glass windows complimented with stylish furniture and modern comforts. www.ensanahotels.com/buxton/en
SOMERSET
THE NEWEST ADDITION TO SOMERSET’S THRIVING SCENE – THE NEWT IN SOMERSET TO OPEN ITS LATEST ACCOMMODATION OFFERING, THE FARMYARD IN SPRING 2021
Opening in Spring 2021, The Farmyard will complement existing accommodation at The Newt in Somerset. Hidden in a secluded corner of the estate and accessed through traditional cyder orchards, The Farmyard offers 17 bedrooms and suites. These are housed within historic buildings such as a Farm House, Cyder Mill, Apple Loft and Cheese Barns. Owner Karen Roos has added touches of modern luxury to rustic buildings made of Hadpsen limestone the colour of burnt orange, oak beams silver-grey with age, and blue lias flagstones. The Farmyard includes an indoor swimming pool, bar and games room and an authentic farm-to-table culinary experience. Along with full access to the wider estate – including the main restaurant, spa, gardens, Cyder Cellar and The Story of Gardening experience centre. www.thenewtinsomerset.com
SCOTLAND
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF EDINBURGH AS RED CARNATION HOTELS OPENS ITS FIRST HOTEL IN SCOTLAND – 100 PRINCES STREET, OPENING SUMMER 2021
Renowned for its passionate staff and thoughtful service, the Red Carnation Hotel Collection is to open a hotel in Scotland for the first time, with the aim of making it the number one hotel in Edinburgh. The collection has announced plans to respectfully renovate 100 Princes Street transforming it into a highly exclusive retreat on Edinburgh’s most famous street. With uninterrupted views of Edinburgh Castle, 100 Princes Street will replicate the boutique atmosphere of sister property Hotel 41, which has retained the position of TripAdvisor’s number one hotel in London for over ten years as well as the TripAdvis or Traveller’s Choice Best Hotel in the UK for the last three. The award-winning hotel company behind the loving restoration of Ireland’s Ashford Castle, once home to the Guinness family, will bring the same meticulous care and attention to the listed building’s interior, embracing its history and heritage and using the finest local artisans and suppliers. Guests at 100 Princes Street will enjoy everything that makes Red Carnation so special, from individually designed interiors to the signature dishes of our President and Founder Beatrice Tollman, delivered with passionate service, generous hospitality and a genuine commitment to the environment and communities in which they operate. www.redcarnationhotels.com/our-hotels/scotland/100-princes-street
THE BALEARIC ISLANDS
TWO NEW HOTELS EMERGE ONTO IBIZA’S HOSPITALITY SCENE
OKU IBIZA & SIX SENSES IBIZA WILL OFFER A NEW, LAIDBACK WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE FAMED PARTY ISLAND IN THE BALEARICS
OKU Ibiza, launching May 2021, is an adults-only relaxed base for the curious traveller
Six Senses Ibiza, opening in the second half of the year, will offer a year-round retreat on the northern tip of the island, with the chance to own a permanent slice of paradise
Traditionally, Ibiza has been considered the ideal island for visitors looking for guaranteed sunshine, stunning beaches and the very best music scene. Whilst the party goers will still enjoy this vibrant side of life, the launch of OKU Ibiza and Six Senses Ibiza provides a new way for guests to experience this much-loved island. OKU Ibiza, which opens in May 2021, is an adult-only hotel on the south west coast, home to one of the largest pools on the island, and just a moment’s walk from the beautiful Cala Gracio bay and beaches. Inspired by nature and barefoot living, the laid-back hotel is designed with slow living, enriching experiences and sustainability at its heart. The hotel will offer 189 guest rooms and suites as well as a luxury 4-bedroom private villa, which is perfect for those looking for the utmost privacy.
Head over to the northern tip of the island to find Six Senses Ibiza, a village-like, family friendly year-round hideaway which captures the authentic essence of the Balearic island both in look and feel. Set over 20-acres, it will have 134 rooms and suites and a range of villas, five of which are available to buy for those looking for a permanent hideaway in the Mediterranean. The resort will be home to a one-of-a-kind spiritual learning centre and spa with an innovative approach to optimising health which includes fitness, nutrition, education, yoga, sleep and mindfulness. When it comes to dining, guests can enjoy local dishes on long communal tables at The Market, try a variety of treats from the raw food organic bar with accompanying cocktails and organic beer by the pool, or head to El Chiringuito for tapas and barbecue delights accompanied by live acoustic guitar performances and late night DJ.https://www.okuhotels.com/oku-ibiza/ www.sixsenses.com
DISCOVER AN HISTORIC MALLORCAN VILLAGE, AND UNLOCK ACCESS TO THE ISLAND’S MOST EXCITING CONTEMPORARY ART COLLECTION
New boutique hotel Can Ferrereta launches March 2021, opening up the unknown Mallorcan village of Santanyi and showcasing the latest creative talent from the Balearics
The expert team behind Sant Francesc Hotel Singular in Palma will open a brand-new boutique hotel in the historic village of Santanyí, south east Mallorca in March 2021. Can Ferrereta is a 32-room hotel, set within a 17th century mansion and will be home to one of the region’s most exciting collections of contemporary art. The hotel has been transformed by Mallorcan-based BASTIDAS Architecture and design house WIT alongside the Soldevila-Ferrer family who own the hotel. It will also be home to a Mediterranean restaurant serving delicious local seasonal produce, two bars, a 25m swimming pool and a spa with hammam and indoor pool. The opening of Can Ferrereta will allow guests to embark on the ultimate Mallorcan twin centre trip, pairing a cultural city break in Palma, with a historical coastal retreat. www.hotelcanferrereta.com
CROATIA
SWAP THE CROWDS OF WELL-TRODDEN DUBROVNIK FOR THE THE UNTOUCHED, CAR-FREE ISLAND OF LOPUD AND SLEEP IN A LIVING ART GALLERY WHICH HAS OPENED ITS DOORS IN A 15TH CENTURY MONASTERY
Dating back to the Renaissance period, Lopud Island, the second largest of the Elaphiti islands, is situated between Koločep and Šipan. Historically, many of the boats used in the Spanish Armada were built on this island. All buildings apart from one modern hotel on the opposite side of the bay, all date back to the renaissance times. Old Villas, small palaces, numerous chapels, and ancient farmhouses dot the hills behind the Monastery, lending themselves to the authenticity of the whole island, which is planted up with orange, lemon and olive trees. Today, it is feted for its sandy beaches and quiet pace of life. The island’s natural beauty is preserved by its car free policy and visitors can follow the island paths through lush vegetation either by foot or bicycles. Lopud 1483 is located on the northern tip of Lopud, Dubrovnik, in a Franciscan monastery that has been overlooking the island for centuries. The property has been lovingly restored over the past 20 years by Creative Director Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza and her family. She worked with the Arhitektri studio in Zagreb to ensure that every aspect was carefully designed in order to preserve the incredible history of the building. Lopud 1483 operates as an exclusive-use property as well as per suite on a seasonal basis. The 13 original cells of the 5,000 square metre monastery have been transformed into five exquisite suites, with and views onto the sea or medicinal garden. Each room features a unique combination of renaissance furniture from the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection as well as bespoke new pieces by Italian designer Paola Lenti and contemporary art from the TBA21 collection. This undiscovered island sanctuary has been designed as a place where history, art and botanical exploration ignite the senses. The property is also home to a Sacred Garden, with nine stations designed for meditation and contemplation, a traditional Franciscan Pharmacy. www.lopud1483.com
WARSAW
THE UP-AND-COMING CITY OF WARSAW IS AN OFF THE BEATEN TRACK CITY BREAK WITH ITS FIRST DESIGN HOTEL – NOBU HOTEL WARSAW – THE PERFECT LOCATION TO EXPLORE TRENDY BARS AND ART GALLERIES IN THE CITY’S CREATIVE QUARTER
Nobu Hotel Warsaw opened its doors on 3rd August 2020 – Nobu Hospitality group’s first hotel in Poland. This opening marks the start of an exciting future for up-and-coming Warsaw, the Phoenix City, fast becoming an Eastern European hotspot for art, design and food. Situated on Wilcza Street, the creative hub of the city, and a stone’s throw away from the Old Town, originally built in the 13th century and meticulously reconstructed after the Second World War, Nobu Hotel Warsaw is surrounded by a vibrant urban scene full of trendy wine bars that spill out onto the pavements in the summer months, as well as independent shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. he city’s first true design hotel, Nobu Hotel Warsaw is a combination of two wings: the ‘classic’ is housed in an Art Deco building, the former Hotel Rialto, which dates back to 1920s inter-war Poland, and the ‘modern’ is an ultracontemporary, new build – designed through a transformational, cross-continental collaboration. As with all Nobu hotels worldwide, Nobu Hotel Warsaw is home to a signature Nobu Restaurant & Café – opened 17th July 2020, headed up by Executive Chef Yannick Lohou – significantly raising the benchmark on the Warsaw dining scene. warsaw.nobuhotels.com/
ITALY, PORTUGAL, EGYPT
2021 HERALDS A NEW AGE OF RIVER CRUISING AS UNIWORLD LAUNCHES A TRIO OF BESPOKE SUPER SHIPS WHICH BRING THE BOUTIQUE ‘FLOATING HOTEL’ EXPERIENCE TO ITALY, PORTUGAL AND EGYPT
Uniworld, the first to offer a boutique ‘floating hotel’ experience with high-end itineraries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, Asia and South America, will add three brand new Super Ships to its fleet in Spring 2021. These include the S.S. São Gabriel, sailing through Portugal’s UNESCO designated Douro River Valley and offering the best of Spanish and Portuguese culture; the new S.S. Sphinx in Egypt, which will make her debut on the Nile river and feature private tours of the Colossi of Memnon, Hatshepsut Temple and Valley of the Kings with guests’ very own trained Egyptologist; and the S.S. La Venezia – setting sail in Spring 2021 in a pioneering move which will return responsible cruise to Venice. Each exquisitely designed Super Ship is a work of art, individually commissioned to reflect the colours and heritage of the destinations they visit, with original paintings and hand-crafted furniture. Uniworld’s Super Ships also feature the largest cabins and suites on the river, each appointed with high-ceilings, glass-fronted floor to ceiling windows and private balconies to maximise the spectacular scenery. Guests will be treated to outstanding butler service, large all-marble bathrooms with a double vanity, Asprey bath and body products, handcrafted Savoir Beds of England and more. The launch of these incredible Super Ships under the guidance and vision of the Tollmans—a family synonymous with hospitality and innovation— continues to elevate not only the Uniworld experience, but the luxury river cruise standard as a whole. www.uniworld.com
ICELAND
TICK OFF THE BUCKET LIST DREAM AND CAPTURE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS ON ELEVEN EXPERIENCE’S EXCLUSIVE WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY RETREAT AT REMOTE ICELANDIC LODGE, DEPLAR FARM IN FEBRUARY 2021
From 15 – 20 February 2021, Eleven Experience will host an exclusive six-day photography retreat at its remote lodge, Deplar Farm on the Troll Peninsula, Northern Iceland. The Icelandic North in February receives some of the softest light on the planet and has some of the clearest night skies – ideal for capturing the elusive Aurora Borealis. This exclusive retreat, for up to 8 guests, is designed for photographers of all abilities who would like to learn the basics or hone their photography skills, under the expert tuition of Eleven’s Creative Director, Alex Fenlon. Guests will embark on daily adventures via helicopter, snowmobile and super Jeep to photograph Northern Iceland in all its surreal beauty. Back at the lodge, guests can enjoy the wellness treatments and locally-sourced dinners prepared by Iceland’s top chef, along with Deplar Farm’s cosy and stylish Nordic inspired interiors. www.elevenexperience.com
SCANDINAVIA
ESCAPE THE MASSES AND EXPERIENCE THE VERY BEST OF REMOTE SCANDINAVIA WITH SCOTT DUNN’S ULTIMATE PRIVATE ISLAND AND EXCLUSIVE USE GETAWAYS FOR SMALL GROUPS
In response to the current demand from guests seeking total privacy and isolation, tailor-made luxury tour operator, Scott Dunn is offering an incredible selection of private island and remote wilderness getaways across Europe – from private island stays in a working lighthouse in Norway or a luxurious Scandi glamping experience on the Stockholm Archipelago in Sweden for up to 16, to exclusive use hideaways in the far reaches of Finnish Lapland. Perfect for groups of friends or multi-generational families keen to truly isolate without others in sight, Scott Dunn’s team of destination experts will ensure ultimate privacy and arrange unforgettable experiences tailored exclusively to each group. www.scottdunn.com
EXPERIENCE AN OFF THE BEATEN TRACK NORWEGIAN ADVENTURE WITH 62ºNORD, STAYING AT HOTEL UNION ØYE WHICH UNDERGOES AN EXTENSIVE REFURSBISHMENT IN 2021
Hotel Union Øye, part of experiential travel company 62ºNORD, is undergoing an extensive refurbishment next year which will see the addition of three new suites, six villas, a spa, conservatory, orangery and barn, which will be perfect for larger events and weddings. The work will commence in October 2020, and the hotel will open for part of the season next year before the grand reveal in 2022. Located in Hjørundfjord, the most majestic and secluded fjord in all of Norway, with sheer mountainsides rising from the deep fjord, it is the perfect place for visitors looking to avoid the crowds and reconnect with nature. Guests will delight in being amongst such breathtakingly beautiful nature and will be able to enjoy a range of hikes, bike rides, picnics and more in the surrounding mountains. Founded by Norwegian couple Knut and Line Flakk, 62ºNORD is a leading experiential travel company committed to offering highly personalised, world-class adventures on the North West coast of Norway. Dedicated to supporting the local community, the Flakks have taken their love and passion for their home region, Sunnmøre, to a whole new level, tailor making all aspects of an itinerary with a team of local guides and experts to reveal the awe-inspiring beauty of the region. www.62.no/en
PARIS
ON SE VOIT À PARIS THE ICONIC REVOLVING DOOR OF PALACE HOTEL, LE BRISTOL PARIS, TURNS ONCE MORE, UNVEILING NEW JARDIN FRANÇAIS AND METICULOUSLY TRANSFORMED ROOMS & SUITES
Le Bristol Paris, an icon of timeless glamour in the heart of Paris, invites guests to discover a fabulous new chapter in a remarkable history. Bringing a contemporary vision to its rooms and suites with designs that embody discrete elegance, as well as a brand new look for the courtyard garden. These majestic refurbishments are the capstone marking the completion of Le Bristol Paris’s multi-phase renewal. For the new room and suite designs, the hotel consulted Countess Bergit Douglas and the creative team at her architectural firm, MM Design. The traditional artisanry of Colefax & Fowler, Farrow & Ball, Maison Taillardat and Loro Piana are displayed in tasteful touches throughout. Le Bristol’s star-studded cast of rooms and suites has been joined by a new member: the Lumière Suite. Existing signature suites that will also unveil a new look include the Paris Suite, Elysée Suite, the Panoramic Suite and the Honeymoon Suite. During the first closure in the hotel’s 95-year history, the iconic Jardin Français has undergone a total redesign led by world-renowned landscape designer, Lady Arabella Lennox-Boyd. Guided by a deep respect for nature’s delicacy, her permanent source of inspiration, all flora is native to the Paris region and suited to local conditions, deliberately chosen to support the biodiversity of this precious Parisian oasis. Each season will unfold in its full splendour in this ever-changing microcosm at the heart of the hotel. To maintain the garden, Le Bristol will use 100% plant-based and biodegradable products which only have a positive impact on the planet. oetkercollection.Com/Hotels/Le-Bristol-Paris