Travel
Originally published on Tuesday, 16th August 2011
Bank Holiday Escapism
Since it seems that that age-old dilemma – “to Carnival or not to Carnival?” – might be taken out of our hands this year (thank you thieving little blighters), we thought we’d whip up a few alternatives for Bank Holiday escapes that are a little more luxurious. Well, any excuse for some last minute sun, sea and escapism.
Bags packed, credit card itching, sun requirements set to max? Then read on…
The Summer in Beirut package costs from £829 for two people for three nights.
Le Gray, Martyrs’ Square, Central Beirut District, Lebanon
Chic, sharp, and perfectly positioned in downtown Beirut, Le Gray makes an unbeatable starting point for exploring the local beaches or diving straight into the city’s increasingly infamous nightlife scene (what with their Momo and Whisky Mist to name but a few). With the temperature hitting a solid 30 degrees at the mo, when you’re not out sunning beachside, the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool is hard to beat as a pre-club warm-up, bubbly in hand. On top of that, they’re also running a Summer in Beirut package till the end of the month with complimentary room upgrade, access to a slew of local beach clubs, a night’s dinner and wine, plus 20% spa discount.
Superior rooms start at £215
The Istanbul Edition, Buyukdere Caddesi 136, Levent, Istanbul, Turkey 34330
The second offering from this rapidly-growing Marriott and Schrager boutique sub-group, the 15-floor Istanbul Edition offers a luxurious blend of Ottoman-infused style and pure modern comfort that’s hard to beat. Set in the Levent district on the European side of the city, the golden-hued interior cries opulence, intimacy and calm and each of the 78 guest rooms are suite-sized giving you plenty of space to stretch out. We say, take that a step further and slip into the opulent bronze-and-wood 20,000 square, foot three-storey ESPA spa, complete with luxurious treatment rooms and its own VIP suite. The in-house Cirpriani restaurant isn’t too shoddy either!
Deluxe rooms from £525
Coast Road, Mykonos 84600, Greece 22890-20100
Whilst not the newest kid on the boutique block, Mykonos’ chic Cava Togoo and its myriad charms fits firmly into oldie-but-goodie territory. Built directly into a cliffside, it’s hard not to be awed by the architecture alone. But the real pull for us is the infinity pool that stretches out directly over the sea: relaxing with a cocktail, staring out as the sun slowly sets into the horizon, it’s easy to imagine you’re adrift in the Med itself. So whether you’re craving the island’s nightlife or are just dying for a few days on its secluded beaches, with a three night minimum and rooms still available, Cava Togoo is crying out for a last minute Bank Holiday escape.
Rooms from £475
Hotel Raya, Via S. Pietro, 98050 Panarea, Italy
With just 30 rooms and spectacular views of the Aeolian sea and volcanic island of Stromboli, Hotel Raya has attained cult-like status among the fashion-pack. Guests covet the magical feel of Panarea Island, the lack of cars and TV, the stylish boutiques and the tranquility generated by the surrounding hibiscus, lentos and olive trees. And then there’s the volcanic water infinity pool. A simply stunning location to enjoy breakfast, lounge in the sun or enjoy cocktails and the sunset whilst reclining on antique Persian rugs.
Double Classic Rooms from £230
Bellevue, 51160 Champillon, Epernay, France
A little bit of old school chintz-glam never hurt anyone – but especially so when it’s in Champagne! Taking the Chunnel, the Royal Champagne hotel is only a 250-odd mile drive door-to-door, making for a perfect quick-hit weekend escape. Just at the edge of Épernay, the classically cosy hotel makes an ideal base from which to explore the joys of the area (and top up the old bubbly reserves back home, natch). Book a suite with that someone special – or just go group and book out – then give the chaps at Wine Liasons a shout to introduce you to the finest local champagne families, with inimitable old grandmothers and their kitchens full of the finest Grand Crus before the harvest kicks off in early-September and they close-up shop.