Category Archives: Country Breaks

February 24

ESCAPE LONDON AND VISIT AMERICA – BEAT THE COVID BLUES Visit Beautiful Bacara Hotel, Santa Barbara

posted by

Beautiful Bacara. I’ll be back… Having the luxury job of reviewing some of the most beautiful hotels in the world, I always think …”Surely, it can’t get better than this.” But … enter the Ritz Carlton BACARA Hotel in Santa Barbara, California. I had always heard the Bacara Hotel was the Hollywood celebs hideaway from […]

»»
September 23

ESCAPE LONDON AND VISIT AMERICA – BEAT THE COVID BLUES at CAL-A-VIE FRENCH INSPIRED HEALTH SPA, CALIFORNIA

posted by

  Having stayed at Cal-a-Vie health Spa five star resort, I can understand why Conde Nast gave it the accolade of it being in the top ten health spas in the world.   With the world on hold due to Covid-19 and all the stresses that it brings, Cal-a-Vie Health Spa  is definitely the place […]

»»
January 24

ESCAPE LONDON – The Fox and Goat in Oxfordshire, a cute country pub, rich with history

posted by

This cute little pub is only an hour drive from central London and just minutes from the M40, it has ample parking and is very easy to find. The white exterior is pretty and has plenty of seating outside for you to enjoy in those warm summer months. The bar staff are friendly and well […]

»»
March 07

ESCAPE LONDON – The Hogs Head Inn, Class, Comfort and Hearty Fare, in the Heart of Northumberland

posted by

Situated in the heart of Northumberland, amongst picturesque scenery and rolling hills lies the historic, Norman town of Alnwick and the Hog’s Head Inn. Both places are famous for one thing – the film, Harry Potter. Alnwick castle starred as “Hogwarts” in the first two Harry Potter films, and the Hog’s Head Inn is named […]

»»
December 03

ESCAPE LONDON – Stunning setting at luxurious Lainston House Hotel, Winchester

posted by

This stunning, 17th Century hotel is ‘luxury country getaway’ at its best. The sprawling lawns leading up to the picture perfect building, which is so elegantly framed by a valet circle and gates, will surely impress upon arrival and the grandeur of the grounds and impressive suites will continue to please throughout your stay.

»»
December 02

ESCAPE LONDON – Friendly service and lovely rooms at Scotland’s rural Horseshoe restaurant with rooms

posted by

The Horseshoe is set in the pretty village of Eddleston, about a 45 minute drive from the stunning city of Edinburgh. Their wonderful hospitality begins from the moment you arrive into the city, as the manager was kind enough to pick us up from the station. Driving through the stunning countryside to the Horseshoe, you […]

»»
December 01

ESCAPE LONDON – Superb service and a fun atmosphere at the Ducks in Aberlady, Scotland

posted by

Right from the moment we arrived after the short 18 minute train journey from Edinburgh to Longniddry, we were made to feel welcome. The friendly owner Malcolm was kind enough to pick us up from the station and take us on the short ride to the hotel. This smiley hotelier was very knowledgeable about the […]

»»
October 26

Middle Piccadilly – a no frills rustic retreat in the heart of Dorset

posted by

The Middle Piccadilly was a little hard to find, but that was partly because it was pitch black when we arrived, also because it is set deep in Dorset’s pretty countryside and the GPS does not seem to know exactly where to take you.  As we arrived we were greeted by the sweet coos of owls […]

»»
October 22

ESCAPE LONDON – Drapers Hall, rich history, stunning surroundings and perfect service!

posted by

The drive from London to Shrewsbury took over 3 hours, but the moment I set eyes on The Drapers I knew it was worth every single second! As soon as you see the stunning exterior of Drapers Hall you fall in love with it and when you step inside, that love only solidifies. The 400 year […]

»»
October 22

ESCAPE LONDON – The West Park Hotel – Elegance, Luxury and First Class Service in the heart of Yorkshire

posted by

Situated close to the Yorkshire Moors and the Historic Roman town of York lies the historic spa town of Harrogate and the West Park Hotel. Since I have never been to Harrogate or the Yorkshire Moors, and the last time I visited York I was 8 years old, I jumped at the chance of a […]

»»