Author: Bernice

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The Best Vineyards To Visit In The UK

Once upon a time, British wine was an oxymoron. Today, the UK produces award-winning wines that have made the world sit up and take notice. Whether you’re after a day trip with a difference or a weekend away, here are some of the country’s best vineyards to visit.

Chiltern Valley Winery & Brewery, Henley-On-Thames

Chiltern Valley Winery & Brewery is one of the most charming vineyards in the UK. Just over an hour from London, the vineyard sits on the Chiltern Hills, surrounded by a vast woodland and Hambleden Valley (near Henley-On-Thames), where the local climate is ideal for grapes. Chiltern Valley offers a two-hour behind-the-scenes tour on which you can try wines, ales and liqueurs. For an overnight stay, stay at the Pool House at the on-site B&B. Its Old Luxters farmhouse can be hired as a wedding venue.

Oxney Organic Estate, Sussex

Oxney Estate is home to one of the most famous vineyards in the country. Close to Rye in East Sussex, it takes a natural approach to winemaking and harvests its grapes in small batches. The Pinot Noir Rosé is one of our favourites from the 20-acre estate, which also produces fantastic varieties of pinot noir, pinot meunier, chardonnay and seyval blanc. For a romantic getaway, book a wine tasting tour with a picnic lunch.

Llanerch Vineyard, Glamorgan, Wales

Close to Cardiff, Llanerch is home to a stunning vineyard in the depths of the Welsh countryside. Renowned for its Cariad wine (unique to the area), Llanerch produces different varieties year-round, though autumn is the best time to visit. On site, there’s a stylish farmhouse, where guests can stay overnight in Calon Lodge, which has beautiful vineyard views, as well as a bar and two dining areas for breakfast and afternoon tea. Visitors can book a group tour for up to 20 people, or a private tour led by one of vineyard experts. We recommend the tasty, crisp Cariad Dry White.

Castlewood Vineyard, Devon

On the Devon-Dorset border in the village of Musbury, Castlewood is a small vineyard that’s home to some of the best sparkling wines in the south west. It grows three varieties of grape – pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier – with only the ripest crop turned into sparkling wines at harvest time. All the wine is made without filtration or chemicals. For a lovely day trip, book a guided tour to try the famous Vintage Brut, and take home a bespoke collection of bottles cased in a wooden box made from fallen trees on the estate. 

Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking

Denbies Wine Estate has been making English wine since 1984. The family-run estate is one of the largest wine producers in the UK, boasting an extensive variety of grapes that make some wonderful reichensteiner, pinot noir and chardonnay wines. Denbies offers tasting tours throughout the year and has two restaurants where you can book a ‘wine evening’ lead by a sommelier. The estate is a great wedding location during the summer, with its award-winning Cubitt Blanc de Blancs 2013 an ideal drink for any reception.  

Camel Valley, Cornwall

Some of the best English wines comes from Devon and Cornwall. Camel Valley is a multi-award-winning vineyard in the small town of Bodmin. This family-run business supplies wines to a range of high-street supermarkets, as well as Rick Stein’s restaurants so, if you’re in the area, make a beeline for the vineyard. Book a guided group tour, stay in a cottage on the estate, or simply head to terrace and enjoy some sparkling wine – one of the best being Annie’s Anniversary Brut. 

Greyfriars Vineyard, Guildford

Greyfriars Vineyard makes a great day out and is open all year for tasting tours and experiences. On a south-facing chalk slope just outside Guildford in Surrey, the original vineyards were planted in 1989 and now produce some delicious English sparklers. Greyfriars also has an impressive wine cellar where you can try some of itsseasonal produce for free during growing season. We can’t get enough of the 2015 Sparkling Rosé Reserve – the ultimate Friday afternoon rosé. 

Rathfinny Wine Estate 

Since 2010, Rathfinny Wine Estate has been producing excellent wine from its vineyard near Alfriston in the South Downs of Sussex. Thanks to a south-facing slope, proximity to the sea and fertile chalk soils, Rathfinny is able to make some of the finest English sparkling wine. October and November are two of the best months to visit – you can sample their complete portfolio. Book a guided tasting tour, have dinner at the courtyard restaurant, and you can even stay on the estate. 

Polgoon Vineyard & Orchard, Penzance

Visit Penzance to sample some seriously good Cornish wine and cider at Polgoon Vineyard & Orchard. As one of the few English vineyards on the coast, Polgoon uses sustainable techniques to harvest crops that produce some seriously good wine. Its range spans still and sparkling – one of the best is a light red wine that blends pinot noir and rondo. Polgoon has a large outdoor seating area, where visitors can enjoy freshly harvested wines, as well as an award-winning restaurant – The Vine House – which serves delicious local seafood and produce grown on the orchard.   

Nutbourne Vineyards, West Sussex

In the quaint West Sussex village of Pulborough, Nutbourne is home to a small family-run vineyard. The boutique winery has a selection of award-winning wines, including a riesling-style 2018 Sussex Reserve. Nutbourne’s unique ‘terroir’ (a warm climate and fertile soil) makes summer a great time to visit if you want to see grapes on the vine. Book a guided tour and relax at the pop-up restaurant on site. 

Hambledon Vineyard, South Downs

Home to one of the most renowned English sparkling wines in the country, Hambledon Vineyard sits on a gently sloping hill in the South Downs. One of the oldest of the UK’s estates, Hambledon grows its grapes on a 200-acre vineyard using a gravity-fed machine that uses some pretty impressive technology. For a relaxed afternoon, head to the South Downs and book the ‘Classic Cuvée Rosé’ guided tour – you’ll be shown around the vineyard, before enjoying afternoon tea and a glass of rosé. 

Fairmile Vineyard, Henley-On-Thames

During the summer months, Henley-on-Thames has a similar climate to northern France, meaning Fairmile can turn out some fantastic wines. Over the last few years, it has produced some exceptional grapes and the best have been turned into the signature Henley Sparkling Rosé. To visit Fairmile, you’ll need to book a private tour, or visit an open day which usually takes place in October.   

For more information on the above vineyards or to make a booking, please contact your lifestyle manager.

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The Most Stylish Log Cabins In The UK

If toasting marshmallows on an open fire, sleeping under the stars, and relaxing in an outdoor bath sound like your idea of bliss, then a luxury log cabin could be your ideal staycation. From wooden Scandinavian-inspired lodges, to plush coastal hideaways, here are some of the best the UK has to offer.

Hinterland Cabin, Conwy

Those after a luxury staycation should book Hinterland Cabin. Tucked away on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, this unique hideaway overlooks Conwy Valley – one of Wales’ most beautiful areas. Featuring a walk-in shower, underfloor heating, a sauna, hot tub, and hidden extras in every cupboard, you’ll feel right at home. Hinterland is made from old slate and railway sleepers from the Conwy valley line, while inside, the cabin has been beautifully furnished with original oak beams, gold accent furniture and a stylish double bedroom that sleeps two. The property is dog-friendly too, so your four-legged friend will be able to make the most of the great walking opportunities in the area. 

The Nap, Devon

This stylish cabin in the Devonshire countryside is ideal for a quiet, secluded staycation. Set on a working farm on a gently sloping hill, The Nap has stunning vistas across Taw Valley and Exmoor. Inside, there’s a fully fitted kitchenette, downstairs double bedroom, and a mezzanine bed where you can fall asleep under the stars. The property also comes with a Swedish wood burner, and a wood fired hot tub that backs out onto the farm (there are even spare wellies if you want to go exploring). The Nap is also close to an array of country pubs, though if you want to try some of the local produce, you can request rare breed sausages, pork belly or prime cuts of beef from the farm’s butcher. 

Saddlers Cabin, Northumberland

Located on the outskirts of the Northumberland coastline, Saddlers Cabin is a great choice for budding explorers and families. The rustic space has been decorated with stylish wooden accents and cosy furnishings where you’ll be able to enjoy the peace and quiet. In the cabin, there’s a cosy living area with an indoor wood burner, a modern bathroom, and a stylish master bedroom with a beautiful floral canopy. There’s also has a well-equipped kitchen for self-catering, so you can make the most of the delicious local produce. For a family day trip, head to Bamburgh Castle or Kielder Observatory, both of which are only a short drive away. 

Knoydart Hide, Loch Nevis

For a romantic getaway on the west coast of Scotland, head to Knoydart Hide in Loch Nevis. Although the cabin sleeps up to four, we love its rustic charm and remote location which is best suited to couples. Overlooking the picturesque Loch Nevis, you’ll be able to see a vast woodland in the distance, as well as the Isle of Skye, while inside the cabin, there’s plenty of space in the generously sized rooms. The bathroom has a rustic free-standing bath, while the large living area includes a stylish wood burner. Guests can relax in the hot tub – the ideal stargazing spot – and head on woodland walks to see wild otters and porpoises. The local country pub is a great place for Sunday lunch, though guests can request meals from the resident chef on site. 

Willow The Wisp Cabin, East Sussex

This Scandinavian-style log cabin is only an hour’s drive from London, making it ideal for a last-minute getaway. Burrowed away in the peaceful East Sussex countryside, you’ll feel right at home in the cosy hideaway which sleeps two. The cabin is simple yet stylish, featuring a double bedroom and bright living area, while a luxe outdoor tub awaits on the patio. Willow the Wisp is great for outdoor explorers – it’s surrounded by vast woodland with two hidden treehouses, while Bewl Water reservoir, a lovely walking route, is nearby, too. Head into Hastings or Tunbridge Wells for a day trip or make the most of the beautiful coastline at Rye. 

Samphire, Essex

For a coastal retreat, book a weekend at Samphire log cabin in Essex. Located on Sampsons Farm in Colchester, this weather-boarded cabin-on-stilts overlooks the Ray Channel with harbourside and farmland views. It sleeps up to four people within a large open plan area, a simple yet chic bedroom, modern bathroom, and private decking for outdoor lounging. Beautifully styled with nautical-inspired interiors and oak features throughout – the cabin looks particularly bright and airy during the summer months. Adventurous types can explore the Channel on the property’s kayaks, or head into one of the charming villages nearby. 

Little Bear, West Sussex

Set in acres of bluebell-swathed woodland, Little Bear log cabin is a unique hideaway in the West Sussex Weald Downlands – the ideal location for nature lovers. It sleeps two people in a king-size bed and also has a separate shower room, and a mezzanine where you can relax on a daybed. The cabin oozes luxury throughout, with original wooden beams inside, plush furnishings, and an eco-wood-fired hot tub. With a few charming country pubs just a short walk away, you can explore the local area, before having a cosy evening at Little Bear. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a welcome hamper that includes outdoor blankets, toasting marshmallows, red wine and kindling logs.

Ewe View, Powys 

Perched high on a hill in the Welsh countryside, Ewe View is a charming log cabin that sleeps up to four guests. Set on Penlam Farm, just an hour’s drive from Aberystwyth in Powys, it overlooks lush grassland and comes with beautiful views of the valleys. While the setting is strictly pastoral, inside you’ll find cosy, modern interiors that have been stylishly decorated. Complete with a shower, well-equipped kitchen, and wood-burning stock, the cabin has everything you need for a quaint weekend away. A blissful evening can be spent relaxing in the hot tub or stargazing by the fire.

For any bookings or more information above the above log cabins, please contact your lifestyle manager.

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The Best New Brunches To Know About

Whilst current government guidelines permit restaurants to open for indoor eating, for many of us, nothing marks the arrival of the weekend like a lazy weekend brunch. From Michelin-legend Angela Hartnett’s new morning repast, to The Hoxton’s newcomer Rondo, here are some of the best new brunches places to book into across the capital.

RONDO, HOLBORN

Coming from the Hoxton Hotel collective, newly opened Rondo’s brunch might seem humble, but its credentials are numerous. Heading up the kitchen is ex St John chef, Chris Gillard, which explains why the menu is refreshingly unfussy. Think laid back gems like nduja scrambled eggs and sourdough, or fenton eggs, any style, on toast – all of which can be consumed in the group’s signature cool surroundings.

199-206 High Holborn, Holborn, WC1 7BD

LIV, BELGRAVIA

Among the sleek architectural lines of Liv, Belgravia’s latest acclaimed establishment, you’ll find chef Mark Jarvis, previously known for his work at Farringdon hotspot Anglo. Since reopening, Liv now offers a brunch where banana bread, buckwheat pancakes with seasonal berries and the best eggs Florentine in London are orders du jour.

18-22 Holbein Place, Belgravia, SW1W 8NL

KOLAMBA, SOHO

If egg hopper with perfectly seasoned kithul-glazed bacon; a pol sambol toastie with date and lime chutney; or Kolamba granola with fresh shavings of coconut aren’t enough to instantly transport you to Sri Lanka, then not much will. Soho’s trusty Sri Lankan, Kolamba has launched a new weekend brunch menu, with owners Eroshan and Aushi Meewella carefully designing a complimentary warm interior with cascading greenery and exposed brickwork.

21 Kingly Street, Soho, W1B 5QA

DAFFODIL MULLIGAN, SHOREDITCH

Opening to rave reviews last year, Daffodil Mulligan has just launched a new brunch menu under the watchful eye of chef-icon Richard Corrigan. It’s in Corrigan’s DNA to serve up unpretentious and quality, modern Irish food. Irrespective of the trendy interior design of this Old Street location, expect the atmosphere to be old school and friendly. An extra bonus is it’s a 50-cover restaurant – so there’s plenty of room for social distancing. 

70-74 City Road, Shoreditch, EC1Y 2BJ

NUTSHELL, COVENT GARDEN

Iran’s abundance of spices, herbs, fruits and nuts define its fragrant dishes – and Nutshell’s brunch menu is testament to just that. Stand outs on the new weekend brunch menu include saffron and sour cherry Sheermal French toast with mixed berries, sumac clotted cream and candid orange; and Ghatogh poached eggs with butter beans, turmeric, apricot & dill.

30 St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden, WC2N 4ER 

CAFE MURANO, BERMONDSEY

For the first time ever, guests can now enjoy an Italian-style brunch by Michelin-starred chef, Angela Hartnett, at her latest Café Murano opening in Bermondsey. Enjoy yours in the surrounds of industrial lights and an open kitchen, and there’s also a coveted bar space for those who enjoy watching the chefs run the pass. We’d advise making a bee-line for the chicken Milanese served in a bun, with slow roasted tomatoes and spicy mayonnaise.

184 Bermondsey Street, Bermondsey, SE1 3TQ

For further information on these best new brunches places or restaurant bookings, please contact your lifestyle manager

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The best autumn getaways in the UK if you’re dreaming of an end-of-year luxury escape

First, you have got to decide where to go. Within just a couple of hours from London, you will find miles upon miles of unspoilt coastline, as well as cute and quaint villages. There’s Cornwall, Devon and the beautiful coastline of the Gower Peninsula which are stunning even in the cooler weather. Or how about a trip to the New Forest? Further afield – and more tempting in the autumn – here is our selection of the UK’s most beautiful cities.

STAYING IN CORNWALL

With beaches to rival the Mediterranean and a largely unspoilt landscape, Cornwall is the ideal place for a seaside retreat. The wild moorland and the tiny fishing villages feel straight out of a storybook – and despite the remote atmosphere, there is no shortage of things to do.

With beaches to rival the Mediterranean and a largely unspoilt landscape, Cornwall is the ideal place for a seaside retreat. The wild moorland and the tiny fishing villages feel straight out of a storybook – and despite the remote atmosphere, there is no shortage of things to do.

GWENDOLYN, PERRANPORTH, CORNWALL

Nestled above the sand dunes of Perranporth beach, Gwendolyn is the epitome of laid-back coastal living. With an understated design edge, this luxury self-catered cottage is a haven for those seeking a family-friendly escape to the Cornish coast. A truly tranquil setting, combining sea views, a hot tub and a calming interior scheme, Gwendolyn is a property for those looking for a beach house less ordinary.

Sleeps Up to 6 guests (+ 2 children)

STAYING IN SOMERSET

As one of the larger English counties, Somerset has stunning beaches, green countryside, woodlands, lakes & more, covering a wide range of landscapes & environments.

VIOLA, BUTLEIGH, GLASTONBURY, SOMERSET

Between the rolling hills of bucolic Somerset near Glastonbury lies a luxury country house of two wildly different personalities. A Jekyll and Hyde of elegance and chinking chandeliers on one side, and a dark, heart-racing cave where escapism is the name of the game on the other, Viola is a luxury self-catering home to satisfy all. With a heated swimming pool, Formula 1 racing simulators, tennis court and hot tub; this home is hedonism embodied.

Sleeps Up to 12 guests

STAYING IN THE COSTWOLDS

One of the most picturesque pockets you will find in all of Britain, the Cotswolds are where you will fall in love with chocolate box villages, miles of rolling countryside and grand stately homes. Covering 800 square miles of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, you can only imagine how much there is to explore – from ‘England’s prettiest village’ Castle Combe to the gardens of Prince Charles’ private residence Highgrove House.

EVANIA, BENTHAM, CHELTENHAM, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, THE COTSWOLDS

Built from Gloucestershire stone but with a beating heart firmly in the Mediterranean, this luxury self-catering holiday home in the Cotswolds is a calming oasis of luxe tranquillity. Enjoy breakfast in bed under Romanesque columns, recline in the shade of 300-year-old olive trees and float beneath the stars amidst waterfalls in the outdoor swimming pool. Evania (meaning ‘serene’) is a true paradise found.

Sleeps Up to 10 guests

STAYING IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

We cannot think of a better place for an isolation-inspired break than the Lake District, where you can make the most of the great open spaces and soak up the views of England’s wild beauty.

SKYLINE, STAVELEY, THE LAKE DISTRICT, CUMBRIA

Like a bird soaring the skies, this luxury self-catering home sits high above the Cumbrian village of Staveley behind a gated entrance, boasting both peaceful seclusion as well as 180-degree views across the valley to the fells. With a traditional Lakeland stone façade, sleek contemporary interiors, and tennis court along with 11 private acres of fields and secret woodland to explore (and its own helipad); this is the ultimate secret escape for lovers of the Lake District.

Sleeps Up to 10 guests


For more information on the properties or to make a booking, please contact your travel manager.

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The world’s most incredible and sustainable private islands

If what you want is utter seclusion and perfect peace, in a location off-limits to everyone but the resort staff and a few other guests, then a private island is the only place to go. Here are our favourites selection for you from around the world.

BAWAH RESERVE, INDONESIA

Opened in July 2017, Bawah is one of the world’s most exciting hideaways: remote, beautiful and with bar-raising environmental policies. Days can be spent hiking through butterfly-filled primary rainforest, gliding over pink, purple and electric-blue corals and snorkelling. The 36 villas, 11 of which are stilted above the water, are made from recycled teak and local bamboo and fit effortlessly into the scheme of things.

The best time to visit this island is between May and September.


GLADDEN, BELIZE

This is probably the most reclusive island escape out there – and yet also the most indulgent, too. A place where it feels like you are the only people on the planet, but a Daiquiri is only a wave of the hand away. From the roof terrace, the Maya Mountains shimmer in the distance and all around the island is calm blue. This is in a protected marine reserve, with whale sharks and pods of dolphins.

The best time to visit the island is between March and May.


VOAVAH, MALDIVES

Already known for running one of the loveliest hotels in the Maldives (Landaa Giraavaru), Four Seasons has taken things up a notch with the opening of Voavah. With seven bedrooms set across the five acres, it’s an extraordinary all-singing, all-dancing playground of a place. This is in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, so the best-in-the-world snorkelling is taken as read.

But there are surprises too.

The best time to visit this island is between November and April


CEMPEDAK, INDONESIA

Its 20 villas, peppered across rugged beach and through a jungly interior packed with soaring fig and pandan trees, are the brainchild of hotelier Andrew Dixon, who opened eco-trailblazer Nikoi Island in the same archipelago a decade ago. Regulars clamoured for an adults-only escape, and here is his answer. Dixon’s commitment to environmentalism means solar panels and waste-water gardens, zero plastic waste and no air-con. Indonesian bamboo has been used to build the villas, breath taking raised walkways and a restaurant that stretches oceanward in frond-like tendrils.

The best time to visit this island is between January and February and May to October.


KOKOMO, FIJI

Few places in Fiji combine culture with a barefoot vibe like Kokomo. It sits on the edge of the Kadavu archipelago, encircled by the Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the largest and most immaculate reefs in the world, far away from the mainland crowds. The 21 beachside bures and five hilltop villas are filled with authentic Fijian touched and have walled gardens heady with the scent of frangipani. Kokomo is a feast of a place, putting this speck in the South Pacific on the epicurean map.

The best time to visit this island is between late October to early November.

For more information on the above islands or to make a booking, please contact your travel manager.