Whether looking for long haul or UK honeymoons, Your Bristol and Somerset Wedding has lots of ideas along with essential travel advice.
Vrbo reveals its 2022 European Holiday Homes of the Year just in time for the summer holidays
Family holiday rental expert Vrbo® is revealing for the first time the best-in-class holiday homes across Europe, the 2022 European Holiday Homes of the Year. The 10 selected holiday homes are fabulous properties, ideal for families to spend quality time together and make wonderful memories.
The properties can be booked through the Vrbo website and meet a strict selection criteria, including a combination of five-star ratings, guest reviews, number of bookings and feature some of the most sought-after amenities that make special moments together with loved ones.
"We know every family – or whoever you call family - has its own needs and preferences, so in addition to meeting high-quality standards, this list of holiday homes also includes a variety of property types in popular European destinations," said Karen Mullins from Vrbo. "Whether you prefer a beachfront house, a chalet in the mountain, a country mansion or a cottage, you can have an amazing stay at any of our European Holiday Homes of the Year."
Posted: 21 June 2022
Oliver’s Travels launches its Sustainable Villa Collection
Oliver's Travels has revealed its Sustainable Villa Collection, offering guests an impressive selection of eco properties from villas to chateaux in Europe and beyond. The collection allows guests to book a holiday safe in the knowledge that the property is doing its part to be more eco-friendly. Not only this, but guests will be reassured knowing that with every holiday booking made, Oliver's Travels will plant enough trees to offset 100 per cent of the villa stay. With increasing awareness around the importance of protecting the planet, travellers are looking to be more sustainable than ever and this extends to when considering travelling. Oliver's Travels provides the perfect platform in which to travel consciously.
Each property in Oliver's Travels Sustainable Villa Collection is as unique as it is extraordinary, boasting everything from photo-worthy décor and indescribable views to luxurious hot tubs and stunning fireplaces. Whether it's a villa growing produce on-site, celebrating the local heritage, or a villa that uses a renewable energy provider, it is these crucial efforts that set them apart and enable them to be a part of the Sustainable Villa Collection.
Posted: 16 June 2022
Salamander Voyages is the perfect way to explore Turkey
Salamander Voyages is a great alternative honeymoon option to a luxury villa holiday. Sleeping up to 12 guests, this is perfect for families and groups of friends and provides an intimate and memorable way to celebrate. Explore the stunning Turkish Riviera; all its ancient cities, isolated villages, harbours and stretches of sandy beaches, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. On board, expert local crew will take care of every need so guests needn't lift a finger.
There is also the option to rent Aganippe and Heyamola alongside Salamander to allow for larger grounds.
Salamander Voyages is a family run luxury gulet charter company, founded by the Cooke family in 2003, it's a wonderful and authentic way to explore some of the most stunning and richly cultured coastlines in the Mediterranean. With a growing collection of beautifully refurbished wooden gulets, Salamander Voyages offer private charters and bespoke itineraries.
Posted: 14 June 2022
Ella Resorts opens five star Helea family resort in Rhodes
Ella Resorts is proud to announce the launch of Helea 5 star beach resort this July, a spectacular family property on the beautiful island of Rhodes.
Designed over a 45,000 square meter estate with 503 rooms and suites, Helea offers laidback luxury for the whole family. The resort was designed to make the most of its magnificent surroundings with floor to ceiling windows that provide spectacular views across the sea, beautifully landscaped gardens & shimmering turquoise pools. The attentive staff and excellent facilities provide a playground retreat for all ages with live music, watersports, an all-day beach bar, entertainment, a cinema and games room. There are 11 freshwater pools to choose from and a dedicated children's pool, plus a 700 square meter water park.
Ella Kids Park has been entirely designed by kids, crafts and costumes create a unique experience for the resorts' little guests. Children will be kept entertained with the plethora of activities on offer, leaving parents plenty of time to relax. The timetable is brimming with fun things to do including: escape rooms, arts and crafts, indoor climbing, and basketball. The kid's club accommodates children from four months to 12 years old and offers a nanny service in the evenings (upon request, with extra service).
Posted: 9 June 2022
The Club Hotel & Spa, St Helier, has launched an exclusive shopping butler hotel package for guests
Looking to discover Jersey's hidden premier boutiques, charming local markets, designer department stores and tax-free shopping? The Club Hotel & Spa, St Helier, has you covered with its new Shopping Butler package. Available to book for stays on Fridays and Saturdays, the two-night island escape includes breakfast, a bespoke Shopping Butler experience offering access to exclusive discounts, use of the hotel's world-class spa facilities and a tasting menu dinner in its Michelin-starred restaurant Bohemia.
Shopaholics will have a one-to-one consultation to discuss their tastes and preferences – from designer to pre-loved fashion, jewellery and homeware – with qualified stylist and local retail guru, Laura Morel, before heading on the curated shopping trail in St Helier and the nearby St Aubins and Gorey. Exclusive discounts and a glass of bubbly for that extra special touch will be available to those keen to explore Laura's roster of store partners.
Posted: 7 June 2022
Cosme Hotel in Paros is a new property opening in June 2022
Set to open right on time for the summer season, this luxury escape located moments from the island's vivacious, whitewashed harbor village of Naoussa, will feature its own private beach club overlooking the turquoise Aegean Sea. The resort promises to be a spirited, cosmopolitan home away from home for the global explorer, exuberantly celebrating the enjoyment of life.
The natural-chic décor elegantly blends rare elements from around the world with bold Cycladic lines. Complete with 40 suites designed with a crisp aesthetic, guests will revel in a beachfront Mediterranean restaurant, spa and outdoor wellness and fitness centre.
Posted: 2 June 2022
7Pines Resort is a new property in Sardinia opening in July 2022
Surrounded by 15 hectares of nature reserve and secluded beaches on the very beautiful north coast of Sardinia. Comprising of 76 rooms and suites and boasting its own private beach, educational Kids' Club, a Pure Seven Spa and a whopping seven dining options, with unpretentious Sardinian cuisine headed up by Michelin-starred chef Tohru Nakamura, 7 Pines Resort Sardinia really does have it all and promises to be an exceptional luxury beachfront resort overlooking the archipelago of La Maddalena, and just a stone's throw from the sparkling Costa Smeralda.
Days here can be spent exploring the coastline, dotted with fishing villages, castles and archaeological sites dating back to the Medieval period, while there is an exclusive fleet of luxury yachts for those wishing to explore the magnificent turquoise lagoons and deserted beaches of La Maddalena archipelago.
Posted: 31 May 2022
The Hayjack is a new romantic getaway in Suffolk
Rural, rustic and romantic on the edge of a woodland with far reaching park views, Hayjack is a hidden hilltop gem. It has its own sauna and steam rooms and a private natural swimming lake with its own jetty, rowing boat and paddle board. This is perfect for couples wanting to escape from it all and be in their own little bubble.
Hayjack is part of Suffolk's Wilderness Reserve, nestled cosily into a beautiful corner of East Anglia, with glorious outdoor spaces, a rich variety of activities, and impressively luxurious accommodation. Situated on a remarkable 5,000 acres of parkland, the estate spans three valleys of restored, native woodland, lakes, and wetland.
Posted: 26 May 2022
Find mindfulness through creativity in Rutland
'Mindfulness' has become a buzzword lately – and for good reason. After the challenges of the last couple of years, lots of us have realised the importance of looking after our mental health. And while stress awareness month might be over, mindfulness can play a big part in maintaining physical and emotional wellbeing all year round and Rutland is the perfect place to put it into practice.
With a host of quality food and drink, beautiful countryside and Rutland Water, England's smallest county has a lot to offer in terms of being able to fully focus on what you are doing in the moment and forget all the 'white noise' in your head. One good way to do this is through creativity. Having a creative 'anchor' to hold onto when you first start making time for mindfulness can be really helpful.
Here we round up some of the best ways to get creative on a visit to Rutland:
Posted: 24 May 2022
Belfast’s Grand Central Hotel Awarded Five-Star Rating
Hastings Hotels is delighted to announce that the Grand Central Hotel Belfast has been awarded a five-star rating by the AA.
The hotel has been praised for its "5-star service delivered by a friendly and engaging team."
To celebrate this huge milestone for the hotel, Hastings Hotels has launched two luxury new packages for all of their guests staying at The Grand Central Hotel Belfast.
The Grand Central Hotel Belfast (www.hastingshotels.com/grand-central/; 028 9047 1066) offers rooms from £200 based on two people sharing a double room on a B&B basis.
Posted: 19 May 2022
The Gainsborough Bath Spa's Townhouse offers couples exclusive access to The Cross Bath
YTL Hotels' The Gainsborough Bath Spa in Somerset offers couples the chance to stay at The Townhouse, an elegant Georgian property that combines the space of a private home with the luxury services of the five-star hotel and its world-class team. The Townhouse experience also offers newlyweds unrivalled privacy and exclusive access to The Cross Bath, an intimate, open-air bath where they can bathe in the city's famed natural thermal waters in complete privacy.
Adjacent to The Gainsborough Bath Spa, The Townhouse offers peaceful and private accommodation spread over four floors. Loved ones can honeymoon in complete luxury, taking advantage of all facilities at The Gainsborough Bath Spa and private access to the historic Cross Bath, reserved solely for the use of Townhouse guests. Standing separately to the hotel's Spa Village, The Cross Bath is an official sacred site where Celts once revered their Goddess Sulis, in whose honour the Romans named the spa town, Aquae Sulis. Today, it offers an exclusive oval oasis where guests can enjoy natural thermal waters cascading from the spring and specially commissioned poolside fountain in complete privacy.
Posted: 17 May 2022
Rich in culture: Your perfect honeymoon in Switzerland
Opening this spring in the heart of Geneva's old town, the Ruby Claire hotel promises to care for their guests no matter what the intentions of your trip.
If you want to make the most of your travels and see everything Geneva has to offer, The Ruby Claire is in a prime position for you to do so. The hotel is located right in the city centre, you can explore your surroundings and reach all the city's major sights and attractions on foot, as well as Lake Geneva.
Posted: 16 May 2022
Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali offers a range of wellbeing programmes perfect for a relaxing getaway
Situated in the tranquil, coastal area of northeast Bali, Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali is an intimate spa resort, which provides the perfect holistic retreat to de-stress and recharge. Promising an experience that honours the healing cultures of the region and providing an individual and authentic encounter with Bali, the health and wellbeing programmes introduce guests to healthy, sustainable life practices, tools and strategies to enhance health and wellbeing long after they leave.
During the retreat, guests will have the opportunity to explore the importance of wellbeing through the integration of healthy, wholefood cuisine, rejuvenating spa treatments, movement, mindfulness, hands-on wellness workshops and natural health practices.
Posted: 12 May 2022
Honeymoon on a private island in Malaysia
Pangkor Laut Resort in Malaysia is a one-of-a-kind private island resort nestled comfortably into its jungle island habitat. Offering guests beautifully appointed luxury accommodation set high amidst the hills, nestled within lush gardens or resting on stilts above the tropical waters surrounding the island.
Set along the Straits of Malacca, three miles off the West Coast of Malaysia, only a fraction of the 300-acre island has been developed to house this peaceful luxury resort and its estates. Resting beneath the shade of forest giants, this island is not only home to one of the world's premier resorts but also to a variety of wildlife. Long-tailed macaques and oriental pied hornbills perch in the branches above while white-bellied sea eagles soar overhead and large monitor lizards sunbathe on the island's rocky outcrops.
Posted: 10 May 2022
Hillside Beach Club: What’s on?
Hillside Beach Club, the luxury resort in Fethiye on Turkey's turquoise coast, has officially reopened for the summer season - opening it's doors on the 9th April - with a calendar of experiences and events for every age.
Hillside Beach Club welcomes guests back with exciting events from the British Film Institute, floating classical music concerts and dedicated wellbeing weeks.
If you're travelling there this summer here's what you can look forward to. Alternatively, if something here sparks your interest - book your getaway now.
Posted: 9 May 2022
Enjoy the ultimate ski-moon at Higashiyama Niseko Village in Japan
Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, made its highly-anticipated debut in YTL Hotels' Niseko Village, Hokkaido, on 15th December, 2020, as the winter season unfolds in Japan.
The first Ritz-Carlton Reserve to grace Japan, the 50-room resort resides at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri in Niseko Village with panoramic views of Mount Yotei and the surrounding mountain ranges. This exciting new opening will offer a world-class gateway to Niseko's adventurous mountains with 2,191 acres of skiable terrain and access to extensive backcountry skiing, and gastronomy, culture and traditions through its collection of authentic experiences year-round.
Posted: 5 May 2022
Honeymoon in an ancient palace at Palazzo Ducale Venturi in Puglia
Situated in a picturesque Apulian Borgo in Salento, in the southern end of charming Puglia in Italy, Palazzo Ducale Venturi is a luxury five-star boutique hotel in a restored aristocratic palace from the 16th century. The palace has been carefully restored to offer 20 refurbished bedrooms, a restaurant, one indoor and one outdoor pool, luxury spa and Puglia's first Cryotherapy chamber, alongside a wealth of experiences to enjoy Apulian traditions and explore the local area with you loved one.
Located in the quaint village of Minervino di Lecce, Palazzo Ducale Venturi boasts two outdoor spaces, the main green garden, and a secret citrus grove; perfect for private, romantic dinners. The main garden is accessed through a rose garden, which overlooks the outdoor saltwater swimming pool, as well as the pool bar and the old armoury, recently restored to house the gym, wellbeing area and four majestic suites with floor length windows for couples to enjoy the magical Apulian sun.
Posted: 3 May 2022
A thrill-seeker’s paradise: Elivi Skiathos
Reopening for the season this May, ELIVI Skiathos invites guests to experience more with their stay with tailor-made activities for an unforgettable holiday.
From hiking through the national park and forest, to cycling or horse riding through the olive groves and pine forests, to numerous watersports including swim safaris, guided snorkelling and scuba diving – there is something for everyone to enjoy, not matter what your passion.
ELIVI invites guests to live every day to the fullest, to open their eyes to new horizons and seize every pleasure there is.
Posted: 2 May 2022
Get married at Monkey Island Estate or The Glasshouse and honeymoon for free with YTL Hotels
Couples who host their wedding celebrations at The Glasshouse in Edinburgh or Monkey Island Estate in Bray, will be treated to a complimentary honeymoon at their choice of YTL Hotels' four flagship properties in Bali and Malaysia.
Couples booking vibrant city weddings over £10k at The Glasshouse and those opting for a traditional British country wedding of over £35k at Monkey Island Estate in Bray, will receive a complimentary seven-night honeymoon. Those who tie the knot at idyllic Monkey Island Estate will also receive a generous (500 MYR) daily resort credit to be used towards their choice of gourmet dining, tranquil spa village or selected activities in their chosen destination.
Posted: 28 April 2022
Relax in a haven of peace and tranquillity this summer at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian provides the perfect destination for making the most of the city and indulging in the total serenity of the new Waldorf Astoria Spa.
The spa has undergone a wellness overhaul. The treatments available have evolved beyond your typical R & R and now focus on sincere wellbeing.
Guests can indulge in a range of beauty and wellness treatments from the hotel's new partnerships: 111SKIN and Ground Wellbeing, each designed to offer a rejuvenating experience.
Posted: 28 April 2022
Pet Friendly Villas: Invite your furry friends on your honeymoon
As more couples up and down the country are opting to bring their furry friends along with them on their honeymoon, Sicilian villa company, Villatravellers is announcing its new collection of dog-friendly properties in South Italy.
Robert Sortino, Founder and Managing Director of Villatravellers, comments, "During the pandemic, many couples added a new pet to their household. We at Villatravellers feel it is important to adapt our offering to keep up with the rise in demand and changing needs of holidaymakers. We are proud to announce our new collection of dog-friendly villas, with incredible locations featuring plenty of outdoor space, dog friendly beaches and walking paths."
Posted: 26 April 2022
Holiday like a King; Sicilian prince’s farmhouse transformed into luxury resort
Welcoming guests for its first full season, Il San Corrado di Noto is now open. A former fortified farmhouse and once the home of Prince Nicolaci, Il San Corradi Di Noto is the first boutique resort of its kind.
Situated in the enchanting Val di Noto and surrounded by stunning citrus and olive groves and breath-taking views, the resort is the perfect destination to recharge after a stressful wedding planning period and experience genuine Italian hospitality with authenticity at its heart.
Nestled in the east-Sicilian countryside just outside of the historic town of Noto, Il San Corrado di Noto has been converted into an idyllic retreat, following a three-year transformation.
Posted: 22 April 2022
Experience fun family safaris with Wilderness Safaris
Wilderness' Safaris has created a selection of impactful family safaris, with every booking contributing USD20 to its non-profit partner, Children in the Wilderness' educational programmes, enriching the lives of rural children in its areas of operation.
Recognising the importance of nurturing future conservationists, Wilderness offers extraordinary adventures customised for all generations, bringing families together to reconnect with each other and nature, in some of the most pristine natural areas in the world.
Wilderness Safaris specialises in family-first experiences that are safe, educational and enriching. "We've got every family member covered, from granddad to grandchildren, with action-packed itineraries, endless options for every mood, and all-included logistics. It's the perfect first adventure for children, and the ideal way to tune in and reconnect with all generations," says chief commercial officer, Hadley Allen.
Posted: 21 April 2022
Crillon Le Brave is offering a refreshed culinary experience
Reopening for the season on 22nd April, Maisons Pariente's Hotel Crillon le Brave has introduced Tata Harper at its new spa partner, a new children's amenity partner as well as a refreshed culinary offering. Head chef Adrien Brunet will be presenting new menus with locally-sourced delicacies across two restaurants, inviting guests on a gourmet journey through Provence.
This splendid five-star hideaway invites friends and families to enjoy the best of Provence and a slower pace of life. From exquisite dining and sublime spa treatments to new hotel management and a children's amenity partner with a personalised touch.
Posted: 19 April 2022
Luxury Family Hotels announces investment in Moonfleet Manor, Dorset
Luxury Family Hotels has announced an investment for Moonfleet Manor, the group's Dorset-based hotel located on the Jurassic Coast. The multi-million-pound investment project will see the refurbishment of the guest bedrooms located within the classic Georgian manor house, offering spectacular views of Chesil Beach. All Coach Houses will also be upgraded to include three luxurious bedrooms per accommodation, each featuring a king-sized master bedroom and two twin bedrooms. The property will also unveil an updated lounge and a new, fully accessible room. Designed by award-winning interiors experts Studio Jill, the bedrooms will feature luxurious four-poster beds, new bathrooms and a colour palette inspired by the hotel's unique location on Chesil Beach.
Posted: 14 April 2022
