Honeymoon and travel ideas for Bristol and Somerset couples

The newly-opened Gatsby Athens Hotel brings a new lease of life to a previously derelict building

The newly-opened Gatsby Athens Hotel brings a new lease of life and avant-garde design to a previously derelict building in the historical centre of Athens. Adding a renewed energy to the Greek capital, this contemporary boutique hotel balances sophisticated design and personalised, attentive service with exciting food, beverage and entertainment offerings.

First opening in Autumn 2021, Gatsby Athens Hotel has become Athens' premium gathering place. The all-day restaurant is the main social hub of the hotel, and the rooftop garden offers a casual-cool vibe, welcoming couples to dine with stunning panoramic views and a glimpse of the Acropolis.

Looking for a honeymoon destination this winter? Check out these romantic ski destinations

If you're looking for a ski trip for your honeymoon, it can be difficult trying to choose a destination, however, being spoiled for choice isn't always a bad thing. Jane Bolton, MD of Erna Low, tells us about romantic resorts from flagship ski nations that are perfect for couples that want to swap swimsuits for snowsuits.

French ski resorts have much to recommend them, from the plethora of Michelin-rated restaurants in Courchevel to the relaxed and inclusive après scene in Val Thorens and the beautiful buildings and chic cocktail bars of Chamonix.

However, Morzine is also a fab choice with its friendly ambience, authentic Alpine architecture, tree-lined ski runs and convenient location just 30 minutes' drive from Geneva. There's diverse skiing available in the wider Portes du Soleil ski area, and the scenery is breathtaking in this beautiful location in the Haut Chablais mountains between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva.

New hotels expected to open in 2023

Faern, a collection of alpine resorts in Switzerland are set to open two new properties; Faern Arosa Altein and Faern Crans-Montana Valaisia. Every guest will have the chance to explore both of the properties' various spellbinding elements including a variety of wellness concepts, destination food and beverage outlets and ski-in-ski-out access to the unbeatable Swiss slopes.

The brand name Faern has evolved from the German 'Feiern', meaning "to celebrate". Holistic health and wellbeing and enjoyment are pivotal to the brand's ethos where people come together to celebrate alpine living in a home away from home.

Fairmont Maldives has launched the Maldives’ first uber-luxury beach glamping experience

The five-star resort, Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi has launched the Maldives' first uber-luxury glamping experience offering all of the romantic ingredients for a perfect honeymoon. The new Beach Tented Villas, surrounded by lush tropical nature, pristine white sand and azure waters offer the special opportunity for newlyweds to reconnect with nature — without sacrificing the luxury of amenities and service.

Honeymooners can book the new Conscious Castaway experience, which transports couples to a retreat where nature is at the very heart of it. From storytelling around the campfire and stargazing on the beach to relaxing in-villa experiences and private beachfront barbecues, there is no better way to create lasting memories with a loved one.

Festive family breaks in the UK

As we settle into darker nights, it's hard for the mind not to wander to Christmas. Whether you're looking for a pre-wedding getaway or a family-moon, we've put together some UK properties that are ideal for a festive family getaway.

Wisteria Cottage is a late 18th-century thatched cottage set in a small hamlet on the edge of a picturesque Wiltshire village. Nestled between Salisbury Plain and the Vale of Pewsey, this is a perfect location from which to explore the tranquil surroundings of the North Wessex Downs.

Six Senses is set to open its first Sub-Saharan African property

Six Senses Victoria Falls is Six Senses' latest project, which will front Princess Elizabeth Island on the approach to the largest waterfall in the world. The partially concealed, tree-level lodges at Six Senses Victoria Falls will be ecological, tactile, and understated to provide a bird's eye platform for what's most important, an authentic connection with the verdant nature and wildlife all around.

The resort is part of The House of Chinhara initiative to recover the majesty of Zimbabwean tourism by elevating the available accommodation count and quality for visitors to the Victoria Falls National Park, as well as providing host accommodation facilities and hospitality training opportunities. Victoria Falls comprises five individual falls, four of which are located in Zimbabwe. Of course, the animals know no borders, and elephants, pods of hippos, buffalo, big cats, and primates will be doing their thing under the lodges.

SOUL Festival to debut in the Maldives in September 2023

Pioneering hospitality brand Soneva and international wellness enterprise ORGANIC INDIA have partnered to launch the first-ever SOUL Festival in the Maldives. Taking place from 29th September to 8th October, 2023, the health and wellbeing-focused festival will be held at the award-winning luxury resort Soneva Fushi, located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Over the course of 10 days and two weekends, the intimate festival retreat invites guests from across the world to explore wellness in all its forms, from personal to planetary.

A life-enriching festival with a purpose, SOUL offers guests a verdant space to move, eat, explore and be creative, while celebrating ancient healing traditions and modern innovations that benefit individuals, communities, and the planet. Each weekend, the festival will include a diverse programme of panel discussions with globally acclaimed health and wellness leaders, interspersed with group yoga and meditation classes, healing rituals, live music performances, and barefoot gala celebrations on the sand.

Stunning mini-moon destinations in Italy

Perfect for a short break, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is just an hour's drive from Naples. This 188-year-old hotel sits on the clifftops of the Amalfi coastline and was built on the ancient foundations of a villa designed for Emperor Augustus. Popular among the stars, the hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant with breathtaking views over the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius, a gorgeous boutique spa and fascinating history. Guests can swim in the Mediterranean sunshine, sail around the Le Galli islands where the Sirens tempted Ulysses, lunch at 'Mariagrazia' a secret Italian hideout at Marina del Cantone and stop off to bathe in the thermal springs of Ischia, the island of artists.

Sorrento is one of Italy's most famous resort towns. The centre of the city is Piazza Tasso, which is full of energy and people at all hours. Corso Italia is lined with cafes, restaurants and shops, but the entire historic centre has life, sights and eateries tucked away in the side streets.

The Greek Villas has extended its summer season

The Greek Villas, a luxury rental agency which has more than 650 properties in its portfolio across 34 destinations, is witnessing an extended summer season reaching into 2023.

Greece proved to be a popular destination for UK travellers throughout the summer of 2022, and it's no wonder why with its exquisite beaches, dramatic coastlines and sensational Mediterranean cuisine. The Greek Villa's bookings have continued to soar into the autumn, particularly in popular destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu.

Enjoy autumn in Provence at Crillon Le Brave with an extended summer season

This autumn, Maisons Pariente's stunning five-star property Hotel Crillon Le Brave is welcoming guests to Provence with an extended open season until 7th November with exceptional new packages designed to make the most of its new extended season. From wellness retreats in the foothills of the majestic Mont Ventoux, a cycling holiday through the vineyards and lavender fields of Provence, to a special enchanted autumnal Halloween getaway or a romantic stay complete with tandem bicycle and a picnic in the hills, at Crillon Le Brave there is something for everyone this autumn.

Fabulous properties to visit this Christmas

The Runnymede on Thames in Surrey, just 10 minutes from the twinkling lights of Windsor, is a modern four-star hotel with a relaxed atmosphere – a perfect place for a getaway! The Runnymede has unveiled a whole host of tempting seasonal offers for the months ahead, from an autumnal afternoon tea to a new spa package.

Inside, you'll find the riverside buffet, Leftbank, as well as the Lounge – a perfect spot to nestle by the toasty fire. Elsewhere, there's the award-winning spa, with a range of ESPA and Guinot treatments. And even better, you can treat yourself to an early Christmas present with Runnymede's Winter Spa Escape Package which will run between November and February and includes a range of 45-minute spa treatments.

Baros Maldives celebrates a decade of being named the ‘Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort’

A decade on, the private Maldivian-owned boutique island resort of Baros Maldives has been awarded the title of 'The Indian Ocean's Most Romantic Resort' for the 10th consecutive year at the annual World Travel Awards 2022. For nearly 50 years, the iconic resort has offered excellent service, complete privacy and opulent island living for it's guests and is a paradise for those couples on honeymoon, looking to celebrate an anniversary or simply enjoy a special retreat.

The resort manager of Baros, Ibrahim Shijah, expressed his thanks on behalf of all those associated with Baros, saying: 'It's an honour and privilege to deliver magical moments to our beloved guests and to be recognised as the most romantic destination in the Indian Ocean for the 10th consecutive year. We are determined to deliver enchanting romance and intimacy on Baros and continuously seek to create the most extraordinary romantic moments. With new offers and experiences, we are looking to take the romance at Baros to a new height and deliver our guests the ultimate romantic escape'.

Introducing the private reserve at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is proud to introduce its most luxurious and secluded residence, The Private Reserve. Featuring four bedrooms, an open-air cinema, gym, spa, 21m infinity pool and a waterslide straight into the lagoon, it is the largest standalone overwater villa in the world. Set across more than 1,700sqm the sprawling private reserve perches atop a turquoise lagoon 500 metres from the island and 300 metres from the nearest residence, ensuring utmost privacy and serenity.

The castaway experience begins as soon as guests step foot on the eco-chic island, when they are whisked away to their very own paradise by luxury yacht. A private boat remains at guests' disposal throughout their time at the reserve, though with a 24-hour "Mr/Mrs Friday" private butler service and all the amenities one could dream of, most residents never find the need to leave.

Bad Ragaz in Switzerland has been awarded a third Michelin Star for its renowned restaurant

One of Europe's leading Wellbeing & Medical Health Resorts has won its third Michelin star for its restaurant, Memories. Now with a total of six Michelin stars across its restaurants, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is becoming a culinary destination.

In addition to the third star for Memories, the fine dining restaurant also secured a Green Michelin star - an annual award which highlights restaurants at the forefront of the industry when it comes to their sustainable practices. The Michelin testers also confirmed the stars for the resort's other two restaurants, IGNIV by Andreas Caminada and verve by sven, which have two and one stars respectively.

Autumn escapes from under £100

With crisp and clear mornings, colourful autumnal scenes and cosy evenings to wrap-up warm for, October and November are truly some of the best times of the year to get away and take a bit of time out from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

It's also a great time to enjoy some of the country's best glamping and holiday park sites, with some brilliant deals available to couples or families.

Leading outdoor accommodation specialists Pitchup.com have highlighted six perfect places for an autumn break, catering for all budgets.

UK getaways perfect for Christmas

Whether you're craving a laid-back escape on the Cornish coast; a gastronomic, Michelin Star break in Devon; a quintessential Christmas in the Yorkshire Dales; a hotel sojourn with an award-winning spa in Sussex, or a special stay in a Shepherds Hut or a Treehouse in Staffordshire, below is a selection of some wonderful Christmas hotel offerings, each guaranteeing to ensure this festive season is the most memorable yet!

This Christmas enjoy a four-night, laidback luxury break at adult-only hotel and spa, Scarlet. Located on the Cornish clifftops of Mawgan Porth, Scarlet is a peaceful coastal escape and the perfect option for those looking for a slower pace this festive season.

The Spa of Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury is partnering with the luxury Swiss brand, Valmont

Living up to its reputation for excellence and timeless elegance, Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury has decided to combine expertise with Swiss expert, Valmont. This month, the Spa of this iconic landmark of the Indian Ocean has brought together the quintessence of two exceptional brands recognised for their high-quality standards since 1985.

This oasis of peaceful rejuvenation – where the beauty of the setting converges with a bounty of blissful services enhanced by expert therapists – has designed an exclusive treatment menu that highlights the benefits delivered by the Swiss brand. Structured around the butterfly motion, a sequence of signature application gestures, Valmont treatments guide the skin's metamorphosis to absolute beauty.

Celebrate the festive season at Hyatt Regency London

Tucked away on Portman Square in Marylebone, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill is the ultimate destination for an indulgent festive break. The hotel invites guests to celebrate the season with an enchanting array of decadent feasts, glittering cocktails and a spectacular New Year's Eve.

Guests can delight in specially curated menus at The Montagu Kitchen and expertly created cocktails at The Churchill Bar & Terrace. With enchanting decorations across the hotel to ensure the festive spirit is truly ignited, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill offers guests a truly magical celebration.

The hotel is perfectly located for all of London's major festive experiences, on the doorstep of the West End, moments from the vibrant shopping destinations of Regent Street and Bond Street and a short stroll from the chic boutiques of Marylebone Village. Hyde Park is perfect for those wishing to explore Christmas markets, and the iconic Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree is a sight to behold.

Discover luxury honeymoon packages with bespoke travel company SevenTravel

With normality finally settling around the world, one of the most missed out experience through the last few years have been weddings - more specifically honeymoons. As we are now able to travel (mostly) free of restrictions newly-weds are craving extraordinary honeymoons to make up for lost time and opportunity.

Luxury Travel company SevenTravel has designed a bespoke travel itinerary for newly-weds looking for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. They're armed with plenty of exclusive honeymoon destinations for every type of couple, whether it's a private hideaway in Mauritius or a mesmerising island bolthole somewhere really off-grid like a lesser-known Indonesian island, the most adventurous will enjoy their South African Safaris.

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort has announced a new wellness program

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, St Lucia, has announced a new wellness program. Known for its Mediterranean-style offerings, Windjammer Landing boasts guest rooms and villas with waterfront views overlooking Labrolette Bay and the Caribbean Sea. The wellness program includes Hummingbird Yoga, Detox, Immunity and Weight Loss Retreats, Complete Serenity Packages and Sunset Beach Picnics.

"Since the start of the pandemic, our guests have become more health-conscious and wellness-oriented, which has inspired us to reflect on how we deliver a meaningful practice," said Alex Danila, the director of spa and wellness.