What’s New In Travel This Season
The Cycling Experience:
Sir Chris Hoy x Gleneagles
Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy has teamed up with luxury Perthshire hotel Gleneagles for two ‘Perthshire Peloton’ weekends next year. On each one, a small group of guests will be welcomed to the hotel by Chris himself, before a leisurely 55km cycle along the picturesque roads, taking in Drummond Castle and other sites. Afterwards, there will be a barbecue in the Shooting Lodge, followed by a hearty Scottish breakfast the following morning. Day two includes a 115km ride through the Perthshire countryside with Chris, followed by lunch and a ride back home to use the hotel’s world-class facilities including its spa. There’s also a private dinner and a ride the following day around the local roads. One final lunch will round off the experience.
The package starts from £2,995 pppn; 26th-28th April & 13th-15th September 2024
Visit Gleneagles.com
The Foodie Stay:
Loire Valley Lodges
The Loire Valley Lodges are near south Tours in France. Easily reached via a two-hour train journey from Paris, there are 18 of them on a private property surrounded by a 300-hectare forest. Each one has been designed by contemporary artists with original artwork – all have forest views and some have private jacuzzis on the terrace. They’re hosting a series of foodie events over autumn, kicking off with a month-long residency from Thomas Coupeau, who made a name for himself at Paris’s Carbón. Diners can enjoy meals at the property’s newly opened second restaurant, Asperatus, and watch Coupeau cook over fire in the courtyard, using local ingredients and produce from the estate.
Until 27th September
Visit LoireValleyLodges.com
The Big Opening:
Bulgari Hotel Roma
A long weekend in Rome is always a good idea, but the city is especially buzzy right now thanks to a string of luxury hotels that have modernised its otherwise traditional offering. The latest name to arrive is Bulgari Hotel Roma, the hotel group’s ninth outpost and second in Italy. Set in the historic Piazza Augusto Imperatore in the Campo Marzio neighbourhood, it’s close to the Spanish Steps. There are 114 rooms and suites, showcasing classic Italian design with marble bathrooms and Murano lights. Six restaurants and bars include a Roman-inspired rooftop terrace – there’s also a spa with marble columns. A string of A-listers have already been spotted here so you’ll be in good company.
Visit BulgariHotels.com
The Bucket List Trip:
The Slow Cyclist’s South Africa Tour
The Slow Cyclist specialises in small-group cycling and walking holidays around the world. The team has created a new eight-day cycling tour along South Africa’s Western Cape, taking place next spring. Travellers are provided with e-bikes and all the equipment they need for a trip off the beaten track. The route goes north to south from the mountains and hills of the Klein Karoo to the Indian Ocean – with lots of wildlife along the way. There will be plenty of time for other pursuits, like walking, wild swimming, and sampling local cuisine at recommended restaurants. The itinerary is suitable for all cyclists, even beginners, and the package includes group airport transfers, a support vehicle with luggage storage, seven nights’ accommodation and all food and drink.
From £3,945pp; 1st-8th March 2024
Visit TheSlowCyclist.co.uk
MR TRIPPER
The Coastal Hotel:
Le Regina Experimental, Biarritz
Biarritz is the cool coastal resort where the French holiday in summer. On the southwestern coast, ‘little Paris by the sea’ offers glamorous villas, heritage-listed buildings and sandy beaches. Right now we’d check into the newly opened Regina Biarritz by Experimental Group, which has the brand’s signature interiors across its 72 rooms. The building has art deco features and details inspired by coastal Atlantic holiday homes. Guests can dine at the brasserie, Frenchie Biarritz, enjoy drinks in the light-filled atrium, relax at the spa and take a dip in the outdoor pool. Its sister property next door, Le Garage, is a good option for a longer trip.
Visit ReginaExperimental.com
The Luggage:
Carl Friedrik’s All-Black Collection
We rate Carl Friedrik for its sleek and durable luggage, and now we’re taken with its all-black collection. Made from the brand's signature lightweight shell with an aluminium frame, the Carry-On Pro has a laptop compartment and front pocket or there’s the Large Check-In for longer trips. Both have black Italian leather trims and clever inside storage compartments for your essentials, including compression straps to help you maximise space. The next drop will include other luggage pieces in the all-black colour.
Visit CarlFriedrik.com
The Beach Club
Marinella at Borgo Santandrea
September and October are two of the best months to visit the Amalfi Coast – temperatures are still warm, but the hotels and restaurants aren’t so busy. The small fishing village of Conca dei Marini is home to the Borgo Santandrea hotel which has opened a beach club called Marinella. One of the few clubs with private beach access along the Amalfi Coast, it has its own dock for guests to arrive by boat, as well as a restaurant serving Italian classics like spaghetti vongole and pizzas with zucchini cream and fior di latte. Guests can stay late into the evening to see DJs take to the decks – we like the sound of the 60s-inspired night.
Visit BorgoSantandrea.it
The Coffee Table Book:
Slim Aarons: The Essential Collection
Tapping into the cultural zeitgeist, Slim Aarons’s photographs are synonymous with the style and glamour of the 70s. Showcasing some of the world’s most iconic locations, his pictures record the lifestyles, fashion, interiors and architecture of their moment. This new book is the ultimate collection of his work, featuring over 100 previously unpublished images. It explores his field work as an army photographer before time spent with the rich and famous in Hollywood and Rome.
Released on 12th October
Visit Amazon.co.uk
The Safari:
Serengeti Balloon Safaris x Aardvark Safaris
Serengeti Balloon Safaris is the oldest hot air balloon safari company in Tanzania, having flown over 250,000 guests over 30 years. The company has teamed up with safari specialist Aardvark for a trip across the Serengeti. The six-day safari will take place from 1st to 7th November this year and includes four nights fly-camping under the night skies in cocoon tents. Each morning, guests will be flown by hot air balloon to a brand-new wilderness spot to explore and discover the area through walking safaris and traditional wildlife drives, escorted by guides each step of the way. You can also get hands on with the de-snaring team from Frankfurt Zoological Society, explore the cheetah area of the Gol Kopjes, and see the eastern shores of Lake Victoria from the skies.
From £7,995pp, based on two sharing.
Visit AardvarkSafaris.com
The Loyalty Scheme:
Dis-loyalty by Ennismore
Ennismore is the hospitality group behind hotel brands like The Hoxton, Mama Shelter, Mondrian and 25hours Hotels. It’s launched a ‘Dis-loyalty’ programme which has five main benefits for members: 50% off new hotels in the first three months after opening; 20% off every first-time stay in every hotel; 10% off return stays; 10% off food and drink in restaurants, bars or coffee shops; and 365 free barista-made drinks – one for each day of the year. Membership costs €15 per month, with 5% of membership subscription revenues donated to charity.
Visit Dis-Loyalty.com
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