Perfect for exploring the cobbled streets, traditional pubs and culture scene of Ireland's eclectic and pretty capital, the four-star Ashling Hotel is located just outside the centre of Dublin, overlooking the River Liffey. It's right beside the National Museum of Ireland and practically has Dublin Zoo as its back garden. Interiors are sleek and contemporary with plush purple sofas and velvet armchairs in the lobby and gleaming tiled floors. The chic brasserie serves a range of delicious local and international dishes. There's also a bar where you can curl up with a glass of chilled champagne. Our offer includes accommodation in a Superior room with a full Irish breakfast included. Bedrooms are bright and cosy with floor-to ceiling windows offering views of the surroundings…. more
Kitley House Hotel is a historic hotel and award-winning restaurant set in a private rural estate on the banks of the River Yealm in South Devon. Kitley House is also ideally located for those keen to venture beyond the extensive woodland and trout lake in the hotel's grounds, with easy access to Plymouth, the rest of Devon and further afield in the south west. Kitley House encapsulates quiet luxury, providing the highest standards in comfort, cuisine and personal service – ensuring guests are able to unwind and relax in the beautiful surroundings. A sweeping staircase leads up to 19 spacious bedrooms and suites, which are richly appointed with furnishings designed to reflect the traditional elegance of the house, while incorporating all modern facilities. Each room has panoramic views over the estate.Our offers include accommodation in a Standard room or a State room. Both room types include a hearty Devon breakfast and both include the option of adding a two-course dinner…. more
Down Hall Hotel is one of England's most established country house hotels. Dating back to 1322, this historic Italianate mansion is set in beautiful grounds and is perfect for those looking for a country get-away. The hotel's classic interiors, ornate ceilings and abundance of natural daylight make for a splendid change from everyday life.You may fancy a wander around the 110 acres of surrounding woodland, parkland and landscaped gardens, or sample traditional afternoon tea in front of a roaring log fire. You can also take a leisurely lunch or dinner in The Grill Room restaurant, which serves modern dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from Down Hall's own vegetable garden.One thing to bear in mind with Down Hall; you'd stay here for the extensive grounds, the history, the drama and grandeur of the building, good old British dining and the peace and quiet. These are all offered up in droves, but you should know the hotel hasn't been re-modernised to a swish boutique standard. The decor is archetypal of a classic country house – think heavy drapes, traditional furnishings and a mish-mash of floral prints. This all adds to the olde-worlde eccentric English charm, but it may not appeal if computerised lighting systems and minimalist interiors are your thing.If you're looking for a weekend escape from the capital, Down Hall is ideally located just 45 minutes from central London, but with such a peaceful setting, you'd think you were a million miles away. For information on what's included, take a look at the offer details below.Good to know The pool and sauna will be closed until July 2014 due to refurbishment…. more
The Crown at Stoke-by-Nayland is the perfect boutique countryside retreat. Set in a historic village in the depths of Suffolk, this private and cosy village inn began life as a superb gastro pub and then in 2008, it gained 11 gorgeous bedrooms. Dining at The Crown is a treat – it boasts an AA Rosette-rated restaurant and a stellar reputation for delicious food and excellent service. Comments from TripAdvisor such as "The food was to die for and beautifully cooked" and "Honestly, one of the best gastro pubs I've eaten in, just superb" should give you a pretty good idea of the culinary experience on offer here. The home-cooked dishes are a true delight for the taste buds.With a superb restaurant, a stunning countryside setting and luxurious interior design with an impressive amount of mod-cons; this would make a perfect weekend break for foodies, romantics and ramblers alike. To find out what's included, please see the offer details below…. more
Here's a lovely conundrum: a week cruising around the stunning Turkish coastline on a traditional gulet, or a holiday at a five-star, all-inclusive beach resort? Choose between three equally dreamy escapes, or combine both for a luxury two-part holiday in the Mediterranean, with flights and transfers included.On land, the upscale Hotel Aqua – a TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice 2013 winner for two categories – caters to languid breaks by Icmeler Bay in Dalaman. Shaded by palms, the resort boasts a spa and Turkish bath, plus lagoon-style swimming pools surrounded by tropical gardens. The all-inclusive concept covers locally-produced alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, use of the spa facilities, live entertainment, plus sunbeds, umbrellas, mattresses and a towel service at the pool and beach.The full-board gulet cruise departs from Marmaris, taking in secluded coves, unspoiled bays and picturesque islands with each day's sailing itinerary. Lounge on sun mattresses on the upper deck, dine al fresco on fresh salads and plunge into the clear waters after sunrise for an early morning snorkelling session. If you choose the seven or 14-night holiday at Hotel Aqua, you'll be staying in a Standard room on an all-inclusive basis. This means you'll be covered for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and local soft and alcoholic drinks. If you choose the seven-night gulet cruise, you'll be staying on a full-board basis, which means that breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Finally if you choose to combine the two, you'll spend seven nights at the Hotel Aqua in a Standard room on an all-inclusive basis and seven nights on the gulet cruise on a full-board basis. Every offer includes return flights and airport transfers.The destinations that you visit on the gulet cruise may vary slightly according to the sailing conditions, but here's a glimpse of what it will look like:Day one: MarmarisDay two: EkincikDay three: Disibilmez, Tersane Island and ZizildaDay four: FethiyeDay five: Gocek islands and Yassica islandsDay six: Bedri Rahmi Bay, Sarsal and Aga LimaniDay seven: Kadirga Bay, Paradise Island and MarmarisDay eight: DisembarkGood to knowThe full-board gulet cruise includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, but not drinks – these are payable on the day you disembark. Please also note that credit cards are not accepted on board and if possible, it will be easier to bring a holdall on to the gulet than a suitcase…. more
Hugging the easternmost tip of the Indochina Peninsula, Vietnam boasts miles of shock-white coastline and some of the most phenomenal scenery on the planet. The picture of conical hats bobbing through paddy fields and sailing boats gliding past mystical islets is accurate – this is a country that will put your imagination in a spin.Your 13-night journey begins with three nights in the country's capital – Hanoi, a city that displays a stunning crossover of Sino Vietnamese and French colonial influences. You'll be staying in the heart of the Old City in the four star boutique Silk Path Hotel, where you'll spend three nights enjoying traditional accommodation, delicious Asian cuisine and exploring the palaces, temples and colonial boulevards of this fascinating and thriving city. Next you'll head to the coast at Hoi An, where you'll spend seven nights in traditional Vietnamese dwellings with instant beach access and a lush rainforest backdrop. Plunge in to Hoi An’s holy trinity – bespoke tailoring, Vietnamese art and delicious Cao Lau pork noodles. You'll end your trip in Ho Chi Minh City INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (formerly Saigon); Vietnam's historic capital where you'll spend three nights exploring the romantic Colonial architecture, boutique-lined boulevards and hip French-inspired dining scene.Our 13-night offer includes all accommodation, with three nights in a Deluxe room at the Silk Path Hotel in Hanoi, seven nights at the Boutique Hoi An in a Superior room, and three nights at the Liberty Central Saigon in a Deluxe room. Breakfast is included throughout and we’ve also included return Malaysia Airlines flights from London Heathrow INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (via Kuala Lumpur); internal flights and private transfers.Good to knowA visa is required prior to travel. Both your outbound and inbound flights are overnight, so please bear this in mind when planning the time you'll be away for…. more
Young, rich and beautiful – this relative newcomer is creating a stir in Rhodes. Known as The Kresten Royal Villas & Spa, it's an exclusive five-star retreat that oozes glamour, and boasts an enviable oceanfront location on the northern tip of the island. On arrival, the first indication of unbridled luxury is the enormous entrance, with its opulent glass chandelier creating a beautiful central focus. Or perhaps it's the three fabulous outdoor pools, framed by chic white parasols and native palms. Either way – the aim here is to spoil you, and with a gourmet restaurant, Mediterranean spa and ultra-spacious suites, they certainly succeed.Good to knowYour inbound flight may be overnight, so do allow for this when booking time away from work…. more
Halliwell House offers just five, large guest bedrooms set in an 1899 period building, surrounded by one and half acres of private land. Originally built by Kendal Milne – owner of the iconic Manchester department store – Halliwell House is a true slice of the area's history and has recently undergone extensive modernisation, sympathetic to its rich past.Amongst the original features, that would have witnessed the war-time meetings that Winston Churchill held here, are an impressive grand oak staircase and period-style stain glass windows. The period panelling of the drawing room and the grandeur of the private dining room all add to the stately, traditional feeling of this opulent residence. Situated near the tranquil village of Hale, you can spend an afternoon exploring the intricate Victorian passages of the village or discover the surrounding area with an amble across the ancient cross-country tracks that snake through the area. Spend a well-deserved night in with a game of pool in Halliwell House's games room and enjoy a night cap in the drawing room before bed…. more
Spend seven nights exploring the ancient, birthplace of civilisation, as you skim the waters of the River Nile on board the sleek MS Mayfair – a cruise ship with luxuries enough to satisfy a Pharaoh.You'll begin and end your journey in Luxor, a city built on the site of Ancient Thebes, where you'll visit the Valley of the Kings and the towering and Colossi of Memnon. You'll spend a night in Esna, visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu and spend three nights in Aswan, a beautiful city with thriving markets and tiny palm-fringed islands speckling the water.Between cities you'll have plenty of time to laze on the sundeck and spot the villages and towns as you pass them by. The ship is built to impress with a full-service restaurant and bar, luxury cabins with panoramic views and an outdoor pool…. more
The modern Chryssana Beach Hotel is a stunning beach destination on the Northern coast of Crete, just outside the historic city of Chania. Set in a flourishing garden, next to a secluded beach, this is a place to come for that coveted commodity – peace and quiet.The hotel gives you the chance to set your own holiday pace. You could have long hedonistic days by the pool, book a massage, head to the beach with a good book, or, get your pulse racing with some water sports, go hiking, fishing or visit the Venetian harbour at Chania. The hotel restaurant serves traditional, fresh Mediterranean cuisine and there's also a bar serving drinks throughout the day.Good to knowTo get from the airport to the hotel and to make the most out of exploring the island – you might want to look into hiring a car for your stay.Spa treatments should be booked on arrival at the hotel…. more
