FEB21

Just back from… Buenos Aires, Argentina

 
  • Posted by sarah
    February 21, 2012

    On the final leg of her trip through South America, Assistant Editor Abi uncovered some haunting history in Buenos Aires… 

    Recoleta 4

    Call me strange, but I enjoy pottering around graveyards on holiday.  They often provide welcome slices of tranquillity in busy cities, and normally hold an interesting story or two.

    I’ve seen some grand cemeteries on my travels (Père Lachaise and Montparnasse in Paris, Greyfriars in Edinburgh, wonderfully creepy Highgate in London), but none more so than Recoleta in Buenos Aires. The place to be buried in Argentina, it contains the graves of presidents, military generals, poets and playwrights, dictators and diplomats. Most visitors come to pay homage at the tomb of Evita (just follow the crowds and you’ll find it, normally covered in flowers and lipstick marks), but there’s much more to see.

    Recoleta 7

    The cemetery’s wide gravel avenues are lined with towering mausoleums which trace the architectural evolution of Buenos Aires itself, from Belle Epoque opulence to clean-lined Art Deco elegance.  Burial here is costly:  Recoleta stands in the city’s most exclusive neighbourhood, and families don’t skimp on building ornate tombs. Ghostly stone angels, saints and even lions watch over the dead, and the coffins on display through wrought-irons gates are decorated with starched lace and photos of the departed.

    Recoleta 1

    There are also forlorn, forgotten tombs, with yellowing fabric, broken glass and empty flower pots. And there are graves with eerie tales to tell, like that of Ruffina, a young girl mistakenly buried alive in the early 1900s. She awoke inside her casket several days later, but her screams failed to alert passers-by to her predicament, and her body was found with broken fingernails from her frantic attempts to escape. Today a statue of Ruffina stands by her tomb, watching visitors with mournful eyes.

    But the cemetery isn’t only home to the dead: it’s also populated by scores of feral cats, who purr around visitors’ legs and stretch out in the sun. Then there are the animal-lovers who feed them, and the parties of school children learning about the great, the good and the not-so-good of Argentine history. By the gates are touts, beggars, tango dancers putting on shows for tourists, and smartly-dressed porteños heading to the beautiful church of Pilar to pray and light candles.

    Pilar Church

    It’s a fascinating place – a mini cross-section of Argentine society – so if you’re in Buenos Aires stop by and spend a while exploring. Like me, you may find you’re still there several hours later.

    Abi stayed at the Krista Hotel in Palermo.

    Posted in Our Trips.... Tagged , ,
FEB16

10 Heavely Honeymoon Hotels

 
FEB12

Escape of the Week… klapsons – The Boutique Hotel

 
  • Posted by sarah
    February 12, 2012

    Crazy cool rules at this futuristic design hotel in Singapore. Conceived by leading Italian design house Sawaya & Moroni, this is their first foray into the Asian market. And what a freshman effort it is.
    klapsons - The Boutique Hotel Singapore City, Singapore

    Staying here is like sleeping inside a work of art, a hotel where cutting-edge design concepts meet class and comfort. Wood, glass, plush fabrics and plastics are expertly arranged to create a mod yet welcoming aesthetic. From the moment you walk into the lobby of klapsons and realize that the check-in desk is inside a giant silver sphere suspended above a small pool of water, you know you’re in for a different kind of lodging experience.
    klapsons - The Boutique Hotel Singapore City, Singapore

    This feeling is reinforced nearly everywhere you look: upright chairs that become recliners when tipped over, tables that seem to glow with their own inner light although they’re not plugged in, video screens in the ceiling of the elevator, and uniquely designed showers placed in the most unusual locations
    klapsons - The Boutique Hotel Singapore City, Singapore

    Rooms: Even though the overall vibe at klapsons is a bit 2001 A Space Odyssey, the 17 rooms and suites come off as cosy instead of cold. The Executive Rooms (the most basic) are generously sized and feature shower stalls that are either clear cylinders in the middle of the room, snail shell-shaped, or in-room open arches that offer the ability to set the LED lights to nearly any colour you fancy. From here, the rooms just get larger and grander. Oasis Rooms have small balconies, and you could easily host a rave in the Oasis and klapsons Suites, which feature massive bathrooms, super-kingsize beds, and Jacuzzis on outdoor decks. Each suite is very differently designed, with massive bathrooms divided down the middle by a “sink island” complete with gilded mirrors and modern, rectangular basins. All rooms include 42- to 50-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, Molton Brown toiletries, Sealy mattresses, a pillow menu, safes, DVD players, Nespresso coffee makers, free WiFi, daily local newspapers, bathrobes, Playstations on request, and all the bells and whistles you’d associate with a high-end property.
    klapsons - The Boutique Hotel Singapore City, Singapore

    Food: klapsons has a restaurant on site: The Sleeping Rhino. As with the rest of the hotel, the design here is striking. The space is relatively small, with seating for just 68 people indoors and a small sidewalk eating area that holds a further 28. The creative continental menu is a little pricey, and sometimes the quality of the food doesn’t quite match up. But sometimes it does, as in the case of our large, beautifully prepared rack of lamb. Another winner is the excellent and earthy cream of mushroom soup. Breakfast choices range from continental-style spread, which consists of pastries, cereals, salad, cold cuts, cheese and fruits. Hot items such as eggs Benedict, as well as bacon, sausages, waffles and pancakes, are chargeable. A plentiful bread basket with an assortment of jams and butter helps you carbo-load in fine style for exploring the town.
    klapsons - The Boutique Hotel Singapore City, Singapore

    Authors Tip: Take a 15-minute walk to Chinatown and check out the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum at the bottom end of Erskine Road. It’s a stunning work of Asian architecture housing a holy relic in addition to soaring worship halls and even a café

    When to go? Being only 2 degrees north of the equator, the weather in Singapore is pretty much the same all year long. That said, December and January do offer a modicum of relief from the blazing temperatures. As klapsons is located near Chinatown, visiting during Chinese New Year (typically in February or March) will allow you to see the district decked out in thousands of lights and lanterns. Singapore also hosts the only night race on the Formula 1 circuit in September, which is also a fun (albeit more expensive) time to visit.

    i-escape gift: A free bottle of wine placed in the room upon arrival.

    Posted in Escape of the Week. Tagged , , , ,
FEB09

NEW Basque Country and Navarre collection

 
  • Posted by sarah
    February 9, 2012

    We’ve launched a new collection of properties in northern Spain’s Basque Country and Navarre regions. With 12 hideaways in total – 10 in the Basque Country and 2 in Navarre – the collection boasts a fantastic range of accommodation, from cutting-edge design hotels and historic retreats to seaside sanctuaries and even a converted cinema.

    If you’re after world-class food, warm hospitality, rich traditions and stunning scenery, then these lesser-known Spanish regions are the answer. Together they offer a host of holiday highlights: sandy beaches and high mountains, vibrant cities and cute country towns, Michelin-starred restaurants and legendary pintxos bars, and magnificent vineyards and shimmering olive groves.

    Here’s our pick of the collection – or, to view it in full, click here for the Basque Country and here for Navarre.

    For designer decadence…
    Hotel Marques de Riscal
    Hotel Marques de Riscal is an iconic vineyard hotel built by Frank Gehry, the man who gave Bilbao the Guggenheim. His first and only hotel sits in the heart of the Rioja wine region and is packed with designer cool, from the undulating titanium roof and stark modern architecture of the exterior to the Bang & Olufsen TVs, cloud lampshades and Nespresso machines in the bedrooms. The views from its numerous terraces stretch for miles, the gourmet restaurant serves local delicacies such as suckling pig and Cameros cheese, and there’s a spa with wine-themed treatments and loungers overlooking the vines.
    Where: Elciego, Basque Country
    Cost: From £250 per night (plus 8% tax), based on 2 sharing and including breakfast

    For dramatic landscapes…
    Aire de Bardenas
    Aire de Bardenas, set on the edge of the Bardenas Reales National Park, is the place for those seeking big views and a remote location. On one side the desert rolls west towards wind-sculpted hills; on the other, wheat fields stretch back towards the medieval town of Tudela. This architecturally impressive hideaway was built to blend in with its surreal, lunar-like surroundings, and has a cool industrial style. Come here for great food, a pool with a view, and pure peace and quiet.
    Where: Near Tudela, Navarre
    Cost: From £137 per night (plus 8% tax), based on 2 sharing on a room-only basis

    For film buffs…
    Astoria7 Astoria7 was once a much-loved cinema; now it’s the coolest hotel in gorgeous San Sebastián, the Basque Country’s cultural and gastronomic capital. In keeping with its former use, the building is crammed with references to the silver screen: classic clips are projected onto walls in the lobby, and each of the 102 rooms is dedicated to an actor or director who has attended the San Sebastián International Film Festival. The groovy bar and restaurant will please even if film isn’t your bag, and it’s only a short stroll from beaches, boutiques and galleries galore.
    Where: San Sebastián, Basque Country
    Cost: From £78 per night (plus 8% tax), based on 2 sharing on a room-only basis

    For rural escapism…
    El Secreto de Ollo
    El Secreto de Ollo is set in idyllic hills close to historic Pamplona. This blissful pocket of northern Navarre has hardly changed in 300 years, and the exterior of this lovely guesthouse tells a similar story. Within its thick stone walls is a beautifully decorated bolthole with romantic suites, vintage furniture, secluded terraces and feasts for breakfast and dinner. If you can drag yourself away you’ll find wonderful walking, medieval towns and swimmable rivers nearby.
    Where: Near Pamplona, Navarre
    Cost: From £75 per night, based on 2 sharing and including breakfast

    For seaside vibes…
    Saiaz Getaria
    Saiaz Getaria is tucked away in the old streets of one of the Basque Country’s most popular seaside towns. Think characterful harbour, colourful fishing boats, lovely beach and great seafood. The hotel itself is housed in a 15th-century building and is a lovely mix of old and new, with mullioned windows and antiques alongside vibrant rugs, modern furniture and vast ocean views. A visit to Getaria’s Cristóbal Balenciaga museum is a must for fashionistas, and gourmands will love Elkano, one of the Basque Country’s best restaurants, which is only 50 paces from the hotel’s front door.
    Where: Getaria, Basque Country
    Cost: From £74 per night, based on 2 sharing on a room-only basis

    For art lovers…
    Miro Hotel
    Miro Hotel has a prime spot just 300m upstream from Bilbao’s famous Guggenheim. It’s also close to the fantastic Museo de Bellas Artes, making this cool little hotel a great base for cultural exploration. Inside you’ll find chic décor and 50 bedrooms heaped with comfort and style. The ground-floor bar is ‘on the house’, there’s an open-plan sitting room with the daily papers, and, if all that gallery-hopping wears you out, you can get a massage on your return.
    Where: Bilbao, Basque Country
    Cost: From £83 per room per night (plus 8% tax), based on 2 sharing on a room-only basis

    Posted in New Hotels. Tagged , , , , ,
FEB06

i-escape Facebook Photo Competition – Winners Announced

 
  • Posted by sarah
    February 6, 2012

    We invited budding photographers to share their favourite holiday shots with us on Facebook. The images could depict anywhere in the world, from neon-lit cities to deserted beaches, and capture anything from cherished family holiday memories to exotic cultures and creatures.

    We were blown away by the quality of entries and picking the winning photo was a difficult choice, but after much deliberation by our judges, first place goes to Mark Palmer for this stunning image of the Guggenheim in Bilbao.

    Winner: Guggenheim Bilbao – Mark Palmer

    Guggenheim

    The composition of this striking photo highlights the contrast between the spider’s curves and the clean architectural lines of the iconic Guggenheim. We also like the use of black and white photography, which emphasises the strong shapes.

    1st Runner-up: Tasty Meal – Enrica Senini

    Tasty Meal

    The leopard is perfectly in focus, and Enrica has timed her shot wonderfully to capture the licking of lips. We love how protective the leopard seems of his meal, shielding his catch while keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings.

    3rd Prize winner: Sri Lanka – Robin Hassell

    Sri Lanka

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    This photo is simple yet very clever. The silhouetted figure leaping into the air conveys the pure joy of childhood, without showing any facial expressions.

    We also loved:

    Montmartre Café – Lucy Dodsworth

    Montmartre cafe

    This photo instantly transports you to Paris. It encapsulates the buzzing, laid-back atmosphere of the café, and Lucy’s use of black and white highlights the beautiful sunlight falling on the customers and the building’s facade.

    Sahara Dunes – Deboarh Frieden

    This picture is beautifully composed, highlighting the contrast between the red sand and the darkening blue sky. It conveys a sense of stillness and, by showing the three subjects gazing out into the distance, Deborah has nicely alluded to the vastness of the desert.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Vientiane – Robin Hassell

    Vientiane

    This is such an evocative image, with strong use of colour and silhouette. Looking at it, you can almost hear the water lapping against the boat and feel the warmth of the setting sun on your skin.

    Check out all the entries on our facebook page

    Thanks to all who entered and well done to the shortlisted; and special congratulations to our overall winner, who will receive a £250 i-escape voucher, 1st runner-up, Enrica, who will receive a £100 i-escape voucher and 2nd runner-up, Robin who will receive a £50 i-escape voucher.

    Posted in Competitions. Tagged , ,
FEB03

Escape of the Week…Yorebridge House

 
  • Posted by sarah
    February 3, 2012

    Glamorous bedrooms, a sublime setting, fantastic food and a hearty welcome lie in store for you at this outpost of cosmopolitan glamour. Set in a former schoolmaster’s house and adjacent school building in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, this property affords stunning views of rolling fields, dry-stone walls and ancient barns.

    Yorebridge House North Yorkshire, UK

    Having previously served a long stint as the headquarters of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, there was much work to be done transforming Yorebridge House from an office building into a contemporary hotel. But with owner Charlotte Reilly’s background as an interior designer coming into play, and plenty of period character to work with, the result is a truly cosseting country retreat that’s packed with atmosphere, style and good cheer.

    Yorebridge House North Yorkshire, UK

    Rooms: On the ground floor of the main house are Japanese-influenced Nishiki, Moroccan Rahmoune and bright and breezy Caribbean-themed St Jean, all with outdoor hot tubs. Upstairs are French-inspired Mougins (the smallest room, though it’s by no means tiny), Italianate Pienza, which has fantastic Dales views from its in-room tub, and English country-style Bainbridge. Hidden away at the very top of the building is Greenwich – a New York-influenced loft suite that’s a favourite with honeymooners thanks to its twin freestanding baths and den-like lounge (though its sloping ceilings can cause a few bumped heads). We stayed in African-themed Kariega, a schoolhouse room with an outdoor hot tub on its private riverside terrace. Next door to Kariega and also with a hot tub is Rangali, the Reillys’ distinctive take on the Maldives. Above on the schoolhouse’s first floor and reached via private staircases are Jasper, whose exposed beams and antler-style lamps are reminiscent of a Canadian lodge, and Spanish-inspired Carabeo.

    Yorebridge House North Yorkshire, UK 
    Food: Yorebridge is aiming for Michelin status with its sophisticated take on modern British food, and its menus are crammed with local produce. Dinner begins with canapés in the buzzy bar or the cosy lounge, before you move through to the restaurant – an airy room with dark wood tables, mirror-hung walls and pretty views through picture windows. Starters when we visited included a creamy white onion velouté with a tangy tomato confit, and escabeche of mackerel with a delicate saffron aioli; our mains were pan-fried East Coast bass with Whitby crab ceviche, and a lip-smackingly tender fillet of beef from the farm across the road. Dessert was an imaginative trio of gooey chocolate treats, served with refreshing green tea mousse and chilli ice cream. Breakfast doesn’t disappoint, either. Help yourself to a buffet of fresh fruit, thick slices of Wensleydale cheese, smoked salmon, yoghurts, local honey and preserves, then tuck into locally smoked kippers, eggs Benedict or the full Yorebridge (sausages, honey-cured bacon, fried duck eggs, local black pudding, slow-roasted tomatoes and toasted homemade bread). If you fancy a change of scene, Bainbridge is home to the quirky Rose & Crown pub and The Cornmill (closed in winter), a traditional – if not especially exciting – tearoom. But there’s much more on offer in Askrigg, just a mile away, including 3 pubs (the most atmospheric is The Kings Arms), the sophisticated Rowan Restaurant and the Cake Walk Tea Shop, a lovely modern café serving cakes, soups and ploughman’s lunches. If you’re willing to drive, it’s worth making a detour to The Wensleydale Heifer in West Witton for sophisticated Dales dining, or visiting The Blue Lion in East Witton for upmarket pub grub in a classy setting. And, if you’re here in summer, make a pitstop at Jervaulx Farm for Brymor’s ice cream.

    Yorebridge House North Yorkshire, UK

    Author’s Tips: There’s no dress code at Yorebridge House, but Yorkshire folk need no excuses to dress up. So, despite the rustic location, make sure you pack something fabulous for dinner.

    When to go? Spring to autumn is peak season if you want to make the most of the surrounding Dales scenery and enjoy lazy, alfresco meals on the hotel’s terrace. Yorebridge House is open all year, though, and gets booked up well in advance on weekends deep into winter. The only real drawback to visiting very late, or early, in the year is the unpredictability of the weather. But the landscape is beautiful with a sprinkling of snow, and there are much worse places to get holed up in – especially if you have a bubbling hot tub to soak in.

    i-escape gift: A free room upgrade (subject to availability on arrival)

    Read our full review here

    Posted in Escape of the Week. Tagged , , ,
JAN30

Easy Escapes for February

 
  • Posted by sarah
    January 30, 2012

    January is finally drawing to a close, so leave any lingering New Year doom and gloom behind and start planning some fun. To help you along, we’ve found some great February escapes, and we’ve kept an eye on the price tag so you can enjoy some much-needed R&R without breaking the bank...

    We’ve done all the hard work; you just need to book*. Secure your accommodation through i-escape, then follow our recommendations for travel and car hire, and voila! All you need to do is pack…

    1.Slip away to East Sussex – £165 per person

    (3 nights, 6-9 February 2012)

    Rye

    The medieval seaside town of Rye is only a 90-minute journey from London, providing an easy last-minute getaway, and at this time of year you can wander its narrow lanes and browse its many antiques shops in relative peace. And if that sounds too strenuous, just curl up by the fire with your other half.

    The George in Rye

    Stay: at The George in Rye, a historic inn with stylish Art Deco suites and an excellent restaurant. Throughout winter and spring you can get 3 nights for the price of 2 for midweek stays, so 3 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Superior Double costs only £165 per person, with a free room upgrade (subject to availability) for those booking through i-escape.

    Total Cost:  £165 per person (including taxes)

    More info: on getting there and other accommodation options

     

    2.Escape to Essaouira – £532 per person

    (5 nights, 19-24 February)

    While most of the northern hemisphere is still snuggled up in gloves and scarfs, you can always rely on Morocco for a bit of winter warmth. The seaside town of Essaouira provides ample medina shopping minus the Marrakech chaos, plus endless beaches, beautiful scenery and thrilling water sports.

    Ocean Vagabond

    Stay: at funky hotel Ocean Vagabond, a favourite with wind-surfers and cosmopolitan travellers. Have a soothing spa treatment, then head off to explore Essaouira and absorb the relaxed atmosphere. A 5-night stay in a double or twin room costs £270 per person, with a free bottle of wine for guests booking through i-escape.

    Fly: from London Gatwick to Marrakech with easyJet (direct flights) for £193 per person, departing on Sunday 19 February and returning on Friday 24 February.

    From the airport: Return transfers from Marrakech take 2-3 hours and cost around £138 (£69 per person).

    Total Cost: £532 per person (including taxes)

    More info: getting to Morocco and other accommodation options

     

    3. Make for Mexico – £1,008.50 per person

    (7 nights, 8-15 February)

    Mexico

    The Yucatán Peninsula is ideal for a bit of fun and frivolity, with some of Mexico’s best beaches, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of trendy restaurants. And with direct flights from the UK, it makes for an easy February jaunt across the Atlantic. 

    Mosquito Blue Hote & Spa

    Stay:  at the laid-back Mosquito Blue Hotel & Spa in Playa del Carmen. It’s just moments from the beach and buzzing bars, with soothing treatments, 2 pools and a chill-out area where you can recover from any excesses. And, with an impressive 43% discount until April 2012, a 7-night stay comes to just £378 per person.

    Fly: Thomson has direct flights from Manchester to Cancún for £589, flying out on Wednesday 8 February and returning on Wednesday 15 February.

    From the airport: Return transfers for 2 people cost £83 (£41.50 each).

    Total Cost: £1,008.50 per person (including taxes)

    More info: getting to Mexico and other accommodation options

     

    *Please note that only the accommodation may be booked through i-escape.com. The information on travel is provided as a service to you, and must be booked through other websites, as indicated. All prices and availability are correct at the time of publishing. The per person prices are based on 2 people in a double/twin room or an apartment for 2. Published on 30 January 2012.

    Posted in Easy Escapes. Tagged , , , , , , , , ,
JAN27

Living like a local… in Seville

 
  • Posted by sarah
    January 27, 2012

    We caught up with travel writer and photographer Abigale King to get the lowdown on Andalucia’s vibrant capital…

    Abigale KingWhen friends first ask about what they should see and do in Seville, I start with the traditional list: La Giralda, the Real Alcázar, the Plaza de Toros and the Torre del Oro. All famous attractions, and deservedly so, along with the tiny criss-crossing streets of the Santa Cruz barrio, the elegant Casa de Pilatos and the leafy great expanse of the Maria Luisa Park.

    After that, though, we get down to spilling my true secrets – my tips and tricks for soaking up the seduction of Spain’s hottest city and living like a local in the heart of Andalusia.

    Seville

    1. Embrace the siesta. It’s not folklore, it’s reality. Shops and businesses close in the afternoon and children head home from school in time to have a snooze. If you’re in Seville between April and October, you’ll understand why. It’s simply too hot to even think about the possibility of doing anything else in the afternoons.

    Aracena

    2. Watch real flamenco. The polka-dotted posters are for tourists; the real thing takes place in bars across the city from around midnight onwards. One of my favourites is La Carbonería (18 Calle Levíes, tel: +34 95 421 4460) where you can catch both serious foot-stomping flamenco and the more light-hearted sevillana performances on most nights.

    flamenco

    3. Take a twist on tapas. While Andalusian jamón is all well and good, for a few more flavours, check out Azotea for wasabi-tinged tapas and Al Alijibe for quality dishes zinging with lime and served beneath the shade of an orange tree.

    tapas

    4. Relax in the Arabic Baths or Baños Árabes. OK, so maybe this isn’t particularly off the beaten track but locals do wander in here from time to time. A steam room, sauna and cold plunge pool all fit beneath the roof of this former viceroy’s mansion, which itself was built on the site of former Roman Baths. Convince yourself you’re here for the history, admire the mudejar ceilings…and then r-e-l-a-x.

    Arabic Baths

    5. Stroll Along Triana – Triana stretches along the Guadalquivir river on the “wrong” side of town. From the no-nonsense covered market to the ceramic shops where artisanal plates and tiles lie forgotten in the dust, enjoy the unusual pulse of Triana, while gazing back at mainstream Seville.

    Triana Market

    That’s one of the advantages of being on the “wrong” side of town after all: you do get the best views. Sip the local tinto de verano at a riverside café and gaze back at those iconic landmarks I mentioned at the start.

    Watching the world go by is, after all, a key part of living like a local.

    Abigail King writes the award-winning travel blog Inside the Travel Lab, which chronicles her unusual journeys around the world as a doctor turned writer and photographer. She’s also on Twitter and Facebook, where she does her best to be interesting, inspiring and informative and ever so occasionally manages to pull it off.

    Posted in Guest Blogs, Living like a local.
JAN25

Style for a Steal in 2012

 
  • Posted by sarah
    January 25, 2012

    This year booking a holiday is all about getting style for a steal: not only bagging a bargain, but hunting down a real gem of a holiday hideaway at a great price…

    Budget needn’t be bland, and with this in mind we’ve created a dedicated ‘Cheap & Chic’ collection of boutique hotels, villas, apartments and B&Bs available for less than £100 per night (based on 2 people). With a specific ‘recommend for’ search function* and more than 200 properties to choose from across the world, the collection will make life easier for those seeking wallet-friendly places with bags of character and style. Options include a bucolic Basque Country bolthole, waterside homes on stilts in Thailand, cliff-top villas in Spain, and a cool hotel in the hip heart of Amsterdam.

    Check out some of our top picks for cheap and chic travels in 2012:

    Hotel Aiguaclara – Catalonia, Spain

    Hotel Aiguaclara, Begur, Catalonia, Spain

    The Lowdown: Hotel Aiguaclara is a vibrant, laid-back, Cuban-style mansion in the centre of the medieval town of Begur. This place has boho-chic by the bucket load, with 10 huge bedrooms full of quirky details like 50s furniture and French armoires – some even offer outdoor space. With mismatched retro pieces in the bistro-style restaurant, and fairy lights and a bright green hanging egg chair in the garden, this place is unique and we love it! Head there to enjoy beaches, castles and Catalan cuisine.

    The Deal: Bed and breakfast from £57 per room per night, based on 2 sharing (taxes included). Guests booking through i-escape receive a free bottle of cava during their stay.

    For more info: http://www.i-escape.com/hotel-aiguaclara.php

    Lanta Pole Houses – Koh Lanta, Thailand

    Lanta Pole Houses, Koh Lanta, Thailand

    The Lowdown: These authentic stilted houses offer a characterful and peaceful place to stay in Lanta Old Town. The traditional self-catering abodes – called Coconut and Lychee – offer long, spacious interiors of dark fragrant wood that open onto terraces facing nothing but sea and sky. Modernity has crept in, however, and you can enjoy air-conditioned comfort, WiFi, satellite TV and a hot shower. This place is a world away from Koh Lanta’s tourist crowds, yet just a short tuk-tuk ride from the island’s glorious beaches.

    The Deal: From £53 per house per night, based on 2-3 sharing (taxes included). Book through i-escape and you’ll get a basket of seasonal fruit on arrival.

    For more info: www.i-escape.com/lantapolehouses.php

    Hotel JL No76 – Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Hotel JL No76, Museumplein, Amsterdam, Holland New!

    The Lowdown: This cool but casual boutique hotel opened in May 2011 and is already one of i-escape’s favourite affordable boltholes. Set in a pair of converted 18th-century townhouses in the heart of Amsterdam’s museum and fashion district, it’s a stylish and contemporary haven. The 39 rooms offer vibrant designer wallpaper, super sleek bathrooms (some with Jacuzzi tubs) and plenty of technology. The cool design continues downstairs in the lobby and restaurant, where funky modern art abounds.

    The Deal: Standard Rooms from £90 per night, based on 2 sharing on an accommodation-only basis (5% city tax not included). Those booking through i-escape can enjoy a free room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability).

    For more info: www.i-escape.com/hoteljlno76.php

    Urune Hotela – Basque Country, Spain

    Urune Hotela, Near Guernica, Spain

    The Lowdown: This chic farmhouse hotel is set high on a hill in a nature reserve, with huge views and delicious food. It’s only 20km from Bilbao, yet it feels seriously rural with views of hills, valleys and sky stretching for miles. The house has 8 lovely rooms and its beautiful interiors mix exposed stone and wooden ceilings with cool design. Add a sunny garden, a shaded terrace and exquisite Basque food, and it’s clear why guests find it so hard to leave this hip hideaway.

    The Deal: Double rooms from £74 per night, based on 2 sharing. This includes taxes and afternoon tea, and guests booking through i-escape also receive a package of olive oil-based toiletries.

    For more info: www.i-escape.com/urunehotela.php

    Tisara Villas – near Galle, Sri Lanka

    Tisara Villas, Koggala, near Galle, Sri Lanka

    The Lowdown: Tisara Villas opened in 2010 and is an inland retreat made up of 7 private villas, lovely gardens and a shimmering swimming pool. Located next to Koggala Lake, the villas are dotted around beautifully landscaped tropical grounds that attract monitor lizards and exotic birds. This is a truly tranquil setting, perfect for relaxing, and only 20 minutes’ drive from southwest Sri Lanka’s beautiful sandy beaches. Delicious Sri Lankan curries whipped up by the resident chef can be delivered to your villa on request, so you needn’t lift a finger during your stay.

    The Deal: From £109 per villa per night, based on 4 sharing. This includes taxes, breakfast, a daily tuk-tuk shuttle to the beach, bottled water, WiFi, and use of bicycles. Book through i-escape and you’ll also get a free 20-minute Ayurvedic treatment and a complimentary cocktail.

    For more info: www.i-escape.com/tisaravillas.php

    The Swan Wedmore – Somerset, UK

    The Swan, Wedmore Wedmore, Somerset, UK

    The Lowdown: The Swan is a stunningly refurbished historic inn set in the rural heart of the Somerset Levels. It opened its doors to drinkers, eaters and sleepers in August 2011, offering leather chairs, local ales, an open fire and 6 stylish, calming bedrooms. The highlight has to be the gutsy country food, produced by Tom Blake from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage, which is quickly putting this place on the culinary map.

    The Deal: Bed and breakfast from £85 per night, based on 2 sharing (taxes included). i-escape guests also receive a selection of local cheeses with biscuits and homemade chutney.

    For more info: www.i-escape.co.uk/theswanwedmore.php

    Villas Carrizalillo – Puerto Escondido, Mexico

    Villas Carrizalillo, Puerto Escondido, Mexico

    The Lowdown: Surrounded by tall palm trees and perched on cliffs above turquoise sea, Villas Carrizalillo is the belle of laid-back Puerto Escondido. The beautiful villa-apartments overlook the loveliest bay in the area and have exclusive access to the golden beach below. Other highlights include an outdoor pool, an excellent restaurant and delicious sundowner margaritas.

    The Deal: Villas from £68 per night, based on 4 sharing on an accommodation-only basis (16% local tax not included). Book through i-escape and get a free villa upgrade, subject to availability on arrival.

    For more info: www.i-escape.com/villascarrizalillo.php

    Siete Balcones – Andalucia, Spain

    The Lowdown: This 4-bedroomed guesthouse, set in the heart of Vejer de la Frontera’s labyrinthine old town, opened in July 2010. The building has been renovated to highlight its period features, and the owners have added a splash of urbane sophistication with 50s furnishings, eye-catching works of art, and brightly coloured fabrics and kilims. The resulting mix is intimate, light-hearted and uplifting. Enjoy breakfast wherever and whenever you fancy, grab a book from the shelf and a drink from the honesty bar, and chill out on the rooftop terrace with its sweeping views across the town.

    The Deal: Bed and breakfast from £66 per room per night, based on 2 sharing (8% tax not included). Book through i-escape and get a free bottle of wine during your stay.

    For more info: www.i-escape.com/sietebalcones.php

    To view the Cheap & Chic collection in full visit www.i-escape.com/cheapandchic.php.

    Posted in Top 10, Travel Tips. Tagged , , ,
JAN20

Escape of the Week… J K Place Firenze, Florence, Italy

 
  • Posted by sarah
    January 20, 2012

    Florence’s trend-setting boutique hotel has style, space, service and a very sought-after address on the Piazza Santa Maria Novella

    J K Place Firenze, Florence, Italy

    Those carefully unexplained letters, like the deliberately unsigned hotel door, invite enquiry. What is this secretive but stylish “J K” place? Nothing to do with the lead singer of Jamiroquai, in case you’re wondering – though it’s equally funky (take a look at the glowing pink bar). In fact, the initials are those of the owner’s father, and the place – once you swing open the wide wooden doors – turns out to be a small smart hotel for Florentine initiates.

    Pink Room at J K Place Firenze, Florence, Italy

    It’s a pleasing combination, that of fashion with friendliness. For all its sleekly-styled rooms and its state-of-the-art technology, the atmosphere is intimate, the staff unfailingly kind. The soothing creams and matt metallics of the bedroom décor contrast with the warm hues of the sitting room and the cosy, vaulted lounge. Even the building itself is part historic palazzo and part modern townhouse, the 2 halves coming together around a broad lightwell, which drops to an airy, glass-covered dining room. It’s a successful synergy which manager Ori Kafri has worked hard to create.

    Rooms at J K Place Firenze

    Rooms: The 20 rooms are spread over the 3 upper floors, reached by a well-concealed elevator or a broad, winding stairwell. They vary in size and layout, but all share the same soothing, neutral décor: thick cream curtains, grey carpets, soft abstracts on the walls, chrome lamps and glass table tops. In case that makes it sound dull, we should add that the effect is very stylish.

    Delux Room bathroom

    They also share the same basic equipment: flat-screen satellite TVs, DVD / CD players, WiFi, minibars with complimentary soft drinks. And, in the bathrooms, large shower heads, heated towel rails, shaving mirrors, fluffy towels, robes and slippers. All in all, it’s a cosseting experience – just what you need after a hard day’s sightseeing or shopping.

    J K Lounge

    Eating: The hotel’s restaurant, J K Lounge, is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. It’s a monochrome space decked out rather like a modern members’ club, with white armchairs, chrome angle-poise lamps and a small terrace for alfresco meals and aperitifs. The menu has changed since our last visit, but the selection of classic international dishes and seasonal Italian fare – club sandwiches, Caprese salad, swordfish carpaccio, sirloin steak – looks appealing. For cocktails head up to the bijou roof terrace overlooking Santa Maria Novella Church, or to the Pink Room with its low sofas and funky coloured lighting.

    Florence

    When to Go: The hotel is open continually, and Florence is a city with something happening at all times of the year. Perhaps the time to avoid is the height of summer (July and August) when it gets very hot and most Tuscan life takes to the hills. Late March, April, September and October are the busiest times. Winter (mid-November to mid-March) is quiet, with just a few ‘indoor tourists’ – art-lovers, fashion buyers, friends and parents of those studying here. Prices are lower during winter and midsummer.

    Author’s Tip: Don’t forget to pop in to the wonderfully frescoed church of Santa Maria Novella on your doorstep.

    Special offer:3 nights for 2 (winter-spring): 3rd night free, until end March 2012. Full, non-refundable prepayment required. Valid: 20 Jan 2012 – 31 Mar 2012

    And even more offers here: http://www.i-escape.com/j-k-place-firenze/rates

    Posted in Escape of the Week. Tagged , , , ,