2021 Honeymoons

ROMANCE ISN’T DEAD. BOOKING YOUR OWN HONEYMOON IS.

A honeymoon – the trip poised and ready to beat all others. It’s the first jaunt as husband and wife and therefore we agree it should be pretty special…

Let’s fast forward to at least a modicum of normality where travel has returned and quarantining and ‘air bridges’ are a 2020 past time. Your 2021 honeymoon. Now is a better time than ever to start planning as many sought after experiences are booked way in advance, and due to most holidays taking a sabbatical this year availability is looking slimmer than usual.

However the good news is we are here to help and we absolutely love honeymooning planning. So, whether you have an idea of where you’d like to go, or you can’t agree on which destinations suits whom better, we’ll tailor make it to you both.

Take a browse at some suggestions below, a fraction of the endless possibilities of where to go.

We will work with you so that your honeymoon is designed to what you are looking for, we then make sure that you are VIPd along the way…

Type of honeymoon:

Unique
Beach
City
Safari
Mini-moon

~ UNIQUE ~

AWASI, PATAGONIA, CHILE

Solitude and adventure

Awasi Patagonia is a truly unique and personalised experience from the very beginning. Shielded from the harsh Patagonian winds, this collection of twelve individual villas are the height of secluded luxury. Formed from 12 luxury cabins, each having a personal 4×4 and guide, you can customise your adventure down to the last detail; whether it is a hike to the Laguna Azul (Blue Lagoon), glacier walking or admiring the abundance of wildlife on horseback – it really is up to you.

CAVAS WINE LODGE, MENDOZA

Wine infused camping experience

If, like us, you have a penchant for fine wines, then look no further than Argentina’s charming boutique Cavas Wine Lodge.

With only 14 rooms spread through the beautiful, bucolic Mendoza vineyards and fringed by the awe-inspiring Andean mountain range, Cavas Wine Lodge is a true retreat. This classic, authentic lodge is an Argentinian gem, that showcases the quintessential colonial-inspired architecture with white-washed walls that are designed to enhance the views of the vineyards and mountains. Offering a wealth of wine-based activities, this precious hideaway is an ideal place to learn all about the world of Argentine wine, whilst also promising that much-needed holiday relaxation.

MAHU WHENUA, NEW ZEALAND

Home sweet homestead

Nestled within over 55,000 privately owned hectares of New Zealand countryside, Mahu Whenua is an ultra-luxury retreat located on the South Island near Wanaka, just 60 minutes from Queenstown. This unique luxury lodge exudes intimacy, privacy and seclusion, and with only four individual Ridgeline suites and a maximum of 12 guests at a time. Escapism at its finest.

This state-of-the-art home has uninterrupted views of the breath-taking New Zealand scenery that surrounds it from every corner. While the in-suite fire crackles in the corner, you can soak in the bathtub and take in the surrounding greenery and snow-capped mountain views.

TREE HOTEL & AURORA SAFARI CAMP, SWEDEN

Alpine romance

In the depths of Swedish Lapland is a hotel with a truly one of a kind concept, the Treehotel. Comprised of seven unique treehouses, this accommodation makes full use of its surroundings and seamlessly blends with its design and eco-friendly practices. Surrounded by pine trees and incredible views of the Lule river, it’s a world away from home.

A stay at the Tree Hotel goes hand in hand with a few nights at the Aurora Safari camp. We know what you are thinking camping and snow are not natural bedfellows but trust us this experience is cosy and nothing short of pure romance.

~ BEACH ~

SIX SENSES ZIL PAYSON, SEYCHELLES

Castaway all cares

The Six Senses group pride themselves on selecting remote yet accessible destinations in areas of outstanding natural beauty, and their bespoke creation Zil Payson certainly lives up to this philosophy.

Coral-fringed beaches and massive granite rocks create an air of drama and beauty in this haven of perpetual summer. Step in tune with nature, swim with turtles and enjoy an intimate destination that is a tropical ode to well-being and absolute comfort. Secluded and spacious, one- and two-bedroom villas are surrounded by tropical vegetation and offer unsurpassed ocean vistas, private infinity pools and GEM (Guest Experience Maker) butler service.

KASIIYA PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA

Luxury Wilderness Oasis

This exclusive eco retreat is made up of just five luxurious air-conditioned tented suites positioned within 123 acres of protected forest home to monkeys, macaws and thousands of other exotic species.

Situated by two pristine Pacific beaches, you can enjoy watching whales and dolphins pass by the sheltered coves during the season (October-February) and soak up the sun, with a cocktail in hand, at the hotel’s private beach cabin

AMANKILA & NIHI, INDONESIA

Exclusive pairing

Like a fine wine and truffled brie, the Amankila and Nihi are an idyllic couple to marry together.

Starting in East Bali on Amankila’s secluded beach sipping a coconut and totally switching off is not a bad way to start your married life! The vibe at this hillside resort is pure hedonism without pretentious stuffiness.

Hopping from the sublime to the surreal on sumba island, where you will be greeted by a Nihi jeep and embark on a scenic journey of stripped back Indonesia before descending in to a beautiful island paradise. Surf the world’s most coveted wave, swim with horses at sunset, meet ancient tribal cultures, go on a ‘spa safari’, drink a G&T in your own private tree house or enjoy a whole beach to yourselves.

Nihi is special there is no doubt about it, might be why it’s won number hotel in the world several years in a row, but somewhere so wow needs to be on a honeymoon itinerary surely?

~ CITY ~

MARIA CRISTINA, SAN SEBASTIAN

Gastronomic Treat

Home to one of Spain’s most luxurious properties is the historic city of San Sebastian. Grand and elegant in style, this charming palace provides the perfect base to explore the cultural city and its rich heritage.

Grand décor and exquisite guest rooms aside, the hotel’s charm is enveloped in the incredible gastronomic paradise. With 16 Michelin starred restaurants across this enchanting city, prepare your palette for a mix of the world’s most divine dishes and enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail at the Dry Bar, home to the best Martinis in the Basque region.

HOTEL EDEN, ROME

A Dorchester collection hotel

Hotel Eden is a classically elegant yet refreshingly unstuffy grande dame in a 19th-century villa near the Spanish Steps Borghese Gardens.

You’ll never go hungry here, or in Rome in general, but the Michelin star restaurant would be pretty nice to spoil yourselves with on your city-moon!

After dinner go to the rooftop bar to marvel at the capital of the ancient world…

Waldorf Astoria, Amsterdam

17th Century Palatial charm

No detail is too small for this hotel. Whether you want your partners favourite flowers to be waiting on arrival or your first song to be playing as you enter your room, they really go above and beyond for their clients.

Each comes with a view of either the canal or the beautiful courtyard garden, and are rather spacious (a rarity for city hotels).

After walking or cycling around the the buzzy Dutch city, the hotel will welcome you back with a high tea, massage in the spa, dip in their pool or even a private cookery lesson!

There is just something so romantic about the timeless elegance at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam on the UNESCO ‘Gentlemen’s Canal’.

~ SAFARI ~

&BEYOND SANDIBE CAMP, OKAVANGO DELTA

Stylish and sophisticated safari life

Situated on the south-eastern Okavango Delta, in pride of place within a private nature reserve of almost 20,000 acres. The location of the Sandibe Camp was carefully chosen for its outstanding natural beauty and close proximity to some of the most wildlife-rich wilderness in this part of Africa, now a Unesco World Heritage Site. After a light aircraft transfer from Maun or Kasane, you can get straight into safari mode with a pleasant 45-minute game drive to camp.

There are twelve suites at Sandibe, all raised on stilts above the ground to make the most of the stunning views, sweeping across the river and the plains. The rooms are intimate and spacious at the same time; nestled amongst the trees, decorated in light natural tones with vast open-plan living areas. Each comes with a private multi-level viewing deck complete with a personal pool and outdoor shower.

JONGOMERO CAMP, RUAHA NATIONAL PARK

Traditional wildlife experience

Under the magnificent shade trees, on the banks of a seasonal river in the remote southern sector of the Ruaha National Park, Jongomero is gloriously isolated. Far from the madding crowds, this secluded idyll offers a chance to discover true unadulterated wilderness.

Ruaha, Tanzania, also holds one of the greatest populations of elephant in any African park. Buffalo gather in large herds, as well as giraffe, zebra, impala, eland, hippo, crocodile, lion and leopard. The rarer, lesser-seen creatures can also be found, including sable and roan antelope, dikdik, greater and lesser kudus, Grants gazelle and honey badgers. It is second only to Selous Game Reserve for the largest population of wild dog. Let their experienced guides show you the wealth of biodiversity Ruaha has to offer, with game drives, game walks and walking safaris.

AZURA QUILALEA PRIVATE ISLAND, MOZAMBIQUE

Marine safari life

The perfect Crusoe fantasy. Just nine thoroughly romantic seafront villas on a baobab-studded island in a remote archipelago, with pathways through shady forests to crescent beaches on which turtles heave up to lay their eggs, and a reef so close you can snorkel back to your room after breakfast.

~ MINI MOON ~

Can’t get away from work? Raising a family? Want to spread a single, major honeymoon across a series of bite-sized escapes? For a variety of reasons, neatly packed romantic getaways have become increasingly popular. This flexibility is the appeal of the mini-moon. But don’t confuse ‘mini’ with ‘minor’ – they’re still packed to the rafters with luxurious lodges, heavenly hotels, and exhilarating experiences. Check out just some of our mini-moon trips below.

BORGO SANTO PIETRO, TUSCANY

Rural retreat

Nestled deep in the remote Tuscan countryside, Borgo Pignano is a hidden gem that exudes authentic rural charm with a dose of magic. Set on 750 hectares of pristine rolling hills, this unique retreat was originally a hamlet dating back from the Etruscan times.

With only 14 rooms in the main 18th-century villa and a handful of casas dotted around the hamlet, at this intimate retreat you can’t help but feel instantly revived. A place that doesn’t just look good, but feels good, Borgo Pignano specialises in organic bio-dynamic homegrown produce which makes for the perfect refuel after days exploring the surrounding countryside – or perhaps just hitting the spa.

THE RETREAT AT BLUE LAGOON, ICELAND

Volcanic horizon

Iceland is a remarkable destination famed for one of a kind landscapes of stunning natural beauty. From exploding geysers to thundering waterfalls and steaming hot pools, treat yourself to a luxury holiday in Iceland. Quite possibly the most enviable address in the country, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon is a place where ‘at’ really means ‘at’. With wall to wall glass, you’re at the centre of the geothermal waters, we would happily move in.

KASBAH TAMADOT, ATLAS MOUNTAINS

Traditional Moroccan retreat

Perched high in the Atlas mountains, Kasbah Tamadot is a majestic retreat sumptuously decorated for decadent mountain luxury. The name is berber for ‘soft breeze’, signifying the fresh air and calm environment.

Rich red carpets, intricately carved wooden furniture, pillows and throws that create a warm, traditional Moroccan feel. All suites include a terrace or balcony, and the master suite has its own private pool. The berber tents are one step up, being out on their own decks with huge soft sofas, heavy Moroccan doors, bronze lamps, and canvas walls which can be tied up to reveal panoramic views of the mountains. These are tents fit for a king and we highly recommend them.

LIMEWOOD, HAMPSHIRE

The hideaway lodge

Set in neatly manicured grounds on the outskirts of the New Forest, Lime Wood is easily accessible from London. For honeymoon perfect privacy, pick the Pavilion Forest Lodge- a separate lodge away from the house. Complete with a four-poster bed, a private terrace overlooking the countryside and a roll top bath in the bay window.

FOXHILL MANOR, COTSWOLDS

Lord and Lady of the manor

‘Whatever you fancy, wherever you fancy it’ is the moto at Foxhill Manor. It really is like staying with very tasteful, very accommodating friends – who have no rules! Your personal host will be on hand 24 hours a day to make sure you have everything you need, every minute of your stay. With just eight bedrooms, the revitalised Arts and Crafts mansion is a contemporary Cotswolds country home with 400 acres to play in.

What we love about this place is the freedom to roam the Manor as you please. It allows flexibility to shape your experience, so pop into the kitchen, speak to the head chef and create your own bespoke menu. And the of course, you can eat it anywhere you want. Burger in the bath anyone?

Aside from thinkers and planners we are also a Prezola ambassador and our clients are entitled to the platinum wedding gift list service.

Get in touch to start discussing your moon: [email protected] | +447990824249

Top 5 books for Travelling to Africa

This week as we explore the wanderlust continent of Africa and with bank holiday weekend looming we thought we’d suggest another batch of virtual travel material…

Whether you’re seeking inspiration for a trip to Africa or want to venture there for an afternoon or two then download/order one of these books:

1. AFRICA: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles

by Richard Dowden

“I write chiefly for outsiders, those who have not been to Africa but would like to know more about it.” – For the past three decades or so Dowden has travelled this vast and varied continent, listening, learning, and constantly re-evaluating all he thinks he knows. His readers journey with him country by country, as he has sought out the local and the personal, the incidents, actions, and characters to tell a story of modern sub-Saharan Africa – an area affected by poverty, disease and war, but also a place of breathtaking beauty, generosity and possibility. The result is a compelling, illuminating, and always surprising Africa insight.

2. Dark Star Safari

By Paul Theroux

Theroux earned his reputation as one of the all-time great travelogue writers because he lives every word that he writes. Dark Star Safari takes readers on his voyage from Cairo to Cape Town. He endures danger, delay, and dismaying circumstances which make for quite the page turner. It’s an honest account of his epic and enlightening journey and a refreshing take on overland travel in Africa.

3. Ivory, Apes and Peacocks: Animals, Adventure and Discovery

By Alan Root

Root’s personal account of childhood and professional life is a fine African memoir, taking his readers from the adventurous innocence of wildlife-filming in colonial Kenya to the complexities of recent years, in particular the murder of his wife Joan in 2006, which we are lead to believe is because of her anti-poaching campaign.

4. Savannah Diaries

By Brian Jackman

This book collects Jackman’s accounts of game parks, including meetings with legendary safari guide Robin Pope. The first is when Pope is a rookie, apprenticed to Norman Carr, the grand old man of the Luangwa Valley; the second takes place 30 years later, when Jackman joins Pope for a walking safari.

Having written about the animals and landscapes of Africa for 40 years or so you can really explore with Jackman and his attention to detail.

5. The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild

by Lawrence Anthony with Graham Spence

Conservationist Lawrence Anthony devoted his life to protecting the world’s most endangered species. The Elephant Whisperer depicts his time bonding with a herd of ‘rogue’ elephants, which he saved from being killed by taking them in as his ‘family’ on his Thula Thula game reserve in Zululand. This really is an energetic firsthand reportage from the heart of the African wild.

This book may make you cry, laugh and have you completely absorbed, but it will also have you planning your next safari trip straight away…

Happy reading!

If you’d like to chat Africa or plan a trip please get in touch: [email protected]

Virtual Travel

Virtual travel, travelling virtually, whatever you want to call it, the bottom line is we aren’t going anywhere at the moment. Sobs aside, we can certainly still plan for freer times and daydream about far flung destinations…

Let’s travel virtually with our top pick of films and TV programs that transport you somewhere further than Costa del backyard.

1. The Beach

It might reaffirm your desire for a nice hotel over a hostel, but Leo’s journey to a hard-to-reach island, described as the ultimate paradise with white sands and clear water should makes for a nice couple of hours in Thailand.

2. The Motorcycle Diaries

Visit Latin America on a road trip with Ernesto “Che” Guevara, and his his pal Alberto Granado. Filmed through major landmarks in South America, as per Che’s memoir, from the Andes mountain range to Machu Picchu and even a leper colony in San Pablo.

3. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Grab and a gin and tonic and hunker down for an evening in Jaipur with a pleasing ensemble cast (including Judi Dench, Celia Imrie, and Bill Nighy), who prove how deeply travel can stir us, at any age.

4. Out of Africa

The film is timeless and should be on everyone’s travel film list. If it doesn’t tempt you to Kenya I don’t know what will…

5. The Bucket List

This is a heart warming film that will inspire you to tick one or two things off your travel wish list. Filmed in various locations in India, China, Egypt, Tanzania, France and the US there’s no shortage of places to virtually travel to.

6. March of the Penguins

Any time is a great time to revisit this cuddly classic filmed in Antarctica – but now seems particularly good. Morgan Freeman narrates the story of a year in the life of the Emperor penguins, who waddle across glorious but perilous icy landscapes on an annual trek for mating season. Plus with solar eclipse next year it’s a good time to think about booking an Antarctic adventure.

7. Street Food

Experiencing street food culture is one of the joys of travel. This inspiring series from the makers of Chef’s Table is as much about the compelling survival stories of these talented street chefs as it is about their signature dishes.

Including countries: Thailand, Japan, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, and Vietnam

7. Virunga

The Oscar-nominated heart-rending true story of the rangers risking their lives to save the Congo and its endangered gorillas.

8. Magical Andes

From Argentina to Colombia, this inspiring documentary follows five characters who share their deep connection to South America’s majestic mountains.

9. Travels with My Father

Jack and Michael Whitehall are bonded by blood and not much else. They take us on comical journeys with them through South East Asia, Europe and the US.

10. Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti

She’s one of our favourite tour guides, and this time she leads us into a lesser-seen side of the Caribbean in her new two-part documentary, Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti, which begins in a boxing gym in the lively Cuban capital.

Give the Gift of Travel

I’m one for leaving the for the obligatory Christmas shop until the 24th December, and before I get scrooge heckled at me – I simply enjoy everything else to do with Christmas aside from gift purchasing. Over the years it has meant friends and family have been treated to an assortment of questionable gift vouchers.

This year, if like me, you fancy doing the same then Pippa Rose Lifestyle are fashioning some lovely gift vouchers.

We don’t believe in plastic so you can either receive a hand written gift card or an electronic one.

You may chose to gift a sum of money or a pre-booked jaunt (be it a city break or luxurious train voyage).

Here are a few of our suggestive festive treats:

Venice Simplon Orient Express

Journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from London for a luxurious overnight trip to Venice, where you arrive late afternoon the next day just in time for an aperitivo!

Priced from £2,573 per person (for more details of the journey and what is included please get in touch)

The Newt, Somerset

Sister of the infamous Babylonstoren in South Africa, The Newt is one of the most exquisite country house hotels Britain has seen, and nothing says gift of the year like a two night stay at this sought after bolthole.

Priced from £255 per person for a two night stay including breakfast, cyder tour, garden tour & spa access (we will even throw in a gorgeous bottle of Babylonstoren wine)

* We can also arrange a two night stay at Babylonstoren priced from £400 per person.

Waldorf Astoria, Amsterdam

Treat someone to the experience of timeless elegance at the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam on the UNESCO ‘Gentlemen’s Canal’.

Priced from £550 per person for a two night stay including breakfast, $100 spa credit & complimentary upgrade subject to availability

Six Senses Douro Valley, Douro Valley

Like any Six Senses property this luxurious eco friendly estate is pure holistic hedonism. Everything one might want after the indulgence of the festive season…

Priced from £270 per person for a two night stay including breakfast, $100 spa credit & complimentary upgrade subject availability

Corral Del Rey, Seville

The Queen of foodie city breaks, this Andalusian gem is hidden down cobbled streets within minutes of top tapas restaurants!

Priced from £200 per person for a two night stay including breakfast, some delicious olive oil & a Pippa Rose Lifestyle guide to the city

Sun Rocks, Santorini

Christmas is a time for SANT-orini (the destination is far better than my ill use of puns). This great little boutique is ideal for honeymooners, couples, mother daughter trips or friends so it really is a safe bet on the purchasing front.

Priced from £760 per person for a two night stay including breakfast and a bottle of crisp white vino

Alexa J, Greece

Go over board the Christmas and give the gift of this thoughtfully designed sailing yacht with the facilities and craftsmanship of a large super yacht, coupled with the highest levels of personal service (including your own spa therapist- fancy!)

Priced upon request…

If you’d like to arrange a tailor made gift or voucher please get in touch with the team: [email protected]

September Sun

If like me you’ve had a rather hectic summer or aren’t quite ready for knit wear, then a dose of September sunshine is just what you need. Having based myself in Portugal for well over a year now, and yes call me biased, but the glorious home of custard tarts and silly Ronaldo haircuts is just the place to go; beaches and towns are quieter in September, the temperatures in the south are in their late 20s, restaurants and bars are still in full swing and the Country’s notable wine producers go in to harvest for September and October (very key decision maker).

I could wax lyrical all day long about how much I adore Portugal but I’ll spare you the laborious read and suggest a few of my favourite September getaways.

Areias do Seixo, Santa Cruz

This hotel is total tranquility. Only an hour north from Lisbon this eco friendly foodie haven is just about one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at. In terms of style of the property think suspended fireplaces, large sea-facing terraces, herb gardens and eclectic art pieces. You feel slightly like an extra in a Boden catalogue as you board the hotel’s VW campervan down to Noah – its ever so cool and trendy surf shack, that’s if you fancy leaving the hotel for a jaunt. If you don’t, and who can blame you, there is so much to do within eco mecca – a notable experience being the Garden and Cookery experience where you are taken by the gardener to learn alongside picking your fruit, veg and herbs for lunch. Then it’s back to the kitchen for a cookery class with the chef. I’m hesitant to say too much as much of the allure of this place is the ambiguity.

Villa Monte Farm House, The Algarve

Long affiliated with cheap booze and football shirt wearing hooligans, the Algarve is perfect for any break, and with some gorgeous boutique hotels there isn’t a shadow of doubt that it has sophistication as a destination. Villa Monte is no exception to this – think boho chic farm house. The white washed walls aligned by orange trees and rich pink bougainvillea host a handful of lovely simply decorated rooms and suites. Food is local with fish being caught in nearby Olhao and bread freshly baked. Classic films are played each night which goes down very well with a glass of Portuguese red. Here’s one place that is cosy and fire lit in the winter and sun soaked in the summer, where you can opt to cycle to the beach or lounge by either of the two swimming pools.

Malhadinha Nova, Alentejo

Here’s one place I have enjoyed watching its success from being slightly unknown to featuring in every in the know travel publication, and for good reason. Rooms are bright and elegant in the quintessential Portuguese homestead and with just 10 rooms the place is never crowded. As its harvest season in September and Malhadinha boasts quite the wine collection this option comes highly recommended. Plus who doesn’t want to stomp around on grapes? Fine wine needs to be accompanied by fine food and Malhadinha Nova rear cattle and grow their own produce so the quality is quite something.

For a spot of R&R you can enjoy the spa, their gorgeous free flowing infinity pool, horse riding, leisurely walks around the estate and yoga classes. I feel totally at home here and that’s down to the superb hospitality of Bruno and his team.

Six Senses Douro Valley, Douro Valley

Like any Six Senses property this luxurious eco friendly estate is pure hedonism. Everything from the spa to the in-room bathroom products are totally pure and organic and whilst it’s a shame you can’t take home such lovely bathroom goodies, I applaud their efforts to avoid single use plastic and keep green. I’m bound to love a hotel that has it’s own charcuterie and cheese room at breakfast, a long side everything you’d expect from a hotel that promotes a healthy lifestyle- fresh juices, herbal teas, homemade granola and so the list goes on. Their farm to table food concept is not a foreign concept at boutique hotels nowadays but here they make full use of the produce from their gardens and their olive oil is out of this world. The Douro Valley is on many a tourist trail because of its famed wine producing, and the Six Sense bar really is the place to do wine tasting with world class sommeliers and breath taking river views.

Sublime Comporta, Alentejo

Comporta is the sort of place you feel you need a guest pass to access, having had Portugal’s elite frequent it’s beautiful shores each summer, you soon learn why it might just be Portugal’s best kept secret. By no means do I mean this is a flashy area of the Alentejo coast, yet it’s the un-spoilt beaches, vineyards and hard to beat local restaurants that make it so alluring. With little to no hotels in the area Sublime Comporta is everything the name suggests. The design is simple, a handful of minimalist cabanas, which I assure you are nothing short of luxury and with an instagramable pool and social firepit for the cooler cosy evenings, what more could you want?

São Lourenço do Barrocal, Alentejo

A relative new comer to the Portuguese boutique hotel scene – São Lourenço do Barrocal estate has been in the same family for some 200 years, and Jose Antonio Uva has loving restored the place to be the next place on all travel aficionados wish list. As a foodie I LOVE their farm to fork restaurant Hortelao, which sits within their vegetable garden and what better way to enjoy a late summer evenings then delicious food accompanied by jazz music. If that doesn’t appeal perhaps a picnic in the countryside would? Or a holistic yoga retreat? Also being the Alentejo, another top Portuguese wine producing hub – September and October are perfect time to be here.

The Conrad, The Algarve

Whilst this particular choice doesn’t fall in to the boutique hotel category it makes the cut because the hotel is simply first class. There is a reason the spa has won several awards; the experienced therapists will go above and beyond to look after you and they use aromatherapy associates, which say no more and book me in! And it’s not just the Spa that has won awards – Gusto by Heinz Beck has it’s own accolades where award winning Nelson de Matos will mix up quite the cocktail. Yoga with Lulu, perhaps not the night after Nelson’s concoctions, is a must for anyone visiting, followed by a dip in any of the eye popping swimming pools. September again is ideal in the Algarve weather wise and the Conrad also have a shuttle to the beach. General manager Katharina and her team really look after you and that is something that I often find is somewhat lost in larger hotels.

If you’d like to book any of these for a last minute September getaway please get in touch: [email protected]