WELLBEING TRAVEL
Weekend escapes for two…
Airds Hotel, Scotland Voted the most romantic hotel in Scotland by the Good Hotel Guide, it’s easy to see why this enchanting former ferry inn is the perfect couple’s retreat. Three hours from Glasgow by car, the chance to see the breathtaking Scottish highlands alone is worth the drive. The boutique hotel itself manages to be both homely and luxurious, with roaring fires and a welcome drink upon arrival, as well as a complimentary decanter of Whisky Mac in your room to help you get into the Scottish spirit. Located a hop and skip from the beach and surrounding mountains, walking boots and a camera are a must. Choose from recommended local walks – be it along the peninsula, over the rickety Jubilee Bridge, built in 1898 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, or across the tidal marshes of Loch Laich – and head out for the day. Or pop over to the stunning island of Lismore on the foot-passenger ferry, a short walk from the hotel. If you fancy exploring the Top: View from Lismore over Loch Linnhe; Airds Hotel
area on wheels, you can also rent bicycles from the hotel. A beautiful and interesting cycle is guaranteed, with an old Viking castle and a lonely church dating back to the 13th century, all part of the landscape. A stay at this hotel wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its gourmet three AA-rosette restaurant. Head chef Chris Stanley’s focus is on letting high-quality ingredients sing. We recommend trying the seasonal nine-course tasting menu, paired with carefully chosen wines, to make the most of the delicious Scottish offerings. If you’re also after some top-notch seafood, then make the trip a few miles south to Oban – the self-proclaimed seafood capital of Scotland. This fishing village is not only full of quaint craft shops and galleries, but also some of the best seafood restaurants. Our favourite place was the Oban Seafood Hut – a rustic green shack on the harbour wall. It doesn’t get fresher than that. Oban also boasts one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries if you fancy a wee dram, or two… While the surrounding area couldn’t be lovelier, it’s good to know that after a long day you can head back to the peace and quiet of the hotel. It’s there that you can truly immerse yourself in the simple pleasures of life: reading, relaxing and enjoying the views. Reviewed by Nicky Acketts
Prices start at £315 per night, based on two people sharing. airds-hotel.com
86
IN THE COUNTRYSIDE Wrey Mist, Dartmoor
If you’re seeking a getaway full of tranquillity and fresh country air, then this little hideaway is the place to go. Tucked down a winding lane, up from the village of Lustleigh, it’s only when you arrive at the striking medievalarched entrance and step out of your car that you truly appreciate its spectacular location. Set on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, with its garden backing directly on to Hunter’s Tor, the far-reaching, dramatic views from the farm are jaw-dropping. The next thing to take your breath away is an unfamiliar noise – absolute silence. Apart from occasional birdsong, this heavenly hideaway guarantees total peace. The cottage itself is a beautiful stable conversion equipped with every modern luxury you’ll need, all kept as warm as toast thanks to a wood-burning stove in the open-plan kitchen. The one and only bedroom is large and luxurious, with a piping hot shower in the bathroom just next door – perfect to ease aching limbs after a day’s hike.
Reviewed by Polly Beard
Prices start from £595 for a three-night weekend stay.
uniquehomestays.com
Wrey Mist offers total peace and seclusion
Images: Unique Home Stays
BY THE SEA
Sometimes, the best way to enjoy quality time with a loved one is to get away from it all together. Whether you fancy the idea of exploring an unfamiliar city or the remote wilderness, do it in style with these romantic breaks.
Owners Irene and Bruce (and Bessie the dog) will give you a friendly welcome and are extremely knowledgeable about the local area, having lived here for 20 years. While they are only 40 paces away up the cobbled courtyard should you have any questions during your stay, they’ll leave you to enjoy Wrey Mist in secluded privacy. They will also treat you to an incredibly generous hamper of goodies on arrival, with essentials like milk, tea, bread and eggs, as well as the best homemade crumpets you’re ever likely to eat. The circular walk from the cottage over Hunter’s Tor and down through the ancient woodland of Lustleigh Cleave is utterly magical and not to be missed. At the bottom of the valley, you’ll find the picture-perfect River Bovey rushing over moss-covered boulders and under historic footbridges. Follow footpaths back into Lustleigh village for refreshment at The Cleave pub or Primrose Tea Rooms before you embark on the final uphill leg back home. On nearby Dartmoor itself, you’ll find a world of rare wilderness and beauty. Visit the National Trust’s beautiful Castle Drogo (nationaltrust.org.uk/castledrogo), and feast your eyes on 20th-century architecture, art collections and fabulous Lutyens-designed gardens. In the woods below, head for the Salmon Leaps and try a spot of wild swimming (read more about this refreshing pastime on page 30). Refuel afterwards with a rural pint and a bite at The Rugglestone Inn, tucked away in Widecombe-in-the-Moor (rugglestoneinn.co.uk). There’s a lovely pub garden complete with freely roaming chickens and ducks. For a real treat, head to Michelin-starred pub The Horse in Moretonhampstead (thehorsedartmoor.co.uk), just two miles from the cottage. The food is above and beyond your average pub grub. Be sure to book in advance.
87
Artist Residence
TO THE CITY
Artist Residence, Brighton With a prime position overlooking Brighton’s famous pebbled beach, this boutique hotel is the ultimate location for a civilised city break. Set over two townhouses on the elegant Regency Square, a stay here feels like visiting the home of a trendy artist friend. Bold, original art on the walls, quirky fabrics, exposed floorboards and ambient lighting lend it a smart bohemian vibe that extends to the bedrooms. Half of the hotel’s 24 rooms were designed by artists who resided here in 2008, when founder Justin Salisbury was renovating what was his mother’s guest house. He ingeniously offered extended stays to artists in return for them designing a bedroom each. True to the hotel’s name, our room certainly had an artist’s touch. The highlight, however, was the French window that opened out on to a sea-facing balcony and proved a wonderful spot to read the morning newspaper in the fresh salty sea air. It was the perfect slow start to the day before we headed downstairs for The Set café bar
88
a delicious breakfast (eggs Florentine and smoky house beans on toast respectively). Being only a brisk walk away from the heart of Brighton, you’ll no doubt want to venture out and explore. If you love a mooch, head to the bustling maze of vintage and independent shops in The Lanes. For history and architecture fans, a trip the Royal Pavilion is a must – this sprawling Indo-Saracenic seaside retreat was built in 1787 for George, Prince of Wales (later King George IV) as his ‘pleasure palace’. And, of course, a trip to Brighton wouldn’t be complete without a jaunt to its pier for fish’n’chips and fair rides. Closer to the hotel is British Airways i360 – the world’s tallest moving observation tower. When it comes to dinner plans, an evening at The Set, Artist Residence’s in-house restaurant is highly recommended. The menu showcases seasonal, local fare. For after-dinner drinks, choose between the lively cocktail ‘shack’ next door or pop downstairs to The Curious Mr Hanbury – a speakeasy bar tucked away in the basement. Reviewed by Emma Winterschladen
Prices start from £85 per night.
artistresidencebrighton.co.uk