It is this time of year when we are all planning our next holiday. The summer holidays have been and gone for a lot of us. It is time to think about your next trip. There is nowhere better to live than Britain if you are planning a luxury staycation. Let's face it our country is pretty awesome and we should all get to know our country. I take at least one UK staycation a year. This helps me to get to know a new part of the UK.
Here are my top 5 luxury staycations in the UK.
1. Belmond Royal Scotsman-Scotland
This one is a bucket list trip. Have you ever dreamed of sleeping in one of the most beautiful trains in the world? Here is your chance. Not only that but the luxury onboard this train is unparalleled. A 5-star hotel but on tracks. The Royal Scotsman, as it is more commonly know has five sleeping cars, a spa car, two dining cars and an observation lounge car. There is a maximum of only 40 guests on board at any time.
From the moment you start your journey to the moment of disembarking, you are the top priority on board. You are greeted with a full kilted piper to welcome you. What a welcome that will be.
The service is something of dreams, everything you could want is taken care off. Did I mention the fine dining? Known to be the best in luxury train travel. That alone could sell this trip to you.
The Belmond Royal Scotland does a range of different journeys from the far north of Scotland, the west coast and the borders. You really can see the best of Scotland from this luxury trains. I have had the pleasure on many occasions of seeing this beautiful train in my village. It has to be seen to be believed.
2. Cliveden House -Maidenhead - England
This is one of the most beautiful and majestic buildings in the UK. It dates back to 1666. It has been restored to the highest standard and every detail is more beautiful than the last. Cliveden does not only have the main building but the grounds are extensive. From the famous parterre, tranquil water garden, octagonal temple, pavilion, amphitheatre, formal gardens, maze and woodlands you will not be disappointed in this luxury hotel experience.
If like me you are a history buff you will love the opulence of Cliveden. Not only was it home to the Duke of Buckingham and Frederick Prince of Wales but it can name Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill as guests.
I have to say if you are a spa lover this is one of the best in the UK. If like me you love a good pampering this might be the staycation for you. With multiple private treatment rooms, which offers a variety of relaxation therapies you can easily unwind and de-stress. There is also the indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms to enjoy. An outdoor pool, hot tubs, a gym and tennis courts complete the spa.
This is also a family friendly Hotel and there is a huge range of family-friendly entertainments and even a babysitting service. So you can indulge in a nice quiet dinner or drink. Heaven.
3. The Fish, Farncombe Estate - The Cotswold - England
This is a unique and quirky hotel. Try not to think of a traditional hotel, when you think of The Fish. It is a very unique concept. It consists of three farmhouse rooms and suites. There are a few standalone buildings throughout the grounds. These have been designed to connect you the guest with nature. Fancy an outdoor bathtub this is the place for you.
The Fish is very Scandinavian in design. Lots of gorgeous wooden panelling and rooms heated by wood-fired stoves. Staying here is a luxury nature retreat. Think about letting all your stress go and enjoying nature and you have the essence of The Fish.
If you are looking for a break with a difference what about staying in a treehouse or Boaty Macboatface? Boaty Macboatface is a purpose-built shepherds hut hidden beside a stunning woodland lake. It also has an indoor and outdoor hot tub to round off the relaxation. This really is a staycation with a difference.
4. The Balmoral, Rocco Forte - Edinburgh - Scotland
The most famous hotel in Edinburgh. If you ever think of old fashioned Scottish luxury then you think of The Balmoral. Towering over the city centre in all its magnificent glory. This is a huge part of Edinburgh. Balmoral's famous clock tower is always 3 minutes fast. This is the hotel's tradition, so you never miss the trains. The station is located nearby. Edinburgh has all the visitor attraction you could every want from historic castles to one of the world's best Zoo. A trip to Edinburgh is always a winner.
Inside the Balmoral is like an interior designers dream with a Scottish twist of course. It has been created by the award-winning Olga Polizzi, who has carefully brung the hotel into the modern age but keeping the historic splendour. This is the staycation for you. If you want to be completely taken care of there is nothing The Balmoral staff will not help with.
The staff are world renown for their customer care services. All this and it houses an award-winning spa and some of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. You will not be disappointed with this hotel.
Everyone who is anyone has stayed at this luxury hotel. It is known to be the hotel of choice for a lot of celebrities and world leaders. It has some of the best views of the city. Plus you are centrally located for any sightseeing or shopping trips you may want to take.
5. Adare Manor- County limerick-Ireland
Adare Manor was built in 1832. It is an extravagant manor house. Where to start with the design. It has 365 windows, 52 chimneys, 12 pillars and 4 towers. This design is called a calendar house. As it was built to symbolise the calendar. This is an impressive and stately manor. It is now a world-renown golf and spa hotel.
The hotel has been lovingly restored to an impressively high standard. It has Georgian inspired features to be in keeping with its historic past. If you have a passion for history, it will be hard to see past this stunning building.
If you liked this post check out Captian Bob Cats post on A Guide To Travel In Scotland Which will give you more food for thought on staycations.
If you liked this post check out Captian Bob Cats post on A Guide To Travel In Scotland Which will give you more food for thought on staycations.
