Everyone loves a weekend away. No alarms, no cooking and the blissful feeling that comes with knowing you’re not in charge of dishes – you can’t beat it. For these reasons and so much more, we believe a weekend away should be on the cards at least a couple of times in the year. There are, of course, the bank holiday weekends but there are 46 others to do with what you will so take advantage of those blessed two-and-a-half days as often as you can.
Our other stipulation – which is maybe even more important than the frequency of your trips – is that if you’re swapping your bed for another for a few days then make sure it’s in one of the world’s most stylish of venues. From a celeb-favoured loch-side retreat to a minimalist-approved city hotspot, our eclectic LuxList of beautifully decked out home-from-homes will inspire you to create a look to be enjoyed long after you check out.
Cameron House, Dumbartonshire, Scotland
Situated on the famed bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, Cameron House is the ultimate in highland luxury. Part of the De Vere Hotel group, this five-star hotel is where the A-list flock to and boasts fabulous views of one of Scotland’s most romantic spots, not to mention moody tartan-clad interiors which exude a traditional drama. www.devere-hotels.co.uk
Café Royal, London, England
For a rare paradisiacal moment in the capital, escape to the recently reopened Café Royal. Found on the south end of Regent Street, the hotel’s suites have been refurbished to include a colour scheme of cappuccino and olive green, exquisite marble bathrooms and tasteful modern furniture. In contrast, the eateries and bars will make you think you’ve stepped into 1800s Paris with shapely red leather chairs and plenty of gold. The prime location makes it ideal for post-relaxation sightseeing. www.hotelcaferoyal.com
Parador de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
An oftentimes overlooked Spanish city, Santiago de Compostela is steeped in religious history making it the perfect getaway for Easter weekend. Stay in the reputed oldest hotel in the world the Parador – a 15th century one-time hospital which has welcomed many a weary pilgrim. The exposed stone rooms – which are characteristic of the area – are dressed in medieval-inspired furnishings. While there, visit the supposed resting place of the apostle Saint James found within the city’s incredible gothic cathedral, at the heart of the old town.
Andaz 5th Avenue, New York City, USA
Found in one of NYC’s most opulent areas, the Andaz on 5th Avenue is a haven of minimalist style with breathtaking views. Preferring to highlight its structural features – simple wood cabinetry, interesting shelving and false walls – the venue is desirably pared back with a few leather button-tufted sofas, clean-lined tables, relaxed chaise longues and wooden accessories. www.hyatt.com
Congham Hall Hotel, Norfolk, England
Spend the weekend in royal territory at Norfolk’s Congham Hall Hotel. Situated just at the edge of the Sandringham estate, the Georgian venue certainly isn’t short on noteworthy neighbours. Sculptural table lamps, nail-head trim chairs and graphic cushions are notable decor accents. The recently refurbished spa and a nearby nature walks are both must-dos for an easy country weekend. www.conghamhallhotel.co.uk
Babington House, Somerset, England
Super stylish Babington House aims to provide urbanite guests with all the amenities of the city in an incredible rural setting. The eclectic mix of industrial accents – think wood and metal bar stools and exposed brick – and pastel button-tufted furniture in the dining areas and traditionally furnished rooms with tartan throws and rustic chest of drawers makes this unassuming country retreat a winner in the design stakes. The hotel boasts its own Orangery and chapel, not to mention perfectly manicured gardens. www.babingtonhouse.co.uk
Rome Cavalieri, Rome, Italy
A weekend in the Eternal City is a fabulous weekend choice for those culture enthusiasts amongst us. Rooms are decked out opulently with star-studded ceilings and French royal furniture but the penthouse suite wins with Karl Lagerfeld pieces and an unbeatable panorama of the Roman skyline. www.placeshilton.com/rome-cavalieri
Palais Hansen Kempinski, Vienna, Austria
The Palais Hansen Kempinski in romantic Vienna is firm proof that architectural antiquity and contemporary interior design creates a striking partnership. The sleek interior is as much a modern masterpiece as the exterior is a traditional one. Bedrooms feature colour popping cushions on contemporary cool sofas, beautifully patterned wood furnishings and metallic mirror accents. www.kempinski.com/vienna
The Merrion, Dublin, Ireland
Irish hospitality is world famous so where better to spend the weekend than in one of the country’s most luxurious hotels? Classic marble bathrooms and calming rooms with white Neo-classical furniture and velvet cushions await you at this central Dublin hotel. The Tethra spa, complete with 18-metre mosaic-clad infinity pool, is on hand for much-needed R&R or if you fancy a little cultural enlightenment, the hotel’s extensive art collection can be toured with the help of a National Gallery expert. www.merrionhotel.com
Lime Wood, Hampshire, England
A Regency country house decked out by interior designers of the moment Ben Pentreath and Martin Brudnizki is our kind of hotel. A self-professed “boutique hotel”, the Lime Wood has been stylishly filled with tailored sofas, printed cushions and subtly scalloped coffee tables in neutrals and tonal blues. The new Hartnett Holder & Co restaurant mixes chevron patterns and bright leather upholstery with art-lined walls finishes things off with a glistening elliptical chandelier. www.limewoodhotel.co.uk
Check these pieces into your decor for an at-home reminder of a hotel’s little but all-important luxuries or contact our dedicated concierge for the ultimate personal shopping experience.
