The thought of a holiday abroad is generally good one, but occasionally the expectations do not match up. We’ve all been there — unfortunate tan lines, mislaid luggage, language accidents, resort rooms not quite as good as we had expected… and don’t even get me started on those all-inclusive buffets). So what if you turned your vacation aspiration a bit closer. For sometimes it’s really simple to forget beauty hot-spots and the wonders we’ve got right on our doorstep.
Here are Seen from the City’s staycation selections regardless of what you’re searching for (and there is not a foreign phrasebook in sight!))
Your Own beach house in South West Cornwall (Aspects Holidays)
Located in Praa Sands (between the Lizard and west Penwith), Praaloha (sleeps 10) is a lavish and spacious beach home, ideal for that ultimate home party. New to Aspects Holidays’ ‘Unique and Boutique’ portfolio, this recently-refurbished and deluxe home-from-home boasts sea views, five large bedrooms, five bathrooms, two sitting rooms, 2 bedrooms, an expansive garden and its own detached pool house with a bar, overlooking a personal 15-metre heated outdoor pool. Throughout the property, floor to ceiling windows make it possible for guests to enjoy the scenic vistas across the gorgeous bay.
You may stroll into Praa Sands Beach, with a surf school, its pub, a. Alternately, walk across the South West Coast Path: jagged rocks and the cliffs below speak of tales of old, full of wreckers, smugglers and stormy seas. In the evenings, make the most of the stylish pool home (complete with a built-in drinks bar) and also the 15-metre heated swimming pool, set within the property’s secluded gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Fire up the barbeque while watching the sun set from one of the loungers beneath the waves, or mix up a cocktail or two. Or, slide into the water and swim a few lengths, listening to the soothing sounds of ocean.
A week’s stay during low season prices from #218 pp (#2,178 total). A week’s stay during high season costs from #502 pp (#5,023 total). The pool is heated and open till 1 October. Two puppies, in an extra #25 each, are all welcome. For more information phone 01736 754242 or visitwww.aspects-holidays. co.uk/cottages/in/praa-sands.
Fly to Cornwall Airport Newquay from London Gatwick (in just 45 minutes) or 11 other UK cities from #24.99 with FlyBe (www.flybe.com).
Get back to nature in Devon (Eden Hotel Collection)
Bovey Castle has been experiencing a huge refurbishment during the months because the resort was taken over by the Eden Hotel Collection in 2014. Situated in 275 acres in Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle is the place to go for country pursuits like horse riding, golf and archery. There’s even a falconry display on the patio each morning.
The resort’s brand spanking new siphoned driving experience — available as a one-hour taster (from #125 pp) or a half-day experience (from #225 pp) — would be that the only one of its kind at a UK hotel. Based on the estate’s border, guests have to push among the fleet of Land Rover Defenders of the hotel on tracks including side slopes and steep inclines, descents. Stay overnight for an extra #179 per room (two sharing; space only), for example entry to the Elan Spa and swimming pool. Telephone Bovey Castle on 01647 445 000 (www.boveycastle.com).
Road tripping in Scotland
Scotland’s scenic 500-mile driving route — from #245 per night
Billed as Scotland’s response to Route 66, the recently-launched (summertime 2015) North Coast 500 showcases the fairytale castles, wild shores and ethereal ruins of the less-visited northern Highlands. The route loops across Scotland’s northern tip to John O’Groats, down the west coast and heads. Create your base, The Torridon, alongside a sea loch.
The path passes its front doorway and the Rapunzel-like towers and well-stocked whisky pub won’t disappoint. An overnight stay costs from #245 per room per night (two sharing) including full Scottish breakfast and activity programme. Call Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 (www.prideofbritainhotels.com).
Shakespeare with ocean views — Dorset from #90 pp at the Alexandra
The Marine Theatre at Lyme Regis is staging open-air performances of The Tempest (19-24 July) from the breathtaking backdrop of Lyme Bay. Singers 50 celebrities and musicians will showcase a local adaptation of the epic tale — with an original musical score. It’s believed that his shipwreck on Bermuda in 1609 and Lyme-born Admiral George Somers inspired Shakespeare to pen The Tempest. Tickets cost per adults/#5 per kid. Stay a brief stroll from the theatre at the Alexandra, in which a night’s stay costs from #180 per room/#90 pp (two sharing) including full English breakfast. Call the Alexandra on 01297 442 010 (www.hotelalexandra.co.uk).
Where’s your staycation destination? Tell us below!
Picture From:seeninthecity.co.uk
