We love…La Viñuela Hotel, Viñuela, Spain

Stunning lakeside views and tranquil manicured gardens create a perfect holiday paradise in the exotic Andalusian countryside.

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La Viñuela Hotel, a comfortable four-star hotel in the heart of Andalusia, boasts astounding views over the still waters of the reservoir and the rounded mountains beyond. Featuring traditional architecture painted in ochre and creamy tones, the hotel is a mini village of charming, irregular buildings on the banks of La Viñuela Lake.

If you bore of wandering the manicured gardens or chilling out by one of the hotel’s two swimming pools, take to the countryside. Only 15 minutes’ drive from the coast yet nestled beneath the mountain slopes, the hotel benefits from the best of all worlds. Take a hike in the countryside before spending the afternoon lazing at the beach.

Location: La Viñuela Hotel is situated in the municipality of La Viñuela in the region of Axarquia. Only a short drive from the city of Málaga, the hotel enjoys the rich terrain of the Andalusian countryside.

We love…
• The food
The hotel’s cuisine is rich in local dishes and Mediterranean ingredients. Sample dishes from the seasonal menu at one of the three dining rooms: Los Naranjos, Viñuela and El Jardín. If you fancy something lighter, go for the snack menu at the Cafeteria, Al Andalus or El Jardín or during the summer you need barely move from your sun lounger to order from the Alhama pool bar. Why not try a typical midday dish, such as Andalucian Gazpacho or a hearty portion of paella, in the afternoon sun.

• The spa
Complementing the tranquil mountain surroundings, the hotel’s spa offers relaxing treatments to ensure that your body will be as calm as your mind. Their body program was designed by the prestigious therapist D. Rafael Moreno from Malaga and is based on three main principles: wellbeing, beauty and health. Book in for a rejuvenating experience.

• The swimming pools
Boasting a semi-Olympic swimming pool with a poolside bar and large open area, which is perfect for playing children, the hotel amply provides for holidaying families. There is also a smaller, quieter swimming pool, which sits in the private garden to the rear of the hotel. Overlooking the stunning lake, this is an idyllic place to spend your sun-drenched days.

• The afternoon teas
Indulge in a traditional English cream tea in the Andalusian sunshine at the Cafeteria Al Andalus. The large windows look out over the manicured gardens and La Maroma. How can sandwiches and scones in rainy England compare to this?

Need to know…
• As it is a man-made reservoir, La Viñuela’s lake is as quiet as it is beautiful. No motorised craft are allowed so the serene waters are only disturbed by simple sailing boats and canoes.

Why go?
For the fantastic location, the tranquil setting and the chance to be at one with nature.

How to get there…
Nearest airport: Málaga
By taxi: one hour

We love…Hivernage Hotel & Spa, Marrakech

A five-star retreat in the heart of mesmerising Marrakech – cleverly combining contemporary design with an age-old Moorish flavour.

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The luxurious Hivernage Hotel and Spa offers the ideal base for exploring the exotic mayhem of Marrakech. Located in the upmarket neighbourhood of Hivernage, it provides a serene and elegant escape from the chaotic flow of life that fills this majestic and often mind-blowing city.

Unwind in ambient Zen-inspired rooms and take full advantage of the heavenly spa and swimming pool, along with a traditional hammam and gourmet food. You can also expect all the extra touches you may require, such as air-conditioning, LCD television and free wi-fi.

Location: The Hivernage Hotel and Spa is situated in the heart Marrakech, in a residential area just a stone’s throw from the UNESCO World Heritage site, Djemaa el Fnaa.

We love…
• La Table du Marché
For an ambient evening of feasting, book a candlelit table under the stars at La Table du Marché. Mixing Moroccan gastronomy with French finesse, Christophe Leroy offers an explosion of flavours to dazzle the palate.

• The spa
After soaking up the madness of the medina, why not retreat to a temple of calm and relaxation. The Spa by Hivernage prides itself on sticking to thousand-year-old traditional eastern treatments, such as aromatherapy massage and the hammam. Clear the mind at the fitness centre or soothe the soles with a pedicure – perfect for well-trodden feet.

• The location
This luxurious retreat is just a short meander from the heart of Marrakech. Lose yourself within the sprawl of souks that pour out from Djemma el Fnaa. Haggle for camel-hide slippers and Moroccan pouffes, sip mint tea with market traders and escape the snake charmer eager to land you with a comatose cobra.

Need to know…
• The contemporary Le Premium bar terrace offers the ultimate vista for sundowners. Get yourself comfy and breathe in the panoramic view which encompasses the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains, Bab Jdid ramparts and Adgal Gardens.

Why go?
For a luxurious base to explore the magic and mayhem of Marrakech.

How to get there…
Nearest airport: Marrakech Menara International
By taxi: 10 minutes

Hivernage Hotel & Spa is on sale on Travesse from 27 March to 2 April 2011.

We love…Grand Jersey Hotel and Spa, St Helier

A cool and contemporary beach-facing hotel offering sophisticated dining, a glamorous Champagne Lounge and elegant rooms.

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The Grand Jersey is a five-star hotel and spa with an envious Atlantic Island location. Just 100 miles south of mainland Britain and a short swim from the shores of France, you can discover majestic cliffs, exposed bays and beautiful beaches – along with the infamous cows.

Guests can unwind in luxurious surrounds, get pampered with ESPA treatments and dine on gourmet cuisine without leaving the hotel. Yet with an island area of nine miles by five miles, you are never more than a coastal walk or a countryside cycle ride from white sand beaches.

Location: Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa is located in the island capital of St. Helier, opposite one of Jersey’s most famous landmarks, Elizabeth Castle, in the middle of stunning St. Aubin’s Bay.

We love…
• The Champagne Lounge
Champagne lovers will feel right at home at the Grand Jersey’s very own glamorous lounge. Exquisitely furnished and with several secluded areas, the Champagne Lounge is the perfect place to lose a few hours. Order a glass or two of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut N.V. and soak up the stunning sea views by day. Once the sun sets and the music commences, a vibrant buzz ensues – aided of course by the extensive menu of fizz and the odd blow the budget magnum of Cristal.

• The spa
For an ultra blissed-out experience, book yourself into the award winning Spa at the Grand Jersey. Situated over two-floors and covering 8,000 square foot, the Spa offers a range of sensory experiences, VIP treatment rooms and ESPA treatments. As well as a steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and a heavenly heated indoor swimming pool.

• The restaurants
Grand Jersey offers dining for all moods. For a laid-back Sunday lunch check out Victorias brasserie. Tassili offers an exquisite modern British menu and has been ear-marked as a Michelin-starred restaurant in the making. When the sun is shining opt for alfresco dining on the Terrace (mid-April onwards).

Need to know…
• Although sterling is the legal tender in Jersey, the island does have its own coins and notes.

Why go?
To enjoy laid-back island life and sip Champagne by the sea.

How to get there…
Nearest airport: Jersey
By taxi: 10 minutes

The Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa is on sale on Travesse from 27 March to 2 April 2011.

We love….Hotel Palazzo Stern, Venice

Art lovers are hard pressed to find a more appropriate hotel in Venice than this well-placed gem. Antiquities, mosaics and sculptures fill every available space. Hardly surprising, then, that it belonged to an art-trading family.

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The four-star Hotel Palazzo Stern is a grand exercise in sumptuousness.

The original 15th-century building was bought and completely refurbished and extended in the early 20th century by the Stern family, who also happened to be art collectors and traders. Thanks to them, this hotel is beautiful. Colourful peacocks strut in the mosaics; staircases are banistered with intricate wooden panels; and delicate glass lamp shades dance with swirls and florals.

Location: Hotel Palazzo Stern is superbly located close to all Venice’s areas of interest but away from the crowds. It’s in front of the Grand Canal, so it’s close to public transport, and has a private landing for taxis and boats.

We love…
• The attention to detail
Pieces of art, sculptures, antiques, mosaics and unique architectural quirks are thoughtfully scattered around the place.

• The style
The Venetian style of the 24 rooms spread across four floors – drapes, stucco and chandeliers are de rigueur.

• The hot tub
The views from the roof terrace were just made to be admired with a glass of Champagne in hand whilst soaking in a Jacuzzi. Fortunately the hotel has a private Jacuzzi up there.

• The panorama
The views from the rooms aren’t bad either. They take in the Grand Canal, the Rio del Malpaga and the hotel’s garden on the ground floor, which also overlooks the Grand Canal.

Need to know…
• You’ll need to book ahead to use the rooftop Jacuzzi.

Why go?
For culture, art and to marvel at the baroque-ness of it all.

How to get there…
Nearest airport: Venice Marco Polo
By water taxi: 20 minutes
By taxi: 45 minutes

The Hotel Palazzo Stern is on sale on Travesse from 29 March to 3 April 2011.

We love…Fürstenhof Celle, Germany

Originally a Baroque palace dating back to 1680, Fürstenhof Celle is now renowned for its exceptional service, wonderful ambience and historic tradition.

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Spend the day pampering yourself in the spa or dining on Michelin-starred cuisine in their exquisite fine-dining restaurant, before putting your feet up in your sumptuously furnished room for a well-deserved rest.

What’s more, guests staying in Deluxe Rooms also benefit from a fruit basket, a bottle of mineral water, a newspaper and shirt or blouse cleaning or tickets to a castle tour, free of charge.

Location: Situated in the ancient town of Celle, close to the city of Hannover, the Fürstenhof Celle is perfect for an easily accessible rural retreat. Explore the half-timbered houses in Celle’s Old Town or hide away in the hotel and give yourself over to sweet indulgence.

• The gourmet restaurant
At Fürstenhof Celle food lovers are well catered for with fabulous Michelin-starred fine-dining. Visit the restaurant Endtenfang to experience culinary fireworks which blend Mediterranean influences with innovative tastes. Holding a Michelin star for 22 years, the restaurant is renowned for its consistently high standards of cuisine and service.

• The Italian cuisine
Strangely enough for a hotel in Germany, the Fürstenhof Celle’s other restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine. One of the best Italian restaurants in the north of the country, the Palio Taverna & Trattoria offers down-to-earth traditional dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and a modern twist.

• The spa
Bright, fresh and utterly chic, the hotel’s spa is a palace of wellbeing. Dive into the indoor swimming pool, swoon in the sauna or pound the treadmill in the gym – whatever your relaxation needs, the spa will have you chilled out in no time.

• The museums
The historic town of Celle is home to seven intriguing museums. A visit to the Bomann Museum of Celle is an essential part of your stay. One of the most important museums in North Germany, the Bomann exhibits a collection focused around the themes of folklore and regional history. Military men will have plenty to enjoy at the Garnison Museum of military history and at the Rifleman’s Museum. For something more feminine, head to the German Sampler Museum, where you will find 2,000 exhibits of embroidery ranging across four centuries. There are also the Otto Haesler Documentation Centre and the oldest Synagogue in northern Germany to visit and, if at 3am you suddenly have an urge to ponder Modern Art, head down to the world’s first 24-hour Art Museum, where you can get to grips with fantastic art at all times of day and night.

Need to know…
• Each floor is decorated according to a different theme, including golf, royalty, romance and the countryside.

Why go?
For the countryside setting, the historic atmosphere and the marvellous Michelin-starred food.

How to get there…
Nearest airport: Hannover
By taxi: 40 minutes

The Fürstenhof Celle is on sale on Travesse from the 29th March to the 3rd April 2011.

Celle, Germany – In the area

In the glacial valley of the river Aller, Celle is the principal city of Lower Saxony. Surrounded by extensive and unspoilt countryside, Celle is both a modern city and a quaint and traditional home to the world’s largest group of part-timbered houses, exhibiting some of its 700 year history as a ducal residency. A picturesque city in a beautiful area of Germany, Celle is a city that has attracted visitors for centuries and is sure to continue to do so for many more.

Don’t miss…

• Schloss Celle Built in 1530 to replace the city’s castle, the Schloss and its stunning garden complex take up half of the Old Town. With features perfectly preserved from the Renaissance including a chapel and state chambers, the Schloss is a step back in time. The baroque theatre inside its walls is the oldest of its kind and is still putting on shows.

• Bomann Museum This beautiful museum, built in 1892 opposite the Schloss, is home to a series of exhibitions tracing the history and folklore of Celle and the surrounding countryside. Over the coming years the museum is being redesigned but most exhibits are still open.

• Town Church Surrounded by wooden houses from a bygone age, this 700 year old church is once again the scene of an age-old tradition. Every morning and every evening, a trumpeter plays fanfares and hymns from the top of the tower. After listening to the glorious music, the Gothic church and Renaissance tombs should be explored.

• Lower Saxon Stud Farm The 18th-century home to the fathers of some of the most famous horses in history is open for viewing. Although the grand parades don’t happen until September, the chance to witness 250 state-owned prize stallions out in stud and learn about the remarkable history of the farm should not be missed.

• Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp Situated just outside Celle, the infamous concentration camp of Bergen-Belsen should not be missed. It is estimated that around 50,000 of the 120,000 inmates at Bergen-Belsen died there, including the diarist Anne Frank, and the accounts of liberating British troops are truly chilling. The memorial and museum demand to be seen and remembered.

Book in to the Furstenhof, Celle on Travesse

We love…Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, near Bath

Exclusive country living doesn’t get much better than this. Think manicured lawns, exquisite fine dining and five-star service all rolled into a superb Palladian mansion. Pure bliss.

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Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa offers unspoilt, country house living at its very best. A stunning Palladian mansion dating back to 1720, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa was once a private family home until it opened its doors as a hotel in 1987.

Ever since, delighted guests have been warmly welcomed into this lovingly restored country house hotel, which is now a proud member of Relais & Chateaux with a Michelin-starred restaurant, fabulous spa and 500 acres of grounds. With only 42 bedrooms you can be sure of first-class personal service.

Right in the heart of the English countryside, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa is the place to leave everyday life behind. Enter through grandiose wrought-iron gates, into a world of tree-lined drives and silver service. You can be sure that at Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa all your most extravagant wishes will be fulfilled.

Location:
Situated only six miles from the historic city of Bath, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa enjoys an exclusive location in its own listed parkland of 500 acres.

We love…
• The spa
The Spa at Lucknam Park, which opened to great acclaim in 2008, is the epitome of luxurious relaxation. Boasting nine treatment rooms as well as a 20 metre indoor swimming pool, five thermal cabins, a salt water plunge pool, experience showers and a relaxation room, the spa offers treatments by Anne Semonin and Carita Paris. Pad your way down to the Spa, cocooned within the hotel’s walled garden, and indulge in a day of extravagant pampering. Voted the UK’s most delicious spa by the Good Spa Guide in May 2010, the Brasserie restaurant next door offers fabulously tasty healthy options so that being good doesn’t have to be quite so tricky.

• Michelin-starred dining at The Park
The Park restaurant offers Michelin-starred cuisine under the beady eye of Hywel Jones, the restaurant’s executive chef. Using the finest organic ingredients and local suppliers, he concocts flavoursome dishes with flair and finesse.

• Leisure activities
Whether you are bouncing off the walls with energy or prefer something altogether more chilled out, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa have something for you. Explore the walking trails and learn about the flora and fauna of Lucknam’s parkland or take a stroll in the well-tended gardens and try to identify all the kitchen herbs. If working up a sweat is more your thing, book a tennis court and work on your backhand or try horse riding at the estate’s equestrian centre.

• The Brasserie
The Brasserie is an award-winning restaurant which offers all-day dining in a contemporary setting. Dine on carefully constructed dishes, created under the tutelage of Michelin star chef, Hywel Jones, by the 2009 Roux Scholarship winner, Hrishikesh Desai.

• The afternoon tea
Afternoon tea at Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa is a glorious treat. Settle into the elegant Drawing Room chairs and indulge in scones and clotted cream with leaf tea, or push the boat out and opt for a glass of bubbly to wash it down!

Need to know…
• The grandiose public rooms create a serene atmosphere of a time long past. The Georgian Drawing Room is finely decorated and steeped in history, as is the wood-panelled Library. Be sure to enjoy these sophisticated rooms to the full during your stay.

Why go?
For the Michelin-starred cooking, the glamorous surroundings and to the chance to stay in an exclusive country hotel.

How to get there…
Nearest airport: Bristol or Heathrow
By taxi: One hour (Bristol) or one hour and 40 minutes (Heathrow)

Nearest train station: Bath or Chippenham
By rail: One hour and a half from London and then a 25-minute (Bath) or 15-minute drive (Chippenham) to Lucknam Park. Private transfers can be arranged in advance; please request when booking.

By car: From Bath, take the A4 towards Chippenham and travel two miles to the main roundabout over the bypass. At the roundabout take the second exit to Local traffic/Batheaston. Travel through the village for one mile and, after the White Lion Pub, turn left up Bannerdown Hill, signposted Colerne. Continue for about five miles (bearing sharp right after signpost to Marshfield) and turn left at the Colerne crossroads into Doncombe Lane. The entrance to hotel is 300 yards up on right.

Lucknam Park is on sale on Travesse from the 24th to the 30th March, 2011.