We love… The Springfield Hotel, Dorset

Situated in Dorset, one of the most beautiful parts of England, nestled at the foot of the Purbeck hills lies The Springfield Hotel. This gorgeous residence combines the warm and inviting atmosphere of a traditional English country house with the premium hospitality and facilities of a modern luxury hotel. The Springfield Hotel is perfect for anyone who wants a romantic, comfortable, break away from the pressures of everyday life.

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Whether you want to spend some time admiring and exploring the Dorset countryside, swimming in the indoor and outdoor pool, or just luxuriating in the hotel’s extensive natural spring spa and leisure areas, there is plenty to enjoy at The Springfield Hotel. The hotel’s very own Mill View Restaurant is well known for the fresh, locally sourced produce it serves, and the Springer’s Bar and Restaurant, which overlooks the pool, is a lovely place to enjoy a light lunch with a drink or two. With plenty of sporting opportunities available at the Hotel, including tennis, fishing, and golf, there really is something for everyone.

Location: Tucked into a beautiful corner of Dorset in Wareham, The Springfield Hotel is a quintessentially English retreat near many famous local landmarks, including Corfe Castle, Lulworth Castle, and Swanage Steam Railway Station.

We love…
• Spending all day in the spa
With a myriad of treatments to choose from, the spa at The Springfield is in a class of its own. Treat yourself – or someone else – to one of the many different massages on offer, from hot stone massage to aromatherapy; or maybe try a facial designed to suit your specific skin requirements. For anyone with a “no pain, no gain” approach to beauty, there are further options available, ranging from microdermabrasion to anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers. Furthermore, the spa also offers manicures, pedicures, waxing and a Fake Bake Tanning salon. With all this and much more besides, including a sauna and steam room, you could easily spend hour upon hours being pampered at the Natural Spring Spa.
• Sports and Leisure
Those who see exercise as a good opportunity to get outdoors and into the fresh air can head to the nearby golf course, who often offer deals to customers staying at the Springfield. It is also worth asking the hotel staff for information regarding local horse riding opportunities nearby. The hotel has recently purchased a fishing lake, which can be a lovely way to spend an afternoon, especially if the weather is nice. The gym facilities have recently been refurbished, and there is a good-sized swimming pool. Hotel residents are fortunate enough to be allowed full use of both swimming pools and the gym, which includes a Toning Studio, weight training equipment, cardio equipment, and a Ladies Oriented Area.
• The Mill View Restaurant
Sample classic, hearty English food at the Mill View Restaurant. The wide range of choices available on the menu use the freshest ingredients from today’s market. Lovers of seafood are well-served here – from the Dorset shore comes fresh scallops, mussels, and cockles: and for carnivores, the hotel is proud to offer beef reared on their own farm, and cooked to order. Purbeck dairy ice cream can also be ordered, as can local Dorset cheese, the “Blue Vinney” cheese, with Dorset Knobs. For lighter snacks and a more informal approach to dining, the sports bar overlooking the swimming pool (Springers Bar) offers a variety of meals, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails.
• A Picturesque Break in the English Countryside
One of the most charming features of The Springfield Hotel is the beautiful Dorset countryside in which it resides. With pretty gardens full of flowers and trees, the Springfield is the perfect place for lovers of nature. Not only are the grounds of the Springfield itself enchanting, but guests are also incredibly near numerous sights and attractions, such as the coastal areas of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. The nearby Swanage beach is packed to the brim with traditional English seaside flavour, and is the perfect place to build a sandcastle or watch a Punch and Judy puppet show.

Need to know…
• Remember to book spa treatments in advance to avoid disappointment!

Why go?
To enjoy a slice of English country life near the coast with all the trimmings of a modern luxury hotel experience.

How to get there…
Nearest airport: Bournemouth International airport
Nearest rail station: Wareham Railway Station

Springfield on sale now at Travesse until 01/08/11

 

We Love…Porto Sani Village, Crete

The Porto Sani Village is a 5* all-suite resort, beautifully designed, with elegant interiors to compliment the natural beauty of Greece. Suited to families and couples alike, the pools, private beach and range of activities make this a firm favourite for many looking for an exciting and hassle free holiday.

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Stay in one of the 103 individually styled suites, with natural wood fittings, large and luxurious beds, and each with their own balcony or terrace and Jacuzzi bath. Make the most of the Dine Around Programme, which includes an impressive collection of the resort restaurants as well as a number in the charming Sani Marina.

Location: Ideally located on Sani Marina and at the centre of the Sani Resort, the hotel is perfect for those wishing to enjoy the vibrant buzz of the Marina as well as the peaceful escape of the stunning private beach.

We love…
• The Sea Breeze Bar
When the sun is shining, take it easy with a delicious cocktail at the pool-side bar. There is also a delicious selection of snacks, coffees and aperitifs available all day from the comfort of the lagoon-style main pool.

• The Beaches
At Porto Sani Village you enjoy your very own private beach in front of the Sani Marina, complete with showers, sun beds, towels and refreshments. The white sandy beach has clear calm waters perfect for younger guests to enjoy safely. There is also a babe watch service where the team can look after your little ones for up to 30 minutes allowing you to enjoy your well-deserved holiday. The beach experience has even been enhanced with hundreds of loungers with dedicated ‘beach buddies’ to serve guests refreshments and snacks from the comfort of your sun bed.

• The Spa
Allow yourself to be pampered at the immaculate spa, and choose from a wide selection of treatments available, such as Anne Semonin Eternal Youth Cryotherapy Facial, Deep Clean Detox Facial, Serenity Treatment with Hot Stones, Anti-Stress Back Therapy, Perfect Hands Treatment, Soul Foot Therapy and many more… The heated indoor hydro pool is available for a leisurely swim, or make the most of the number of water jets for a relaxing massage.

• The Activities
Make the most the marina and explore the stunning coastline by boat. There are a number of boat trips available to suit all interests and abilities. Why not enjoy a sunset cruise taking in the captivating scenery aboard the Sani Sea Queen. For the experienced you can hire your own yacht and explore the many secluded coves in Halkidiki or venture further a field to the beautiful nearby islands. You can even explore inland, and try out the great array of the regions finest wines.

Need to know…
• Babysitting is available at the Sani Resort, which can be arranged with the guest relations team. Costs are approximately €10 per hour and if the babysitting ends after 11pm there is a €15 surcharge payable. There are also three Kids Club options, from the Melissa Creche (4 months – 4yrs), Melissa Mini Club (4 – 12 yrs) and the Teenagers Club (13-16 yrs).

Why go?
To enjoy the contemporary elegance of this exciting resort ideally situated on the coast of the Aegean Sea.

How to get there…
Nearest airport: Thessaloniki (direct flights from London Gatwick, Luton, East Midlands, Manchester and Newcastle. From Stanstead, Ryanair is available, however exclusively offline. Please call 0800 810 8121).
By taxi: All Sani Holidays guests are able to pre-book private transfers to your chosen Sani Resort. Upon arrival at Thessaloniki Airport you will be met by one of our drivers, who will transfer you directly to your hotel.

Book now at Travesse – this fanstastic deal is running out today!

 

We love…. The Five Arrows Waddesdon, United Kingdom

A Grade II listed coaching inn, this country hotel is small but architecturally stunning and boasts a charming interior.

Standing at the gates of Waddesdon Manor, the Five Arrows is a small, 11-bedroom hotel with a unique façade. Beneath the eccentrically tiled roof and the tall chimney stacks lies a traditionally decorated interior and a beautifully manicured garden.

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Dine al fresco on the elegant terrace or book a table in the traditional dining room and sample the European cuisine. As the light fades retire to your tastefully decorated room in the old coaching inn and relax in the quiet comfort of this old country hotel.

Location: Situated in the country village of Waddesdon in the heart of Buckinghamshire, The Five Arrows is ideally located for a fashionable weekend break from London.

We love…
• The history
Built in 1887 by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild as part of the Waddesdon Estate, the Five Arrows was originally used to accommodate the architects, craftsmen and artisans working on the Manor itself. Designed by the architect and builder, James Taylor, in his own “authentic” English style of half timbering, elaborate Elizabethan chimney stacks and wrought ironwork. It is now known as one of the most striking buildings in the village.
• The décor
The Five Arrows is a small Victorian coaching inn with a beautiful façade and an interior to match. Each of the individually designed bedrooms is named after one of the various houses owned by the Rothschild family. As well as calming pastel-coloured furnishings, the rooms exhibit antiques and original pieces from Waddesdon Manor.
• The food
Known as a restaurant with rooms, the Five Arrows dishes up a variety of cuisine, from simple but imaginative lunch menus to gastronomic dinner experiences. The restaurant features a seasonal menu, which uses fresh, local ingredients to produce modern European dishes.
• Waddesdon Manor
This National Trust property is a Renaissance-style manor built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to house his collection of art and furniture. Surrounding the manor is a magnificent Victorian garden, considered to be one of the best in Britain, with a parterre, topiary and seasonal planting. Guests at the Five Arrows are all entitled to complimentary garden tickets, open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, so there is no excuse not to pay a visit!

Need to know…
• Each of the five arrows in the hotel’s emblem represents one of the five sons of the founder of the Rothschild dynasty. Intriguingly, the sons were sent out across Europe by their father to establish banking houses in each of the financial capitals: Frankfurt, Vienna, Paris, Naples and London.

Why go?
For the history, the fancy location and the tasty culinary concoctions.

The Five Arrows Waddesdon, United Kingdom is on sale on Travesse until April 16, 2011

We love…Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus

Aphrodite Hills is Cyprus’ first ever five-star, fully integrated resort. With a stunning position on the edge of the ocean, guests can soak up the Mediterranean lifestyle as well as the serene sea views.

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Rooms at the hotel are the epitome of elegance, with all the luxury mod cons you would expect. All benefit from a balcony or terrace with beautiful views of either the landscaped gardens, championship-standard golf course or the soul-soothing sea – the perfect locale to sip sundowners.

Location: The hotel is situated on the edge of the Mediterranean, in the coastal city of Paphos.

We love…
• The views
From the stunning Troodos Mountains to the alluring turquoise shores of the Mediterranean, the vistas here are designed to promote a feeling of smug contentedness.
• The golf
Tee off like a pro on one of the two dramatic plateaux that hug the coastal landscape 300 metres above the Mediterranean. With an 18-hole, Cabell Robinson designed, par 70/71 championship standard course, you’ll have 6,299 exhilarating metres to master. Novices can tighten their technique with PGA expert tuition at the three-hole golf academy with driving range and putting greens.
• The Retreat Spa
A few lengths of the elegant eternity pool, overlooking the deep blue ocean, is enough to revive the most tired of souls. Throw in a revitalising rainbow concoction from the juice bar to revive the spirits and finish off in the Greco-Roman inspired Spa for an indulgent holistic massage – relaxation is guaranteed.
• The Village Square
At the hub of the resort, you’ll find a traditional village square, with enough bars and restaurants to suit all palates. Choose from a traditional Cypriot Taverna, Italian, Asian or grill and seafood. You’ll also find a coffee shop, traditional souvlaki stall and the Anoi Bar offering a gastro-pub menu, along with world beers and wines.

Need to know…
• Old Paphos is the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. It became the most important place for the ancient Aegean world to worship her.

Why go?
For ancient and fascinating history, five-star luxury and a world-class golf course.

The Aphrodite Hills is Cyprus’ first ever five-star and is on sale on Travesse from until April 18, 2011.

We love…Continental Hotel Zara, Budapest

Sleek Art Deco furnishings and glittering glass ceilings radiate contemporary cool in the historic setting of former celebrated bath house.

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The Continental Hotel Zara, a four star superior design hotel in the heart of Budapest, has perfected the charm of Art Deco finesse enhanced by contemporary technology and comfort.

Behind the facade of the illustrious Hungária Public Baths lies the stylised hotel lobby, with embellished walls and a shimmering barrel-vaulted glass ceiling. The 30s theme permeates throughout the hotel with the rooms being characterised by dark wood furniture and neutral colours and the restaurant boasting sculpted pillars and wide, cube windows.

Location: Situated on the edge of Budapest’s Jewish quarter, the Continental Hotel Zara is surrounded by dramatic synagogues, quaint buildings and a sprinkling of shiny new apartment blocks – ideal for exploring an alternative side of Budapest. Only streets away is downtown Pest, home to the city’s fine restaurants, fashionable shops and stately monuments, where you can get caught up in the bustle of Hungarian daily life.

We love…
• The blend of historical features and modern architecture
Occupying a building which once housed the Hungária Public Baths, the Continental Hotel Zara stands as a monument to Hungarian culture. Renovated to a high standard, the facade of the hotel now shines with all its former glory and inside the sparkling glass barrel-vaulted ceiling marks the site of the old swimming pool. This restoration of the historical elements alongside the sympathetic addition of contemporary wings and modern fittings has brought the hotel gently into the 21st century.
• The Hungarian cuisine
The Araz Restaurant serves up a selection of national dishes which evoke the cuisine served by turn-of-the-century bourgeois restaurants in Hungary. Interestingly, Hungary exhibits one of the world’s first fusion cuisines, combining elements and styles from a number of different countries including Italy, Turkey, Transylvania and France. With dishes this varied and well-crafted it would be a tragedy to miss out.
• The Gallery Cafe
In a city of coffee houses the Gallery Café more than holds its own among the many fashionable purveyors of Kávé. The wonderful old bath house setting, where the Hungarian literati once swam and took the waters, creates a magical atmosphere of days gone by. Drink a traditional Kapuciner topped with cream and chocolate shavings in the very spot where the Hungarian elite later watched films when the baths were re-incarnated as the Kamara Motion Picture Theatre.
• The rooftop Wellness and Fitness Centre
The hotel boasts one of the largest wellness and fitness areas among Budapest’s hotels and its rooftop location offers jaw-dropping views over the city. Thrash up and down the indoor and outdoor pools (open all year round!) or unwind in the Finnish sauna or Jacuzzi after a long day sightseeing.

Need to know…
• If you fancy trekking round the tourist sights during your stay consider purchasing a 2 or 3 day Budapest Card at the hotel, which entitles you to unlimited free travel on public transport, free or discounted entry to 60 museums, a half-price sightseeing tour and discounts in restaurants, spas, car rentals and sports facilities.

Why go?
For spectacular views, thermal baths and grandiose turn-of-the-centuy architecture.

How to get there…
Nearest airport: Ferihegy Budapest
By taxi: 30 minutes

The Continental Hotel Zara, Budapest is on sale on Travesse from the 5th to the 11th of April, 2011. Join Travesse for free now to benefit from this and other great travel flash sale deals.

We love…196 Bishopsgate, London

A super stylish home-from-home in the heart of London – providing the perfect base to explore the vibrant capital.

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Whether you’re after a contemporary city crash-pad for one, a romantic retreat for two or a plush penthouse suite for a weekend soiree – 196 Bishopsgate offers 48 furnished serviced apartments to suit all needs.

Benefitting from sleek design, the apartments are fully equipped with all mod-cons and have plenty of space to relax or entertain. Conveniently located opposite Liverpool Street Station, you are also just a short stroll from the West End.

Location: 196 Bishopsgate boasts an envious city location close to Broadgate, Leadenhall Market, Petticoat Lane and Brick Lane.

We love…
• The home-from-home factor
London can be an expensive city escape, but staying in a serviced apartment can save you a small fortune. Make your morning coffee just how you like it and take full advantage of the fully equipped kitchen with oven, hob, fridge freezer and dishwasher. The apartments are designed for comfortable entertaining and are a great meeting place for pre-dinner drinks before you hit the city.
• The local area
The apartments are located in the heart of London’s Square Mile, now famous as a financial district full of international banks and businesses. However, close by you can mooch around markets at Petticoat Lane, which has thousands of stalls lining the lanes every Sunday, offering clothes and leather goods. For indoor market stalls stuffed with arts, crafts and a fabulous food court head to Spitalfields and curry-lovers can find authentic restaurants in Brick Lane – the hub of London’s Bangladeshi community.
• The convenient locale
With Liverpool Street Station opposite, you can easily explore the city via train. If you fancy embracing life as a tourist, London’s nearest attractions include: the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Dungeon.

Need to know…
• 196 Bishopsgate will go the extra mile to make you feel at home – offering services such as: a spot of grocery shopping, mobile phone rental and even secretarial skills.

Why go?
For a contemporary and convenient crash pad in the heart of London city.

How to get there…
Nearest airport: London City Airport
By taxi: 25 minutes

Nearest railway station: Liverpool Street
By rail: Transport connections from this station include: Central Line, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Circle, National Rail, Stanstead Express and local bus services.

196 Bishopsgate is on sale on Travesse from 7th to 13th April 2011. Join Travesse for free to see this and other great flash sale travel deals.

We love…The Queensberry Hotel, Bath

A fabulously off-beat hotel provides a stylishly fun home-from-home in the centre of Bath.

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The curiously quirky Queensberry Hotel is a family-run hotel with a sense of fun. Boasting three red stars, it’s no surprise that its peculiar combination of contemporary sophistication and old-fashioned charm make the hotel a front-runner among Bath’s luxury offerings.

Proving small is beautiful, the Queensberry Hotel prides itself on 29 stylish and individually decorated rooms – each and every one perfectly suited to a city escape or a loved-up weekend in the romantic city of Bath. Despite its petite stature, the rooms retain an air of calm elegance – perfect for lazy Sunday morning lie-ins. Spend your days shopping in Bath’s chic boutiques or exploring the city’s historic baths and residences before settling down to an evening of fabulous food at the Olive Tree restaurant.

We love…
• The restaurant
Nestled in the light and airy calm of the basement is the hotel’s Olive Tree restaurant. Here, head chef Nick Brodie sources the very best of British local and seasonal produce and fashions it, in spectacular style, into mouth-watering dishes to please the taste buds as much as the belly. Awarded three rosettes by the AA Restaurant Guide, it is obvious that it is not just us who rate their delicate presentations and flavoursome cooking. Book a table in the evening or stay in for lunch to sample this top-notch British cuisine.
• The bar
Kitted out by the designers of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, the Old Q is a triumph of brash abandon with vibrant yellow walls and Union Jack cushions. Priding itself on an old-fashion devotion to excellent drinks, the Old Q is a bar with a sense of humour as well as good taste. With a tongue-in-cheek nod to the stiff upper lip, there is even a list of rules to ensure you keep your decorum whilst sipping their classic Manhattan with a twist.
• The garden
In a vibrant city like Bath you are lucky to see a window box of primroses amongst the mellow stoned city background. At the Queensberry Hotel they won’t settle for less than a proper grown-up garden. Their quiet little refuge from the constant traffic and footfall of tourists is the perfect place to luxuriate amongst the verdant shrubs and stretch out, cat-like, to absorb the warmth from the stone walls. What could be more pleasurable than a quiet cocktail or a pot of leaf tea sitting out in the evening sunlight?
• The Bath Voice
When you are itching to explore but haven’t a clue where to start, most hotels simply brandish leaflets at you or point out the local tourist office but the Queensberry Hotel goes one step further. Whether you are looking for handmade chocolates, the perfect local ale or the best place to be pampered, you need only flick through your personal copy of the Bath Voice – the hotel’s very own exclusive insider’s guide to Bath – to find the ideal recommendation.
• The history
The Queensberry Hotel prides itself on being as decadent and fascinating as its namesakes. The son of the 8th Marquis of Queensberry, who built the row of townhouses in which the hotel resides in 1771, brought the name of Queensberry into the limelight with his passion for fist fighting. Known as Old Q, the Marquis is now famed for having devised the original code of boxing which still govern modern boxing today.

Need to know…
• The Queensberry Hotel has an environmental conscience as strong as its quirky charm. Working closely with the Green Tourism Business Scheme, the hotel purchases local food and aims to reduce waste to control their carbon footprint.

Why go?
For a quirky but luxurious stay with fabulous food and stylish surroundings in the beautiful, historic city of Bath.

How to get there…
Nearest airport: Bristol International
By taxi: 45 minutes

The Queensbury Hotel in Bath will be on sale on Travesse 5-11 April 2011.

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.