With the end of lockdown in sight, for many, wanderlust is hitting an all-time high. While we might not be able to immediately jet off on an international adventure, the UK has plenty to offer for that first special trip once lockdown lifts. From the most exclusive luxury private estates big enough for all the family to dreamy spa breaks, city explorations, country boltholes and gourmet getaways, here are 7 of the best places to go for a UK staycation.
For many, lockdown has been a chance to catch up on reading and fully immerse ourselves in the world of books. Those who have a newfound love for literature, or for those who have seen their passion for reading grow even more need not let this go once lockdown lifts. YTL Hotels’ elegant Gower Street property, The Academy, is thrilled to offer guests a series of literary experiences to enjoy in celebration of the hotel’s location, in London’s literary, cultural and intellectual heart. From literary walks to intimate book club gatherings and a bespoke literary collection cocktail menu, The Academy is a literary hub with its very own story to tell. Book-loving guests looking to follow in the footsteps of Bloomsbury greats who once lived and worked in the neighbourhood need look no further for the ultimate bookish escape.
Rooms at The Academy start from £300. Book here.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, a stone’s throw away from Calton Hill and the Royal Mile, The Glasshouse boasts more outdoor space than any other hotel in the city with a stunning two-acre rooftop garden terrace offering captivating views of Calton Hill. The peaceful rooftop is the ideal setting for a luxury Scottish picnic to enjoy over the spring and summer months. Following an afternoon indulging, guests can look forward to retiring to the hotel’s award-winning whisky snug, offering a selection of more than 150 Scotch whiskies, with the expert team on hand to guide guests through the country’s drams and regions drink by drink.
Nightly rates at The Glasshouse start from £200 per room. Book here.
Luxury Private Rentals from Stay One Degree
For those planning a staycation with family and friends post-lockdown, Stay One Degree – the exclusive members community that allows discerning luxury travellers to rent some of the finest homes around the world from like-minded members – avows that some of their most desired and stunning properties are right at your fingertips, with many hidden gems close to home. From cottages in Cornwall to castles in the Highlands, and everything in between, Stay One Degree’s private home rentals offer the greatest peace of mind for those who want to explore off-grid locations across the UK, offering privacy, space and plenty to do, regulations permitting.
Ruby Hotels, the Munich-based hotel brand and pioneer of the ‘Lean Luxury’ philosophy, has launched its first UK property in London’s Southbank. The new 76-room hotel, Ruby Lucy, forms part of an ambitious expansion plan for Ruby Hotels to unveil a total of eleven new hotels – including a second London property – by 2022. Enjoying a prime position on the Southbank’s Lower Marsh, Ruby Lucy’s interior design is inspired by the area’s bustling fairs and markets, entertainment and theatre scene, with a carnival theme running throughout the hotel. Rich, dark tones meet bright brass accents and subtle stripes, accented with playful props including circus drums and juggling pins.
Nightly rates at Ruby Lucy start from £119 per night. Book here.
The Grove, London’s country estate, is set within 300 acres of rolling Hertfordshire countryside and offers the ultimate five-star retreat for couples, friends and families alike, just 18 miles from central London. The former family seat of the Earls of Clarendon, the estate dates back to the 16th century and retains many of its original features. The Grove will unveil the results of an extensive renovation project when the hotel relaunches on 17th May 2021. The complete redesign has been masterminded by award-winning interiors studio, Martin Hulbert Design and incorporates all three dining spaces – The Glasshouse, The Stables and The Lounges – as well as the lobby area and all 189 West Wing guest rooms. The estate boasts a world-class, 18-hole championship golf course as well as an expansive spa, which offers an array of transformative treatments and luxurious facilities, including a 22-metre indoor pool, Jacuzzi, heat experience rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. Family activities include archery, junior golf camps, forest camps, Segway tours, woodland hawking walks, archery, laser shooting, cycling and much more. The Grove recently unveiled Madhu’s at The Grove, a South Asian pop-up restaurant in collaboration with renowned banqueting specialists and caterers to the royal family, Madhu’s.
Nightly rates at The Grove start from £325 for a West Wing Superior Room, on a room-only basis. Book here.
A home away from home, Sandibay is a new addition to Oliver’s Travels’ UK collection and the holiday rental market. The perfect base for an active, family fun holiday, the private estate comes with sea views and is just a minutes’ walk from a charming dog-friendly pebble beach. An excellent choice for families, children are bound to enjoy playing games in the recreation room, swimming in the pool or exploring the nearby beach. There are also countless pathways to explore, not to mention exquisite National Trust houses to visit and beautiful seaside villages to discover including Broadstairs, Whitstable and Ramsgate.
Rates for a seven-night stay start from £4,305 for 12 people. Book here.
Oliver’s Travels’ Bee Barn, as you might think, is bee-shaped with gorgeous rooms built within its comforting shape. It is deceptively spacious offering an open plan living space, three bedrooms, one with an ensuite shower room and a separate family bathroom. The eco-friendly Bee Barn was built using sustainable materials and with low impact living in mind. Guests can enjoy the long summer evenings on the sun trap deck whilst marvelling at the sunsets or the starry night skies. For keen cyclists looking to explore the area on two wheels, there is even a handy cycle shed. With walking, cycling, watersports, fishing, golf and horse riding on its doorstep and Canterbury and the Kent coast just a short distance away, there is plenty to see and do whilst staying at The Bee Barn.
Rates for a seven-night stay start from £1,409. Book here.
