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Give yourself something to look forward to by browsing these dream spas across Europe!

Hotel Villa Honegg, Switzerland

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, Hotel Villa Honegg is one of the most stunning spa destinations in Europe! In addition to its outstanding facilities, the spa in this exquisite hotel offers an outdoor pool which boasts truly jaw-dropping views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne. The pool is heated at 34ºC, allowing Hotel Villa Honegg’s guests to enjoy it all year round. The spa also offers a Finnish sauna and a steam room, as well as a fully equipped gym and an extensive list of massages, facials and beauty treatments.

https://villa-honegg.ch/en/

Aqua Dome, Austria

Skiing followed by a trip to the sauna… In Austria, the most popular country for skiers, many hotels and holiday rentals offer this service for their visitors. The combination sounds like an absolute dream! Our top spa recommendation in Austria is the Aqua Dome in Längenfeld, Tyrol where you can experience many spectacular saunas and go for a swim in its stunning thermal pools.

aqua-dome.at

Löyly, Finland

The Finnish are considered to be the inventors of the sauna, they even have one up in their Parliament House in Helsinki! With saunas considered as an integral part of Finnish culture, it is clear that this is the dream destination for a spa break. Löyly (meaning steam in Finnish) is located on the Helsinki coast and offers a beautiful setting with saunas, a restaurant, a bar, and a beautiful terrace, where you can also enjoy some live music. This is an authentic hot-spot in an environment fully respectful of nature.

loylyhelsinki.fi

Sanduny Bath House, Russia

Cold in Russia? This is a well-known fact. And maybe that's why in this country the traditional sauna, known as banya, reaches up to 100 degrees at least. The Sanduny Bath House is the oldest sauna in Russia. With its magnificent architecture and fairytale decoration, you will feel like royalty whilst enjoying all the benefits of the sauna and the thermal pools.

msk.sanduny.ru

Vabali, Germany

Germans are also addicted to spas, which is reflected in the tremendous amount of public saunas available, especially found linked with swimming pools and gyms. To escape the hustle and bustle of Berlin, take a sauna session at Vabali, which is within close proximity to the central station, but feels isolated at the same time. Once there, you will find different types of saunas, from a Russian banya to a panoramic sauna that will transport you into a perfect setting with its unbeatable garden views.

vabali.de

 

Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa is the perfect place for a weekend of relaxation away from the office. The main hotel building is all about classic interiors - as soon as you enter the snug and the reception area, you’re greeted by plush fabrics, elegant wallpapers, moulded Lincrusta wall coverings, oak panelling and antique furnishings. Once checked in, cosy up there, next to the flickering log fire, and flick through the day’s papers while sipping on a nice cup of tea. All of the hotel’s 59 rooms are atmospheric and beautifully styled and come in five categories. For a real taste of luxury, stay at one of the suites or better yet – book one of the two 2-storey lodges which are set just off the Courtyard.

The short walk between the hotel and the spa takes you to a very different setting. Opened in 2017, the multi-million pound spa feels like it belongs in a resort somewhere in the Alps and not in a traditionally English inn. And with its truly impressive collection of experiences to try, it guarantees to make your shoulders ease as soon as you arrive.

The main entrance leads you through the kind of lounge you want to luxuriate in, with its contemporary design, cosy fireplace and velvet armchairs. Once in the spa itself, you’re welcomed by a sublime pool that runs both inside and out and comes with in-built relaxing loungers  and various hydrotherapy features. By the outdoor side of the pool, you’ll find three cosy Alpine lodges with fire pits where you can cuddle up and relax. Don’t spend too much time there though because the real fun is inside. Make sure you try the stone bath and the two saunas, which offer different heat options and experiences and go straight to the shower walk after you’re done. Its settings include waters of varying temperatures and sounds which recreate the experience of a warm tropical rain and summer storm, a cold Alpine rain or a mist and end with a cold bucket shower. If the bucket shower sounds too scary to you but you still want to have a cold shower after a sweat session, try the snowstorm experience. Ye Olde Bell spa also offers a herbal steam room, infused with herbs from their very own herb garden and a Salt Inhalation Room where you can have a relaxing nap.

When all that relaxing gets too much, move to the spa restaurant for a beautiful three-course meal (and try their gnocchi salad with rocket, sundried tomatoes and pine nuts). And if you want to leave feeling truly revitalised and rejuvenated, top off your spa day by indulging in a Turkish massage or an aromatherapy facial in one of Ye Olde Bell Spa’s six treatment rooms. Let me warn you though: with glasses of prosecco constantly flowing (brought to you by very helpful spa butlers) and the abundance of things to try, leaving the spa to go back to the hotel and get ready for dinner could be a very difficult task.

Dinner (and lunch) is served in Restaurant Bar 1650 and St Leger Bistro-by-the-Bar, both of which have been awarded an AA Rosette. Menus feature classics such as steaks, pan seared sea bass and venison loin, all celebrating creative cooking and modern British cuisine. The guests of Ye Olde Bell are also invited to join them for a traditional afternoon tea with a contemporary twist (served on beautiful vintage china) or a mouth-watering Sunday roast. With its impressive six banquet suites, Ye Olde Bell is also renowned for its wedding, banqueting and corporate events – and we’re struggling to think of a better place that will cater for your event if you’re in the area!

 

A stay at Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa, which includes spa time, starts from £149.50 per person.

For more information or to make a booking visit www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk or call 01777 705121.

 

It’s hard not to fall in love with Cornwall and its long, rugged coastline and hundreds of sandy beaches. It’s also hard not to fall in love with Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa and its perfect location right next to surfers’ favourite Fistral Beach. In addition to sensational views, staying in a room here grants you access to the hotel’s stunning Dune Restaurant, the cosy Bay Bar, excellent spa, pool and an abundance of things to do within a walking distance from the hotel. Should you wish to venture outside of the grounds, the beach and the Quiksilver Surf School are less than 200 yards away, while Newquay is just about 2 miles from the hotel.

The interiors take full inspiration from the hotel’s surroundings – clean lines, Navajo white walls, classic blond wood furnishings and neutral fabrics with pops of aquamarine jazzing up the rooms’ ambiance. All best rooms come with stylish bathtubs right next to floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies with wicker table and chairs – the perfect spot for a quick glass of champagne before heading downstairs for dinner.

After a morning exploring Cornwall, an afternoon in the spa will feel well-needed. Ideal for those seeking relaxation, the spa features a vitality pool, whirlpool tub, sauna and steam room and an extensive list of superb treatments. If you like to work up a sweat even during a relaxing weekend, Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa offers an excellent fitness room fully equipped with all the essential machines for a good workout.

Dune Restaurant’s carefully compiled menu changes regularly to ensure that it makes the most of fresh, seasonal Cornish produce. Perfect for a special lunch or dinner, the atmospheric restaurant celebrates freshly caught seafood and feels very intimate and relaxed. We enjoyed a beautifully prepared three-course meal paired with fantastic wines, while looking out over the sea. Settle on a squashy sofa in the bar after your meal for the perfect end to a truly wonderful day.

Breakfast is served in Dune Restaurant too, where you can find a continental buffet featuring fresh pastries, fruit and a selection of cheese and meats, as well as a menu of hot options.

Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa’s outstanding location, gorgeous food, exquisite spa and friendly staff make it the perfect base to explore one of England’s most beautiful counties. It is the perfect place to escape to – and the perfect place to spoil yourself and the one you love.

 

Nightly rates start from £80 on a bed and breakfast basis.

For more information and to book your stay: 

Phone: 01637 852221

Email: reservations@fistralbeachhotel.co.uk

Website: https://www.fistralbeachhotel.co.uk

Have you ever been to a hotel that you could visit time and time again? One that’s almost better than the destination itself? That’s exactly how I felt when I visited Hotel Okura Amsterdam.

Part of an international chain with more than 80 luxury hotels worldwide, Hotel Okura Amsterdam is the Japanese chain’s only hotel in Europe. The 23-storey building is located in the trendy De Pijp district - close to the financial, cultural and entertainment districts of Amsterdam. It offers its guests high-quality accommodation, culinary delights in four Michelin-star restaurants, plus ultra-modern spa facilities.

The Accommodation

Western in style and elegantly subdued with neutral colours, all 300 guest rooms are spacious and plushly decked out with comfortable Eastborn beds, large wooden work desks, Nespresso machines and all the other amenities you’d expect in a five-star hotel. We were very fortunate to be in one of the rooms that offered magnificent views of the city.

Upon arrival, we discovered a lovely surprise to walk into - a note from the Okura team welcoming us to the hotel and a box of macaroons.

Hotel Restaurants

Hotel Okura Amsterdam is home to four high-quality, Michelin-star restaurants. Yamazato is the first traditional Japanese restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star in Europe. Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka offers the opportunity to watch the chefs while they prepare their delicious dishes on a hot griddle at the guests table. The International and innovative Ciel Bleu Restaurant offers a panoramic view of the city and has held two Michelin stars since 2007. Serre serves internationally inspired dishes with seasonal, fresh and local products, and holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition, as a restaurant that delivers quality food for an affordable price.

Hotel Spa – Nagomi

Nagomi Spa & Health is the perfect place to go if you want to get away from the stress of everyday life. The Japanese word Nagomi, which means ‘calm down’, captures the essence of the spa. The carefully composed selection of treatments will help you escape the bustle of the city. In addition to the treatments, you can also unwind in the Turkish steam bath, sauna or Jacuzzi.

 

For more information, please go to: https://www.okura.nl/

With its rugged fields and trails, including routes up Mount Snowdon, and stunning beaches, North Wales could be the perfect destination for an active weekend getaway. If you’re thinking of visiting the area, keep reading – we’ve listed below some of the top sights and activities that cannot be missed.

   

Where to stay?

During our weekend in Wales, we stayed at a truly traditional country house, part of the Historic House Hotels Group – Bodysgallen Hall & Spa. With its perfect location, just 2 miles to the south of the coastal town of Llandudno, the hotel boasts lush gardens, an exquisite fine-dining restaurant, a luxurious spa and magnificent views of the Snowdonia National Park and Conwy Castle. Bodysgallen Hall is home to just 31 bedrooms split between spacious bedrooms in the house and cottages with their own outdoor space, whilst the spa includes a spacious swimming pool with steam room and sauna and a sun terrace.

We drove to Wales after work on Friday and made it just in time for a quick gin and tonic before bed. However, getting there right after work meant that after a traditional Welsh breakfast the following morning, we were ready for adventures in the sunny countryside!

 

 

 

 

 

The Great Orme – The Marine Drive

The Marine Drive is a 4-mile scenic drive round the base of the Great Orme headland (astonishing coastal landmark with Stone Age origins and nature reserve status) from Lladudno’s North Shore to Lladudno’s West Shore. Everything about the drive is truly jaw-dropping! We drove slowly and stopped a few times to go make friends with the local billy goats that were peacefully enjoying the views of the tranquil sea and take photos. Weather permitting, you can also explore the Great Orme by following one of the many footpaths.

Another way of taking in the beauty of the area is the Llandudno Cable Car. Opened in 1969 as the longest passenger cable car system in Britain, you can glide from Happy Valley to the summit of the Great Orme and enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Lladudno, the Conwy Estuary and miles out over the sea.

Lladudno 

Lladudno itself is a beautiful town with elegant seaside architecture and tons of hotels, cafes, restaurants and quaint shops. The town retains much of its 19th century grandeur, whilst offering classic British seaside charms, such as the pier that was much admired by Sir John Betjeman, the promenade, donkey rides along the sandy shore and Punch & Judy shows. After a stroll across the beach, head up onto one of the city’s main landmarks – the Victorian pier which dates back to 1876 and is the perfect spot for an ice cream.

Conwy – Conwy Castle and Britain’s Smallest House 

Just 5 miles from Lladudno is Conwy – a walled market town and a World Heritage Site. Dating back to the thirteenth century, the castle and its walls were built for King Edward I and guarantee to take you on a journey back to medieval times. After a walk along the castle walls, we made our way to the smallest house in Great Britain, which can only fit 4 people at a time. The house is a much-loved tourist attraction and is definitely worth checking out.

Zip World Fforest 

Nestled in the Conwy Valley, Zip World Fforest is a must for all adrenaline junkies planning a trip to North Wales. Zip wire through the canopy of trees on Zip Safari, bounce with the kids on Treetop Nets, or soar over the trees on the massive Skyride swing – Zip World promises a fun-filled day and lots of laughter!

Surf Snowdonia 

Surf Snowdonia is an artificial wave pool and the world’s first inland surf lagoon. With its variety of wave profiles, the place is suitable for both new surfers and professionals, with the option of expert surf tuition. Set against a backdrop of Snowdonia, Surf Snowdonia is a great place for both avid surfers and people who simply want to try something new. However, if you’re not British and don’t handle the cold very well, it may be a good idea to visit in the summer months when the temperatures are higher.

For more information on Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, please go to:  https://www.bodysgallen.com/

Set beneath the pink-soil cliffs on Babbacombe beach, near Torquay, The Cary Arms & Spa is a chic inn that perfectly captures the beauty of the English seaside. Located inside the curve of a bay, the hotel promises breathtaking views of the endless sea and the old jetty (where both locals and seals can be seen fishing) and immense tranquillity. 

 

The Hotel

Each room in The Cary Arms has been inspired by the hotel’s surroundings and has a very coastal feel to it. However, the main act are undoubtedly the two seafront suites and their private balconies that are a few metres from the crystal clear waters of the English Channel. Spacious rooms, walls of glass, log fires, wooden floors, walk-in showers with White Company toiletries and huge beds with outstanding view out to sea - these two suites are nothing short of spectacular! The six luxury white-and-blue beach huts which also boast views that stretch for miles, are another way of making the most of this hotel and its dreamy location. If you’re planning a seaside getaway with family or friends (including the four-legged members of the family), the three secluded Cottages come with three or five bedrooms and all the modern comforts you can ask for.

 

The Dining Experience

With its stone walls, wooden floors and a fireplace, the inn in The Cary Arms is probably the cosiest and most relaxed fine-dining restaurant I’ve been to, meant to serve ‘gastro food cooked simply’. If the weather is warm enough, dinner could be taken alfresco, however, the conservatory is also a great viewing point. The ever-changing menus centre around fresh, local ingredients and line-caught seafood, simply and creatively cooked according to the season. Starters include pan seared Bixham scallops and Devon crab and crayfish cocktail, whilst mains feature pan fried sea bass fillet and the classic fish and chips, with a Brixham twist. For breakfast, try the traditional Devon full English, or if you fancy a lazy breakfast on your private terrace, ask for the breakfast hamper the night before.

 

The Spa

Take time to pamper yourself in the hotel’s spa that features a plunge pool fitted with massage jets, sauna, steam room, mini gym and sun deck. The three treatment rooms, including a couple’s massage room, offer facials, massages and aromatherapy treatments inspired by marine-themed French beauty and skincare brand Thalgo.

 

I can go on and on about how gorgeous The Cary Arms & Spa is but I’m certain that neither words, nor photos will do this place full justice. I found myself utterly enchanted by the cosiness of the burning logs in the inn, the deliciousness of every bite of freshly caught fish, the smell of salty air, the happiness that being by the sea brings, and most importantly - the fact that I was experiencing all of this in England.

Luxury Doubles start from £245, Beach Huts from £345 and Beach Suites from £475 per room per night, on a B&B basis.

Website: https://www.caryarms.co.uk/

For years, French wine was considered to be the best wine in the world, while its Californian equivalents were neglected outside of the US; until a high-profile blind tasting transformed the industry.

The year was 1976 and the city was Paris. Wine experts gathered for a blind tasting, now known as the Judgement of Paris, where, for the first time, Californian wines outranked French wines.

Industrialist Sir Peter Michael was a knowledgeable wine enthusiast, who was particularly fond of Californian wine. The Judgement of Paris, which he attended, inspired him to establish a vineyard on a rocky volcanic ridge in the Sonoma Valley, California in 1982. His vineyard in turn was later on the inspiration for the Vineyard Hotel in Berkshire, England. This “Californian wine temple”, holds over 30,000 bottles from around the world and more than 800 Californian wines, as well as a special collection from Sir Peter’s own vineyard.

 Among the hotel’s 49 lavishly decorated suites and rooms, all named after wines, the feel is all about refined modern luxury. Stylish fabrics, contemporary designs, views of the garden, and huge marble bathrooms – the rooms are sleek, well-designed and very elegant. The spa in the Relais & Chateaux hotel is also oenophile-oriented, boasting grape-themed treatments combined with a heated pool and a Jacuzzi in a smoothly sumptuous room flooded with natural light.

However, as lovely as the décor and facilities are, the true charm of The Vineyard Hotel lies in the wining and dining experience that its 3 AA Rosette restaurant offers. My partner and I were very excited about trying all the different wines, but the food made it very difficult to focus solely on admiring them. Put simply, every dish was out of this world!

We began our gastronomic experience with a glass of sparkling wine in the garden, making the most of the fact that the British weather was kind to us, and were then taken to our private corner of a softly lit dining room.

We opted for the five-course Discovery tasting menu, and since I’m pescatarian, the restaurant manager thoughtfully proposed a few vegetarian alternatives to replace the meat courses in the menu. And they did not disappoint - I never thought that I’d enjoy a broccoli-based dish as much as I did in The Vineyard Hotel’s restaurant.

But for us, the most impressive dish of the night was the lobster ravioli starter which came in impossibly flavoursome, yet very delicate lobster bisque. Another highlight of the night was the cooked-to-perfection halibut and mussels dish, which was a vibrant celebration of sea food.

Although the food nearly stole the show, our dining experience in The Vineyard was naturally enhanced by the plethora of matching wines that came with each course. Every glass brought by the sommelier was accompanied by a tiny paper ring revealing the provenance of the wine, and complemented each course perfectly.  A personal favourite was the Californian Mandolin Riesling that features fresh peach and apricot notes, framed by firm acidity.

The following morning, we were taken on a tour around the hotel’s wine cellars and vaults where we got to learn more about the different wines, the Judgement of Paris, as well as Sir Peter Michael’s vineyard and love for Californian wine.

I’ve always dreamt of visiting the Wine Country in California where I can spend a few days filled with wine tours and tastings, and learning about the science and magic of wine-making. After a visit at the Vineyard Hotel in Berkshire, I feel like I’m one step closer to this dream.

 

Website: http://www.the-vineyard.co.uk/

A group led by L Catterton, the largest consumer-focused private equity firm in the world, recently announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Leslie's Holdings, Inc., the world's largest retailer and online marketer of swimming pool and spa supplies and services. An affiliate of GIC, a leading global investment firm and Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, will also make a substantial investment alongside L Catterton. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1963 as a one-man pool supply operation in North Hollywood, Leslie's has grown to become the world's largest and most trusted retailer of swimming pool and spa supplies, with more than 890 retail stores in 35 states and a robust omni-channel platform. With over 30,000 SKUs, Leslie's provides everything pool and spa owners need, from chemicals and equipment, to floats and toys. Leslie's highly trained staff also provides best-in-class, personalized services, including professional on-site installation and repairs. In partnership with L Catterton, Leslie's plans to continue expanding its national footprint and enhancing the in-store and online customer experience.

Scott Dahnke, Global Co-CEO of L Catterton, said: "This is an exciting investment opportunity for L Catterton, and the first from our recently closed $2.75 billion flagship fund, L Catterton VIII. Our investment strategy is based on building enduring businesses, characterized by strong consumer demand fundamentals, and fueled by powerful and growing consumer brands. Leslie's fits this strategy perfectly, as the undisputed leader in the stable and growing, yet still highly fragmented, pool supplies and services category. With a well-deserved reputation for delivering pool products and services at great value, we are excited to work with Leslie's proven leadership team to build on the strong foundation that they have set in place."

"We are thrilled to partner with L Catterton, which brings deep retail expertise, brand building experience and an outstanding track record of growing consumer businesses," said Larry Hayward, Chairman and CEO of Leslie's. "L Catterton's partnership approach with management to create long-term value is highly attractive to the Leslie's team. They clearly distinguish themselves with their growth-oriented focus and their deep understanding of our brand and our consumer. Together with the support of our new partners, we look forward to enhancing Leslie's online and brick and mortar experience, while continuing to provide comprehensive, high-quality products and services to our ever-growing customer base."

Marc Magliacano, Partner at L Catterton, said, "The Company's intense focus on personalized customer service and support has built a strong and loyal base of pool and spa owners who look to Leslie's as a full-service provider for all their pool and spa needs and water treatment solutions. Through its successful omni-channel platform, Leslie's is well-positioned to connect with customers at every point of sale, from retail stores, to e-commerce, to commercial service centers. We look forward to partnering with Leslie's outstanding leadership team to reach even more residential and commercial pool owners to deliver outstanding and reliable product and service solutions and make Leslie's a household name."

L Catterton has significant experience investing in specialty retail brands including Restoration Hardware, Sweaty Betty, Peloton, PIRCH, Hanna Andersson, Pinarello and Baccarat.

Nomura Securities served as financial advisor to L Catterton. Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor to L Catterton and Sidley Austin LLP served as legal advisor to GIC.

(Source: L Catterton)

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