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Romantic Hideaways |
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After the excitement of the big day, it's time to escape to a quiet, idyllic retreat. Rowena Marella-Daw has a few ideas |
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LA DOLCE VITA
Couples who are enamoured with history, art and everything Italian should head for Relais la Suvera, a fascinating place tucked in the charming hamlet of Pievescola in the Sienese region of Tuscany.
This former medieval fortress was converted into a Renaissance villa in 1507 by Pope Julius II, an influential figure in politics and a patron to Raphael and Michelangelo. Restoring the building to its former splendour was a labour of love for owners Marquis Giuseppe Ricci and his wife Princess Eleonora Massimo - they have done an amazing job transforming this place into an intimate retreat.
There are 32 rooms, but the 12 suites in the Papal Villa are particularly breathtaking. Individually styled and exquisitely decked with antiques, tapestries and original works of art, each suite is dedicated to intriguing historical personalities - so expect the Marie Antoinette suite to depict a lavishn French boudoir, while the Russian room evokes the heady days of Pushkin's theatrical work. The villa's pièce de résistance has to be the jaw-dropping Papal suite, with its four-poster Renaissance bed and lounge and panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.
Dining al fresco at the Oliviera restaurant on a balmy summer evening, having a spa treatment and exploring the beautiful countryside are all part of the romantic experience. Relais la Suvera is the winner of the "Most Excellent Hotel 2009" award for Europe and the Mediterranean.
www.lasuvera.it
ISLAND BOLTHOLE
A romantic getaway need not entail long flights or endless hours of driving. A mini-moon in Britain can be equally exciting and brings with it many romantic opportunities. One idyllic destination is the Isle of Wight, where couples can spend a few days chilling out and catching up on everything that happened on the big day.
The moment you disembark the ferry, the pace slows down and the sea air creates a sense of being far away. Spend a couple of hours in Ryde, once a popular Victorian seaside resort. The high street leading down to the pier is lined with fashionable boutiques, antique shops and trendy restaurants and cafes. Walk along the esplanade and towards the long pier, where remnants of a bygone era can still be felt.
From Ryde, drive east along the coastal road and stop by for an afternoon tea in the picturesque village of Shanklin before heading off to Ventnor where your hideaway, The Hambrough, awaits. Perched high on the hillside, this boutique bolthole has only seven spacious rooms designed in a contemporary style, with large luxury bathrooms to complement. Rooms one and two have balconies with panoramic views of the coast.
What really sets The Hambrough apart is the excellent food created by chef and owner Robert Thompson, whose innovative menu garnered the restaurant a Michelin Star and three AA Rosettes. The menu features eclectic dishes that combine meat and fish, as well as contrasting textures. For heartier appetites, the tasting menu has six courses with matching wine selected by the sommelier.
Ventnor is fantastic for early morning or sunset strolls along the beach. Even in the height of winter, the bracing wind and thundering waves envigorate and add to the atmosphere. A great quintessential British seaside escape is certainly something to look forward to. For further details, visit www.thehambrough.com
Don't leave without... triying the award-winning Minghella ice cream. Yummy! www.minghella.co.uk
AN ALPINE AFFAIR
Newlyweds who wish to take advantage of winter's delights can escape to the snow-covered mountains of Espace Killy, a ski area in the Savoie region of the French Alps. Espace Killy is named after former Olympic and World Cup Alpine ski race champion Jean-Claude Killy. Situated between the ski resorts of Tignes and Val d'Isère, it provides access to 300km of piste, making it popular with skiers of all skills.
The charming village of Les Brevières is considered to be more affordable than its high-profile neighbours Val d'Isère and Tignes. At the heart of this village is Chalet de la Cloche, where the cosy ambience of a traditional Alpine lodge blends with the stylishness of a boutique hotel. Exposed wooden beams and a recessed fireplace mix with brown leather sofas and contemporary furnishings.
The chalet can accommodate only 12 guests, but can also be hired on an exclusive basis. There are en suite bedrooms with balconies overlooking the mountains, and the terrace is a 'sun trap', which is ideal for sunbathing or après-ski relaxation. A range of activities, ski passes and even helilcopter rides can be arranged by the chalet staff.
An exhilarating day of skiing works up the appetite, which is why the chalet has a selection of gastro-pub food and a full gourmet menu, complemented by regional wines. Guests also have use of the spa and steam room, and can gaze at the stars while enjoying a dip in the traditional cedar hot tub.
A six-night package includes airport transfers, breakfast, afternoon tea, a full bar, champagne and canapés and a sumptuous four-course dinner with wine, use of the spa and transport within the locality, subject to prior arrangement.
www.ski-base.com; www.quintessentiallyproperties.com
MOROCCAN MAGIC
Where in the world can you go skiing in the morning and sunbathing in the afternoon? The first place that comes to mind is Marrakech - where skiers can head for the Atlas Mountains' ski resort and then bask in the afternoon sun by the poolside of a boutique hotel.
There's a dizzying choice of luxurious riads and hotels competing for attention, and one riad worth checking out is Maison MK, a boutique hotel in the heart of the medina. So what makes this hotel different from the others? It's all in the fine details: Parisian toiletries; sensual suites; a massage in a purpose-built room lit only by candles; and an ancient Moroccan cleansing ritual in the hammam.
At Maison MK, couples can sunbathe and unwind by the pool on the lower roof terrace, with views of the Atlas Mountains covered in snow. As the sun sets and the silhouette of the city's skyline takes over the horizon, sip cocktails on the upper roof terrace bar by the flaming copper fire pit, or in the sunken lounge. Save your appetite for an extravagant dinner under the stars on the rooftop terrace where the haunting prayers from numerous mosques can be heard echoing throughout the city.
The hotel can arrange a guide to ease the stress of haggling at the medina's maze of alleyways. A romantic picnic can also be set up, complete with china, crystal, fine linen and your personal butler.
Don't miss...an opportunity to learn a few Moroccan recipes with the hotel's resident chef. He will guide you through the food and spice souks and make sure you get the best ingredients.
www.maisonmk.com
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