Dream Staycations in UK & Ireland

Staycations look to be the stress-free option for a getaway this year and next, so we thought we’d pick out some of our favourite beautiful haunts to drool over and inspire. Am I allowed to say I’m kind of relived, as long-haul beach holidays have never been ‘the one’ for me!?

THE RECTORY, CRUDWELL, MALMESBURY

Situated in the heart of the glorious Cotswolds, The Rectory epitomises relaxed low key luxury. I strangely first came across this beautiful place purely by accident. I found myself staying close by whilst spending a week in the area to sort out a few things at Kemble Airport, another story for another time! The Rectory ended up being the highlight of the trip, what a find and exactly the kind of place I would search out for a weekend getaway.

This hotel is so understated you could easily pass the main entrance by. No signage or huge fanfare, you feel you are being welcomed to a friend’s beautiful home and instantly at ease. The interiors are elegant but comfortable, with a clever mix of city glamour and country chic. The staff were fun, friendly and ultra helpful and the barman was open to sharing a story or two as we savored our after dinner drinks.

Chintz-free interiors prevail, with an eclectic mix of antiques and beautiful contemporary textiles. The hotel’s Georgian proportions and elegant surroundings make it a relaxing home from home and the 12 bedrooms are comfortably stylish and unfussy.

The restaurant serves classic food with a contemporary edge and the nearby sister pub ‘The Potting Shed,’ a stones throw away, is an excellent alternative for more informal dining.

The charming Rectory offers everything you could wish for in a country getaway and is by far our favourite Cotswold’s home from home.

www.therectoryhotel.com

THE GUNTON ARMS, NORWICH

Owned by renowned art dealer Ivor Braka and set in a 1000-acre deer park, The Gunton Arms is part gallery, part work of art itself – a cosmopolitan blend of warm wood and port wine colours. Plus the odd Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, Lucian Freud and Anthony Gormley thrown into the mix. The style credentials are high!

A hearty meal is guaranteed in the wonderful Elk Room where slabs of meat are cooked in front of guests on the large open wood fire. The setting provides more than a little theatre and the imaginative dishes from chef Stuart Tattersall (ex head chef at Mark Hix) don’t disappoint. Next door a traditional pub vibe awaits, the atmosphere is friendly and bustling with a good mix of local ales and cocktails on offer.

The Robert Kime designed bedrooms and interior has a reassuringly authentic eclectic look and homely feel. It’s hard to believe the property was dilapidated and completely renovated less than 10-years ago. There is a unique country house atmosphere and each and every room is relaxed and stylishly beautiful without a hint of pretension.

The contemporary art that adorns each and every room on the ground floor completely elevates the interest of each space and it is worth spending an hour delving into the background of each piece - a detailed guide can be found in the welcome notes in each bedroom.

Don’t be startled when you fling back the curtains in the morning to find a herd of deer rutting outside the window, they are free to roam the estate and are a majestic sight against the rural parkland view.

Although you would be forgiven for not venturing out for the duration of your stay, the coastal town of Cromer is only five miles away and the national nature reserve at Holkam is definitely not to be missed, with beautiful long beaches where you can walk until your heart’s content.

The Gunton Arms is a unique and special place, one you will find desperately hard to leave.

www.theguntonarms.co.uk

CABU BY THE SEA, KENT

CABU by the sea is a hidden gem of 13 environmentally conscious design-led cabins nestled on wild and rugged terrain on the coast of Romney Marsh, Kent. A holiday experience to tantalise the senses with its almost desert like setting, you feel you have been transported to somewhere otherworldy with the wild sea and vast beaches acting as a spectacular backdrop.

Cabin designs have been created in range of sizes - from studio cabins for couples, luxury one-bedroom cabins which feature a generous separate living space, two-bed cabins with several sleeping configurations and three-bed cabins for larger groups or families.

All cabins are beautifully furnished and filled with interesting books, treats and games. The interiors can be summed up as stylishly simple and gloriously comfortable, with warm natural materials setting off the spectacular views from the vast windows. Although all the properties are relatively close to one another, there is still a feeling of privacy and isolation should you wish to retreat from the communal areas.

In addition to the cabins there’s a perfectly blissful swimming pool, bikes for hire, a barbecue & dining space, brunch wagon and well stocked little shop offering all the essentials.

CABU by the Sea is only a couple of hours drive outside London, or an hour on the train from St Pancras to Folkestone Central, with a short 20-minute cab ride to the site. It’s a fabulous family friendly escape and the perfect hideaway to relax and reboot.

www.cabu.co.uk

CLIFF AT LYONS, KILDARE, IRELAND

This meticulously restored tiny village dating from the 18th century, replete with mill, dovecote, walled garden, gushing water features and cut-stone cottages sets the scene for this one-of-a-kind hotel set on the banks of the Grand Canal in the rolling, velvety-green countryside of County Kildare. Irish Tatler once proclaimed Cliff at Lyons was “the love child of the Cotswolds and the South of France,”

Each of the 39 rooms, suites, apartments and self-catering cottages is different, spread out through the various historic buildings and in keeping with the idiosyncratic nature of the village. Estate and Lilypond rooms have contemporary accents with chrome detailing, sophisticated lighting, elegant leather and trunks, and simple colours, including grey, black and sage-green velvets.

The two-bedroom cottages suit both families and groups of friends holidaying together and are popular for longer stays. They are decorated in a more traditional country-house style with rich patterned fabrics, and are in close proximity to the beautiful fountain-dappled water feature that sits at the heart of the property. For those who can’t bear to leave their four legged friends at home, certain rooms are pet-friendly too.

The Well in the Garden Spa, is a true haven of relaxation. Set in the beautifully restored cut-stone Carriage House building, the theme is botanical with signature products and natural treatment ingredients being freshly harvested from the kitchen garden, such as rosemary and arnica. The decor is relaxing and indulgent and the views out to the enormous sash windows frame the beautiful pastoral landscape perfectly.

Aimsir, one of several excellent Cliff at Lyons dining experiences, is a celebration of what can be grown, harvested, fished and foraged on the island of Ireland.

Opened in 2019, the restaurant was awarded not one, but two Michelin stars after only four months in operation, led by chef Jordan Bailey, former head chef at 3-star Michelin Maaemo in Oslo. The passionate team source from the best producers and growers in Ireland and the pride and craftsmanship in their work shines through.

The Cliff at Lyons village is an enchanting experience and the feeling of indulgence and escapism at this country retreat is hard matched.

www.cliffatlyons.ie

www.aimsir.ie