Hotel L'Avenida, Soller, Majorca

 {our room was HUGE}

 {the view from our room}

 {the restaurant at Deia beach, the seafood is sublime}

Hotel L'Avenida is a small but perfectly formed establishment in rural Majorca. The building, formally a grand turn of the century mansion, was practically in ruins before it was saved by the present owners. Decorated in retro chic style this is a sleek and glamorous getaway.

Hotel Monte Rosa, Zermatt, Switzerland

In the summer of 2011 my husband and I completed the Walker's Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt. To reward ourselves at the finish we stayed at the Hotel Monte Rosa in Zermatt. It is the oldest hotel in town and one of the nicest.



The British Alpine Club in front of the Monte Rosa

 Edward Whymper, the English illustrator, climber and explorer, stayed at the Monte Rosa before becoming the first person to summit the Matterhorn in 1865. On the descent four members of the party were killed. The English connection (almost) explains why the bar is covered in tartan!

The accommodation is luxurious and very chic, the staff are polite, helpful and charming, plus you have access to the spectacular wellness and spa at the neighbouring Mont Cervin Palace. Everything you could want in a hotel.

Ocean Farm, Gerringong, Australia

Now this is my idea of a holiday home!

Howie & Belle, London

 {I just love the velvet sofa and dark walls. Very romantic.}

This is the home of Jo Kornstein is the owner of vintage boutique Howie & Belle as featured in The Guardian Magazine.

Villa Mangiacane, Florence, Italy

Jasmine scented paradise on a hill outside Florence.

{the drive is lined with lavender and jasmine}

 {dining in the walled herb garden}

{the view from our room}

Villa Mangiacane was originally commissioned by Cardinal Francesco Maria Machiavelli, uncle of Niccolò Machiavelli. But political intrigue is the farthest thing from your mind when you are by the pool on a beautiful summer day.

Zermatt, Switzerland

With the first frost today thoughts turn to winter...

  And winter means skiing. And skiing means Zermatt.

Lords of the Manor, Upper Slaughter, England

A beautiful hotel in one of the most beautiful villages in England.

{afternoon tea taken on the lawn}

On a gorgeous summer day we hired bicycles and rode around the glorious Cotswolds countryside. Stopping only for afternoon tea. Heaven.

A Room With a View

Four Seasons in Florence. I wish.

Gliffaes Country House Hotel, Crickhowell, Wales

{fishing is optional} 

{the view from the bed in room 3}

{and in the afternoon a Pimms on the terrace}

Wales is my favourite part of the United Kingdom and Gliffaes is one of my favourite places in Wales. Situated in a tranquil Welsh valley with only the sound of the river and distant sheep it is hard not to be relaxed there. Beautiful.