The art of getting lost in puzzles and holiday planning + 10 new hotels!

Where I disappeared for the past few weeks and 10 new hotels opening for your own retreat from the world. #101

I have a confession to make - I've missed sending this newsletter for about four weeks now. The reason? My free time has been completely absorbed by two things: planning our upcoming holidays and doing puzzles!

Before I dive into that, let me point out that this newsletter has a few resources for your own holiday planning: a list of the newest hotels that opened as well as a post about slow travel by a fellow Substacker with info about luxury train journeys.

Let me tell you about the puzzle situation now. I've carved out a little space in my office, right by the window where natural light streams in. It's become my meditation spot of sorts, where I spend hours working on 1000-piece puzzles. Sometimes in complete silence, sometimes with basic TV shows running in the background - Survivor or The Voice, that kind of thing.

It's fascinating how quickly time disappears when I'm there. I can spend hours just searching for pieces, completely lost in the process. It's become such a regular activity that I'm now trying to figure out how to feed this hobby without spending too much. A new 2000-piece puzzle costs around £16 these days, which adds up when you're going through them regularly.

I've started exploring charity shops, though the selection can be hit or miss. I'm quite particular - I want something nice to look at (since I'll be staring at it for a week), and I avoid puzzles with too many plain areas. Those endless white spaces are just frustrating. I've nearly exhausted Waterstones' collection and am now hunting on Vinted for second-hand options.

As for the holiday planning - well, that's something that might interest you more directly. With Mademoiselle's exams coming up, we've had to be quite strategic about our travel dates. We've managed to plan a few breaks: that escape at Heckfield Place last month, a quick Paris stopover in mid-April (still deciding on the hotel), and then a proper holiday in June after her exams.

Greece is obviously our destination of choice given that you are guaranteed sun! But I was very surprised to find that June prices in the nice boutique hotels were eye-watering. Many of them are in the Cyclades and reaching them via multiple flights and/or ferries is quite a hassle for just seven days. We need to be back by June 20th for Mademoiselle's end-of-year school ceremony, which made timing quite tight.

Then I remembered a villa in Paxos that a dear Franco-Greek friend had mentioned. It's an island that many of my English friends speak highly of too. While summer prices are typically steep, I thought it might be worth checking. To my surprise, it was available for our dates and, while still expensive, felt more manageable than our other options.

Can’t wait to enjoy that view in Paxos. Clin d’oeil à Manu!

The switch to Paxos actually works better logistically - the flight to Corfu is 3h15 from London instead of 3h45 to Athens. Yes, we still need to take a boat, but once you're in Corfu, you already feel like you're on holiday. The villa owner has been lovely in our exchanges, sharing lots of local recommendations that make me think this will be a really special week.

For our summer holidays, we're planning either two weeks in Ile de Ré, or one week in Menorca followed by one in Ile de ré. I've managed to secure a house for our second week and maybe we will have bought our own house for the first week by summer! No progress there but I’m still hopeful.

It's amazing how much time all this planning takes - checking availability, comparing prices, coordinating dates, and making sure everything aligns perfectly. But when you find that right spot, it makes all the hours of searching worthwhile.

I'll make sure to share my findings about Paxos once we're back. For now, I should probably get back to my puzzle... or maybe do some more holiday research!

Luxury trains for the eco-conscious (and rich)

A very good list of all the possibilities. Some are really alluring, shame about the price tag but then maybe that’s the point, just for us to dream !

The Art of Slow Travel

10 hotels that opened recently - get booking!

France

Maison Barrière Vendôme, Paris

From 600 €- Check latest prices and availability

The Maison Barrière Vendôme is a new luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Paris, strategically located steps away from the iconic Place Vendôme and the Tuileries Garden. This intimate property features just 26 keys, offering an array of accommodations including Courtyard Rooms, Castiglione Rooms, Suites, and various sizes of Apartments. Each room and suite is uniquely designed with inspiration drawn from influential women throughout history, from Marie Curie to Marlene Dietrich. The hotel's crown jewel is the George Sand Grande Suite, the property's most spacious accommodation, featuring a dining room that can host up to 12 guests, a professional kitchen, and a balcony overlooking Paris. No pool

Le Saint Hubert, Provence

From 150 Euros - Check latest prices and availability

I like the look of this simple but very French and charming restaurant with rooms in Provence. Established in 1852, it has served various roles over the years, including a dance hall, post relais, and cinema. The hotel offers six individually decorated guestrooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, and the restaurant serves a variety of dishes made from local ingredients. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a café and bar, as well as catering services. No pool.

Hôtel du Savoir (Ex Petit Belloy), Paris

From 160 Euros - Check latest prices and availability

Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Hôtel du Savoir (formerly Hôtel Petit Belloy) is an intimate boutique hotel featuring 20 rooms that embodies the intellectual heritage and cultural spirit of Paris. The design approach appears to focus on understated elegance with clean lines and neutral tones, as seen in the minimalist room aesthetics. No pool

Hotel Hana, Paris

From 450 Euros - Check latest prices and availability

Located between the Opera Garnier and La Bourse, Hotel Hana offers a unique fusion of French and Japanese aesthetics and hospitality. The hotel features 26 rooms and suites, including accessible rooms, all designed by acclaimed architect Laura Gonzalez who has created a zen-like atmosphere with carefully balanced materials and colors. The Hanabi restaurant is led by chef Shirley Garrier who creates an innovative blend of French and Japanese cuisines, complemented by a bar featuring an extensive selection of French wines and sake. The spa area includes a lap pool with counter-current swimming system.

Italy

Collegio Alla Querce, Florence

From 1150 Euros - Check latest prices and availability

Tucked down a cypress-lined entrance north of Florence’s cobble stoned historical center, wrought-iron gates open onto Collegio alla Querce, an exquisite cluster of re imagined 16th-century UNESCO buildings once serving as a cultural institution, preparatory school, chapel and theater. The hotel grounds gaze upon panoramic views of the iconic Duomo. The property features 83 rooms, including 66 guest rooms, 16 suites, and a grand 2,300-square-foot Quercia Suite. The hotel boasts an inviting swimming pool framed by towering oak trees, alongside an alfresco bar and restaurant.

Hotel Recort, Dolomites

From 600 € - Check latest prices and availability

Hotel Recort is a new boutique hotel in Colfosco, Alta Badia, situated in the heart of the Dolomites. The hotel features twenty rooms and is conveniently located right next to the Sellaronda ski lifts. The hotel also offers a massage and fitness area with relaxation rooms and a health bar. For dining, guests can enjoy a restaurant focusing on local and seasonal products, a lounge bar with fireplace, and a tavern with wine cellar. The location is perfect for year-round activities, including skiing in winter and hiking, cycling, and climbing in summer, with direct access to both the Sellaronda ski circuit and the Puez-Geisler Nature Park. The wellness facilities include an indoor pool with a light waterfall, an outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the Dolomites, a spa area with steam bath, Finnish sauna, and infrared loungers.

Romeo Roma, Rome

From 2500 € - Check latest prices and availability

I list it because it was in my watch list of new hotels but it's quite extravagant in price and in facilities! Romeo Roma is a XVI century palazzo reimagined by the now late architect Zaha Hadid. Situated just steps from Piazza del Popolo, the hotel blends history and contemporary design (the historic palazzo dates back to the late 16th century) and houses 74 rooms . There is a restaurant overseen by Alain Ducasse and a Neapolitan-inspired bistro, while wellness amenities include an open-air courtyard with indoor and outdoor pools, a rooftop lounge and bar, and Sisley spa. For a one-of-a-kind Roman experience, the SPA pool, with its transparent floor overlooking the archaeological site of the ancient Ripetta port, stretches between indoor and outdoor areas.

Romania

Corinthia Bucharest, Romania

From 580 Euros - Check latest prices and availability

The Corinthia Bucharest is a historic transformation of the iconic Grand Hotel du Boulevard dating back to 1867. Located in the heart of Bucharest, the hotel features 30 suites, a gastronomic restaurant, as well as a café and club lounge. Wellness facilities will include a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center. There is a pool in the spa.

Switzerland

Hotel Mürren Palace, canton of Bern

From 300 euros - Check latest prices and availability

The Mürren Palace, Switzerland's first palace hotel established in 1874, is an upscale 4-star property located in the scenic mountain village of Mürren. Perched at 1,650 meters above sea level, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. Opening after extensive renovation in December 2024, the hotel will feature 49 spacious rooms, suites, and apartments, accommodating up to 125 guests. The property includes a Palace SPA and a Kids Club, making it suitable for both couples and families. Dining options include an elegant Art Nouveau hall, a relaxed bistro bar, and outdoor terrace dining with mountain views.

United Kingdom

The Swan Inn, South Downs, United Kingdom

From 195 € - Check latest prices and availability

The Swan Inn is a historic 15th-century coaching inn located in Fittleworth, nestled in the South Downs of West Sussex. This charming establishment offers 12 thoughtfully appointed guest rooms and combines traditional charm with modern amenities. 10 rooms are in the main building and two in a converted pre-Victorian stable block, home to the family and dog-friendly bedrooms, each with enclosed private gardens. The property features a pub and dining room serving locally-sourced cuisine from a Chez Bruce (a popular one Michelin restaurant near my hope!) alumn. No pool.

Seaton House, Scotland

From 360 £- Check latest prices and availability

Seaton House, a newly restored local landmark in St Andrews, Scotland, features 42 luxury bedrooms, including 6 suites and 3 junior suites, with options for both sea and garden views. Five rooms come with private terraces, while all guests have exclusive access to the hotel's private gardens complete with fire pits and garden tables for socializing. The rooms showcase Scottish heritage through luxurious design elements including timber flooring and rich oak panelling. The culinary experience is anchored by Ondine Oyster & Grill, led by renowned Edinburgh chef Roy Brett. No pool.