The sun is out! Chic poolside stays for under 150 euros

5 affordable hotels with pools and the return of the sun#52

Finally! We finally have proper May weather in London with a bright sun, blue skies and temperatures that start creeping up into the twenties. We took the covers off the garden furniture and so I officially declare the summer season open! ☀️

Ok, I know that technically summer is not until June 21 but here in the UK, as soon as it’s a bit warmer and the sun is shining for more than two days in a row, you’ll start seeing us opening the rosé, putting on the summer dress and the sandals.

Which is where I notice that I’m still very much French as I can’t really bare my legs until it’s 25 degrees! So here I am in my beige jeans and t-shirt and a cardigan at close reach - just in case- next to my friends in shorts, flip flops and sunglasses 😄.

At that time of the year, the English nature is stunning. Grass and bushes are a vibrant red, flowers are in blossoms, English roses climb up towards the sun, ducks in the pond in our park get out with their little ducklings, trees are magnificient… It’s a real pleasure to run to admire this in the morning. I also find myself breaking my day, when I work from home, with a quick walk up to the park just to soak up all this beauty.

Do you have such a place near you? Which one is it, do tell us in the comments.

With sunny weather comes of course a desire to sit by a pool. This week, I selected a few places around Europe which are affordable. Of course in summer, prices will be higher but hopefully that will give you some good ideas.

Hope you enjoy!

Jolies Choses

Hamimi - I really like the crochet lights from this modern moroccan brand. It’s designed and handcrafted the traditional artisan way in Marrakech but they ship worldwide.

Le chateau de ma mère - if you see yourself walking the villages of Provence, this pretty fashion brand has the right style for you.

Monoset.com - beautiful minimalist stationery. I particularly like the notecards and the classic model which is simple and elegant.

5 hotels and B&Bs with pools under 150€

More and more accommodation now include a pool even at lower prices. Granted you will have to choose one of the entry categories or go off season to achieve the small prices. If you are flexible with your dates or if you fancy a last minute escape without breaking the bank, I hope you’ll find something to suit you here.

Hejmo, Hossegor

From 70 Euros - Check latest prices and availability

Me and my family stayed in Hejmo in November, which is when prices are cheapest. In season it’ll be more but it's still a very reasonable option to be so close to the Atlantic coast. For instance right now in May, a double bedroom is 99 Euros. HEJMO is both a hostel and a coworking place. There are private double rooms or shared community rooms (dorms from 4 to 10 people), a coworking space with fiber optic internet, and a large chill garden and a heated swimming pool. The fully glazed bar-restaurant benefits from 2 terraces and a rooftop with forest view and the food was really good when we were there.

Tres Marias, Portugal

From 125 Euros - Check latest prices and availability

Distributed within two complementary buildings, separated by fields where some donkeys, sheep and a friendly ostrich are grazing, there are fifteen rooms in neutral tones, inviting you for some moments of pure relax in their private porches.

Le Pont de l’Orme, Malaucène

From 105 Euros - Check latest prices and availability

A small, shuttered, whitewashed house, approached through a lovely avenue of old trees, with a bar and restaurant downstairs and five airy rooms upstairs. The daily chalked-up menu is regional and reasonably priced.

Ypseli Anafi’s Hive, Anafi

From 145 € - Check latest prices and availability

The small island of Anafi is not well known so that makes finding a cute hotel here even more special. Ypseli has 8 rooms some with private terraces. It also has a pool.

Glebe House, Devon

From £135 - Check latest prices and availability

The darling of the press for the past two years, Glebe House is perfect picture of English countryside. On a beautiful 15-acre estate in Colyton, the house has 7 beautiful bedrooms, all with dreamy interiors and plush furnishings . Glebe House also has a tennis court, swimming pool and casual dining restaurant promising to serve you some of the best Devonshire food. It has far-reaching views over the rolling Coly Valley, and is just a short drive from the Jurassic coast.