Another Christmas in lockdown
We did manage to book a last minute stay in a cottage isolated in the New Forest
We nearly booked a last minute stay at a cottage in the New Forest 5 days ago! A surge of optimism and a desire to escape. Obviously this won't happen now that London and many other parts of the country are pretty much in another lockdown for the next two weeks. :-(
It is pretty sad to see all the countries closing their borders to us and I am worried that I won't see my family in France for many many months again. This year, I just had a few rushed hours in August with my parents and my brother and nothing with my sister. Even when I lived in New York, I never went more than 6 months without seeing them.
However, we are in good health, so are our families. We have a warm house, our jobs and each other so we are extremely lucky. I am chosing to be positive about this unusual Christmas. We will cook, watch good movies, do puzzles - we bought 2 last minute on Saturday afternoon ;-) - reflect, detox, go on long walks, exercise..
I'm also hoping to create or prepare more content for this little corner of the internet that is ours. Thanks for having followed my very inconsistent posting this year. I hope I can provide more value to you next year.
Have as good and as fun a Christmas as possible. As we say in French “Joyeux Noêl".
Extra finds
(hotels with or without pool not on the blog)
The Mitre Hampton Court London
Already making the round of the Instagram influencers' feed, this new refined yet relaxed boutique hotel is on the banks of the River Thames next to Hampton Court Palace. After an extensive makeover, the Mitre now has 36 bedrooms as well as 2 restaurants. Looks lovely and I will definitely try to check it out. From £150
Lion Lodge Short Breaks - Sleep Next To The Lions | UK
Want a luxurious but unique short break hotel? Look no further than Lion Lodge which offers the opportunity to immerse yourselves in the lives of a lion pride. From £159.
Casa Maria Luigia - Experience the Emilian Countryside, Italy
A luxury hotel in the Emilian countryside with a restaurant and a pool. Casa Maria Luigia offers twelve rooms in three categories. No two rooms are alike. Each room features contemporary art, vintage and design furniture, Dedar fabrics and Ortigia bath amenities. From 500 Euros.
Hotel Les Deux Gares Paris
The new hotel by the owner behind Panache or Hotel Bienvenue, this one has a bold decor by a British designer. 40 rooms and you are close to Gare de l'Est. The caffé opposite the street is drawing in the bohemian Parisian crowds. From £89.
Hotel La Chenevière* Normandy
Château La Chenevière is a five-star hotel on the Norman coast, between Bayeux and the WWII landing beaches. This 18th century manor house, nestled in a romantic park, has 29 comfortable, spacious rooms., and a heated outdoor pool and tennis court. From £215
Safe and beautiful travels,
Stéphanie
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