Eco-luxury in the Landes, Swiss charm, rustic elegance in Puglia: your new chic spots.
Eco-luxury in the Landes, Swiss charm, rustic elegance in Puglia: your new chic spots.
Plus my new tips on the best way to enjoy the Newt. And I’m dreaming of a cosy winter getaway, any destinations ideas? #92
Thank you very much for your participation to the previous poll. I love getting your feedback that way and it’s probably much easier for you too, isn’t it?
The results are in and your preference was for another list of 5 extra finds so they are below.
This week (well last week but I pretend I’m writing this on a Sunday as I aim to send that newsletter every Sunday but got delayed), we took a few days off and went back to the Newt. I talked extensively about it before so no new review this time but I have some new tips!
Go there in Autumn - it’s always a splendid spot to unwind but is especially enchanting in autumn with its kaleidoscope of colours.
No need to go for the garden suites: we stayed in the Hadspen Loft, which I find offers excellent value for money. We did enjoy the top category rooms ,the garden suites but I think those lofts are really good. The cozy rooms are also good.
Ask about the new features: they’ve introduced something new again—the Four Seasons Garden. Last time it was the roman villa, there’s always something new. This garden is a marvellous space with diverse garden areas, sculptures, and water features and a little café that are truly delightful.
Go by train: Castle Cary train station is only 7 minutes by car/taxi and there is now a brand new cafe and shop also renovated by the Newt team.
Skip the Botanical restaurant for diner: unfortunately the latest changes were not so good. The cuisine is good but portions are small, it’s a set menu and considering the abundance of gardens, they don't make much use of vegetables in their main dishes. In fact, we had to purchase vegetables on top as side dishes!
Go mid week: always much less busy and you can get the rooms at a cheaper price.
With the clock turning back, it now really feels like the run down to winter and Christmas. We haven’t booked anything as we hoped we’d be in a recently purchased French house but this fell through (I’ll tell you that story some day….). So it’s now a question of where do we go to unwind between Christmas and New year. I wanted to go to Ett Helm and explore Stockholm but of course, it’s fully booked.
We are looking for something with great scenery, cozy bars and restaurants, a few things to do and a feel of winter/Christmas. If you have an idea of a destination (and yes Scotland is on our list), do let me know.
5 Extra finds
K-hutes, Landes, France
From 100 Euros - Check latest prices and availability
An eco-tourist resort in the Landes, in the heart of Chalosse. Nestled on 3 hectares of greenery, the estate overlooks magnificent meadows and lush forests. The luxury cabins offer a breataking views of the Pyrenees complete with a have Nordic bath (private jacuzzi). Every morning you can head to the henhouse to collect your own fresh eggs and enjoy a delicious breakfast. No pool
Hotel Balzac, Paris
From 500 euros - Check latest prices and availability
French hotelier Olivier Bertrand and his sisters—the same family behind Relais Christine, Saint James Paris, and Chateau des Fleurs—have taken over the former Hotel Balzac and are overseeing the building’s complete transformation. Upon opening, it will have warm, muted decor inspired by the 1930s, as well as world-class amenities like a Japanese spa and Pierre Gagnaire’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant. No pool
Masserina D'Aloia, Puglia
From 220 Euros - Check latest prices and availability
A beautiful decent size property in Carovigno, Puglia. The house is a short drive from the sea. The home can accommodate four guests with two bedrooms, two beds, and two bathrooms. The outdoor chill area has a fire pit and a 2x8m pool. The vegetable garden, citrus orchard, olive and almond trees make the surroundings lovely. Yes a 2x8 m outdoor pool
Indarra Hotel, basque country
From 150 € - Check latest prices and availability
A 4-star hotel ocated on the Basque Coast, nestled between the ocean and mountains near Biarritz. The traditional house with Basque architecture hosts 33 rooms redesigned by architect Delphine Carrère. Guests can choose from a range of accommodations including Superior and Deluxe rooms, Junior Suites, and the Petit Inda apartment. The hotel is equipped with a large terrace, an outdoor pool, a yoga and fitness room, and a wellness area showcasing Alaena beauty products. A large heated outdoor pool
Auberge du Mouton, Switzerland
From 140 £ - Check latest prices and availability
Auberge du Mouton, located in the charming town of Porrentruy, Switzerland, is a beautifully restored hotel in a former 1715 building. The hotel features 12 stylish rooms with a cozy ambiance, including a standout Junior Suite with a private terrace overlooking the picturesque Jura Mountains. The on-site restaurant embodies the philosophy of slow food, showcasing a menu filled with seasonal and regional ingredients, along with a unique selection of Swiss organic wines. Around you can enjoy numerous hiking and cycling routes. No pool
