Winter sun ideas for the boutique hotel lovers
We're off to Mexico! #40
We are off to Mexico!
I scheduled this newsletter to be sent to you on Friday evening as usual but as you’re reading this, I am currently in the air, probably mid way above the Atlantic!
We are staying in what is supposed to be a wonderful boutique hotel, Hotel Esencia. I will post some photos and tours in the chat throughout the stay, so make sure to download the Substack app to view them as and when I post them.
Our plan is pretty much to relax on the beach and eat lots of tacos, drink tequilas and not do much. Mademoiselle is tasked to do all the interaction in Spanish as she’s taking it at her GCSE and has a very good accent. I speak Spanish too but not to her level.
I went to Mexico 24 years ago with some friends who joined me from France while I travelled from New York where I lived at the time. We trekked in Chiapas, explored the colonial cities of Merida and Valladolid, visited Chichen Itza and concluded our trip at Playa del Carmen, which at the time, was still a simple fishermen village.
Already into unique places to stay, I had found a wonderful affordable boho ecological glamping bolthole right on the beach: small tents with camp beds and a big communal tipi where you would eat breakfast and diner with you feet in the sand, chatting to hippy Americans about liberalism, freedom and nature. I can’t remember the name and I suppose it’s not there anymore unfortunately…
I have a wonderful memory of walking up and down the white sand beach with turquoise water lapping at my feet. It was a very peaceful moment, after months of sadness and home sicknesss in New York.
Escaping to sunshine in winter is expensive if you like stylish places as we do. So this is only our second time as a family. Five years ago we went to Mauritius to celebrate my big birthday and my recovery from breast cancer.
I can’t wait to see what joy, peace or other feeling this holiday in paradise will bring me.
What magical moment do you remember from your holidays?
On the blog
Winter sun ideas
If the above got you in the mood, here are some of the places I or my family stayed at. As you know, From the Poolside is more about boutique hotels than big resorts and that’s often what you get in the Caribbeans so I don’t have many so will be interested in your own discoveries. Read more
Extra finds
Hejmo, Hossegor
From 26 euros for a bed in a dormitory and 56 euros for a double bedroom (off season). Check latest prices and availability
HEJMO is both a hostel and a coworking place in the beautiful seaside resort of Hossegor on the Atlantic coast. We stayed there back in November and really liked the cool vibe and great dining space. It is basic as it’s more a hostel than a hotel but for a stop it’s great. In the summer surfers rent a room for a long time. 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.
Quinta de Sao Bernardo, Portugal
From 230 Euros per night, minimum 2 nights - Check latest prices & availability
A winery and farmhouse now transformed into a boutique hotel located in the Douro region with great views. There are 7 rooms, 5 with river views and 2 have partial vineyards view. There is an infinity pool overlooking the Douro river.
Le Château des Alpilles, Provence
Double room from €325 per night. Check latest prices and availability
At the end of an alley lined with century-old plane trees, a small Provençal castle finely restored by the Bon family offers 4 bedrooms in the Maison de Maître and its elegant period rooms (fireplaces, moldings, furniture waxed) or more suites in the Mas des Cyprès, which houses attic and more contemporary suites. There is also Chapel, hidden in the heart of the park, transformed into two bright rooms; or even the Lavoir, a charming independent house with stone walls and exposed beams. There is an outdoor pool in the gardens.
Wind Tales, Greece
From 100 euros. Check latest prices and availability
A charming small hotel at good prices on the island of Syros, Wind Tales is comprised of 3 unique rooms. The hotel combines a distinctive cycladic architecture and decoration with natural materials such as rock, marble and wood. There is a small plunge pool and great views of the harbour.
Diles & Rinies Villa Complex in Tinos, Greece
4 nights from 1600 euros. Check latest prices and availability
Located in a peaceful area of Tinos with breathtaking views to the Aegean Sea, "Diles & Rinies" is a private 8-acre estate with 8 environmentally friendly, boutique villas which sleep from 4 to 8 people. They are surrounded by gardens with olive trees, grapes, flowers and herbs. It’s within a 2-minute drive of Agios Fokas Beach but there is also a pool with sun loungers.