Your luxury staycation with Handpicked Cottages
2020 has been a tough year for just about everyone and as the lockdown rules start to ease, thoughts naturally turn to finding the perfect staycation in the UK.
Overseas travel may be not on everyone’s agenda right now but the search for a much-needed holiday has been top of Saltee’s summer planner. On the hunt for the perfect UK staycation week we asked our friends at Handpicked Cottages to select a stunning group of self-catering properties to inspire us to book that break. Here they walk us through the luxury Saltee facilities their guests are seeking out.
Anyone for bubbles?
Nothing says luxury quite like the soothing bubbles of your private hot tub, taking in the views with a glass of something chilled. Whether it is a cosy hot tub for 2 or a spacious hot tub for your entire group the choices are endless. Opt for a wood-fired hot tub in the isolation of a luxury highland lodge overlooking a majestic Scottish loch or relax in a stylish hot tub at a luxury property with breath taking sea views – champagne optional! We think Lamorna View in Cornwall takes some beating.
Make a splash
Places with pools are super popular with families and groups alike. Indoor or outdoor, nothing beats a relaxing daily swim during your holiday or special break. Our belief is that the perfect holiday is about finding the equilibrium between action and leisure. What better way to achieve this balance than with a luxury cottage with a private swimming pool and what better place than the contemporary Water Tower in Devon.
Lights, camera, action
Another increasingly popular requirement is for luxury cottages with a private cinema. As we know, it’s not always sunny in the UK and sometimes having a private cinema at your holiday cottage can be a welcome distraction from the weather for a couple of hours. One of our favourite cinemas is at the newly renovated Allington Court in Dorset. With the huge rise in streaming services there’s no lack of choice of what to watch. Having a cinema where you are staying is an easy way of entertaining both adults and children alike.
Service please
Booking a luxury cottage with a private chef is a superb way of making sure you get the most out of your break. A private chef can change the whole tone of a holiday. Gone are the worries of cooking, buying supplies and worrying about timing. Instead, just put your feet up and enjoy the experience. As well as a private chef, some properties offer the services of a private butler, bartenders, hampers and even a helicopter arrival for you and your guests. This service is designed to make your experience as relaxing, enjoyable and as luxurious as possible. The truly incredible Waternook in Ullswater, Cumbria ticks just about every box going!
Game, set, match
The games room can be a great place to bond with the kids – a ping-pong competition, table football, pool or snooker are all available. These activities help to make the short break or holiday fun for all. We’d recommend a game of pool at the award winning Jurston Barn, Somerset.
Learn something new
Experience Breaks have become ever more popular. Cottage owners are now adding these types of experiences to their offering and have found that courses, activities and events are proving extremely popular with guests. Guests are wanting more than just a holiday and are keen to join self-improvement courses, and the addition of new skillset is an essential part of this. Activity breaks such as Archery, Shooting, Fly Fishing, Mountain Climbing, Coasteering, Photography and Bird Watching are now widely available. Wellbeing courses of all types are also accessible such as: Yoga, Heathy Eating, Diet, Fitness, Dance and Exercise classes. Riverside Lifestyle in Hampshire is a great example.
No pain, no gain
Holiday time does not mean your daily exercise regime needs to end with plenty of cottages boasting state of the art gym equipment. Pound the miles on a treadmill, pull the oars on a rowing machine or pump iron and work on that beach body. And if you’ve worked out a bit too much then perhaps a massage or facial might help ease the pain. Many cottages have in-house spa treatments readily available to help soothe aching muscles or even just provide a little pampering – you are on holiday after all! Pamper yourself at the fabulous Cider Barn at Berehayes in Devon which boasts superb facilities.
If any of these luxurious extra touches are the kind of thing you are looking for then you will find them and more at Handpicked Cottages – Your Exclusive Escape.
Wherever you’re planning your staycation this year, ensure you have Saltee by your side to protect your skin and it’s great for the whole family. Here’s to memorable Saltee adventures, a little closer to home.
