Staycation: One editor picks six stays
Planning a holiday a little closer to home may not have originally been on the agenda for 2020 but it’s exciting non-the-less. With so many beautiful places to see and fun adventures to be had we’ve been lucky enough to chat with Telegraph spa columnist and Red contributing editor, Rosie Green who’s shared her favourite stays – a little closer to home.
Provence is postponed, Côte d’Azur cancelled, Sicily shelved. Thanks to Corona lots of us are staying put this summer, choosing to holiday in the UK rather than take flight to Europe. I’m forgoing the anxiety of airports, the worries about quarantine and instead remaining indefinitely in Blighty.
And in the same way that lockdown forced me to slow down and appreciate the riches of family and friends, I think enforced staycations will remind me of the delights of our own isle.
Here are the six places I love to suit any budget. My logic is now we’re not spending money on jetting off abroad, we can afford to treat ourselves, right?
Seaside: Salcombe
Okay the parking is horrendous, the pavements crowded and you’ll likely bump into everyone you know – but isn’t that actually the joy? From fish and chips sitting on the harbour, to the boat ride over to East Portlemouth beach, it’s all feels comfortingly familiar. I love to stroll up the high street and then walk along the coast to the South Sands Hotel. Book lunch on the balcony and enjoy the respite from the crowds.
Glamping: Swindon Estate
Swinton Bivouac has tree lodges and meadow yurts and is set in 20,000 acres of glorious Yorkshire countryside. There’s a cafe and a hot tub for grown-ups. There’s mountain biking, fly fishing and a druids temple to explore. Plus, you can access to the swimming pool at the fancy Swinton Hotel (an impressive castle). If you need grown up pampering you can escape to the spa for the day (which has thermal facilities, a terrace restaurant, BIOTEC facials by Elemis and treatments by Bamford).
Luxe: Limewood
Okay so it’s not an original pick, but Limewood Hotel is every magazine/newspaper editor’s favourite place for a reason. The bedrooms are chic and comfortable, the spaces inspiringly designed and the people watching off the scale good. The restaurant has delicious food and Tracey Emin art. Then there’s the spa which has Sarah Chapman facials and serves healthy smoothies to offset the indulgences of the night before.
City: London
Two London quotes I love. #1. A bad day in London is still better than a good day anywhere else (unknown). And the second? Nothing is certain in London, but expense (William Shenstone). Both are true right? London is inspiring, multicultural melting pot with an embarrassment of fashion, art, food and architecture. Now there are hardly any foreign tourists the pavements will be less packed and the queues shorter. Where to go? The possibilities are endless, but I love the American bar at the Stafford Hotel for old school cocktails, shopping on Marylebone High St and eating at Ottolenghi’s Rovi restaurant. Plus, I’ll be checking out the National Gallery’s Titian exhibition
Stately Home: Chatsworth House
The sheer scale of Chatsworth floors me every time, as do the beautiful gardens and the fountain that shoots water up to 90ft in the air. Then there’s the gift shop (who doesn’t love a gift shop?), the farm shop cafe selling cream teas, fry ups and every indulgent treat in between. Kids love the working farmyard and the adventure playground. My favourite time to go is on hot days, where you can picnic on the banks of the River Derwent and plunge in to cool off.
Camping: Eweleaze Farm
Even for the canvas shy (that’ll be me), the incredible sea views and the fact you can get a decent cup of coffee make it more palatable. Eweleaze Farm has a private beach, there’s takeaway meals, there’s a restaurant if you need to escape the elements. Plus you can park by your own pitch (essential if a downpour necessitates). If you are allergic to erecting your own, there are bell tents for hire . Oh and there’s a ‘spa’ – though this is rather, er rustic. The walks along the coastal paths to Lulworth and Durdle Door are too good to miss.
Rosie Green @lifesrosie
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Wherever you’re planning your adventure 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 escapes. Receive 20% off your Saltee order when purchasing before 31.8.20. Just use code HOLISTAY20 at checkout.
