Travel and Leisure Report 2009
The annual Travel and Leisure Report is out for 2009.
Out of their hot tips, a few UK and European gems have popped up that are definitely worth looking up when you get there.
1. TREND
LONDON’S INDEPENDENT CAFE SCENE.
Thank a clutch of coffee-savvy Antipodeans for rescuing London from the blight of cafe chains.
They’re still everywhere, but palatable coffee is also possible at selected independent cafes from Soho to Shoreditch.
Reconnect with the simple pleasure of a flat white at dose-espresso.com; tasteofbitterlove.com; nudeespresso.com; lantanacafe.co.uk
2. CLASSIC
THERMAE BATH SPA, BATH, UK
It can get rather overrun with the pesky public, but if it’s twilight and there’s a thunderstorm rolling in (no lightning, obviously), there’s probably no more dramatic a spot to be than the rooftop pool at the UK’s only natural spa.
Make like an ancient Roman in the thermal, jet-assisted water while looking out over Bath’s grandly turreted skyline. thermaebathspa.com
3. BARGAIN
DOLPHIN HOUSE, LONDON
Spacious, non-musty and affordable, the newly renovated wing of this pre-World War II apartment complex makes the perfect base for your next trip to the British capital.
Located in Pimlico, Dolphin House is close to the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Tate Britain.
A selection of studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments is available.
All are tastefully decorated with modern bathrooms and galley kitchens.
Tariffs start at $236 a night.
The complex – once the largest of its type in Europe – includes a fitness centre (with lap pool), a bar-restaurant, private gardens and shopping arcade.
Underground parking is available for an extra fee. dolphinsquare.co.uk.
4. CLASSIC
MEGEVE, FRANCE
Looking for a bit of old-world skiing? Try the French Alps – to rediscover the charm of fur coats, small dogs in restaurants and real raclette fondue.
It’s the choice that hits you here – a myriad of interconnecting ski fields, all within half an hours drive.
Megeve remains the favourite – the best lunch on the snow, and the deepest suntans.
5. CLASSIC
HOTEL SU GOLOGONE, SARDINIA
This whitewashed gem of a hotel sits at the base of the ancient Gennargentù mountains amid wildflowers, vineyards and tumbling valleys.
It is not easy to get to, tucked away in the towering peaks of Sardinia’s north-east, and, once arrived, it is not easy to leave either.
The vibe is cosmopolitan country house – a terracotta tiled estate of 60 rooms and 8 suites surrounded by gorgeous rambling gardens and birdsong.
The design is rustic luxe – exposed juniper beams, hand-painted tiles and engaging local arts and crafts.
The main drawcard here, apart from the setting, the springwater swimming pool, and the glorious isolation, is the dining room.
The most sought-after seats are on the bougainvillea-fringed terrace overlooking the pool and rolling farmlands, but the classic Sardinian fare tastes amazing wherever you’re seated.
6. EXPLORE
PESCARA
If you have given up on the Italian Riviera and Amalfi coast, consider Pescara, a hard-working coastal city on the Adriatic coast.
It has 16 kilometres of sandy beaches lined with colourful beach umbrellas, sun lounges, bars, cafes, pizzerie and nightclubs.
The local seafood and game are justifiably famous, and the regions’ Trebbiano and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo are very drinkable.
It can be reached from Rome, or via a short flight from London on Ryanair. And because it is not on the Riviera or the Amalfi coast, you can even afford it.
For more great ideas to fit all kinds of budgets go to http://www.travelandleisure.com.au/annualreport2009/
SOURCE: TRAVEL AND LEISURE, NICKY RYAN, OCTOBER 1 2009
