Fancy celebrating the holiday season in style and feasting like a King or Queen while staying in the most unforgettable of settings?  Then look no further than the newly refurbished Thornbury Castle Hotel where guests are able to enjoy a majestic break this Christmas. 

Steeped in history and set in 15 acres, the Tudor castle was built in 1511 during the reign of Henry VIII and was regarded as one of the grandest buildings of its time in England. It has been the home of kings, queens and dukes over the centuries before becoming a luxury hotel in 1966. 

This December sees Thornbury Castle celebrate its first festive season following a multi-million pound refurbishment which has included the beautiful restoration of its dining rooms, lounges, library, as well as its luxurious 27 bed chambers and suites.

Simone Arcucci, General Manager, Thornbury Castle, comments: “Located near Bristol and adjacent to the Gloucestershire countryside, Thornbury Castle is the only Tudor castle in the UK which operates as a luxury hotel and restaurant and we are really looking forward to providing a truly unique experience this festive season.”

Executive Chef Carl Cleghorn is looking forward to his first culinary Christmas at the Castle and has created a series of mouth-watering menus using the best seasonal and local ingredients from the Castle’s kitchen and herb garden and local suppliers. 

Frederic Bellard, the Castle’s Sommelier, has used his unparalleled knowledge of fine wines and spirits to create a wine list featuring more than 200 new wines and spirits along with an innovative menu of bespoke and handcrafted cocktails and mocktails to suit all palettes.

Guests can take advantage of a number of different festive packages including:

2. Festive Recharger

Fancy a bit of me time with your loved ones between Christmas and New Year?  After Boxing Day, the Christmas adrenaline stops and most of us crave some time to recharge our batteries.  Thornbury Castle’s two-night Recharger package does just that, allowing guests to sit back and relax and enjoy being served breakfast and dinner throughout their stay. 

• Rates from £814for a two-night break in a Deluxe 

3. New Year Celebration

Seeing in the New Year in Thornbury Castle has to be done in style of course and family and friends are able to enjoy a truly memorable two or three-night New Year’s stay. 

Highlights include a New Year’s Eve black-tie drinks reception with champagne and canapés, followed by dinner and a selection of wines served in the restaurant. After dinner, guests head to the Tudor Hall to be entertained and dance the night away, enjoying the evening with a spot of gambling Tudor aristocratic style.  A traditional piper will welcome in the New Year, followed by fireworks at midnight to celebrate the arrival of 2022.

• Rates from £1,965for a three-night stay, based on two adults sharing a room.
• Rates from £1,525for a two-night stay, based on two adults sharing a room.

Please note that New Year celebrations are for adults only.

Unique stays guaranteed

This Christmas will see guests being able to experience a luxury stay given all of the Castle’s 27 bedchambers and suites have been fully refurbished to the highest standard along with the Howard Family Gatehouse. Fifteen of the bedchambers and suites feature sumptuous four-poster beds, rich period detailing, with décor throughout the rooms and suites artfully recreating the Tudor style in which royalty and aristocracy would have languished, feasted and relaxed in. 

As well as a range of planned activities available, guests will also have a chance to explore the Castle’s Tudor gardens at leisure, enjoy a delicious cream tea served with all the trimmings, and relax in the historic lounges and historic library throughout their stay. 

To book:  https://www.thornburycastle.co.uk or call +44 (0)1454 281182.   

Bestselling author David Walliams officially opens library at Luxury Family Hotels’ Fowey Hall

International bestselling author and Britain’s Got Talent judge David Walliams paid a visit to Cornwall’s Fowey Hall Hotel at the weekend to officially open its impressive library.

Thought to be the largest children’s library in any hotel in the UK, it is home to more than 800 books appealing to children of all ages as well as a selection of great reads for adults. It also houses a collection of vintage photography and prints that tell the story of the hotel and its literary links.

A small group of local children joined David Walliams for the official opening along with Simon Maguire, MD of Luxury Family Hotels, and Kate Longman of Fowey’s independent bookshop Shrew Books (formerly Bookends of Fowey) who works with Fowey Hall to curate the selection of books so that they appeal to guests of all ages when they stay at the luxury family hotel. (1)

David Walliams said:

“In a world of deadlines and constant interruptions, many families are juggling work, personal commitments and their lives are currently restricted due to the pandemic. A library, however big or small, can often be the perfect place to retreat and enjoy a book without distraction.”

“It’s a real pleasure to visit Fowey Hall and open its wonderful library. I’m honoured to declare it open for literary indulgence!”

Simon Maguire, Managing Director, Luxury Family Hotels, added:

“One of the most relaxing things about getting away, whether it’s to the beach or a long weekend out of town, is that you get the chance to pick up a book. As part of our major refurbishment, we wanted Fowey Hall to offer a luxury stay with relaxation guaranteed and our library has been carefully designed to do just that, enabling our guests – whatever their age – to while away the hours, sink into the sofas and comfy chairs with a good book.”

(1) Social distancing guidelines followed at all times

Fowey: inspiring authors old and new

The pretty sailing town of Fowey on the south Cornish coast has provided inspiration and a home to many authors including Daphne du Maurier and Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind in the Willows.

Grahame first came to Fowey in 1899, staying at the Fowey Hotel while convalescing from pneumonia. Here he became friends with Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch (Q), who introduced him to life in Fowey, he also married Elspeth Thompson in St Fimbarrus Church in Fowey in the same year. Although the marriage was a somewhat unhappy one, Grahame often sought refuge in Fowey spending much time with Q and on the river. It was during these visits that he wrote to Alastair, his only son (affectionally known as Mouse) with his tales of the riverbank. These letters and other bedtime stories were to make up The Wind in the Willows.

Cornwall’s Got (Cake) Talent

To celebrate the official opening of the library, instead of a normal ribbon cutting ceremony, Fowey Hall Hotel commissioned Penzance-based award-winning cake makers Peboryon – stars of Channel 4’s Extreme Cake Makers – to create
an innovative hand-painted pop-up book cake fit for the occasion (hi res pictures available in link below). With the famous Fowey Hall in the background, the seasonally inspired blackberry and apple cake features Ratty and Mole playing on the river, with Mr Toad reading David Walliams latest novel, The World’s Worst Parents.

Fowey Hall Hotel

Following its multi-million-pound refurbishment, Fowey Hall Hotel officially reopened its doors to guests in July, offering an ultra stylish and luxurious place to stay in one of the most desirable areas in south Cornwall. The 36-bedroom hotel boasts sweeping sea views and vistas over the estuary and picturesque Fowey harbour.

Throughout the major refurbishment, the hotel’s interior design team worked with renowned local artists and the best craftsmen in their fields in order to create a range of bespoke interiors from wallpapers and stylish furniture to interesting guest room details which celebrates the best of craftsmanship in both Cornwall and also in Britain.

The family hotel includes an OFSTED registered crèche, children’s outdoor playground which gives a playful nod to The Wind in the Willows, a luxury cinema room, retro games room, morning room, bar and restaurant as well as an indoor swimming pool and spa.

For bookings, please telephone +44 (0) 208 0765555 or visit luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk

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With some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches, delicious local cuisine and world-famous heritage sights, Puglia is a natural choice for a summer weekend getaway. By Maria Boyle

As appeared in Country &Townhouse, link here:
https://www.countryandtownhouse.co.uk/travel/puglia-weekender/

STAY

Puglia has a great choice of hotels, private villas and uber chic masserias (boutique farmhouses). Villa Francesca, the former summer retreat of the Mayor of Fasano, has been tastefully restored in to a three-bedroomed, three bathroom luxury villa, just five minutes from the little town of Fasano and 10 mins from the historic town of Locorotondo. The air-conditioned villa, set in two acres of secluded terraced gardens, has a heated pool, lovely outside eating areas, luxurious fittings throughout and uninterrupted views over the olive groves to the sea. The villa offers a private chef service.

For those who want all the facilities a hotel offers, the beautiful Masseria Torre Coccoro is a great choice with the option of rooms and suites. The 16th century farmhouse, a few kilometres from the sea, has a spa, a swimming pool, a restaurant, a nine-hole golf course, and two private beach clubs.

EAT

With 800 kms of coastline, Puglia boasts several of Italy’s most beautiful beaches. Head to the super chic Le Palm Beach Club in Capitolo with its long, sandy beach, crystal clear blue sea, oversized sun loungers, and a wonderful fish restaurant (mixed skewer of freshly caught prawn, cuttlefish, swordfish and octopus and the salt crust sea bass come highly recommended).

Dine at Masseria Coccoro in either its elegantly lit outside terraced restaurant serving the most delicious organic Puglian food or enjoy one of its Village Feast Nights which take place every Thursday in summer. Located in Masseria Coccaro’s historic square, its festooned lit courtyard featured long communal tables, a band playing live Puglian music and entertainer on stilts. Interactive food stations showed mozzarella being made as well as different pastas – and guests are encouraged to try. A wide variety of foods were on offer, all the antipasti you could think of, locally caught seafood; Puglian meats, cheeses and also an A to Z of Italian desserts, not to mention a selection of local wines. Pure magic.

For the ultimate meal experience, try La Calce, Borgo Egnazia’s newly opened bistro and sister restaurant to Due Camini which was awarded a Michelin star in 2019. Located in the portico of La Corte, underneath the tastefully lit limestone arches, chef Domingo Schingaro has created a simple yet innovative menu focusing on ingredients and flavour. Finish the evening at Bar del Portico with DJ mixing tunes and barmen making cocktails with a Puglian twist…who knows who you will rub shoulders with.

DO

Visit Locorotondo, a historic town perched on a hill just 10 minutes drive from the villa. Its whitewashed buildings, flower-adorned pedestrian streets and pavement restaurants and cafes are picture perfect, decorated with the most beautiful of flowers.

Take a Segway tour of the old town of Alberobello, now a UNESCO world heritage site with its hillside streets consisting of the largest concentration of Trulli. These are local stone-built conical-roofed whitewashed structures which the region is known for. The tour takes you through Alberobello’s two historical districts and stops at the Church of Sant Antonio, the only Trulli-style chuch in the region. Tours are led by Francesco, the knowledgeable owner of AllwaysPuglia.

Puglia is known for its wonderful ceramics – and the town of Grottaglie is the place to go. Surrounding the lovely historic centre, visit the pottery district which boasts more than 50 craft shops, where generations of artisans have worked and continue to create plates, crockery, as well as the famous glazed ceramic pomi.

Avoid walking in the hot months and opt for a tuktuk tour of one of Puglia’s most beautiful places to visit, Ostuni, also known as Città Bianca – the White City. Perched on a hill, the centro storico is a must-see, with its whitewashed houses, charming little shops selling ceramics, oils and local produce and pavement bars and restaurants with amazing views out to the sea. The tuktuk whizzes through the narrow streets with a welcome added breeze. Get dropped off outside Ostuni’s remarkable Gothic cathedral, built in the late 1400s, and then while away a few hours as you enjoy a spot of shopping.

By Maria Boyle

“Are you mad?” asked one friend when she heard about our family trip to Positano. The Italian hot spot is world renowned and receives more than its fair share of visitors pacing its narrow streets throughout the summer and, in times of social distancing, were we sensible to even think about going for four days?

Ready to escape the UK for a change of scene, we jumped on the plane (masks on, hand gelled to an inch of our lives) and arrived in Italy with the hope of enjoying the good life it is so renowned for.

This was our fourth holiday to Positano in the last 20 years, having visited as a young couple in the Nineties, for a friend’s 50th in 2013, and returning with our three girls last year en route to Puglia – yet even I was a little worried given the tiny town is not exactly cut out for social distancing.

The transfer from Naples airport was the quickest we had ever experienced due to far less traffic on the windy roads – even in the height of August – and we arrived just over an hour later.

We opted to stay at Palazzo Murat, located in the centre of Positano, in the pedestrian area and just a one-minute walk to the Piazzetta dei Mulini, the Spiaggia Grande (main beach) and all the other main spots in town. Steeped in history, it is said that when Gioacchino Murat, King of Naples and brother-in-law to Napoleon, arrived in Positano in 1808 he visited the palazzo, and it was love at first sight. The hotel was the place where the king spent the hottest months, accompanied by his lovers, far from the intrigue and bustle of the Neapolitan court. For us, we wanted to be far from the bustle of the pandemic and it was the perfect choice.

On arrival, the hotel reception staff tested our temperatures and checked our passports and identity cards as part of the government’s new regulations. Staff were excited to greet us – their season started much later due to Italy’s strict lockdown and business after August is patchy to say the least.

The small hotel has 33 elegant white rooms and suites, accented by the vivid colours of vietri majolica (jewel-toned glazed pottery) while being sympathetic to the palazzo’s design and architecture. Rooms are gorgeous, spacious, chic and clutter free and, most importantly, deep cleaned after each stay and are free from the usual hotel paraphernalia.

The hotel has lots of outside space – a beautiful terrace for breakfast, lazy coffees and pre-dinner drinks, and a private swimming pool, surrounded by mandarin trees, set in a pretty garden. Antonio runs the pool and poolside bar and greeted us with towels in plastic bags as part of the hotel’s new Covid policies. We could finally relax, take a dip, savour the sea views and work out which of the colourful houses painted shades of pink, white and yellow we’d buy if we had the money.

Curious to see what the new Positano post lockdown felt like we ventured into the narrow streets – and were surprised at how much space we had. The normal, bustling August crowds were nowhere to be seen. Tourists had a newfound respect for each other, automatically creating a one-way system without any fuss – with the majority wearing masks while out and about.

The hotels, restaurants and shops in Positano are certainly suffering. There are no Americans, Canadians, Australians or visitors from the Middle East who are the lifeblood of this coastal town and make up 80 per cent of its visitors normally. Instead, there are Europeans and the British have started to appear. A restaurateur observed: “Positano has gone full circle and returned to the glorious heydays in the Sixties and Seventies when the town first got on the map and visitors started to discover its beauty.”

Our first evening involved a lovely dinner at Osteria Le Tre Sorelle, the oldest restaurant on Positano’s beachfront. Founded in 1953 by sisters Giovannina, Adelina and Nannina, the restaurant is a Positano institution and known for its wonderful seafood, delivered straight from the sea in front of the restaurant.

On arrival, we were once again temperature tested, had to show our drivers’ licences and provide a contact mobile number. Post-lockdown regulations are adhered to for fear of a €1000 fine for offenders. Restaurant owner, Luigi, nephew of Giovannina, is happy to be open even though they have had to remove half of the tables to allow social distancing. Menus are now accessible on QR codes although Luigi, in true Italian style, asked what we were in the mood for and suggested the mixed seafood for a starter followed by freshly caught red snapper served with potatoes and tomatoes – both sublime. The children enjoyed delicious homemade pizzas followed by gelato. The restaurant even makes its own Limoncello which finished off the meal in true Italian style.

The next day, we were desperate to go to the beach but worried about social distancing on the public beaches so we booked Treville Beach Club, part of the former estate of the famed Italian film director Franco Zefferelli. This is one of the chicest beach clubs on the Amalfi coast. We caught the free shuttle service from the harbour – both the boat’s driver and all guests were wearing masks – and arrived at the secluded beach where guests are normally greeted with an Aperol Spritz. This time, the beach attendant was armed with a guest log and contact tracing forms and thermometer to test all our temperatures. He told me that rows of beds had been taken out to adhere to the new regulations. For us, we loved that we had more space to relax in and the vibe was still laid back.

A quick swim in the crystal blue Tyrrhenian Sea was followed by lunch in the beach club’s outside restaurant which served the freshest of seafood (tempura prawns, tubetonni with mussels, potatoes and zucchini flowers), delicious pizzas and a great selection of desserts. In the late afternoon, the restaurant transforms in to a beach bar playing remixes of American folk music from the Sixties to the Nineties. All we needed to do was call the masked waiter for our free boat ride home when we were ready. Bliss, even with masks on!

We also enjoyed dinner at Palazzo Murat’s Next 2 pop-up restaurant in its garden. Its Mediterranean gourmet menu included dishes such as stuffed zucchini flowers with ricotta, pumpkin and zucchini; fetticelle with Mediterranean blue lobster and braised beef cheek with balsamic vinegar, peppers and baked onion and tiramisu with Baileys ice cream. Next 2’s maître d said the season was undeniably harder but it has given the town a chance to reset and there is a distinct feeling of slower pace and the true Positano emerging once again.

Shopping in the narrow pedestrian streets was surprising relaxing too: no queues outside shops, owners and shoppers respecting each other’s space. Sandal shopping in the tiny squeeze of a shop Mastro Sandali went without a hitch and prices were affordable rather than extortionate.

Feeling happy that we made the decision to return to Positano, we wanted to celebrate our last night in style and opted for the ultimate experience combined with jaw-dropping views: dinner at Positano’s most famous hotel, Le Sirenuse. On arrival, we were asked to put masks on throughout the hotel until we were seated and given chef Gennaro Russo’s menu. The restaurant filled in as we dined on sea bass with candied citron, local lobster with court bouillon while the children had homemade pasta. Mains were equally as impressive and included fagotelli pasta with local mountain beef, onions and aged parmesan and black truffles or the roasted local sea bream with aubergine caviar and leeks. Desserts were served as Positano’s clifftop lights turned on and ensured a spectacular evening became even more magical.

Four days went by in a flash and we departed this time feeling like we experienced the real Positano, when artists, curious adventurers and affluent travellers first visited in the Sixties and Seventies, with an appreciation for the simple life. Post-lockdown, Positano has reset and it was the best visit yet – and one we may never see again.

Cornwall’s Fowey Hall Hotel announces a range of new experiences for guests to enjoy on their first trip post lockdown

While Luxury Family Hotels have been temporarily closed, its teams have been busy creating a range of experiences for families on their first trip away from home since lockdown.

The Luxury Family Hotels’ experiences have been tailor made to suit the location of each of the hotels and something that will please all ages. They include a mix of adventure and adrenalin-fuelled activities, ones themed on wellbeing and relaxation and others linked to enjoying nature and wildlife.

Perched above the pretty sailing town of Fowey on the south Cornish coast, the 36-bedroom Fowey Hall Hotel boasts sweeping sea views and vistas over the estuary and picturesque Fowey harbour. Here’s a selection of experiences that can be enjoyed while staying at the hotel:

1. Discover Fowey with Cornish Riviera Guides: Every Tuesday at 2 pm and Saturday at 10.30 am during school holidays, Cornish Riviera Guides will be setting off from Fowey Hall for a complimentary guided walk through Fowey, exclusively for hotel guests. Alternatively, a private tour guide can be booked at a mutually suitable time, (charges will apply).
2. Enjoy Cornwall’s secret beaches: the hotel is surrounded by beautiful beaches. Within walking distance is the sandy and secluded Readymoney Cove, venture a little further afield to Polkerris or hop across the ferry to explore secluded beaches off the beaten track. It can provide towels, blankets, buckets, spades, nets and if the sun isn’t shining, even welly boots too!

3. Walk for South West Coastal Path. The hotel is proud supporters of the South West Coast Path, just a few minutes from our hotel’s doorstep. Guests can see the best of the coast from this ancient trail. They can also find one of the top walks in the UK, ‘The Hall Walk’, starting just minutes from the hotel, which enjoys two ferry rides and unrivalled views all the way.
4. Stand Up Paddle Boarding:  Stand-up paddle boarding lessons are available on the beautiful Fowey estuary. The perfect chance to try something new and calm those busy brains.
5. Kayaking & Canoeing: Take to the water with a guided canoe or kayak trip, spotting wildlife on the way.
6. Boat trips: Guests can have their own adventure and head out on the open seas for a cruise around the bay. Thy can choose your destination or ask your skipper for the insider’s guide.
7. Hangloose Adventure is based within the beautiful setting of the Eden Project. A must destination for thrill-seekers with seven amazing adrenaline-filled activities suitable for families with children over 8-years-old.
8. Polkerris Beach combines an idyllic sandy Cornish cove with first-class watersports facilities. There is something for everyone at Polkerris Beach – from the smallest sandcastle-building toddler to the seasoned watersport enthusiast!
9. The Lost Gardens of Heligan offers over 200 acres of magical gardens, woodland and farmland, making it one of the best natural playgrounds to explore.
10. Eden Project: visit Eden’s 30-acre outdoor garden bursting with life. Marvel at the cutting-edge architecture of the biomes and learn about the weird and wonderful plants that thrive there. All within a 20-minute drive from the hotel.
11. Lanhydrock is a beautiful country house owned by the National Trust. Offering acres of space to explore from ancient woodlands to riverside paths. There are various cycle trails around the grounds and bikes to hire- a great space to enjoy nature and a bit of history too!
12. Gin O’Clock: Blend your own gin at Colwith Distillery – perfect for the gin lover. This gin masterclass includes a welcome Stafford’s Cornish Dry G&T, whilst one of our team explains all about the wide array of botanicals you can infuse into gin. Then comes the fun bit! You will take control of your own copper alembic pot still to form your perfect gin. Blend and hand bottle your bespoke, delicious Cornish gin to take home and enjoy.

13. Afternoon tea at the hotel: Guests can enjoy a wonderful Cornish afternoon tea which epitomises indulgence, bursting with sandwiches, cakes and scones with jam and cream (remember jam first!).
14. Sea view yoga – traditionally, yoga was taught one-on-one. A private yoga session with an experienced teacher can be an instrumental step in developing and deepening your yoga experience and provide a therapeutic, sustainable strategy for working with specific ailments. Our reception team can provide more information on how to make your booking.
15. Spa treatments  – discover a contemporary spa experience in a spectacular location – the perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and indulge your mind, body and soul. Immerse yourself in the surroundings and enjoy a relaxing treatment. Bring harmony to your mind and body and stimulate your senses with a vast range of skincare products. (Subject to Government guidelines.)
16. Family fun: Crabbing & rock-pooling fun – a must whilst you are on holiday in Fowey. Grab one of the hotel’s complimentary crab lines, nets, buckets and bait, and guests can see how many they can catch. Remember to check out the crabbing code from your activity books first.
17. Pick up a picnic and go exploring: the hotel can pack guests off on their own mini adventures with a delicious picnic so they don’t need to stop the fun to find somewhere to eat.  This can be pre-booked with the reception team who can also advise on some perfect picnic spots.
18. Cornish Piskie trail: located in the hotel’s five acres of grounds, guests of all ages can enjoy a charming Cornish Piskie trail, with tiny hidden houses where Piskie folk live. A great trail for all the family to enjoy, pick up the trail map from reception to get started.

Luxury Family Hotels is the pioneer of luxury family escapes in the UK. Simon Maguire, Managing Director, Luxury Family Hotels, commented:

“We know these last few months have been tough for parents and their children and their first holiday post-lockdown needs to be one that is enjoyable, stress-free and enables parents to have some much needed me-time and also quality time as a family. Each one of our unique hotels is located in picturesque places in the UK and has acres of space for families to enjoy and, importantly, gives parents a much-needed break from normal life.

“We used all our excellent contacts and local knowledge to create these special experiences families can have while on holiday in Fowey. Whatever they choose is up to them. The key thing we want to do is make sure that after a stay with us they leave feeling relaxed, recharged and with memories to last a lifetime.”

Spotlight on Fowey

Fowey is rapidly becoming the classy place to be in Cornwall with its buzzy and flourishing food and drink scene on the up and new restaurants opening this year. Yet Fowey still manages to retain its fishing village charm and Fowey Hall Hotel is perfectly positioned as the place to stay to enjoy all that it offers. Most importantly, excellent Cornish cuisine is at the heart of the experience at Fowey Hall Hotel and the restaurant is the place to enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner or a private event and the soon-to-be opened stylish new bar area will tantalise guests with local artisan drinks and cocktails. More to follow – watch this space!

For bookings, please

• telephone +44 (0) 208 076 5555,
• or visit luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk

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