Aspiga Travel Ideas with Sarah Siese
Sarah Siese and family have tested over 70 hotels in 40 countries around the world. Sarah is a hotelier-turned-writer whose main interest is bespoke luxury travel. She has travelled the world, from Antarctica to Zululand, never tiring of reporting on anything from celebrated haunts to the worlds best-kept secrets. Her latest travel book, Heaven on Earth KIDS, even gave her three lucky children the opportunity to tag along. Here at Aspiga we are now lucky enough to share some of Sarah's best-kept secrets with our customers! Sarah will be regularly giving Aspiga customers her latest tips and ideas for your next luxury holiday...so make sure you join our newsletter so you don't miss out!!
January 2012
Winter Sun
The New Year brings a flurry of hope and expectation. While days are short the thought of a few days sun are never more tempting. Sarah Siese has picked some favourite short and long haul escapes..
How about some Alpine sun? When Will Herrington left Powder Byrne he, and his TV presenter wife Anna Walker, chose Grimentz (in Switzerland's Valais region) as their new home – recently awarded most promising ski resort in Europe, in Peter Hardy's trusty guide. Its style is old-school Alpine fun, a far cry from the glitz and glamour of neighbouring Zermatt.
Accommodation is predominantly in private chalets with a few eateries, a single hotel and one disco. Entertaining is low key and generally determined according to who you meet on the slopes. Skiing is diverse and good for all standards (particularly renowned for copious off-piste) with an excellent ski school and beginner slopes. And ski passes are the cheapest in the region. One to watch for the future. Chalet Etoile, in the heart of the village, sleeps 13 comfortably with local chefs and nannies available if desired. From £5,000 per week (excluding flights) with frozenaction.ch; 0041 792744734. Check out SkiHolidayExtras.com to save money and hassle on lift passes, lessons and transfers as well as up to 50% off quality ski and snowboard rental from Skiset shops.
Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton in Oman is the epitome of theatrical hospitality. It oozes historic distinction, set against the dramatic Al Hajar Mountain on 200 acres of private beach. Meticulously constructed, the Lord of the Rings type exterior houses local design that exudes the richness of Arabian culture, art and history. Its 250 rooms enjoy views across manicured gardens, one the best beaches in the world and a sea packed with exotic sea-life. Restaurants offer everything for the adventurous palate including themed nights from Asian, French and international cuisine. Must-see sights include the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Bait Al Zubair Museum and Al Alam Palace. Explore the traditional Oman with a visit to the Wahiba Sands and don’t miss the market at the old capital of Nizwa on a Friday morning. From £1299. wandotravel.com; 020 7666 1213
For something closer to home, hidden away in the bustling streets of Seville is the beautiful Corral del Rey, a tiny boutique hotel with just 12 bedrooms. Its intimacy makes for an idyllic getaway in this stunning area of Andalucía. Located in the heart of Seville, in the old quarter of Barrio Alfalfa, it’s just five minutes-walk from the cathedral. The original 17th Century Casa Palacio has been meticulously restored offering chic accommodation with a vibrant bar. Kuky Mora-Figueroa has stamped her skilful style combining an eclectic mix of ancient and modern. Include some shopping, sherry tasting, tapas tours, cooking classes and an excursion to the Sierra of Aracena - a mountainous area north-west of Seville near to the Portuguese border famous for Iberian ham. From 270 Euros per room per night. mrandmrssmith.com; 0845 034 0700
One of my favourite hotels in the world has to be Constance Le Prince Maurice in Mauritius, set in 60 hectares of unspoilt vegetation, protected from the winds on a peaceful peninsula. Spicy aromas blend with warm ocean breezes evoking the long gone era of the spice trade. Prince Maurice of Orange and Nassau pioneered the discovery of those 'divine essences' in the Indian Ocean and one of the most symbolic of all spices – nutmeg – is the hotel's aptly chosen logo. It certainly ticks the location location location box but attention to detail is what sets this hotel apart. The Junior Suites, all with thatched roofs, include bedroom, sitting area and a terrace or balcony. Free activities include windsurfing, Hobie Cat sailing, snorkelling, kayaking, a trip on a glass-bottomed boat, water skiing, golf and cycling. From £2,526 half board in a junior suite (please quote: KU9454). princemaurice.com; kuoni.co.uk; 01306 747008
If you want to fill your days with stunning natural scenery then Argentina ticks all the boxes. The wilderness landscapes of Patagonia, studded with cobalt lakes stemmed by translucent glaciers; the tumultuous waterfalls at Iguazú framed by exuberant tropical forest; the fertility of the sunny slopes of the wine country with their backdrop of snow-mantled Andean peaks; and the cultural richness of Buenos Aires. At each place you visit, there’s time to relax in exquisite surroundings. Just over two weeks packs it all in without feeling rushed. From £7399 (including business class flights and most meals). Journeylatinamerica.co.uk; 020 8747 8315
(Sarah's books are also available to buy on amazon - just click on the books below!)
January 2012
Winter Sun
The New Year brings a flurry of hope and expectation. While days are short the thought of a few days sun are never more tempting. Sarah Siese has picked some favourite short and long haul escapes..
How about some Alpine sun? When Will Herrington left Powder Byrne he, and his TV presenter wife Anna Walker, chose Grimentz (in Switzerland's Valais region) as their new home – recently awarded most promising ski resort in Europe, in Peter Hardy's trusty guide. Its style is old-school Alpine fun, a far cry from the glitz and glamour of neighbouring Zermatt.
Accommodation is predominantly in private chalets with a few eateries, a single hotel and one disco. Entertaining is low key and generally determined according to who you meet on the slopes. Skiing is diverse and good for all standards (particularly renowned for copious off-piste) with an excellent ski school and beginner slopes. And ski passes are the cheapest in the region. One to watch for the future. Chalet Etoile, in the heart of the village, sleeps 13 comfortably with local chefs and nannies available if desired. From £5,000 per week (excluding flights) with frozenaction.ch; 0041 792744734. Check out SkiHolidayExtras.com to save money and hassle on lift passes, lessons and transfers as well as up to 50% off quality ski and snowboard rental from Skiset shops.
Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton in Oman is the epitome of theatrical hospitality. It oozes historic distinction, set against the dramatic Al Hajar Mountain on 200 acres of private beach. Meticulously constructed, the Lord of the Rings type exterior houses local design that exudes the richness of Arabian culture, art and history. Its 250 rooms enjoy views across manicured gardens, one the best beaches in the world and a sea packed with exotic sea-life. Restaurants offer everything for the adventurous palate including themed nights from Asian, French and international cuisine. Must-see sights include the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Bait Al Zubair Museum and Al Alam Palace. Explore the traditional Oman with a visit to the Wahiba Sands and don’t miss the market at the old capital of Nizwa on a Friday morning. From £1299. wandotravel.com; 020 7666 1213
For something closer to home, hidden away in the bustling streets of Seville is the beautiful Corral del Rey, a tiny boutique hotel with just 12 bedrooms. Its intimacy makes for an idyllic getaway in this stunning area of Andalucía. Located in the heart of Seville, in the old quarter of Barrio Alfalfa, it’s just five minutes-walk from the cathedral. The original 17th Century Casa Palacio has been meticulously restored offering chic accommodation with a vibrant bar. Kuky Mora-Figueroa has stamped her skilful style combining an eclectic mix of ancient and modern. Include some shopping, sherry tasting, tapas tours, cooking classes and an excursion to the Sierra of Aracena - a mountainous area north-west of Seville near to the Portuguese border famous for Iberian ham. From 270 Euros per room per night. mrandmrssmith.com; 0845 034 0700
One of my favourite hotels in the world has to be Constance Le Prince Maurice in Mauritius, set in 60 hectares of unspoilt vegetation, protected from the winds on a peaceful peninsula. Spicy aromas blend with warm ocean breezes evoking the long gone era of the spice trade. Prince Maurice of Orange and Nassau pioneered the discovery of those 'divine essences' in the Indian Ocean and one of the most symbolic of all spices – nutmeg – is the hotel's aptly chosen logo. It certainly ticks the location location location box but attention to detail is what sets this hotel apart. The Junior Suites, all with thatched roofs, include bedroom, sitting area and a terrace or balcony. Free activities include windsurfing, Hobie Cat sailing, snorkelling, kayaking, a trip on a glass-bottomed boat, water skiing, golf and cycling. From £2,526 half board in a junior suite (please quote: KU9454). princemaurice.com; kuoni.co.uk; 01306 747008
If you want to fill your days with stunning natural scenery then Argentina ticks all the boxes. The wilderness landscapes of Patagonia, studded with cobalt lakes stemmed by translucent glaciers; the tumultuous waterfalls at Iguazú framed by exuberant tropical forest; the fertility of the sunny slopes of the wine country with their backdrop of snow-mantled Andean peaks; and the cultural richness of Buenos Aires. At each place you visit, there’s time to relax in exquisite surroundings. Just over two weeks packs it all in without feeling rushed. From £7399 (including business class flights and most meals). Journeylatinamerica.co.uk; 020 8747 8315
(Sarah's books are also available to buy on amazon - just click on the books below!)
