Absolutely London’s best holiday destinations for a post-Covid getaway
By Abbie Schofield
If you’re thinking about booking a holiday for after Covid, we don’t blame you. After what felt like a never-ending January, spring is on the horizon, and with that, a renewed hope that life will return to some semblance of normal in the coming months.
Boris Johnson’s recent revelation of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown cited 21 June 2021 as the date that there will be no legal restrictions on social interactions, on the condition that the vaccination scheme goes to plan and Covid cases continue to go down.
While it’s still unclear if and when international travel will be allowed, many of us are now dreaming of escaping the city in favour of sunnier climes.
Where to travel after Covid: The best luxury hotels to visit
Here are the best holiday destinations and hotels for a luxurious trip when ‘this’ is all over. From rejuvenating spa breaks amongst the mountains to a beach holiday in a phenomenal water villa, there’s something for every kind of traveller.
Best hotel for a spa break: One&Only Portonovi – Montenegro
Hugged by jaw-dropping mountains and the sparkling water of the Adriatic, Bokor Bay lies near the old Medieval town of Kotor, just an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik. It’s the perfect place to explore the beauty of the Balkans, and One&Only Portonovi is a sensational new luxury resort overlooking the dramatic cove. As well as impeccable guest rooms, suites and villas, One&Only offers Private Homes with their own beach, jetty and pools for a more secluded experience. The Espace Chenot Spa is a huge draw with its scientific approach to wellness, as are the multiple fine dining restaurants such as Sabia by renowned chef Giorgio Locatelli.
Best hotel for a country escape: Adare Manor – Ireland
For those not wanting to venture too far, Adare Manor in County Limerick has everything you could possibly desire for a traditional countryside escape — and then some. Rooms combine historical grandeur with effortless comfort. The new Padel club in the estate’s lush woodland is an impressive activity centre with indoor tennis courts, sports simulation room, swimming pool and gym complete with Peloton bikes, not to mention the golf course and La Mer spa. Adare Manor also boasts Limerick’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, The Oak Room, plus plenty of other dining options including afternoon tea.
Best luxury hotel: Angsana Velavaru – The Maldives
At Angsana Velavaru, known as Turtle Island in the local Dhivehi language, guests can stay in water villas directly over the turquoise ocean and its rich coral reefs. When you’re not relaxing on the palm-fringed white sand beaches, there are plenty of activities to enjoy such as diving at over 30 nearby spots; guests of all abilities can go on excursions to see black tip reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles and whale sharks. There’s also paddle-boarding, catamaran trips, canoeing in glass-bottom boats and more. Four restaurants provide plenty of culinary choice including Magoo Garden inspired by a Maldivian market with a live cooking station.
Best bucket list hotel: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon – Iceland
One of the ultimate bucket list destinations, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon will leave you full of wonder and serenity. Inspired by the craggy rocks and blue waters of its Nordic surroundings, The Retreat’s rooms have breathtaking views of the lagoon and lava fields, and guests are a stone’s throw away from plunging into the powerful geothermal pool. Moss is the signature restaurant looking over the volcanic horizon, serving Icelandic cuisine (locally sourced and seasonal) — be sure to pay a visit to the subterranean wine cellar before your meal.
Best hotel for a hot European getaway: H̫tel les Roches Rouges РFrance
Designed by French architectural studio Festen, Hôtel les Roches Rouges is a vintage-lover’s dream, with a 1950s Modernist aesthetic that oozes chic. Situated on the Cote d’Azur, all of the rooms have a sea view and one of its two pools fills with natural seawater in harmony with the tide. The decor’s understated luxury is designed to reflect the Riviera way of life, allowing nature to be the focal point while providing all the glamorous comfort one would expect from a five-star hotel. For fine-dining, Michelin-starred restaurant La Terrasse serves Provencal cuisine with ingredients from local farmers and makers with a fantastic selection of wines, while La Plage is a more casual beachfront offering.
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