Holiday Inspiration

Santa Claus is coming to town! He’s checking his list, he’s checking it twice, he’s going to find out if you’ve been naughty or nice.

Well let’s hope I’ve been very, very nice this year as my Christmas wish-list is quite special. Husband, parents, sister, besties (anyone!); please take heed.

City Slicker: Hotel George V, Paris

I first learned of this hotel on Richard E Grant’s Hotel Secrets instantly fell in love with its 1920’s style charm. So for Christmas I would love to spend the evening in the wine cellar with Theirry Hamon (who I believe is the head Sommelier) expertly guiding my senses through the impressive and prestigious collection of 50,000 bottles of wine from around the world – with the oldest dating back to 1792. Unfortunately, I think this privilege is by invitation only so perhaps Santa isn’t the right man to ask. Theirry???!!

Contact details:
Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris, 31 Avenue George V, 75008, Paris, France
T: +33 (1) 49 52 70 00
w: fourseasons.com/paris/

Snow Queen: Le Chardon Val D’Isere, Val D’Isere

I’ve always loved the snow. Even as a child I would play out in it until it was so dark even the delicate snowflakes appeared black. So my wish-list wouldn’t be complete without a snow scene firmly placed on it. Chalet Le Chardon is the place of choice. Located in private grounds this is a 10 bedroom (all with en-suite) chalet that also includes; sauna, 18ft outdoor swim spa, private chef, afternoon tea, gourmet dinners and of course  ski-in / ski out access to Espace Killy. Selflessly this is on my wish list so that I could hang out with all my nearest and dearest whilst enjoying a spot of snowboarding – one of my favourite pass-times.

Contact details:
e: info@lechardonvaldisere.com
t: +44(0) 131 209 7969
w: lechardonvaldisere.com

R&R: Huvafen Fushi, Male Maldives

Everyone needs a little bit of down time every now and again so I’ve chosen to add a week at Huvafen Fushi to my wish-list as my place of respite, particularly because I’m so intrigued by the world’s first underwater spa (Lime) it houses. The secluded private lagoon setting, only accessible by a 30 minute speed boat ride, makes these beach bungalows (complete with butler service) an idyllic place to kick back and relax.

Contact details:
e: info@huvafenfushi.com
t: +960 6644 222
w: huvafenfushi.peraquum.com

Action Girl: Antarctica ‘Top Gear’ Special

I’m a bit of a Jezza Clarkson fan (controversial I know) and when I watched his intrepid adventure to Antarctica on Top Gear it immediately set my pulse a racing! Anyone that knows me knows I love to be on the go; action and adventure are what I love most. So thundering across ice terrains in a 4 x 4, skiing to the South Pole, sleeping in Clamshell tents and undergoing a vigourous physical training regime to prepare for a trip like this would be a dream come true.

Contact details:
360 Elite via Elegant Resorts
t: +44(0) 1244 897 505
w: elegantresorts.co.uk/antarctica-top-gear-special/i

Home Bird: Turnberry, Ayrshire, Scotland.

Having worked very closely with Gleneagles for a number of years, I feel like a bit of a traitor choosing Turnberry, however I’ve heard exceptionally good reports about Turnberry from a number of friends and if it’s even half as enjoyable as Gleneagles then it deserves a visit. Located in Ayrshire, in the west of Scotland the hotel has (apparently) spectacular sea views. With six different restaurants in which to enjoy afternoon tea or fine dining experiences and a tranquil ESPA Spa I’m sure it cannot fail to live up to its reputation. Now all that’s left to decide is shall I take the husband for a romantic retreat or my best friend for a girly getaway? Decisions, decisions!

Contact details:
Turnberry Ayrshire KA26 9LT, Scotland, United Kingdom,
t: +44.165.533.1000
w: turnberryresort.co.uk