Inspiration • November 2013
Fall out of bed
Juliet Kinsman, editor-in-chief at boutique hotel experts Mr & Mrs Smith, steers you to a few stylish stays to have you savouring these extra-special days of lazy lie-ins and extended lunchtimes as Europe inches its way towards winter…
Cliveden, Berkshire, UK
What time to emerge: 9:30am
Through the window: Lovingly maintained gardens and rich russet woodlands.
This distinguished National Trust stately home is revelling in its new lease of life as a luxury hotel. Make the most of a lazy morning in one of Cliveden’s aristocratic bedrooms resplendent in antiques and art, then explore the lovingly nurtured gardens and rich russet woodlands which are especially compelling at this time of year. The view over the knot garden from breakfast is a picture in itself.
La Réserve Ramatuelle, South of France
What time to emerge: 12:30pm
Through the window: Uninterrupted views of the sparkling Med and St Tropez coastline.
Luxury spa hotels don’t come more salubrious than this sleek health-enhancing St Tropez stay, and this French Riviera retreat even boasts the only Crème de la Mer spa in France. An elegantly remodelled 1970s icon, make sure you get a table at lunch by the glass doors to make the most of the Mediterranean views - all the more enjoyable now that the summer crowds have vacated this coastline.
Farol Design Hotel, Cascais
What time to emerge: 5:00pm (about half an hour before the time of the November sunset)
Through the window: A 180-degree seascape of the sun dipping down into the Atlantic Ocean.
Poised perfectly for a city break on Portugal’s rugged coast in this charming cultured suburb, west-facing Farol lets guests enjoy grandstand views of the ocean from the pastel shades of sunrise to seductive sunsets. Particularly palatable when admired over breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the glass-encased Atlantic-edge restaurant.
A'jia, Istanbul
What time to emerge: 2:15pm
Through the window: Knockout views across the strait to Europe.
Bang on the Bosphorus, this converted Ottoman mansion is a soothing base for an Istanbul escape, whatever the season. Wake up to knockout watery views then book A’jia’s boat for a private tour of Turkey’s East-meets-West capital and its ancient glories. Go in autumn, and you’ll discover it’s the best time of year for touring as skies are clear and temperatures mild.
Soho House, Berlin
What time to emerge: 10:00pm
Through the window: The bright lights of the city’s urban skyline.
As other European cities wave goodbye to the last summer rays, the rooftop of this members’ club and hotel, often sits smugly smack in the sun. Nightlife here is electric so you’ll be grateful for couldn’t-be-comfier beds, a spa and a members club to brunch in amid local creatives and visiting hipsters. You might even want to dangle your toes in the pool, and soak up 360-degree views of the German capital’s distinct urban skyline and pretend it’s still the height of summer.
Hotel Nautilus, Czech Republic
What time to emerge: 11:30am
Through the window: The pretty Bohemian town square of Tabor, with its pastel coloured buildings and cobbled streets.
Changing foliage teamed with the pretty pastels of this historical southern Czech town make this a fairytale-fit autumnal rendezvous. Roll out of bed late and you’ll still have the day to admire summer’s segue into next season’s colours. Stay put in this Bohemian town square, or explore the surrounding countryside - Tabor is a base ripe for hiking and biking: just ask at the hotel to direct you towards the best circuits.
Lesic Dimitri Palace, Croatia
What time to emerge: 10:15am
Through the window: The city’s crumbling old town and the steely blue Adriatic.
Korčula is a medieval town on an Adriatic island off the Dalmatian coast where Lešić Dimitri Palace is the only hotel: a cluster of residences with ancient soul yet every mod con. Now that most holidaymakers have headed back home, savour the peace as you start the day on the terrace by the old wall overlooking the Adriatic Sea. (Also breakfast may be a time to soothe you from the night before - autumn is a great time to visit the dinky bars on nearby side streets to sip glasses of grk wine with locals.)
Finca Cortesin, Costa del Sol
What time to emerge: 3:30pm
Through the window: A perfectly manicured 18-hole golf course and three pools made for posing.
Under an hour from Marbella, this 67-room stay has a rolling golf course, with the sea on the horizon. If you can prise yourself from making the most of first-class room service in your own boudoir, there are three Instagram-worthy pools to splash about in. And don’t miss the Turkish baths, Finnish sauna, or Spain’s only ‘snow cave’, in the spa.
This article has been tagged Destination, Hotels