Painswick is one of those quaint Cotswold’s villages where sandstone houses are crammed along narrow windy streets in between weathered churchyards, gnarled trees and long-established gardens.
Unless you knew about it you would almost certainly miss Cardynham House. Even if you do know about it it’s easy to walk straight past the unprepossessing chunky front door which opens straight onto the street.
This 15th century boutique hotel is full of surprises- the Palm Room draped in floaty white fabrics, dark and brooding heavily festooned four poster boudoirs and the incongruous pool room which really does boast a fair sized, private, glass-encased swimming pool within the high courtyard walls. The corridors are narrow, the ceilings are low and the doors are opened by huge original keys. You’ll stumble upon cosy reading rooms you never knew were there and probably won’t find again. With plenty of traditional British pubs and a handful of local restaurants a stone’s throw away this charming place offers a warningly traditional get-away in a beautiful part of the English countryside.
From US150+ per night
– Quaint, historic charm
– Central village location
– On street parking
– Limited food choices.
Chris & Hannah
Directors
Overlooking tangled rainforest, the Ruffles offers secluded luxury combined with fabulous food and infinity pool views when you do leave the retreat of your very private accommodation. The rooms are more like suites with big folding doors opening out to a generous wooden balcony. Treat yourself to an upgrade and you’ll have a private cooling plunge pool, or if it’s less than balmy there are thick blankets on hand to help warm up.
There’s plenty to choose whether at the extensive breakfast or the delicious evening menus, served overlooking the twinkling distant lights of the Gold Coast.
The owners often make an appearance over pre-dinner G&Ts on the terrace, comfortably chatting to guests and clearly enjoying the relaxed, luxurious atmosphere they have created. As the evening draws to a close you can hop on your personal golf cart and drive yourself home.
From US395+ per night
– High quality fine dining menu
– Indulgently large bath with rainforest views from overlooking window
– Sociable pre-dinner drinks and limited number of restaurant tables
– Hill climb from rooms to restaurant (hence the golf carts!)
– Secluded location, you would need to eat all meals there unless you wanted a long drive
Chris & Hannah
Directors
People visit the beaches of Thailand for many reasons: relaxation, stunning sunsets and water activities, for all of these reasons, you should check out the Amari Vogue in Krabi.
I recommend opting for this exclusive resort with multiple pools, restaurants, and your own private beach, and hopping the free shuttle when you’re ready to play tourist. Trust me, you may never leave the premises.
I had a great room on an upper floor with a view of the water from a small balcony. The bed was enormous — it was literally about 6-7 feet wide — and quite possibly could have been the largest bed I have ever slept in.
The gym is decent enough to give you a good workout, the WiFi is free and worked well, a massage in their spa is heavenly, but the real star here are the pools. Instead of one large pool, there were multiple options on each level as you made your way from the hotel down to the beach, with each offering little nooks and crannies to relax, get some sun, or view the sunset from the infinity pool.
From US220+ per night
– Gorgeous pool
– Postcard sunsets on the beach
– Great staff
– 20 minute shuttle to downtown Krabi
Jim Hopkinson
Review Team
Tucked away amongst the paddy fields and forests a few miles outside of Ubud this boutique villa hotel is breathtaking for two reasons. Actually, make that three- they do the most amazing fresh fruit cocktails- and bring them to you at intervals so regularly you don’t even need to ask.
The first reason has to be the view out over the infinity pool across the deep, lush valley as you enter the main ‘lobby’ and restaurant area. The second reason the place is stand-out fabulous is how well you are looked after. The chef buys market produce and prepares the menu for that day with the utmost care; they help you however they can with big smiles; and they seem to genuinely love having you there as their valued guest. It adds a lot to the atmosphere.
There are only 5 suites and a small staff so this hotel is certainly boutique. All the accommodation are separate villas with secluded balconies and vista -sucking floor to ceiling windows. The spacious open air bathrooms are complete with wall-hugging foliage, up-lighting and invisible night time creatures. Close your eyes, gaze at the stars and imagine you are taking a bath in the jungle- before sliding into your welcomingly plush 4 poster bed.
From US$275+ per night
– Fresh, local home cooked food
– Beautiful surroundings and pool area
– You need to decide what you want to eat that evening in the morning
– A 20 min drive into Ubud (the shuttle is free but someone needs to be around to take you!)
Chris & Hannah
Directors