Secret Escapes - pick of the week

September has only just arrived and we are already plotting our next escape. Whether it’s a luxurious holiday, a romantic getaway or a weekend trip now is the time to plan something special to look forward to. Set aside some dates in your calendar from your daily routine, dreaded tasks and exhausting encounters and organise something that you will enjoy. From an exhilarating skiing holiday to a relaxing poolside resort, this week we are looking at the ultimate escapes for when you need it most!

Mu Hotel, La Cortinada

Leave your stress at the top of the mountain and swish down glistening peaks. Set in the dramatically scenic Andorra, Vallnord is an activity-filled ski resort with jaw dropping views. From the modern and quirky Mu Hotel in Cortinada, you’ll have access to the Vallnord ski area. This generous area of piste offers you access to 14 green trails, 21 blue trails, 26 red trails, six black trails, two snow parks, four free-ride areas, a slalom area, a wood park and a boarder cross. With a massive skiable area of 35 kilometers you won’t ski the same place twice! There’s even a spa with a Jacuzzi, a Turkish bath and a Sauna to help you unwind after an action packed day on the slopes and to help soothe any post-ski aches. Mu hotel certainly lives up to its name and takes a quirky approach in its sleek style as it is decked out with cow-print patterns both inside and out. Enjoy some après-ski indulgence with a nice hot chocolate, which is even served in a chic cow print mug. Add this location to your to do-list, pack your bags and get Mu-ving!

St Austell, Cornwall

Putting aside some dates in your calendar for a holiday doesn’t always mean you have to travel overseas. This luxury spa break at a country-chic retreat in Cornwall is only a skip away. At the clearing spa you will find a sauna, steam room, whirlpool and five treatment rooms, where expert therapists apply specially designed therapies by Aromatherapy Associates and The Refinery. Enjoy some tranquility in the infinity pool that overlooks the beautiful gardens. This stay is great for a quick escape from reality. Pamper yourself with the endless spa facilities.

Diamond Deluxe Hotel, Greek Islands

Diamond Deluxe Hotel on the Island of Kos offers a glamorous stay with an outstanding five-star rating. This is the perfect hotel for a romantic getaway or even some me time - as sorry kids you are not allowed in! Enjoy a period of relaxation, indulgence and utter bliss – all the things that appear to be missing from your to-do list! Lounge around wearing your Victoria Beckham shades and Kaftan and catch a stunning reflection of yourself looking fabulous in the shimmering blue pool – this is a stay for a lady with sophistication and poise. Diamond Delxue Hotel, appears to get its name from its Diamond standards; winning a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. The Zen-like health club and spa offers a full range of wellness and beauty treatments to help you indulge in some well deserved me time. Elegantly sip on a margarita or graze on some delicious nibbles by the pool. This is a stay fit for a princess.

Secret Escapes - pick of the week

Life’s a beach, or so they say. Beach-lovers are people who appreciate the simple joys in life: beautiful views, the feeling of the hot sun glistening on their skin, an afternoon nap and refreshing swims. I am a beach lover who is guilty of all of these indulgences. I feel blessed to lounge around somewhere beautiful, which makes a change from my typical lounging days, normally consisting of watching Netflix from the comfort of my own bed. Although I love my cosy days in to give my body the nourishment it requires – it just isn’t the beach. The beach is my favourite place to be where I can scrape all my hair of my face into a tight bun, wear no make up and not give a care in the world– a feeling that every girl can relate to as blissful. As I spray myself with the heavenly scent of my Hawaiian Tropic oil and walk along the shore with the sand between my toes I know I have arrived at the best priceless spa that is on offer – the beach.

Likya Pavilian, Balkan

This gorgeous hotel is the perfect location for all beach lovers as it is situated on the edge of the Kalkan Bay on the dreamy Lycian coastline. With the surroundings of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea you can snorkel, go swimming or take part in some water sports. The simplistic suites are elegant and chic and get their character from the view of the sun-kissed Kalkan Bay that surrounds them. Each morning you will be given a little reminder that you have woken up in heaven, as the sunlight will beam through the floor to-ceiling glass. There are just four Duplex Suites that are situated on the hillside above these rooms so be sure to book quick to avoid disappointment. If you are searching for that room with a little extra va va voom then the Duplex Suite is just the place for you. These suites have larger private pools with a shallow end so that you can relax on your sun lounger and paddle in the lusciously refreshing waters. Drift into relaxation and feel the sunshine glisten on your skin. Feel like you own paradise at one of these secluded suites, which are perfect for a romantic getaway to enjoy two of life’s greatest treasures- privacy and pleasure. This Boutique Turkish Riviera holiday is the ultimate stay for a beach-loving girl!

Manathai Khao Lak, Khao Lak

At this beach you can always guarantee a good time, whether it’s an action packed day cave-kayaking in Phang Nga Bay and trekking in Khao Sok National Park (the worlds oldest overgreen forest) or relaxing on a comfy sun lounger. Either way, you are sure to be on cloud 9. Against a stunning jungle backdrop, enjoy barefoot walks on the gloriously silky sands. The spacious Deluxe Balcony room will ensure you have a good time – with an oversized wooden bed, a private balcony, seating and dinning area, a day bed and en-suite bathroom you are given a taste of the good life. Did someone say taste? I haven’t even mentioned the food yet. Try some of the local Thai cuisine at the beachfront restaurant Pad Tai. If you’re an all day grazer like myself, enjoy the Pool Bar to sample Asian inspired bites, sweet Thai iced-tea sorbets, made-to-order cocktails, and ice-crushed mojitos.

Avaton Luxury Villas Resort, Halikdiki

A new hotel on the coast of Halkidiki is sure to fulfil all of the desires that a beach-lover could wish for. Wander through stunning Mediterranean gardens and leave your worries behind as you reach sanctuary – an immaculate white sand beach fronted with glistening turquoise waters. Tranquillity is emphasised in all forms at this resort from spacious panorama suites to 60-square metre Prestige suites. This resort is a beach lover’s paradise.

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Secret Escapes - pick of the week

I need an escape and I need it now. This week I will be giving you a quick tour of paradise. Discover all that Secret Escapes has to offer to find the perfect gift for her. Being in paradise is no metaphor here. This is the real deal.

Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort, Mexico

Listen carefully as I take you to the first stop in paradise. Welcome to the all-inclusive Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancun. Your all-inclusive status will allow you access to dine at a different restaurant every night. Dinning options include seafood, international, American, Italian, Asian and Mexian. Woah…that was a mouthful! You’ll be located on Cancun’s blissful southern shore. Enjoy some quiet time with that special someone at the spa with exclusive treatments in three massage rooms overlooking blissful views. With fabulous spa facilities from massages, bath therapies, facials, body scrubs to hair treatments and nail care, the pampering options are endless. I’ll let you in on a little secret that only those who come to paradise know about: time does not exist. Leave your watches at home and do what you want for as long as you want. This resort is a slice of heaven with seven lagoon-style swimming pools with shallow areas for lounge chairs. Have the opportunity to catch up on as much sleep as possible. Who isn’t guilty of unintentionally falling asleep on a sun-lounger? This is the kind of place that you see whilst scrolling through your Instagram feed and imagine yourself strutting down the beach in that new bikini you’ve been so desperate to wear. Against the backdrop of paradise there is no doubt that you will capture the picture-perfect shot that all your followers will envy.

The Verandah Resort and Spa, Caribbean

Get a taste of the good life at our next stop in paradise- the Verandah Resort & Spa in the Caribbean. Surrounded by 30 acres of greenery and fronted with a pure white beach, this place is the perfect retreat. Guests here spend most of their time on a sun-lounger soaking up the sun rays. Recuperate in a shaded space on the beach and take a moment to reflect on the positives in your life. Positivity is easy to overlook but it is often the boost we all need to keep us going, especially on a Monday. You must visit the Tranquility Body & Soul Spa. It is set in a peaceful space built from sea grass and local woods. As the sun starts to set and paradise enters night mode you can sit back in the private veranda of your sea view suite and listen to the priceless soundtrack of the waves.

Turtle Beach, Barbados

Turtle Beach offers you an all-inclusive dream, and a completely effortless stay. There is plenty to do during your stay such as snorkelling, sailing, kayaking and windsurfing. There are three restaurants, two bars, two swimming pools, a children’s splash pool, plus a Jacuzzi and tennis courts. Be startled by the dramatic cliffs on a visit to the island’s east coast.

When you return from paradise, or should I say if you return from paradise, you are guaranteed to feel completely at ease. So we’ll see you there? Whether this is a treat for yourself or a fabulous gift, reach out for those sunnier climes now!

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Secret Escapes - pick of the week

Sometimes life can feel like one on going to-do list – there are never enough hours in the day to complete everything that needs to be done! With so much to do, there is never any time for some well deserved “me time.” This is a phrase we all talk about as something we want but never actually get. Me time is all about taking time out for you. It is often difficult to find the time to escape from reality so why not save time by staying near to home – this week all of our Secret Escapes picks of the week are based in the UK, so you can grab that quiet time without a hefty travel. These chosen locations are perfect for a weekend getaway to recharge your batteries. Check them out to find the perfect gift for yourself, or someone else who deserves some me time!

Ruthin Castle, Wales

In the heart of the Medieval town of Ruthin, this hotel is surrounded by acres of immaculate and idyllic gardens. This is a gorgeous location filled with history and culture in the beautiful Welsh countryside. The Moat Spa is primarily devoted to using natural processes and locally sourced ingredients, which are incorporated into all of their treatments. Take full advantage of Mother Nature’s garden and indulge in something out of the ordinary with distinctive treatments that use products made from Anglesey sea salts, herbs and local honey. With a 24- hour room service you really won’t need to lift a finger unless it’s to turn the page of your book that you have finally had time to pick up.

K West Hotel and Spa, Shepherds Bush

This hotel has an award-winning spa, which offers an overwhelming choice of ways to pamper yourself – you won’t know where to start. The facilities include a herbal stream room, hydrotherapy pool, fragrant foot baths and London’s first ever ‘snow room.’ The ‘snow room’ is an unmissable experience, as you will feel like you have entered Narnia. This is a unique treatment to give your body the kick start its been asking for. Feast on affordable, European Cuisine during your stay at the hotels Studio Kitchen.

Lifehouse Spa Hotel, Essex

Enjoy your stay in one of the hotel’s contemporary rooms and gaze across the picturesque garden from your Juliet balcony. Inhale and then exhale a deep breath and feel your mind finally become at ease as you enjoy the stunning view. The hotel’s outstanding spa won the SpaFinder Wellness award for the 2014 Favourite Wellness Travel Property in the UK. The Spa offers a choice of 35 treatment rooms, a gym, a yoga studio, 15-minute manicure and pedicure stations, make-up bays, a hydrotherapy pool, a salt inhalation room, a sauna and a stream room. The list of facilities is so impressive it is hard to list it all in one sentence. Nourish your body in the hotel’s restaurant with deliciously healthy foods with the right amount of naughtiness… as after all you are on holiday, and you have come away to treat yourself!

https://www.askherfriends.com/secret-escapes-picks/secret-escapes-picks-of-the-week-11/

Secret Escapes - pick of the week

Whilst working at AskHerFriends, I also produced blog content for Secret Escapes.


Secret Escapes pick of the week

The hot weather has finally arrived and still no one seems to be happy. Why is it that we moan through winter that it is too cold and then when the hot weather eventually arrives we complain that we are too hot! The truth is we will never be satisfied with the weather conditions when we have to continue our daily routines and cannot simply put our feet up and lay across a sun lounger with a mojito. Heat and warmth is something we all crave and the constant dreams about soaking up the beautiful rays of sunshine abroad are relentless whilst I am at work.

We embrace the weather in another country as the feeling of being away from home brings with it an array of emotions – ‘the holiday feelings.’ There is nothing wrong with a little self- indulgence to take a break from work so here is the lowdown on Secret Escapes weekly offers. Any complaints about it being too hot will cease to exist. There’s something about having the sea or a swimming pool to cool off in which makes the heat all the more bearable, a feeling one simply cannot gain from their family garden where the only water feature is… just kidding, there isn’t one.

Waterside Resort and Spa Hotel, Antalya

It is difficult to resist the temptation of an all-inclusive resort. Your all-inclusive position at this Waterside Resort offers you breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main restaurant in addition to one a la carte dinner per week. All alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic drinks are included. Cooling down has never been easier with the tranquil Mediterranean Sea surrounding the resort. Nothing shouts self-indulgence quite like the word ‘spa.’ Enjoy some peaceful tranquility at the resorts spa as they are offering a 25% discount.

Likya Gardens Hotel, Kalkan

Self- indulgence is simply about me, myself and I. This adult only resort is the perfect escape from reality. What better way is there to enjoy some quiet me time with your very own private pool and terrace. With the surroundings of the Mediterranean Sea you can snorkel or go swimming. You can even get involved in some watersports. However if this is too much activity for your time of relaxation you will not even need to lift a finger as a butler will bring you breakfast each day.

Flamingo Hotel, Sardinia

The combination of gloriously warm lagoons, white sands and wide secluded bays all form part of the definition of ‘heaven.’ Drift into relaxation listening to the sounds of the Mediterranean waves. This is the prime location to soak up the suns rays against the backdrop of stunning greenery. You will be stunned by the views that surround you. The standard rooms are located near the swimming pool each with private balconies. In addition the Double I Nidj Superior rooms are located in villas set in the verdant gardens with their very own terrace and Jacuzzi. There is also Spa facilities and beauty treatments to ensure that you return back from your holiday feeling relaxed and well rested. Unwind in a heated pool and a Turkish bath.

Discover all that Secret Escapes has to offer to find the perfect gift for her.

https://www.askherfriends.com/secret-escapes-picks/secret-escapes-picks-of-the-week-10/