Hot hotels
Autumn is a brilliant time to take a luxury break
BY GEORGIA BARCLAY
Spanish dreams
Smack bang in the historical centre of ALICANTE, HOSPES AMÉRIGO [right] takes the famous Spanish afternoon siesta very seriously and has worked with scientists and doctors to create the ultimate sleep experience. The El Camino Del Sueño programme – translating as “The Path to Sleep” – includes food and drinks scientifically proven to encourage relaxation, an evening spa treatment to prepare the body for a restful night and an extensive pillow menu tocater for the hardiest of insomniacs. From €110 per night; www.hospes.com
English fright-night
Just in time for Halloween – if you’re fascinated by things that go bump in the night, book a scary sleepover at one of the many English castles, inns and country houses offered by HAUNTING BREAKS. After a three-course dinner a team of psychics will talk you through the haunted history of the property before performing a séance that includes table tipping and glass divination. Don’t worry though, as you’ll be offered the use of crystals to help protect you! If you manage to get any sleep after chasing down ghosts, a full English breakfast is served up the next morning. From £170 per person per night; www.hauntingbreaks.co.uk
Welsh camping
Love the outdoors but can’t do camping without hotel comfort? Look no further than FFOREST, a deluxe new campsite on 200 acres of rolling Welsh countryside. Canvas tents are erected on wooden decks (so the creepy crawlies can’t get you) and incorporate a plush camp kitchen and dining area that includes futons and beanbags. From £175 for two people for three nights; www.coldatnight.co.uk
Parisian bijou
New hotel on the block, THE FIVE HOTEL is set in the French capital’s chi-chi neighbourhood – the Latin Quarter – which has been a mecca for artistic and student life since the 1920s. Notre Dame Cathedral is close by for history buffs, and the peaceful garden, Jardin des Plantes, is perfect for a stroll after succumbing to the delicious delights of too many pain au chocolate pastries at breakfast. The boutique hotel is small but perfectly formed, and all 24 bedrooms – with ultra-modern lacquered walls – use fibre optic lighting to give them a sparkling, psychedelic appearance. In-room glass desks light up, sculptures are luminous and ceilings are studded with twinkling lights to create the sensation that you’re sleeping under the stars. From €202 per night; www.epoquehotels.com
New in Rome
Centrally located on Via XX Settembre, the recently opened LEON’S PLACE is just a short stroll from some of ROME’s most famous sights, including the Via Veneto, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Borghese Gallery. The luxury hotel features elegant and modern interior design in all rooms and suites, with French beds, marble bathrooms and ample natural lighting. Other facilities include a cocktail bar, restaurant and Wellness Centre. From €150 per night; www.leonsplacerome.com
GETTING THERE
For a glamorous stay at your dream hotel you need to get there first! bmibaby flies to all of these locations and many more – for flights and fares, log on to www.bmibaby.com and start planning a luxury break.
