Temperatures are rising and picnic baskets are coming out of storage. Which means, the summer months are here.
Despite fears that we would have to spend the warmest time of the year cooped up indoors, the easing of lockdown rules around the world has given us a glimmer of hope that things are moving in the right direction. After months of flipping through old holiday photos and looking wistfully up at every passing plane, it’s time to switch into planning mode and escape to a new hideaway. From a converted farmhouse in the Minorcan countryside to a Nordic seaside spa hotel, we’ve listed our favourite properties that have announced reopening dates so that you can book your stay before anyone else does!
Il Pellicano, Tuscany 26th of June, 2020
Perched on a cliff in Porto Ercole, Il Pellicano looks out over the Tuscan coast in all its turquoise splendour. Family has always played a huge role in the success of Pellicano Hotels, and the Scio family’s unique ability to provide a sheltered yet inviting haven is a big reason why guests such as Lee Radziwill and Margherita Missoni frequented the hotel. When Il Pellicano starts welcoming guests again, the family and their staff have made sure that despite opening only 25 of the property’s 52 rooms, guests will feel the intimate, personalised service of Casa Pellicano.
Hotel Lou Pinet, Saint-Tropez 25th June, 2020
Known as a playground of the well-heeled in the 60s, St. Tropez maintains that carefree bohemian charm that brings guests flocking to it year after year. Part of the Maisons Pariente collection, Hotel Lou Pinet is a five-star hotel that feels more like a private residence with 34 guest rooms and suites that are situated far from the madding crowds. Taking the downtime to undergo a full refurbishment, Hotel Lou Pinet will reopen with a distinct new look and feel. Guests can stroll through a beautiful garden with outdoor art installations, take a dip in the pool, or sit out on the terrace whilst listening to live music.
VILA VITA Parc, Algarve 19th of June, 2020
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, VILA VITA Parc in the Algarve is looking forward to opening the doors to its 54-acre property later this month. With sprawling gardens, seven pools, private villas, and multiple restaurants (including the two Michelin-starred Ocean), the grounds easily give guests enough space to enjoy the resort whilst following social distancing measures. Given the “Clean and Safe” guarantee by Turismo de Portugal, VILA VITA Parc has implemented new rules such as requiring face masks in all indoor public areas, additional sanitation of furniture and rooms, and immediate disinfecting of luggage upon arrival.
Domaine Des Etangs, Massignac 21st May, 2020
If being trapped in the city for the past few months has made you yearn for the outdoors, Domaine Des Etangs, the 2,500-acre private estate in Western France, is just what you need. Wake up in a farmhouse cottage and take your complimentary electric car to the 11th-century château to admire the estate’s contemporary art collection, enjoy the local produce with a picnic by the river, then retreat back to your abode and take a luxurious bath in the copper tub. It will be easy to feel as though you have the place to yourself, with numerous hidden areas that you can retreat to and truly reconnect with nature.
Lucknam Park, England 13th July, 2020
Sit back and take in the gorgeous Wiltshire scenery at the 500-acred private parklands of Lucknam Park. As experts in luxury country house living, the team at this country retreat proudly proclaim that they “have been practicing social distancing for over 300 years”, with over 40 bedrooms and three luxury cottages to choose from. Activities for the whole family to enjoy include archery, duck herding, and falconry. Home to an esteemed equestrian centre, guests can spend their time trotting across the estate or relieving their stresses through the centre’s unique equine therapy offering.
Villa d’Este, Lake Como 18th June, 2020
Situated right on the banks of Lake Como, Villa d’Este, the iconic luxury hotel that was once home to Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, will begin a phased reopening in just a few weeks. The five-star hotel makes for a stunning scene as it stares out onto the water with a swimming pool that seemingly floats on top of the lake. In line with the first phase of the reopening, guests will have access to the Villa d’Este Sporting Club, Golf Club, and Beauty Centre, and the team has guaranteed temperature scans for all staff and guests, digitised versions of menus, socially-distanced furniture positioning, and staggered check-in and check-out times.
Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo 19th June, 2020
Whilst the Grand Prix may be cancelled, there’s another gem that’s coming back to life in Monaco. On June 19th, Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo will begin a progressive reopening with rooms and suites being part of the first phase. The hotel is also offering a new “Happy Days” package for couples or families which includes accommodation, in-room breakfast, complimentary cocktails at the ODYSSEY bar, free parking, and access to the Karl Lagerfeld-designed pool area. In line with the guidelines presented by the government of Monaco, the hotel team has put into place a number of sanitation and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of guests.
Amanzoe, Greece 18th June, 2020
Aman Resorts is a group known across the globe for its ability to create magical experiences for people who value both luxury and seclusion. On the eastern side of the Peloponnese peninsula, Amanzoe peers over the Aegean from its hilltop location. Traditional Greek architecture seeps through from every column, courtyard, and stone wall. Pavilions and villas all come with their own terrace and private plunge pool in addition to the unbeatable views of the Porto Heli landscape. Whether it’s a Greek wine tasting session, an island hopping tour to explore the area’s coves, or a romantic dinner inside the hotel’s grand amphitheatre, you can be sure to dust the quarantine blues away at Amanzoe.
Hotel Eden Roc, Ascona 5th June, 2020
As experts in luxury hospitality, the Tschuggen Hotel Group has taken every precaution necessary to safeguard its guests’ health and wellbeing and have earned themselves the Clean & Safe label from the Switzerland Tourism department. This month marks the first reopening for the group: Hotel Eden Roc, in the Southern Swiss town of Ascona. The Carlo Rampazzi-led interiors reflect the Mediterranean influence of the area and guests can bathe in the glow of the sun as its sets over Lake Maggiore with an aperitivo in hand.
Farris Bad, Norway 29th May, 2020
A favourite destination for many Norwegians, Farris Bad’s location near the capital city of Oslo makes it the perfect spot for a quick getaway. Home to Scandinavia’s largest spa, this Preferred Hotels & Resorts beachfront hotel sits on top of a natural mineral spring. As self-proclaimed “masters of sweat rituals”, the team at Farris Bad offer a range of sauna treatments, massages, and facials that will soothe tired muscles and help you melt away any of life’s stresses caused by being stuck indoors. And if that isn’t enough, a dip in the fresh North Sea should do the trick!
Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico 15th June, 2020
For globetrotters the world over, the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts have become a refuge where you can expect nothing but the highest quality of service. The month of May saw the first of many reopening announcements for the group. This month, the exquisite Rosewood Mayakoba on the Riviera Maya will once again invite guests to traipse through its 620 acres of lagoons and enchanting mangroves. White-sand beaches sweep across the private island and visitors will marvel at the impeccable modern and sustainable design elements that are cleverly intertwined with indigenous Mayan materials.
Hotel Torralbenc, Menorca 1st July, 2020
Good things come in small packages. Hidden in the tiny island town of Alaoir, Hotel Torralbenc is a haven for any post-lockdown travellers. The converted Minorcan farmhouse has retained its traditional Spanish countryside feel whilst offering all the best in modern comfort. All rooms and cottages come with their own private terrace and guests will immediately notice the uplifting scent of rosemary as soon as they enter. White walls and earth tones reflect the relaxed atmosphere of the surroundings with activities like horse riding or cycling right at your doorstep.
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